Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Obama mulling more support for plug-in vehicle manufacturers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/obama-mulling-more-support-for-plug-in-vehicle-manufacturers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/obama-mulling-more-support-for-plug-in-vehicle-manufacturers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/obama-mulling-more-support-for-plug-in-vehicle-manufacturers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The U.S. federal government has put a lot of money into clean car companies this past year, including about $8.5 billion through U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program (Ford got $5.9 billion, Nissan $1.6 billion, Fisker Automotive $528.7 million, and Tesla Motors $465 million) and another $2+ billion for advanced batteries (some say it was more than that). There may be more coming down the pike.

Vice President Joe Biden revealed a plan for another $5 billion worth of tax credits for green manufacturing in the U.S., some of which could go to funding up to 30 percent of the cost to build plug-in electric vehicles and batteries.

The WaPo says that these subsidies "are a bad deal for taxpayers," because the at-the-pump fuel savings won't be enough to overcome the higher sticker price on the car up front. Also, they write, using data from a recent National Research Council report:
Not until 2047 is it probable that the fuel savings of the entire fleet of plug-in hybrids would balance out the subsidies necessary to make them cost-competitive with conventional vehicles. And the government will have to spend $303 billion to get to that point.

Thoughts?

[Source: Detroit Free Press, Washington Post]
Photo by cliff1066[TM]. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Obama mulling more support for plug-in vehicle manufacturers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced batteriesAdvancedBatteriesatvmpbatterybidenobamastimulusTax Credittax creditsTaxCreditTaxCreditsSat, 19 Dec 2009 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[It's Friday, Still: David Letterman demonstrates dangers of Cupcake Car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/its-friday-still-david-letterman-demonstrates-dangers-of-cupc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/its-friday-still-david-letterman-demonstrates-dangers-of-cupc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/its-friday-still-david-letterman-demonstrates-dangers-of-cupc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

David Letterman driving a $25,000 motorized cupcake - Click above to watch the video after the break

Mmm... What could be better than eating a cupcake? How about driving one? And not just any cupcake, mind you, but one powered by clean, green electricity. The last time we heard of such a conveyance, the machines were being sold for the low, low price of $25,000 in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog.

It would appear that none other than Late Show host David Letterman couldn't keep himself out of the driver's seat of 24 volts worth of electric cupcake goodness, displaying his unbelievable driving skills right on the stage of his own set. Okay, fine. Letterman's no Leno, but at least it looks like he was out there to have a bit of fun, right?

"There is no off position on the genius switch," indeed. Click past the break to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading It's Friday, Still: David Letterman demonstrates dangers of Cupcake Car

It's Friday, Still: David Letterman demonstrates dangers of Cupcake Car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cupcakecupcake carcupcake carsCupcakeCarCupcakeCarscupcakesdavid lettermanDavidLettermanlate showlate show with david lettermanLateShowLateShowWithDavidLettermanlettermanFri, 18 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2010 Preview: Electric Avenue's unusual line-up]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/detroit-2010-preview-electric-avenue-unusual-line-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/detroit-2010-preview-electric-avenue-unusual-line-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/detroit-2010-preview-electric-avenue-unusual-line-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In addition to the return of the EcoXperience driving exhibit, the upcoming Detroit Auto Show will also feature Electric Avenue. The show organizers have just released the list of vehicles that will make up the Avenue, and there are some old friends and a few surprises. It looks like this:
So, the Electric Avenue will be a sort of AltCar mini--reunion and a bunch of EV concepts from auto shows from two or three years ago? That's cool.

[Source: NAIAS]

Continue reading Detroit 2010 Preview: Electric Avenue's unusual line-up

Detroit 2010 Preview: Electric Avenue's unusual line-up originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliasbugebydctte6imievleafmiximsabaSSIssi racingSsiRacingtangotriacvolagezapFri, 18 Dec 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[It's Friday: GE's experimental sleigh seeks to make reindeer obsolete]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/its-friday-ges-experimental-sleigh-seeks-to-make-reindeer-obs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/its-friday-ges-experimental-sleigh-seeks-to-make-reindeer-obs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/its-friday-ges-experimental-sleigh-seeks-to-make-reindeer-obs/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Might Santa's traditional Rudolf the Reindeer-led sleigh be sent off into the oblivion of obsolescence? Could be, if General Electric has anything to say about it. The huge corporation has designed a new conveyance for the red-cloaked and bearded gift giver, and it's green. Well, it's red, naturally, but it's also green.

