Fairmont Beijing is offering hotel guests a chance to experience BMW’s i cars. For the next three months, guests needing airport transfers will be picked up in one of the German automakers electric vehicles. Also, those who choose the hotel’s “Passion Package,” which includes transportation in one of the cars or on a BMW bike, and a private guided tour of the 789 Arts District and the Peking opera house as well as tickets to an opera performance. Learn more in the press release below.
Formula E will host motor shows at the circuits during its race weekends. Visitors will learn about the technology behind the all-electric race series and the racecars, including the safety and performance aspects. The goal of the four-day shows is not only to entertain and educate people, but also to generate interest in electric and hybrid vehicles in hopes that drivers will consider adopting electric cars themselves. Read more at Formula E’s website.
The average fuel economy of new vehicles has reached a new high of 25.8 miles per gallon, according to the University of Michigan. The school’s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) used the window sticker ratings of the vehicles to reach that number for the month of August. That’s 0.2 mpg higher than July, and 5.7 mpg higher than October 2007, when UMTRI began recording the data. The group also found that average emissions per driver are down by 22 percent since October 2007. Read more at Green Car Congress.
The United States Advanced Battery Consortium has awarded a $667,452 development contract to battery maker Xerion. The contract – a 50-percent cost share co-funded by the US Department of Energy – is for a 15-month program to develop next-generation batteries for plug-in hybrids. Read more in the press release below.
BEIJING, Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Fairmont Beijing is partnering with BMW in a showcase of the luxury carmaker’s new electric, environment-friendly i Series. Guests booking airport transfers and the Fairmont Beijing’s ‘Passion Package’ are being transported around the city for the next three months, from02 September 2014, to experience first-hand the unique sustainable features of the ground-breaking, emission-free concept.
“This marketing alliance between two distinguished brands with parallel values showcases our joint commitment to sustainability,” said Fairmont Beijing’s General Manager Michael Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing partners with BMW as part of a ‘Wise City Action’ initiative encouraging major property companies inBeijing and Shanghai to install re-charging facilities for electric vehicles. The hotel is one of the first real estate locations with re-charging.
“As we all know, all-electric vehicle and hybrid cars need charging regularly, and without convenient and safe charging facilities, wider use of low-carbon electric cars cannot come true. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has a long-standing reputation as a pioneer of environment protection with the brand’s environmental programming dating back to 1990. That comprehensive commitment to minimising our impact on the planet is now extending to China,” added Mr. Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing’s ‘Passion Package’ showcasing the alliance to guests explores ‘Behind the Scenes at the Peking Opera & 798 Arts District.’ With a private guide and transportation in the new electric BMWs, or alternatively BMW bikes, the adventure combines the best of Beijing’s past traditions with the cutting-edge of its contemporary art scene. At the famous 798 Arts District, guests are escorted on a guided gallery tour to meet artists. After lunch, they step back in time over 200 years to explore one of China’s national treasures – Peking opera – visiting the former home of one of its masters, going behind the scenes at a rehearsal of the National Peking Opera Company, and attending a performance at one of China’s oldest opera houses. Or guests at Fairmont Beijing can also explore Beijing’s ancient hutongs riding BMW bikes, complete with a guiding app.
BMW i is a comprehensive and ground-breaking concept for sustainable mobility, combining visionary electric vehicles and mobility services.
Sustainably designed throughout through intelligent lightweight construction with carbon and an aerodynamic design, the all-electric BMW i3, is locally emission-free for city driving and a range of up to 160 km, yet with breath-taking acceleration. Without forfeiting dynamics and its sporty appearance, it is the optimal combination of driving pleasure and responsibility.
The BMW i8 is hailed as “the future of the sports vehicle,” a plug-in hybrid that brings together the advantages of electro mobility and innovative engine technology. The result is an extraordinarily dynamic driving experience – with extremely low consumption and CO2 emissions.
Long before corporate social responsibility became a business buzzword, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was operating in a socially and environmentally sustainable fashion around the world.
“With a long history of social involvement and sustainable practices, Fairmont is committed to having a positive impact in the communities where our guests and colleagues work, live and play. More than two decades after leading the foray into environmental stewardship, we are again raising the bar with this new sustainability partnership with BMW I Series, taking the lead in the ‘Wise City Action’ campaign,” said Mr. Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing began co-operating with BMW, providing BMW bikes with a guiding app for guests to explore Beijing’s ancient hutongs. In North America, complimentary local shuttle services by BMW are provided at all Fairmont hotels in Canada and the United States. Globally, Fairmont hotels also have BMW bicycles available for guests to get outside and experience their destination on two wheels.
The Fairmont Sustainability Partnership programme encourages the brand’s eco-friendly hotels to meet and exceed guest expectations of operational sustainability. It revolves around four pillars to achieving positive long-term change on a global scale: Responsible Business, Ecosystem, Environment, and Engagement – focusing on improvements in waste management, sustainability, and energy and water conservation, and innovative community outreach programs involving local groups and partnerships.
