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Mitsubishi teases world premiere of new PHEV concept ahead of Geneva

It was a little disappointing to find out that Mitsubishi's "return of a legend" for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show would simply be the North American debut of the GC-PHEV concept. The crossover has a chunky, rugged design that's somewhat attractive, but it's not exactly new to the motoring world. Apparently, the Japanese brand understands the desire to see what's next because the company is now teasing the world premiere of a concept for the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March. Mitsubishi promises that the still-unnamed concept "is a 'declaration of intent'" for the company's future. The only real hints that the brand drops about the vehicle is that it features a next-gen, two-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain and is a crossover. Judging from Mitsubishi's two teaser images, the design appears to be cribbing a lot from the brand's own XR-PHEV concept. Up front, the angular nose and headlight design look almost identical, and the pointed rear with integrated taillights seems basically the same, as well. Hopefully, the Japanese brand has something clever going on here and isn't just slightly tweaking a previous design. MITSUBISHI MOTORS AT GENEVA MOTORSHOW 2015 CONCEPT CAR WORLD PREMIERE – A DECLARATION OF INTENT 27/01/15 TOKYO - "A future-oriented attitude: powerful, fast and dynamic". This is the theme of the 85th International Geneva Motor Show official poster in perfect synergy with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's (MMC's) confident presence this year; from a new dramatic booth design to the sharpness of an all-new concept car. A world premiere in Geneva, the striking concept car is a 'declaration of intent' for MMC's future directions -a powerful embodiment of its next generation 2WD plug-in hybrid electric ("PHEV") technology as well as its bold design renaissance, all contained in Mitsubishi Motors' favorite format of the SUV crossover. The all new Mitsubishi Motors concept - a smart combination of engineering, fluency with a high-output electric motor, low environmental impact, dynamic agility and athletic design. -ENDS -

What $40k worth of lights and chrome does to a JDM truck

Japan's dekotora truck culture allows big rig drivers to express themselves by decking out their vehicles with a plethora of blinking lights and shining chrome. While we occasionally catch glimpses of this automotive lifestyle in the US, this short documentary called Dekotora, Another Roadside Attraction takes viewers inside the dekotora truck scene with someone who actually drives one everyday. Takuya Sosogi carries fresh vegetables between markets and claims he has covered the over 2 million kilometers (1.2 million miles) in his dekotora. He also has spent around 5 million yen ($46,200 at current rates) to make his Mitsubishi Fuso light up the night. At this point the truck has become among the most important parts of his life. Sosogi believes that taking good care of his rig is akin to looking after himself. Despite the blinking lights and polished metal, Sosogi's truck is almost subdued by dekotora standards. Some of the rigs feature lighting rigs that rise high into the sky and sport crazy body modifications. Watch the entire documentary above for a look into this fascinating Japanese automotive subculture. Related Video:

Recharge Wrap-up: vehicle electrification future, Indonesia biodiesel growth

Navigant Research expects electrified vehicles (including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles) to reach 6 million sales in 2024. That's up from 2.6 million sales in 2015. About half of those sales will be plug-in vehicles in 2024, up from 19 percent in 2015. To make its predictions, Navigant took into account automaker strategies, concept vehicles, regulations and incentives, electricity and oil prices, and charging infrastructure expectations over the 10-year timetable. Navigant also says that despite the massive changes in the last five years, the next five years will be "even more impactful to the global automotive and energy industries." Read more from Navigant Research, or at Green Car Congress. Indonesia's biodiesel consumption is expected to rise dramatically over the next year. While the nation used 291 to 317 million gallons in 2015, consumption levels for 2016 could surpass 2 billion gallons, depending on blending regulation enforcement. Indonesia raised the minimum biodiesel content in diesel fuel from 10 to 15 percent in 2015 while increasing biofuel subsidies. It will raise the blend minimum to 20 percent for 2016, and plans to increase it to 30 percent in 2020. Read more at Business Recorder. Scotland's national newspaper, The Scotsman, has awarded the title of Plug-In Vehicle of the Year to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The paper praised the car for its ability to live up to its "ecocredentials," as well as its all-around practicality. During its long-term test, Scotsman staff enjoyed using the 32.5 miles of electric driving range to commute to and from work. The Scotsman's Steven Chisholm called the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, "an exciting prospect for anyone looking for an SUV that's easy on the wallet as well as the environment." Read more at Inside EVs. Featured Gallery Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S: Paris 2014 View 12 Photos News Source: Navigant Research, Green Car Congress, Business Recorder, Inside EVsImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Government/Legal Green Mitsubishi Alternative Fuels Biodiesel Electric recharge wrapup