First of all, Santa's Sleigh features self-powered OLED lighting so that there's no chance of him missing your chimney. Moreover, the sleigh is assembled from lightweight composites, including a set of Ceramic Matrix blades and a body molded from carbon fiber.

The big news, though, is the addition of Sodium Batteries. Though GE claims the power packs are only intended to offer Santa's Reindeer much-needed breaks from pulling the sleigh, we see through the ruse. Reindeer of the world unite! Don't let yourselves be shuffled away into obscurity like this without a fight. You deserve better.

[Source: GE]

It's Friday: GE's experimental sleigh seeks to make reindeer obsolete originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gege santage sleighgeneral electricGeneral Electric GEGeneralElectricGeneralElectricGeGeSantaGeSleighreindeersantasanta clausSantaClaussantas sleighSantasSleighsleighFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombie meme alert: electric cars cause cancer]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/zombie-meme-alert-electric-cars-cause-cancer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/zombie-meme-alert-electric-cars-cause-cancer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/zombie-meme-alert-electric-cars-cause-cancer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Apparently, the range anxiety meme isn't enough. The latest anti-electric vehicle (EV) topic to make a comeback is that EVs might give you cancer (previous post). Writing in Slate, Matthew DeBord calls back the potential threat posed by electromagnetic fields (EMF) in electric cars. The title of his post? "Do Electric Cars Cause Cancer?"

There is a lot of hedging in DeBord's article, and he never flat-out states that the EMFs in EVs do cause cancer, just that they might. This is a fair subject for scientific research, but no one has had enough time to determine if EVs are any worse than hair dryers or cell phones in this regard. DeBord admits that "automakers have tested their vehicles for EMFs (conventional cars as well as hybrids and EVs), and found them to be within accepted limits." Of course, there are some things we know for sure: that gasoline fumes are tremendous health hazards and the geopolitical reality of gasoline dependency isn't that great either, but that headline isn't as hot.

Also, way back in 1999, the National Institutes of Health issued a statement saying that one researcher who claimed that EMFs and cancer were related had falsified data (thanks to Paul Allen's comment from 18 months ago for that link).

[Source: Slate]

Zombie meme alert: electric cars cause cancer originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancercancer electric carcancer electric carsCancerElectricCarCancerElectricCarselectromagneticelectromagnetic fieldElectromagneticFieldemfFri, 18 Dec 2009 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited: What's the value of talking about "range anxiety" all the time?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/limited-whats-the-value-of-talking-about-range-anxiety-all-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/limited-whats-the-value-of-talking-about-range-anxiety-all-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/limited-whats-the-value-of-talking-about-range-anxiety-all-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Here are three important facts about gasoline:
  • It is available almost anywhere around the world
  • it has tremendous energy content
  • Using it the way we do creates a whole slew of negative environmental and political side effects
It's hard to beat the first two items with a non-petroleum alternative, but those negative impacts (oh, and questions about its availability in the coming decades) are forcing us to try and find one. As regular readers know, the two most promising longer-term solutions are plug-in electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell cars. The debate between the two supporting camps is never-ending and often recycled. One of the constant refrains from the hydrogen camp is that EVs create range anxiety, and therefore, are a non-starter.

We're not saying that range anxiety isn't real (it most certainly is), but why is it so important to mention this all the time? Considering that both long-range EVs with a robust recharging network and affordable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a reasonable refueling infrastructure will require a lot of work, why single out EVs as having the range issue? You can't drive a H2 car very far either in most places.

So, instead of constantly talking about the limited range of EVs, doesn't it make more sense to realize that - for now - if you're not driving a petroleum-powered vehicle, you won't be able to drive very far without making some serious adjustments to your normal driving style (lots of recharging stops a la Tesla or Brammo, or bringing hydrogen tanker trucks along for the trip). Debating which path (or paths) will lead to the cleanest and most reasonably priced gasoline alternative seems so much better than this constant talk of "range anxiety." There's no doubt that honest EV range numbers from automakers are key to a reasonable discussion, but electric drive vehicles won't make up a huge part of the market for a long, long time, and the first wave of next-gen EV drivers is going to be totally engaged with their cars and the tech inside and will accept whatever limits their cars have. Right?

