Lexus ‘ES 300h’ trademark filing suggests lux’d up Camry Hybrid on the way?

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Lexus, Rumormill

2010 Lexus ES 350

2010 Lexus ES 350 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Camry-based Lexus ES isn’t exactly the most exciting product in the automaker’s range. The entry-level luxury front-driver just received a slight refresh for the 2010 model year, but based on a filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office discovered by Car and Driver, an electrified ES hybrid may be in the cards for the sedan’s next generation.

Like the rest of Lexus’ hybrids, the numerical part of the ‘ES 300h’ nomenclature doesn’t really hold any sort of significance in terms of engine displacement. We’d hardly be surprised to find the Camry Hybrid’s 2.4-liter mill under the Lexus’ hood, though we won’t rule out the possibility that output numbers could be tweaked for use in the ES 300h.

The move to hybrid-ify the ES sedan makes sense, as Lexus has long said that it wants to broaden its gasoline-electric offerings. The automaker currently has the CT 200h, HS 250h, GS 450h, RX 450h and LS 600h L, but adding a sixth hybrid car would further strengthen the brand’s appeal to eco-minded luxury customers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Car and Driver]

Lexus ‘ES 300h’ trademark filing suggests lux’d up Camry Hybrid on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla SEC filing reveals Model S has 3,000 deposits

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Earnings/Financials, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Model S SEC filing page

In an 8-K filing posted with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday, Tesla Motors revealed that, by the end of the third quarter, it had already lined up 3,000 buyers, each of whom has coughed up $5,000 required to reserve the automaker’s long-promised Model S. Additional information mentioned in the report suggests that the Model S will eventually obtain a five-star safety rating, feature more cargo room than any other sedan on the market and be designed to accommodate battery-swap technology.

The SEC filing details Tesla’s numerous deals with other automakers, which are briefly outlined below:

  • Tesla received an initial order for 1,500 lithium-ion battery packs for the Smart ForTwo ED
  • Tesla anticipates selling 500 lithium-ion battery packs to Daimler for use in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class electric.
  • The automaker’s cumulative sales to Daimler topped the $12-million mark earlier this year.
  • Tesla expects revenue of $60 million for its part in developing components for the Toyota RAV4 EV.

To read Tesla’s 8-K SEC filing, which is jam-packed with graphics that detail the automaker’s intentions, click here.

Gallery: Tesla Model S

[Source: Securities and Exchange Commission via Tesla Motors]

Tesla SEC filing reveals Model S has 3,000 deposits originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM shooting for mid-August IPO filing?

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM

A year ago, General Motors needed a $50 billion U.S. government bailout to stave off liquidation. One year later, the Detroit-based automaker is on the precipice of filing for one of the largest initial public offerings in American history. Automotive News quotes unnamed sources who claim GM will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission by August 16. These anonymous sources reportedly added that the goal is to complete the company’s IPO before the November elections – unsurprising when you consider the highly-political nature of The General’s current status (the federal government holds a 60.8% stake in the automaker).

Assuming GM files by August 16 as AN’s sources allege, the move would come just days after the company’s second-quarter earnings announcement. If that’s indeed the case, we think GM plans to announce a sizable profit for the quarter that ended on June 30. After all, there’s nothing more unattractive to investors than a fresh batch of red ink on the ledger.

[Source: Automotive News sub. req.]

GM shooting for mid-August IPO filing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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