AutoblogGreen http://www.autobloggreen.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Greenlings: How can I <strike>pimp</strike> green my ride?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/greenlings-how-can-i-strike-pimp-strike-green-my-ride/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/greenlings-how-can-i-strike-pimp-strike-green-my-ride/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/greenlings-how-can-i-strike-pimp-strike-green-my-ride/#comments

Driving a car that's had more than a few birthdays and wish you could make it greener? Whether your concern is centered on air quality, climate change or just saving a few bucks as fuel prices rise, there are many ways you can accomplish this goal using your common sense or perhaps a little modern technology. We've compiled some of these for your perusal below the fold but since we have some pretty astute readers, we hope you'll leave your own suggestions in the comments section as well.

Photo by Joe Thorn. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Greenlings: How can I pimp green my ride?

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Greenlings: How can I pimp green my ride? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionsgadgetsgreen my rideGreenlingsGreenMyRideThu, 02 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota hopes to boost profits by licensing hybrid technology]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/report-toyota-hopes-to-boost-profits-by-licensing-hybrid-techno/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/report-toyota-hopes-to-boost-profits-by-licensing-hybrid-techno/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/report-toyota-hopes-to-boost-profits-by-licensing-hybrid-techno/#comments
2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last ten years or so, Toyota has amassed a wide-ranging assortment of more than 2,000 patents related to its proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive. That's an impressive figure to be sure, and it's also a possible source of income as more and more automakers follow Toyota's lead by introducing hybrid vehicles of their own.

Because Toyota has the hybrid patent market on straight lockdown, it's likely that rival automakers will be forced to license certain parts of the Japanese automaker's design, which could potentially help boost Toyota's bottom line. Says Gouichiro Kuriyama, a manager in Toyota's product planning division:
Our system is the best technology for hybrids to get the best carbon dioxide emissions and best fuel economy. [Rivals] will not be able to compete.
Indeed, both Ford and Nissan have licensed Toyota hybrid technology in the past. Both of those automakers, though, already have or are planning new hybrid systems and fully electric vehicles of their own design. Furthermore, alternatives like the Voltec powertrain from General Motors take a different path to arrive at the same gasoline-saving goal as Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive and European automakers like Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are counting on diesel technologies to reduce fuel consumption.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius


[Source: Wall Street Journal]

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REPORT: Toyota hopes to boost profits by licensing hybrid technology originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridhybrid carshybrid synergy driveHybridCarshybridsHybridSynergyDrivetoyota hybridtoyota hybrid patenttoyota hybrid patentstoyota hybridstoyota priustoyota prius patenttoyota prius patentsToyotaHybridToyotaHybridPatentToyotaHybridPatentsToyotaHybridsToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPatentToyotaPriusPatentsThu, 02 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid Manager: Plug-in autos are OK if charged overnight or else]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/grid-manager-plug-in-autos-are-ok-if-charged-overnight-or-else/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/grid-manager-plug-in-autos-are-ok-if-charged-overnight-or-else/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/grid-manager-plug-in-autos-are-ok-if-charged-overnight-or-else/#commentsPlug-in hybrids are a hot topic right now. But there are many who question if our electric grid will be able to support a massive influx of EVs and plug-in hybrids? Those who know often say "yes," "yes" and "yes" again. We can now add Stephen Whitley, president of the New York Independent System Operator, to the list of those who say plug ins are a good idea. Whitley has published a report saying that the grids are ready for cars with cords as long as they're recharged overnight. The report focuses on the benefits of using usually wasted off-peak hour electricity to recharge those cars. Whitley notes, like others before him, that the batteries in plug-in cars can also be used to store electricity made from wind power, lessening the need for increased generation from fossil fuel power plants. Whitley's report also estimates that EVs and plug-ins are expected to increase power demand in New York state by two percent by 2030, with 2.5 million such vehicles on the streets then.

[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]

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Grid Manager: Plug-in autos are OK if charged overnight or else originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2030 prevision2030Previsionelectric gridElectricGridev reportEvReportNew York Independent System OperatorNewYorkIndependentSystemOperatorNYISOreportThu, 02 Jul 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Yamaha files patents for hybrid motorcycle based on Gen-Ryu, LUXAIR concepts ]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/yamaha-files-patents-for-hybrid-motorcycle-based-on-gen-ryu-lux/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/yamaha-files-patents-for-hybrid-motorcycle-based-on-gen-ryu-lux/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/yamaha-files-patents-for-hybrid-motorcycle-based-on-gen-ryu-lux/#comments
2005 Yamaha Gen-Ryu patent filing - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yamaha is reportedly developing a hybrid motorcycle based on the Gen-Ryu concept that first debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show way back in 2005 and the LUXAIR followup two years later. That first concept machine mated up the 600cc inline-four engine from Yamaha's R6 sportbike to an electric motor and generator that sent power to the rear wheel. Although its unlikely that exact powertrain would ever hit the showroom floor, Gizmag reports that we should expect to see a production version of the concept in Tokyo later this year.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has filed a series of patents on its new hybrid technology, the most innovative part of which is a planetary gearbox that can adjust the power flow from the gas-powered engine, electric motor and generator. According to Yamaha, this arrangement allows for all of the assorted hybrid bits to fit within the narrow confines of a two-wheeled motorcycle chassis. Click here for a nice explanation of how the technology will function and click here for more information from the official patent filing.

Gallery: Yamaha Hybrid Motorcycle patent


[Source: US Patent Office via Gizmag]

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Yamaha files patents for hybrid motorcycle based on Gen-Ryu, LUXAIR concepts originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid motorcyclehybrid motorcycle patenthybrid motorcycleshybrid yamahaHybridMotorcycleHybridMotorcyclePatentHybridMotorcyclesHybridYamahatokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowyamahayamaha gen-ryuyamaha hybrid bikeyamaha hybrid motorcycleYamahaGen-ryuYamahaHybridBikeYamahaHybridMotorcycleThu, 02 Jul 2009 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[American Le Mans Series partners with Nature Conservancy to protect acres in California]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/american-le-mans-series-partners-with-nature-conservancy-to-prot/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/american-le-mans-series-partners-with-nature-conservancy-to-prot/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/american-le-mans-series-partners-with-nature-conservancy-to-prot/#comments

The American Le Mans Series has made greening their image and events a part of the plan since at least 2007, when the organization got serious about biofuels. Last year, the group held the first Green Challenge, which became the Michelin Green X Challenge earlier this year. Today, ALMS is announcing its support for the Nature Conservancy's 'Adopt an Acre' program.

Starting in the middle of July, ALMS will start contributing to Adopt An Acre with the goal of protecting 500 acres in the Las Californias region through the "acquisition, restoration and reforestation along the Californian coastline." Oh, and there could be wine to be had from the deal, too. A part of the plan calls for "the development of ground-breaking and environmentally sound vineyard designs that will allow native plants and animals to flourish." Yum.

Interested in contributing? ALMS will take your money here. Minimum donations are $10, and $50 will protect an acre.