Photo by Paul.Carroll. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Limited: What's the value of talking about "range anxiety" all the time? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehiclehydrogenplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridplug-insrangerange anxietyRangeAnxietyThu, 17 Dec 2009 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[GM: Chevy Volt Dance a major marketing gaffe? Sure. Let's move on.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/gm-chevy-volt-dance-a-major-marketing-gaffe-sure-lets-move-o/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/gm-chevy-volt-dance-a-major-marketing-gaffe-sure-lets-move-o/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/gm-chevy-volt-dance-a-major-marketing-gaffe-sure-lets-move-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's no secret that General Motors' Chevrolet Volt Song and Dance (ignoring the obvious jokes here...) have brought the automaker's marketing department some much-deserved flack. In case you've been living under a rock for the past few days, we'll recap: GM commissioned a song to explain some of the finer points of how the Volt's high-tech powertrain functions and later decided to add a dance routine to the jingle and let it loose on an unsuspecting public at the LA Auto Show.

According to Green Car Reports, the song was initially written for kids aged seven to 12 years old but wasn't quite ready in time for GM to use it during presentations given to 120 schools. Instead, the decision was made to add an ill-fated dance routine just ahead of the LA Show's public access days. Making matters worse is news that former marketing head Bob Lutz originally wanted to borrow the song "Electric Car" from They Might Be Giants. We figure GM would have been much better off going that route.

As irritating as it may be, is the Chevy Volt Dance really that big of a deal? While we'd argue that it shouldn't be, the real answer apparently depends on whom you ask. Fox News seems to think it's pretty horrible and GM's latest recently-appointed head marketer Susan Docherty responded, "Our Chevrolet Volt advertising, marketing and go to market strategy will be as innovative as the car. We may have missed on this one, but we won't going forward." We agree... it's officially time to move on.

[Sources: GM-Volt.com, Green Car Reports]

GM: Chevy Volt Dance a major marketing gaffe? Sure. Let's move on. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt dancechevy volt songchevy volt song and danceChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltDanceChevyVoltSongChevyVoltSongAndDancegmsusan dochertySusanDochertyvolt dancevolt songVoltDanceVoltSongWed, 16 Dec 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi to U.S. politicians: Diesels > hybrids and EVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/audi-to-u-s-politicians-diesels-hybrids-and-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/audi-to-u-s-politicians-diesels-hybrids-and-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/audi-to-u-s-politicians-diesels-hybrids-and-evs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's more to life than electric vehicles and hybrids, at least according to Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen, who's been an outspoken proponent against EVs in the past... like for instance when he said the Chevy Volt was "a car for idiots." During a speech at the National Press Club, de Nysschen seemed to back off such quotable statements, but he still showed a clear bias towards towards diesel, saying:
I understand why political leaders have fallen in love with hybrids and electrics. But this may be the one time you'll hear someone in Washington say it shouldn't be a monogamous relationship... I make no apologies for being the world's biggest diesel advocate.
The Obama Administration has pushed forward with plans to rapidly expand the EV market in the United States, but de Nysschen favors a strategy of letting consumers decide what kind of car they want to buy, saying that the government should not be "prejudging winning and losing technologies."


Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B


[Source: Detroit News]

Audi to U.S. politicians: Diesels > hybrids and EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi dieselaudi tdiAudiDieselAudiTdidietJohan de NysschenJohanDeNysschentdiWed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda plans to settle Civic Hybrid mileage suit out of court. Is it a fair deal?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/honda-plans-to-settle-civic-hybrid-mileage-suit-out-of-court-is/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/honda-plans-to-settle-civic-hybrid-mileage-suit-out-of-court-is/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/honda-plans-to-settle-civic-hybrid-mileage-suit-out-of-court-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you buy a hybrid, you'll be rewarded with excellent fuel economy, right? Well, that's the idea, but sometimes things don't turn out exactly as we had hoped. Such is apparently the case with a number of Honda Civic Hybrid owners who claim that their vehicles don't even come close to achieving the mileage figures estimated by the EPA, leading to a class action lawsuit against Honda.

