So BMW USA announced today that one of the famed “3 Tenors”, Pacido Domingo, is getting a free ride in the new BMW Hydrogen 7. It’s unclear why BMW has chosen him for their latest pro-Hydrogen alternative fuel advertising. Will Britney Spears be next? Maybe she will find it an easier time to strap her children into the car seats of a 7…

From BMW’s illustrious Press Group (we will try to dig up a picture)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 2, 2007… World-renowned opera singer-conductor Placido Domingo will be given the keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 – the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan – for his everyday use, BMW announced today. Widely regarded as the greatest operatic artist of modern times, Domingo joins several other preeminent figures in entertainment, government, the environment and more, as the latest person to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 on U.S. roadways as a part of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, designed to help the company in its mission to build widespread support of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
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It is not often that companies have the opportunity to see the future, but in a sense, the future is now. Notably, the future is Porsche. The German sports car marker announced this week that the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne SUV will not only be faster, but be more economical as well.

Also included in the hybrid mix will be the forthcoming 2009 Porsche Panamera to be produced in Leipzig.

The hybrid system in the Cayenne will be the strongest yet in the world, with the ability to run on full-electric cycle at 70 mph. Estimated fuel economy will reach 40 mpg, 26+ mpg on the European combined cycle.

The important thing here to understand is that Porsche’s announcement marks a full shift away from petrol-only cars. The writing is now on the wall for sure. Expect to see modified hybrid systems (and likely alternative fuel versions) across the entire Porsche line in the not so distant future.

On the larger scale the move marks the turning point when all carmakers, Lotus, Maserati (they’ll spend this year’s profits on R&D), Ferrari, Lamboghini, et al will begin development on hybrid systems, albeit far more sophisticated and powerful than those in existence today.

Investor’s tip: invest in OEM parts/system makers that will develop and provide these systems to the car makers into the future. There’s a lot of money to be had as demand for these vehicles will continue to gather steam and eventually reach critical mass.

Sources:
Financial Times: Emission cut by California put the heat on Washington

Automobilewoche article here

Graphic courtesy Porsche/Automobilewoche.

British motor companies have had their good years and their bad years. Most will agree that the competitive automotive industry of the 21st century has negatively impacted Ford’s Premier Automotive Group. PAG includes Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover, having recently sold Aston Martin.

Milestones are therefore something to be treasured in this pressure-filled environment and today’s milestone is no different. Land Rover announced that they had produced four million Land Rovers. Number 4,000,000 was donated to the Born Free Foundation – represented publicly in part by British Actress Joanna Lumley. Ironically, in this age of green cars, this 4 millionth gas-guzzling SUV is designated for a conservation society of all places. In fact, it will be used to save animals washed ashore during mating season along the British coastlines. It makes us wonder if these are the same people who criticized Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson for driving a Land Rover up a tall Scottish mountain – an impressive feat for any vehicle.

No matter, the lesson here is that Land Rovers are around and built to last. Despite changes in ownership over the years, Land Rovers are consistent and of reputable quality. The most surprising and impressive statistic is that over 80% of Land Rover Defenders ever produced, are STILL on the road. 25% of Land Rovers produced have been produced in the last 6 years. That’s a significant boost in production for a company that’s been around since 1948, yet another impressive feat for a British carmaker.

Source: Ford Motor Company.
Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company

In Europe, hybrid cars are still highly theoretical.But officially, there aren’t any seen on the streets. Why? Some countries, including Austria, have greater diesel sales than petrol.

Some sources believe it is coming, but also state it is only an intermediate solution.

BBC Article, Car of the Year 2005