http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Tue, 21 May 2013 18:00:04 +0200 Tue, 21 May 2013 18:00:04 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-cancels-trio-of-climate-programs-amid-funding-shortfall-a-889483.html#ref=rss As prices for carbon emissions continue to languish, Berlin is planning to cancel some key subsidy programs aimed at increasing reliance on renewable energies. Germany and other European countries seem uninterested in fixing the problem. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:33:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-cancels-trio-of-climate-programs-amid-funding-shortfall-a-889483.html As prices for carbon emissions continue to languish, Berlin is planning to cancel some key subsidy programs aimed at increasing reliance on renewable energies. Germany and other European countries seem uninterested in fixing the problem.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-on-disappointing-sales-of-electric-cars-a-859172.html#ref=rss The German government said last year it wanted to see 1 million electric cars on the road by 2020. But this week it conceded that the goal is probably out of reach. Media commentators argue that battery-powered cars are too expensive and don't have a long enough range to make them attractive to consumers. Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:55:49 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-on-disappointing-sales-of-electric-cars-a-859172.html The German government said last year it wanted to see 1 million electric cars on the road by 2020. But this week it conceded that the goal is probably out of reach. Media commentators argue that battery-powered cars are too expensive and don't have a long enough range to make them attractive to consumers. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/siemens-misguided-idea-about-putting-power-lines-on-german-roads-a-842834.html#ref=rss The German engineering giant Siemens is researching the idea of using overhead electricity lines to power truck traffic. But the state-supported project makes no sense. It would cost billions to implement -- and only lead to higher fuel consumption and more pollution. Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:53:43 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/siemens-misguided-idea-about-putting-power-lines-on-german-roads-a-842834.html The German engineering giant Siemens is researching the idea of using overhead electricity lines to power truck traffic. But the state-supported project makes no sense. It would cost billions to implement -- and only lead to higher fuel consumption and more pollution.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/bmw-and-toyota-plan-to-deepen-cooperation-a-840781.html#ref=rss BMW and Toyota plan to broaden their planned cooperation beyond diesel engines and battery technology and to work together in other areas, SPIEGEL has learned. The alliance will be announced shortly. The two carmakers can benefit from each other's know-how. Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:16:32 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/bmw-and-toyota-plan-to-deepen-cooperation-a-840781.html BMW and Toyota plan to broaden their planned cooperation beyond diesel engines and battery technology and to work together in other areas, SPIEGEL has learned. The alliance will be announced shortly. The two carmakers can benefit from each other's know-how.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/e-scooters-make-a-comeback-among-major-auto-companies-a-832688.html#ref=rss As cities become more crowded and traffic more snarled, commuters and engineers are searching for better ways to get around the world's urban hubs. E-scooters, once considered an unpromising technology, are making a comeback as major car manufacturers rediscover their utility and sudden popularity. Fri, 11 May 2012 18:36:09 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/e-scooters-make-a-comeback-among-major-auto-companies-a-832688.html As cities become more crowded and traffic more snarled, commuters and engineers are searching for better ways to get around the world's urban hubs. E-scooters, once considered an unpromising technology, are making a comeback as major car manufacturers rediscover their utility and sudden popularity.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/renault-s-new-all-electric-commuter-twizy-a-826660.html#ref=rss It's even smaller than Daimler's Smart and runs entirely on electric power. Renault's new Twizy shows the limits of E-mobility technology and may be the perfect city vehicle. But at almost 8,000 euros without doors or battery, the price tag isn't nearly as small as the car itself. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/renault-s-new-all-electric-commuter-twizy-a-826660.html It's even smaller than Daimler's Smart and runs entirely on electric power. Renault's new Twizy shows the limits of E-mobility technology and may be the perfect city vehicle. But at almost 8,000 euros without doors or battery, the price tag isn't nearly as small as the car itself.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/revenue-shortfall-carmakers-demand-e-mobility-help-from-merkel-a-819314.html#ref=rss Berlin has spearheaded a huge transition to renewable energy, but it isn't running smoothly. Funding for renewable energy projects was meant to come from carbon dioxide emissions trading. But significant shortfalls have now prompted auto industry leaders to request that Chancellor Merkel maintain support for electric cars. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:25:59 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/revenue-shortfall-carmakers-demand-e-mobility-help-from-merkel-a-819314.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/policy-change-china-puts-the-brakes-on-foreign-automakers-a-807582.html#ref=rss For years, foreign automobile companies have reaped most of the profits to be had in the enormous Chinese market. But in a largely unnoticed change, Beijing is now ending their preferential treatment of carmakers from abroad to focus more on developing domestic technology and brands. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:10:13 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/policy-change-china-puts-the-brakes-on-foreign-automakers-a-807582.html For years, foreign automobile companies have reaped most of the profits to be had in the enormous Chinese market. But in a largely unnoticed change, Beijing is now ending their preferential treatment of carmakers from abroad to focus more on developing domestic technology and brands. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/vive-le-canard-beloved-classic-french-car-goes-electric-a-799283.html#ref=rss The pokey Citroën 2CV was derided for its lightness and simplicity when it debuted in the 1940s. But German engineers say these same qualities might make the cult vehicle an ideal prototype for the electric vehicle of the future. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:13:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/vive-le-canard-beloved-classic-french-car-goes-electric-a-799283.html The pokey Citroën 2CV was derided for its lightness and simplicity when it debuted in the 1940s. But German engineers say these same qualities might make the cult vehicle an ideal prototype for the electric vehicle of the future.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/rechargeable-recreation-electric-boat-market-takes-off-in-switzerland-a-793927.html#ref=rss A new line of boats might look like classic Italian-made Rivas, but they have motors for the 21st century. The Swiss manufacturer Boesch has become a leader in manufacturing stylish and functional electric boats, propelled by power cells from the defense industry. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:34:46 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/rechargeable-recreation-electric-boat-market-takes-off-in-switzerland-a-793927.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/the-popemobile-a-brief-history-of-the-world-s-holiest-car-a-787762.html#ref=rss During his trip through Germany, Pope Benedict XVI will ride around in his bullet-proof, pearlescent popemobile. The history of the vehicle stretches back over eight decades and includes more than 50 exotic cars, which have been the height of luxury and technology. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/the-popemobile-a-brief-history-of-the-world-s-holiest-car-a-787762.html During his trip through Germany, Pope Benedict XVI will ride around in his bullet-proof, pearlescent popemobile. The history of the vehicle stretches back over eight decades and includes more than 50 exotic cars, which have been the height of luxury and technology.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-if-they-really-are-that-good-electric-cars-will-prevail-a-763049.html#ref=rss Berlin has announced plans to drive up the number of electric cars in Germany to one million by 2020, touting financial incentives worth two billion euros by 2013. German commentators wonder whether the money is being spent in the right place -- or whether it is simply filling the coffers of large car manufacturers. Tue, 17 May 2011 15:05:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-if-they-really-are-that-good-electric-cars-will-prevail-a-763049.html Berlin has announced plans to drive up the number of electric cars in Germany to one million by 2020, touting financial incentives worth two billion euros by 2013. German commentators wonder whether the money is being spent in the right place -- or whether it is simply filling the coffers of large car manufacturers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/carbon-fiber-cars-bmw-s-electric-automobile-revolution-a-736296.html#ref=rss BMW is hoping to revolutionize the electric car industry. Whereas most manufacturers rely on traditional -- and heavy-- steel car bodies, the German company hopes that carbon fiber components could lead electric cars into the future. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:31:46 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/carbon-fiber-cars-bmw-s-electric-automobile-revolution-a-736296.html BMW is hoping to revolutionize the electric car industry. Whereas most manufacturers rely on traditional -- and heavy-- steel car bodies, the German company hopes that carbon fiber components could lead electric cars into the future.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/trailblazing-in-paris-e-car-scheme-to-tackle-city-s-permanent-congestion-a-721368.html#ref=rss The French capital is notorious for its traffic jams. Now the mayor of Paris has come up with a bold new plan to rid his city of tens of thousands of cars. If he pulls it off, the e-car sharing scheme may become a trailblazer for other congested cities around the world. Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:42:38 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/trailblazing-in-paris-e-car-scheme-to-tackle-city-s-permanent-congestion-a-721368.html The French capital is notorious for its traffic jams. Now the mayor of Paris has come up with a bold new plan to rid his city of tens of thousands of cars. If he pulls it off, the e-car sharing scheme may become a trailblazer for other congested cities around the world.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/spiegel-interview-with-vw-chief-martin-winterkorn-the-next-step-is-the-electric-car-a-719730.html#ref=rss Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, 63, discusses his goal of replacing Toyota as the world's largest automaker, the risks associated with the Porsche takeover and the company's plans to turn around troubled units like Audi, SEAT and Skoda. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:29:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/spiegel-interview-with-vw-chief-martin-winterkorn-the-next-step-is-the-electric-car-a-719730.html Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, 63, discusses his goal of replacing Toyota as the world's largest automaker, the risks associated with the Porsche takeover and the company's plans to turn around troubled units like Audi, SEAT and Skoda.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/jump-starting-the-e-car-revolution-new-mercedes-has-tesla-technology-under-the-hood-a-718867.html#ref=rss Mercedes and Toyota are bringing new electric cars onto the market that rely on technology from the Californian automaker Tesla. The startup company, whose sports cars already have a cult following in Hollywood, has pioneered the use of laptop batteries in electric autos. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/jump-starting-the-e-car-revolution-new-mercedes-has-tesla-technology-under-the-hood-a-718867.html Mercedes and Toyota are bringing new electric cars onto the market that rely on technology from the Californian automaker Tesla. The startup company, whose sports cars already have a cult following in Hollywood, has pioneered the use of laptop batteries in electric autos.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/e-chic-smart-and-mini-unveil-electric-concept-scooters-a-718896.html#ref=rss The era of the electric car is supposedly just around the corner. But a new trend will be grabbing attention at the Paris Motor Show: the e-scooter. Both Daimler and BMW will be showing concept scooters that are not only design pieces, but also include advanced technology never seen before in two-wheelers. Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:46:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/e-chic-smart-and-mini-unveil-electric-concept-scooters-a-718896.html The era of the electric car is supposedly just around the corner. But a new trend will be grabbing attention at the Paris Motor Show: the e-scooter. Both Daimler and BMW will be showing concept scooters that are not only design pieces, but also include advanced technology never seen before in two-wheelers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-great-e-llusion-germany-to-promote-electric-cars-with-massive-state-aid-a-691457.html#ref=rss The German government wants to promote the development of electric vehicles on a grand scale. But many industry observers point out that the perceived benefits of e-cars are massively overrated. In some cases, their carbon footprint is even worse than that of conventional autos. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:41:19 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-great-e-llusion-germany-to-promote-electric-cars-with-massive-state-aid-a-691457.html The German government wants to promote the development of electric vehicles on a grand scale. But many industry observers point out that the perceived benefits of e-cars are massively overrated. In some cases, their carbon footprint is even worse than that of conventional autos.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/electric-avenue-riding-the-electromagnetic-wave-of-the-future-a-680590.html#ref=rss Christian Förg devoted his student thesis to solving the distance problem in driving electric cars. At the same time he developed a whole new concept for freeways. The project, called "Speedway," earned him a top grade from his polytechnic university. But there's lots of work to be done. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:15:42 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/electric-avenue-riding-the-electromagnetic-wave-of-the-future-a-680590.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/electric-cars-a-wide-open-race-for-industry-leadership-a-656161.html#ref=rss Warren Buffett has invested in China's BYD, but columnists Anil Gupta and Haiyan Wang caution against putting too much faith in its early-mover advantage. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:06:27 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/electric-cars-a-wide-open-race-for-industry-leadership-a-656161.html Warren Buffett has invested in China's BYD, but columnists Anil Gupta and Haiyan Wang caution against putting too much faith in its early-mover advantage.]]>