Back in the summer of 2007, we conducted a telephone interview with John True, one of the two men who started the suit. At the time, True claimed he only achieved, at best, 34.6 miles per gallon and had averaged well under that figure. The window sticker showed EPA estimates of 49 city and 51 highway, though the EPA's revised 2008 rating sits at 40 city and 45 highway.

For its part, Honda admits to no wrongdoing and points out that it was the EPA that estimated those mileage figures. Still, the Japanese automaker has agreed to settle the case out of court. If approved, owners of 2003-2008 Civic Hybrids will get a voucher worth up to $1,000 to purchase a new Honda or a check for $100 if they can prove they complained to Honda about their car's mileage.

Interestingly, the current Civic Hybrid, Insight and Fit - Honda's three most fuel efficient models - are excluded from the list of vehicles eligible for the trade-in or purchase voucher. The two plaintiffs would receive $12,500 and $10,000 and their lawyers would pocket $2.95 million. So, um, is it a fair deal? Perhaps more importantly, is Honda to blame here? Sound off in the comments.


Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid


[Source: NY Times]

Honda plans to settle Civic Hybrid mileage suit out of court. Is it a fair deal? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civiccivic hybridcivic hybrid class actioncivic hybrid epacivic hybrid epa mileagecivic hybrid lawsuitcivic hybrid mileageCivicHybridCivicHybridClassActionCivicHybridEpaCivicHybridEpaMileageCivicHybridLawsuitCivicHybridMileagehondahonda civic hybridhonda civic hybrid mileageHondaCivicHybridHondaCivicHybridMileagejohn truejohn true hybridjohn true lawsuitJohnTrueJohnTrueHybridJohnTrueLawsuitTue, 15 Dec 2009 19:46:00 EST<![CDATA[From Hummer to the Volt, one engineer's tale]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/from-hummer-to-the-volt-one-engineers-tale/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/from-hummer-to-the-volt-one-engineers-tale/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/from-hummer-to-the-volt-one-engineers-tale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



What did it feel like inside GM's truck group when gas prices shot up over $4 a gallon last year? Automotive engineer Keith Seymore summed it up in this short quote: "In a six-month period, everything went upside down."

While in the truck group, Seymore had been tasked with working on the Hummer H2 but, when GM announce that Hummer would be sold in March 2009, his 29-year career looked in doubt. Heck, GM's entire existence at that time looked pretty shaky. The Chevy Volt stepped in to save both the company and the man's job.

When Seymore was asked to join the Volt team, he was hesitant, but was told that the plug-in hybrid was "going to save the corporation." Seymore's job was saved, too, but only with a pay cut and a drop in benefits. Still, he's happy to be working on GM's "moon shot" car and says, "It's a blast working on such a visible project."


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

From Hummer to the Volt, one engineer's tale originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltChevyVolth2hummerhummer h2HummerH2keith seymoreKeithSeymorevoltTue, 15 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[It's worse than we thought: GM commissions Chevy Volt dance to go with song]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/its-worse-than-we-thought-gm-commissions-chevy-volt-dance-to-g/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/its-worse-than-we-thought-gm-commissions-chevy-volt-dance-to-g/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/its-worse-than-we-thought-gm-commissions-chevy-volt-dance-to-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevy Volt Dance - Click above to watch the video after the break

"E for electricity, V for Chevy Volt and me..." Catchy little diddy, we admit. That said, we were mostly willing to let the Chevy Volt song make the deep, dark trek into obscurity with nary another mention here on our pages. That is, until today. What made us change our tune, you ask? Boy, are you in for a treat.

Witness the Chevy Volt dance. Yes, it is an official routine commissioned by GM. Showgoers that meandered near the GM area at the LA Auto Show may already be familiar with this little number, but the video is just too "good" not to share with the rest of the class. We especially like it when the four-person crew stops whatever they're doing to throw us an "E" and a "V."

