Autoblog Green

Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford, USA

2009 Ford Ka - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said a couple of times that he'd like to see the diminutive and highly efficient Ford Ka sold here in the States, though we always questioned whether it would actually happen. Wonder no more, as Mulally has just come right out and said that the little car won't make the trek to America. Speaking to Automotive News, Mulally said, "Our view is that Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States." So, there you go.

Also not coming to America will be the next-generation Ford Ranger, which has been spotted testing over in Australia a couple of times already. At this point, it's not clear what (if anything) will replace the rapidly aging compact pickup when the current Ranger ends production in 2011.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., MPG

Garmin EcoRoute screen shots - click above for image gallery

At last January's Consumer Electronics Show, Garmin announced a new optional extra for its Nuvi GPS system. The Eco-Route adds the ability for 1xxx series Nuvis to display a variety of vehicle information about what is going on in the engine. The cable plugs into the cars OBD-II diagnostic communications port to read out an array of data including fuel and air information, throttle position, combustion mixture and more. The system also includes a driving challenge that users can use to help train themselves to drive more efficiently. In addition, the Nuvi now allows drivers to select a more economical route that may or may not be the fastest or shortest route. The connection cable is priced at $149 but no on-sale date has been announced. It could be shipping before the end of the year or early 2010.

Gallery: Garmin EcoRoute screen shots

[Source: GPSCity via Engadget]

Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion - click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has started taking orders in Europe for the new BlueMotion edition of its mid-size Passat. Like other models bearing the BlueMotion badge, the Passat has been optimized to drive down the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. As seen in the photos, the BlueMotion gets optimized aerodynamics through rocker panel extensions, a deeper front air-dam and special alloy wheels. Mechanically, it uses the same new 1.6-liter common rail TDI four cylinder found in the smaller Golf BlueMotion along with the 7-speed DSG transmission. Automatic start-stop and brake energy recuperation are also included in the mix.

The starting price of the Passat in Germany is €27,850, which gets buyers a rating of 53.4 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle along with CO₂ emissions of 114 g/km.

VW is also spreading the BlueMotion love to other models by incorporating some of the various components. The Golf and Golf Plus are available with the 1.6-liter while the Scirocco, EOS and Tiguan get the 1.4-liter TSI gas engine.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

How often do the Wall Street Journal, Bill Ford, Jr. and Thomas Friedman agree on something? When it's the gas tax, it's 100 percent of the time, and now a number of auto executives have added their voices in favor of a gas tax in order to reach the end goal of getting more fuel efficient vehicles into use.

Speaking at the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit, people like Jerry York, a former GM board member, and Mike Jackson, chief executive of AutoNation Inc., said that setting the price of gas at at least $4 a gallon would be a better way to get Americans to use less gasoline than giving out billions in loans and grants to develop new, more efficient technologies. Only with some pain at the pump, Jackson said, will car buyers care about fuel efficiency, adding that the best way to set the price floor would be with gradual gas tax increases until the $4 or $5 price limit is reached. Tim Leuliette, chief executive of supplier Dura Automotive, suggested that $8/gallon should be the target by 2020, stressing that the increases need to be telegraphed far in advance so that automakers and buyers can prepare for them. Rebates or other assistance for low income families should also be considered, the executives said.

Of course, any politician who pushes hard for these increase will likely face tremendous opposition and criticism, but these guys are making sense. How is it that the auto industry is so far ahead on this issue?

[Source: Forbes]
Photo by functoruser. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next BMW M5 to cut CO₂ emissions by 20%, no hybrid

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, BMW, Lightweight

The next generation of BMW's 5-series sedan is expected to debut early in 2010, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show. The new M5, however, likely won't be launched until the 2011 Frankfurt show. According to Albert Biermann, development boss of the M division, when it does arrive, it will cut CO₂ emissions by 20 percent compared to the current model.

To do that, BMW will follow an increasingly common path with direct injection, turbocharging and revised gearing. The M5 will apparently use a version of the 555 hp turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from the X5M/X6M. The increase in torque from the 383 lb-ft at 6100rpm of the current 5.0-liter V10 to around 500 lb-ft at 1500rpm will allow BMW to use much taller gearing for lower engine rpms.

