AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 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[Chevy Volt ad 'Silent Anthem' brings back friendly deer, robot dogs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

chevy volt silent anthem ad

With a great soundtrack - Patty Griffin's Heavenly Day - Chevy is once again using robot dogs and real deer to tell us how eco-friendly the Volt is. The new Volt commercial, called "Silent Anthem," is basically an expanded version of the Volt's snippets from the Find New Roads commercial from February, but this time we see how wind power is the new gasoline (as you can see in the fictional "Instant History" iPad app used in the spot). Nice.

Sure, the ad doesn't really say anything new about the Volt, but it certainly gives off an idealized vibe, and is a far cry from the way most automakers try to sell most of their cars. Just compare this spot (of Nissan's polar bear ad for the Leaf a few years ago) with most of the car-alone-on-the-highway ads that are apparently filmed after the apocalypse. What's the real message here?

You can chime in after watching below.

Continue reading Chevy Volt ad 'Silent Anthem' brings back friendly deer, robot dogs

Chevy Volt ad 'Silent Anthem' brings back friendly deer, robot dogs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy voltchevy volt advertisingelectric vehicleplug-in hybridsilent anthemWed, 22 May 2013 12:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579884/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579884/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/20579884/article-detail.xml 20579884 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-volt-silent-anthem-1_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-volt-silent-anthem-1.png <![CDATA[Bob Lutz and VL Automotive, Wanxiang trying to buy Fisker]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VL Automotive's Destino live at Detroit Auto Show

Chinese company Wanxiang was in the news earlier this year, as it moved to acquire bankrupt automotive battery company A123. Turns out, while that was taking place in the public eye, Wanxiang was also working with VL Automotive - of Bob Lutz and Destino fame - to try and buy out Fisker Automotive.

According to unnamed sources speaking to Reuters, VL and Wanxiang made Fisker an offer earlier in May to buy the troubled plug-in hybrid automaker through a "prepackaged bankruptcy deal." The talks are apparently ongoing and could well fall through, but it certainly makes sense for both Wanxiang and VL to want Fisker to survive in some manner. A123 supplied the Karma's battery cells and VL needs Karma bodies if it's going to build more than a small number of V8-powered Destinos.

At the end of April, Lutz wrote an article about Fisker's DOE Loan in which he called the Karma, "quite possibly the most beautiful four-door sedan ever." In that article, he also wrote, "The green craze is, frankly, ebbing, and interest in conventional cars remains strong." He's also called his gasoline-powered Destino the Karma that people will actually want to buy.

Reuters also notes there is another deal in the works from European and Hong Kong investors that would buy Fisker's $171-million debt that it owes the US DOE.

Bob Lutz and VL Automotive, Wanxiang trying to buy Fisker originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 May 2013 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcybob lutzdestinoelectric vehiclefiskerfisker automotivefisker karmaplug-in hybridvl automotiveTue, 21 May 2013 17:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578590/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578590/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/20578590/article-detail.xml 20578590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Fusion Energi earns five-star safety rating from NHTSA]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ford fusion energi plug-in hybrid

The Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has had a charmed life so far. Qualifying for California HOV lane status and getting impressive range and miles per gallon equivalent numbers are all bound to help its market image. Now, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi has earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score, the highest possible, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA tests measured vehicle performance and safety in frontal and side-impact crash test, along with resistance to rollovers. The plug-in hybrid follows the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, which already received five-star safety ratings. Ford highlighted another safety perk in its press release (see below) - the Personal Safety System with safety belt technologies and advanced front impact airbags.

So far, the Ford Fusion Hybrid has sold ten times more units than the Fusion Energi. The April sales total for the Fusion Hybrid was 3,625 units sold versus 364 for the Fusion Energi. But it's still very early in the game, and the Fusion Hybrid has a potentially huge problem to deal with that could hurt sales.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion Energi earns five-star safety rating from NHTSA

2013 Ford Fusion Energi earns five-star safety rating from NHTSA originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testingepafordfusion energimpgenhtsaplug in hybridsafety ratingsTue, 21 May 2013 10:13:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20577369/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20577369/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/2013-ford-fusion-energi-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-nhtsa/20577369/article-detail.xml 20577369 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-fusion-energi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-fusion-energi.jpg <![CDATA[Ford hit with another lawsuit over C-Max, Fusion Hybrid mpg claims]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ford c-max

Ford is waiting to see if it will be facing several class action lawsuits over its mileage ratings - three of which were filed in late April. Suits filed in federal courthouses in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California claim Ford is overstating the average mileage ratings for its 2013 Ford C-Max and Fusion Hybrids.