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading American Le Mans Series partners with Nature Conservancy to protect acres in California

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American Le Mans Series partners with Nature Conservancy to protect acres in California originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mansamerican le mans nature conservancyamerican le mans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansNatureConservancyAmericanLeMansSeriescoastlinenature conservancyNatureConservancyThu, 02 Jul 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitachi to multiply lithium battery production by a factor of 70!]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/hitachi-to-multiply-lithium-battery-production-by-a-factor-of-70/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/hitachi-to-multiply-lithium-battery-production-by-a-factor-of-70/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/hitachi-to-multiply-lithium-battery-production-by-a-factor-of-70/#comments
By fall 2010, Hitachi plans increase its production capacity for lithium ion batteries by 600 percent in the first phase of a major expansion. Hitachi will be supplying the batteries for General Motor's second-generation mild hybrid system that debuts late next year for 2011 model year vehicles. GM has placed an order for enough cells to support 100,000 hybrid vehicles a year. Beyond that, Hitachi is planning to ramp up to build cells for 700,000 hybrids a year by 2015, a 70-fold increase from current levels. The expansion and new production will occur at Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd's Tokai factory in Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan. So far most of Hitachi's lithium ion production has been for commercial vehicle applications and the GM batteries will be the first light duty hybrid.

[Source: Reuters]

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Hitachi to multiply lithium battery production by a factor of 70! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitachihitachi lithium ionHitachiLithiumIonlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batterylithium ion productionlithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryLithiumIonProductionThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X1 coming to America in 2011, diesel a possibility, up to 45.2 mpg (U.S.)]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/bmw-x1-coming-to-america-in-2011-diesel-a-possibility-up-to-45/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/bmw-x1-coming-to-america-in-2011-diesel-a-possibility-up-to-45/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/bmw-x1-coming-to-america-in-2011-diesel-a-possibility-up-to-45/#comments
2010 BMW X1 - click above for high-res image gallery

After weeks of teasing and even letting some European media drive prototypes, the crew over at BMW's Munich headquarters finally released all the goods on its newest and smallest crossover, the X1. The U.S. branch of BMW has also confirmed that the X1 will come to the U.S. market as well. European consumers will be able to buy the new X1 starting this fall, but Americans will have to wait until 2011 to get one.

When the X1 hits the autobahn it will have four engines available, including a normally-aspirated 3.0-liter gasoline inline 6-cylinder and three variants of BMW's outstanding 2.0-liter four cylinder diesel. The X1 is available with both rear and all-wheel-drive. The U.S. will almost certainly get the gas engine, but BMW North America is not ruling out diesels at this point. BMW will be watching the changing U.S. market, regulations and fuel prices and make a final decision on U.S. engine choices closer to the launch date. If we see gas prices above $4 a gallon and sales of Volkswagen diesels maintain their rapid pace, we could well see a diesel X1 here. The diesel powerplants in the X1 range from 143 hp and 45.2 mpg (U.S.) to 204 hp and 37.3 mpg on the EU test cycle.

Gallery: 2010 BMW X1


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW X1 coming to America in 2011, diesel a possibility, up to 45.2 mpg (U.S.)

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BMW X1 coming to America in 2011, diesel a possibility, up to 45.2 mpg (U.S.) originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 bmw x12010BmwX12011 bmw x12011BmwX1bmw x1BmwX1Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean e-Zone electric car to be manufactured in Southeast U.S.?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/korean-e-zone-electric-car-to-be-manufactured-in-southeast-u-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/korean-e-zone-electric-car-to-be-manufactured-in-southeast-u-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/korean-e-zone-electric-car-to-be-manufactured-in-southeast-u-s/#comments
e-Zone Electric Vehicle - Click above to enlarge

If any car screams "Alabama!" it's the e-Zone electric car pictured above, right? The quirky low speed vehicle is a project of CT&T Co. Ltd, a South Korean company, and might be built in the Heart of Dixie in the next few years. CT&T wants to build a variety of vehicles for the U.S. market, including "City Drive Electrical Vehicles (EVs), Mid-speed Electric Vehicles, High-speed Electric Vehicles, Utility Electric Vehicles." The vehicles will use lead acid, advanced lead acid, lithium polymer and lithium ion chemistries and will cost between $8,000 and $16,000. The company says that, "By the fourth quarter of 2009, the company expects to begin selling c-Zone utility EVs for commercial and government applications as well the e-Zone City Drive EVs." Nothing like an ambitious goal.

CT&T is looking at building a North American headquarters, a research and development center and several manufacturing facilities in America, likely in the Southeast. CT&T is looking at Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and California as potential locations for its operations, which it says will employ 2,600 people. The company's U.S. subsidiary is called CT&T United. Thanks to Mart for the tip!

[Source: CT&T, Birmingham News]

Continue reading Korean e-Zone electric car to be manufactured in Southeast U.S.?

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Korean e-Zone electric car to be manufactured in Southeast U.S.? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesfeaturedkorean electric carKoreanElectricCarThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[New 90 hp MINI One D debuts in Europe this fall with 60.3 mpg (U.S.) on EU test]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/new-90-hp-mini-one-d-debuts-in-europe-this-fall-with-60-3-mpg-on/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/new-90-hp-mini-one-d-debuts-in-europe-this-fall-with-60-3-mpg-on/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/new-90-hp-mini-one-d-debuts-in-europe-this-fall-with-60-3-mpg-on/#comments
MINI One D - click above for high res image gallery

In North America, the Cooper represents the entry point to the MINI lineup, but Europeans have always had the option of the MINI One. Until now however, the MINI One has used gasoline engines. That will be changing come September when the MINI One D goes on sale with a 90 hp version of the 1.6-liter four cylinder diesel that is already available in the Cooper D. The Cooper D is rated at 108 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque while the One D drops that to 159 lb-ft. On the EU driving cycle the One D is rated at 60.3 mpg (U.S.) combined with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km. When we tested the MINI Cooper D last year, we averaged 47 mpg in brisk driving. The lower output engine gives leisurely acceleration of 11.5 seconds to 62 mph, but that should meet most people's needs. The One D gets brake energy regeneration for reduced parasitic losses and auto start-stop to prevent idling.

Gallery: 2010 MINI One D


[Source: BMW}

Continue reading New 90 hp MINI One D debuts in Europe this fall with 60.3 mpg (U.S.) on EU test

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New 90 hp MINI One D debuts in Europe this fall with 60.3 mpg (U.S.) on EU test originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mini dieselmini onemini one dMiniDieselMiniOneMiniOneDThu, 02 Jul 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Fortune</i> ranks GM's PUMA as #1 business blunder of 2009 [w/POLL]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/gms-puma-ranked-1-business-blunder-of-2009-w-poll/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/gms-puma-ranked-1-business-blunder-of-2009-w-poll/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/gms-puma-ranked-1-business-blunder-of-2009-w-poll/#comments
PUMA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Someone at Fortune noticed that 2009 is now officially half over, and thought it was a good time to look back and pick out the absolute dumbest business moments of the year thus far. Screeching in at 35-mph is the GM PUMA (aka, the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project) that the General debuted with Segway just before the New York Auto Show. Fortune called the vehicle "ridiculous" enough to beat out Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner's non-detailed plans to loosen up credit, Tropicana's botched bottle redesign and those $200,000 season seats at the new Yankee Stadium.

Fortune's declaration begs a question: do AutoblogGreen readers agree that the PUMA is so absolutely terrible? It might not have been the best decision, but was it really worse than that $35,000 toilet installed for Merrill CEO John Thain?

View Poll



Learn more about the PUMA (and see a video) here.

