Fisker, Elux, Renault, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Volvo.

Fisker to become Elux: News agency Reuters quotes insider informations, saying that the Wanxiang Group wants to rename its Fisker-brand as Elux. Moreover, the (Elux) Karma will not be available until mid-2016, instead of later this year, as previously announced. And the hybrid sports car will sport a hefty price tag of 135,000 dollars, about one-fifth more than the original Fisker Karma. Where it will be built remains anyone’s guess – but according to Reuters, it will not be Finland.
reuters.com

E-Kangoo pick-up: Renault now offers a pick-up version of its Kangoo Z.E. via French company Kolle. This version can seat three in the front and can carry a payload of up to 650 kilos. Under the hood, everything stays the same, giving the pick-up truck version a range of up to 106 miles.
insideevs.com, kolle.fr, avere-france.org (in French)

3-Series update: German magazine Auto Bild brings us more details about the new BMW 3-Series, which will be unveiled at the IAA later this year. The Bavarian carmaker will offer hybrid variants with 60 and 90 kW electric motors, while the electric range will be between 50 and 100 kilometres, depending on the version. Moreover, buyers can choose their hybrid with a conductive or an inductive charging system.
autobild.de (in German)

Two Audi A4 hybrids? A Spanish automobile website says it has already taken a peek at the drivetrain technology for the upcoming Audi A4. According to them, two hybrid variants will be offered – one in combination with a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine and the other in combination with a 2.0 TDI diesel.
motor.es (in Spanish) via indianautosblog.com

Toyota takes wraps off new Auris: The carmaker will present its facelifted Auris at the Geneva Auto Show in a few days. On top of some touch-ups to the ex- and interior, the car will apparently also come with new engines. There will still be a hybrid version; more details are to follow in Geneva.
fleetnews.co.uk, puregreencars.com

Modified diesel-hybrid: Volvo announced the V60 D5 Twin Engine, a new version of the V60 plug-in, for the Geneva Auto Show next week. To mark the introduction of the new technology, which will not be offered in Germany, Volvo will build 500 units of a special and limited edition.
emobilitaetonline.de, autosieger.de (articles in German)