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Recharge Wrap-up: BMW Next 100 video, how Nissan "tops off" battery

BMW explains the ideas behind its Vision Next 100 concept car that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. As BMW celebrates its 100th birthday, it wants to look into the future rather than dwell on its past. This involves the digital and analog worlds working together "to create a seamless experience." Hence the "live geometry," wherein physical parts of the car move to translate digital information to the driver. The video also gets into the future of driving modes, like "Ease," for more autonomous driving, and "Boost," for when the driver wants to take control to enjoy some motoring the good, old-fashioned way. Check out the video above, and read more from Hybrid Cars. Nissan has managed to find a way to boost the range of EV batteries inspired by pouring a glass of beer. The automaker has found that after a full charge, one can wait a few minutes for subsequent "minicharges" to "top off" the battery. The voltage dips slightly, much as the foam does on a pint of beer, allowing the battery to accept some more juice. The result is an extra 0.7 percent of energy, which could mean just enough extra range to reach the next charging station. Read more from Automotive News. Hyundai has delivered its first Tucson Fuel Cell in Ontario, Canada. The lucky recipient is Joseph Cargnelli, Chief Technology Officer of Hydrogenics Corporation, a company based on hydrogen technology. The expansion into Ontario follows Hyundai's trial of six Tucson Fuel Cell vehicles in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Read more at Green Car Congress. Toyota has entered a public-private partnership to test an end-to-end hydrogen supply chain in Japan. The collaboration with the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, the municipal governments of the cities of Yokohama and Kawasaki and three private companies to create renewable hydrogen to power forklifts. It will use wind energy to electrolyze hydrogen, which will then be shipped to a factory, a vegetable and fruit market and two warehouses to be used in the fuel cell-powered vehicles. This supply chain is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 percent compared to traditionally fueled forklifts. Read more from Toyota. Related Gallery BMW Vision Next 100 Concept News Source: Hybrid Cars, YouTube: BMW, Automotive News, Green Car Congress, Toyota Green BMW Hyundai Nissan Toyota Concept Cars Electric Hydrogen Cars Videos recharge wrapup

2016 BMW M3 and M4 recalled for driveshaft problem

The Basics: BMW is recalling 42 examples of the 2015-2016 M3 built from May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015; the 2016 M4 Coupe made from July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015; and the 2015-2016 M4 Convertible manufactured from May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The Problem: The company might not have filled a driveshaft slip joint with grease, and the part can potentially fail over time. If this happens, the vehicles could lose power to the rear axle. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: BMW dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it as necessary. If You Own One: BMW will begin the recall on January 8, 2016. An FAQ (as a PDF) says the vehicles are still safe to drive. More Information: BMW issued two other recalls for similar models this year. An airbag problem prompted a campaign for 2,067 examples of the 4 Series Convertible in March. A fuel pump issue in April also forced repairs to the 3 and 4 Series, in addition to the 2 Series. RECALL Subject : Driveshaft Slip-Joint may not have been Greased Report Receipt Date: NOV 23, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V782000 Component(s): POWER TRAIN Potential Number of Units Affected: 42 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) BMW M3 2015-2016 BMW M4 2015-2016 Details Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time. CONSEQUENCE: If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BMW planning Chinese recall for engine part issue [w/video]

After receiving an unspecified number of complaints in China, BMW has reportedly started a "full investigation" into what may be a defective part in its VANOS engine control system. BMW said via a Chinese blog that it would file a recall application with the the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in China.
BMW has not yet announced how many vehicles will be recalled, or which models the potential recall might cover. We're also curious as to whether the VANOS issue could extend into markets outside of China.
We've placed a call with BMW in the United States, and will update this post as soon as we hear back. Stay tuned for more, and if you're curious about what VANOS is and how it works, scroll down below for a video animation.