Mercedes has announced a new model of the popular "smart fortwo" car. With fuel consumption of just 3.3 litres per 100 kilometers (71mpg) and emissions of 88 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer the new smart fortwo cdi is the most economical production car worldwide. The new cdi model is not available in the US and Mercedes has not announced release plans. The consistent use of lightweight materials means that the diesel engine weighs in at just 86 kilograms. The crankcase features a state-of-the-art diecast aluminum bedplate design and the cylinder head and cylinder head cover are likewise made of aluminum.
Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. (HACI), today took the next major step toward delivering HondaJet into the hands of its customers, by breaking ground for its new 369,000 square foot headquarters and manufacturing facility at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. HACI will manage the research, development, sales, marketing and manufacturing of the advanced light jet, HondaJet, at the new facility. Phase one of construction will be completed in Spring 2008, and will consist of approximately 219,000 square feet of offices, research facilities and an airplane hangar. The HondaJet production facility, measuring approximately 150,000 square feet, is currently in the design phase. HACI plans to begin deliveries of HondaJet to customers in 2010.
While other companies show drawings of the electric vehicles they plan to make, Myers Motors puts Americans behind the wheel of its NmG (No More Gas) Personal Electric Vehicles. As a primary commuter vehicle, the highway legal, 75+ mph NmG proves electric vehicles provide practical transportation for the daily trips for work and errands when the driver usually travels alone.
Manufacturers are already beginning deliveries worldwide of a new category of aircraft known as the Very Light Jet (VLJ) or Microjet. Over the next 10 years, these ultralight aircraft are going to change the way we travel. Made possible by advances in aerospace engineering and especially in the use of extremely strong but very light carbon composites, these mini-jets will cut carbon emissions and costs for air travel.