Trust us. You owe it to yourself to click past the break and watch the video. Here's hoping The General antes up to send these dancers around the country for the rest of the auto show circuit.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading It's worse than we thought: GM commissions Chevy Volt dance to go with song

It's worse than we thought: GM commissions Chevy Volt dance to go with song originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt dancechevy volt songChevyVoltChevyVoltDanceChevyVoltSongvoltvolt dancevolt songVoltDanceVoltSongMon, 14 Dec 2009 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Planet Positive looks for your 2020 Visions of a low carbon world]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/planet-positive-looks-for-your-2020-visions-of-a-low-carbon-worl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/planet-positive-looks-for-your-2020-visions-of-a-low-carbon-worl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/planet-positive-looks-for-your-2020-visions-of-a-low-carbon-worl/#commentsFiled under: ,

The strategies that Nissan and GM have announced to introduce their plug-in vehicles next year - the Leaf and the Volt - are huge in the green car world but quite tiny in the overall automotive market. The technologies used in the cars are giant leaps forward, but total sales for these vehicles will be measured in the tens of thousands for the next few years. Considering the total U.S. vehicle fleet is around 240 million vehicles, the dent will be small at first.

Still, tiny changes can add up, and that's the approach that Planet Positive is taking with their new 2020 Vision campaign. The idea is to have people share the small but positive steps that they will take in order to reduce carbon emissions and in other ways help prevent climate change. Does reading AutoblogGreen count?

British politician Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrats Leader, for example, is ditching private transportation when possible. "I barely use the car, I travel by public transport and I turn the thermostat down a degree or two, though my wife is Spanish and she has an affection for warmer homes than I do!" he said in a statement. Read more after the jump.

[Source: Planet Positive]

Continue reading Planet Positive looks for your 2020 Visions of a low carbon world

Planet Positive looks for your 2020 Visions of a low carbon world originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2020 Vision2020Visionnick cleggNickCleggplanet positivePlanetPositiveMon, 14 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Toyota commercials ensure long line of happy Prius customers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-toyota-commercials-ensure-long-line-of-happy-prius-custom/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-toyota-commercials-ensure-long-line-of-happy-prius-custom/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-toyota-commercials-ensure-long-line-of-happy-prius-custom/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cash loves Prius - Click above to watch the video after the break

There's no question that Toyota's recent advertising campaign for the Prius has its followers and its detractors. While it's the haters that seem to be most vocal (imagine that!), Toyota's "Harmony" spot topped Nielsen's Top 10 Most-Liked New Ads list back in May, and the "MPG" commercial came in at number three. Obviously, there are a good number of fans for these commercials, too.

Apparently we can add those under the age of one to the list of those enthralled with the "Harmony" commercial, a fact evidenced by the video pasted after the break. Even if you hate them, remember that Cash loves Prius!!!

[Source: YouTube via Prius Chat]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota commercials ensure long line of happy Prius customers

VIDEO: Toyota commercials ensure long line of happy Prius customers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash loves priusCashLovesPriuspriusprius commercialprius harmonyprius videoPriusCommercialPriusHarmonyPriusVideotoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusFri, 11 Dec 2009 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[PREDICTION: Shift to electric vehicles could create 1 million jobs by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/prediction-shift-to-electric-vehicles-could-create-1-million-jo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/prediction-shift-to-electric-vehicles-could-create-1-million-jo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/prediction-shift-to-electric-vehicles-could-create-1-million-jo/#commentsFiled under: ,



Just how electric vehicles will change the world is an evolving debate, but one new analysis says that EVs and connected industries could be a $300 billion business by 2020 and create over a million jobs globally along the way. In the U.S., somewhere between 125,000 and 300,00 jobs could be created, with the higher number only being reached if the U.S. adopts more "concerted and aggressive efforts" to promote EVs. These predictions come from global management consulting firm PRTM and are based on widespread adoption of the recently-released Electrification Roadmap that ambitiously foresees BEVs and PHEVs making up a full 25 percent of new vehicle sales in the U.S. by 2020.

PRTM believes that the real key to create jobs for the long term is to support the ancillary industries - for example, advanced battery suppliers and energy and service providers. PRTM director Oliver Hazimeh thinks that, "The EV industry will probably serve as an accelerator for the scaling of the entire CleanTech sector worldwide, given the inherent size of the automotive industry." PRTM worked on the Electrification Radmap, providing market analysis and technical input.