Contrary to some earlier reports, the M5 will not use any kind of hybrid or KERS system. Biermann told AutoCar that the hybrid system from the new ActiveHybrid 7 would add over 200 pounds to the car. Instead, the cars weight will be reduced further through the use of carbon fiber body panels for the roof and trunk-lid.

[Source: AutoCar]

Next BMW M5 to cut CO₂ emissions by 20%, no hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Listening to Chrysler's long and rambling 2010-2014 Business Plan, it was clear that the company and its dealerships are very much looking forward to finally getting the fuel efficient Fiat 500 in North America. Much like what happened when BMW launched the Mini brand eight-odd years ago, it's hoped that the cute little 500 will attract a whole new customer to the Chrysler fold.

In order to properly court those new ~~wallets~~ buyers, Chrysler plans to open "specific interior showroom branded salons" in select dealerships, mostly in metropolitan areas. A dedicated set of salespeople will be assigned to sell the Fiat 500 in the States... ya know, since they otherwise wouldn't know how to sell the important car to American consumers.

There will also be a full line of accessories made available to customize the new car, which we would expect will include unique color and stripe packages both inside and out along with a slew of optional wheel designs. Whatever, make ours an Abarth and we're good. Expect all of this to take place before the end of 2010 as the Fiat 500 finally starts to show up in those selected dealerships.

Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Citroen

Citroen has just introduced a revised version of the C3 Picasso compact MPV in the UK with a re-calibrated engine to reduce the CO₂ emissions. The VTR+ and exclusive models equipped with the 90 hp diesel engine are now rated at 119 g/km CO₂ compared to the 125 g/km of the previous edition. Getting below that 120 g/km threshold is important in the UK because road taxes are in part based on fuel/consumption CO₂ emissions. Getting into the lower tax band means a reduction from £120 to just £35. Mileage goes from 50 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle to 52.3 mpg (U.S.). The new, high-mileage models also get standard Bluetooth connections for cell phones and USB connections for MP3 players.

[Source: Citroen]

Continue reading Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected

Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart Fortwo: World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., MPG, SMART

2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rear-wheel drive, two seats, short wheelbase, sequential manual gearbox, available in either closed-roof or convertible body styles... sounds suspiciously like a sportscar, no? Yet nobody in their right mind would conclude after driving the Smart Fortwo that it is in the least bit sporty. Fuel efficient? Sure. Exciting? Not in the least.

No matter, a well-trained driver can make just about anything on four wheels respond the way in which he pleases. And that includes drifting extraordinaire Sam Hubinette, who tells his fans in a recent blog posting that he's traveling to Spain to film a "pretty intense" car/motorcycle chase scene for an upcoming flick called Night and Day, starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Must be nice.

As you've likely surmised by now, Hubinette's chariot for the stunt will be a Smart Fortwo. Hubinette says he's never tried drifting a Smart... maybe the producers will be willing to shell out some of their $130 million budget to put something with a bit more power under the Fortwo's rear bonnet. Nah, probably not. And so we have what may be the World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car. Quick - someone better call Guinness.

[Source: Toxic Drift]

Smart Fortwo: World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Suzuki

Suzuki Alto - Click above to enlarge

Proving once again that the way you drive is equally as important (and perhaps more so) than what you are driving is the Suzuki Alto. While the little Japanese runabout is certainly a fuel miser in its own right, we wouldn't have guessed that it could achieve over 100 miles per gallon no matter how light its accelerator were pressed, but that's exactly what happened at this year's Global Green Challenge.

In fact, the Suzuki Alto managed to churn out 117 miles from each and every U.S. gallon of gasoline (this equals 141 mpg in the UK with carbon emissions of 89.9 g/km). The route took the little car a total of 1,900 miles in seven days from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia. That performance was good enough that the Alto took home top awards in the Light and Small categories as well as the scoring the Best Urban Cycle trophy.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge

Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorcycle Industry Council: Two-wheelers are green

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 - Click above to enlarge

We often hear debates about the merits of riding motorcycles and scooters for environmental reasons. For sure, older bikes manufactured before emissions equipment were prevalent are significantly more polluting than most modern automobiles. On the other hand, motorcycles are nearly always more fuel efficient than their four-wheeled counterparts and new motorcycles are pretty clean when it comes to emissions.

