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Nokia Here Purchased by BMW, Audi, Daimler | Autoblog Minute

In a three company partnership the German automakers BMW, Audi and Daimler are set to take ownership of Nokia?s Here mapping technology. Audi BMW Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video Nokia nokia here

BMW i3 range-extender lawsuit supports Tesla's store argument

Tesla's argument that it needs to own its stores in order to sell its electric vehicles and give customers better information is about to get bolstered by an unlikely source: BMW. The German automaker is the subject of a class-action lawsuit stemming from the performance of the range-extended version of its i3 plug-in. And at least one green-car advocate and i3 owner says the problem could have been avoided by better education at BMW dealerships. The lawsuit was filed in California by some owners of the BMW i3 REx, i.e. the version that's equipped with a gas-powered "range extender," according to Green Car Reports. The issue is that, when the car's battery starts running low and the powertrain is subjected to extended stress, such as a long uphill highway stretch or a fully loaded vehicle, the car can slow from highway speeds to as slow as 45 miles per hour without warning. The claim states that the vehicle can post a danger as a result, while BMW has declined comment, citing pending litigation. Meanwhile, Tom Moloughney, owner of the first BMW i3 REx to be sold in the US, says the problem might rest at the dealership level. Moloughney says that if dealers explained the car's mechanics better – especially the fact that the range extender is essentially a 34-horsepower, two-cylinder motorcycle engine whose power is limited – drivers would be better informed about what could happen when the battery power is sapped at highway speeds. While Tesla EVs don't have the same sort of REx powertrain, this argument nicely dovetails with what Tesla Motors has been saying for a long time, that its cars should only be sold at company-owned stores because third-party dealers are less likely to understand and explain the nuances of electric vehicles. No word on whether Elon Musk's lobbyists are getting together with lawyers representing the Ultimate Driving Machine. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos News Source: Green Car Reports via Automotive News-sub.req. Government/Legal Green BMW Electric Hybrid lawsuit range extender tom moloughney

Recharge Wrap-up: VW exec predicts EVs with 375-mile range

Volkswagen says EV ranges over 300 miles aren't too far in the future. Plug-in hybrids are merely a bridge to all-electric mobility becoming more practical for people who need to travel longer distances, according to Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen's head of powertrain development. Energy density is increasing rapidly in new batteries. Speaking about the e-Golf, Neusser says, "I expect the next generation in 2015-17 will increase to around 300 km [186 miles] and the following step will be around 500-600 km [310-372 miles]." Neusser also says he believes that charging infrastructure will improve to catch up with these more advanced batteries. Read more at Motoring. BMW is offering higher incentives for the all-electric i3 than the range-extended version. More buyers are opting for the i3 REx, with its 78 extra miles of range. So, to move the standard i3 (which is already cheaper), BMW is offering $2,000 in incentives for October - double what is offered for the i3 REx. The added incentives help close the price gap between the BMW and other EVs with similar ranges. The deals won't last long, though. According to New Jersey BMW salesman Manny Antunes, BMW's current incentives are "as aggressive as they're going to get" for a while. Read more at Green Car Reports. Honda is changing its research and development process for all cars after a series of Fit Hybrid recalls. The hybrid version, which makes up more than half of all Fit sales in Japan, was the subject of four recalls within nine months. In response, Honda will change the way it develops cars worldwide, with one extra "gate" to pass in the process. Honda will do prototype testing earlier in the research process to see how separately developed components work together before moving onto the car's development phase. It will add time and cost to making cars, but Honda hopes it will help prevent problems - like those that come with a flurry of recalls - down the road. Read more at Automotive News. Featured Gallery 2015 Honda Fit Hybrid View 16 Photos Related Gallery 2014 Volkswagen e-Golf: Frankfurt 2013 View 15 Photos Related Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos News Source: Motoring, Green Car Reports, Automotive NewsImage Credit: Honda Green Plants/Manufacturing BMW Honda Volkswagen Electric Hybrid recharge wrapup