[Source: PRTM]
Photo by nicolasnova. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading PREDICTION: Shift to electric vehicles could create 1 million jobs by 2020

PREDICTION: Shift to electric vehicles could create 1 million jobs by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleevevsplug in vehicleplug in vehiclesplug-inPlugInVehiclePlugInVehiclesprtmThu, 10 Dec 2009 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[High Gear Media offers Tesla Roadster test drive contest]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/high-gear-media-offers-tesla-roadster-test-drive-contest/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/high-gear-media-offers-tesla-roadster-test-drive-contest/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/high-gear-media-offers-tesla-roadster-test-drive-contest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Of all the eco-minded cars on the road today, the Tesla Roadster is the most fun. Straight up. If you want to take a spin behind the wheel, Tesla Motors and High Gear Media would like to offer you a chance to do just that. The partially-user-generated High Gear Media network is looking for even more writers (they have about 200 now) through a writing contest. The best writer will get to test drive the 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport in California's Silicon Valley and sit down to talk with Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen (ask him about the Model S!).

The winner will be selected by High Gear editors based on the quality of the writing - so no junk. After the drive, High Gear will pay the winner to write up a review, something like this. The contest runs through the end of the year.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster Sport


[Source: High Gear Media]

Continue reading High Gear Media offers Tesla Roadster test drive contest

High Gear Media offers Tesla Roadster test drive contest originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ward's Ten Best Engines of 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just about every publication has an award to give away this time of year, and Wards Automotive is no different. But instead of picking the best car, truck or SUV, the industry wiz kids at Wards go right for the power supply to rank the Ten Best Engines for 2010. Over the years the list has contained a nice mix of engines from the U.S., Europe and Asia, but never before has the Ten Best been this fuel efficient. The list comprises of two hybrids, two diesels, one supercharger and three turbocharged gasoline mills.

To be eligible for Wards' 10 Best Engines competition the vehicle must cost less than $54,000 and the engine must be available as a standard production option by Q1 2010. Among the ten winning engines are the new 1.8-liter hybrid powerplant from the Toyota Prius, the 2.5-liter hybrid powering the Ford Fusion, and the diesels from the BMW 335d and the 2.0-liter Jetta TDI. Audi joins the ranks with its excellent 2.0T and 3.0T (well, supercharged) mills, while Ford scored a hit with its Ecoboost 3.5-liter engine. The most powerful engine to make the 10 Best Engines list is Hyundai's 4.6L Tau V8, which gains ten hp for 2010.

The 10 Best Engines awards will be presented at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 13. Hit the jump to read Wards' press release and check the gallery below for a tour of this year's winners.



[Source: Wards Automotive]

Continue reading Ward's announces 10 Best Engines for 2010

Ward's announces 10 Best Engines for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When the original national speed limit came into effect in 1974 after the first Arab oil embargo, it was designed to cut back on gasoline usage. Even though the national limit was repealed in 1995, the old double nickel is a perennial topic and it reared its head again after the EPA announced yesterday that greenhouse gases are hurting us.

Writing in the Examiner, Mark Tapscott says that, "[The 55 mph limit is] virtually assured of making a return engagement in the very near future, thanks to a new ruling by the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)." You hear that? Virtually assured! Run for the hills! But, without a change in the law, the EPA can't set speed limits. These are left up to local governments, and just because the EPA now officially confirms that cars are dangerous to our health doesn't mean they get to make their own rules. The Auto Prophet wonders if the EPA could force manufacturers to set a top speed limit on vehicles, but doesn't it seem more likely that the government would look to fund technological alternatives to dirty engines than bring back one of the most unpopular laws ever? Just look at how drivers near Atlanta reacted to being forced to drive 55 mph, even though the highway was signed for that speed. They were decidedly not happy to be going that speed. Thanks to theautoprophet for the tip!

[Source: Examiner, The Auto Prophet]
Photo by StuSeeger. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

55 mph national limit to make a comeback? Not so fast. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>55 miles per hour55 mph55 mph speed limit55MilesPerHour55Mph55MphSpeedLimitdouble nickelDoubleNickelenvironmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepamphTue, 08 Dec 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Reality Bites: limos, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and private jets at Hopenhagen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/reality-bites-limos-co2-emissions-and-private-jets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/reality-bites-limos-co2-emissions-and-private-jets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/reality-bites-limos-co2-emissions-and-private-jets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sure, there might be a fleet of advanced technology vehicles cruising the streets of Copenhagen this week and next for the COP 15 Copenhagen United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, but that doesn't mean that literally tons of CO2 won't be emitted during the talks.