Marianne Cibeu, a Massachusetts resident, filed for a federal class action lawsuit claiming she's only getting 32 miles per gallon in her Ford C-Max hybrid despite the EPA/Ford rating of 47 mpg. As you can see in the complaint filed in a US District Court, the suit is asking for $5 million in damages for Cibeu and all Massachusetts buyers of 2013 C-Max and Fusion hybrids.

"Plaintiffs purchased a Fusion Hybrid or C-Max Hybrid, only to be stuck with under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners."

In California, two law firms combined their cases against Ford for making "false and misleading" claims. When we first reported on the case, back in December, there were reportedly hundreds of C-Max and Fusion Hybrid owners who'd joining the lawsuit. Not much later, Consumer Reports conducted extensive tests for both hybrids and found their performance to be significantly worse than the US Environmental Protection Agency mileage ratings. A similar case has been filed in US District Court in Philadelphia. "Plaintiffs are some of the tens of thousands of consumers who purchased a Fusion Hybrid or C-Max Hybrid, only to be stuck with under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners," according to the complaint.

So far, the wave of lawsuits hasn't hurt sales of the C-Max or Fusion Hybrid, though it's still early in the legal battle. The EPA, which determines (sort of) the mileage numbers Ford and other automakers put on window stickers, says that it's confident the ratings of both Ford vehicles are sound but will review them. Both Ford and the EPA have emphasized real-world mileage results are completely dependent on how the driver operates the vehicle. That hasn't gone over well with people filing class action lawsuits.

Ford hit with another lawsuit over C-Max, Fusion Hybrid mpg claims originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>47 mpgc-maxclass actionfordfusion hybridlawsuitmileagempgFri, 17 May 2013 17:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574111/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574111/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/20574111/article-detail.xml 20574111 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[A family's 10-year history with a 2003 first-gen Toyota Prius]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Toyota Prius has put in its time as the benchmark for hybrids and fuel efficient vehicles on American roads. For Scott Burns, it's put in time as a family car as well, and one he's been incredibly happy with.

Burns, writing in the Houston Chronicle, says owning a 2003 first-generation Toyota Prius for the past 10 years has been smooth. (The larger, iconic second-edition Prius was launched as a 2004 model a few months after he purchased his). He calls it "a practical companion," and notes that even after 115,000 miles on the odometer, the metallic green Prius will live on with his 16 year-old granddaughter.

The Prius has only needed one expensive repair. It's been trouble-free over the years and has handled whatever road conditions it's been subjected to. While naysayers have voiced worries about the life of the Prius battery, the pack is still going strong. He's met several other Prius owners who've never replaced the battery and put a lot more miles on it.

While the second- and third-generation Priuses are known for getting 45-to-50 miles per gallon, his car averaged about 43 mpg. He estimates saving about 1,000 gallons of gasoline in the Prius compared to a comparable size non-hybrid, saving about $3,300 in the past decade.

Ten years later, Burns notes there are a lot of appealing hybrids on the market today, such as the Ford C-Max, which is larger and more fun to drive than a Prius. There's also a lot of high-mileage, cheaper small cars out there - which have become the Prius' strongest competitor. The Burns family is buying a new Honda Fit Sport model. It may not get 40-plus mpg, but at $20,000 it costs about $10,000 less than most hybrids - and he figures that will buy a lot of gasoline. Read his whole article here.

A family's 10-year history with a 2003 first-gen Toyota Prius originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-gen priushybridmpgsmall cartoyota priusFri, 17 May 2013 13:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572714/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572714/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/20572714/article-detail.xml 20572714 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/first-generation-prius_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/first-generation-prius.jpg <![CDATA[XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hybrid electric vehicles are gaining appeal for fleets of all types as more models make it to showrooms bearing a variety of price tags. Even commercial fleets are finding more available products, from pickups and vans to medium-duty trucks. Now, there's a new option.

