AutoblogGreenhttp://www.autobloggreen.comAutoblogGreenhttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/feedlogo.gifAutoblogGreenhttp://www.autobloggreen.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autobloggreen.com/category/podcasts/rss.xmlAutoblogGreenMcDonald's in North Carolina adds EV charging pointhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-in-north-carolina-adds-ev-charging-point/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-in-north-carolina-adds-ev-charging-point/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-in-north-carolina-adds-ev-charging-point/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



About a decade ago, a lone McDonald's in Phoenix, Arizona installed an electric car charging station in the hopes that one day consumers would be driving to its store on electrons in lieu of fossil fuels. A decade has since passed and most of us still pump dead dinos into our tanks, but at least one McDonald's franchise in Cary, North Carolina is taking another look at electric car charging points.

Ric Richards, the owner of the McDonald's in question, is reportedly going green on the new restaurant with eco-friendly materials and technologies, and that includes a ChargePoint charging station for plug-in vehicles. Click here for a quick primer on how the ChargePoint public charging station works.

It's probably going to be a little while longer before a large enough number of plug-in vehicles are on our roads to prompt widespread adoption of charging points, but at least one fast food restaurant will be ready. McDonald's in Sweden are also looking at offering outlets with Big Macs.

[Source: Hybrid Cars | Photo: smenzel CC 2.0]

McDonald's in North Carolina adds EV charging point originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chargepointchargepoint mcdonaldsChargepointMcdonaldsmcdonaldsmcdonalds cary north carolinaMcdonaldsCaryNorthCarolinaJeremy KorzeniewskiMon, 06 Jul 2009 19:35:00 ESTGet your Tesla Roadster with monthly payments from Bank of Americahttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/get-your-tesla-roadster-with-monthly-payments-from-bank-of-ameri/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/get-your-tesla-roadster-with-monthly-payments-from-bank-of-ameri/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/get-your-tesla-roadster-with-monthly-payments-from-bank-of-ameri/#commentsFiled under: ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since Tesla doesn't release the names of most of the people who purchase one of its electric Roadsters, we can only speculate about the financial wherewithal of most of them. However, it's probably reasonably safe to assume that most of them have considerable means and are mostly paying in cash. After all, the average working stiff can't afford a $100,000+ sports car no matter how low the operating costs might be. For those that can't quite swing an upfront cash payment, Tesla is now teaming up with Bank of America to offer financing on the Roadster.

Of course, being able to get a monthly payment plan on the Roadster still doesn't make it inexpensive. Assuming an absolutely baseline Roadster at $109K, the $7,500 federal tax credit, a substantial $20,000 down payment and 7.7 percent financing, the payments on a 60-month loan would amount to $1,650 every month. Bank of America isn't specifying any terms, but you can apply online or at a Tesla store.

Gallery: Tesla Roadster


[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Get your Tesla Roadster with monthly payments from Bank of America

Get your Tesla Roadster with monthly payments from Bank of America originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bank of americabank of america teslaBankOfAmericaBankOfAmericaTeslatesla financingtesla motorstesla roadstertesla roadster financingTeslaFinancingTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterFinancingSam AbuelsamidMon, 06 Jul 2009 14:06:00 ESTPETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaignhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/27/peta-alert-fiat-underscores-eco-friendliness-using-unique-adver/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/27/peta-alert-fiat-underscores-eco-friendliness-using-unique-adver/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/27/peta-alert-fiat-underscores-eco-friendliness-using-unique-adver/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


European Fiat advertising campaign - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've some pretty cool advertising in our time, but the new European marketing campaign from Fiat is surely one of the more memorable efforts from an automaker in recent years. In an effort to underscore the safety of its diminutive 500, both to its occupants and the animals we share our planet with, the Italian automaker has unleashed a new series of images depicting the little hatchback in various crash test scenarios.

The interesting part comes from the car's occupants, which includes a panda bear, a walrus (goo goo g'joob) and a couple of penguins. Equally as clever is the tagline, "Engineered for a lower impact on the environment," after which the ad reminds the viewer that Fiat - with an average of just 133.7 grams per kilometer - is the brand with the lowest carbon emissions in all of Europe.

Gallery: European Fiat advertising campaign


[Source: Fubiz.net via Jalopnik]

PETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaign originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fiatfiat 500fiat advertisingfiat advertising campaignfiat animal crash testfiat crash testFiat500FiatAdvertisingFiatAdvertisingCampaignFiatAnimalCrashTestFiatCrashTestJeremy KorzeniewskiSat, 27 Jun 2009 19:02:00 ESTGerman town of Vauban basically bans all carshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/26/german-town-of-vauban-basically-bans-all-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/26/german-town-of-vauban-basically-bans-all-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/26/german-town-of-vauban-basically-bans-all-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Like the idea of car-free streets? Bicycle riders the world over can probably see the appeal, but in the town of Vauban, German, the car-free lifestyle is being taken up by pretty much everyone. Since the early 1990s, residents have been moving away from cars and into alternatives like public transportation and bikes. As we wrote in 2006, the shift has been incremental and with the strong support of the people living in town. Heck, about 57 percent of the residents sold their cars in order to "enjoy the privilege of living here," project founder Andreas Delleske recently told The Independent.

One way Vauban emptied the streets was to raise the associated costs of owning a car in town. For example, it costs about €20,000 ($28,153 U.S.) for a parking space in a garage on the outskirts of town. To make up for the convenience of personal vehicles, Vauban operates with an "ultra-efficient tram service" and also offers car-sharing for people who want to go on trips. The green efforts are attracting attention, and busloads of tourists show up every day to see how things are going down. Of course, they need to park outside of town and walk in. It's all part of the experience. Thanks for the tip, FaLeX!

[Source: The Independent]
Photo by lrargerich. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

German town of Vauban basically bans all cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bar canBarCangerman car banGermanCarBanvaubanvauban car banvauban germanyVaubanCarBanVaubanGermanySebastian BlancoFri, 26 Jun 2009 19:51:00 ESTSTUDY: The way to profits in Detroit? Make fuel efficient carshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/22/study-the-way-to-profits-in-detroit-make-fuel-efficient-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/22/study-the-way-to-profits-in-detroit-make-fuel-efficient-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/22/study-the-way-to-profits-in-detroit-make-fuel-efficient-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



According to a new study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, the Detroit three automakers need to make major changes in their current corporate cultures if they truly want to reverse their fortunes, and that will likely require new leadership. Says Walter McManus, director of the Transportation Research Institute's Automotive Analysis Division and co-author of the report:
Our findings support rapid, wide-reaching change in business models. The key to a long-term recovery is executing an excellent portfolio of products, and we find that increasing fuel economy standards will lead to a portfolio of products that is more likely to raise the profits of the Detroit 3 automakers than to lower them.
Perhaps it's not fair to lump all three major American automakers into the same category, but it's also true that Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have only recently shown any real efforts to drastically improve the fuel efficiency of their automotive fleet. Whether it's with the current leadership or not, hopefully that culture really is on the way out.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Photo by Elsie esq. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

STUDY: The way to profits in Detroit? Make fuel efficient cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chrysler fuel efficiencyChryslerFuelEfficiencyford fuel efficiencyFordFuelEfficiencyfuel economyfuel efficiencyfuel efficientfuel efficient carfuel efficient carsFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientFuelEfficientCarFuelEfficientCarsgm fuel efficiencyGmFuelEfficiencyJeremy KorzeniewskiMon, 22 Jun 2009 14:53:00 ESTDrive your green vehicle at Laguna Seca during Refuelhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/22/drive-your-green-vehicle-at-laguna-seca-during-refuel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/22/drive-your-green-vehicle-at-laguna-seca-during-refuel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/22/drive-your-green-vehicle-at-laguna-seca-during-refuel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



Ever wanted to take your green vehicle to a world-renowned race track, show it off to the masses and maybe even try a little race-against-the-clock action? Well, soon you can. On July 19th, Speed Ventures is presenting a day at Laguna Seca for owners, builders and manufacturers of alternatively-fueled vehicles to showcase their rides to the general public in an event that will include parade laps, ride alongs, practice lap sessions and even a time-trial competition.

While we don't know who exactly will be in attendance (there are rumors that an electric motorcycle from the recent TTXGP will be present), we wouldn't be surprised to see a Tesla or two considering that they are native to California and some Roadster owners are just a little competitive. Who knows, maybe Q'orianka Kilcher will want to flaunt her new Honda Clarity.

To help maximize participation in their first alt-fuel event, organizers are not charging any vehicle entry fees beyond the $10 per person that will apply to all attendees. So, if you're craving the corkscrew (pictured above), go ahead and get registered while there's still space. Have fun and don't forget your video cameras.

[Source: Speed Ventures]
Photo by wickedchimp. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Drive your green vehicle at Laguna Seca during Refuel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alt-fuel vehiclesAlt-fuelVehiclesalternative vehicle demonstrationAlternativeVehicleDemonstrationLaguna SecaLagunaSecaRefuelSpeed VenturesSpeedVenturesDomenick YoneyMon, 22 Jun 2009 12:36:00 ESTEnvy alert: cruising in a Tesla Roadster in Hawai'ihttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/21/envy-alert-cruising-in-a-tesla-roadster-in-hawaii/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/21/envy-alert-cruising-in-a-tesla-roadster-in-hawaii/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/21/envy-alert-cruising-in-a-tesla-roadster-in-hawaii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Finally. It's been a few years since we made the case that Hawai'i is one of world's best places to introduce electric cars. Since then, we've seen the state begin to make moves in an EV direction through a partnership with Better Place and got to learn about the first ever electric car in Hawai'i. But Henk Rogers is living the dream.

Rogers owns the fourth Tesla Roadster in Hawai'i, and the Honolulu Weekly recently learned about how the car came to Honolulu. Hint, it's about the ocean. See, Rogers is concerned about the increasing acidification of the ocean (apparently, 100 million tons of CO2 sink into the ocean every hour, rapidly increasing the acid level there) and the damage this is doing to shellfish and coral. He started up the Blue Planet Foundation that's trying to get Hawai'i to get off of carbon-producing energy. That's a big goal, and, in the meantime, Rogers cruises around O'ahu in the Roadster, an electric scooter and a Prius. Fun.

[Source: Honolulu Weekly]
Full disclosure: I used to write for the Honolulu Weekly.

Envy alert: cruising in a Tesla Roadster in Hawai'i originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hawaii electric carHawaiiElectricCarhonolulu roadsterhonolulu weeklyHonoluluRoadsterHonoluluWeeklytesla hawaiitesla honolulutesla roadsterTeslaHawaiiTeslaHonoluluTeslaRoadsterSebastian BlancoSun, 21 Jun 2009 19:27:00 ESTIt's Friday - Big Rig Jig is one artist's take on the global oil industryhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/19/its-friday-big-rig-jig-is-one-artists-take-on-the-global-oil/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/19/its-friday-big-rig-jig-is-one-artists-take-on-the-global-oil/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/19/its-friday-big-rig-jig-is-one-artists-take-on-the-global-oil/#commentsFiled under: ,


Big Rig Jig - Click above for image gallery
Big Rig Jig is a rumination on power as manifest in the relationship between humankind and nature. The sculpture utilizes two decommissioned 18-wheeler tanker trucks, referencing a global oil industry at the nexus of our world's political, social, and environmental systems. By repurposing these symbolically rich objects, the artist conveys his admiration for and anxiety over humanity's power.
That's how Mike Ross, a designer working on large-scale sculptures since 1998, describes Big Rig Jig, the twin 18-wheeler piece of art seen above. We're not going to try and interpret that too much, but the inspiration obviously has something to do with society's dependence on oil. Debuted at Burning Man back in 2007, the sculpture has continued on display over the last few years at various events and festivals.

Gallery: Burning Man 2007: Big Rig Jig


[Source: Big Rig Jig via Green Launches | Image: dr.placebo]

It's Friday - Big Rig Jig is one artist's take on the global oil industry originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>big jig rigBigJigRigburning manBurningManmike rossMikeRossoil tankerOilTankerJeremy KorzeniewskiFri, 19 Jun 2009 10:55:00 ESTSNCF launches "door-to-door" trip planner for four French citieshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/18/sncf-launches-door-to-door-trip-planner-for-four-french-cities/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/18/sncf-launches-door-to-door-trip-planner-for-four-french-cities/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/18/sncf-launches-door-to-door-trip-planner-for-four-french-cities/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


SNCF, the public company that manages French railways, has launched a new directions service that includes all modes of public transport. While there are plenty of sites that offer directions for drivers, and most mass transit systems have their own "how to go" application, this is claimed to be the first time that a single site unifies all public transport intercity options in four French cities in a single application. The service is called "Porte @ Porte" (door to door).

If you have your train reservation number, "Porte @ porte" will give you the complete itinerary from your current location to the train station using public transport, the train route to your destination city, and then again the public transporation itinerary to get your final destination. Currently, the service includes up to date information for Paris, Lille, Lyon and Rennes. Rumors say we can expect a "Porte @ Porte" iPhone app soon.

[Source: Carfree France]

SNCF launches "door-to-door" trip planner for four French cities originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>itineraryporte a portePorteAPortepublic transportPublicTransportsncftransport networkTransportNetworkXavier NavarroThu, 18 Jun 2009 09:24:00 ESTeBay find of the day: Pyramid-shaped Dream Car 123 electric vehiclehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-pyramid-shaped-dream-car-123-electric-vehi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-pyramid-shaped-dream-car-123-electric-vehi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-pyramid-shaped-dream-car-123-electric-vehi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Dream Car 123 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Dream Car 123 electric car is not your average EV. Previously named the Zanis 1 after designer and builder Greg Zanis, the car is a pyramid-shaped beast that weighs something like 8,000 pounds and carries 80 batteries and four motors. Of course, there are also neon lights. Yeah, this isn't the most efficient vehicle ever.

Zanis has big dreams, from 65-feet-tall garages that collect solar and wind energy to city-to-city tunnels where vehicles like the Dream Car 123 can go 250 mph. For now, things are a bit more modest: the prototype can only go between 15 and 20 mph (but up to 40 downhill!). The good news, if you think this is a vehilce you'd like to drive: it's for sale on eBay right now. Current bid is $10,000 and the auction ends June 23.

As the seller says in the listing, "We are selling this car to rise money for the dream car project. We need to start making the real thing." For more information about the car, check out the Dream Car 123 website and watch the two videos describing the vehicle after the jump. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!

Gallery: Dream Car 123


[Source: eBay, Dream Car 123]

Continue reading eBay find of the day: Pyramid-shaped Dream Car 123 electric vehicle

eBay find of the day: Pyramid-shaped Dream Car 123 electric vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dream car 123DreamCar123greg zanisGregZanispyramid carPyramidCarSebastian BlancoWed, 17 Jun 2009 15:14:00 ESTGet ready to see more Priuses at the pump in your neighborhood this summerhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/16/get-ready-to-see-more-priuses-at-the-pump-in-your-neighborhood-t/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/16/get-ready-to-see-more-priuses-at-the-pump-in-your-neighborhood-t/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/16/get-ready-to-see-more-priuses-at-the-pump-in-your-neighborhood-t/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

The third generation Toyota Prius is just ramping up its marketing mojo, and one place you'll see plenty of the gold standard hybrid is at the gas pump, at least virtually. Toyota is hooking up with Gas Station TV to present "Prius Neighborhood" television program to the over 1 million unique viewers that stare at LCD TVs while they fuel up. Prius Neighborhood is the latest effort to intertwine social media with traditional communication tools. Anyone can submit grassroots and community events via the GSTV website, and select events will actually appear at the pump, sandwiched between ads for the 50 mpg hybrid.

Those interested in following events on Prius Neighborhood can do so on Facebook, as well as Twitter at @GSTVevents. The site contains a calender of charity and community events searchable by zip code, and some of the events will be chosen for air on GSTV. GSTV airs in over 1,000 gas stations in the U.S., hitting 22 of the 25 top markets. Hit the jump to view the GSTV press release.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius - First Drive


[Source: IT News Online]

Continue reading Get ready to see more Priuses at the pump in your neighborhood this summer

Get ready to see more Priuses at the pump in your neighborhood this summer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2010 toyota prius2010ToyotaPriusadvertsinggas station tvGasStationTvhybridtoyota priusToyotaPriusChris ShunkTue, 16 Jun 2009 09:35:00 ESTPICC plug-in Prius can now go 70 mph on battery powerhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/10/picc-plug-in-prius-can-now-go-70-mph-on-battery-power/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/10/picc-plug-in-prius-can-now-go-70-mph-on-battery-power/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/10/picc-plug-in-prius-can-now-go-70-mph-on-battery-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Thanks to a beefed up bit of software, Priuses converted to plug-in drive by Plug In Conversions Corp. (PICC) have gotten quite a bit better. They can now go up to 70 mph using nothing but their batteries and get 170 mpge. The software manages to get around Toyota's built-in top speed limitation of 34 miles per hour in EV mode, as PICC president Kim Adelman told us when we spoke to him at EVS23. All of this goodness doesn't come cheap: the software upgrade will cost customers anywhere between $2,000 and $2,500 on top of the $12,500 conversion; at least there will be a free trial version available at some point. The software goest on sale later this month.

In PICC's announcment of the upgrade (which you can read after the jump), there was no explanation of how Argonne National Laboratory tested the car recently and calculated the 170 mpge number, but, previously, PICC's best and most expensive packs could get around 25 miles of EV-only range.

Gallery: Plug In Conversions Corp. PHEV Prius


[Source: PICC]
Photos courtesy of Plug In Conversions Corp.

Continue reading PICC plug-in Prius can now go 70 mph on battery power

PICC plug-in Prius can now go 70 mph on battery power originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>piccpicc plug in priuspicc priusPiccPlugInPriusPiccPriusplug in conversionsplug in conversions corpplug in hybridplug in priusPlugInConversionsPlugInConversionsCorpPlugInHybridPlugInPriusSebastian BlancoWed, 10 Jun 2009 12:58:00 ESTMeet a MINI E that will only use solar powerhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/09/meet-a-mini-e-that-will-only-use-solar-power/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/09/meet-a-mini-e-that-will-only-use-solar-power/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/09/meet-a-mini-e-that-will-only-use-solar-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


MINI E - Click above for image gallery

The all-electric MINI Es are starting to be delivered, and AutoblogGreen reader David VM. will do something a little extra with his new ride: power it completely by solar power. David has started up a new blog called MINI E 19 (his car is #19) and the first entry talks about the initial week with the battery-laden MINI E. Oh, and he describes what the G.A.S. and B.R.A.K.E pedals are for. They're different than look-alike pedals in a MINI Cooper ClubmanS, for example, which David also owns.

David powers his whole house using rooftop power, so adding the car to the solar mix wasn't exactly difficult. While the leases for the MINI E aren't cheap ($850 a month, plus tax), David says the EV replaces another car, so it only costs him about $100 more a month to cruise in true zero-emission style. You can see the solar-powered MINI E in David's gallery below, along with his first electric vehicle: a GEM.

[Source: MINI E 19]

Meet a MINI E that will only use solar power originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>mini emini e deliverymini e solarmini evMiniEMiniEDeliveryMiniESolarMiniEvsolar min esolar powerSolarMinESolarPowerSebastian BlancoTue, 09 Jun 2009 14:20:00 ESTXinhua: Hummer is "an exaggerated and extreme example of a disregard for the environment"http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/09/xinhua-hummer-is-an-exaggerated-and-extreme-example-of-a-disreg/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/09/xinhua-hummer-is-an-exaggerated-and-extreme-example-of-a-disreg/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/09/xinhua-hummer-is-an-exaggerated-and-extreme-example-of-a-disreg/#commentsFiled under: , ,



General Motors' HUMMER division has long been the whipping boy of the environmental movement, and now even the Chinese government seems to be getting in on the act. Quoting Richard Wottrich, International Managing Director at investment banking firm Dresner Partners, the state-run Chinese media outlet Xinhua starts out a story on Tengzhong's bid to purchase the SUV maker from GM this way:
General Motors' HUMMER is considered as an exaggerated and extreme example of a disregard for the environment and there are significant brand negatives for the Chinese company Tengzhong to buy it. The vehicle is too big, uses too much gas, and is viewed as a toy for the rich. These are rather significant brand negatives for the Chinese company Tengzhong to consider. HUMMER is a difficult brand name to reconcile with current global conditions and political thought.
Well, that doesn't sound too hot, does it? Wottrich goes on to give sound reasoning behind GM's decision to offload the brand and suggests that these same issues may be reason enough to give Tengzhong pause when considering its purchase. Before any deal can go through between Tenzhong and GM, the Chinese government must grant its seal of approval, and that's no sure thing.

[Source: Xinhua]

Xinhua: Hummer is "an exaggerated and extreme example of a disregard for the environment" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chinese hummer saleChineseHummerSalehummerhummer salehummer sale chinaHummerSaleHummerSaleChinatengzhongJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 09 Jun 2009 09:36:00 ESTConvoy of Tesla Roadsters in California commemorates 500th deliveryhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/08/convoy-of-tesla-roadsters-in-california-commemorates-500th-deliv/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/08/convoy-of-tesla-roadsters-in-california-commemorates-500th-deliv/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/08/convoy-of-tesla-roadsters-in-california-commemorates-500th-deliv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

UPDATE: Added Speed and Motion HD Video after the jump
Tesla Roadster convoy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just what do you call a gathering of 30 or so Tesla Roadsters all in one place? A gaggle? A flock? After taking a look at the photos of such an event from our friends at Speed and Motion, we'll go with convoy. This crowd was brought together to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Tesla's first retail store and the delivery of the 500th Tesla Roadster, meaning that the cars you see in the pictures below represent less than a tenth of total Roadster production so far. Elliot from Speed and Motion describes the experience this way:
What a treat it was to experience 60 miles along the streets and freeways of LA including a run through the scenic Malibu canyons. What surprised me was how quick (0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds) and agile in the corners this electric vehicle really is on the road. We made a pit stop at the Rock Store before heading over for a wonderful barbecue at Greener Pasture Ranch, a Tesla customer's private home.

Riding in these cars is so peaceful and tranquil. It sure was a change from the loud and wild exotic cars that we are used to experiencing here at speedandmotion! One thing I can say for sure is the owners are such a spirited and lively group, not to mention car aficionados at heart.
We've got 20 pictures in the gallery below that are almost too much if you're a Roadster fan. See the rest of the photos here and be sure to click past the break for a couple of videos that were taken during the event, along with the official press release.

Gallery: Convoy of 50 Tesla Roadsters


[Source: Speed and Motion]

Continue reading Convoy of Tesla Roadsters in California commemorates 500th delivery

Convoy of Tesla Roadsters in California commemorates 500th delivery originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>electric carelectric car gatheringElectricCarElectricCarGatheringfeaturedteslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla roadster gatheringTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterGatheringJeremy KorzeniewskiMon, 08 Jun 2009 19:50:00 ESTBilbao claims to have the first subway in the world using only renewable energyhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/06/bilbao-claims-to-have-the-first-subway-in-the-world-using-only-r/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/06/bilbao-claims-to-have-the-first-subway-in-the-world-using-only-r/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/06/bilbao-claims-to-have-the-first-subway-in-the-world-using-only-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Bilbao, Spain, has a subway system that is famous for having its stations designed by Sir Norman Foster. There's now another reason that people might be interested in riding the underground rails. Metro de Bilbao, the company that manages the railway system, has announced that all the energy they used during 2008 was obtained from renewable sources and was supplied by Naturgas, a local utility. The company claims that the suburban train system has saved 46,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, about the same as taking 8,000 cars, each driven for 30,000 km (about 20,000 miles) per year, off the road. Metro de Bilbao also announced the installation of brake energy recovery systems that not only stop the trains more effectively but also get energy savings of 33 percent.

[Source: MetroBilbao]

Bilbao claims to have the first subway in the world using only renewable energy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>basque countryBasqueCountrybilbaobilboeuskadimass transitMassTransitmetrospainsubwayXavier NavarroSat, 06 Jun 2009 08:46:00 ESTMeet Veronica Moss, A.U.T.O. lobbyist [VIDEO]http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/01/video-meet-veronica-moss-auto-lobbyist/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/01/video-meet-veronica-moss-auto-lobbyist/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/01/video-meet-veronica-moss-auto-lobbyist/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"If you know yourself but not your enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat."
In an effort to follow the advice of Art of War author, Sun Tzu, the good folks over at Streetfilms, the video arm of the Livable Streets Initiative, wanted to learn more about the people engaged in working against the interest of sustainable development at the federal level. They recently had an opportunity spend some quality time talking with listening to a lobbyist for Automobile Users Trade Organization (AUTO), Miss Veronica Moss and captured the encounter on tape.

Conducted in the front seat of one of her SUVs, the interview with monologue by Miss Moss proved an entertaining vignette and so they have decided to share her insights and attitudes with the rest of the world. Among the pearls of wisdom dropped are the choice declarations, "There are not enough roads for cars," and "People need to be able to drive their car, that's an American right." We won't spoil any more of it for you so, hit the jump for your own bit of quality time with Veronica.

