Do you remember your Ecology 101 lessons? One of the first lessons is always "reuse." Volvo has taken the role of teacher and is telling us about its new Greenline initiative. What's this about? A range of "renewed" vehicle components which are procured by recycling components from scrapped Volvos. Specifically, old Volvo parts that the company inspects. According to Volvo, the renewed pieces not only get an inspection to determine suitability, but they must also reach same quality standard as new pieces. What's even better, Volvo backs these components with its standard 12-month warranty. To put this into a somewhat odd numerical comparison: 400 new subframes from the Volvo S80 use the same energy as heating 17 Nordic houses for a year, whereas remanufacturing them saves 52 tons of CO₂. Other parts refurbished in the Greenline range include propshafts, throttle assemblies, various brackets, spring/struts and chassis members, and Volvo plans to add more in the future.

[Source: Volvo]

Large sedans don't usually have small engines, but CO₂ emissions limits and taxes have given automakers incentive to launch green versions of their larger models. Think of the Citroën C5 Airdream, the Opel Insignia Ecoflex or the VW Passat Bluemotion. Now we can add Škoda, a brand that belongs to the Volkswagen group, and its Superb Greenline to the list. Mated to the same engine as the Passat, a 1.9 TDI PD diese that is good for 105 hp, 46 mpg U.S. (5.1 l/100 km) and CO₂ emission levels of 136 g/km. The Superb isn't small; in fact, it's larger than an Audi A6. The Green Line model has lost a bit of weight and gets longer gears, a remapping of the engine for improved efficiency, improved aerodynamics and low-rolling resistance tires. Prices start at £16,710 in the UK.



[Source: Škoda UK]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Two-Mode Vue

Ever since the initial hybrid version of the Saturn Vue, the "different kind of company" chose to go its own way by badging its fuel-saving wares as Green Lines. This designation will be going the way of the Dodo in favor of the much more simple and recognizable designation of simply "hybrid." The reasoning is that the Green Line badge adds unnecessary confusion to Saturn's line of vehicles and is too long for marketing purposes. This becomes especially true as General Motors rolls out new versions of its hybrid technology. Soon, the Saturn Vue will be granted the sophisticated 2-Mode technology as is used on full-size SUVs from GM such as the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. While the current Vue is well priced considering its decent fuel mileage of 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, the new 2-Mode model will be capable of powering the vehicle on electricity alone and should be available in 2009.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Škoda Superb GreenLine

The latest version of the VW Passat-derived Škoda Superb is making its official debut in Geneva this week, and the Czech marque's flagship will also be offered in the eco-themed GreenLine trim. Many of Volkswagen's BlueMotion lessions are applied here, meaning a redesigned, more aerodynamic fascia, lowered ride height, reduced weight, taller gearing and an efficient engine underhood. In the case of the Superb GreenLine, power is derived from a 1.9L TDI PD DPF with a diesel particulate filter good for 103-horses and around 184 lb-ft of torque. End result? 46 U.S. mpg (5.1 l / 100 km) in the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of 136 g/km. And no, we don't think you need to take the giant leaf graphic as part of the deal.


[Source: Škoda]

It seems like no matter what kind of fuel it is, it always comes from the Middle East or Texas. The latter is the case here, as Greenline Industries (no relation to Saturn) and Valco Bioenergy have just started up a new 3 million gallon per year biodiesel plant in Harlingen, TX. In Greenline's pursuit of alternative fuel happiness, they have won EPA awards for their designs in biodiesel production facilities.

At the new plant they will be making their biodiesel from cotton seeds and other vegetable oils locally available. The remarkable thing about this new facility is that it started up literally without a hitch. According to Hollis Sullivan, Valco Bioenergy's CEO, it was "one of the most trouble-free start ups I have ever witnessed." Because of their extensive testing and planning, they are able to build their facilities quickly, and bring them up to full production capacity even faster. Of course, 3 million gallons per year in the grand scheme of things is really not a lot. However, if they can start more plants as quickly, they could be well on their way to being a biodiesel leader in the U.S.