XL Hybrids, Inc., and the Knapheide Manufacturing Company announced an agreement for installation and distribution of XL Hybrids' low-cost hybrid electric powertrains, which are designed for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet vehicles. Knapheide is a longstanding commercial vehicle equipment provider in North America, and provides fleets with other alternative fuel vehicle choices.

The announcement was made at the 2014 GM Fleet and Commerical Product Preview, where the companies displayed a hybrid Chevrolet Express cargo van upfitted with XL Hyrids' powertrain system at Knapheide's booth. XL Hybrids' technology will be installed by Knapheide through its existing ship-through process, offering fleets a one-stop purchase, upfit, delivery and invoice experience. Nationwide delivery of converted hybrid 2014 Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans will start Aug. 1. 2013. XL Hybrids and Knapheide are also available for installation on what the press release refers to as "bailment pool vehicles," or as a retrofit for 2010 to 2013 GM cargo vans. Read it below for more details.

Continue reading XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets

XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo vanchevy expresscommercial fleetsgm fleethybridsxl hybridsThu, 16 May 2013 16:11:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568755/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568755/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/20568755/article-detail.xml 20568755 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-express_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-express.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Auris Hybrid
For Toyota and the new version of its Auris Hybrid that goes on sale starting next month, less is more. In this case, the Auris Hybrid will get an engine that cuts emissions by more than three percent from the current version.

The Auris Hybrid that goes on sale next month will emit just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, down from 87 in the previous model. The Touring Sports version of the Auris Hybrid, which was first shown off in Geneva earlier this year was, in Toyota's words, the "first full hybrid estate car," and emits 85 g/km. For comparison, the European Prius emits 91 g/km in combined driving conditions.

First-quarter Auris Hybrid sales in Europe surged 69 percent from a year earlier. There are no plans to bring the model stateside. Read Toyota's press release below.

Continue reading Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius

Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auris hybridco2emissionseuropetoyotaWed, 15 May 2013 11:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569259/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569259/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/20569259/article-detail.xml 20569259 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/auris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/auris.jpg <![CDATA[Ford will pass its own annual hybrid record seven months early]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ford-will-pass-own-annual-hybrid-record-this-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ford-will-pass-own-annual-hybrid-record-this-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ford-will-pass-own-annual-hybrid-record-this-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

ford fusion hybrid

What used to take Ford a year now takes less than five months. The automaker continues to expand its stable of hybrid-electric and plug-in vehicle models, and that's one reason why the company is about to pass its previous annual hybrid-sales record this month, Bloomberg News says.

Through the first four months of the year, Ford's advanced-powertrain sales increased almost fivefold to more than 30,000 units, including plug-ins. To compare, Ford's previous company record was 35,496 hybrids sold in all of 2010. Ford is benefiting from a broader offering of advanced-powertrain vehicles, and its newer C-Max Hybrid has done particularly well, moving 11,708 vehicles through April. The revamped Fusion Hybrid has sold almost 14,000 units.

The company also appears to be eating into Toyota's market leadership. The Japanese automaker, which still accounts for almost 60 percent of US hybrids, sold 19,889 vehicles last month across its four Prius variants, down 21 percent from a year earlier.

Ford will pass its own annual hybrid record seven months early originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 May 2013 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-maxfordford hybridfusionhybrid salesmayrecordsalesThu, 09 May 2013 10:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20561522/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20561522/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/ford-will-pass-own-annual-hybrid-record-this-month/20561522/article-detail.xml 20561522 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-fusion-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-fusion-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Ford increasing Lincoln MKX Hybrid production mix to 30%]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/ford-increasing-lincoln-mkx-hybrid-production-mix-to-30/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/ford-increasing-lincoln-mkx-hybrid-production-mix-to-30/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/ford-increasing-lincoln-mkx-hybrid-production-mix-to-30/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Demand for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is strong enough that Ford will change the production mix from 20 percent to 30 percent hybrids for the 2014 model year.

It's part of an overall MKZs comeback, which saw sales increase in April sales now that the car is no longer quite as slow to roll of the line. MKZ sales more than doubled last month, hitting the 4,000 units sold mark for the first time and setting an all-time monthly sales record for the Lincoln brand.

