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First customers are key to EV sales success, execs say

Word of mouth is a key element to generating buyers for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Today, it's the early adapters, tech-savvy buyers who are embracing the technology and buying the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt and the battery-powered Nissan Leaf. But for these vehicles and similar models to go mainstream, anxiety about the technology needs to be eliminated.

Infiniti confirms Q30 concept unveil in Frankfurt

Infiniti is to unveil the Q30 concept C-segment hatchback at next month's Frankfurt motor show. The Q30 concept, which has been previewed in a sketch, could be a pre-production version of the Etherea – first seen at the 2011 Geneva motor show –based on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It's the carmaker's latest exploration into new premium segments and signifies an expansion of its product range as it moves to strengthen its global position.

Next-gen Passat to offer hybrid and twin-turbo power

VOLKSWAGEN is going even more upmarket with the all-new version of the Passat, which is due to hit showrooms later this year. Soon buyers will be able to include a plug-in hybrid and an all-new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel among their forecourt options, as VW goes chasing after its sister company Audi. Weight-saving measures have chopped up to 85kg from the new kid on a like-for-like basis, which helps achieve VW's stated efficiency boosts of 20% versus equivalent outgoing Passats.