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[Honda leads pack with four HOV qualifying vehicles in California]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/honda-four-hov-qualifying-vehicles-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/honda-four-hov-qualifying-vehicles-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/honda-four-hov-qualifying-vehicles-california/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

honda fit

Honda is tooting its fuel-efficient horn, boasting that it has more vehicles than any other manufacturer - four - that qualify for access to California's coveted HOV lanes.

That number represents an impressive mix of cutting edge eco-friendly technologies - electric, plug-in hybrid, natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell. The HOV qualifiers are the Honda Fit EV, which is rated at 118 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe); the Honda Accord Plug-in, rated at 115 MPGe; the Honda Civic Natural Gas, rated at 31 MPG; and the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, rated at 60 MPEe.

Honda may have the most HOV-eligible vehicles, but it's certainly not alone. The current Chevrolet Volt qualifies and, most recently, the Ford Focus Electric, C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi gained access to the HOV lanes. Anybody who has ever been stuck on California's 405 or 10 around Los Angeles knows how much time, fuel and frustration that can alleviate. Despite the appeal, California has more stickers than takers, for now.

Continue reading Honda leads pack with four HOV qualifying vehicles in California

Honda leads pack with four HOV qualifying vehicles in California originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>high-occupancy lanehondahovhov lanesplug-in hybridWed, 20 Mar 2013 16:12:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20512012/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20512012/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/honda-four-hov-qualifying-vehicles-california/20512012/article-detail.xml 20512012 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-honda-fit-red628p_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-honda-fit-red628p.jpg <![CDATA['Transparent' Prius concept lets you see through the back seat, for safety]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/transparent-prius-concept-lets-you-see-through-the-back-seat/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/transparent-prius-concept-lets-you-see-through-the-back-seat/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/transparent-prius-concept-lets-you-see-through-the-back-seat/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The concept of making a back seat "transparent" in order to eliminate blind spots is making the publicity rounds thanks to the so-called "see through Prius" that recently got some exposure in both Los Angeles and Tokyo.

Earlier this fall, Japan's Keio University showed off a "see-through" Prius at Tokyo's Digital Content Expo, according to CNET. Using camouflage technology developed about a decade ago that uses a small camera that captures an image from behind the car and projects it onto the backseat to create an illusion of transparency. The idea is to basically eliminate blind spots and improve the trusty dashboard camera to give the driver a good, but not always complete, view of what's going on behind the car.

Toyota USA President and CEO Jim Lentz brought up this technology, as well as other emerging technologies like wireless charging for electric vehicles, during his keynote speech at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week.

'Transparent' Prius concept lets you see through the back seat, for safety originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Digital Content Expojim lentzKeio Universitypriussee-throughtoyotatransparentTue, 04 Dec 2012 07:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392033/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392033/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/04/transparent-prius-concept-lets-you-see-through-the-back-seat/20392033/article-detail.xml 20392033 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/see-through-toyota-prius_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/see-through-toyota-prius.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi, USC partner on smart grid study with 12 i electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/mitsubishi-ucs-partner-on-smart-grid-study-with-12-i-electric-v/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/mitsubishi-ucs-partner-on-smart-grid-study-with-12-i-electric-v/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/mitsubishi-ucs-partner-on-smart-grid-study-with-12-i-electric-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,

mitsubishi i usc

Trying to do its part to enhance both the smart grid and public safety, Mitsubishi announced last week it will support a smart grid demo project at the University of Southern California (USC) and its Viterbi School of Engineering. Mitsubishi will provide USC with 12 all-electric i vehicles to be used on campus and around the LA basin.

Part of the two-year Smart Grid Living Laboratory Project, the i vehicles will "work to further develop and improve virtually all phases of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to accommodate widespread EV usage in the future." They will do this by helping to simulate a city of around 55,000 people using both plug-in vehicles and other smart grid components. Mitsubishi will also provide "several" Level 2 chargers.

The dean of the USC Viterbi School, Yannis Yortsos, called the 12 vehicles, "a substantial electric vehicle fleet" that will offer "a useful pool of data for technical and behavioral research projects."

Continue reading Mitsubishi, USC partner on smart grid study with 12 i electric vehicles

Mitsubishi, USC partner on smart grid study with 12 i electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleimitsubishismart griduniversity of southern californiauscMon, 03 Dec 2012 18:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390481/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390481/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/mitsubishi-ucs-partner-on-smart-grid-study-with-12-i-electric-v/20390481/article-detail.xml 20390481 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mitsubishi-i-usc-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mitsubishi-i-usc-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat hopes sex sells with 500e: "Stop Global Warming, Start Global Hotness"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/fiat-sex-sells-500e-stop-global-warming-start-hotness/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/fiat-sex-sells-500e-stop-global-warming-start-hotness/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/fiat-sex-sells-500e-stop-global-warming-start-hotness/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat 500e

In the 1983 Chevy Chase film "National Lampoon's Vacation," sexiness (at least of the female variety) was personified by Christie Brinkley driving a Ferrari 308 that got about 15 miles per gallon. Nearly three decades later, Fiat brand chief Olivier Francois is pitching a kinder, greener sexy.

Speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday afternoon in front of a screen that read "Stop Global Warming, Start Global Hotness," Francois used every innuendo he could find to put distance between what he called the "busy, shiny, goofy, blocky" aspects of green living and the battery-electric Fiat 500e that the Italian automaker will start selling in California by mid-2013. He then showed a clip of a couple of test drivers take the 500e out on a racecourse only to get derailed mid-track by an impromptu make-out session. Another 500 ad featured a clever scorpions taking the top off a supermodel.

"Isn't ugliness the worst kind of pollution," Francois asked rhetorically in front of images that included the nearly-triangular EV the Kewet Buddy. You can watch this all unfold below.

The 500e will have a 111-horsepower motor that Fiat says will deliver at least an 80-mile single-charge range. The model will also have three color packages and an interior with electric orange accents for those that can't contain themselves. As for pricing, Francois, when asked after his presentation, maintained the company's silence on the subject.

Continue reading Fiat hopes sex sells with 500e: "Stop Global Warming, Start Global Hotness"

Fiat hopes sex sells with 500e: "Stop Global Warming, Start Global Hotness" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500eelectric vehicleevfiatolivier francoisFri, 30 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390708/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390708/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/fiat-sex-sells-500e-stop-global-warming-start-hotness/20390708/article-detail.xml 20390708 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fiat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fiat.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf's November, December sales likely to climb back to 2011 levels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/nissan-leafs-november-december-sales-likely-to-match-year-earl/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/nissan-leafs-november-december-sales-likely-to-match-year-earl/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/nissan-leafs-november-december-sales-likely-to-match-year-earl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan Leaf

Nissan is apparently past the problems that plagued sales of its all-electric Leaf earlier past year and is likely to either surpass or be close to matching its 2011 sales numbers for November and December, according to a company executive at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Nissan ran into supply issues after it expanded distribution to all 50 states from seven earlier this year. That meant that California, which accounts for about 60 percent of US Leaf sales, was short on inventory, Nissan North America spokesman David Reuter told AutoblogGreen.

"We starved the California market a bit, and that impacted our sales," said Reuter, adding that many states scaled back on EV incentives for 2012. For November and December, "we'll be much closer to parity compared to calendar year 2011," Reuter said.

As for 2013 upgrades, Reuter didn't give details on performance improvements, but he did say that the Leaf would "continue to advance from a technological standpoint." Nissan also expects to start producing US Leafs at its Smyrna, TN, factory, within the next couple of months.

Through October, Nissan's 6,791 Leaf sales were 16 percent lower than the same time period in 2011, but October's monthly sales were up 86 percent from a year earlier. September sales were almost even.

Nissan Leaf's November, December sales likely to climb back to 2011 levels originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david reuterelectric vehicleleaflos angeles auto shownissansalesThu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390698/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390698/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/29/nissan-leafs-november-december-sales-likely-to-match-year-earl/20390698/article-detail.xml 20390698 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/leaf-1354165189_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/leaf-1354165189.jpg <![CDATA[Honda Accord PHEV: 115 MPGe for $39,780]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/honda-accord-phev-115-mpge-for-39-780/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/honda-accord-phev-115-mpge-for-39-780/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/honda-accord-phev-115-mpge-for-39-780/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



This morning, Honda announced a bunch of impressive numbers for the upcoming 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. To wit: 115 MPGe, estimated 49 city/45 highway/47 combined fuel economy and an MSRP of $39,780. During the announcement, the Accord PHEV was called the "highest fuel economy of any plug-in vehicle, period."

While for this may hold true for some customers, the fundamental nature of PHEVs means that actual mileage will vary widely, depending on the number of miles one can travel on the energy stored in the battery and the owners driving cycle.

For instance, the Accord with a cord can go about 13 miles before it starts burning gasoline, while the 2013 Chevy Volt - which is rated at "only" 98 MPGe and sports a similar $39,145 price tag - eschews running its internal combustion engine for around 38 miles. Of course, the Volt can only seat four, so perhaps a closer competitor might be the Ford Fusion Energi. It is rated at 100 MPGe, is said to be good for 20 initial gasoline-free miles and has a base price of $39,495.

The Accord plug-in will become the first production vehicle in America to meet the SULEV 20 requirements. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid goes on sale January 15, 2013 in California and New York. We recently got to drive the PHEV, and you can read all about that here.

