Random Stuff from Frankfurt

Over the next few days, there will likely be over a dozen threads from Frankfurt. I'm proposing this thread to be reserved for "random stuff" from Frankfurt.

Here, I'll get us started...

BWM 7-Series Hybrid "German-Lithium-Ion" LIMOUSINE !!! (what the???)

Random stuff from Frankfurt... http://www.monstersandcritics.com/n...-the-good-times-roll-at-upbeat-Frankfurt-show

"Carmakers at the Frankfurt show aim to let the good times roll, with a raft of racy and exotic models flanked by innovative new electric vehicles and fuel-saving technology. The motto of the 63rd edition is A Moving Experience' and organisers claim the expo is still the biggest of its kind. This edition of the IAA is about visions of the future, with all the major makers showing hybrids which feature petrol or diesel engines mated to electric motors, along with pure electric-powered cars which provide eco-friendly mobility."

 

"At the start of the Frankfurt motor show, the president and chief executive of Renault-Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, will announce a NZ$1.4 billion programme to develop four types of all-electric cars capable of travelling for 160km without re-charging their batteries.
"We plan to be the world leader of the 'zero-emission', 100 per cent electric car," Mr Ghosn said yesterday.
As part of its drive to become a world leader in cutting carbon emissions, the French government plans to ask for tenders in the next few months for up to 50,000 small electric cars and vehicles for official use.
Renault to unveil all-electric runabouts - Motoring - NZ Herald News

Update: Here is a better article. Nissan CEO, Ghosn, the company that gave the Nissan Leaf EV the thumbs up, is also give the thumbs up to four more EVs, and sounds like he is "betting the farm" on EVs... http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125287239312206713.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Here is a perspective you may not have thought of... in the future, everyone owns a 100-mile range EV, and if you decide to go on a long trip, you can take a gasoline rental car (the rental car companies will offer higher miles specifically marketed at the vacationer).