Can we agree that sailboats are the world's most perfect green transportation? I'm going to say yes, and then note that the world's waterways are probably crying for a return to those wind-powered days. While the news from Frauscher Bootswerft doesn't herald a return to pollution-free water travel, it's a least a little bit of good green news for lakes, rivers and seas around the world.

Steyr Motors and Frauscher will introduce the "worldwide first serial Hybrid Propulsion System for pleasure boats" at the boat show in Düsseldorf next month. The companies promise "a new chapter in the history of pleasure boat propulsion" thanks to an electric motor-diesel engine hybrid system that can move a boat at up to 5 knots on EV power. Then, similar to the hybrid system in Lexus hybrids, the electric motor can provide a boost to the system for quick acceleration. While pleasure boats aren't exactly great for the environment, at least with one of these hybrid systems installed they'll be a little less noisy and polluting. I'm all for that.

[Source: Frauscher Bootswerft]

Although we aren't too fond of making an SUV SAV into a symbol of good fuel economy (and some people think that Mini has gone mad because of this announcement), plans for the new MINI Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) are moving ahead. MINI announced that the SAV will be built by Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz, Austria, whch has previously produced BMW's X3. This move allows MINI to increase the number of models without needing to build a new plant. The standard Mini, the convertible and the Clubman are currently built in a plant in Oxford, England, which will shortly reach production figures of 260,000 vehicles per year.

The press release remarks that BMW will be responsible for the brand and the concept, including the drivetrain and design of the supply contracts whereas Magna will be in charge developing the model and production, as well as any of call-offs. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: MINI]