Gallery: Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (PUMA)


[Source: Fortune]

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Fortune ranks GM's PUMA as #1 business blunder of 2009 [w/POLL] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgm pumagm segwaygm segway pumaGmPumaGmSegwayGmSegwayPumasegway pumaSegwayPumaThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Mammoth 1930s Harris steam-powered split-window prototype]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/ebay-find-of-the-day-mammoth-1930s-harris-steam-powered-split-w/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/ebay-find-of-the-day-mammoth-1930s-harris-steam-powered-split-w/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/ebay-find-of-the-day-mammoth-1930s-harris-steam-powered-split-w/#comments
Harris Steam Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now here's just the thing to mix up with a heated-up Flattie, or better yet, a Rajo Model T powerplant, which would be perfectly authentic for the vintage. Oh sure, purists will argue that this artifact, which apparently started life as the Harris Steam Car carrying a Stanley Steamer power unit, should be returned to its original state. Good luck figuring out exactly what that was.

With a deft enough touch, you could pay homage to the 1930s craftsmanship in this vehicle without ruining it. Either way, if you're determined enough to buy this obviously Stout Scarab inspired vehicle for $8,500 or more, it will be yours to do whatever you choose, critics be damned. Going all Travels With Charley with this thing, especially towing a homebuilt teardrop trailer, would be a fantastic summer diversion, and if you did go all external-combustion-engine on it, you'd always have a fire to sit around at night.

Gallery: Hariss Steamer


[Source: eBay Motors]

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eBay Find of the Day: Mammoth 1930s Harris steam-powered split-window prototype originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1930s car1930s project car1930sCar1930sProjectCarebay find of the dayEbayFindOfTheDayharris steam carHarrisSteamCarrat rodRatRodvintage ebayvintage ebay find of the dayVintageEbayVintageEbayFindOfTheDayThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Catalyx uses landfill gas to make green hydrogen and nanofibers]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/catalyx-uses-landfill-gas-to-make-green-hydrogen-and-nanofibers/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/catalyx-uses-landfill-gas-to-make-green-hydrogen-and-nanofibers/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/catalyx-uses-landfill-gas-to-make-green-hydrogen-and-nanofibers/#commentsCatalyx Nanotech has announced that they have successfully used landfill gas (LFG) obtained from a closed southern California landfill to produce 0.5 Kg of high-value Platelet Graphite Nanofibers and 2,000 liters of "green" hydrogen. Catalyx previously used natural gas at their Canadian plant to obtain these products, but wants to earn green credentials from using landfill gas despite the more expensive cost. One of the side benefits of using LFG is that it eliminates the extra cost expense of separating nanofibers from byproducts, such as amorphous carbon and soot. Catalyx says that their hydrogen production process proves that H2 can be produced locally, at competitive prices, while eliminating the hydrogen production carbon footprint.

[Source: Domestic Fuel]

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Catalyx uses landfill gas to make green hydrogen and nanofibers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catalyxcatalyx nanoCatalyxNanogreen hydrogenGreenHydrogennanotechnologyThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Thieves make off with $2 million worth of oil and gas in Texas]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/thieves-make-off-with-2-million-worth-of-oil-and-gas-in-texas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/thieves-make-off-with-2-million-worth-of-oil-and-gas-in-texas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/thieves-make-off-with-2-million-worth-of-oil-and-gas-in-texas/#commentsHow many barrels of oil do you think you could steal in a month, y'know, if you were into that sort of thing? Ten people in West Texas were arrested recently for stealing about $2 million worth of oil and gas condensate and a local sheriff said that the thieves were able to steal 8,000 barrels of oil during a single month. That's good for a lot of trips to the grocery store.

Actually, the thieves were not stealing the fuel to use themselves. Instead, the men stole the barrels and then sold them the "oil and gas to buyers who didn't know of the theft," according to the AP. What, did they say the barrels just happened to fall off the back of a truck? We'll probably learn more soon, as the men were arrested following a seven-month investigation. There's got to be some good information in upcoming court filings.

[Source: AP]
Photo by david drexler. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

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REPORT: Thieves make off with $2 million worth of oil and gas in Texas originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas theftGasTheftoil arrestsoil theftoil thievesOilArrestsOilTheftOilThievesstealing gasStealingGastexaswest texasWestTexasThu, 02 Jul 2009 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[China raises fuel prices by 10%]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/china-raises-fuel-prices-by-10/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/china-raises-fuel-prices-by-10/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/china-raises-fuel-prices-by-10/#commentsFor the third time in recent months, drivers in China are finding themselves shelling out more each time they fill the tank. In China, retail fuel prices are regulated, just as other aspects of life are. As of this week, gasoline is at $3 per gallon in China, bringing it above prices in the United States.

For many years, the Chinese government has held gas prices down to avoid hurting economic growth in the country. The prices are regulated by the National Development and Reform Commission. Prices jumped 6-7 percent a month ago and 3-5 percent in March.

Increasing fuel prices may hurt overall sales of new cars but it may also stimulate demand for more efficient cars. This could help to address some of the severe pollution problems that afflict China's big cities.

[Source: Gasgoo]

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China raises fuel prices by 10% originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china fuel pricesChinaFuelPricesrising fuel costsrising fuel price chinaRisingFuelCostsRisingFuelPriceChinaThu, 02 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/#comments
2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is getting in on the free gas sales promotion bandwagon that Hyundai kicked off this year by launching a "Free Gas for Summer" promotion on all SX4s sold from now through August 31st. Of course, it pays to read the fine print - what the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover.

Whether or not this incentive is really "free gas for summer" or not therefore depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so. Still, it's a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise "Free Gas!" and it's still a few hundred bucks off the running costs of the car.

Along with the aforementioned sales promotion, Suzuki has also announced that it's offering $2,000 in customer cash off the price of any SX4 sold with a manual transmission, which we found to be a willing partner in eking out the most performance from the little runabout and much more desirable than the four-speed slushbox when we tested it last year.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase

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Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free gas for summerFreeGasForSummersuzukisuzuki free gassuzuki free gas for summersuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 crossoversuzuki sx4 sedansuzuki sx4 sportSuzukiFreeGasSuzukiFreeGasForSummerSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4CrossoverSuzukiSx4SedanSuzukiSx4SportThu, 02 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/fiats-eco-drive-wins-award-for-defining-new-car-driver-relation/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/fiats-eco-drive-wins-award-for-defining-new-car-driver-relation/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/fiats-eco-drive-wins-award-for-defining-new-car-driver-relation/#comments
Click above for a high-res gallery of Jodie Kidd with the Fiat eco:Drive

Ever hear of an advertising award given to a piece of software that helps drivers save gas at the pumps? That's what Fiat's eco:Drive recently did, and the organizers of the Cannes Cyber Lions, a major event in the advertising industry, didn't praise the software's ability to analyze driver habits wins but instead the way it established a new kind of relationship between consumer and car. The prize was one of the three Grand Prix awarded during the Cannes Cyber Lions.

Since the eco:Drive concept was the object of praise, the organizers set aside the technological side of eco:Drive, including the way it gathers information from the vehicle and how it has been driven into a USB drive that is then plugged into your computer. Using this information, the system gives a detailed analysis of the driver's performance, along with suggestions on how to improve efficiency even further by changing driving habits. Models like it, too.

