UK Awards £27M to Jaguar Land Rover for Production Vehicle Based on Diesel Hybrid Concept
12 March 2009
Jaguar Land Rover has secured a £27 million (US$37.4 million) government grant for the production of a new model, based on the LRX concept vehicle. (Earlier post.)
The LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient, 2.0-liter, turbodiesel hybrid that meets US emissions standards and is capable of running on biodiesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other SUVs of comparable size, and reduce emissions to approximately 120 g/km.
The automaker plans to build the lighter, smaller, more efficient vehicle to pave the way for the future of its fleet, working toward a 20% improvement in CO2 emissions.
The grant offer, made under government’s Grant for Business Investment scheme, is a significant part of the total cost of the project. The offer is not part of the automotive assistance package announced by government, but highlights the various options open to companies dedicated to innovation and the low-carbon agenda.
The PNGV in 1999 were three diesel hybrid cars from Chrysler, Ford and GM that each got more than 70 mpg. 10 years later we have this...back to the future!
Posted by: SJC | 13 March 2009 at 11:23 AM