Continue reading Honda Accord PHEV: 115 MPGe for $39,780

Honda Accord PHEV: 115 MPGe for $39,780 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 honda accord plug-in hybridaccordaccord phevhondalala 2012los angeles auto showplug-in hybridThu, 29 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391149/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391149/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/29/honda-accord-phev-115-mpge-for-39-780/20391149/article-detail.xml 20391149 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-honda-accord-phev-la-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-honda-accord-phev-la-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai US chief maintains 2015 goal for production fuel-cell vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/hyundai-us-chief-maintains-2015-goal-for-production-fuel-cell-ve/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/hyundai-us-chief-maintains-2015-goal-for-production-fuel-cell-ve/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/hyundai-us-chief-maintains-2015-goal-for-production-fuel-cell-ve/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai ix35 fuel cell vehicle

Hyundai remains on track to reach its goal of producing what it says will be the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which will be a version of the Tucson crossover, by 2015, Hyundai Motor North America CEO John Krafcik told reporters at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Krafcik also stressed that the car, called the ix35 in some markets, would be available to the general public and would be a "series" vehicle - that is, not limited to government entities or fleets. He added that a crossover was most appropriate for fuel cell technology because its weight is greater than typical vehicles and would be a particular challenge in terms of maximizing range on an electric vehicle.

"We hope we can ride the scale economy down," Krafcik said, referring to the process of reducing per vehicle costs as production levels rise. He declined to estimate how much such vehicles cost to produce and how much they will cost in 2015.

In September, the Korean automaker said at the Paris Auto Show that the ix35 would be the first serial-production FCEV when it's made available for private and public lease by the end of this year. Hyundai, which has estimated a 365-mile full-tank, zero-emissions (except for water vapor) range for the car, has estimated that it will make 1,000 units between now and 2015. The company hasn't given out any price estimates.

Hyundai US chief maintains 2015 goal for production fuel-cell vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellhydrogenhyundaiix35john krafciklos angeles auto showtucsonThu, 29 Nov 2012 07:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390631/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390631/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/29/hyundai-us-chief-maintains-2015-goal-for-production-fuel-cell-ve/20390631/article-detail.xml 20390631 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/hyundai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/hyundai.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota's Jim Lentz looks into the future of wireless charging, CNG and more hydrogen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/toyotas-jim-lentz-future-wireless-charging-cng-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/toyotas-jim-lentz-future-wireless-charging-cng-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/toyotas-jim-lentz-future-wireless-charging-cng-hydrogen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



The traditional start of the LA Auto Show - well, other than the fancy pre-parties - is a keynote speech by this or that CEO. Today, the honor was given to Jim Lentz, president and CEO of Toyota USA, who talked about our automotive future (of Toyota and the industry as a whole) and said some things that caught our green-minded ears? Wireless charging in a Prius? Yes, please.

Lentz said that the number of fuel-efficient vehicles (here defined as cars that get more than 30 miles per gallon) available for sale in the US is up 330 percent in the last six years. This includes a host of technologies - better ICEs, clean diesels, plug-ins - but, as we all know, Toyota is placing its near-term high-MPG bet on hybrids. The company will launch (globally) 21 new or redesigned hybrids between now and the end of 2015. The next one up is the Avalon Hybrid, due in December.

The 2012 market share for hybrids is 3.5 percent. For Toyota, it's 14.

As the fleet gets cleaner and greener and competition from regular, more efficient gas engines gets stronger, will customers still be interested in hybrids? After all, the industry average for hybrid market share will only be about three-and-a-half percent in 2012. But, Lentz said, for Toyota, that number is 14 percent, "and that will continue to grow in the future. I don't think consumers are necessarily shying away from hybrids. We, for the most part, have been the only manufacturer that has been pushing hybrids."

And those hybrids will continue to get better, too. Lentz wouldn't get into any details, but did mention that Toyota is working on advanced batteries. He's still skeptical of pure EVs - citing cost and range issues - and said Toyota remains on track to bring a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015.

Wireless induction charging is "not imminent in our vehicles."

As for wireless induction charging, Lentz said that it is "not imminent in our vehicles," but he did confirm it is an in-house R&D project. Toyota realizes that consumers want things that are convenient. He doesn't find it that big of a hassle to charge up his Prius Plug-In, but there's no question that wireless is easier.

What about natural gas? Given peak oil, which "will happen in the middle of the next decade," Lentz said, "there is going to be a point in time where natural gas is going to be one of the solutions for probably 25-30 years after that as we develop even more and more hydrogen." So, CNG and hydrogen vehicles will compete? "The question becomes, if an infrastructure is going to be built, will the investment be made in natural gas or in hydrogen."

The questions is already being answered. California is already moving toward hydrogen, and since the challenge with CNG is the charge time - the time it takes to pressurize a pump, "similar with what you have to do with hydrogen, the cost of that infrastructure is very, very similar. I just don't know how much investment there will be in CNG refueling stations," he said. Then, of coruse, there's the potential impact of fracking? "I don't know how the environmental question about fracking will play out. There will always be that discource."

Lentz also spoke glowingly about car-sharing programs, noting that since the the first successful such program started in Portland in 1994, the idea has grown to include more than 25 programs in the US that serve 720,000 members with 9,800 cars. Toyota has yet to get into this in a big way, but that will change.

Continue reading Toyota's Jim Lentz looks into the future of wireless charging, CNG and more hydrogen

Toyota's Jim Lentz looks into the future of wireless charging, CNG and more hydrogen originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:41:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390346/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20390346/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/toyotas-jim-lentz-future-wireless-charging-cng-hydrogen/20390346/article-detail.xml 20390346 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jim-lentz-mpg-la-auto-show1-1354123051_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jim-lentz-mpg-la-auto-show1-1354123051.jpg <![CDATA[BMW i4 coming to LA?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/bmw-i4-coming-to-la/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/bmw-i4-coming-to-la/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/bmw-i4-coming-to-la/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW i4

It's a good thing someone at Green Car Reports can read French.

The blog, citing France-based L'Automobile, says BMW will unveil its all-electric i4 concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month.

The i4 will likely be a sportier version of the i3 city EV. The car will have two doors, instead of the i3's four doors, and will likely retail for north of $50,000 whenever it becomes available to the public.

Reports started surfacing last August that BMW would introduce i4 and i5 models to complement its i3 and i8 vehicles for the German automaker's i sub-brand of electric-drive vehicles.

The i3, the successor to the current ActiveE model that's being leased out in limited numbers, is said to have 170 horsepower and was originally slated to start sales to the public next year, though BMW reportedly was talking about delaying or even shelving sales plans for its electric-drive vehicles because of high costs and perceived lack of demand.

BMW i4 coming to LA? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwelectric vehiclei4los angeles auto showSat, 27 Oct 2012 09:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20362403/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20362403/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/27/bmw-i4-coming-to-la/20362403/article-detail.xml 20362403 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmwi4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmwi4.jpg <![CDATA[All-electric Fiat 500E confirmed for LA Auto Show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/all-electric-fiat-500e-confirmed-for-la-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/all-electric-fiat-500e-confirmed-for-la-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/all-electric-fiat-500e-confirmed-for-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat 500 concept car - gray, studio view

It looks like the all-electric version of the Fiat 500 will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. No word on whether Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne will bring the house down with his "we don't really want to build this car" routine.

The LA Auto Show has confirmed that the 500E will be one of the models revealed at the convention, but organizers didn't disclose further details about price, performance or potential on-sale date (best to leave that to Fiat anyhow, right?). Green Car Reports estimates that the car will be available only in limited numbers and that it will have an electric motor delivering about 100 horsepower.

Marchionne said in February that it would start making an all-electric 500 by the end of 2012, and the Italian automaker has been talking about the car since Chrysler unveiled a 500 BEV concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, but has been pretty mum on the subject ever since.

All-electric Fiat 500E confirmed for LA Auto Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500500500 ev500eelectric vehicleevfiatlos angeles auto showThu, 25 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20360113/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20360113/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/all-electric-fiat-500e-confirmed-for-la-auto-show/20360113/article-detail.xml 20360113 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/fiat500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/fiat500.jpg <![CDATA[Yes, there is a Green Marketer of the Year Award, and Ford won it again]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/yes-there-is-a-green-marketer-of-the-year-award-and-ford-won-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/yes-there-is-a-green-marketer-of-the-year-award-and-ford-won-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/yes-there-is-a-green-marketer-of-the-year-award-and-ford-won-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ford green ovalOnce again, Ford has won the Nielsen Automotive Green Marketer of the Year Award. This is the second year that Nielsen has tried to figure out which automaker is producing the most effective green message (which is, please note, quite different that producing the best green cars). National TV ads that had a "green" theme and were broadcast between October 2010 and September 2011 were eligible for Nielsen's award.

Nielsen's methodology to determine the winner combined a number of studies of various communication/entertainment channels, such as asking 5,400 people about their overall "perceptions of environmental messages by automotive brand," gathering data from 2.5 million TV advertising viewers and "measuring social media 'buzz' sentiment within green-related discussion threads." No, we're not exactly sure what that last item means, either, but the Internet is apparently a critical place. All it took to win was that "3 in 10 green-themed online discussions reflecting favorably on Ford." Um, congratulations?

Continue reading Yes, there is a Green Marketer of the Year Award, and Ford won it again

Yes, there is a Green Marketer of the Year Award, and Ford won it again originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordgreen marketer of the year awardla 2011la auto shownielsenFri, 18 Nov 2011 08:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20109246/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20109246/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/yes-there-is-a-green-marketer-of-the-year-award-and-ford-won-i/20109246/article-detail.xml 20109246 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-green-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-green-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda reveals 2013 CX-5 for U.S. with Skyactiv, gets up to 33 mpg]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/mazda-reveals-2012-cx-5-for-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/mazda-reveals-2012-cx-5-for-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/mazda-reveals-2012-cx-5-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We already drove a pre-production 2013 Mazda CX-5 through scenic Iceland, and the Japanese automaker showed us the finished (European) product at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September. Here at the Los Angeles Auto Show, however, Mazda has officially announced exactly what's in store for the U.S.-spec CX-5, set to go on sale early next year.

The Skyactiv powertrain should return best-in-class fuel economy figures of 26/33 mpg with the manual.

Powering the CX-5 is Mazda's new 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline four-cylinder with direct-injection technology. This powerplant is already available in the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, and in the CX-5, it's good for 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a new Skyactiv six-speed manual or automatic transmission (the manual is only available in the bottom-rung Sport trim, sadly). The CX-5 is not as powerful as other offerings in the class - the Kia Sportage and much larger Toyota RAV4, among others, offer more grunt - but Mazda says that the Skyactiv powertrain should return best-in-class fuel economy figures: 26/32 miles per gallon (city/highway) with the automatic transmission or an even better 33 mpg highway with the manual. Based on our Nordic test drive, the lighter CX-5 is also likely to be more fun to drive than its contemporaries. No word yet on the possibility of seeing the Skyactiv-D diesel model in North American showrooms, however. In any case, we'll see if the gas engine's official EPA numbers match up when the vehicle is properly tested.

We'll be driving the CX-5 later this week while in Los Angeles, so stay tuned for our full driving impressions in the near future, and hopefully we'll have pricing soon. In the meantime, click through our new gallery of live images direct from SoCal and gaze at the official PR after the jump.

Continue reading Mazda reveals 2013 CX-5 for U.S. with Skyactiv, gets up to 33 mpg

Mazda reveals 2013 CX-5 for U.S. with Skyactiv, gets up to 33 mpg originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2013 mazda cx-5cx-5cx5lala 2011la auto showmazdaskyactivThu, 17 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20109237/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20109237/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/mazda-reveals-2012-cx-5-for-u-s/20109237/article-detail.xml 20109237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-mazda-cx-5-live628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-mazda-cx-5-live628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevrolet Spark is a pastel paradise]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2013-chevrolet-spark-la-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2013-chevrolet-spark-la-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2013-chevrolet-spark-la-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Chevrolet Spark is only 144.7 inches long - nearly two feet shorter than the subcompact Sonic. But while the Spark is small in size, designers have made a real effort to make sure that it can still stand out in a crowd.

The Spark took the stage at the Los Angeles Auto Show in four distinct pastels, with oversized headlight assemblies-a-blazing. The Spark may be a bit of a runt, but it certainly boasts some height. It's 61 inches tall, or only six inches shorter than the Equinox crossover. The Spark also features plenty of room for four occupants, with 42 inches of front leg room and a respectable 35 inches for rear seat passengers.

Power comes from The General's diminutive 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, with 85 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 82 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 RPM, mated to either a standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. That's not a lot of go-juice, but luckily the Spark weighs in at only 2,269 pounds when equipped with the manual transmission.

The little hatchback will feature an available MyLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen that features smartphone-based navigation and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. The Spark also comes with standard 15-inch alloy wheels, which should help reduce cabin noise compared to the steel wheels that are standard on many subcompacts.

The Chevy Spark is scheduled to arrive in dealerships mid-2012. Hit the jump to read over the official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark is a pastel paradise

2013 Chevrolet Spark is a pastel paradise originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2013 chevrolet sparkchevroletchevylala 2011la auto showsparkThu, 17 Nov 2011 15:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20109219/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20109219/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/2013-chevrolet-spark-la-2011/20109219/article-detail.xml 20109219 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-chevrolet-spark-la-1321491695_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-chevrolet-spark-la-1321491695.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Green Car of the Year winner is the Honda Civic Natural Gas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2012-green-car-of-the-year-winner-is-the-civic-natural-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2012-green-car-of-the-year-winner-is-the-civic-natural-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2012-green-car-of-the-year-winner-is-the-civic-natural-gas/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The 2012 Green Car of the Year award was snagged from the electric and diesel jaws of its competitors by the Honda Civic Natural Gas. In a year full of standard gasoline powertrain alternatives, the Civic beat out the Ford Focus Electric, Mitsubishi i, Toyota Prius V and the Volkswagen Passat TDI.

Green Car Journal hands out the award and its rules state that the GCOTY needs to have a "quantifiable environmental achievement," market significance and "newness." Any car that has these clearly defined features and is available for sale by January 1, 2012 can be a nominee, and the list of finalists is whittled down by GCJ editors and selected industry and environmental experts.

Over the last four years, the GCOTY was won by a hybrid (the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in 2008), diesels (the Volkswagen Jetta TDI in 2009 and the Audi A3 TDI in 2010) and a plug-in hybrid (the Chevrolet Volt in 2011). In our informal poll we put up when the five finalists were announced a month ago, the Focus Electric dominated the field.

2012 Green Car of the Year winner is the Honda Civic Natural Gas originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 honda civic natural gas2011 la auto show2012 green car of the yearbreakingciviccivic natural gasgreen car of the yearhondalala 2011la auto showThu, 17 Nov 2011 12:10:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20108994/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20108994/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/2012-green-car-of-the-year-winner-is-the-civic-natural-gas/20108994/article-detail.xml 20108994 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-civic-natural-gas-green-car-of-the-year_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-civic-natural-gas-green-car-of-the-year.jpg <![CDATA[Coda announces "price drop," starts production of all-electric Sedan with larger battery]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/coda-announces-price-drop-starts-production-of-all-electric-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/coda-announces-price-drop-starts-production-of-all-electric-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/coda-announces-price-drop-starts-production-of-all-electric-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Coda may not have a new model to show off at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, but the company can still make news with a price drop. Or with something that is a price drop in all but name.

In September 2010, Coda said its all-electric Sedan would cost $44,900. Today, that was refined downward to a more-reasonable $39,900, putting the car somewhat closer to parity with the Ford Focus Electric (which starts at $39,200). The Mitsubishi i ($29,125) and the Nissan Leaf ($35,200) are both cheaper options for smaller all-electric vehicles. Coda's Thomas Hausch told AutoblogGreen that, since Coda hasn't actually sold any of the Sedans for the previously announced price, the new base price isn't a drop. More of a readjustment.

This is just one change that has happened since former GM exec Phil Murtaugh became Coda CEO. Hausch wouldn't give us specific details, but said that Murtaugh instituted "significant cost reductions" all along the development chain to make the car more robust and simple. One minor change that Coda weirdly isn't touting but could be due to the company talking about things a bit prematurely last year, as PluginCars' Brad Berman noticed, is that the Sedan will come with a 36-kWh battery pack instead of the 34-kWh pack that had previously been announced. Estimated range is still 150 miles. The change doesn't negatively affect the pack's stated reliability. Coda today announced an "industry leading" battery warranty that lasts for ten years and 100,000 miles.

One other thing: Coda has started production, and Hausch said the car is "sold out" until March or April of next year. All that means, though, is that enough people have paid the $99 reservation fee to claim a spot in line once the vehicles become available. The first deliveries should take place in January.

Continue reading Coda announces "price drop," starts production of all-electric Sedan with larger battery

Coda announces "price drop," starts production of all-electric Sedan with larger battery originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codacoda automotivecoda evcoda price dropcoda sedanelectric vehiclela 2011phil murtaughthomas hauschThu, 17 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20108128/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20108128/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/coda-announces-price-drop-starts-production-of-all-electric-s/20108128/article-detail.xml 20108128 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/coda-sedan-ev-la-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/coda-sedan-ev-la-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[Honda Fit EV available in 2012 for lease only, $399 per month *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/honda-fit-ev-available-in-2012-for-lease-only-399-per-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/honda-fit-ev-available-in-2012-for-lease-only-399-per-month/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/honda-fit-ev-available-in-2012-for-lease-only-399-per-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The idea of a all-electric Honda Fit is nothing new, but the details of the production version that will come to the U.S. next summer are, well, also nothing new. As announced today, the all-electric Fit will only be available through a lease program, probably for $399 per month. What's interesting is that the car does have an MSRP of $36,625, and multiple Honda reps milling around the stand after the world debut unveiling said that the lease-only deal is what's being announced today but that Honda listens to its customers. So, anyone who likes the idea of driving a Fit EV for a long time without having to give it back should let Honda know. Hand raising start today at the new Fit EV website. Honda spokesperson Jessica Fini told AutoblogGreen that the go-slow method is just how Honda likes to do things:

Because of our experience in the '90s, we're taking a slow and steady approach and that's kind of been the Honda way, whether you're happy with it or not. Every foray into advanced technology, whether we've been the leader or second or third, we've taken that slow and steady approach. ... It's not to say that we can't, in the future, modify the program.

Technologically, the Fit EV has good numbers. For starters, how about a city range of 123 miles (this is a "preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods"). Combined, the Fit should be rated at 76 miles. Aside from some modifications to the dash and a special bio-fabric, the Fit EV is almost identical to a standard Fit on the interior. When folded down, the rear seats don't get quite as flat as they do on the gas-powered Fit because of the 20-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. As reported before, the Fit EV's motor is a 92 kW unit that was derived from the motor in the hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCX Clarity. Technology from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid also makes the jump to the Fit EV in the case of the three-mode electric drive system. With an onboard 6.6-kW 32 amp charger, the battery can fill up in three hours on a Level 2 EVSE.

What does "summer" of 2012 mean? We kept hearing that the Fit EV program is 10 months away from launch, so that would place the first deliveries in August. "Select California and Oregon markets" will be the first to get the car, followed by six areas of the East Coast in 2013. Over the three-year program, Honda plans on making 1,100 Fit EVs available here (the company is also testing the car in Japan and China). The Fit EV will only be available in one color: Reflection Blue Pearl.

*UPDATE: Fini wanted to clarify and expand on her quote, and so sent AutoblogGreen the following:

Honda has always taken a slow and steady approach when it comes to introducing new technologies. Sometimes that means taking a different path then what the rest of the industry is doing. Honda is taking a portfolio approach when it comes to alternative fueled vehicles - introducing a variety of technologies (EV, P-HEV, FCEV, Hybrid, Natural Gas and fuel-efficient ICE) and letting the customer decide which best meets their needs.

Whether we are first or second to market with a new technology, Honda strives to exceed the customer ownership experience. With the Fit EV, we want to make sure Honda's return to the battery electric market is matched to customer's expectations of a Honda vehicle (exceptional reliability and quality). We felt leasing the Fit EV at this stage was the best way to both meet the high standards customers have come to expect from Honda and manage the customer ownership experience.

With that said, Honda is a flexible company that listens to its customers. We will be carefully monitoring customer feedback and continuously evaluating the Fit EV program when it launches next summer.

Continue reading Honda Fit EV available in 2012 for lease only, $399 per month *UPDATE

Honda Fit EV available in 2012 for lease only, $399 per month *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefit electricfit evfit ev leasehonda electric carhonda fitla 2011los angeles 2011Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20108299/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20108299/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/honda-fit-ev-available-in-2012-for-lease-only-399-per-month/20108299/article-detail.xml 20108299 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-honda-fit-ev-live628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-honda-fit-ev-live628.jpg <![CDATA[KBB's 2012 Best Resale Value awards go to Chevy Volt, Honda Civic Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/kbb-2012-best-resale-value-awards-chevy-volt-honda-civic/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/kbb-2012-best-resale-value-awards-chevy-volt-honda-civic/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/kbb-2012-best-resale-value-awards-chevy-volt-honda-civic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

honda civic hybrid

Which electric car will have the best resale value? According to Kelley Blue Book, that'd be the Chevy Volt. During an event in Los Angeles last night, KBB announced its best level guesses as to which 2012 models will be most appealing to used car buyers on some dusty lot in the future. Aside from the Volt, other green winners include the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid (hybrid car category), the Lexus RX 450h (hybrid SUV) and the Honda Fit (subcompact). You can see the full list of winners in the press release after the jump.

The Resale Value Awards are based on KBB's projections about which models it things will retain the highest percentage of the original MSRP five years down the line. KBB thinks that Toyota is the best overall brand, with Lexus winning the luxury brand category.

Continue reading KBB's 2012 Best Resale Value awards go to Chevy Volt, Honda Civic Hybrid

KBB's 2012 Best Resale Value awards go to Chevy Volt, Honda Civic Hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audichevroletelectric vehiclefordhond civic hybridhondajeepkbbkbb resale value awardskelley blue bookplug-in hybridresale valueresale value awardstoyotavoltWed, 16 Nov 2011 16:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20107762/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20107762/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/kbb-2012-best-resale-value-awards-chevy-volt-honda-civic/20107762/article-detail.xml 20107762 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/civic-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/civic-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda CEO: Skyactiv is "sustainable zoom-zoom" for a time when "fuel efficiency comes standard"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/mazda-ceo-skyactiv-sustainable-zoom-zoom-la-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/mazda-ceo-skyactiv-sustainable-zoom-zoom-la-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/mazda-ceo-skyactiv-sustainable-zoom-zoom-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Among the general public, Mazda is probably best known for the Miata and the whole "zoom-zoom" tagline. Speaking just before the unveiling of the new CX-5 crossover at the LA Auto Show's Motor Press Guild keynote speech this morning, Takashi Yamanouchi, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Company, said "zoom-zoom" is much more than a slogan, calling it the company's defining principle that informs how vehicles are designed, built and marketed. "This is what Mazda is all about," he said. But wait, there's more.

Yamanouchi said he believes the theme of this year's LA show is that "fuel efficiency comes standard." By improving "regular" technologies that boost overall fuel economy, more customers can enjoy the gas-saving benefits. In Japan, for example, the new Demio (Mazda2) with the Skyactiv-g 1.3-liter engine matches the fuel economy of some hybrids at a much lower cost.

As Yamanouchi continued his speech, it became clear that what Mazda is really about is Skyactiv. He noted that everyone in the auto industry is committed to reducing carbon emissions and so the choices for customers are growing. Still, internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to continue to make up the vast majority of vehicles sold for a very long time, so Mazda has decided to go big on its Skyactiv technology. Between 2001 and 2008, Mazda improved the corporate average fuel economy of its vehicles by around 30 percent. Between 2008 and 2015, with the help of Skyactiv to further improve ICEs, build better transmissions and reduce weight (full details here), the target is to improve the global economy by another 30 percent. In other words, Skyactiv is Mazda's new defining mantra: "sustainable zoom zoom."

Skyactiv does plan for electric vehicles in the long term, but Mazda isn't too keen on them right now. "Pure electric vehicles will lead the way to zero emissions," Yamanouchi said, adding that, "for some customers, they are a very attractive option." But he said that high cost and other limitations means they will remain just a small part of the industry, which Yamanouchi predicted would be not more than five percent of the market in the near term. Next year, Mazda will begin tests of an all-electric Demio with lease customers in Japan. Of course, more ICE Skyactiv models are coming, including U.S. launches of a Skyactiv diesel and vehicles with regenerative braking technology. Yamanouchi said his company will have more to say about this later in the year.

