First Honda Fit EV Delivered

The first Honda Fit EV, Honda’s all-electric car, has been delivered to new owners Matt and Becky Walton of Ventura County, California, who, according to autoblog.com, were the first to sign up for the car on Honda’s website.

"It's truly an honor to take delivery of the first Honda Fit EV and participate in the advancement of all-electric vehicles in the real world," Matt explained.

The Fit is not expected to be available on the East Coast until 2013. The "green" hatchback has been rated by the EPA at 118 MPGe, is available for $389 per month for those that can pin one down, and can be had in only a single color: Reflection Blue Pearl.

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Volvo C30 Electric “Green Car of the Year” in China

At the 4^th China New Energy Mobility Summit, the Volvo C30 was awarded “Green Car of the Year” for “world-leading safety and superb performance.”

Freeman Shen, Senior Vice President of Volvo Car Corporation and Chairman of China Operations, explained, "We feel honor yet responsibility to share our world-class know-how in new energy vehicles with China, our second home market, in joint efforts from regulators, suppliers and customers. We're confident to take a prominent role in China's safe and sustainable electrification development, making cars for a better life." 

Among the topics at the summit was “action towards a safe electrification.” In terms of green energy and Asian markets, the award represents two significant points of emphasis for the automotive industry.

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Mercedes Benz Inflatable Seatbelts

While Volvo was busy creating airbags for pedestrians, Mercedes Benz was making them for seatbelts.

Automotive News reported that the German manufacturer will begin using the seat belts for rear seat passengers, joining Ford as the only manufacturers to do so when they add the technology to an upcoming luxury car.

The idea behind the innovation is increasing the area of the passenger’s torso or shoulder that absorbs the energy of a crash when restraint takes place. They are not thought to be necessary in the front passenger area, where a bevy of airbag technology protects both driver and front passenger.

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