Gallery: Supermodel Jodie Kidd with Fiat Eco:Drive


[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship

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Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cannesCannes Cyber LionsCannesCyberLionseco driveeco:DriveecodrivefranceThu, 02 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Plug In America criticizes CARB loophole that could help BMW with its MINI E]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/plug-in-america-criticizes-carb-loophole-that-could-help-bmw-wit/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/plug-in-america-criticizes-carb-loophole-that-could-help-bmw-wit/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/plug-in-america-criticizes-carb-loophole-that-could-help-bmw-wit/#comments
MINI E - click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has gotten a lot of press (some bad) for their MINI E project. Even though the all-electric car comes with a plug, the plug-in advocacy group Plug In America (PIA) has a problem with the way that the Bavarians might be able to get a lot of legislative good will without really putting EVs on the road for good.

PIA released a statement (read it after the jump) that criticizes CARB's loophole that could allow BMW to get as many Zero Emission Vehicle credits for the one-year lease of the electric cars as it would for a standard vehicle production program. PIA's legislative director, Jay Friedland, said that, "CARB is allowing BMW to game the system by accruing the maximum number of ZEV credits with the least amount of effort." Friedland said that lease-only programs are what led to the EV crush-fest in the 1990s, something that long-time PIA members still remember as a real slap in the face. PIA wants BMW to only get the credits if the MINI Es are also offered for sale.

Another criticism of the lease program is that, according to CARB, when the June 30 deadline got closer and closer, BMW began:

dumping dozens of cars into municipal fleets to be leased for only $10 a month, most recently pulling some of those vehicles from retail consumers who had been willing to pay full price and complied with the nearly 8-month process required to get one of the cars.

Not long ago, we heard that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department got a good deal on some MINI Es.

CARB's response was to say that it will look at its regulations next year and that "we've urged BMW to consider extending that one-year lease." Undoubtedly, there will be more to come on this.

Gallery: MINI E


[Source: PIA, Reuters]

Continue reading Plug In America criticizes CARB loophole that could help BMW with its MINI E

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Plug In America criticizes CARB loophole that could help BMW with its MINI E originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw mini eBmwMiniEminimini eMiniEpiaplug in americaplug in america loopholeplug in america miniPlugInAmericaPlugInAmericaLoopholePlugInAmericaMiniWed, 01 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomberlin releases Anvil NEV [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/tomberlin-releases-anvil-nev-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/tomberlin-releases-anvil-nev-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/tomberlin-releases-anvil-nev-w-video/#comments
Tomberlin Anvil NEV - Click above for image gallery

Tomberlin, a manufacturing and distribution company based in Georgia, recently unveiled the Anvil, its latest low-speed electric vehicle, on the CBS News Early Show. As a neighborhood electric vehicle, the Anvil is capped at a top speed of 25 miles per hour and is legal on roads in the U.S. with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Base price for the Anvil will be $16K.

Tomberlin is claiming a 40-mile range from the aptly named 1,797-pound (with six 12-volt batteries installed) Anvil, which reportedly features a powerful 50-horsepower motor, front disc and rear drum brakes and an on-board charger that can plug into any standard wall outlet.

What probably sets the Anvil apart from most other NEVs is its interesting appearance. Looking something like a mashup between a Jeep Wranger, a Hummer H2 and a golf cart, the Anvil doesn't really look like any other low-speed electric vehicle in recent memory - for better or for worse. Click past the break for two short videos of the Tomberlin Anvil in action.

Gallery: Tomberlin Anvil


[Source: Tomberlin, Dealernews]

Continue reading Tomberlin releases Anvil NEV [w/VIDEO]

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Tomberlin releases Anvil NEV [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>low speed electric vehiclelow speed vehiclelow-speed electric vehicleLow-speedElectricVehicleLowSpeedElectricVehicleLowSpeedVehicleneighborhood electric vehicleNeighborhoodElectricVehicletomberlintomberlin anviltomberlin nevTomberlinAnvilTomberlinNevWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Two-mode hybrid buses debut in the UK]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/two-mode-hybrid-buses-debut-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/two-mode-hybrid-buses-debut-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/two-mode-hybrid-buses-debut-in-the-uk/#comments

Hybrid transit buses using the GM-Allison Two-mode hybrid system are becoming fairly common in North America with several thousand now on the road. In the UK however, the two-mode buses are brand new, with the first four recently going into service in London. The two-mode hybrid transmissions are installed in Optare Tempo bus chassis that are being used as part of a hybrid test program in the British capitol. Several different hybrid systems are being evaluated by Transport for London.

The two-mode hybrid is the basis of the system being used by General Motors in its full-size SUV and pickup trucks. The only difference (other than size) is that the light duty versions have a clutch system that provides up to four fixed gear ratios and direct mechanical drive for better highway efficiency. Since the buses typically operate at lower speeds, this isn't needed. The buses use a 340 hp diesel engine and a nickel metal hydride battery pack.

Gallery: London two-mode hybrid buses


[Source: Allison]

Continue reading Two-mode hybrid buses debut in the UK

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Two-mode hybrid buses debut in the UK originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm-allisongm-allison-two-mode-hybridlondon hybrid busLondonHybridBustwo-modetwo-mode hybridtwo-mode hybridstwo-mode-hybridtwo-modehybridtwo-modehybridsWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Dean Kamen working on hybrid scooter with Stirling engine]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dean-kamen-working-on-hybrid-scooter-with-stirling-engine/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dean-kamen-working-on-hybrid-scooter-with-stirling-engine/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dean-kamen-working-on-hybrid-scooter-with-stirling-engine/#comments
Dean Kamen's Stirling-powered hybrid scooter patents - Click above for image gallery

We've known about Dean Kamen's work on the Stirling engine for hybrid vehicle use since the inventor introduced the DEKA Revolt late last year. According to some recently-filed patent applications, though, it would seem that Kamen has lots more up his sleeve for the good 'ol Stirling engine, including a possible hybrid scooter.

According to Gizmag, Kamen is thought to be using a prototype scooter featuring the Stirling hybrid powertrain at his personal residence on an island a mile off the coast of Connecticut. From the patent drawings, we can see a that the Stirling engine is mounted at the rear of the bike while a rechargeable battery pack for the electric motor sits under the scooter's floor.

According to the report, Kamen has invested some $50 million into the development of the Stirling engine, though it's unclear whether there are any possible production plans for this particular hybrid scooter.

Gallery: Stirling-powered hybrid scooter patents


[Source: Gizmag]

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Dean Kamen working on hybrid scooter with Stirling engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dean kamenDeanKamenhybrid scooterhybrid scooter patenthybrid scootersHybridScooterHybridScooterPatentHybridScootersstirling enginestirling hybridStirlingEngineStirlingHybridWed, 01 Jul 2009 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault shows off the Kangoo Be Bop Z. E. in three new videos]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/renault-shows-off-the-kangoo-be-bop-z-e-in-three-new-videos/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/renault-shows-off-the-kangoo-be-bop-z-e-in-three-new-videos/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/renault-shows-off-the-kangoo-be-bop-z-e-in-three-new-videos/#comments
Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you count yourself as a fan of the shortened Kangoo that will become the be bod Z.E., Renault's first widely available electric vehicle, this post is for you. On the other side of the jump you'll find three videos that show the car in motion, the interior and undergoing the recharging process. That last video shows the three options that owners of the Renault EV will be able to choose from to recharge their batteries: a regular slow charge at home (takes 6 hours), fast charging (30 minutes) or battery swap (3 minutes). The swapping video is quite similar to what Better Place showed us in this video.