Ty van Hooydonk from the Motorcycle Industry Council has some input on the topic, and he highlights points such as the drastic reduction in raw material usage - including metals, plastics and engine fluids - and a major reduction in overall vehicle traffic.

These facts, coupled with the aforementioned low fuel consumption and greatly improved emissions controls make motorcycles, as Hooydonk calls them, "green machines." Somehow, we doubt this will be the last time we hear about this long-running debate, especially since Hooydonk says that motorcycling's green angle "is a message we're working harder to deliver out there."

[Source: Dealer News]

Motorcycle Industry Council: Two-wheelers are green originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped; big, small, efficient and diesel (maybe)

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, MINI

MINI Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you'll please forgive us our one tired cliché of the day... BMW has big plans in store for its smallest brand. In this case, quite literally as the next model that comes from Mini will reportedly be the long-expected Countryman crossover, which we can expect to hit the market in the first quarter of 2010. All-wheel drive will make an appearance on the soft-road 'ute, and - drumroll please - we hear that a diesel engine is under consideration for the U.S. market... but don't hold your breath just yet.

On the concept car front, BimmerFile reports that Mini is working up a Moke revival that will be shown at an undetermined auto show sometime next year that's described as a small Jeep Wrangler and known internally as the SpaceBox. We're also told to expect a more mainstream concept built off the four-door R60 Countryman platform that would theoretically go up against such respected players as the Volkswagen GTI hatchback. The last concept that is rumored to be in development would share its inspiration with the BMW Vision Concept and feature technology from the automaker's eco-friendly Project i initiative.

Finally, the crystal ball tells us that the well-liked Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept seen earlier this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show have been green-lighted for a hopeful 2012 debut. One year later, the stalwart Cooper hatchback is scheduled for its second major redesign since the Mini brand was first launched back in 2001, very possibly getting a new range of powerplants that will include three-cylinders for the very first time.

[Source: BimmerFile]

REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped; big, small, efficient and diesel (maybe) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO₂

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, GM, Opel

2010 Opel Corsa ecoFlex - click above for high-res image gallery

Opel has just introduced an updated version of its high-mileage, low-CO₂ sub-compact Corsa. The refreshed Corsa ecoFLEX now gets 20 hp more from its 1.3-liter CDTi diesel engine than before, bringing its total to 95 hp along with 140 pound-feet of torque. Despite that boosted output, CO₂ emissions drop by 10 percent making the Corsa GM's first sub-100 g/km car at just 98 g/km. The Corsa is rated at 63.6 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle. The ecoFLEX diesels all come equipped with particulate filters to eliminate the smoke.

The performance improvements come through the use of a new variable geometry turbocharger that allows for quicker low speed response and higher flow at maximum speed. The enhanced torque facilitated the use of longer gearing in the transaxle and lower engine speeds. The body has also been lowered by 20 mm, reducing the frontal area and drag. The new Corsa ecoFLEX goes on sale in January 2010.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Corsa ecoFlex

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO₂

Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO₂ originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 mpg = green in NASCAR

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:49:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, MPG, Green Daily, Racing

NASCAR has already gone solar and wants to help you (not themselves) use less fuel, but the cold hard reality is that those ovals are being made in cars that get around five miles per gallon. Not exactly hybrid SUV territory there. So, to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used in each race, race organizers are looking to maybe - maybe - using alternative fuels in the some of the cars.

Before NASCAR gets that ca-razy, though, there are other ways the series might use fewer resources, but at least NASCAR's first director of green innovation, Mike Lynch, makes it clear that, "We're not attempting to take any high ground. [...] This is a pragmatic approach to green, and what we're doing now is just the beginning."

Part of the problem is that NASCAR fans don't want to give up what they've become accustomed to. Lee White, president of Toyota Racing Development, told USAToday that, "Doubling fuel mileage means half the horsepower, and putting fans in the stands requires a show." Driver Sam Hornish, Jr. added, "No one is going to come watch us run battery-powered cars. I don't see anyone making enough electric power to go 200 mph."

