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Recharge Wrap-up: "E-Mobility Thought to the End" project, Tesla owner tracks stolen car

A Tesla owner helped police track her stolen Model S and catch the thief. Katya Pinkowski of Vancouver, BC found her car missing after a concert, and she was able to track the car's movements with the Tesla app. She relayed the information to the police, who surrounded the car and arrested the driver. "High tech definitely played a helping role," in arresting the suspect, says Richmond RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dennis Hwang. In what appears to be the first Tesla theft in Canada, Pinkowski accidentally left an electronic fob in the car, giving the thief easy access. Read more from The Province. Hyundai has delivered a shipment of 50 ix35 (Tucson) Fuel Cells for distribution in Europe. Europe's largest ever shipment of the hydrogen-powered vehicles puts the count at over 250 of the ix35 Fuel Cells shipped to Europe so far. "This latest landmark delivery enhances our leading position in the roll-out of fuel cell vehicles in Europe," says Hyundai Europe COO Thomas Schmid. "With our fuel cell distribution network growing to 13 European countries, we are enhancing our sales and customer service capabilities, making fuel cell electric vehicles more accessible for customers throughout Europe." Read more in the press release from Hyundai. Daimler, The Mobility House, Getec and Remondis are partnering to connect the world's largest second use battery storage unit to the grid. As part of their "E-Mobility Thought To The End" project, retired EV batteries are being used in the 13-MWh storage unit to help stabilize the grid and help manage energy fluctuations from renewable sources. It serves as another step in the life of the battery before recycling, where the materials from the lithium-ion batteries re-enter the production process. This helps reduce the environmental impact and the costs of electromobility. Read more in the press release below. E-mobility thought to the end: World's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit set to connect to the grid • Cooperation between Daimler, The Mobility House, GETEC and REMONDIS completes the battery value creation cycle • Re-use of electric vehicle batteries improves environmental performance and the lifecycle costs of e-mobility • 13-megawatt battery storage unit to connect to the grid in early 2016 • Levelling out fluctuations in the power grid as an active contribution towards the energy revolution The world's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit will soon go into operation in the Westphalian town of Lunen.

10 automakers sued over keyless ignitions

Keyless ignition has rapidly proliferated throughout the auto industry to become a fairly normal feature on new cars. It's supposed to offer the convenience of keeping the fob in your pocket and just pressing a button to drive away. However, ten major automakers are now being sued in US District Court over claims that the system is dangerous, Reuters reports. The suit alleges that people are forgetting to shut off the engine, and the lack of an idle timer is the cause for 13 deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning and multiple injuries. The suit currently includes 28 plaintiffs, according to Reuters, but the lawyers are asking for class-action status to potentially add many more. The case goes after a major swath of the industry, including BMW, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, plus their related brands like Acura, Infiniti, Mini, and Lexus. In all, over five million vehicles are affected. The assertion here is that people walk away from their vehicle without shutting it off because they believe the engine shuts off automatically. If parked in a garage, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to poisoning. The lawyers claim automakers know this is a problem and also cite 27 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the issue, according to Reuters. The plaintiffs are asking for an automatic shut-off and damages from the companies. These concerns have come up before, though. Toyota previously faced a lawsuit over a carbon monoxide death after a woman accidentally left her Lexus running. Also earlier this year, GM recalled 64,186 examples of the 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt because owners weren't shutting them off. The problem resulted in two injuries, and the company released a software update to limit the idling time.

Weekly Recap: Hyundai scores NFL sponsorship after GM exits

Hyundai replaced General Motors as the official automotive sponsor of the NFL with a four-season deal that was announced this week. Hyundai gets exclusive sponsorship rights for mainstream and luxury cars, though not for pickups – as it doesn't have one in its current portfolio. "There may be another automotive truck sponsor, but not one that competes with our vehicle lineup," a Hyundai spokesman said in an email. That leaves the door open for another truckmaker to enter the fray. GM used the NFL to promote its GMC division, which makes pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The Detroit automaker decided to quit the sponsorship, which it had held since 2001, a GM spokesman said. Financials were not released, but ESPN said the sponsorship will cost Hyundai $50 million a year, double what GM paid. It gives Hyundai access to NFL trademarks for use in its marketing and advertising, and Hyundai will provide promotional vehicles to the league for the Super Bowl and other events. Hyundai celebrated the agreement by lighting up its Fountain Valley, CA, headquarters this week with a football field and the NFL logo. Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is the official automotive sponsor of the NBA. "We are huge football fans at Hyundai and feel there is no better venue to reach consumers, increase consideration, and tell the Hyundai brand story," Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said in a statement. Hyundai will officially kick off its sponsorship when the NFL season begins on Sept. 10 with a primetime game featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Toyota Mirai rated at 67 mpge, 312-mile range The Environmental Protection Agency gave the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric car a 67-miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating. The figure is for city, highway, and combined driving. The EPA also said the Mirai will have a 312-mile range. The sedan will arrive in dealerships in California this fall and will cost $57,500, though incentives can drop the price significantly. The Mirai will also be offered as a $499-per-month lease. Both come with three years or $15,000 worth of free fuel. Toyota plans to expand sales to the Northeast United States later. Toyota's top female exec resigns in wake of arrest Meanwhile, in other Toyota news, the automaker's communications chief and top female executive, Julie Hamp, resigned.