Gallery: Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E.


[Source: Renault via YouTube]

Continue reading Renault shows off the Kangoo Be Bop Z. E. in three new videos

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Renault shows off the Kangoo Be Bop Z. E. in three new videos originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kangookangoo be bopkangoo be bop zeKangooBeBopKangooBeBopZerenaultrenault be bop zeRenaultBeBopZeWed, 01 Jul 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Diesels grab 81% of Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen sales in June]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/diesels-grab-81-of-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen-sales-in-june/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/diesels-grab-81-of-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen-sales-in-june/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/diesels-grab-81-of-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen-sales-in-june/#comments

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales, a whopping 81 percent of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four cylinder.

Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40 percent were also diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41 percent overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29 percent of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69 percent in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September including a TDI and, if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could get a huge sales spike as well.

Gallery: In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Diesels grab 81% of Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

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Diesels grab 81% of Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen sales in June originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen jettavolkswagen jetta dieselvolkswagen jetta tdivolkswagen jetta tdi salesvolkswagen jetta wagonvolkswagengolfVolkswagenJettaVolkswagenJettaDieselVolkswagenJettaTdiVolkswagenJettaTdiSalesVolkswagenJettaWagonWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Columnist: Plug-in cars are the new ethanol-style boondoggle]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/columnist-plug-in-cars-are-the-new-ethanol-style-boondoggle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/columnist-plug-in-cars-are-the-new-ethanol-style-boondoggle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/columnist-plug-in-cars-are-the-new-ethanol-style-boondoggle/#comments
Peapod - click above for high-res image gallery

The amount of money that the U.S. federal government poured into corn ethanol is legendary. Today, we're left with a floundering ethanol economy and a few happy corn farmers but not an abundance of the biofuel powering the nation's cars. A columnist for the Washington Examiner thinks that we're headed down a similar path with plug-in vehicles. This time, though, "the feds may foster addiction to a fuel concentrated in a socialist-run South American country."

Those are the words of Timothy Carney, who writes that the government's rush to EVs is troubling because all those electric cars will need a bunch of lithium - some of which might come from Bolivia - to move them (Editorially, the controversial Examiner is right-learning, so the scary s-word in Carney's piece shouldn't be too surprising). Carney names some of the lithium lobbyists who worked hard in D.C. to promote plug-in vehicles to Congress. He writes that, "If the electric car lobby succeeds, brace for another harsh lesson in unintended consequences."

Carney also brings up the long tailpipe. While Carney is right that the GAO did warn against all of the coal that could be used to power the EVs of the future, he forgot to mention the GAO's finding that "Research we reviewed indicated that plug-ins could shift air pollutant emissions away from population centers even if there was no change in the fuel used to generate electricity."

Gallery: GEMs Peapod


[Source: Washington Examiner]

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Columnist: Plug-in cars are the new ethanol-style boondoggle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doe loansDoeLoansplug in hybridplug in vehicleplug in vehiclesplug-inPlugInHybridPlugInVehiclePlugInVehiclesWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/t3-motion-introduces-three-wheeled-ct3-personal-commuter-plans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/t3-motion-introduces-three-wheeled-ct3-personal-commuter-plans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/t3-motion-introduces-three-wheeled-ct3-personal-commuter-plans/#comments
T3 Motion CT3 - Click above to enlarge

T3 Motion, creators of the Segway-esque non-balancing T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle for police and security use, has just issued a press release detailing its plans to launch a new three-wheeled electric vehicle called the CT3. The new vehicle is the first machine from T3 that was specifically designed for personal commuter use and is based on the company's CT low-speed electric four-wheeled vehicle.

Using a three-wheeled design should allow T3 Motion to classify the CT3 as a motorcycle in most states, which means it won't necessarily need to be restricted to low-speed use as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, though the machine will be capped at a 45 mph top speed regardless. All three of the CT3's wheels are powered by electric motors that get their electrons from T3's proprietary Power Management System and lithium polymer batteries.

At this time, the vehicle exists only in rendered form (pay close attention to the wheels and tires in the above image), but T3 plans to enter a special CT-S version of the machine in the Auto X Prize that will reportedly be capable of 80 miles per hour and an equivalent mpg rating of over 100 miles per gallon. Click past the break for the official press release. Thanks for the tip, Deepa!

[Source: T3 Motion via Green Launches]

Continue reading T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize

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T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeauto x-prizeautomotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoX-prizeAutoXPrizeprogressive automotive x prizeprogressive automotive x-prizeProgressiveAutomotiveX-prizeProgressiveAutomotiveXPrizet3t3 ct3t3 motiont3 motion ct3T3Ct3T3MotionT3MotionCt3Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche Panamera diesel may yet become a reality, along with hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/porsche-panamera-diesel-may-yet-become-a-reality-along-with-hybr/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/porsche-panamera-diesel-may-yet-become-a-reality-along-with-hybr/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/porsche-panamera-diesel-may-yet-become-a-reality-along-with-hybr/#comments
Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery of the tech briefing

When Porsche's new four-door Panamera goes on sale this fall, it will have two powertrains available: a 4.8-liter V8s with and without turbochargers. The only other powertrain Porsche has committed to is the hybrid system that will debut in the Cayenne next year. Two other options are likely to appear in the Panamera as well. A gasoline V6 is probable, most likely the new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that is debuting in the Audi S4 and A6 this year.

The other option may well be a diesel from within the Volkswagen Group. The 3.0-liter TDI V6 is launching in the Cayenne this year and is the most likely candidate for the Panamera. Given the Panamera's performance capabilities, it could also get the 4.2-liter TDI V8 that's used in the European Audi Q7 and A8. The choice of diesel or hybrid Panameras would help Porsche meet upcoming CO2 emissions regulations in Europe and the USA.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Tech Briefing and First Ride


All photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoCar]

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Porsche Panamera diesel may yet become a reality, along with hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>panamerapanamera dieselpanamera hybridPanameraDieselPanameraHybridporscheporsche panameraPorschePanameraWed, 01 Jul 2009 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Financial crisis delays Iceland's hydrogen transportation project]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/financial-crisis-delays-icelands-hydrogen-transportation-works/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/financial-crisis-delays-icelands-hydrogen-transportation-works/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/financial-crisis-delays-icelands-hydrogen-transportation-works/#comments

Iceland is a gorgeous place. Just take a look at these Flickr submissions from the island. The country's finances aren't quite so pretty these days, and the reality of the financial crisis is dramatically slowing down the country's attempted shift to a hydrogen economy. Iceland has been testing hydrogen-powered vehicles for years, and the first hydrogen fueling station opened there in late 2007. One reason for the move to hydrogen is that the island country can fairly easily use geothermal energy to make hydrogen from water. The New York Times says that the shift to get all ground transportation vehicles and some boats to hydrogen power "have been set back at least 10 years and may have to be altered to allow for electric cars." The problem? The cost of fuel cells and the down world economy. A professor of chemistry at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik told the Times:

In the past years, teams from all the big car manufacturing companies visited us and said they intended to market fuel cell-powered hydrogen cars shortly after 2010. Of course, because of the current world crisis, there will be a delay.

Those of you rooting for electric vehicles to win out over H2, don't forget that the Mitsubishi iMiEV is currently undergoing testing in Iceland. Of course, a busted economy can sink all ships, so don't enjoy the schadenfreude too much.