Driver Brian Vickers is also more than willing to take the let's-all-do-something-but-you-go-first approach, said that, "Do our cars need to be more fuel efficient? Absolutely. But I think as a whole there's a lot bigger low-hanging fruit we can go after as a sport. There are a lot of fans that come to these races, and there's a lot we don't recycle that we could."

Some of that low-hanging fruit is carbon offsets, maybe replacing carburetors with fuel injection and Coke's race-side display that "highlight(s) its recycling businesses and has placed more than 2,600 recycling bins at a dozen tracks that have collected more than 65,000 pounds of recyclable material." When you have such a history of going in circles, maybe progress isn't your forte.

[Source: USAToday via Domestic Fuel]
Photo by pocketwiley. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

5 mpg = green in NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greenlings: How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency?

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:06:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, MPG, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Lightweight, Greenlings

Over the last few decades, the average weight of a vehicle sold in the U.S. climbed steadily after we got over the oil embargoes of the 1970s. Today, though, auto companies are putting a lot of effort into reducing weight - Lotus set up an entire lightweight structures division, BMW is investing millions into carbon fiber and Jaguar loves aluminum - because every ounce you take out of a car improves the vehicle's performance and fuel economy. Options for weight savings that automakers are investigating include installing things like plastic fuel tanks (PDF) and using carbon fiber instead of steel. As we discovered in a previous Greenlings, carbon fiber is a remarkable, lightweight substance that will likely not be used widely until prices come way, way down.

Today, one of the main reasons automakers want to reduce weight is because it's a great way to increase MPG numbers. AutoblogGreen reader GenWaylaid sent in a Greenlings question about how, exactly, reducing weight helps efficiency. We investigate his query after the jump.

Continue reading Greenlings: How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency?

Greenlings: How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drive Smarter Challenge loves a back seat driver, if they're intelligent and green

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, MPG

Backseat Smart Driver - Click above to watch the video after the break

The Drive $marter Challenge was started in early 2008 as a way to share tips on driving while using less fuel. The latest delivery method is a series four winning videos in the Drive Smarter Challenge video contest. The top prize goes to "Backseat Smart Driver," made by David Markus of Beverly Hills, California. Markus created a new character, the back seat driver who you might actually want to drive with, since he gives out advice on how to save gas while getting around. For his short video, Markus' prize was $5,000 and you can watch it after the jump.

The other winning videos include some kissing carpoolers, kids who help green up a car and a driver flirting with the GPS unit. They're also available after the jump.

[Source: Drive Smarter Challenge]

Continue reading Drive Smarter Challenge loves a back seat driver, if they're intelligent and green

Drive Smarter Challenge loves a back seat driver, if they're intelligent and green originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW may add four-cylinder diesel to 5-series GT, not for U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, BMW

BMW's new 5-series Gran Turismo is just now going on sale in Europe and will be coming to U.S. dealers in the next few weeks. However, the Munich brand is already looking at expanding the powertrain lineup. Here in the U.S., we will get the 535 and 550 GT with turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder gas engines. The current EU lineup adds BMW's marvelous 3.0-liter diesel six.

However, BMW is looking at adding four cylinder engines just as it does in the regular 5-series. First out of the gate could be the 2.0-liter twin turbo four cylinder diesel and the single turbo 175 hp could appear as well. In the manual transmission 320d with the 175 hp engine, the EU test cycle is completed at 49 mpg (U.S.). The bigger and heavier 5GT would likely get closer to 40 mpg, still an admirable number for such a large car. Even the current 530d GT is rated at 36.2 mpg (U.S.). Unfortunately, we likely won't get any of these engines anytime soon.

[Source: Autocar]

BMW may add four-cylinder diesel to 5-series GT, not for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Axon Automotive unveils plug-in hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Lightweight, UK

Axon Automotive has once again shown off its pre-production plug-in hybrid, this time at the Milton Keynes Science Festival. Two versions of the lightweight city car are planned, the first using a small-bore gasoline-fed engine that's purported to deliver 83.3 mpg U.S. (100 mpg or 2.8 l/km in the UK).