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is putting on the talks, the 17,000 attendees to Hopenhagen will emit about 40,500 tons of CO2 during the two-week event, including travel to and from their homes. This is about as much as 200,000 passenger cars will emit during the fortnight.

How will this happen? Well, for one thing, attendees are asking for more limos - over 1,200 - than exist in Denmark, so some are being driven in from Sweden and Germany, the Telegraph reports. About 140 extra private jets are expected at local airports during this time, too. It's not just participants who are contributing to the mess, but activists and people like anti-climate change U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, who are coming to Copenhagen to make their criticisms heard. At least they're doing it in a city that does more than most to embody clean living principles.

And, for the weirdest headline - thus far - from the whole summit: Prostitutes to offer free sex to UN climate summit participants.

[Source: Telegraph, Green Car Advisor]
Photo by woodleywonderworks. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Reality Bites: limos, CO2 emissions and private jets at Hopenhagen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CO2co2 emissionsco2 legislationCo2EmissionsCo2LegislationcopenhagenCopenhagen Climate Change ConferenceCopenhagenClimateChangeConferencehopenhagenTue, 08 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EPA says green house gases endanger people, environment - and it's all our fault]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/epa-says-green-house-gases-endanger-people-environment-and-it/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/epa-says-green-house-gases-endanger-people-environment-and-it/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/epa-says-green-house-gases-endanger-people-environment-and-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's official: the cars we drive are hurting us. The EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced today that "greenhouse gases (GHGs) threaten the public health and welfare of the American people. EPA also finds that GHG emissions from on-road vehicles contribute to that threat."

The EPA says that the science behind the findings "overwhelmingly" shows that GHG, the primary driver of climate change, are at their highest point ever because of human activities. In the U.S., on-road vehicles emit more than 23 percent of all GHGs. The six gases the EPA looked at were carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.

While the announcement doesn't mean there will be any new requirements imposed on the auto industry right now, Jackson said it "is the prerequisite for strong new emissions standards for cars and trucks: the ones the president announced last spring." Specifically, the EPA can now finalize its GHG standards for light-duty vehicles that it is working on with the Department of Transportation.

Earlier this year, the EPA proposed a rule that would require automakers (and many other companies) to submit annual reports on their GHG emissions to the EPA. You can listen to some clips of Jackson's speech here.

[Source: EPA]

Continue reading EPA says green house gases endanger people, environment - and it's all our fault

EPA says green house gases endanger people, environment - and it's all our fault originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingenvironmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaghggreenhouse gasesGreenhouseGaseslisa jacksonLisaJacksonMon, 07 Dec 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt: The Song]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chevy-volt-the-song/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chevy-volt-the-song/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chevy-volt-the-song/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chevy Volt and Me song -- Click above to watch the video

The Kraft company recently held a competition inviting the public to name its new Vegemite cream cheese spinoff. The name that won, and made it to shelves, was "iSnack 2.0." Really. It took one day of public cacophony to encourage Kraft to change the name to "Cheesybite," but we hear you can still find jars of iSnack 2.0 if you're inclined. Why do we bring this up? Because sometimes we wonder what insights marketers are using to make product roll-out decisions.

And what's that got to do with the Chevy Volt? The Chevy Volt's new theme song, Chevy Volt and Me. In this case, we know what the thought process was. Said the Volt's director of global marketing,

Our goal is to craft that education [about the Volt] in a manner that is family friendly (as it should be because we are America's original mass /heart brand), entertaining and simple to understand for a rather sophisticated product.

A Volt song helps us to achieve those objectives. 'Chevy Volt and Me' explains what Volt is all about as a better EV in simple friendly terms.

All right then. So it ain't Eye of the Tiger or Diesel Power, but it is catchy. Fast-paced, too, so you better pay attention because there's a lot in it. Follow the jump to watch a video of the Volt's gestation, made by the folks at the GM Volt site and set to the new tune. We dare you to listen to it once and not find yourself humming for the rest of the day, "It's so simple like a dimple plug it in and see."

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading Chevy Volt: The Song

Chevy Volt: The Song originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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