[Source: New York Times]
Photo by Neate Photos. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

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Financial crisis delays Iceland's hydrogen transportation project originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhydrogenicelandiceland financesiceland hydrogenIcelandFinancesIcelandHydrogenWed, 01 Jul 2009 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota will continue focusing on "clean halo" hybrids, not EVs or diesels]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/toyota-will-continue-focusing-on-clean-halo-hybrids-not-evs-o/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/toyota-will-continue-focusing-on-clean-halo-hybrids-not-evs-o/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/toyota-will-continue-focusing-on-clean-halo-hybrids-not-evs-o/#comments
Toyota FT-EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not terribly surprising that Toyota - the automaker often credited for creating the first modern mainstream hybrid automobile - would seek to continue establishing its marketplace dominance in hybrid automobiles. The Prius alone has sold well over a million units since its inception in 1997 and is undoubtedly the vehicle that defines the eco-friendly automobile market. With that in mind, don't expect the Japanese automaker to make any wholesale changes to its plans for world hybrid domination in favor of electric cars or diesels. Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister said:
One of the obstacles of the diesel is the aged perception that the diesel is smoky and stinky. It's hard to change the mind-set of consumers. Hybrid technology has such a clean halo to it.
In a separate interview, incoming President Akio Toyoda added:
Electric cars' battery life is limited, and that has not been solved. We would like to utilize our hybrid technology because we have accumulated quite a bit of knowledge about battery usage for hybrid cars. Depending on how electric cars are used or how they are found to be valuable, for the time being Toyota would like to focus on hybrid technology.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept


[Sources: AutoWeek, GM-Volt.com]

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Toyota will continue focusing on "clean halo" hybrids, not EVs or diesels originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akio toyodaAkioToyodatoyotatoyota dieseltoyota electrictoyota evtoyota hybridToyotaDieselToyotaElectricToyotaEvToyotaHybridWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Elon Musk: Daimler's "golden handcuffs" mean I'll stay with Tesla through Model S launch]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/elon-musk-daimlers-golden-handcuffs-mean-ill-stay-with-tesl/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/elon-musk-daimlers-golden-handcuffs-mean-ill-stay-with-tesl/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/elon-musk-daimlers-golden-handcuffs-mean-ill-stay-with-tesl/#comments

For a guy who allegedly wants a lot of the credit for creating Tesla Motors, Elon Musk certainly doesn't seem to like the job of being its CEO. As part of Daimler's investment deal with Tesla, Musk needed to commit to staying on as Tesla's CEO at least until the Model S launches in 2011. Musk told Reuters:

I didn't really have a choice. This was a requirement of Daimler that I remain CEO of Tesla through the Model S launch and then continue to be part of Tesla in a chairman role beyond that. It's flattering, but at the same time it's golden handcuffs.

Well, that sure makes it sound like fun, doesn't it? It's clear that Musk has always been interested in projects other than EVs (e.g.: electric planes and SpaceX), but does he have to make running one of the hippest electric car companies around sound like a drag?

Another nugget from the article: one of the reasons the price on the Roadster was raised was to help qualify Tesla Motors for the DOE loan it later received. Musk said, "We did the minimum we needed to do to make the business work."

Gallery: Tesla Model S


[Source: Reuters]

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Elon Musk: Daimler's "golden handcuffs" mean I'll stay with Tesla through Model S launch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskelon musk ceoElonMuskElonMuskCeomodel sModelSmusk ceomusk model sMuskCeoMuskModelStesla daimlertesla motorstesla motors ceoTeslaDaimlerTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsCeoWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford could electrify 10-25 percent of its fleet by 2020]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/ford-could-electrify-10-25-percent-of-its-fleet-by-2020/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/ford-could-electrify-10-25-percent-of-its-fleet-by-2020/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/ford-could-electrify-10-25-percent-of-its-fleet-by-2020/#comments
Ford Escape PHEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

With Ford taking on a $5.9 billion loan from the DOE and President Obama in favor of a million plug-in vehicles by 2015, how might the money help Ford put plugs on upcoming vehicles. Ford was quite clear that the DOE money will be used to improve the fuel efficiency of 13 models and get them on roads soon, but the medium-term plans do call for more outlets. Speaking to Reuters recently, Ford's director of hybrid vehicle programs, Nancy Gioia, predicted that "from 10 to 25 percent" of Ford's vehicles will be electrified in some way by 2020. The first step is to convince drivers that plugging in makes sense. For this, Ford is working with utilities around the U.S. to gather data on driver behavior with plug-ins, especially with the Escape plug-in hybrid. As Ford CEO Alan Mulally said last week, "We cannot do it alone."

Gallery: Washington 2009: Ford Escape PHEV


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Reuters]

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Ford could electrify 10-25 percent of its fleet by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doedoe loansDoeLoansfordford electric vehicleford electric vehiclesford plug inford plug in hybridford plug-inFordElectricVehicleFordElectricVehiclesFordPlug-inFordPlugInFordPlugInHybridnancy gioiaNancyGioiaWed, 01 Jul 2009 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche R&D says electric 911 possible, needs more development]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/porsche-randd-says-electric-911-possible-needs-more-development/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/porsche-randd-says-electric-911-possible-needs-more-development/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/porsche-randd-says-electric-911-possible-needs-more-development/#comments
eRuf Greenster - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with the German magazine Motor Zeitung, Porsche's R&D director Wolfgang Dürheimer discussed the possibility of electrification of the iconic 911 sports car. Legendary Porsche tuners Ruf first showed a prototype battery-powered 911 called the eRuf last fall and then revealed a second-generation version (pictured)at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The eRuf Greenster was a major improvement over the original and Dürheimer praised the achievement of the smaller company.

Dürheimer doesn't rule out a electrified sports car in the future, but feels the technology is not ready for Porsche yet. The problem is the size and weight of the batteries in their current state. Even discarding the conventional powertrain leaves the Greenster with a deficit of at least 500 pounds compared to a conventional 911 and no luggage space. As battery technology progresses however, we can certainly expect a battery-powered sports car to emerge from Zuffenhausen in due course.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster


[Source: Motor Zeitung]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Porsche R&D says electric 911 possible, needs more development originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric porscheelectric porsche 911ElectricPorscheElectricPorsche911eruferuf greensterErufGreensterWolfgang DrheimerWolfgangDrheimerWed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/#comments

Diesel's near-term prospects in America took a huge hit with the revelation that nine diesel-powered 2010 models are on hold. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have put the kibosh on rolling out more oil burners due to cost and perception issues.

Toyota's obviously on a hybrid run and doesn't want to expelnd the effort or expense of investing in diesel for the American market - and having to overcome America's dirty diesel perceptions. The others, as mass market manufacturers, simply need more justification for the cost and complexity of oil burners in order to make the case for consumers to spend more.

Additionally, diesel's benefits are weighted differently according to EPA or CAFE standards. The EPA mileage numbers present diesels well, but CAFE's differing fuel mileage equation makes gas-hybrids look better than diesels, and CAFE is something all automakers are looking at. However, you'll notice that German brands aren't mentioned - their price premium and European diesel volumes make a worthwhile case for diesels, so those diesel Jetta Sportwagons won't be going away any time soon.

