Chrysler Phoenix V6 to feature cylinder deactivation

Chrysler has announced the adoption of a range of new fuel-saving technologies to improve mileage rates of its vehicles. The major news is the development of a family of V6 engines with cylinder deactivation technology, similar to GM’s displacement on demand. This means that three cylinders can be turned off by the engine during low load situations, such as cruising on a highway, thus saving fuel. Associated Press reports that this could improve fuel-economy by 6 to 8%.

Other initiatives include the introduction of two-mode hybrid powertrains in more vehicles, more efficient drivetrains and new clean-diesel motors. The two-mode hybrid system will first appear in the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango models, and is claimed to improve fuel-economy by up to 40% in the city.

Chrysler is also investigating the possibility of a range of new four-cylinder powerplants for North America, as well as the addition of new fuel-efficient dual-clutch gearboxes by 2010.

Finally, Chrysler has also revealed that it will offer “mild hybrid” powertrains for some vehicles within the next couple of years, a system that will allow an engine to shutdown when a car is stuck in traffic or at a stop light.

Phoenix Motorcars Observes Earth Day in San Diego

Phoenix Motorcars' five-passenger, zero-emission, all-electric sport utility truck (SUT)

California-based all-electric vehicle manufacturer, Phoenix Motorcars, Inc., will showcase its five-passenger, zero-emission, all-electric sport utility truck (SUT) during EarthFair 2007 held April 22, 2007 at Balboa Park in San Diego.

“Participating in EarthFair allows us to introduce a cool vehicle to help cool the earth,” says Daniel J. Elliott, CEO of Phoenix Motorcars. “This annual event educates and celebrates ways to save our environment. Our class of vehicles is a safe, reliable and smart transportation solution to make a positive impact on our quality of life.”

The SUT will be on display at the Cleaner Car Concourse, an environmentally-friendly exhibit area featuring alternative fuel vehicles. In addition, Phoenix Motorcars’ SUT will participate in the Cleaner Car Caravan, a parade of alternative fuel vehicles to raise awareness about the benefits of all-electric vehicles.

Phoenix Motorcars’ battery-electric SUT can travel at freeway speeds while carrying five passengers and a full payload. The SUT exceeds all specifications for a Type III ZEV, having a driving range of over 100 miles, can be recharged in less than 10 minutes and has a battery pack with a life of 12 years or more.

It is powered by UQM Technologies Inc.’s (AMEX: UQM) propulsion system, utilizes Boshart Engineering’s homologation process and is equipped with a non-toxic, revolutionary Altairnano NanoSafe™ (NASDAQ: ALTI) all-battery pack.

A limited number of vehicles will be available to consumers in 2007 with an expanded consumer launch scheduled for 2008. Phoenix Motorcars will also introduce an SUV model in late 2007. Currently, Phoenix Motorcars targets operators of fleet vehicles, such as public utilities, public transportation providers and delivery services.

EarthFair 2007 is the world’s largest free environmental fair and Earth Day celebration attracting over 60,000 spectators. EarthFair features more than 200 exhibitors, special theme areas, five entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade and Cleaner Car Caravan.

For more information, visit www.earthdayweb.org

ABOUT PHOENIX MOTORCARS, INC.
Phoenix Motorcars Inc., a privately-held company headquartered in Ontario, Calif., has been an industry leader in the development of battery-electric, freeway-speed vehicles since 2001. The mission of Phoenix Motorcars is to manufacture zero-emission vehicles including Sport Utility Trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles to reduce the toxic emissions from the largest contributor to air pollution, personal automobiles. Phoenix Motorcars has strategic alliances with UQM Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: UQM), Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI) and Boshart Engineering.

For additional information, visit www.phoenixmotorcars.com

Source: Phoenix Motorcars Inc.