[Source: Greenline Industries]

Click image for photo gallery

People have a variety of reasons for buying hybrid vehicles, one of which is saving money on fuel – they go green to save some green. For others, there's the sincere motivation of environmental stewardship. And for others still, though they may be loath to admit, there's an undeniable ego aspect – think of that hybrid badge as the automotive equivalent of a polo pony on a collared shirt.

The one "problem" with hybrids is that they cost more than non-hybrid cars – you pay a premium for the technology. That added cover charge may be enough to keep some from getting past that green velvet rope. To try and address this, General Motors has developed its Green Line "light" hybrid system.

GM was obviously watching closely as other companies like Toyota, Honda, and Ford made waves and grabbed headlines with their high-profile hybrid vehicles. In response, GM earmarked Saturn to be the brand to offer a mass-market hybrid, and it would go after customers by marketing an inexpensive alternative to other, more costly hybrids. The result is the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line.

Follow the jump for our full review.

Jill Ladjiak couldn't be happier. The current Saturn Vue Green Line hangs around dealer lots an average of only 13 days before being sold. And now the Saturn general manager is showing off the new 2008 Saturn Vue that will be the foundation for three different hybrid systems in the next few years, including a plug-in version.

Ladjiak followed up GM Chairman Rick Wagoner's early morning speech to open the Los Angeles Auto Show in which he announced that GM will expand its hybrid technology to include a front-wheel-drive 2-mode hybrid and a plug-in version of the 2-mode system. Both will debut on the Saturn Vue Green Line.

While Wagoner had the spotlight in making the announcement, Ladjiak fielded questions about the timeline, availability and pricing. She told AutoblogGreen that early versions of the 2008 Vue Green Line will carry over the current 4-cylinder engine and belt-alternator hybrid technology until late next year when the FWD 2-mode system with a 3.6-liter V6 engine becomes available. At that time, customers will have a choice between the two hybrids as well as straight gas. Ladjiak said the strategy allows customers a choice of fuel economy and cost. The 2-mode could deliver up to 45 percent fuel economy compared with a non-hybrid Vue.

While Ladjiak couldn't offer an estimated time for releasing a plug-in version of the 2-mode system, she said it has the potential to "double the mileage" of any current SUV. The plug-in would enhance the 2-mode system with a Lithium Ion battery pack to offer up to 10 miles of electric-only propulsion. It could also be charged from an external electrical outlet.

In other news from the GM press conference, Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, reviewed the company's hybrid and fuel cell portfolio. He showed off the upcoming GMC Yukon 2-mode hybrid that will be available soon as well as the Equinox fuel cell vehicle that will be part of a 100-customer test program next year.

Follow the break for official GM news releases and more photos

(Editor's note: to read the rest of Derrick's NextFest coverage, click here)



When I heard that GM was showcasing their "portfolio of green advanced propulsion technologies" at NextFest, the first thing that came to mind was that this is finally my chance to get a first-hand look at the fuel cell-powered Chevrolet Sequel. No, I didn't get to jump in the car and cruise along the Hudson down the West Side Highway, but I did manage to shoot a few good pics. The car looks great in person especially with its monstrous 22-inch wheels.

The Sequel was highlight of GM's exhibit, but it wasn't the only concept to make an appearance. GM brought the 2002 Hy-wire fuel cell concept, the 2005 GMC Graphyte hybrid concept SUV, the Saturn Vue Greenline, the Saturn Aura hybrid and the flex-fuel capable Chevy Avalanche. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell car wasn't on-hand, but there's still lots more after the jump.

The Saturn Vue Green Line, due out later this summer, has received an EPA rating of 32 miles per gallon, the highest highway rating ever for an SUV, according to Automobile. In line with its mild hybrid technology, consisting of an integrated belt-driven starter-alternator, the highway efficiency is excellent, but its city driving efficiency of 27 mpg is lower than the comparable Ford Escape Hybrid, which is rated at 36 mpg in the city. The improved highway efficiency for the Vue can be attributed improved aerodynamics and an ECU that allows for fuel shut off on deceleration. Where the Vue Green Line really shines is the price department, undercutting the Ford Escape Hybrid by $4,000. Instead of a shift light street racers crave, the eco crowd gets an "eco" light in the Vue, warning the driver when the current fuel economy is higher than average.

[Source: Automobile]