Gallery: 2008 VW Jetta CleanTDI


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010cafechryslerdieselepafordgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhondanissantechtechnologytoyotaWed, 01 Jul 2009 08:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla files motion for dismissal of Eberhard lawsuit]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/tesla-files-motion-for-dismissal-of-eberhard-lawsuit/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/tesla-files-motion-for-dismissal-of-eberhard-lawsuit/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/tesla-files-motion-for-dismissal-of-eberhard-lawsuit/#comments

And the battle goes on. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk and his company are fighting back in court against ex-CEO Martin Eberhard. Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad sent us copies of two motions filed on June 29 in California Superior Court in San Mateo. In short, the defendants are claiming that Eberhard's claims are utterly baseless. Tesla is proclaiming that Eberhard's action is a SLAPP suit (SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) and is an attempt to intimidate and silence a critic by burdening him with a costly, time-consuming legal defense.

Konrad goes on to explain:
"Please note that this isn't a "counter claim." Rather, Tesla is seeking an "anti-SLAPP motion" to get Eberhard's meritless lawsuit dismissed because:

  • Eberhard's lawsuit is a personal attack full of false statements, and it paints a fictitious picture of Tesla's history that is sharply at odds with the truth.
  • Eberhard's lawsuit seeks to stifle robust debate and create a "chilling effect" on the right to free speech. As the filing states, "His lawsuit is nothing more than an attempt to curb open discourse on matters of importance to the public and to extract money from Tesla in the bargain. He also takes the extraordinary (and hypocritical) step of seeking an injunction that would prevent Musk from exercising his free speech rights in public or private."

Interestingly, the motions were filed and copies were sent to ABG before Eberhard had received them or they had been posted on the court web-site. You can read the two Tesla motions here and here.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

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Tesla files motion for dismissal of Eberhard lawsuit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeberhar vs muskeberhardeberhard teslaeberhard-teslaEberhardTeslaEberharVsMuskelon muskElonMuskmartin eberhardmartin eberhard teslaMartinEberhardMartinEberhardTeslaWed, 01 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Columnist: electric vehicle hype needs to be tempered]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/columnist-electric-vehicle-hype-needs-to-be-tempered/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/columnist-electric-vehicle-hype-needs-to-be-tempered/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/columnist-electric-vehicle-hype-needs-to-be-tempered/#comments
Coda sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the Detroit News becoming a home for anti-electric vehicle advocates? Last week, the News published a mostly confusing article by Manny Lopez that criticized the DOE loan that Tesla received. Another column, this one by Neil Winton, is titled, "Electric cars attract hype, but reality is less exciting" and gives Winton's European perspective on the EV market. Winton makes more coherent points than Lopez, but he still comes down pretty hard on EVs, citing range issues and price as the two big hurdles. This is certainly something we've heard before, and Winton isn't convinced by EV supporters who say things will work out just fine if governments give the cars one more push (tax break, R&D funding, etc.). As a warning, Winton points to the Wankel rotary engine and its rise and fall in the 1960s.

Winton relied on a market forecast by CSM Worldwide for some of his predictions. CSM found that " enthusiasm for electrification has lost all contact with reality," according to Winton. CSM's numbers predict that, globally, there will be just 132,000 plug-in vehicles (pure EVs and hybrids) from major automakers in 2015. Previously, CSM has declared that microcars won't play a big (pardon the pun) role in the U.S. market.

Gallery: Coda EV live


Coda sedan photos Copyright (C)2009 Mike Levine

[Source: Detroit News]

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Columnist: electric vehicle hype needs to be tempered originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelectric vehicle hypeelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehicleHypeElectricVehiclesev hypeEvHypehypeTue, 30 Jun 2009 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Cash for Clunkers to officially begin July 23rd]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/cash-for-clunkers-to-officially-begin-july-23rd/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/cash-for-clunkers-to-officially-begin-july-23rd/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/cash-for-clunkers-to-officially-begin-july-23rd/#comments

When President Obama signed the Cash-for-Clunkers bill into law back on June 24th, the Transportation Department was given 30 days to set the official rules and regulations for the program that put the actual plan into motion. According to the official CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) site, the NHTSA intends to get the deed done a day early by July 23rd. Although the paper the President signed stipulated that consumers may be eligible for the program starting on Wednesday, July 1st, the Transportation Department is warning dealers not the jump the gun:
Interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved. If a dealer chooses to structure a transaction before the final rule is issued, they will bear the risks associated with later demonstrating that the transaction meets all of the specifications of the final rule.
Dealerships who violate the official rules and regulations may be subject to fines of up to $15,000. Still have questions? Click here to see the complete list of FAQs straight from the NHTSA.

[Source: CARS | Photo: kudzuplanet CC 2.0]

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Cash for Clunkers to officially begin July 23rd originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car allowance rebate systemCarAllowanceRebateSystemcars programCarsProgramcash 4 clunkerscash for clunkerscash-for-clunkersCash4ClunkersCashForClunkersTue, 30 Jun 2009 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric sports cars abound in UK EV test]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/electric-sports-cars-abound-in-uk-ev-test/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/electric-sports-cars-abound-in-uk-ev-test/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/electric-sports-cars-abound-in-uk-ev-test/#comments

Although there may be many a MINI E, i MiEVs and smart EDs taking part in that £25 million ($40 million) UK electric vehicle test program, there is also a subset of sports cars involved. The EEMS Accelerate project says it plans to have 21 vehicles acquiring electric car data for 12 months in a rather more sporting style, including kilometers collected on a closed circuit as well as commuting.

The four companies supplying the spiffy wheels are listed as the Lightning Car Company, Ecotricity cars, Westfield Sports cars and Delta motorsport. Though we're unsure of how the numbers breakdown exactly, we do know that two of the 21 are supposed to be Lightning GTs. Add to that at least one recently test-driven "wind car" from carbon-free energy supplier Ecotricity and Westfield kicking in vehicles based on both their Lotus 7-derived Westfield Sport and the GTM Libra. Delta Motorsport will represent with the E-4 Coupe that is said to zip to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and travel 250 miles on a charge. While no dates were given for the trial, we expect it should start sometime early next year if it's to stay somewhat contemporaneous with the overall trial.

[Source: The Engineer Online / EEMS Accelerate]

Electric sports cars abound in UK EV test originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delta E-4 CoupeDelta motorsportDeltaE-4CoupeDeltaMotorsportEcotricity carsEcotricityCarselectric sports carElectricSportsCarLightning Car CompanyLightning GTLightningCarCompanyLightningGtUK EV trialUkEvTrialWestfield SportWestfield Sports carsWestfieldSportWestfieldSportsCarsTue, 30 Jun 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Dow and Algenol producing ethanol from algae and saltwater]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/dow-and-algenol-producing-ethanol-from-algae-and-saltwater/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/dow-and-algenol-producing-ethanol-from-algae-and-saltwater/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/dow-and-algenol-producing-ethanol-from-algae-and-saltwater/#comments

When the subject of algae comes up in relation to biofuels, it's usually concerning biodiesel. That's because algae are very high in oil content. However, one of the main reasons for interest in algae is that it grows fast and consumes a significant amount of carbon dioxide. With that in mind, there is no reason algae couldn't also be used to produce ethanol. A company called Algenol has refined strains of algae specifically for ethanol production in salt water. Algenol has submitted a grant application to the Department of Energy to build a pilot plant in cooperation with Dow. The plant, located next to a Dow facility in Freeport, Texas, will consume carbon dioxide produced by Dow's operations to grow the algae in bio reactors.