Ford is targeting younger customers for the MKZ. The MKZ is doing especially well in the coastal areas. Los Angeles is the fastest growth market where retail sales more than tripled, lead by the MKZ hybrid, said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of US marketing, sales and service. In LA, the hybrid made up about 60 percent of MKZ retail sales.

With the exception of the Lincoln Navigator, the other members of the Lincoln family had a very poor sales month. The MKS plummeted 44 percent, the MKX dipped eight percent and the MKT dropped 31 percent.

The Ford brand did much better in April, with the F-Series pickup, Fusion sedan and Escape crossover each seeing impressive gains - and the Ford models sell much higher unit volumes than Lincolns do. The Taurus sedan, Flex crossover and Transit Connect were the only Ford models that dropped in sales during the month.

Back in October of last year, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid was given a combined 45 miles per gallon rating. At that time, it was behind the Ford Fusion Hybrid's 47 mpg estimate. These days, that 45 mpg rating for the MKZ Hybrid is looking pretty darn good.

Ford increasing Lincoln MKX Hybrid production mix to 30% originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford hybridhybridhybrid saleslincoln mkz hybridTue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557066/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557066/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/ford-increasing-lincoln-mkx-hybrid-production-mix-to-30/20557066/article-detail.xml 20557066 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lincoln-mkz-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lincoln-mkz-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[April 2013: Prius sales slow, competition grows edition]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

April's alt-fuel sales rose 6.5% from a year earlier

Year-over-year advanced-powertrain sales numbers in the US continued to slow last month as Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda failed to hit the demand levels seen in 2012.

A surge in Nissan Leaf sales, which helped push plug-in sales up 41 percent from a year earlier, and demand for newer Ford hybrids helped offset the effect of falling Prius sales. Still, advanced-powertrain sales rose just 6.5 percent to 52,671 units in April. Through the first four months of the year, Americans bought just over 200,000 advanced-powertrain vehicles, up 14 percent from a year earlier.

Sales of the Toyota Prius, still the world's best-selling hybrid, continued to plateau.

Sales of the Toyota Prius, still the world's best-selling hybrid, continued to plateau in popularity, as all four of its variants had declining year-over-year sales. Combined, the Prius models moved 19,889 units, down 21 percent from April 2012. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid was hit particularly hard, with sales plunging 64 percent from a year earlier to 599 vehicles. While Lexus hybrid sales climbed 27 percent from a year earlier and the newer Avalon Hybrid moved 1,423 units, Camry Hybrid sales fell 26 percent to 3,257 vehicles. As a whole, Toyota Motor Company sold 28,279 vehicles in April 2013, down 13 percent from the same month in 2012.

On the flipside, Ford's newer C-Max variants and its re-launched Fusion Hybrid helped surge sales for the US automaker. The C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) sold 3,197 and 411 units, respectively, while Fusion Hybrid sales more than quadrupled from a year earlier to 3,625 vehicles. The Fusion Energi PHEV sold 364 units, while the Lincoln MKZ hybrid more than doubled year-earlier sales to 884 units. In all, Ford boosted alt-fuel sales more than sixfold to 8,628 vehicles.

Nissan also did well, with last month's sales of 1,937 Leaf battery-electric vehicles representing the second-best ever (to March's 2,236) and almost quadrupling year-earlier figures.

Still, things were pretty tepid for the rest of the automakers. General Motors' advanced-powertrain sales last month fell 10 percent from a year earlier to 4,051 vehicles. Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in sales declined 11 percent to 1,306 units, while sales of the Buick LaCrosse mild hybrid and GM's hybrid SUVs and pickups were down 43 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

Honda Insight sales plunged 47 percent.

Honda continued to lag year-earlier numbers, with advanced powertrain sales dropping 13 percent from April 2012 to 1,596 vehicles. While the recently introduced Accord PHEV and Acura ILX Hybrid moved 55 and 1,523 units, respectively, sales of the Civic Hybrid and CR-Z each fell more than 20 percent from a year earlier, while Insight sales plunged 47 percent.

As for the Germans, Volkswagen diesel sales dropped 8.7 percent to 7,301 units, while Europe's biggest automaker sold 353 Jetta Hybrids. Audi diesel sales declined 46 percent to just 348 vehicles. Porsche hybrid sales dropped 61 percent from a year earlier to just 51 vehicles.

