TOKYO, June 27 FujiInd-electrcar
TOKYO, June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker
of Subaru automobiles, today announced the successful development of its
Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). FHI
will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido
Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080627/NEF027)
Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other
participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the
Environmental Showcase, an exhibition and demonstration area in the
International Media Center, and it will also be available for test drives.
In addition, FHI will provide one STELLA Concept model to the Japan Post
group for use in mail collection and delivery in the vicinity of Toyako during
the summit.
The Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept combines the EV system employed in the
R1e, (which recently debuted in the US at the New York International Auto
Show), with the mini car, Subaru STELLA. The resulting vehicle represents an
optimized model that features STELLA's compact packaging and superb utility.
FHI plans to use the Plug-in STELLA Concept in the development and
test-marketing of the next generation of EV in Japan in the near future.
FHI jointly developed the Subaru R1e with Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc.
(TEPCO), a leading utility in Japan, and the vehicle's performance has been
tested since June 2006. 40 units of the R1e model, equipped with lithium ion
(Li-ion) batteries, have been used by TEPCO as part of its corporate fleet and
by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, providing performance results that
further advance FHI's EV development work. Such data collected under
real-world conditions has helped FHI refine the concept of the next-generation
EV and make further improvements in convenience and comfort under everyday
driving situations.
FHI has placed emphasis on its mission to pursue the perfect integration
of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations. While
seamlessly improving the power units design and introducing such cleaner
engines as the Horizontally-Opposed diesel engine in Europe (available since
March 2008), the company has positioned EVs as another viable solution for
environmental preservation, and it plans to accelerate its EV development
work.
Specifications
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height)3,395mm x 1,475mm x 1,660mm
Curb Weight 1,060kg
Passenger Seating4
Max. speed100km/h
Per-charge driving distance: 80km
Electric motor Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Max. power output 40kW
Max. torque150N/m
Drive-train Front-wheel drive
Battery typeLithium-ion batteries
Total voltage 346V
Total energy 9.2kWh
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company
markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and
accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States.
Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on
R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end
2005. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a
leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations
that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive
business is a main business pillar, FHI's Aerospace, Industrial Products and
Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-
purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes,
crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity
generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive)
technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also
spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is
committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.
Contact: Michael McHale
Subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-3326
mmchale@subaru.com
Heather Ward
Subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-5093
hward@subaru.com
SOURCE Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