[Source: Streetfilms via No Impact Man]

Continue reading Meet Veronica Moss, A.U.T.O. lobbyist [VIDEO]

Meet Veronica Moss, A.U.T.O. lobbyist [VIDEO] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Automobile Users Trade Organization AUTOAutomobileUsersTradeOrganizationAutoLivable Streets InitiativeLivableStreetsInitiativeStreetfilmsSUVVeronica MossVeronicaMossDomenick YoneyMon, 01 Jun 2009 14:57:00 ESTNo Brainer of the Day: Making biodiesel at home is dangerous http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/24/no-brainer-of-the-day-making-biodiesel-at-home-is-dangerous/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/24/no-brainer-of-the-day-making-biodiesel-at-home-is-dangerous/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/24/no-brainer-of-the-day-making-biodiesel-at-home-is-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While fuel prices are nothing like they were last summer (but they are climbing), there are still plenty of reasons to want to make your own biodiesel. Homebrew biodieselers are, on the whole, a careful bunch and there are plenty of classes available to make sure your mixing of vegetable fat, lye and methanol goes smoothly. Not everyone does it right every time, though, and The Associated Press has found a few incidents of biodiesel makers setting garages and backyards on fire in at least five states (Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Oregon). These fires have not caused any deaths, yet, but at least one home was destroyed - and rebuilding must cost way more, environmentally and financially, than was saved by going bio.

There are few laws against making biodiesel at home, but more might be coming. In Phoenix, Arizona, for example, you need to be on a property that is at least one acre so you're not endangering a lot of neighbors. Just a reminder to be careful out there.

[Source: The Associated Press]
Photo by Eddi 07. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

No Brainer of the Day: Making biodiesel at home is dangerous originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 24 May 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>biodieselbiodiesel dangerbiodiesel fireBiodieselDangerBiodieselFirehomebrewhomebrew biodieselHomebrewBiodieselSebastian BlancoSun, 24 May 2009 19:20:00 ESTPollution from leaded gasoline might have <i>reduced</i> the impact of greenhouse gases, study sayshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/22/pollution-from-leaded-gasoline-might-have-i-reduced-i-the-imp/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/22/pollution-from-leaded-gasoline-might-have-i-reduced-i-the-imp/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/22/pollution-from-leaded-gasoline-might-have-i-reduced-i-the-imp/#commentsFiled under: ,

Before you think we've gone crazy, let's make clear that this is a post about a serious report published in Nature Geoscience. According to this report, lead that was expelled to the atmosphere through exhaust gases stimulated the growth of clouds. Larger clouds imply less solar radiation, which has a definitive cool effect. Investigators from Switzerland, Germany and the U.S. "captured" clouds on some mountains and compared them to artificial ones created in laboratories. Their conclusion: if the air has some lead suspended in it, temperature and humidity didn't pay as significant a role in cloud formation.

What's interesting is that their models show that between 1970 and 1980, before unleaded gasoline became common, most dust on the Earth's suface had lead particles in it. This might have helped more clouds get created, and that reduced the impact of greenhouse gases accumulation in the atmosphere. Now that the lead content in our air is lower, temperatures rise. However, these investigators aren't saying that we should pump lead in our atmosphere - it is toxic, after all - just that when it was there, it helped keep temperatures a bit more stable.

[Source: Nôtre Planete (via Le Blog Auto)]

Pollution from leaded gasoline might have reduced the impact of greenhouse gases, study says originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 May 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>global warmingGlobalWarmingleadlead poisoningleaded gasolineLeadedGasolineleadpoisoningXavier NavarroFri, 22 May 2009 19:49:00 ESTMINI asks drivers to hang up the keys and <i>not</i> drive on June 5thhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/22/mini-asks-drivers-to-hang-up-the-keys-and-i-not-i-drive-on-jun/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/22/mini-asks-drivers-to-hang-up-the-keys-and-i-not-i-drive-on-jun/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/22/mini-asks-drivers-to-hang-up-the-keys-and-i-not-i-drive-on-jun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're a Mini owner or an enthusiast, why not leave your car in the garage on June 5th? This may sound unusual for a car company, but its exactly what Mini is asking. The company has named that day, "Let's not motor day," although the official name, courtesy of the UN, is World Environment Day. On this day, Mini says that we should "take the pedal off the metal, buckle down instead of up" and "burn calories instead of fuel." A special MINI site for Let's not motor day also includes suggestions such as creating a walking pool and ahs a section where you can pledge how many miles you aren't going to drive that day. So why not join them? Hat tip to JayP.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works

[Source: MINI USA]

MINI asks drivers to hang up the keys and not drive on June 5th originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 May 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>buckle downBuckleDownlets not motor dayLetsNotMotorDaymarketingno drivingNoDrivingnot motornotmotorpledgewedworld environmental dayWorldEnvironmentalDayzero milesZeroMilesXavier NavarroFri, 22 May 2009 18:09:00 EST