BMW has debuted the production hybrid versions of the BMW 7-Series and the BMW X6. To be shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will go on sale in early 2010, and it is expected that at least the X6 version will make it to the UAE and a few other GCC markets.
Kia Motors dealers in the UAE still haven’t gotten around to selling the 2010 Cerato compact sedan yet, but in its Korean home market where it is known as the Forte, Kia is already offering their first commercial hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the Forte Liquid Petroleum Injection (LPI) Hybrid.
The hybrid version of the Toyota Camry was only on sale in a couple of developed countries earlier, but the Japanese firm has now started building the petrol-electric car at its plant in Thailand, to supply the Far-East Asian market.
The 2010 Mercury Milan has been launched at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, offering up a fresh new face to the unloved midsize sedan, along with new engines shared with the 2010 Ford Fusion.
Mexican-built corporate twins, the Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan, have barely been on sale in the GCC for a year, but they’ve been available in the American market since at least 2006. Therefore, the cars are due for a major facelift in 2010, and these are the first photos of the production-ready models.
The Toyota Prius has become a fashion icon around the world for those who want to appear environmentally-conscious. It was the world’s first mass-produced four-door hybrid, powered by a petrol engine mated to an electric engine that recharged itself through regenerative braking technology. The current generation of the Prius is most recognisable, and Toyota has chosen to keep its existing shape for the 2010 model, while updating some styling, tech and interior details.
The weirdly-named Cee’d is probably Kia’s best car right now. Even weirder is that Kia’s GCC dealers, in all their wisdom, chose to launch the Mohave as quickly as possibly here instead of the Cee’d. The hatchback has been selling elsewhere for a while now, and Kia has now developed a hybrid version, as is all the rage right now. It will be displayed at the 2008 Paris Auto Show.
Honda is displaying the OSM concept sports car at the ongoing British Auto Show. OSM stands for “Open Study Model,” and it is supposed to be an idea for a low-emissions roadster.
I figured I should go over Dubai’s heavily-hyped hybrid taxis a bit more, considering the general media is happy just reprinting press releases. Operated by the much-loved Road & Transport Authority (RTA), the cars — five Chevy Malibu Hybrids and five Chevy Tahoes Hybrids — are beginning their one-year trial to see if they survive the Middle Eastern heat and whether they actually save any fuel in this publicity stunt.