MEDIA RELEASE

David de Rothschild sails across the Pacific and “driven environmentally” around Sydney
Sydney: After sailing over 8,000 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean in a boat made from reclaimed plastic bottles, David de Rothschild, the Plastiki’s expedition leader was thrilled to have a way to travel around Sydney that helped minimise the campaign’s impact on the environment.
Greentomatocars, Sydney’s premier environmental car hire service, provided David de Rothschild and the crew of the Plastiki travel to media and speaking engagements from the boat’s berth at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
“To make the change we need in order to become sustainable, we not only need to take the existing model and shake it up but we need to reinvent our products and services! This is exactly what Greentomatocars does and more,” David de Rothschild, Founder of Adventure Ecology and Plastiki expedition leader said.
The Plastiki, made from 12,500 reclaimed plastic PET bottles aims to create awareness about the issue of plastic waste in the world’s oceans and the problem of single-use plastics. The campaign also focussed on innovation with the creation of a new product, srPET (Seretex) which could replace fibreglass in the future.
“Greentomatocars is committed to helping organisations and businesses reduce their carbon footprint and we were delighted to support the Plastiki’s message of reducing waste,” Penny Fowler, managing director, Greentomatocars said.
“David de Rothschild is a global environmental hero and it was great for our team to lend our support by driving David to media interviews and speeches at organisations like the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Sydney University,” she said.
Launched in 2008, Greentomatocars operates a fleet of Toyota Prius hybrid cars offering a low carbon alternative to traditional hire car services. Carbon emissions from the fleet are 60% lower than standard petrol and LPG vehicles and Greentomatocars also double offsets its emissions with Carbon Clear.

Toyo Australia introduces the Eco Walker, a new standard performance tyre that not only saves you on fuel but also helps reduce the production of hazardous carbon dioxide emissions that lead to global warming.

Toyo utilises innovative technologies such as an advanced silica compound, which assists in minimising the energy wasted as heat as the tyre rolls on the road. This improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle as it reduces the effort for acceleration, which means less fuel will be used and therefore minimising harmful carbon dioxide exhaust emissions that are released into the atmosphere, thus saving you on fuel consumption and your contribution in protecting the environment.

So, how can the Eco Walker help save you fuel and how can you assist in protecting the environment when you fit ECO Walker’s to your vehicle?

The weight of the Eco Walker has been reduced by 13% compared with the current TEO plus product meaning it requires less energy to move or stop the tyre, which will potentially result in less fuel consumption. On the sidewall you will find the new ‘ECO’ logo, which is applied to new products with fuel efficiency, which meets JATMA’s requirements for fuel efficiency. Also, the tread compound and design of the Eco Walker resulted in the rolling resistance being reduced by 20% compared with the current TEO plus product .

Fitting the Eco Walker’s to your vehicle will also allow you to have a comfortable ride with better irregular wear resistance and maintaining stable handling performance in both wet and dry road conditions.

The Eco Walker will be on sale from 21st June 2010. Sizes which will be available to suit a wide range of vehicles such as:

215/55R17, 205/55R16, 215/60R16, 205/60R16, 195/65R15 and 175/65R14.

Eco Walker’s will be available from Tyrepower stores, selected Toyo independent and Team Toyo independent stores.

TOKYO (August 26, 2010) – Better Place today announced that it has extended its switchable-battery electric vehicle (EV) taxi pilot in Tokyo to operate through the end of the year. By extending the trial, Better Place will be able to further evaluate and optimize the design and integration of the components of the system including the battery switch station (BSS), the EV taxis, battery performance and charging as well as driver behavior and consumer acceptance.

The current trial is part of a program run by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The pilot project began on April 26, in cooperation with Nihon Kotsu Co., Tokyo’s largest taxi operator, and focuses on the feasibility of battery switch as means for taxis to have instant, zero emission, range extension. The extension of the program has received approval from the Ministry’s Agency for Resources and Energy, which will maintain its continued role in the project. Operations are to be temporarily suspended during August so that EV battery and onboard vehicle data can be analyzed and will resume again on September 1.

“Up to this point, there has been very little information about how an EV battery will perform in heavily used, real-world, taxi conditions. This program has provided us with critical insights into the battery performance in a switch model and switch station performance for the toughest customers – taxi drivers,” said Kiyotaka Fujii, President of Better Place Japan. “By extending this program, we hope to gain further insights into the battery performance and durability of the switch station itself, which will be invaluable as we move towards commercial launch later next year in Israel and Denmark.”

While a comprehensive analysis of the data is still being conducted, some initial data points about the taxi project include:
• 40,311 number of kilometers driven
• Taxi drivers went through the switch station 2,122 number of times
• Average switch time 59.1 seconds
• 3,020 passengers have ridden in the taxis

During the subsequent extension of operations, the following will be tested with each EV taxi and at the battery switch station with a view towards making actual operations a reality.

Recharging time to be optimized for batteries
Up until now, battery management has been handled under a unified system that integrates factors such as remaining onboard energy, the location of the EV taxi in question, current BSS battery recharging/storage status, and more. In addition, new programming at BSS facilities will make it possible to optimize battery-charging rates based on temperatures and performance.

Rather than having battery-recharging rates managed manually, the facilities will be programmed to speed up or slow down recharging automatically for optimum charging process to extend battery life span and performance

Consumers and visitors to Tokyo will continue to be able to ride in the EV taxis during the extended trial by signing up at the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills.

 Caltex launches first SA Bio E-Flex fuel pumps
 Bio E-Flex to power upcoming flex-fuel Commodore VE Series II
 Bio E-Flex reduces CO₂ and is a renewable resource
Holden today welcomed Caltex Australia’s announcement that three South Australian sites would be the first in the country to sell the new fuel, Bio E-Flex.
Holden’s Energy and Environment Director Richard Marshall said the ethanol-blend fuel, also known as E85, would be suitable for vehicles within the new Holden Commodore VE Series II range, to be launched in the coming weeks.
“In a major step towards creating a cleaner Australian fuel landscape, many VE Series II customers will be able to run their cars on high ethanol blend fuel, which has the potential to reduce vehicle CO₂ emissions by up to 40 per cent, when compared to petrol1,” Mr Marshall said.
He said Bio E-Flex, available from sites at St Mary’s, Salisbury and Woodcroft from today, is a fuel blend of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol. While vehicles in the Series II range would be capable of running on this fuel, he said they would have flex-fuel capability, allowing them to also run on E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination.
“The introduction of flex-fuel capability on Series II vehicles highlights Holden’s leadership position in reducing the impact of personal transportation on the environment,” he said.
“As part of our EcoLine strategy, we have a commitment to offering our customers a broad range of vehicles that use alternative fuel or fuel-saving technologies. These solutions are designed to make motoring affordable as well as being better for the environment.”
Making today’s announcement was South Australian Minister for Energy Patrick Conlon, the minister responsible for the state’s energy policy, including opportunities to develop and increase the take up of alternative fuels such as ethanol.
Bio E-Flex will be available at 31 Caltex service stations in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra by October, with the number of pumps scheduled to increase to 100 metropolitan and regional locations by mid 2011.
“For Holden to bring flex-fuel vehicles to market, it is imperative that customers can buy the fuel from a network of pumps that are easily accessed. The commitment made by Caltex to install 100 pumps by mid-2011 will help make this a reality,” Mr Marshall said.
“What better way better way to move this new fuel from a niche product into the mainstream market, than to make it available from a major fuel supplier and suitable for use in Australia’s favourite car?,” he said.

Caltex’s new high tech fuel – Bio E-Flex – is on sale from today at St Marys and two other sites in Adelaide. The new ethanol-based fuel is designed for use in Holden’s soon to be released VE Series II Commodore flex-fuel vehicles which will be made in South Australia.
Bio E-Flex is a high ethanol blend fuel consisting of up to 85 per cent ethanol, blended with 15 per cent petrol, which is commonly known overseas as E85. Bio E-Flex will be Holden’s recommended fuel for their new vehicles.
Bio E-Flex will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions because it is based on ethanol, which is a renewable fuel. Motorists will be able to choose Bio E-Flex or petrol when they fill up their flex-fuel vehicles.
Caltex has today announced details of pricing for Bio E-Flex, which will be priced at 20 cents per litre below regular unleaded petrol at Caltex-operated service stations where E-Flex is available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. Bio E-Flex costs 34 cents per litre less than Caltex’s premium performance fuel, Vortex 98 at these sites.
“We believe Bio E-Flex will be attractive to motorists who would like to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions significantly but have had limited choice in taking action,” said Manager Government Affairs & Media Frank Topham.
“Customers will be able to reduce their environmental impact at an affordable price. If petrol prices were at
the same levels as experienced this year, Bio E-Flex would often be priced near $1 per litre at the bottom of the weekly price cycle.”
Bio E-Flex will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on traditional fossil fuels like petrol. Ethanol is estimated to result in 18 to 46 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than petrol.
Emission reductions from Bio E-Flex will depend on the source of ethanol, amount of ethanol in the blend
and vehicle fuel economy. Bio E-Flex has a lower energy content than petrol so vehicles will travel fewer
kilometres on a litre of fuel.
Bio E-Flex is now available at three Caltex service stations in Adelaide – St Marys, Salisbury Park and Woodcroft. Caltex will have over 30 sites in South Australia and other states selling Bio E-Flex by the end of October 2010, increasing to 100 in 2011.
“Caltex would like to thank Premier Mike Rann and Minister Patrick Conlon for their support for the development of biofuels in South Australia through investment in R&D and biodiesel procurement policies for Adelaide Metro.” Mr Topham said. “We greatly appreciate Minister Conlon being here today.”
Bio E-Flex is suitable only for flex-fuel vehicles, such as vehicles in the Holden Commodore VE Series II range. The new vehicles will also be able to use Bio E10 Unleaded, Vortex 95, Vortex 98, or any combination of these fuels. Bio E10 Unleaded is available at about 400 sites in NSW, ACT and Queensland but Bio E-Flex is the first fuel with ethanol offered by Caltex in South Australia. Most new and
many older cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles can use Bio E10 Unleaded.

Hyundai Motor Company has been a leading performer at the 2010 What Car? Magazine awards, with all three i-badged cars taking top three spots in the Supermini and Small Family car segments.

Recently launched in Australia and already a local award winner with ECO Car Magazine ‘Car of the Year’ 2010, the i20 has been acclaimed as a WhatCar? ‘Best Buy’ in the Supermini segment delivering class leading safety features and outstanding value for money.

Its smaller sister the i10 took out the award for ‘Best Buy’ Supermini under £8000 (AUD 13,880). Nifty and nimble, the i10 is a huge success in the UK and European markets since its launch in 2009. Offering outstanding fuel efficiency of just 4.9 l/100km, CO2 emissions of only 119 g/km, i10 offers extraordinary value and an interior package that belies its compact size.

In the Small Family Car class the multi-award winning i30 was again applauded for its exceptional safety package combined with luxury features. Generous interior space, a balance between performance and economy and five-year unlimited kilometre warranty combine to make i30 a leader in its segment.

Not to be outdone, the Santa Fe R-2.2 also received a ‘Best Buy’ in the 4×4 category. With plenty of space, practicality and power, Santa Fe offers effortless driving and capable towing, while occupants enjoy in-cabin refinements and a spacious cargo bay.

With over a million consumers referencing the publication and its associated outlets, including whatcar.com each month, WhatCar? is considered to be the largest and most influential buyers guide in the United Kingdom, providing reviews, prices, data and industry insights.

“Hyundai continues to win acclaim around the world for combining latest generation design with outstanding quality and value,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Marketing Director Oliver Mann.

In a bold move Peugeot has taken the initiative when it comes to reducing emissions.

Since late 2009, Peugeot has been progressively introducing EURO 5 standard engines across its passenger and SUV range for Australia.

The EURO 5 standard engines apply to models in the 207, 308, 3008, 407 and 4007. These engines will also apply to the soon to be released RCZ.

“For some time now, we have been aware, as have the rest of the motor industry that emissions are of a growing concern to motorists, both here and world wide,” Says Ken Thomas, General Manager / Director of Peugeot Australia, “which is precisely why all passenger and SUV vehicles in our range will have transitioned from EURO 4 to EURO 5 standards by the end of this year. Indeed a high proportion of our current model range is already available for sale with this advanced technology.”

Peugeot Australia are confident that by adopting EURO 5 standard engines in 2010, their customers will be ahead of Australian new vehicle emission targets for 2015 of 190 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Current Peugeot models offer an average of just 171 grams of CO2 per kilometre (based on a volume weighted average of all Peugeot vehicles sold in Jan-July 2010).

Future Peugeot models such as the 508 will also embrace the EURO 5 standard engines and other models will feature “stop-start” turbo diesel technology. This not only lowers emissions but also delivers significant savings in fuel economy.

Currently, Peugeot offers ten model variations across the range, which deliver fewer than 135 grams of CO2 per kilometre which Mr. Thomas believes is proof that today’s Australian motorist is able to enjoy dynamic performance, style and eco-efficiency as benefits of the same vehicle.

Mazda Australia is to offer a Special Service Program (SSP) on previous generation Mazda3 vehicles equipped with Electro Hydraulic Power Assist System (EHPAS). This service will be offered to customers free of charge.

Affected vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic power steering system with an electrically motorised oil pump that lubricates the gear/pinion bearing with power steering fluid. Residual particles from the inside of the hydraulic pipes may, in some instances, lead to a loss of steering power assist due to the failure of the electric oil pump. During such an event, the power steering malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster will be illuminated and steering resistance will be increased. The steering system’s fail safe mode will ensure that the mechanical components of the steering system remain completely functioning, allowing the vehicle to be driven safely in the absence of power assist. This will make parking and manoeuvring in small spaces less comfortable but it will not affect driving safety.

Previous generation Mazda3s, produced between 2 April 2007 and 30 November 2008 could be affected.

Owners of potentially affected vehicles will be contacted by Mazda Australia from November 2010 onwards and will be requested to contact their Mazda Dealer to make an appointment to undertake any necessary rework and parts replacement. Affected vehicles will require cleaning of the steering gear box by flushing all fluid lines with power steering fluid, followed by replacement of the power steering oil and then the installation of a new power steering pipe assembly.

If in the meantime a customer experiences a loss of steering power assist, it is recommended that they present the vehicle to their local Mazda dealer for inspection where the issue will be rectified under the normal warranty repair process.

As part of its normal operations, Mazda continuously monitors the quality of Mazda vehicles in production and in the field. No cases have been reported in Australia that have led to any injury or vehicle damage.

Concept vehicle with innovative design and eco-friendly appeal
Kia Motors will continue its tradition of unveiling convention-challenging, design-led concept vehicles at motor shows when it reveals an all-new electric concept car at the Paris Show on September 30.

Called the ‘POP’, Kia’s three-metre three-seater boasts zero-emissions and brings innovative design chic to the city car segment with its dramatic styling.

Full details on the POP will not be released until the car’s show debut but it was styled at Kia’s Russelsheim design studio where head of design Peter Schreyer has been husbanding the revitalization of the Kia family DNA.

BMW Group Australia today announced the addition of two new diesel variants to its critically-acclaimed BMW 5 Series range.

The new BMW 520d Sedan and BMW 535d Sedan bolster a portfolio of BMW diesel vehicles already available in Australia.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Mr Stavros Yallouridis said the popularity of BMW diesel models is growing rapidly in Australia.

“The combination of enormous torque, blistering power and extraordinary fuel economy from our latest diesel engines is winning many fans in Australia,” he said.

The ultra-efficient 520d features a four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing a power output of 135kW and 380 Nm of torque. Despite boasting fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres per 100km, and C02 emissions of 137 g/km, the BMW 520d is still capable of accelerating to100km/ hr in just 8.1 seconds.