September 2009

Sunday, 27 September 2009

Motor Show Showcases Hybrid And Electric Cars

One of the most popular automotive shows in the world is the Frankfurt Motor Show and this year I was able to go out and experience it while looking for something new for our car hire in North Cyprus business. As the car selector for Pacific, it’s my job to scope out the best vehicles for the best prices to offer our customers. You would be surprised at all of the electric and hybrid cars that are currently on the market. Ranging from Peugeot to Mercedes to Audi, Ford and Volkswagen, there were plenty of cars to choose from that would offer our customers some nice choices when we get ready to offer them.


I was impressed with the range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars that were on display at the motor show. Toyota and GM are both planning on expanding their lines by 2012 in the United Kingdom as well as BMW. The BMW that is the most impressive is the diesel hybrid expected to be released soon. This car is expected to hit 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, all while running at 75.1 mpg. Everyone is going to want this car and with gas mileage like that I can surely understand why.
While many of the cars at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show were somewhat fanciful in their design and function, two concept electric cars really stood out. They were the Audi E-Tron and the Volkswagen E-Up. Even though Lexus and Toyota also had some entries, these two really caught my attention.

The E-tron has the potential to be the electric sports car of the new future and it is currently a bit bigger than Audi’s TT. It’s a more streamlined car and it will use a lithium-ion battery with four electric motors, two for each axle. These power Audi’s popular Quattro system. Supposedly the car is going to have 313 horsepower capability and will speed from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds with a 150 mile range. The battery pack is supposed to be liquid cooled and there will be a heat pump included in the car for air conditioning.

The E-top is based on Volkswagen’s older concept from 2007 but it is one step further along in its development with a more upright design and more length than the SmartForTwo. It’s actually very similar in design to the Scion iO which is to be released in 2010. It too includes a lithium ion battery that is good for 80 miles at 18kwh. This car is going to be really good for city driving yet it can reach up to 85 mph on the open road. According to Volkswagen this car can reach an 80 percent charge in a single hour.

Car hire in North Cyprus could see a change in the next few years as concept cars such as these continue to saturate the markets. Charging up a car in the course of a little over an hour is very appealing so I’m going to keep my eye on these efficient vehicles. Maybe one day you’ll be able to get one at a North Cyprus car hire for your holiday.