Dow intends to use ethanol primarily in the production of plastics to replace petroleum. However, the ethanol could be used as a fuel as well. Algenol hopes to get the production price of its algae ethanol down to $1 per gallon. Not only does the process consume carbon dioxide at the net rate of 1.5 million tons of CO2 per 100 million gallons of ethanol, it also transforms salt water into fresh water.

[Source: Algenol, Dow]

Continue reading Dow and Algenol producing ethanol from algae and saltwater

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Dow and Algenol producing ethanol from algae and saltwater originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algaealgenoldowethanol from algaeEthanolFromAlgaeTue, 30 Jun 2009 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[McLaren looking for hybrid powertrain engineer]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/mclaren-looking-for-hybrid-powertrain-engineer/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/mclaren-looking-for-hybrid-powertrain-engineer/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/mclaren-looking-for-hybrid-powertrain-engineer/#comments
McLaren F1 LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

McLaren has put up a job posting for a Senior Engineer for Powertrain Hybrid Technology on its official website, which may offer a few clues as to where the automaker may be heading in the near future for its road cars. The listing rather obviously indicates that the automaker is hard at work on hybrid powertrans, though it's not clear what kind of technology the British sportscar company is investigating.

One possibility is that McLaren will attempt to adapt the KERS system from its Formula 1 race cars for street use. It's widely agreed that McLaren's KERS implementation is the best in F1 and both BMW and Ferrari are also thought to be working on KERS for future road cars.

Within the next few years, McLaren is expected to introduce a couple of new supercars, including a replacement for the current SLR, codenamed P11, and a successor to the famed F1 supercar from the mid '90s that's currently known as the P12.

Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: McLaren via World Car Fans]

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McLaren looking for hybrid powertrain engineer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid supercarHybridSupercarkersmclarenmclaren f1mclaren hybridmclaren kersmclaren p11mclaren p12MclarenF1MclarenHybridMclarenKersMclarenP11MclarenP12Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel adds Sports Tourer Wagon to Insignia ecoFlex line]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/opel-adds-sports-tourer-wagon-to-insignia-ecoflex-line/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/opel-adds-sports-tourer-wagon-to-insignia-ecoflex-line/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/opel-adds-sports-tourer-wagon-to-insignia-ecoflex-line/#comments
2010 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer ecoFlex - click above for high res image

Over in Europe, Opel has expanded it's Insignia ecoFlex line with a Sports Tourer model. That would be a station wagon in American English. Whatever you call it, this handsome machine gets the same range of optimizations as other ecoFlex models, including some aerodynamic tweaks, taller final drive ratio and low rolling resistance 17" Michelin tires. All of that helps to extract the most from the 2.0-liter CDTi turbodiesel four cylinder engine. In this application, the engine is rated at 160 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which should be more than sufficient to motivate this mid-sized wagon. The official combined mileage rating on the EU test cycle for the ecoFlex wagon is 44.4 mpg (U.S.) with CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. Opel is reporting that during the recent media drives in Germany, one Croation reporter managed to squeeze out 65.3 mpg (U.S.) driving on back roads near Frankfurt.

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel adds Sports Tourer Wagon to Insignia ecoFlex line

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Opel adds Sports Tourer Wagon to Insignia ecoFlex line originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoflexopelopel insigniaopel insignia sports toureropel insignia sports tourer ecoflexOpelInsigniaOpelInsigniaSportsTourerOpelInsigniaSportsTourerEcoflexTue, 30 Jun 2009 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault working with Arval, ALP on electric vehicle pricing, leasing structure]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/renault-working-with-arval-alp-on-electric-vehicle-pricing-lea/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/renault-working-with-arval-alp-on-electric-vehicle-pricing-lea/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/renault-working-with-arval-alp-on-electric-vehicle-pricing-lea/#comments
Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery

With Renault reportedly bringing three new electric vehicles to the Frankfort Motor Show this fall and the company's regular announcements of EV partnerships, word of two new deals - one with Arval and the other with ALD Automotive - isn't exactly a surprise. Still, this shows, once again, the strong commitment that Renault and alliance partner Nissan have in EVs ready for prime time.

The deals will help Renault get its vehicles into fleets and customer hands. ALD manages about 786,000 vehicles in 39 countries, many in Europe. Arval, a BNP Paribas subsidiary, leases vehicles (about 602,000 vehicles) and manages corporate fleets (made up of 688,000 vehicles) in 22 countries. Arval will help Renault figure out ways to lease EVs while ALD will offer its knowledge on how to price the electric vehicles. Read more about the Arval (PDF) and ALD Automotive (PDF) deals at the links.

Gallery: Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E.


[Source: Renault via Green Car Congress]

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Renault working with Arval, ALP on electric vehicle pricing, leasing structure originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldald automotiveAldAutomotivearvalfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowkangookangoo be bopkangoo be bop zeKangooBeBopKangooBeBopZerenaultrenault aldrenault arvalrenault be bop zerenault electricrenault electric carrenault electric vehiclerenault evRenaultAldRenaultArvalRenaultBeBopZeRenaultElectricRenaultElectricCarRenaultElectricVehicleRenaultEvTue, 30 Jun 2009 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota stung by possible Prius HID headlight defect]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-hid-headlight-defect/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-hid-headlight-defect/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-hid-headlight-defect/#comments
2009 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'd wager that the last thing Toyota wants in the midst of the super-important launch of its new third-generation Prius is a negative stigma attached to the previous model. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the Japanese automaker may have on its hands right now as a number of owners of 2005-2008 Toyota Prius hybrids with the "high-intensity discharge" (HID) headlight option are banding together on online forums, message boards and in possible class action lawsuits against the automaker in relation to failing headlamps.

According to Advertising Age, these HID headlight bulbs and their associated electronics can sometimes cost well over $1,000 to replace after they've gone faulty, and Toyota is unwilling to pick up the tab. At least one lawsuit was filed last month by Girard Gibbs in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on behalf of a Putnam County, N.Y., Prius owner. The suit contends that the problem is a "dangerous but undisclosed safety defect" and alleges that "Toyota is concealing the problems from owners" despite having been "long been aware of Prius' HID headlight problem." It's possible that the suit will get class-action status.

The NHTSA has reportedly filed a preliminary investigation into the issue and contacted Toyota on May 13 regarding the 338 complaints it has received so far from Prius owners regarding the HID headlamps. Spokesmen from Toyota have said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA in its investigation, which may or may not end up calling for an official recall.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Prius


[Source: Advertising Age]

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Toyota stung by possible Prius HID headlight defect originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2005 toyota prius2005ToyotaPrius2006 toyota prius2006ToyotaPrius2007 toyota prius2007ToyotaPrius2008 toyota prius2008ToyotaPrius2009 toyota prius2009ToyotaPriusfeaturedhid headlightshid lamphid lightsHidHeadlightsHidLampHidLightsprius class actionprius hidprius hid lightprius nhtsaPriusClassActionPriusHidPriusHidLightPriusNhtsatoyota priustoyota prius head lamptoyota prius head lighttoyota prius headlamptoyota prius headlighttoyota prius lawsuitToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHeadlampToyotaPriusHeadlightToyotaPriusLawsuitTue, 30 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST