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July 2007
This Month Poll: Would You Consider Buying Electric Car?
Electric vehicles were introduced about 15 years ago but were soon discontinued because of a lack of demand. The difference this time is the fact that we have an imperative.
Everything is converging together: the greenhouse gases, the oil prices, the crisis in the Middle East, energy security for the country.
Technology and oil prices are putting electric cars on the fast track. In about three years they could be widely commercially available. Would you consider buying one?
June 2007
Toyota Delays Launch of Next-Gen Prius Hybrid
Toyota Motor Corp. has decided to postpone the launch of the third-generation Prius hybrid model by half a year to the spring of 2009. The first Prius debuted in 1997 as the world's first mass-market hybrid car, and was vastly improved for the second generation launched in late 2003.
Lightning GT - New UK Electric Sport Car
A UK car company is introducing an all-electric luxury sportscar powered by by electric motors. The Lightning Car Company is targeting a range for its Lightning GT models of approximately 250 miles and a top speed of 150 mph. They will produce three models that should do 0-60mph in 4 seconds. Recharging the Lightning will takes just 10 minutes.
GM Awards Advanced Development Battery Contracts For Chevy Volt
General Motors has awarded two contracts for advanced development of lithium-ion batteries for its electric drive "E-Flex System," it was announced today at GM's annual shareholder meeting.
GM selected two companies out of the 13 technical proposals it considered to provide advanced lithium batteries for both range-extender electric and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture.
This Month Poll: How Expensive would Gas Have to Become Before You Change Your Driving Habits?
Poll: How expensive would gas have to become before you change your driving habits?
Gasoline consumption grew last week by 1.2 percent over the same period a year ago, as measured by four-week periods the agency calculates. That was slightly less than officials expected, which they attributed to the piercing of the psychological barrier of $3 per gallon.
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May 2007
Prius to Become Toyota’s Next Brand
After the 2011 model year, Toyota hybrids will no longer be sold under the Toyota nameplate, but instead under the Prius brand.
The Prius A will be introduced in 2009, "B" will be introduced in 2010 and the "C" will launched in 2011.
Where this leaves the Highlander Hybrid SUV, for example, remains to be seen.
In Geneva, Toyota displayed its Hybrid X concept, which has been misinterpreted by some as the next-generation Prius
Formula One to Propose a Green Revolution
Formula one is hoping to become more eco-friendly by 2011 by limiting engine size, running cars on biofuel and restricting revs.
Max Mosley, the FIA president, has proposed a "green revolution" for 2011 which would transform formula one.
Smart and Green: Kia CEE'D LS 1.6 CRDi
Smart and green, the Kia Cee'd offers a strong European-built challenge to established marques.
Cee’d impressed with the flexible engine and light gear change made easy going of even the most congested roads.
Intelligent Cars are Fuel-Efficient as Hybrids
Hybrid vehicles such have an electric motor and a fossil-fuel engine, which are deployed at different stages of the driving cycle to deliver fuel economies. But, so-called "intelligent" cars fitted with sensors to predict traffic flows can deliver the same fuel efficiency as vaunted hybrid vehicles, according to a new study.
Fossil Fuels are History Says EX-GM Chief
Former GM CEO says hydrogen should and will play an increasing role in America's drive for energy independence. The Rochester Hills-based company he now heads, Energy Conversion Devices Inc., will be a leader in this emerging hydrogen economy.
Renault Launches its "Renault eco²" Line Of Vehicles
With the framework of Renault Commitment 2009, the company has publicly stated its ambitious environmental objectives. Renault believes that by making its environmentally-friendly vehicles economical to buy and run it will increase the benefit they represent for the environment.
Ford and Chrysler Address Fuel Efficiency in New Campaigns
Ford and Chrysler are both launching campaigns that acknowledge pain at the pump. Chrysler's is a dealer ad push highlighting the fuel efficiency of a range of cars and trucks under its three brands. Ford is promoting its 2008 Escape and Escape hybrid, both of which recently went on sale, with new campaigns that also bring Kermit the Frog as spokes-amphibian for the Escape Hybrid.
Owning a Diesel Never Looked or Smelled Better
Less expensive, more fuel efficient and cleaner. The diesel versus hybrid debate is sure to go on for a while. It is so clean that Mercedes-Benz claims customers can place a clean white handkerchief on the exhaust pipe and still have it unsoiled after a few minutes.
Automatic 8-Speed Transmission for Better Fuel Economy
ZF has designed a new automatic 8-speed transmission which allows for additional fuel savings of approximately six percent compared with the already optimized automatic 6-speed transmission of the second generation.
April 2007
Astronaut and Billionaire will Ride Hydrogen Hummer to South Pole
Former American astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Apple Macintosh billionaire Steve Wozniak will drive a monster 4WD to the South Pole next Christmas.
They are claiming the trip will be environmentally friendly because Hummer H1 will be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
This Month Poll: Is Ethanol Our Right Choice?
Ethanol and its impact on farmers, global food supply and food prices.
Thanks to an increasing demand for ethanol Corn has about doubled in price during the last few months. Almost everything in our refrigerator contains corn. Whether it's milk or eggs or chicken, pork, beef, ice cream, yogurt — these are all corn products.
Europe Looks at Biofuels Alternatives
Americans are betting big on ethanol as a green fuel. European carmakers are far less convinced that ethanol is the best green fuel choice. They are experimenting with a variety of biofuels, including biodiesel, biomass, and hydrogen - as well as compressed natural gas and engine technologies that reduce harmful carbon-dioxide emissions.
Lexus LF-A Supercar Goes Hybrid
The Lexus brand's first supercar — the Lexus LF-A — will be offered with a hybrid powertrain. It promises to set a fresh standard in the hybrid technology to which Lexus is totally committed.
Full Review: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L
When the 2008 LS 600h L hybrid luxury sedan launches this summer it will provide the highest level of performance and technology, and the truest expression of luxury of any Lexus ever created.
Mercedes CLK320 CDI Sport vs. BMW 335d SE Coupe
No one likes to compromise, particularly when it comes to buying the car of their dreams. But with petrol prices showing little sign of dropping, the improved fuel economy of diesel has become an increasingly attractive proposition. This article compares two beautiful sport coupes: Mercedes CLK 320 CDI and BMW 335d SE. Even they run on diesel instead of gas, their performance are superb.
Smallest Hummer Will Target and Environmentally Conscious Buyers: H4 Arrive in 2010
Smallest Hummer arrive in 2010. The new Hummer is going to be called the H4, and it's going to be targeting the compact and crossover segment. It will target non-North American markets and environmentally conscious buyers
Would Ethanol Cause More Smog and Deaths?
Switching from gasoline to ethanol - touted as a green alternative at the pump - may create dirtier air, causing slightly more smog-related deaths, a new study says.
Earth-Friendly Prius Gets New, Friendly Option Prices
As Earth Month 2007 continues, Toyota is preparing to celebrate several anniversaries with a special savings bonus. At the New York International Auto Show, Toyota revealed new pricing with substantial savings on "ECO-nomic Savings" packages.
Do You Save With a Hybrid SUV?
Depending on the comparison model, HEVs showed a fuel consumption benefit that ranged from 2.7 to 3.25 liters/100 km. Compared with the average U.S. fuel consumption of around 20 mpg (11.3 liters/100Km), this benefit means that the mileage would improve.
Ford's Top Ten Green Initiatives
In recognition of Earth Day, April 22, here is a list on some of Ford’s latest ‘green’ initiatives. Ford’s comprehensive global sustainability strategy includes a focus on the development of environmentally friendly vehicle technologies, including hybrids, diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engines and transmissions, E85 ethanol, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