And then there was one other little detail: "I am very attached to the rotary engine, so as long as I'm president of Mazda, our R&D in this area will continue," Yamanouchi said. Good to know.

Mazda CEO: Skyactiv is "sustainable zoom-zoom" for a time when "fuel efficiency comes standard" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We Americans have a long history of clamoring for the forbidden fruit that automakers offer in Europe. Such has been the case with the Ford Kuga crossover - the cuter equivalent of the more traditionally styled Escape here in North America. But under the automaker's One Ford plan, the products offered across the pond are now nearly identical to what's being sold here, and because of this, the all-new 2013 Escape ditches its boxy styling and decidedly rugged good looks for something a little more... kinetic.

There was something appealing about the old Escape's mini-SUV styling.

Love it or hate it, the 2013 Escape - previewed by the Vertrek concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show - takes much of its design inspiration from the 2012 Focus. The large, trapezoidal lower grille, the wraparound design of the taillamps and even the alloy wheels are further interpretations of the Focus formula. And while the sexy lead image you see above makes the Escape look all tough and handsome, truth be told, we're not sure if we love it. We've seen the new Escape in person and it still strikes us as a bit too... Focused. Call us old school, but there was something appealing about the mini-SUV styling of the old Escape.

What aren't old school, however, are the new suite of engines that Ford is offering in its compact CUV. The standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder, which produces 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. Next up is an all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 173 hp and 177 lb-ft on tap, and the range-topping engine is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost that boasts 237 hp and 250 lb-ft. All of these powerplants are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and with the 2.0-liter underhood, the Escape is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Depending on the engine, Ford says that the new Escape is up to five miles per gallon more efficient than the outgoing model, though official EPA numbers (or estimates) have not been released at this time. Front-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can opt for a new intelligent all-wheel-drive system, as well.



Inside, there's a host of the latest Ford technology, including the newly revamped MyFord Touch infotainment system. As for design, there's a ton of Focus influence in the Escape's cabin, though the layout of the center stack is cleaner and better organized than the one in the smaller Focus. There are plenty of other convenience features on the new Escape, as well, including active park assist and a hands-free liftgate system.

There's a lot to like about the 2013 Ford Escape, and we'll be curious to see what the sales numbers look like when the crossover hits dealers early next year. The "old" model is selling better than ever, so the all-new Escape has serious shoes to fill. Be sure to scroll through our attached high-res image gallery to see the Escape from all angles, and follow the jump for the official press blast. We'll have more impressions live from the LA Auto Show later today.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Escape gets Focused design, EcoBoost power

2013 Ford Escape gets Focused design, EcoBoost power originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2013 ford escapeescapefordford escapelala 2011la auto showWed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20107143/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20107143/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/2013-ford-escape-gets-focused-design-ecoboost-power/20107143/article-detail.xml 20107143 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-ford-escape628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-ford-escape628.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. Chevy Spark revealed ahead of Los Angeles show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/u-s-chevy-spark-revealed-ahead-of-los-angeles-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/u-s-chevy-spark-revealed-ahead-of-los-angeles-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/u-s-chevy-spark-revealed-ahead-of-los-angeles-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,



On Wednesday, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The small hatchback has been tweaked for the North American market, and the hope is that the Spark takes off like wildfire with buyers. Chevrolet thinks the Spark will find favor with buyers living in cities, as well as first-time purchasers.

To that end, the entry-level Spark has been designed carefully. Obvious forethought went into the packaging of the virtually hidden rear passenger doors (not unlike its larger cousin, the five-door Sonic), and color choices with names like Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade, and Techno Pink are clearly aimed at a customer looking for something imaginative. Unique to our Spark will be a redesigned front fascia with distinct foglamp housings and airdam. The grille stretches further down the nose, too, and out back there are taillamps and bumper designs specific to the United States and Canadian markets.

Beyond the aesthetic alterations, important Spark details include a 1.2-liter dual-overhead cam four cylinder that spins 15-inch alloy wheels with 85 hp through a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Chevrolet MyLink is available in the Spark with a seven-inch touchscreen. Mylink features Bluetooth phone integration, and Pandora or Stitcher can be piped through your smartphone and directly into Mylink. Standard air conditioning and power windows, along with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster (there's that Sonic influence again) and color coordinated interior serve to spiff things up. It seems the message has sunk in that small cars don't have to be brutally decontented.

Check out the press release after the jump, and stay tuned to our full-court-press coverage of the LA show, where we'll get a chance to climb in and around the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and give you our firsthand impressions.

Continue reading U.S. Chevy Spark revealed ahead of Los Angeles show

U.S. Chevy Spark revealed ahead of Los Angeles show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2011 los angeles auto show2013 chevrolet sparkchevroletlala 2011la auto showsparkMon, 14 Nov 2011 13:33:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20105915/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20105915/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/14/u-s-chevy-spark-revealed-ahead-of-los-angeles-show/20105915/article-detail.xml 20105915 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-chevroley-spark_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-chevroley-spark.jpg -1 2