Tesla/BMW, Portland, Audi, BMW M, Ford, Nissan.

Tesla and BMW to join forces? Apparently, both carmakers have met last week to discuss a possible collaboration “to strengthen the development of electro-mobility on an international level,” a BMW spokesperson confirmed. According to Elon Musk, there had also been talks on how to make better use of Tesla’s Supercharger network.
electric-vehiclenews.com, hybridcars.com, teslamag.de

Portland testing e-NV200: In a six-week trial, Nissan together with Portland General Electric (PGE) will test the viability of an electric commercial vehicle in the States. The utility provider has therefore introduced an e-NV200 into its fleet in Portland.
automotive-business-review.com, green.autoblog.com

Audi takes top spot at hybrid battle: The German carmaker won the legendary 24-hour race at Le Mans for the fourth time in a row. At the end, both R18 e-tron quattros battled for the lead, after Toyota’s leading vehicle had to cut its race short. Newcomer Porsche saw one of its cars cross the finish line.
greencarcongress.com, puregreencars.com

Hybridised BMW M: Friedrich Nitschke, Head of BMW’s M division, can imagine to introduce the M models with carbon and hybrid technology in the near future, German Auto, Motor und Sport reports. However, he does not see a pure M hybrid anytime soon as the additional weight of a 300-kilo battery does not fit into the series’ aim to reduce weight.
focus.de (in German)

Ford has to lower MPG ratings: In accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American carmaker is to correct the fuel economy ratings of six models. Among them are the hybrid C-Max and Fusion which were found to be up to 15% less efficient than previously announced. For the C-Max it is the second downgrade already and Ford promised to reimburse the 200,000 owners.
greencarcongress.com, hybridcars.com, electriccarsreport.com

e-NV200 Review: Following the start of the trial of Nissan’s electric van in Portland, Bengt Halvorson was allowed to take a few turns. He was surprised of how much it actually felt like the 2014 Leaf with which the e-NV200 shares its drivetrain. One difference Halvorson found is the feasible two-stage accelerator linkage designed to prevent van drivers from pushing it too hard if not yet used to the “EV’s instantaneous torque.”
greencarreports.com