Finally, Mitsubishi sales of its i EV jumped 61 percent from a year earlier. That sounds high, but it's just 127 vehicles despite aggressive discounts on the all-electric model.

April 2013: Prius sales slow, competition grows edition originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aprilelectric vehicleev saleshybridhybrid salesplug-in hybridpriussalestoyotaFri, 03 May 2013 11:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557010/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557010/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/20557010/article-detail.xml 20557010 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/monthlygraphic_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/monthlygraphic.png <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf has second-best sales month, Chevy Volt declines again, slightly]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-leaf-chevy-volt-april-2013-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-leaf-chevy-volt-april-2013-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-leaf-chevy-volt-april-2013-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Starting production of the all-electric Leaf in Tennessee helped Nissan sell more Leafs in the US in March 2013 than in any other month. April wasn't quite as sunny, but the 1,937 Leafs sold last month were still good enough for second place. Ever. It also represents a 423.5 percent year-over-year increase and Nissan says that, so far in 2013, Leaf sales are up 160.4 percent compared to the same time frame in 2012. April also marked the second month in a row that the Leaf beat the Chevrolet Volt. The two vehicles use different drivetrains, but Nissan, at least, considers the other popular plug-in its competition.

It's not that General Motors had a bad month. The 1,306 Volts sold last month were roughly in line with March and February (but it's a downward trending line, with 1,626 sold in February and 1,478 in March). 2013 April Volt sales were down 10.7 percent from April 2012 but, year-to-date, Volt sales are up 3.2 percent in 2013 compared to 2012.

As always, we'll have our detailed write-up of last month's green car sales up soon. For now, discuss.

Nissan Leaf has second-best sales month, Chevy Volt declines again, slightly originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 May 2013 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy voltelectric vehicleev salesleaf salesnissannissan leafplug-in hybridvolt salesWed, 01 May 2013 11:26:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554576/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554576/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/nissan-leaf-chevy-volt-april-2013-sales/20554576/article-detail.xml 20554576 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/leaf-volt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/leaf-volt.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide S becomes first hydrogen car to lap Nürburgring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/aston-martin-rapide-s-first-hydrogen-car-lap-nurburgring/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/aston-martin-rapide-s-first-hydrogen-car-lap-nurburgring/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/aston-martin-rapide-s-first-hydrogen-car-lap-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aston Martin hydrogen hybrid nurburgring

An Aston Martin has completed what's believed to be the first hydrogen-powered lap around the famous Nürburgring as the automaker prepares to enter its H2-powered hybrid in next month's 24-hour race at the German racetrack.

The Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S made a four-hour run around the track, with Aston Martin chief executive officer Dr. Ulrich Bez at the wheel, no less. The car is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that can run on gasoline, hydrogen or a combination of both. The test drive was in preparation of Aston Martin entering the car in Nürburgring's 24-hour enduro on May 19.

Aston Martin is making a big deal about its hydrogen racer being "the first zero CO2 emissions sports car to complete a race pace lap at the Nürburgring 24-hour race." That may be true, but zero-emission sports cars have tackled the Nürburgring track many times before, just not under hydrogen power. It's the 24-hour part that's admittedly tricky for electric cars.

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide S becomes first hydrogen car to lap Nürburgring

Aston Martin Rapide S becomes first hydrogen car to lap Nürburgring originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 aston martin rapide s24 hours of nürburgringaston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide sh2hydrogen hybridnürburgringnürburgring 24 hoursulrich bezTue, 30 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20552357/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20552357/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/aston-martin-rapide-s-first-hydrogen-car-lap-nurburgring/20552357/article-detail.xml 20552357 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/aston_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/aston.jpg <![CDATA[Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,

vw jetta tdi logo

Hybrid sales have grown rapidly in the US during the past couple of years - well outpacing the overall automotive market - and it looks like diesel sales are beginning to follow that trajectory as well.

US hybrid light-duty vehicle registrations have jumped 34 percent from 2010 through the end of 2012 and diesel sales are up 24 percent to about 797,000 from about 641,000 two years earlier, diesel advocate Diesel Technology Forum says (citing a study conducted by R.L. Polk at the DLF's request). The important thing to note is that, during the same period, total vehicle registrations were up less than three percent, indicating that more consumers are turning to green vehicles in order to address rising gas prices. It will likely not surprise anyone that California, Massachusetts and New York had the fastest growth rates for diesel sales.

Check out the Diesel Technology Forum's press release below and you can more of the gory numerical details in the gallery below. We've been tracking all green vehicle sales in our monthly series as you can see in the March 2013 numbers, the latest available. Last year, Volkswagen boosted its clean-diesel sales by 32 percent to almost 82,000 vehicles, while Audi diesel sales held steady at about 7,200 units.

Continue reading Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate

Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audidieselhybridsalestdivolkswagenMon, 29 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20551841/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20551841/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/20551841/article-detail.xml 20551841 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Ford owners sue over MPG claims, 'under-performing' hybrids]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford C-Max Hybrid

A group of Ford hybrid owners in Pennsylvania aren't feeling too fraternal with the Blue Oval, suing the automaker for allegedly overstating fuel-economy figures, Bloomberg News reports.

The claim, which was filed in a Philadelphia court, seeks at least $5 million in damages and calls the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid models "under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners." A Ford spokesman emailed a statement to Bloomberg that states the ratings are in accordance with protocols set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A similar claim was filed in California late last year, and two California law firms involved there have, more recently, combined claims. That followed a Consumer Reports study that found that the Fusion and C-Max Hybrids, both of which are rated at 47 miles per gallon combined, got about 39 mpg and 37 mpg, respectively, in the real world.

Ford isn't the only automaker with a fuel economy issue. Last year, Hyundai and its Kia affiliate ran into a similar issue with drivers alleging overstated fuel-economy figures. Earlier this year, the automakers agreed to set aside about $412 million to refund drivers claiming they've been overpaying for refueling costs.

Ford owners sue over MPG claims, 'under-performing' hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford c-max hybridford fusion hybridhybridlawsuitlegalpennsylvaniaFri, 26 Apr 2013 09:26:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548742/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548742/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/20548742/article-detail.xml 20548742 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fordcmaxhybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fordcmaxhybrid.jpg <![CDATA[UK hybrid sales will dwarf demand for plug-in vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/uk-hybrid-sales-will-dwarf-plug-in-demand/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/uk-hybrid-sales-will-dwarf-plug-in-demand/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/uk-hybrid-sales-will-dwarf-plug-in-demand/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UK hybrid sales will exceed plug-in demand

UK hybrid sales will dwarf those of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as automakers work to meet ever-increasing emissions requirements during the next decade. The prediction was reported in Motor Trades Insight can came from a RAC (Royal Automobile Club) Foundation study.

What does the RAC expect? Well, that hybrids could account for up to 50 percent of all the new cars sold in 2030. Meanwhile, annual plug-in sales by 2020 could hit 200,000, or about 10 percent of the number of cars sold in the UK last year. Plug-in sales may be spurred by a combination of lower vehicle costs and further tightening of emissions standards. Either way, just 3,600 electric cars have been sold in the UK since the government instituted plug-in subsidies of £5,000 ($7,700) per vehicle.

No model illustrates the hybrid/plug-in disparity better than the Toyota Prius. In the UK last year, the Japanese automaker sold almost 13,000 Prius hybrids. The number for Prius Plug-in sales since that model debuted in the UK last July was a bit smaller: just 470.

UK hybrid sales will dwarf demand for plug-in vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclehybridplug-in hybridracroyal automobile clubukunited kingdomFri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549206/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549206/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/uk-hybrid-sales-will-dwarf-plug-in-demand/20549206/article-detail.xml 20549206 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ukprius_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ukprius.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker goes to Congress: DOE attacked amid hints loan could still be paid back]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-congressional-hearing-doe-attacked-among-hints-loan-coul/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-congressional-hearing-doe-attacked-among-hints-loan-coul/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-congressional-hearing-doe-attacked-among-hints-loan-coul/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker Congressional hearing

With a title like "Green Energy Oversight: Examining the Department of Energy's Bad Bet on Fisker Automotive" it was no surprise that the slant of today's Congressional hearing by the House Oversight subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Regulatory Affairs was overwhelmingly negative. In fact, for over three hours, it was perhaps the definition of political theater. After all, where else do you get to hear a House of Representatives member (Gerald Connolly, D-VA) say the hearing was like a Soviet show-trial while Darell Issa (R-CA) compared Henrik Fisker (co-founder of Fisker Automotive and a witness today) to Bricklin and Tucker? Oh, and Issa also said Fisker made mistakes that failed presidential candidate Mitt Romney would not have made his first day out of business school. All this and more was on display today in Washington, DC.

The hearing was incredibly - and unsurprisingly - political, with Democrats speaking positively about the overall DOE loan program and Republicans attacking Fisker for taking $192 million (almost always rounded up to $200 million) and not paying it back. Not yet, anyway. Both Fisker (who made it clear he was not speaking for the company, since his official connections have ended) and Fisker COO Bernhard Koehler said that Fisker has not yet lost any taxpayer money, and Koehler said there are still plans in place to pay everything back. Fisker's take was that there is a lot of value left in the automaker that could be brought to bear on paying the DOE back. Of course, Fisker's official website has been down all day, in case you were looking for one more sign that things are not going well for the California automaker.

Continue reading Fisker goes to Congress: DOE attacked amid hints loan could still be paid back

Fisker goes to Congress: DOE attacked amid hints loan could still be paid back originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darrell issaelectric vehiclefiskerfisker karmahenrik fiskerhouse oversight committeeplug-in hybridWed, 24 Apr 2013 19:38:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548452/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548452/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fisker-congressional-hearing-doe-attacked-among-hints-loan-coul/20548452/article-detail.xml 20548452 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-automotive-issa-hearing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-automotive-issa-hearing-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker execs will be questioned today over DOE loan, repayments]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker logo on sheetmetal

As we get ready for a Congressional hearing later today, news of money that Fisker Automotive owes to the US government is on the mind of regulators and the public. Therefore, the US Department of Energy has announced that it did recently collect $21 million from the struggling automaker. The DOE says that the $21 million was paid back April 11. The company's first repayment, of $10 million out of the roughly $192 million that the company took (it was originally granted a $529 million loan but never took all of the money), was due Monday but the company did not send that check. DOE spokeswoman Aoife McCarthy said in a statement that the agency is "taking strong and appropriate action on behalf of taxpayers," and that the $21 million came from a reserve account. Whether the money covers the payment due is not clear.

Today, the ever-positive-in-the-face-of-trouble co-founder Hekrik Fisker (since resigned), company CEO Tony Posawatz (maybe; reports differ) and COO Bernhard Koehler will be questioned by Republican Darrell Issa's (R-CA) Government Reform and Oversight Committee. Word is that Henrik will say the company could "survive and move forward if it can secure financial and strategic resources, to build on its achievements so far" and that Fisker's problems are the result of "a confluence of events," which sounds like we could be in for some testy testimony.

It's pretty clear Issa has got a negative attitude about the company, since the hearing's official title is: "Green Energy Oversight: Examining the Department of Energy's Bad Bet on Fisker Automotive." We'll have more later today.

Fisker execs will be questioned today over DOE loan, repayments originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernhard koehlercongressdarrell issadoe loanfisker automotivehearinghenrik fiskerkarmatony posawatzWed, 24 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547845/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547845/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/20547845/article-detail.xml 20547845 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-logo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-logo-628.jpg <![CDATA[BYD may go all-green with vehicle production, eliminating gas-only powertrains]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BYD's e6 EV

It's not quite Elon Musk's vision of a purely electric-vehicle company, but BYD may move away from purely gas-powered cars in an attempt to reverse lagging sales. Yes, you read that right.

The China-based automaker could stop making gas-powered cars within two years and may go solely with hybrids and plug-ins for its light-duty vehicles, Reuters says, citing two BYD executives it didn't identify. As part of the effort, BYD may also get out of the light-bulb and solar-panel making businesses and could target its e6 EV purely for rental vehicles and taxis while introducing new plug-in models.

Last year, BYD sold about 458,000 cars and has seen its share price drop more than 75 percent over the past three years. The company's biggest investor is Warren Buffett, who owns about 30 percent of the company.

The Wall Street Journal reported in February that BYD expected to more than quadruple light-duty plug-in vehicle sales this year on rising gas prices and aggressive government incentives for plug-in vehicles. BYD sold about 1,700 plug-in vehicles last year, and since December reached municipal contracts for its e6 EVs with Bogota, Columbia, as well as its home-base of Shenzhen, China.

BYD may go all-green with vehicle production, eliminating gas-only powertrains originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydchinaelectric vehiclegasolinehybridplug-inplug-in hybridshenzhenMon, 22 Apr 2013 10:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546007/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546007/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/20546007/article-detail.xml 20546007 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/byd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/byd.jpg <![CDATA[SAE World Congress: New Nissan gas-electric powerplant will boost Pathfiner, QX60 hybrids]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/sae-world-congress-nissan-pathfinder-hybrid-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/sae-world-congress-nissan-pathfinder-hybrid-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/sae-world-congress-nissan-pathfinder-hybrid-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Nissan Pure Drive Hybrid SystemAt the SAE World Congress in Detroit this week, Nissan brought the guts of its new Pure Drive Hybrid System, a four-cylinder gas engine and 15-kW electric motor that has two clutches. The clutches on either side of the motor allows the system to use the motor for propulsion or regeneration and also result in a compact size, about the same as a conventional CVT, we were told. The system also uses a 144-volt lithium-ion battery.

As we learned in New York a few weeks ago, the first vehicle to use this motor will be the 2104 Pathfinder. The hybrid powertrain will give the Pathfinder stop-start (which Nissan calls idle stop and which is also available on the European Note, for example) and will be able to coast at highway speeds and will ever-so-gently be able to creep on battery power, for a limited distance. The electric parts help increase the Pathfinder's estimated highway mileage from 24 to 27 miles per gallon, while city numbers jump from 19 to 25. The new Pathfinder Hybrid will be available later this summer for around a $3,000 price premium. Despite a lower peak horsepower, the hybrid will offer comparable performance to the Pathfinder with a V6 engine. The hybrid gets 250 horsepower, while the conventional V6 gets 260, but the torque band and hp for the hybrid are higher over most of the range. The hybrid setup will also be used in the Infiniti QX60 Hybrid (what used to be called the JX) and who knows what else after that.

SAE World Congress: New Nissan gas-electric powerplant will boost Pathfiner, QX60 hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sometimes, a little suggestion goes a long, long way. Speaking at the SAE World Congress in Detroit today, Bob Lutz took a proposal from the conference organizers to frame his speech around the idea that he was king of the auto industry for a week and ran with it. He said he'd need to rule over the entire US to get his ideas enacted, oh, and be an all-encompassing emperor instead of a mere king. In other words, Maximum Bob remains as big as ever, attacking the "religion" of climate change, pointing out why diesel doesn't make sense in the US and explaining why raising the national gas tax just makes sense.

"Reducing fuel consumption by forcing automakers to sell smaller vehicles is like fighting obesity by forcing clothing manufacturer to sell only small sizes."

Let's start with climate change, where Emperor Bob said, "I would insist on giving equal time to the growing scientific body that is not convinced that climate change is man-made and I would say, just leave room for honest debate. That's what this emperor would decree."

Once the "honest debate" starts, "This emperor would ask that the laws of common sense be applied. And in this case, the laws of common sense simply dictate - always has - that if you want someone to use less of a given commodity, you raise the price of that commodity. How hard is that for anyone to grasp? With all this complicated CAFE and CO2 legislation, we're attacking the problem from the wrong end of the pump when we dictate that automakers make vehicles that go farther and farther on a gallon is wrong. What happens in the real world, as will always be the case, is people don't buy smaller, more efficient vehicles and pocket the extra cash. People will continue to buy larger vehicles and spend the same amount of money on fuel because, mentally, they've got a sort of finite fuel budget and they think it's a good deal."

After all, he said, "Reducing fuel consumption by forcing automakers to sell smaller and more frugal vehicles is like fighting the nation's obesity epidemic by forcing clothing manufacturer to sell only small sizes. If you want less obesity, then what you would do is you would raise the price of fatty foods."

Continue reading Emperor Bob Lutz doesn't disappoint in SAE World Congress keynote

Emperor Bob Lutz doesn't disappoint in SAE World Congress keynote originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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