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Alastair Sloane

German carmakers urged to build an EV to challenge Tesla

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A senior advisor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged the country’s carmakers to “build a car that travels 50 kilometres further than a Tesla and costs 10,000 euros less.” Merkel’s chief of staff Peter Altmaier said he was disappointed that neither Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or the Volkswagen Group had come close to matching Tesla’s electric vehicle (EVs) performance … [Read more...] about German carmakers urged to build an EV to challenge Tesla

Porsche 917 used in Le Mans film sells for NZ$19m

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The car that gave Porsche its first Le Mans win and co-starred alongside Hollywood hero Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans has sold for US$14.08 million (NZ$19.2m). The orange and blue Porsche 917K was auctioned at the annual Pebble Beach shindig in California. It is now the most expensive Porsche on the planet. The car might forever be linked to the film Le Mans, but 917s … [Read more...] about Porsche 917 used in Le Mans film sells for NZ$19m

Hydrogen fuel-cell breakthrough: Aussie plans exports of energy

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Research in Australia could result in the country supplying sustainable fuel-cell energy for ‘green’ cars throughout the Asia-Pacific. The Canberra-based Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has developed a membrane reactor to turn liquid ammonia into pure hydrogen. A CSIRO scientist said the process is the “missing link” in the drive for … [Read more...] about Hydrogen fuel-cell breakthrough: Aussie plans exports of energy

Diesel pollution: ‘Welcome to Fort NOx’, said the protest signs

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Managing editor Alastair Sloane has been overseas talking to electric vehicle (EV) groups, specifically the Norwegian EV Association, which has spearheaded the growth of EVs in Europe. He was in Berlin, on the sidelines of protests over the effects of diesel pollution, the result of which is further boosting sales of EVs. The sale of diesel cars in Germany last month fell by … [Read more...] about Diesel pollution: ‘Welcome to Fort NOx’, said the protest signs