Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Hydrogen Archives

August 11, 2008

BMW Hydrogen 7 hits the road

Portland, ME -- The BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan -- joins an unprecedented cross-country journey featuring hydrogen-powered cars by the world's leading automakers in the 2008 Hydrogen Road Tour.

From August 11 - 23, the hydrogen powered convoy will travel from Portland, Maine to Santa Monica, California with one goal: to call on congressional leaders to support the creation of a nationwide hydrogen fueling station infrastructure.

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August 11, 2008

Zero Emission Volkswagen Tiguan will Travel to 31 Cities

HERNDON, Va.- Volkswagen's Hydrogen Fuel Cell concept vehicle, the HyMotion Tiguan, will travel from Portland, Maine to Los Angeles, Calif. over the next 13 days as part of the National Hydrogen Road Tour.

A dedicated Web blog, vwhydrogentour.com will provide daily updates and photos from the historic trip.

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August 8, 2008

Nissan doubles fuel cell efficiency

TOKYO -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a new fuel cell stack with double the power density of the previous generation stack.

The new fuel cell stack also achieves a 35% cost reduction mainly due to half the use of platinum, a key material used in the production of fuel cell stacks. Test fleets incorporating the improved fuel cell stacks will be operational by the end of this year.

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August 5, 2008

Jamie Lee Curtis gets a Honda Hydrogen vehicle

TORRANCE, Calif. -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that its second FCX Clarity customer, Jamie Lee Curtis, took delivery of the vehicle on July 31, 2008. Curtis and husband Christopher Guest are the second of approximately 200 customers who will begin leasing the vehicle in the United States and Japan over the next three years.

"I really wasn't expecting it to be so luxurious," said Curtis. "It's luxurious, luxurious, luxurious! I love the interior layout, design and access to controls. It is user-friendly and very modern."

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July 26, 2008

Honda FCX Fuel Cell Lease Program Begins With First Customer Delivery

TORRANCE, Calif. -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that Ron Yerxa and Annette Ballester took delivery of their hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCX Clarity on Friday, July 25, 2008 at Honda of Santa Monica, one of three dealerships in Southern California that are part of the first fuel cell vehicle dealership network.

Yerxa and Ballester are the world's first FCX Clarity customers and the first of approximately 200 customers who will lease the vehicle in the United States and Japan over the next three years, with the vast majority of vehicles being leased in Southern California.

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July 25, 2008

U.S. Postal Service Receives Hydrogen Powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle from General Motors

Irvine, Calif. -- General Motors Corp. and the U.S. Postal Service are joining forces again to deliver mail using hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles.

The two organizations announced today that the U.S. Postal Service becomes the latest entry into Chevrolet's Project Driveway, the world's first and largest market test of fuel cell vehicles to date.

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July 24, 2008

Nissan sets fastest lap for fuel cell vehicle at Nürburgring

TROISDORF -- Lap runs on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany's Eifel region are often cancelled due to rain.

But the wet weather didn't stop Nissan from taking its X-Trail fuel cell vehicle for a spin on the course recently, making Nissan the first automaker to record an FCV lap on the famous race track.

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July 23, 2008

USPS Announces 'Green' Fleet Testing Strategy During launch of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Delivery

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will outline its strategy for converting to an environmentally friendly, non-petroleum based alternative fuel vehicle fleet to replace 195,000 delivery vehicles and will announce an alternative fuel vehicle test.

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July 20, 2008

Honda outlines environmentally responsible mobility

Torrance, Calif. -- Honda is continuing its industry-leading efforts to address the environmental challenges of global climate change, emissions reduction, and energy sustainability through a comprehensive approach that involves further improvements to gasoline engine fuel efficiency; the development of real-world alternatives to gasoline, including natural gas and the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car; and technology for refueling alternative fuel vehicles.

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June 27, 2008

Shell and General Motors Open Hydrogen Fueling Station in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA - The first public hydrogen refueling station in California with integrated hydrogen and gasoline refueling is now open, providing drivers in Chevrolet's Project Driveway another location to refuel their Equinox fuel cell vehicles, currently on the roads throughout Southern California.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and Graeme Sweeney, Executive Vice President for Shell Future Fuels and CO2 were among those who participated in today's dedication ceremony.

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Shell Opens Los Angeles' First Combined Hydrogen and Gas Station

HOUSTON -- Shell Hydrogen LLC, today, announced the opening of California's first hydrogen refueling station on a conventional Shell gasoline forecourt in West Los Angeles (LA).

Located on Santa Monica Boulevard and Federal Avenue (near I-405) the station joins California's 'hydrogen highway', and gives consumers a taste of the future, with refueling services for hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles becoming just as convenient as conventional gasoline motors.

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June 20, 2008

Volkswagen Debuts Hydrogen Tiguan

HERNDON, Va.--Volkswagen of America, Inc. is showcasing its broad range of near-term and future fuel-efficient powertrain technologies with the all-new 2.0 liter TSI Tiguan, the upcoming 2.0 liter Jetta TDI and the North American debut of the Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept.

Originally shown at the Shanghai Motor Show and the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum, the Tiguan HyMotion highlights the current state of Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell research and development.

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June 16, 2008

Honda Begins FCX Clarity Production

LONDON -- The FCX Clarity - Honda's advanced hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle - came off the line at the world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle manufacturing facility in Japan. After 19 years of development, the arrival of this 'real world' fuel cell car marks the beginning of a new era of cleaner motoring.

The FCX Clarity - which emits only water from its exhaust pipe - was presented at a line-off ceremony at the Honda Automobile New Model Centre in Tochigi Prefecture, where Honda also showcased a number of the new production processes.

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Honda Announces First FCX Clarity Customers, Dealer Network

TOCHIGI, Japan -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced five of the first customers for its advanced new FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle and also provided details of the world's first fuel cell vehicle dealership network in the United States.

The announcements were made during a ceremony for the start of FCX Clarity production at the world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle manufacturing facility in Japan.

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June 15, 2008

General Motors Working to Expand Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure

Detroit, Mich. and Seal Beach, Calif. -- General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced today Clean Energy will open a hydrogen fueling station in Los Angeles with support from GM. The two companies also announced that they are exploring further opportunities to expand the hydrogen infrastructure.

As the first step in this effort, a hydrogen fueling station will be developed and located at Clean Energy's compressed natural gas (CNG) facility near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

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June 8, 2008

Space Shuttle Crew Tests BMW Hydrogen Vehicle

Munich -- The Space Shuttle crew is getting a taste of the future of mobility at BMW. The astronauts, who normally head into space propelled by hydrogen, have adopted the role of earthbound passengers to experience the world's first hydrogen-powered saloon, the BMW Hydrogen 7.

It is an obvious move considering that NASA was already using the American fleet of these vehicles for test purposes at Cape Canaveral in autumn 2007. Commander Stephen Frick takes stock of his impressions: "It's impressive to see hydrogen functioning so smoothly in cars as well. What I find most striking is that a car running on hydrogen performs just as well as a petrol-driven model."

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May 29, 2008

GM Announces California Public Policy Partners for Fuel Cell Project

DETROIT - As a further demonstration of its commitment to fuel cell technology, General Motors handed the keys to four Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles to a group of key government partners who are participating in Chevrolet's Project Driveway - the largest-ever market test of fuel cell-electric vehicles.

More than 100 electric vehicles, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, are being placed in the hands of drivers in New York, California and Washington, DC. Selected drivers include general public, media, influencers, celebrities, business and public policy partners.

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May 28, 2008

DOE Takes Delivery of A Chevy Equinox Electric Vehicle Powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the addition of a Chevy Equinox fuel cell electric vehicle to its fleet of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today joined the team of pioneers - from regular families to media, celebrities and businesses - helping to make fuel cell vehicles a reality.

For the next six months, DOE employees will use the Chevy Equinox electric vehicle to conduct day-to-day business while sharing real-world performance data.

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May 22, 2008

U.S. DOE and GM Select 17 College Teams For "EcoCAR" Competition

Washington - The U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors and Natural Resources Canada today announced the 17 teams selected to participate in EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge, a collegiate vehicle engineering competition set to begin in the Fall of 2008.

EcoCAR will challenge university engineering students across North America to re-engineer a Saturn VUE to achieve improved fuel economy and reduced green house gas emissions, while retaining the vehicle's performance and consumer appeal.

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Challenge X Crosses the Finish Line

By Beth Lowery, Vice President, GM Environment, Energy & Safety Policy

Today I had the privilege of waving the checkered flag at the final Challenge X finish line.

The Mississippi State University Challenge X team with its Chevrolet Equinox

This is the second time in my life that I’ve been an official at an important race. Two years ago, I was the Official Starter at the GM FlexFuel 250 at Daytona International Speedway, which opened the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

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May 21, 2008

Honda Expanding FCX Clarity Leasing Program

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Honda plans to deliver about 200 FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles to customers in the first three years of production, with leases beginning in July, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The lease program marks the world's first large-scale retail initiative for fuel cell vehicle technology, and Honda has begun the process of identifying customers from a group of over 50,000 individuals who have expressed interest in the FCX Clarity on the company's website.

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EcoCAR: The Next Competition from DOE and GM

EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge is a new national collegiate competition series that kicks off in the Fall of 2008.

Sponsored by the DOE and GM as well as Natural Resources Canada and others, EcoCAR will challenge university engineering students across North America to design and build advanced propulsion solutions that are based on the vehicle categories from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) regulations.

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Mississippi State Students Win GM and DOE Challenge X 2008 Competition

Washington, D.C. -- Mississippi State University, for the second consecutive year, has earned top honors in General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy's Challenge X student engineering competition.

Over the past nine months, the 2008 Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainability competition challenged 17 university teams from the U.S. and Canada to reengineer a Chevrolet Equinox that employs advanced powertrain technologies.

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GM Partners with Discovery Channel on Planet Green

New York, N.Y. General Motors and Discovery Communications today unveiled a multifaceted GM advertising sponsorship of Planet Green, the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle network coming to 50 million homes beginning June 4.

For GM, the partnership includes premier sponsorship of the network's landmark series "Greensburg," various vehicle and program integrations, short-form content and an online component.

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May 16, 2008

General Motors Powertrain Europe opens doors for Tech Show

Turin/Italy -- GM Powertrain Europe’s comprehensive Tech Show provides answers about how cars will be propelled in the future.

As part of the global GM Powertrain organization, GM Powertrain Europe has global responsibility for small diesel engines, diesel control systems, small gasoline engines and manual transmissions. Its footprint encompasses 15 facilities in 7 European countries, employing 9,000 people and producing on average more than 17,000 engines and transmissions per day.

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May 13, 2008

GM Hosts Collegiate Advanced Tech Vehicles

Culminating four years of competition General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy will host a finish line ceremony and press conference featuring vehicles from the collegiate engineering competition Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility.

The event marks the end of the Challenge X competition and concludes a 350-mile road rally from New York City to Washington, D.C. Following the press conference, select vehicles will be available for brief ride and drive opportunities.

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May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 10, 2008

Survey: Quest for Fuel Efficiency Changing Americans' Car Consciousness

Detroit, Mich. – With rising gas prices, today’s car buyers admit fuel efficiency and diversity is not just a necessity, it’s also fashion forward.