With over 50 distinctive eco-friendly hotels and 23,000 hotel rooms around the globe, “Fairmont continues to lead by example with innovative programmes and an unwavering commitment to expanding its environmental awareness and activity,” continued Mr. Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing Hotel lies at the heart of the Chinese capital’s Central Business District, less than 300 meters from Beijing’s famous Silk Market, and a short stroll from world-class shopping malls such as The Place, Beijing Yintai Centre and China World Trade Centre. The Beijing Metro’s Yong An Li subway station on Line 1 is also just a 2 minute walk away, providing convenient transport to iconic historic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Qian Men and Temple of Heaven. Fairmont Beijing is located at 8 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District,Beijing, PRC.
Follow Fairmont Beijing’s weibo feed at http://e.weibo.com/fairmontbeijing
.
About Fairmont Beijing
Opened in 2010, Fairmont Beijing is one of China’s finest 5-star hotels; a dramatic 25-storey landmark of two towers connected by sky-bridge with natural light-filled interiors accented by contemporary Chinese art creating a sense of space and elegance in the heart of the Chaoyang Central Business District. Guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows are urban sanctuaries, blending traditional and contemporary Chinese style. Acclaimed F&B experiences include chic Asian restaurant Lunar 8, famous for Beijing’s best Peking Duck; a contemporary Sushi Bar; The CUT steakhouse, voted Beijing’s Best Grill; and a seductive Champagne Bar.
Willow Stream Spa is a tranquil urban oasis for soothing therapies and wellness treatments, including signature experiences reflecting local culture, with a state-of-the-art fitness facility and yoga studio. Inspired by Beijing’s traditional hutongs, three exclusive events spaces cater for up to 200 guests.
Fairmont Gold, an exclusive lifestyle experience on the sky bridge, offers private check-in and 24-hour butler service with Fairmont Gold Lounge serving complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapes and late night cocktails. Rooms feature spa-inspired bathrooms with heated floors.
At every touch point, Fairmont Beijing engages guests through an ensemble of sensory journeys, captivating destination discoveries and enriching experiences, taking personal pride in providing genuine, intuitive and engaging hospitality. Just steps from Beijing’s famous Pearl and Silk Markets, and a short stroll from historic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, Fairmont Beijing is part of one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, founded in 1907 with the landmark Fairmont San Francisco.
About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts connects guests to the very best of its destinations worldwide, reflecting each locale’s energy, culture and history. Passionate travelers choose the luxury hotel brand for its ability to deliver memorable travel experiences, personalized and thoughtful service, and hotels that are one-of-a-kind. Serving as genuine gateways to their destinations, Fairmont hotels offer locally-inspired cuisine and spirited bars and lounges, distinctive design and decor, and a steadfast responsibility to environmental and social priorities. With more than 65 hotels globally, and many more in development, landmark hotels in the Fairmont collection include The Plaza inNew York, London’s The Savoy, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with over 110 hotels under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel branded luxury private residence clubs, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please visit fairmont.com
.
USABC AWARDS $667,452 CONTRACT TO XERION FOR NEXT-GEN PHEV BATTERY TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 4, 2014 – The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC), a collaborative organization operated by Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, today announced the award of a $667,452 advanced battery technology development contract for next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications to Xerion Advanced Battery Corporation of Westminster, Colo.
The competitively bid contract award is co-funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and includes a 50 percent Xerion cost-share.
The 15-month program will focus on the development of a battery cell technology with maximized energy density that meets USABC power density goals by optimizing cathode and anode design attributes including porosity, active material loading and area-specific impedance.
USABC is a subsidiary of the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR). Enabled by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. DOE, USABC’s mission is to develop electrochemical energy storage technologies that support commercialization of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles. In support of its mission, USABC has developed mid- and long-term goals to guide its projects and measure its progress. For more information, visit the USABC’s website at http://www.uscar.org/guest/article_view.php?articles_id=85
“We are pleased to announce the award of this contract to Xerion as part of USABC’s broad battery technology research and development programs,” said Steve Zimmer, executive director of USCAR. “These programs are essential to advance the technology needed to meet both near- and long-term goals that will enable increasingly efficient and affordable vehicle electrification.”
The U.S. DOE’s overarching mission is to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States. DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office works with industry, academia and national laboratories to develop advanced transportation technologies that reduce the nation’s use of imported oil and increase its energy security. Electrochemical energy storage has been identified as a critical enabling technology for advanced, fuel-efficient, light and heavy-duty vehicles.
About USCAR
Founded in 1992, USCAR is the collaborative automotive technology company for Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors. The goal of USCAR is to further strengthen the technology base of the domestic auto industry through cooperative research and development. For more information, visit USCAR’s website at www.uscar.org