A second version pairs an electric motor that's capable of powering the car without a drop of fuel for city use with a small gasoline engine that theoretically provides unlimited range for longer trips. According to Axon, the PHEV would generate just 50 grams of carbon emissions per kilometer, easily evading European carbon taxes in the process.

Two adults can fit in the little EV, and the interior is fashioned from recycled carbon fiber, denim jeans and pinstripe suits (really!). If all goes to plan and sufficient funding is sourced, Axon plans to begin selling the car in 2011 with full-scale production slated for 2012.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Axon Automotive unveils plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion - click above to enlarge

Volkswagen has just launched the new BlueMotion Golf in the European market and it is the most efficient Golf ever. The new model is rated at 61.9 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of just 99 g/km. The BlueMotion model uses the new 1.6-liter common-rail TDI diesel engine combined with a slate of technologies like automatic start-stop, brake energy regeneration and revised gearing for lower engine revs.

The BlueMotion also gets the sports package body kit which gives a deeper front fascia, rocker panel extensions and rear roof spoiler that help drop the drag coefficient down a bit. The spare tire is also left out; VW substituted a tire inflater and repair kit to save weight. In Britain, the BlueMotion version commands about $1,500 more than a standard Golf 1.6 TDI.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion

Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Detroit ignored voices calling for fuel efficient vehicles, says GM insider

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:51:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Green Daily

We noted the other day that a recent survey from PriceWaterhouseCoopers that found out fuel economy has finally overtaken cup holders as the most important feature in new cars and trucks for Americans. That fuel economy wasn't at the top of the list in the recent past fits with the insistence by U.S. automakers over the last decade or two that customers wanted big honkin' SUVs, MPGs be damned. According to one ex-GM economist, this is not true.

While big, safe-feeling SUVs were certainly popular with buyers, Walter McManus, currently a professor and head of the Automotive Analysis division of the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan, fuel economy was also important. The Big Three just did everything they could to dismiss mpg concerns because they didn't conform to what was believed inside the corporate board rooms.

"The survey would estimate that people would estimate fuel economy fairly highly," McManus told the subscription-only Energy & Environment News. "Being a good economist, I said, 'No, they don't,' and I changed the results. [...] Our job was not to seek the truth, but to justify decisions that had already been made." Well, thanks a lot.

[Source: Energy & Environment News via Green Car Advisor]
Photo by farlane. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

REPORT: Detroit ignored voices calling for fuel efficient vehicles, says GM insider originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily

So, plenty of time has passed since General Motors first made the announcement that its Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle would score 230 miles per gallon on the yet-to-be-completed EPA testing procedure for such vehicles. Still, lots of questions remain, such as How many miles per gallon with the Volt achieve after it has traveled the 40 or so miles necessary to deplete its battery pack?

Well, we still don't have an exact answer, which is partly due to the fact that GM hasn't yet finished developing the vehicle's complex software systems. In an interview with Fox Car Report Live, vehicle line directory Tony Posawatz shed some light on the topic, saying that the Volt's sustained mileage will be "better than any conventional car, and we're trying to figure out how close, or if it will actually be better than any hybrids."

To put that figure into perspective, we'd imagine that means the Volt would fall somewhere between the 32 mpg rating of the Toyota Yaris and the 50 mpg rating of the Toyota Prius when running under charge-sustaining mode with an otherwise depleted battery pack. Whatever the case, don't expect this hot-button topic to go away any time soon. Click past the break to see the exchange on video.

[Source: Fox Car Report]

Continue reading Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Green

Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger

Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon

Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again

Next BMW M5 to cut CO2 emissions by 20%, no hybrid

Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"

Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected

Smart Fortwo: World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car?

Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge

Motorcycle Industry Council: Two-wheelers are green

REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped; big, small, efficient and diesel (maybe)

Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO2

5 mpg = green in NASCAR

Greenlings: How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency?

Drive Smarter Challenge loves a back seat driver, if they're intelligent and green

BMW may add four-cylinder diesel to 5-series GT, not for U.S.

Axon Automotive unveils plug-in hybrid

Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO2 Golf BlueMotion

REPORT: Detroit ignored voices calling for fuel efficient vehicles, says GM insider

Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Next BMW M5 to cut CO₂ emissions by 20%, no hybrid

Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO₂

Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion