France’s government has made clean energy a priority, and the country is host to numerous projects at the forefront of research into electric vehicles, supported by France’s excellent R&D tax credit.

France is now leading the way in research into fuel alternatives and the reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions, with a particular focus on the development of electric vehicles run on new-generation batteries with high-energy density or electricity produced by fuel cells. Using the latest electronics, these batteries provide a vehicle with a minimum range of approximately 150km.The processing since the 1980s. » Read the rest of the entry..

The new crossover models offer better fuel-efficiency choices than the traditional truck-based SUVs. But an even better choice might be one of the new gasoline-electric hybrid models.

And of those, perhaps the most practical are the two that Ford Motor Co. offers — the Ford Escape and the Mercury Mariner. These hybrids have been on the market for a couple of years and have been selling well.

For 2008, though, they have been updated significantly, with new, more compelling styling and interiors, as well as some tweaks that make the hybrid drive system even better. » Read the rest of the entry..

BERLIN (AFP)-The German goverment and industrial partners including auto giant Volkswagen launched Thursday a programme to encourage the development of more environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles.

Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel pledged 15 million euros (23.5 million dollars) to the project which has four years to come up with prototypes able to charge batteries using renewable sources of energy such as the wind or the sun.
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The Toyota Corporation intends to develop a plug-in hybrid vehicle for its demonstration fleet by 2010, according to an announcement made by Chief Executive Officer Katsuaki Watanabe.

The planned plug-in hybrids are already under development, with two prototypes currently undergoing demonstration tests by researchers at the University of California. But while existing prototypes operate with nickel-metal-hydride battery packs, Toyota aims for its new hybrids to be equipped with lithium-ion batteries.
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Japanese car maker Mazda had begun testing a hydrogen/petrol hybrid vehicle on public roads.

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan has a range of 200km on hydrogen fuel, which increases to 550km when running on petrol.

The vehicle is powered by a hydrogen rotary engine, which can run on hydrogen and petrol, and an electric motor. The driver can switch between the two fuel sources by pushing a button.
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Following the roaring success of its new hatchback i10, South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor India (HMI) plans to launch its bigger siblings in India.

Taking a cue from the German luxe brands BMW and Mercedes Benz, which have had a good run in the Indian market, Hyundai, the largest exporter of cars from India, will launch at least three new cars under its i-series for the domestic as well as the overseas market.
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Japanese car major Honda launched the first hybrid car in India, Civic Hybrid, priced at Rs 21.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).The car is powered by a 1.3 litre petrol engine and an electric motor that deliver 47 per cent enhanced fuel efficiency than a regular 1.8 litre Civic automatic transmission.Developed way back in 1999, the Civic Hybrid has sold over 260,000 units across the world and India is the 33rd country where Honda has launched the car.
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Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill
Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill, motorized, computer-programmed and ready to go the distance in getting you fit! Get the low-impact, high-cardio workout benefits of a gym-quality motorized Treadmill, right at home! Deluxe model, with incline adjustment, telemetric heart reading capability and 15 programs. Here’s how Bowflex will have you flexing all your fitness muscles: Strike Zone deck suspension offers a comfortable surface that’s easy on feet, ankles, knees and hips. You get a soft landing and a firm lift-off on the big 20 x 60″ surface, a deluxe 2-ply belt; 15 programs for variety, including 2 user-defined, 2 heart rate control, and a body mass index. Quick keys for 0-9 speed and incline. Speed range from .5-11 mph; Sky-lite backlit LCD display for setting and workout readouts; Durable 3 HP continuous duty motor, made to last; 2 1/2″ precision rollers for smooth operation; Contact grip and wireless heart rate telemetry for heart rate workouts; Fold-up treadmill with soft-drop declining, so it’s portable and easy to store; 3-speed fan to cool you as you exercise. 2 bottle / cup holders; Measures 85 x 35 x 55 1/4″h. open. Folded it’s 41 x 35 x 65 1/2″h. Weighs approx. 300 lbs. Some assembly required. Maximum user weight 300 lbs. Note: please consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. Run and walk your way toward a new, healthier you! Order now! Please Note: This item is shipped directly from the factory. Please allow an extra 2-4 weeks for delivery.
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Fitness Quest XL Stepper
The compact and lightweight FitnessQuest XL Stepper… brings the health club home… for a GREAT LOW PRICE! The hardest part of working out might just be forking over that hefty gym club membership fee! But with the FitnessQuest XL Stepper you can work up a sweat without feeling the “burn” in your wallet! An electronic display allows you to scan time, count, total count and calories burned as you step your way to better health. Made of durable steel and weighing under 20 lbs., the XL Stepper can support up to 220-lbs. while taking up virtually no room in the house! Measures 14 3/4″ h. x 14 1/2″ w. x 17″ d. Climb towards your fitness goals with help from us! Order your XL Stepper while you can! FitnessQuest XL Stepper

Features

• Compact step exerciser for cardiovascular and lower body workouts
• Large foot pedals with slip-resistant surface
• Electronic display tracks time, step count, total count, calories burned, and scan modes
• Fits in virtually any small exercise area; stores easily
• Measures 17 by 14.5 by 15.25 inches (W x H x L)

Ab Lounge XL
The secret to the Ab Lounge jack-knife is this incredible range of motion, which takes you back beyond 180 degrees. The greater the range of motion the longer your ab muscles are working. So you’re not working harder, you’re working smarter! The Ab Lounge’s frame is capable of handling up to 275 pounds but now the Ab Lounge® XL product has been absolutely loaded with extras. Not only is your head, neck and back fully supported during your workout, but now the Ab Lounge XL seat is made of a “cool,” breathable mesh for extra comfort. To target your ab muscles, position counts - even your hands. Use the Ab Lounge XL padded iso-grips for the basic jack knife. The Ab Lounge XL foot pedals are different as well, now they move with you for extra comfort. That’s right. 1-step adjustment for beginners and extra petite Ab Loungers. For an extra custom fit. So just about anyone can use it.
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