Hydro-Québec and Mitsubishi plan the largest electric vehicle trial in Canada

MONTRÉAL, Hydro-Québec and Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) announced today the signature of a memorandum of understanding that will lead to the launch of Canada’s largest all-electric vehicle pilot project this coming fall.

In collaboration with the City of Boucherville, Hydro-Québec will test the performance of up to 50 all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs on the road under a variety of circumstances, notably winter conditions. The project, which is evaluated at $4.5 million, is the first of its kind to include the participation of a car manufacturer, a public utility, a municipality and local businesses that will integrate the vehicles into their existing fleets. The trial is designed to study the vehicles’ charging behavior, the driving experience and overall driver satisfaction.

“This new pilot project is part of our action plan for the electrification of vehicles,” noted Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Québec’s President and CEO. “It will allow us to advance our knowledge of the technology and its integration into our grid, which in turn, will help us plan the necessary charging infrastructure for homes, offices and public places.”

The City of Boucherville was selected as the project’s host municipality given its proximity to Hydro-Québec’s research institute (IREQ), the diversity of its local businesses and its role in Hydro-Québec’s upcoming interactive smart zone trial. The availability of a local Mitsubishi dealership to oversee the i-MiEVs’ maintenance was also part of the selection criteria.

“This is a truly exciting project for the City of Boucherville. We hope it will have a positive impact on our industrial sector and we look forward to working with our local businesses to help Hydro-Québec and Mitsubishi gather meaningful data,” said Jean Martel, mayor of Boucherville.

i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, is an all-electric, highway-capable, charge-at-home commuter car. Because the battery, the motor and other items are mounted out of the way beneath the floor, the i-MiEV seats four adults and offers surprising interior room and cargo space. Other i-MiEV features include excellent low-speed acceleration and a very low centre of gravity, which contributes to superior handling and stability. Moreover, the i-MiEV is extremely quiet.

“We are very proud to be leading the way to a greener, more sustainable future by developing environment-friendly vehicles fueled by clean, renewable energy,” said Koji Soga, President and CEO of MMSCAN. “Mitsubishi is a leader in electric car development and the i-MiEV represents the pinnacle of our green technologies. In the same sense, Hydro-Québec and the City of Boucherville are demonstrating their environmental leadership by participating in this unique initiative.”

At the recent Tokyo International Motor Show (2009), the i-MiEV won the Japanese Car of the Year award for “Most Advanced Technology.”

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. is committed to green technologies and Mitsubishi Motors, Japan, is a world leader in electric car research and development.

Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It uses mainly renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of wind energy through purchases from independent power producers. It also conducts research in energy-related fields, such as energy efficiency.

Kia Canada presents the 2011 Sorento at the Montreal Auto Show

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Kia Canada Inc. today announced the official Canadian debut of the all-new Sorento crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) during a press conference at the 2010 Montreal Auto Show. This is the first vehicle to be built at the new $1 Billion, state-of-the-art facility at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Georgia. Showcasing the brand’s signature design cues, the Sorento presents consumers with a more refined and emotionally appealing appearance.

Completely redesigned for 2011, the all-new Sorento utilizes a unibody design and can comfortably fit up to seven passengers, offering more spaciousness and a more comfortable ride than the previous – generation model. The signature tiger nose grille is displayed prominently reinforcing the aggressive stance and streamlined profile.

Eye-Catching Exterior

Available in LX and EX trim levels, the eye-catching CUV offers stylish exterior features on both, including standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65R17 tires, standard body color heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators, automatic headlamps and fog lamps. All EX trims offer standard 18-inch alloy wheels outfitted with 235/60R18 tires. The EX luxury trims offer the option of chrome wheels and standard panoramic sunroof. With an overall length of 4,670 mm and an overall width of 1,885 mm, the all new CUV is longer, wider, lower and roomier that the previous – generation model, offering occupants more interior space and ride comfort.

Powerful Performance

The 2011 Sorento offers two engines, a 3.5 liter V6 providing 276 horsepower and 248 pound of torque and a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 169 pound of torque. Both are coupled to new six-speed transmissions, which together provide ample power and fuel efficiency. To further meet consumer needs, both engines can be mated to either front or all wheel drive configurations, the latter coming with an electronic locking differential, that evenly distributes torque to the front and rear wheels while operating the vehicle at low speeds during more severe weather conditions. For enhanced ride performance, the all-new 2011 Sorento employs a more compact and lighter MacPherson strut front suspension and fully independent multi-link rear suspension.

Upscale Creature Comforts combined with Technological Enhancements

With both five and seven passenger seating configurations, the Sorento personifies versatility. With 4,035 liters of interior volume when equipped with five seats or 4,230 liters with seven, Sorento offers considerably more space than the previous version’s 3,894 liters. With approximately 140 liters more in cargo capacity, the new generation effortlessly accommodates both passenger and cargo needs, from those simple trips to the grocery store to those weekend commutes to the cottage.

Sorento ride comfort is enhanced by an impressive array of standard technological features, including AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service(1), auxiliary and USB input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players and Bluetooth(R) wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones. All EX models offer as standard, rear-view camera, automatic climate control, while available navigation and premium audio complete the contemporary, high – tech driving experience.

Upscale comforts can be found throughout, including heated front seats, air conditioning, windshield wiper de-icer, power-heated outside mirrors, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls and trip computer. In addition to those features, all automatic transmissions come standard with EcoMinder(TM) Indicator to assist with fuel efficient driving habits. Progressing to the EX trim provides even more well-appointed standard features including leather seating, dual automatic temperature control, power driver’s seat and leather – wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Advanced Safety Features

Like all Kia’s vehicles, the 2011 is equipped with a wide range of standard safety features. All trims come equipped with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter helps keep the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades.

Kia is committed to all aspects of pedestrian safety. For the 2011 model year the hood of the Sorento has been designed to crumple and flex strategically so as to absorb and disperse the shock of collision with a pedestrian, aimed at decreasing the level of potential injury.

Industry Leading Warranty

The 2011 Sorento is covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program which offers unsurpassed consumer protection. Included in this program are a 5 year/100,000 kilometer power train warranty, a 5 year/100,000 kilometer limited basic warranty and a 5 year unlimited kilometer anti-perforation warranty. A 5-year/100,000 kilometer roadside assistance plan also forms part of Kia’s comprehensive vehicle coverage.

Kia Canada Inc. – is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea. Founded in Canada in 1999, Kia Canada Inc. sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul and Forte through a network of 165 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 134 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada.

(1) Available in the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada and 48 contiguous United States. Monthly subscription sold separately after three trial months.