If Americans had to choose between driving a car that was beautiful on the outside vs. one that was “greener” on the inside, nearly eight in 10 Americans (79 percent) who plan to buy or lease a car within the next two years would choose the greener car.

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Student Teams Show Off "Green" Vehicles at New Jersey Ride and Drive

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and General Motors (GM) will host a behind-the-scenes opportunity to see the vehicles from the collegiate engineering competition Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility in action.

The event is May 15, at Old Bridge Township Motorsports Park and is a stop on a road rally from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. Seventeen Chevrolet Equinoxes have been re-engineered by student teams using a range of cutting-edge clean vehicle technologies such as hybrid, plug-in or fuel cell propulsion systems.

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May 2, 2008

GM Enlists D.C. Drivers to Test Hydrogen Vehicles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - At the Shell station on Benning Road Northeast, General Motors President and Chief Operating Officer, Fritz Henderson, presented the keys to the area's first motorists to be selected to test drive away in advanced technology hydrogen fuel cell powered Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles.

Identified at the 2008 Washington Auto Show, Tom Albert of Alexandria, Va., and Nick Williams of Washington D.C., will join drivers from Southern California and the New York metropolitan area in GM's "Project Driveway" -- the world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and first comprehensive market test of this innovative technology.

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April 27, 2008

Environmentalist John Picard gets keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7

Woodcliff, NJ -- Sustainability Expert, Builder and Entrepreneur John Picard was handed the keys to one-of-25 BMW Hydrogen 7s on the U.S. roads as BMW today announced that he is the latest person to evaluate the technology of the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 melds the polished luxury of BMW's largest sedan with the virtually emission-free power of a hydrogen combustion engine.

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April 24, 2008

Poll: More Americans Worry About Energy Issues, Than Home Foreclosures, Jobs or Global Warming

OMAHA, Neb. -- When it comes to energy, Americans worry most about dependence on foreign oil.

Almost half of the 1,200 voters polled by Peter D. Hart Research Associates Inc. rate imports as one of their two biggest energy concerns. A distant second is the lack of viable alternatives to fossil fuels.

The U.S. imports about two-thirds of its oil. Of all the energy the country consumes every year, only 6 percent is renewable (excluding nuclear). The rest is oil, gas and coal.

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EU President Gets into a BMW Hydrogen 7

Strasburg -- During his visit to the European Parliament in Strasburg on 23 April 2008, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of BMW AG, presented the first series hydrogen saloon in the premium segment to the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering.

In line with the European Parliament's efforts to take measures to reduce its own CO2 emissions, President Pöttering agreed to receive this car for institutional use for a limited trial period.

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April 23, 2008

Ford Focuses on Bringing Fuel Cells to the Masses

Ford Motor Company is not content to take a backseat position in protecting the environment. With the world’s enormous reliance on fossil fuels, Ford has no choice but to seriously contend with the matter of global warming. That’s why the company has launched an urgent, multilevel approach to finding solutions.

Ford’s strategy for sustainability is built around a variety of technologies that attack this challenge from several angles. Today’s focus is:

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New York County Joins Chevrolet's Fuel Cell Test Program

ROCHESTER, NY -- Monroe County, New York, announced today that they will use a Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Electric vehicle as part of their efforts to promote a cleaner and greener environment in the Western New York area. Monroe County becomes the latest member of Chevy's Project Driveway--the largest-ever market test of fuel cell and hydrogen technology.

The announcement was made by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks during her annual State of the County Address in Rochester, NY.

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April 22, 2008

Volkswagen Group Launches Environmental Microsite

HERNDON, Va. -- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. today launched responsiblemobility.com, a microsite focused on the company's sustainable mobility strategy.

The new microsite comes as the Group's Audi and Volkswagen brands prepare to embark upon their 50-state clean diesel strategy, and as the Group continues work on next generation alternative energy innovations such as biofuels and high temperature fuel cells.

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April 18, 2008

FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle Official Car for 2008 Indy Japan

TOKYO, Japan – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will serve as the official car of the 2008 Indy Japan event to be held at Twin Ring Motegi in Tochigi, Japan, April 17-19.

Since 2007, all IRL IndyCar series racers run on low environmental impact 100% ethanol fuel. Scheduled for release in the U.S. in the summer and in Japan in the autumn of this year, the FCX Clarity runs on hydrogen and emits no CO2 or other environmentally harmful emissions in operation, making it an ideal vehicle for the event.

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April 15, 2008

J.D. Power Founder Drives BMW's Hydrogen Sedan

Woodcliff, NJ -- BMW today announced that the influential J.D. "Dave" Power III, founder of J.D. Power and Associates and board member of Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc., is the latest high-visibility eco-friendly ambassador to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

Power is the most recent member of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, which gives industry leaders and prominent figures in entertainment, politics, business and more a BMW Hydrogen 7 for their daily use for three weeks.

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April 14, 2008

BMW Unveils Engine that Eats Pollution

Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- BMW announces its latest milestone in its pursuit of the hydrogen future, the BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel, featuring an internal combustion engine in the BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel that produces near zero emissions while, at the same time, combusting ambient air pollutants.

Based on the BMW Hydrogen 7 bi-fuel version (gasoline and hydrogen), the new mono-fuel vehicle's internal combustion engine is optimized to run solely on hydrogen and shares the performance, comfort, and safety qualities of every production BMW 7 Series.

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Student-Built Prototype Vehicle Breaks Mileage Record

HOUSTON -- "Ladies and gentlemen, start your fuel-efficient engines" were the words that kicked off the 2008 Shell Eco-marathon Americas; and that's exactly what more than 300 students from Canada, Mexico, and the United States did today.

Mater Dei High School of Evansville, Ind., set a new mileage record at the 2008 Shell Eco-marathon Americas, a challenge to design, build and test fuel-efficient prototype vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel.

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April 7, 2008

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sales Up by 15% in 2007

WASHINGTON -- Newly released sales figures from R.L. Polk reveal a record number of Alternative Fuel Automobiles (AFAs) rolled off dealer lots in 2007.

In total, close to 1.8 million AFAs were sold last year, roughly 250,000 more than were sold in 2006. Sales of E-85 capable/flexible fuel vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles were up significantly while clean diesel vehicle sales fell slightly.

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April 2, 2008

GM Urges More Hydrogen Stations

SACRAMENTO, CA – General Motors today called on the energy industry and governments to step up and help automakers make volume production of fuel cell-electric vehicles a reality by opening more hydrogen fueling stations.

That message was delivered by Larry Burns, General Motors vice president, research & development and strategic planning. Burns delivered a keynote address at the National Hydrogen Association’s annual conference in Sacramento, CA.

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March 31, 2008

Monaco's Prince Albert Gets a BMW Hydrogen 7

Monaco/Munich -- Prince Albert II received the keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 at the opening of the EVER MONACO environment exhibition. The use of the vehicle is part of the "Sustainable Environmental Protection" programme which is one of the cornerstones of policy in the Principality.

Prince Albert will be using a vehicle which can be operated practically without emissions in hydrogen mode (only 5 g carbon dioxide in the test cycle).

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March 28, 2008

BMW Hydrogen 7 Has Super Duper Low Emissions

ARGONNE, Ill.-- Independent tests conducted by engineers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory on a BMW Hydrogen 7 Mono-Fuel demonstration vehicle have found that the car's hydrogen-powered engine surpasses the super-ultra low-emission vehicle (SULEV) level, the most stringent emissions performance standard to date.

"The BMW Hydrogen 7's emissions were only a fraction of SULEV level, making it one of the lowest emitting combustion engine vehicles that have been manufactured," said Thomas Wallner, a mechanical engineer who leads Argonne's hydrogen vehicle testing activities.

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March 25, 2008

Honda Pursues Aggresssive Environmental Progress

Torrance, Calif. -- Honda is continuing its industry-leading efforts to address the environmental challenges of global climate change, emissions reduction and energy sustainability through a comprehensive approach that involves further improvements to gasoline engine fuel efficiency, the development of real-world alternatives to gasoline, including natural gas and the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car, and technology for refueling alternative fuel vehicles.

Additionally, Honda is pursuing advances in technology related to energy systems such as solar cells, electrical co-generation and the efficient creation of renewable bio-fuels as part of its effort to develop real world solutions to environmental challenges.

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Honda Commits Resources to Fuel Cell Technology

Torrance, Calif. -- Based on its vision of, “Blue Skies for our Children”, Honda has worked for more than thirty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle – a technology that Honda believes may hold the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future.

As always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to exceed customers’ expectations for the performance, quality and safety of its fuel cell vehicles. Honda’s original technology has broken through technical barriers for fuel cell vehicles such as cold-weather start-up and operation.

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March 20, 2008

U.S. Automakers Win Praise for Efforts on Energy-Diverse Solutions

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Amid rising gas prices and increased dependence on foreign oil, a report by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies cites the work of U.S. automakers as a beacon of hope to bring about dramatic solutions in personal transportation.

In its report, titled "Review of the Research Program of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership," the NRC highlighted the program's strength, progress and "critical role in carving out a sustainable path for the U.S. transportation system."

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March 18, 2008

Eden Energy Advances Practicality of Hydrogen Cars

LITTLETON, Colo. -- Eden Energy Ltd., through its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary Hythane Company LLC, today announced it has received a U.S. patent for its cryogenic storage vessels for liquid hydrogen.

Among the applications, the new technology will advance the practicality of hydrogen cars by optimizing energy storage, reducing or eliminating the need for bulky lithium ion batteries.

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March 17, 2008

Ford delivers Hydrogen powered buses to Detroit Airport

DETROIT, Mich. – Ford Motor Company and U.S. Congressman John Dingell and the Wayne County Airport Authority today announced the delivery of two hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 shuttle buses to be used for transporting airline passengers between terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

Today’s delivery is the result of a partnership involving Ford, the Wayne County Airport Authority and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).

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March 16, 2008

Jason Bateman scores a BMW Hydrogen 7 Series

Woodcliff Lake, NJ. -- Arrested Development star Jason Bateman received a new set of wheels. BMW announced that he is the latest person to receive the keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 melds the polished luxury of BMW's largest sedan with the virtually emission-free power of a hydrogen combustion engine.

Continue reading "Jason Bateman scores a BMW Hydrogen 7 Series"

March 6, 2008

Ford shows eco-targeting in Geneva

GENEVA -- Ford of Europe's response to how mobility can be made more sustainable -- today and for the near future -- can be seen at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The company is showing a broad range of practical and affordable low-CO2 vehicle solutions.

"Sustainable mobility imposes a huge challenge for society and the automotive industry, and there is still a long journey ahead of us," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe president and CEO. "But technically viable and affordable ways to reduce the burden on the environment without giving up basic needs such as personal mobility are available immediately from Ford of Europe.

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March 5, 2008

Honda FCX Clarity Makes European Debut

Geneva sees the European debut of the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, which emits no pollution, only clean water vapour. The FCX Clarity will be available to lease in the US from this summer and in Japan in the Autumn

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emission, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on and entirely new V flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful V Flow fuel cell stack.

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March 3, 2008

Virgin Atlantic To Use Chevy Hydrogen Vehicles To Transport VIPs

NEW YORK - Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ltd. today announced it will use Chevrolet Equinox hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for its "complimentary ground transfer service for upper class passengers" for planes landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The announcement was made by Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson and Dr. Lawrence Burns, GM vice president of Research & Development and Strategic planning, and at a news conference in New York. Project Driveway is already underway; the Virgin partnership continues through the duration of the 30-month program.

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February 27, 2008

Actor Edward Norton to Drive BMW's Hydrogen Sedan

Woodcliff, NJ -- BMW today announced that highly respected film actor and renewable energy advocate Edward Norton is the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

The Golden Globe winner and two-time Academy Award nominee becomes the most recent member of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, which gives industry leaders and prominent figures in entertainment, politics, business and more a BMW Hydrogen 7 for their daily use.

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February 22, 2008

Cameron Diaz Rides in BMW Hydrogen 7 to the Oscars

Hollywood, CA -- Demonstrating her continued dedication to the exploration of environmentally sustainable energies, Cameron Diaz will be traveling to the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony in the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series.

The BMW H7 is the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan, which emits almost nothing but water vapor, and still features all the amenities and comfort of a BMW 7 Series.

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February 21, 2008

2009 Honda Fit to Make World Debut at New York Auto Show

NEW YORK -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today that its all-new Honda Fit will debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

"The current Fit has been a tremendous success for Honda with its spacious, versatile interior and a wealth of standard features in a compact, fuel-efficient and affordable package," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "The all-new Honda Fit will reconfirm that small can in fact be big."

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February 19, 2008

Next Generation of Hollywood Goes Green at First 'Chevy Rocks the Future'

BURBANK , Calif. – As Hollywood and the rest of the nation embrace a greener way of living, Chevrolet is rolling out the green carpet for celebrities and young influencers at the first-ever “Chevy Rocks the Future” event, Feb. 19 at The Walt Disney Studios.

The event features a live performance by recording artists the Jonas Brothers, the teen sensations from the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” and U.S. tour, who have joined forces with Chevy to share their commitment to the environment with young people.

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February 14, 2008

GM Premieres First Ever Fuel Cell, Hybrid SUV Fleet at the Oscars

LOS ANGELES – The red-carpet arrivals at the 80th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, will be transformed with advanced technology vehicles from GMC and Chevrolet.

This fuel-friendly fleet – larger than any other assembled for a major awards show before – will enable Hollywood’s hottest talent to enjoy stylish and environmentally friendly rides in one of more than 75 vehicles, including the GMC Yukon Hybrid, the zero-gas and zero-emissions Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell and the FlexFuel E85 ethanol-compatible GMC Yukon.

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February 7, 2008

Hyundai i-Blue Fuel Cell Concept Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO -- Hyundai's new hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concept, the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), debuted in North America at the 100th edition of the Chicago Auto Show today.

Developed at Hyundai's Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan, the i-Blue concept illustrates the design direction for a future FCEV production model. The all-new i-Blue platform features Hyundai's third-generation fuel cell technology, currently being developed at Hyundai's Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea.

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Hydrogen-Powered RC Car Wins 2008 ToyAward

NUREMBERG, Germany -- Corgi International, one of the leading listed toy manufacturers worldwide, today announced that its H2Go hydrogen-powered RC car has won the 2008 ToyAward in the Electronics & Technology category.

A total of 24 products in eight categories were nominated for the innovation award. In each of the categories, one innovative product was selected as a winner of the 2008 ToyAward.

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January 23, 2008

Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Wins Green Car Vision Award

WASHINGTON -- The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell has received Green Car Journal's first-ever Green Car Vision Award, which honors the vehicle that best envisions the road ahead. The award was presented at a press conference at the Washington Auto Show.

The 2008 Green Car Vision Award program considered five nominees. These included the Equinox Fuel Cell along with the BMW Hydrogen 7, Honda FCX Clarity, Phoenix Electric SUT, and Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. All qualified as advanced limited production vehicles either in demonstration programs or the early stages of commercialization.

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January 22, 2008

Green Car Parade Launches Summit at the Washington Auto Show

WASHINGTON -- In a literal link between government and the automotive industry, an 18-car parade featuring the latest innovations in energy efficiency will head from City Hall to the Washington Convention Center to kick off the debut Green Car Summit at The Washington Auto Show.

Departing at 1:15 p.m. and scheduled to arrive at the convention center at 1:45 p.m., the parade is a festival launch for the summit, hosted by the California-based Green Car Journal and GreenCar.com, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 22, International Media Day.

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January 16, 2008

Green Car Summit at the Washington Auto Show

WASHINGTON -- Green Car Journal is presenting its inaugural Green Car Summit at the 2008 Washington Auto Show, scheduled from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Jan. 22, International Media Day, at the Washington Convention Center.

Two panels comprised of automotive, energy, and government leaders will tackle such topics as reducing CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and exploring strategies for oil displacement and long-term sustainability.

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January 13, 2008

Honda Shows Next-Gen Hydrogen Vehicle in Detroit

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack.

Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.

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January 4, 2008

General Motors: And Now for Something Completely Different

By Christopher Barger, Director, GM Global Communications Technology

If you haven’t been able to tell over the last few years, GM is really, really trying to do things differently, and not just in the way we’re designing and engineering our products.

This means telling our story, and spurring conversations both with and among the driving public, in a more honest and open kind of way. Our blogs have always tried to stay faithful to that premise (even if we don’t always have the chance to engage as often as we’d like), and we plan to build on it going forward.

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January 3, 2008

GM launches website dedicated to future of transportation

DETROIT - What should power the world's vehicles in 20 years? How can personal transportation become more sustainable in an age of increasing global competition for resources? What role will the automotive industry play in developing markets?

Decisions on issues like these will largely shape transportation in the 21st century. To speed the process, GM will mark its 100th anniversary by launching a global dialogue through an initiative called GMnext.

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December 10, 2007

Ford and BP open new hydrogen station to fuel Ford Focus in Florida

OVIEDO, Fl. -- Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F], BP and the state of Florida today marked an important milestone in their collective path towards the use of hydrogen as viable alternative fuel for the future by opening a second hydrogen station that will fuel a fleet of Ford Focus fuel cell vehicles.

The new station is part of the Ford-DOE Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project. Ford and BP officials were joined today by members of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Progress Energy Florida and the U.S. Department of Energy.

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December 9, 2007

Mercedes fuel cell -- moving towards a zero-emission future

The fuel cell is often discussed as the drive system for the automobile of the future. It remains to be seen if it will stay the distance.

However, the company’s researchers have been working intensively since 1994 to constantly improve this technology. Its most attractive features are zero emissions and an efficient use of energy.

The principle of the fuel cell was discovered by the British physician William Grove as early as 1839. Its operation is based on the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, in which electric energy and heat are released. Emissions are limited to chemically pure water.

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Alternative drive systems at Daimler AG

Five-stage roadmap for sustainable mobility

The history of alternative drive systems at Daimler AG began with the invention of the automobile itself in 1886. Both Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz installed spark-ignition engines in their carriages, using gasoline as fuel.

But this did not mean to say that they believed this was the perfect drive system; the two inventors examined all sorts of possible engines and fuels, even long after 1886, because - and this is the true motivation for an inventor - they thought there could be a better way.

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Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, the 2000s

2000: In 2000, DaimlerChrysler presents a Vario van and an Atego truck with hybrid drive systems. The diesel engine in the Vario 814 D Hybrid develops 100 kW (136 hp), while that in the Atego 1217 Hybrid develops 125 kW (170 hp). These diesel engines are backed up by electric motors with capacities of 55 kW (75 hp) and 60 kW (82 hp), respectively.

November 1, 2000: The A-Class NECAR 4a runs on pressurized hydrogen. The optimized electric motor generates 55 kW/75 hp.

Continue reading "Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, the 2000s"

Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, the 90s

March 8 - 18, 1990: One of the innovations at the Geneva Motor Show is a Mercedes-Benz 300 E-24 for variable methanol-gasoline hybrid operation, whose engine management system automatically adjusts to the mix ratio of the fuel components.

March 7 - 17, 1991: The latest electric experimental car based on the compact class (201 series) makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show; it features two electric motors powered by sodium/nickel chloride batteries, each of which drives a rear wheel. One advantage of the new drive design is that heavy mechanical components are dispensed with.

Continue reading "Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, the 90s"

Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, the 80s

October 13 - 20, 1980: At the “Drive Electric ‘80” exhibition in London, Daimler-Benz presents a 307 E electric van to the international public. As part of a large-scale test, 18 of these vans are deployed in Berlin and Stuttgart under everyday conditions.

1981: In a test vehicle based on an O 305 bus, Mercedes-Benz unveils a new type of methanol drive system for commercial vehicles that features an energy recovery system.

September 1981: A gas turbine is one of several systems tested in the Mercedes-Benz “Auto 2000” research car.

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Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, the 70s

December 17, 1971: Mercedes-Benz unveils the experimental OG 305 natural gas bus with a transport capacity of 113 persons.

March 1972: Mercedes-Benz unveils the LE 306 with battery exchange technology, the first concept for a modern electric van.

November 1974: A Mercedes-Benz 450 SL (R 107 series) is presented to the public with a spark ignition engine optimized for use with methanol.

Continue reading "Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, the 70s"

Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, 1898-1969

1898: The Berlin-Marienfelde motor vehicle and engine factory, precursor of the Mercedes-Benz Berlin plant, presents its first electric vehicle.

1899: The Berlin-Marienfelde motor vehicle and engine factory offers a range of passenger cars, vans, and small buses with electric drive systems.

January 29, 1905: Wilhelm Maybach takes out a patent for a “vehicle drive system, consisting of an explosion machine and a compressed-air engine.” It is intended to remedy the design drawbacks of the internal combustion engine.

Continue reading "Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz, 1898-1969"

Mercedes alternative drive systems address mobility of the future

The internal combustion engine seems the perfect drive system for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Since the invention of the gasoline-powered automobile in 1886 by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, each working independently of the other, and the subsequent introduction of the diesel engine, it has become the global standard.

This has been helped by the many advantages it offers: today’s engines are powerful and refined, relatively compact, durable, and require little maintenance. Energy supplies in the form of fuel can easily be transported and replenished as and when required.

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Mercedes-Benz F 600 HYGENIUS -- hydrogen drive to the future

The Mercedes-Benz F 600 HYGENIUS continues the series of fascinating and groundbreaking research cars. Powered by an 85 kW (115 hp) zero-emission fuel cell drive, the compact family car consumes the equivalent of just 2.9 liters per 100 kilometers (81 mpg) and has a range of over 400 kilometers on one tank filling of hydrogen.

Mercedes-Benz also significantly improved the performance characteristics and cold-start behavior of this future-oriented drive system. The fuel cell of the F 600 HYGENIUS was further developed to a major extent: it is some 40 percent smaller than before, operates even more efficiently and stands out for its good cold-start ability.

Continue reading "Mercedes-Benz F 600 HYGENIUS -- hydrogen drive to the future"

December 6, 2007

San Fran Airport Wins Award To Convert Airport Shuttles to Run on Hythane

DENVER -- San Francisco International Airport, in conjunction with Hythane Company (a subsidiary of Eden Energy Ltd. listed as EDE on the Australian Securities Exchange) and BAF Technologies, received a $499,800 grant to acquire 14 parking lot, hotel, and airline crew shuttles to run on Hythane fuel (a blend of 20% hydrogen and 80% natural gas).

The award represents half of a special Bay Area Air Quality Management District grant set aside for advanced technology demonstration programs.

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November 30, 2007

GM sponsors EcoCAR Challenge for alt-energy solutions

Los Angeles – EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge is a new national collegiate competition series kicking off in the Fall of 2008.

Sponsored by General Motors (GM) and the U.S. Department of Energy as well as Natural Resources Canada and others, EcoCAR will challenge university engineering students across North America to re-engineer a GM vehicle to achieve improved fuel economy and reduce emissions while retaining the vehicle’s performance and consumer appeal.

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Chevy's Green Initiative Gets Red Carpet Treatment

NEW YORK -- Conde Nast Media Group announced today that Movies Rock will celebrate Chevrolet's commitment to its "Gas-Friendly to Gas-Free" initiative with an emerald green, 100-percent recycled, arrivals carpet.

Hollywood and music's elite including Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Usher, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Hudson, Harrison Ford, Tony Bennett, Billy Bob Thornton, Fergie, Carrie Underwood, Kate Hudson, among others, will each arrive at the Kodak Theater on December 2 in a variety of vehicles demonstrating Chevrolet's broad range of fuel solutions, including the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid -- Green Car Journal's 2008 Green Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell and Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans with E85 FlexFuel capability.

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November 29, 2007

Honda Fuel Cell Technology

Torrance, Calif. - Based on its vision of, "Blue Skies for our Children", Honda has worked for more than thirty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle - a technology that Honda believes may hold the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future.

As always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to exceed customers' expectations for the performance, quality and safety of its fuel cell vehicles. Honda's original technology has broken through technical barriers for fuel cell vehicles such as cold-weather start-up and operation.

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November 28, 2007

Chrysler Joins California Fuel Cell Partnership

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Chrysler is the newest member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) -- the 34th member of the public-private partnership.

"Of the fuel sources on the table for long-term future use in transportation, hydrogen holds the greatest promise," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President -- Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler LLC. "Collaborations such as the California Fuel Cell Partnership will help engineers develop solutions for this technology at an accelerated rate."

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November 27, 2007

Suzuki Partners to Develop a Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycle

CHICAGO -- The British Midlands Development Corporation announced that Loughborough Innovation Center based Intelligent Energy and Suzuki have developed the Crosscage, a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that claims to make green driving a reality.

The motorcycle, which runs in almost complete silence and emits pure water, is a joint venture between British Midlands based company, Intelligent Energy, the UK's leading commercial developer of Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell technology and the Japanese motorcycle and scooter giant.

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November 26, 2007

Mercedes Fuel cell system development, from 1994

As an electrochemical energy converter the fuel cell is considered to be the most promising of all the alternative automotive energy sources, having a high efficiency, zero emissions when used with hydrogen and very low emissions when operated with methanol.

It also has a very wide range of applications as an energy source for example in fuel cell cars, satellites, space stations, emergency backup generators and power stations. The world’s first fuel cell powered vehicle, with which Daimler-Benz researchers proved the suitability of the fuel cell as an automotive power source in 1994, was named NECAR 1, New Electric Car Number 1.

Continue reading "Mercedes Fuel cell system development, from 1994"

November 24, 2007

Video: Fuel Cell Chevy Makes Historic Trip

One Tank of Hydrogen Goes 300 Miles

The most technologically advanced automobile ever built – the hydrogen fuel cell powered Chevrolet Sequel -- makes a record-setting 300-mile journey without refueling.

Video: 2007 ChallengeX Helps Launch New Engineers

Sponsored by General Motors, ChallengeX brings college students together to reduce global warming and dependence on petroleum.

November 23, 2007

Student Teams Show Off 'Green' Vehicles at LA Ride and Drive

General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy will host a media ride and drive event featuring vehicles from the collegiate engineering competition Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility on November 29.

Program officials also will reveal details for the next national competition beginning mid-2008.

Continue reading "Student Teams Show Off 'Green' Vehicles at LA Ride and Drive"

November 20, 2007

Daimler Scores Overall Victory in Michelin Challenge Bibendum

STUTTGART, Germany -- With a total of 23 distinctions, Daimler AG emerged as the most successful participant from this year's Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai. Seven cars from the Mercedes- Benz and smart brands faced up to the competition in the different disciplines of the globally most important event in the field of sustainable mobility.

Some 80 participating cars were put to the test in the categories of acceleration, maneuverability, noise pollution, local pollutants, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions (tank-to-tire).

Continue reading "Daimler Scores Overall Victory in Michelin Challenge Bibendum"

November 16, 2007

Gov. Schwarzenegger Checks Out VW Hydrogen Concept

Los Angeles, – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger officially opened the International Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this morning. Touring the show after the press conference, he had the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of the recently unveiled Volkswagen space up! blue concept car.

At a length of only 12 feet, it has a surprisingly large amount of room for four passengers and offers a realistic look into the future of zero-emission car travel in the future.

Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, Inc. shared the space up! blue concept car with Govenor Schwarzenegger. This concept car is powered by both electric propulsion and a high temperature hydrogen fuel cell.

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Ford shows energy-wiz tech in Shanghai

Shanghai, China — Ford Motor Company announced its blueprint for sustainability and highlighted two key technologies, one on the road today, the other for future transportation.

Ford is showcasing the Ford Edge HySeries, a fuel cell hybrid concept vehicle with plug-in capability, and the Ford Escape Hybrid, a gasoline-electric engine hybrid production vehicle at Challenge Bibendum 2007, a global gathering focused on cutting-edge sustainable auto technology.

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November 15, 2007

Eco-Marathon Challenges Youth to Fuel the Future

HOUSTON -- 50 student teams from North and South America? Check. Prototype vehicles that travel nearly two thousand miles per gallon as part of a global effort to change the way the world uses energy? Check.

The Shell Eco-marathon Americas may not be the fastest race you've ever seen, but it's probably the most fuel-efficient. In 2008, the stakes are high as student teams prepare their eco-friendly vehicles to drive the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel and break the 1,902.7 miles per gallon record set by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2007.

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General Motors Touts Alt Energy Solutions at Bibendum 2007

SHANGHAI – General Motors is demonstrating its global portfolio of advanced vehicle technologies this week at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2007 in Shanghai, China. GM’s participation underscores its leadership in using a variety of technology strategies to reduce dependency on petroleum, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and boost fuel efficiency.

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November 14, 2007

Honda Debuts All-New FCX Clarity Hydrogen Vehicle

LOS ANGELES -- Honda today unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in summer 2008.

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack.

Continue reading "Honda Debuts All-New FCX Clarity Hydrogen Vehicle"

Chevy's Fuel Solutions: From Ethanol to Hybrid, Hydrogen and Electric

Chevrolet, which commands the industry’s highest fuel economy in full-size pickup trucks and SUVs, is committed to achieving fuel economy and environmental technology leadership in every segment in which it competes.

To do this, Chevy is incorporating improvements to the internal combustion engine such as Active Fuel Management, along with six-speed transmissions; gas-electric hybrids and, in the future, electrically driven vehicles.

Continue reading "Chevy's Fuel Solutions: From Ethanol to Hybrid, Hydrogen and Electric"

Honda Introduces Experimental Home Energy Station IV

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Honda today announced that it has begun using the Home Energy Station IV at its Honda R&D Americas, Inc. facility in Torrance, California. This fourth-generation experimental unit is designed to provide fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, as well as heat and electricity for a home.

The new system is more compact and efficient, with a lower operating cost than previous models. The announcement coincides with the world debut of the all-new FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

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Toyota Fuel-Cell Vehicle Logs 2300 Miles in Seven Days

LOS ANGELES -- Toyota U.S.A., revealed a significant achievement in its ongoing hydrogen- hybrid fuel cell development program at a press conference today at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

A recent 2,300 mile trek in a Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) from Fairbanks, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia along the Alaska-Canadian (ALCAN) highway confirmed substantial progress in reliability and durability, cold-weather operation and extended range capability of Toyota's hybrid fuel cell system.

Continue reading "Toyota Fuel-Cell Vehicle Logs 2300 Miles in Seven Days"

GM Dubs Chevy its Worldwide Fuel Solutions Leader

LOS ANGELES – General Motors announced today that Chevrolet will lead the corporation’s effort to reinvent the industry with a global portfolio of cars and trucks ranging from gas-friendly to gas-free.

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November 13, 2007

Chevrolet's Project Driveway Testers "Gas UP" at NY's First Hydrogen Station

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. –The state of New York opened its first hydrogen station to support Chevrolet’s Project Driveway, an effort to move fuel cell technology from the laboratory into people’s driveways.

White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino and Phil Baxley, president of Shell Hydrogen LLC, dedicated the state’s first hydrogen vehicle refueling facility today at the city’s Department of Public Works depot.

Continue reading "Chevrolet's Project Driveway Testers "Gas UP" at NY's First Hydrogen Station"

November 12, 2007

Daimler Pursues Environmentally Friendly Commercial Vehicles

STUTTGART, Germany -- Daimler is promoting measures for drastically reducing the emissions and fuel consumption of commercial vehicles.

To mark the launch of the Shaping Future Transportation initiative, Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses today presented 16 trucks and buses featuring alternative drive systems and fuels.

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November 10, 2007

Mazda Donates Hydrogen Cars to Norway's Research Project

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation and HyNor（Hydrogen Road of Norway） will collaborate in the development of hydrogen fuel and hydrogen vehicles. This was formally agreed at a signing ceremony held at the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo.

The memorandum states that HyNor intends to purchase 30 Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles commencing summer 2008. For Mazda, these will be the first hydrogen vehicles sold outside of Japan.

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November 8, 2007

Daimler AG to Become Majority Stakeholder In New 'Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation'

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- With a share of 50.1 percent, Daimler AG is the majority stakeholder in "Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation", a company founded today for fuel cell applications in the automotive sector.

With the newly founded company, the globally leading position in automotive fuel cell applications is to be further expanded together with Ford Motor Company and Ballard Power Systems. Ballard Power Systems transfers its automotive division to the new company to be able to concentrate on the marketing of stationary fuel cell applications.

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November 4, 2007

Academy Award Winner Given BMW Hydrogen 7 For Everyday Use

Woodcliff, NJ -- Academy and Emmy Award-winner Stephen Gaghan is the latest entertainment industry player to be given a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first-ever hydrogen-powered luxury sedan - as part of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, designed to help the company build widespread support of hydrogen-drive vehicles.

The Traffic and Syriana writer-director received keys to one of only 25 BMW H7s currently driving on US roadways.

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BMW's Hydrogen Flagship Picked for Livinghome Project

Woodcliff, NJ -- The BMW Group is proud to announce that the BMW Hydrogen 7 - the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan - has been selected to participate in the first-ever WIRED LivingHome.

Designed by Ray Kappe, FAIA, this modern luxury residence will serve as an example of how people can effectively balance green living with high technology and high design. Located in an exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood, the 4,057 square foot WIRED LivingHome is designed to attain at least a Gold rating from the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED for Homes Program.

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November 3, 2007

Honda Works to Create Environmentally Sustainable Mobility

Torrance, Calif. - Honda is continuing its industry-leading efforts to address the environmental challenges of global warming, emissions reduction and energy sustainability through a comprehensive approach that involves further improvements to gasoline engine fuel efficiency, the development of real-world alternatives to gasoline including natural gas and the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car, and technology for refueling those vehicles.

In addition, Honda is pursuing advances in technology related to energy systems such as solar cells, electrical co-generation and the efficient creation of renewable bio-fuels as part of its effort to develop real world solutions to environmental challenges.

Continue reading "Honda Works to Create Environmentally Sustainable Mobility"

October 28, 2007

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid -- A fresh approach to the future of Zoom-Zoom

TOKYO, JAPAN -- Thanks to its combination of Mazda’s trademark Zoom-Zoom performance and excellent environmental efficiency, the hydrogen rotary engine (Hydrogen RE) is one of the leading lights in Mazda's efforts to develop the power plant of the future.

To demonstrate the exceptional environmental performance of this engine that burns hydrogen to generate motive power and emits zero CO2, Mazda has been leasing the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE to corporations and local government bodies since 2006.

Continue reading "Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid -- A fresh approach to the future of Zoom-Zoom"

October 25, 2007

Automakers Collaborate To Cut Green Costs

Companies including General Motors, Toyota and Daimler are increasing spending to research and develop a range of projects--cleaner gasoline and diesel engines, hybrid systems and electric and fuel-cell cars as well as ethanol-powered cars--that cut carbon-dioxide emissions and improve fuel economy.

To reduce costs and speed development, some companies have begun joining hands with rivals. GM, which is competing with Toyota to retain its No. 1 spot in global sales for this year, is developing a hybrid power source in partnership with BMW and Daimler, for example, in an effort to catch up with Toyota. And Toyota last year teamed up with local truck maker Isuzu Motors to develop new, cleaner-diesel engines to battle rivals in Europe.

Combined R&D costs at Japan's top three automakers--Toyota, Honda and Nissan--will rise 34% in the fiscal year ending in March from five years earlier because of investments in green technologies. Koji Endo, an analyst at Credit Suisse, expects car makers will continue to seek alliances in certain technology areas that they can't work on alone.

October 24, 2007

Honda to unveil new hydrogen vehicle at LA Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Honda's next generation hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, November 14, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Based on the FCX Concept that has impressed journalists at multiple test drive events over the past year, this all-new fuel cell vehicle will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in the U.S. and Japan beginning in 2008. The Los Angeles Auto Show represents the first opportunity for potential U.S. customers to preview the new car.

Continue reading "Honda to unveil new hydrogen vehicle at LA Auto Show"

October 23, 2007

Green Machines at the 37th Annual South Florida Auto Show

MIAMI -- As consumers look for more ways to soften the hit at the gas pumps, the auto industry is responding with innovations for both cars and trucks. The best of those efforts will help fill the Miami Beach Convention Center at this year's South Florida International Auto Show, November 9-18.

Hybrid has caught on, but now drivers can consider ethanol, flex-fuel, biodiesel and other options that include engines designed for new lower-sulfur diesel fuel. Even drivers looking for better mileage from conventional vehicles can benefit from industry efforts.

Continue reading "Green Machines at the 37th Annual South Florida Auto Show"

October 22, 2007

General Motors And White Plains Partner To Highlight Fuel Cell Technology

Westchester Residents to Participate in Hydrogen-Powered Real-Life Test; White Plains is Site of Shell Hydrogen Filling Station

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino and Larry Burns, Vice President, General Motors Research and Development and Strategic Planning drove to White Plains City Hall today in a GM hydrogen-powered vehicle to kick off the new Project Driveaway program in Westchester and the New York Metropolitan area.

Continue reading "General Motors And White Plains Partner To Highlight Fuel Cell Technology"

Army Orders Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicles

IRVINE, Calif. -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. today announced that it received an order for six hydrogen hybrid vehicles for the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). The contract will be administered by Aerospace Engineering Spectrum (AES), based in Ogden, Utah.

This order is a follow on to Quantum's successful completion of the development of a Ford Escape Hydrogen Hybrid for TARDEC, incorporating Quantum's advanced hydrogen fuel injection system and ultra-lightweight hydrogen storage system.

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October 18, 2007

Chevy Launches Massive Fuel Cell Test Fleet

More Than 100 Petroleum- and Emissions-Free Vehicles to Go to California, New York and Washington D.C.

LOS ANGELES / NEW YORK – Chevrolet fuel cell electric vehicles will be seen on the streets and driveways of Los Angeles, New York City and Washington D.C., beginning today, in the largest market test ever of its kind.

Customers in suburban Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C. will begin driving more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicles as part of a comprehensive deployment plan dubbed “Project Driveway.” It constitutes the first large-scale market test of fuel cell electric vehicles anywhere.

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October 7, 2007

An Inconvenient Truth Director Becomes Latest To Be Given BMW Hydrogen 7 For Everyday Use on U.S. Roadways

Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- BMW has announced that Davis Guggenheim, the director-producer of the Academy Award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, is the latest person to be given a BMW Hydrogen 7 for everyday use on U.S. roadways. Guggenheim first opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as his green ride of choice to the 2007 Academy Awards.

The culturally-significant documendary based on a slide show about global warming given by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Guggenheim's An Inconvenient Truth helped successfully spark a public dialog about global warming, its impact on the future of our planet and, most importantly, what we can do now to make a difference.

Continue reading "An Inconvenient Truth Director Becomes Latest To Be Given BMW Hydrogen 7 For Everyday Use on U.S. Roadways"

Environmentalist John White Becomes Latest to Be Given a BMW Hydrogen 7 For Everyday Use

Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- BMW has announced that John White, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) - is the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

Widely regarded as the leading legislative expert on California air quality law and regulation, White joins Will Ferrell, Jay Leno and other notable figures in a variety of industries as the latest person to join BMW's Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, designed to help the company in its mission to build widespread support of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

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September 30, 2007

Ford shows green side at Altwheels

BOSTON, Mich. – With a display of advanced technology vehicles for transportation today and tomorrow, Ford is sponsoring the fifth annual AltWheels Festival in Boston September 28th and 29th.

Ford will show off the Ford HySeries Edge, the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in; the Ford Escape E85 Hybrid, a hybrid electric vehicle that runs on ethanol, and a Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

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September 24, 2007

Environmentalist Joins Jay Leno and Will Ferrell as Latest to Drive a BMW Hydrogen 7

Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- BMW today announced that former California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Terry Tamminen has become the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

An accomplished author and leading environmental strategist who has been widely recognized for his many contributions and achievements in the field, Tamminen also served as the Chief Policy Advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on energy and environmental issues.

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September 19, 2007

Hydrogen-Powered Chevy, Saturn Hybrid to ECOFEST

Visitors to Manhattan’s ECOFEST 2007 will witness the first of a fleet of fuel-cell Chevrolet SUVs that will soon be driving across metropolitan New York, fueled by hydrogen and emitting nothing more than water vapor.

Real drivers will participate in the world’s biggest fuel-cell test, involving more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell SUVs. The two-year pilot will begin in the New York metropolitan area at the start of calendar 2008.

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AltWheels Festival Gets "Popping" With Chevrolet

Chevy to Bring Gas-Friendly and Gas-Free Vehicles to Largest East Coast Alt Fuels Festival on September 28 & 29th

BOSTON – It won’t just be the tantalizing smells of freshly popping corn that will attract attention at the 2007 AltWheels-Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival, but the array of environmentally friendly Chevrolets-some of which can run on a blend of ethanol distilled from corn or other renewable biomass.

A first-time sponsor of AltWheels, Chevrolet will present a dynamic display that will include hybrids and technology that allows current models to reach EPA highway estimates of 30 mpg or better.

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September 18, 2007

Leno to Drive BMW Hydrogen 7 On U.S. Roads

WOODCLIFF, N.J. -- BMW today announced that Jay Leno became the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. The Emmy-winning comedian and host of The Tonight Show received his BMW Hydrogen 7 at his famed car garage in Burbank, California, which is fittingly a "green garage" that receives a great deal of its energy from steam power.

"As an avid car enthusiast I'm always interested in the future of automotive technology. With the BMW Hydrogen 7 I can experience all the fun and great features of a performance car, yet know that I'm being environmentally friendly at the same time! I look forward to driving the Hydrogen 7 and learning more about hydrogen as a fuel for our future."

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September 17, 2007

Honda FCX Builds Hydrogen-Powered Future with History of Firsts

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Honda has paced the industry in the development and application of hydrogen fuel cell technology as well as the refueling infrastructure that ultimately will be required to take it to the mass market.

Always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to meet or exceed customers' expectations for the quality, reliability and safety of its fuel cell vehicles. Honda-developed technology has broken through technical barriers for fuel cell vehicles such as cold-weather start-up and operation. Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the "chicken and the egg" dilemma of the vehicle and the refueling infrastructure.

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Ford's advanced vehicle portfolio embraces optimized technologies

Ford Motor Company is committed to offer its customers affordable, environmentally sensitive technologies.

Latest technology and alternative powertrains plus alternative fuels all play a key role in the drive towards sustainable mobility.

These include:

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Ford Research Centre Aachen

Personal mobility is without doubt a fundamental need in modern society, and the automobile has provided us with this individual freedom and independence, thereby making its mark on the past century. Mobility has also become a significant economic factor: road transport forms more than 10% of the European GDP.

Mobility creates and secures jobs and maintains competitiveness. Mobility, however, still presents society with major challenges: the reduction of exhaust gas emissions and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, limited supplies of fossil fuels and the development of possible alternatives and also improved traffic safety.

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September 1, 2007

Hyundai to Unveil Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle at Frankfurt Auto Show

SEOUL, South Korea -- Hyundai Motor Corporation will unveil the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show which opens on September 13. The i-Blue demonstrates the company's commitment to developing environmentally responsible transportation.

Hyundai's new hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concept, the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle was developed at Hyundai's Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan. The all-new i-Blue platform is tailored to incorporate Hyundai's third-generation fuel cell technology, currently being developed at Hyundai's Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea.

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August 31, 2007

AIAM Announces Support for California to Fund Alternative Fuel Research

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) today announced its support for legislation under consideration in the California legislature that would help the state attain climate change goals by funding the development of alternative fuels and new technologies.

The legislation, Assembly bill 118, provides grants and revolving loans to state agencies, California-based businesses and projects, public-private partnerships, vehicle and technology consortia, fleet owners, consumers, and academic institutions.

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August 30, 2007

Volvo Displays Carbon-Dioxide-Free Trucks

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- The Volvo Group is the first vehicle manufacturer to produce seven demonstration trucks that can all be driven without emitting any environmentally harmful carbon dioxide.

These trucks were exhibited for the first time today in Stockholm and are equipped with diesel engines that have been modified to operate on seven different types of renewable liquid and gaseous fuels.

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August 28, 2007

Hydrogen -- Paving the Way for the Cars of Tomorrow

MUNICH, Germany -- Invitation for IAA: Come and Experience a Hydrogen Refuelling Demonstration With our Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Unit traiLH2TM and a BMW Hydrogen 7 or a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell

It is increasingly important, thanks to global warming, to monitor the potential of alternative energy carriers, such as hydrogen. As leading experts in hydrogen technology, The Linde Group can provide you with the best information on the energy carrier of the future, as well as inspiring ideas.

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August 27, 2007

Ford to launch low CO2 models in Frankfurt

Cologne – Ford of Europe will offer its customers ultra-low CO 2 alternatives for selected car lines with the launch of a new range of Ford ECOnetic models at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

These cars will use a combination of the latest common-rail diesel powertrains together with other carefully-selected features engineered to reduce CO 2 emissions to the absolute minimum. The first to be launched by the end of 2007 will be the Ford Focus ECOnetic, which promises to deliver best-in-class CO 2 emissions for conventional powertrain technology at just 115g/km.

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August 23, 2007

General Motors to Showcase New Hydrogen, Electric Vehicles at Frankfurt Auto Show

In essence, the environmental strategy of General Motors Europe is to reduce CO2 emissions in the short term and introduce new propulsion technologies in the long term.

The goal is to offer customers vehicles that can operate on many different energy sources. “The multi-tiered approach includes accelerating the development of electrically powered vehicles, stepping up efforts to replace fossil fuels and increasing the efficiency of gasoline and diesel engines,” explains Carl-Peter Forster, GME President.

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August 17, 2007

Funnyman Will Ferrell Becomes First to be Given a BMW Hydrogen 7 for Everyday Use

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. -- BMW today announced the launch of the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program as it handed over the keys of a BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan -- to Hollywood actor Will Ferrell.

Through the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, BMW will give industry leaders and prominent figures in entertainment, politics, business and more a BMW Hydrogen 7 for their daily use.

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August 15, 2007

Ford Delivers Hydrogen Buses to City of Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – Ford Motor Company and the city of Last Vegas today announced that they are adding two hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses to the city’s fleet, the first city in the Western United States to take delivery of these ultra clean vehicles.

Mayor Oscar B. Goodman will mark the occasion at the West Vehicle Service Center, the city’s station that provides fuel for all vehicles powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.

“These buses represent part of Ford Motor Company’s strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less CO 2 and reduce our dependence on oil,” said Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president. Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

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August 14, 2007

Toyota's 'Mobile Hybrid Experience' Puts You Behind the Wheel at Illinois State Fair

Toyota is bringing a nationwide tour called "Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience" to the Illinois State Fair on August 16-19th, 2007.

The hands-on "Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience" is designed to provide attendees with the opportunity experience Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which is found in the Prius, Camry hybrid and Highlander hybrid vehicles, for themselves.

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August 12, 2007

Chrysler Exec: Only Shortsighted Oppose Alternative Fuels

Loren Beard stirred things up at the end of a weeklong industry conference.

The Chrysler Senior Manager of Energy Planning and Policy named the five groups that he says are trying to stop the growth of alternative fuels.

Speaking at the annual Management Briefing Seminars conference, held outside Traverse City, Mich., Beard said the groups have their own interests to protect. What might be a surprise to some is the inclusion of “Big Agriculture”, some environmental groups and some automakers.

The five groups are:

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August 11, 2007

Better fuel economy could cost car buyers

The government has yet to require higher fuel efficiency from the auto industry, but some manufacturers are already bracing for much stricter standards. Chrysler Group even went so far as to scrap plans for a new luxury vehicle that had been in the works.

Industry insiders insist consumers should be bracing too — for significantly higher prices and far fewer choices.

Last month the Senate passed a bill that would increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for all passenger cars and trucks by about 40 percent. That would require automakers to raise the average gas mileage of their vehicles to 35 mpg by 2020. A proposal in the House would hold manufacturers to those standards as early as 2018.

The legislature is far from putting such changes into law. But observers say stricter standards — in some form — appear to be inevitable.

And buyers, beware. The impact on consumers is likely to be more than just the ability to get farther on a gallon of gas.

August 9, 2007

Honda's FCX Becomes First Hydrogen Vehicle Certified for $12,000 Tax Credit

The IRS announced in July that the hydrogen-powered Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle became eligible for the Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Credit program.

The credit is part of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, which seeks to promote affordable, dependable and environmentally-sound production and distribution of energy for America's future.

Propelled by electricity that is generated by a hydrogen fuel cell in conjunction with an advanced Honda-designed ultracapacitor, the FCX fuel cell vehicle's only emission is water vapor.

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August 8, 2007

BMW and NASA Conclude Test Period of BMW Hydrogen 7

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- As NASA engineers prepare to launch the Space Shuttle Endeavour today, BMW of North America and NASA announced the successful completion of an eight-week test period of the BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first-ever hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

The test period, which was initiated under a Space Act Agreement between NASA and BMW, underscores the organizations' shared commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies and to exploring innovative transportation concepts and alternative energy sources.

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August 5, 2007

Speaker Pelosi: 'Today We Declare a New Direction in Our Energy Policy - One For Our Future Generations'

WASHINGTON -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke this morning on the House floor in support of her bill, H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act. Below are her remarks as prepared:

"My colleagues, today we are faced with a momentous decision on energy and global warming.

"Will we turn toward the future, for the sake of our children and our planet? Or will we remain mired in the disputes and regional differences that have so often prevented the Congress from adopting new, innovative approaches to our energy needs?

"With this bill, the 'New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act,' Congress can indeed take our nation in a New Direction.

"Energy independence is a national security issue, an environmental and health issue, an economic issue, and a moral issue.

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U.S. House shifts $16 bln toward renewable energy

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday passed a Democratic rewrite of U.S. energy policy that strips $16 billion in tax incentives away from Big Oil and puts it toward renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

The 786-page bill, passed in a rare Saturday vote, was a top priority for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and is an amalgam of bills assembled by about a dozen of the chamber's committees in recent months.

Republicans called it a "no-energy bill" because it lacks new drilling incentives, and they derided the new emphasis on renewables as "green pork." The White House threatened to veto the bill on concerns that it could boost energy prices.

House Republican leader John Boehner said the bill "cuts the lifeblood of our economy off at the knees by increasing taxes to pay for green pork projects," referring to billions of dollars of "energy conservation bonds" that would finance renewable projects.

July 30, 2007

Car Buyer's Notebook Now Available in Nine Languages!

Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Car Buyer's Notebook is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.

The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.

All you have to do is click on the appropriate flag in the box that is on the right hand side of the site.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Spanish.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in French.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Japanese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Chinese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in German.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Korean.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Italian.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Portugese.

July 17, 2007

Florida Auto Dealers Travel to Nation's Capital to Promote Responsible Boost in Fuel Economy

WASHINGTON -- New car and truck dealers from across Florida met on Tuesday with key Members of the House of Representatives in support of efforts to enact reasonable increases in the national Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard. Dealers from across the state urged their Representatives to support a bill, H.R. 2927 -- the Hill-Terry CAFE alternative which would boost fuel economy by as much as 40 percent over the next 15 years.

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July 13, 2007

Mercedes Delivers First [Ever] Fuel Cell Vehicle to Iceland

Reykjavik – With the Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell, the first fuel-cell-powered passenger car is now on the road in Iceland.

DaimlerChrysler today delivered the zero-emissions vehicle to the companies Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy. The two energy utilities will use the vehicle for an initial period of one year in their fleets under realistic conditions.

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July 11, 2007

President Bush Views Fuel Cell Powered Lift Truck at GrafTech Facility

PARMA, Ohio -- President George W. Bush today viewed a demonstration of a fuel cell powered lift truck while touring the GrafTech International Ltd. facility in Parma, Ohio.

GrafTech manufactures graphite material for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power unit made by Cellex Power Products Inc., a subsidiary of Plug Power Inc.

The Cellex fuel cell system provides clean, reliable power for the electric lift truck made by Crown Equipment Corporation. Representatives from each company participated in today's tour and lift truck demonstration.

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July 6, 2007

Honda Pursues Fuel Cell Tech Breakthroughs

Honda has paced the industry in the development and application of hydrogen fuel cell technology as well as the refueling infrastructure that ultimately will be required to take it to the mass market.

Always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to meet or exceed customers' expectations for the quality, reliability and safety of its fuel cell vehicles. Honda's original technology has broken through technical barriers for fuel cell vehicles such as cold-weather start-up and operation.

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July 4, 2007

Get the Car Buyer's Notebook Widget!

Aren't you tired of constantly navigating to sites, several times a day to keep up with the latest news?

I know I am -- and that's why I love widgets.

Widgets are these cool pieces of desktop "furniture" [like ours at right] that you can add to your computer -- and thus have a continuous live feed of updated news -- without going to a website to scan for cool stuff. [The widget can either be "parked" on top of all windows, or left underneath -- they're customizable, too!]

In the case of Car Buyer's Notebook, we have created just such a widget for you to download to your desktop -- and when you see a story you're really interested in, click on the title and it will take you to a new browser window to see the whole thing.

Getting our widget is simple -- there's only two steps:

1. Go to Springwidgets and download the widget software.

2. Go to this page, and get the Car Buyer's Notebook widget by clicking on the little green cog underneath the widget itself. This will add our widget to your widget menu.

And you will be in automotive widget heaven!

June 21, 2007

AAA Launches Web-Based Consumer Resource on Alternative Fuels

Greenlight Initiative addresses need for increased awareness

BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- Imagine a time when you no longer go to the gas station to fuel up your car. Instead, you plug your car into an electrical outlet, or just fill up the tank with french fry oil. You may not have noticed, but that future is now.

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June 15, 2007

GM Prepares Fuel Cell Technology for Future Production

Aligns Fuel Cell Researchers with Company's Core Engineering Organizations

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. is moving more than 500 fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to core engineering functions to prepare this technology for future production.

More than 400 fuel cell engineers will report to GM's Powertrain Group to begin production engineering of fuel cell systems. Another 100 will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organization to start integrating fuel cells into future company vehicles.

Finally, more than 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of GM's Research and Development center to continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialization.

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Hydrogen Execs to Brief Congress on Future Energy Policy

A briefing sponsored by the Senate Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, in cooperation with the National Hydrogen Association and the American Chemical Society's Science and the Congress Project

Strong and far-reaching hydrogen and fuel cell provisions were included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which span everything from basic science to early market transition.

In concert with substantial federal and state programs over the years, many large and small companies, universities, research institutions and national laboratories have worked to solve critical research and development challenges. There is a large, vibrant and growing hydrogen community in the U.S. and worldwide.

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June 13, 2007

Quantum's Hydrogen Vehicles Featured at Norwegian Hydrogen Refueling Station

IRVINE, Calif. -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., today announced the delivery of Quantum's hydrogen hybrid Priuses to and their participation in the grand opening of Norsk Hydro's first hydrogen refueling station.

Norsk Hydro's first hydrogen refueling station is located outside the company's research center at Heroya, Porsgrunn, Norway. It was officially opened on June 12, 2007 by State Secretary Steinulf Tungesvik of the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications and Norsk Hydro's President and CEO Eivind Reiten.

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June 12, 2007

75% of Fuel Consumption is used to Fuel Highway Vehicles

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Analyzing Transportation Fuel Cells” to their offering.

The advent of gasoline-based transportation and the rapid progression of an industry across the globe which has kept on coming up with thousands of models and vehicle variants but not serious looked at an alternative fuel till yet has brought about industry wide concern and the realignment of time and resources to achieving the objective of a cleaner efficient and environmentally compliant fuel.

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June 9, 2007

Prince of Wales drives Ford Eco-Rally vehicles

Zero emissions Ford Explorer Fuel Cell Vehicle made European debut on Brighton to London eco car rally

BRENTWOOD, Essex – A Ford Focus hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) was driven by HRH the Prince of Wales at Hampton Court Palace, ahead of yesterday's first Brighton to London eco rally on World Environment Day.

Prince Charles reviewed a selection of the vehicles taking part in the rally and then drove the Ford Focus FCV up the main driveway to park in front of Hampton Court Palace.

This event was the official flag raiser for the rally, which followed in reverse the route of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The objective of the rally was to bring tomorrow's alternative fuel technologies to the capital.

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June 8, 2007

Carnegie Mellon: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Outperforms Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Projects

Researchers from Tepper School of Business warn that failure to use carbon capture and sequestration would actually increase emissions from such projects

PITTSBURGH -- "A major program to subsidize coal-to-liquid makes no sense, since the goals of energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved at lower cost through plug-in hybrid vehicles charged with electricity from reduced carbon sources," according to an Issue Brief by the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center.

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June 7, 2007

Mississippi State Wins GM Challenge X 2007 Competition

Engineering Students Design "Green" Biofuel-powered Hybrid Vehicle

Detroit, Mich. - General Motors (GM) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), lead sponsors for the Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility engineering competition, congratulated students from Mississippi State University, who took top honors today at the third annual competition.

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May 25, 2007

Ford Joins New Eco Rally

BRENTWOOD, Essex – Future and current Ford vehicles leading the auto industry towards reduced carbon emissions will be part of the first Brighton to London eco rally on June 5 – World Environment Day.

While the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run marks the abolition of the 'Red Flag Act' requiring a man on foot to precede motorised vehicles, next month's eco rally follows the route in reverse to bring tomorrow's alternative fuel technologies to the capital.

A Ford hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) will be the centrepiece of the blue oval's line up crossing the Trafalgar Square finish line. The Ford Explorer FCV prototype will be Europe's first glimpse of the latest North America-developed fuel cell system achieving a range of 350 miles on the zero-emission fuel.

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May 23, 2007

Ford Delivers Hydrogen Powered Buses in U.S.

* Ford is the world’s first automaker to deliver commercial vehicles, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.

* The buses will be used as passenger shuttles at the Greater Orlando Airport Authority in Florida, as well as at the Orlando Convention Central District.

* Ford is the only automaker with gasoline hybrid-electric vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, clean diesel, ethanol and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles on the road today.

ORLANDO, Fla. May 23, 2007 - Ford Motor Company and the State of Florida today announced that they are putting a fleet of hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses on the road in Orlando, the first U.S. city to take delivery of these ultra clean vehicles.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist marked the occasion at a Chevron Hydrogen station that will provide fuel for eight buses, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.

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May 22, 2007

International Automakers Meet With California Legislators

AIAM Member Companies Highlight Contributions to State Economy and Leadership in Advanced Technology Vehicles

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) and several of its member company representatives met with lawmakers of the California Legislature and the Governor's Office today to highlight their contributions to the state's economy and demonstrate the leadership roles they are taking in the area of advanced technology vehicles.

In California, AIAM members directly employ 18,000 people and operate 76 separate facilities, including four manufacturing facilities, seven headquarters offices, nineteen R&D centers, and seven financial service operations. AIAM members also account for 50 percent of the more than 2 million new passenger cars and light trucks registered in the state last year.

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May 21, 2007

Proposed congressional fuel bill flawed

With American motorists paying $3 a gallon or more to fill up their cars, it might be comforting to know that new laws are brewing to improve fuel efficiency. But a loophole in the legislation could mean greater fuel efficiency is still a long way off.

A bill approved by a Senate committee this month would require automakers to ensure their passenger vehicle fleets — cars, minivans, pickups and sport utility vehicles — achieve an average fuel consumption rating of 35 miles per gallon by 2020, up from 27.5 mpg currently. The measure also would require carmakers to boost fuel efficiency by 4 percent each year after 2020.

The bill sounds like a step forward, but it was amended shortly before the panel’s vote to allow a reduced standard if the Secretary of Transportation finds "clear and convincing evidence" that achieving Congress' target would not be "cost effective" for the affected automakers.

California's Clean Car Program Would Cut Pollution, Save Drivers Money

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A market-based incentive program to reduce global warming emissions from new cars and trucks would cut pollution as much as 33 percent and provide up to $2,500 in lifetime fuel savings for drivers, according to a new study by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).

The Clean Car Discount program creates a schedule of fees and rebates, collectively known as "feebates," based on the amount of global warming pollution different new vehicles produce.

"Our analysis shows that by harnessing the power of price signals, feebates spur consumers to purchase and manufacturers to produce cleaner vehicles," said Walter McManus, director of UMTRI's Automotive Analysis Division.

Continue reading "California's Clean Car Program Would Cut Pollution, Save Drivers Money"

May 18, 2007

Microsoft joins Clinton Foundation to monitor carbon emissions

Technology to help cities better understand and improve environmental footprint.

NEW YORK -- The Clinton Foundation and Microsoft Corp. today announced a long-term partnership to develop a suite of technology tools that will enable cities to accurately monitor, compare and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The technology will include both software and services.

"The Clinton Foundation is committed to a business-oriented approach to the problem of climate change," said Bruce Lindsey, CEO of the Clinton Foundation. "This new software tool will be an important resource in our work with cities around the world to fight global warming in practical, measurable and significant ways."

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May 15, 2007

Chevy Sequel Drives Into History Books

First hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to go 300 miles without refueling

TARRYTOWN – General Motors Corp. made history today as its Chevy Sequel – the world’s most technologically advanced automobile – became the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while producing zero emissions.

“With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles, by achieving the range expected by today’s consumers,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. ”And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls , used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower – a clean, renewable resource. This means that the entire process – from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle -- was virtually carbon dioxide (CO2) free.”

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May 14, 2007

Clean Diesel Ready to Help President Meet His '20 in 10' Goals

Incentives Needed to Encourage Purchase of Fuel-Efficient Diesels; High-Quality Biodiesel Also Critical

WASHINGTON -- Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement in response to President Bush's speech this afternoon discussing his energy plan:

"In January, President Bush called on Americans during his State of the Union speech to 'expand the use of clean diesel vehicles' as part of his new energy plan to cut gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next decade. America's diesel industry is ready to respond and add to the estimated 4.8 million diesel cars, pickups and SUVs already on the road today. Numerous manufacturers, including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, are planning to introduce new clean diesel vehicles in the next two to three years, as technological innovation promising slashed emissions meets consumer demand for fuel economy and high performance.

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May 9, 2007

Senate Commerce Committee Approves Historic Fuel Economy Legislation

Bill would reduce oil dependence, enhance energy security

WASHINGTON -- The Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC), a project of Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE), expressed strong support for landmark fuel economy legislation approved today by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the U.S. Senate.

The bipartisan bill promises to achieve substantial reductions in U.S. oil dependence by addressing consumption in the transportation sector, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of total U.S. oil demand.

The Ten-In-Ten Fuel Economy Act, which was reported out of the Commerce Committee with support from a broad coalition of Republicans and Democrats, would increase the fuel economy of all on-road vehicles.

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May 8, 2007

General Motors Joins United States Climate Action Partnership

DETROIT – General Motors today announced that it will join the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), becoming the first automaker to support the non-partisan group’s call for action to address climate change through advanced technology and on an economy-wide, market-driven basis.

USCAP, a partnership of companies representing key sectors of the economy and non-government organizations, issued earlier this year a set of principles and recommendations toward slowing, stopping and reversing the growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the shortest period of time reasonably achievable.

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April 30, 2007

$3.50 Gas Price Fall-Out Survey: Most Americans Think They Are Getting Gouged at the Pump

Will Cut Summer Travel, Spending Plans If Prices Keep Rising

Civil Society Institute/40MPG Survey Also to Show Most Americans Want Higher Federal Fuel Efficiency Standard Now

Most Americans think they are being gouged at the gas pump and say that will cut back on their summer travel plans and general spending if fuel prices continue to climb to $3.50 a gallon or even higher, according to a major new Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) survey conducted for the nonprofit Civil Society Institute (CSI) think tank and its 40MPG.org project.

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April 26, 2007

GM Sponsors U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl

Students will test-drive their fuel cell know-how in a model car challenge

WASHINGTON – General Motors will introduce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and other advanced technologies to more than 300 high school students as part of its sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl, April 26-30, at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md.

In addition to the academic competition, students will be given the opportunity to build and race a model fuel cell car and attend presentations by well-known scientists on current topics in math and science.

Continue reading "GM Sponsors U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl"

April 25, 2007

GM Brings Line-up of Environmentally Friendly Vehicles to Tribeca Film Festival Opening Night Gala

WHO: Tribeca Film Festival founders Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, SOS campaign founder and Live Earth Producer Kevin Wall, and other VIP guests.

WHAT: General Motors will sponsor the April 25 opening night gala of the sixth annual Tribeca Film Festival, which will feature the premiere of seven short films that are part of the SOS Short Films Program designed to inform and inspire people across the globe to solve the climate crisis. The evening will also include musical performances by artists who will perform at the Live Earth global concert series on July 7. Live Earth is part of the SOS campaign.

As part of GM's role in the event, the company will have several of its latest environmentally friendly vehicles on display during the gala to add to the event's atmosphere of environmental consciousness. GM's featured vehicles include:

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April 23, 2007

Susan Cischke Appointed Senior Vice President and Will Lead Sustainability at Ford

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company announced today that Susan M. Cischke has been named senior vice president and will lead the company's sustainability efforts going forward, in addition to continuing her present assignments.

Her new title will be senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. She will report to Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally.

"We are at a critical stage in the global conversation on sustainability, energy consumption and environmental protection," said Mulally. "Sue, as part of the senior leadership team, will not only help us shape our participation in this dialogue, but also help us develop the products and processes our customers and our society will demand. Sue has been very successful in leading our environmental and safety initiatives, and we're tapping into her vast knowledge and experience in those areas in having her take on this responsibility. She has the full support of the company's Board and senior leadership team, and I have every confidence that she will be successful in helping to drive sustainability throughout our business."

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Chrysler Group Outlines Environmental Commitment

The Chrysler Group is dedicated to protecting the health of our community, our natural resources and the global environment. We are addressing environmental challenges by working continuously to improve the environmental performance of our products and operations.

Our longstanding commitment to the environment is reflected in eco-compatible innovations in our products, the greening of our manufacturing operations, support of the development of advanced sustainable technologies and our leadership in promoting the use of alternative fuels.

Developing products that minimize impact on the environment

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April 20, 2007

General Motors Unveils Second Propulsion System for Chevrolet Volt

E-Flex Hydrogen Fuel Cell Continues Move Toward Electric Drive

SHANGHAI - GM's global commitment to developing transportation that reduces oil use and promotes energy diversity continued today at the Shanghai Auto Show with the unveiling of the next iteration of the E-Flex electric architecture, configured with GM's newest, most efficient hydrogen fuel cell system to date.

This second variant of the E-Flex system uses GM's new fifth-generation fuel cell propulsion technology and a lithium-ion battery to provide up to 300 miles (483 km) of petroleum- and emissions-free electric driving. The fuel cell E-Flex is a true Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and operates all-electric from both hydrogen fuel cell-generated electricity and grid electricity. It is plug-in capable, adding up to 20 additional miles (34 km) each time it is charged, further reducing trips to the refueling station.

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April 17, 2007

Number of Alternative Fuel Autos on California's Roads Increased 17% in 2006

California Drivers are Discovering the Alternatives: Over 837,000 Alternative Fuel Autos on California's Roads, Ranks Second Nationally

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Automakers are celebrating National Alternative Fuel Autos Month by releasing state specific data on the sales of Alternative Fuel Autos.

The R.L. Polk and Co. figures show 837,743 hybrid-electric, ethanol-capable E-85 and clean diesel autos on California's roads in 2006, marking an increase of 17 percent from 2005 when there were approximately 700,000 Alternative Fuel Autos on the state's roads. California ranks second in the nation in terms of the total number of Alternative Fuel Autos on the road.

The Polk sales figures also reveal that on a national level an unprecedented 1.5 million Alternative Fuel Autos were sold in 2006, surpassing automakers' sales expectations by 50 percent. The 2006 sales bring the total number of Alternative Fuel Autos on the nation's roads to 10.5 million.

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April 5, 2007

AutoNation Introduces Fuel Efficient E-Vehicle Program

Nation's First Retail-Driven Program to Promote Energy Efficiency

FORT LAUDERDALE -- AutoNation, Inc., America's largest automotive retailer, has announced that on April 10, 2007, the company will launch its E-Vehicle program. The program is designed to promote greater consumer awareness of fuel-efficient vehicles by identifying those cars and trucks available online and in-store that have exceptional energy efficiency.

To qualify, vehicles must produce at least 28 miles-per-gallon or deliver 10% better fuel efficiency than the average for their vehicle class. AutoNation has partnered with Edmunds.com to identify qualifying vehicles and ensure that the fullest range of vehicles is represented.

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April 4, 2007

Nissan North America Environmental Update

The Nissan Green Program 2010 is Nissan’s vision of its commitments to all aspects of environmental management – addressing immediate challenges as well as creating the foundation for a long-term, sustainable business model.

With a specific focus on the reduction of CO2 emissions, Nissan has embraced a multi-pronged philosophy of product development, which aims to deliver in a sustainable way the right technology, at the right time, in the right market, and at the right value to the customer.

Below is a snapshot of Nissan’s current and future efforts in applying our environmental philosophy in the U.S.:

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Honda Named 'Greenest Automaker' by Union of Concerned Scientists

- America's Most Fuel Efficient Car Company Earns Fourth Consecutive Title -

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Honda, the most fuel efficient car company in America(1), has earned the title of America's "2007 Greenest Automaker" from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) for the fourth consecutive time. The award is given by the UCS on a biennial basis to the company with the lowest overall production of smog-forming emissions and global warming emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet.

"Honda remains the greenest U.S. automaker. The company installs clean technology across its entire fleet of cars and trucks and that consistency makes it a top environmental performer. Honda is one of only two automakers to have better-than-average global warming scores in every class of vehicles it sold in MY2005," said Don MacKenzie, a vehicles engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists. "In addition, Honda continues to have the best smog score in four out of the five classes."

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March 30, 2007

Environmental trends align GM brands

* General Motors Europe focusing on small and compact models

* Natural gas and ethanol as low-emission alternatives

Dudenhofen -- General Motors Europe continues its upward trend by focusing on fuel-saving small and compact cars. Following GME’s 227 million dollar profit in 2006 − the first since 1999 − GM Europe President Carl-Peter Forster is not troubled by the current discussion about energy efficiency and lower emissions.

In fact, he sees it more as a plus-point for the Opel, Chevrolet, Saab and Cadillac brands. “The fact that more car buyers are taking the environmental compatibility and energy balance of their cars into consideration is a good thing for us,” says Forster. At the same time, he called for a closer cooperation between auto producers, the oil industry and politicians so that solutions to climate protection can be found. Forster: "The consumer must be able to afford environmental technology. This is the only way to put it on a broad and effective basis".

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Ford supporting hydrogen research in Australia

VICTORIA, Australia -- Ford Motor Company of Australia has confirmed its support of a long-term research project by the University of Melbourne to study efficient and practical hydrogen fuelled vehicle technologies.

The important study today received a $1.2 million grant from the Victorian State Government, announced by the Minister for Energy and Resources, Hon Peter Batchelor.

"Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

Ford Australia will contribute engines and resources to the project which, along with the State Government grant, will assist with engine and vehicle development. The project will also investigate hydrogen generation and storage technology.

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March 29, 2007

Hydrogen researchers try fuel cell powered plane

Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane Powered By a UQM(R) Electric Motor Prepares for Ground and Flight Testing

FREDERICK, Colo. -- UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a developer of alternative energy technologies, announced today that a UQM(R) propulsion system will be turning the propeller of a single seat demonstrator airplane powered only by a fuel cell and lightweight batteries as part of planned experimental flight tests this year by Boeing Research and Technology - Europe (BR&TE) and its industry partners. Flight tests, which will take place in Spain, will demonstrate for the first time that a manned airplane can maintain a straight level flight with fuel cells as the only power source.

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March 28, 2007

Remarks by President Bush After Demonstration of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

WASHINGTON-- The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush after a demonstration of alternative fuel vehicles:

U.S. Postal Service Vehicle Maintenance Facility
Washington, D.C.

10:39 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Secretary, thank you. I want to thank you all very much.

Yesterday I talked with the chief executive officers of U.S. auto companies about what they're doing to help us meet the goal of reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent over 10 years. Today I've had the honor of visiting with private sector companies -- "Big Brown," FedEx, the Metro bus line, as well as the Postal Office folks, and DaimlerChrysler, as well, to talk about how we are using new technologies to convert truck fleets, bus fleets to vehicles that will be able to help meet the goal of reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent over 10 years.

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March 27, 2007

Volkswagen's high temp fuel cell wins award

"INNOVATION OF REASON" 2007: AWARD FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE FUEL CELL FROM VOLKSWAGEN

Wolfsburg, Germany - The high temperature fuel cell from Volkswagen has been awarded a prize in the special category "Innovation of reason" by the largest German consumer magazine "Guter Rat". The jury of editing staff thereby afforded Volkswagen credit for their breakthrough in fuel cell technology. The prize was accepted last Friday by Professor Jürgen Leohold, Head of Volkswagen Group Research, at the Meilenwerk in Berlin.

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March 26, 2007

Pres. Bush and Auto CEOs Mingle at Mixed Fuel Demo

Remarks by President Bush and CEOs of Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler at the Demonstration of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush and CEOs of Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler at the Demonstration of Alternative Fuel Vehicles:

The South Lawn
11:11 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: I've just spent quite a while talking to our CEOs of American automobile companies. And I was interested in their take on my goal of reducing gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next 10 years.

I found it very interesting that by 2012, 50 percent of the automobiles in America will be flex-fuel vehicles. That means that the American consumer will be able to either use gasoline or ethanol, depending upon, obviously, price and convenience. That's a major technological breakthrough for the country. If you want to reduce gasoline usage, like I believe we need to do so for national security reasons, as well as for environmental concerns, the consumer has got to be in a position to make a rational choice. And so I appreciate very much the fact that American automobile manufacturers recognize the reality of the world in which we live and are using new technologies to give the consumers different options.

Right now, most of our ethanol is made from corn. But the federal government is spending a lot of money to try to develop new technologies that will mean that ethanol could be made from wood chips or switch grass. Part of that request is embedded in a request to the Congress, and I would hope that Congress would move expeditiously on our plan to reduce gasoline usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years. It's in our national security interest that we do this, it's in economic security interest we do it, and all at the same time, it will help us be better stewards of the environment.

And now I'd like to ask these gentlemen to make a few comments.

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March 14, 2007

Mazda delivers hydrogen vehicle to research institute

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE being delivered to JARI

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has delivered one dual-fueled RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle, which runs on either gasoline or hydrogen, to the Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI)*1. The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE has a rotary engine with a dual-fuel system that allows the driver to select either gasoline or hydrogen fuel with the flick of a switch.

JARI is working with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)*2 on the Establishment of Codes & Standards for a Hydrogen Economy Society project. The RX-8 Hydrogen RE will be used as part of its R&D activities to review the regulations regarding the safety of hydrogen vehicles, establish examination and evaluation techniques and create proposals for international standards. The hydrogen supply will mainly come from JARI’s own hydrogen station at their facility in Tsukuba city.

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March 13, 2007

10.5 Million Alternative Fuel Autos on Roads Today

Consumers are Discovering the Alternatives: 2006 Sales of Alternative Fuel Autos Exceed Automakers' Expectations by 50 Percent

WASHINGTON -- Automakers kicked off National Alternative Fuel Autos Week by announcing that there are 10.5 million Alternative Fuel Autos on the nation's roads today, according to 2006 sales data from R.L. Polk and Co.

The Polk sales figures also reveal that an unprecedented 1.5 million Alternative Fuel Autos were sold in 2006, surpassing automakers' sales expectations by 50 percent. Currently manufacturers are offering 60 models of Alternative Fuel Automobiles for sale including hybrid electric, ethanol- capable E-85, and clean diesel, up from just 12 models for sale in 2000. A complete list of available autos can be found at http://www.discoveralternatives.com/.

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March 8, 2007

17-Year-Old Actress Becomes World's Youngest Fuel Cell Vehicle Customer

Q'orianka Kilcher Becomes the Youngest Customer to Lease Honda's FCX Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

LOS ANGELES -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today that it will further advance its real world fuel cell vehicle program by handing the keys to its next retail customer, 17-year-old Q'orianka Kilcher, who earned praise as the young star of the 2005 film "The New World."

As the ultimate expression of Honda's technological and environmental leadership, the zero-emissions Honda FCX is not simply a car of the future, but a real world vehicle on the road today that has met all applicable federal safety standards. A hydrogen-powered vehicle with zero emissions, the FCX represents one of the most important transportation solutions and the ultimate in clean mobility for the future.

"The best way to demonstrate the importance of next generation vehicles like the Honda FCX is to put the next generation of drivers behind the wheel," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "Q'orianka Kilcher will be driving around Hollywood in the ultimate environmental status symbol, literally and figuratively driving the change toward a hydrogen future."

"As a young person today, I feel it is important to take initiative toward seeking positive solutions and stepping up the quest toward clean energy and environmental preservation," said Q'orianka Kilcher. "When I first started pursuing my dream of a zero emissions vehicle as my first car, it seemed like a pretty unrealistic dream. With Honda's innovation and support, my dream of helping the environment became a reality!"

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March 7, 2007

Honda's FCX Concept Now Ready For The Road

Fully functional next–generation fuel cell vehicle

Honda's fully driveable FCX Concept fuel cell car is making its European debut at this year's Geneva Show. Already displayed in its previous static guise at last year's Paris Show, this new version is fully functioning and fully equipped and is powered by Honda's next-generation FC Stack.

The FCX Concept offers practical driving performance with a range of 570 km (Honda calculations when driven in LA4 mode) and a top speed limited to 160 km/h. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on the FCX Concept model is to begin in Japan and the US in a couple of years.

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March 2, 2007

EU Endorses Hydrogen as Engine Technology of the Future

EU HyICE project results in the first ever successful transatlantic hydrogen-cooperation.

Munich/Brussels/Washington -- Ten European partners have completed the HyICE project - Optimization of the Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine three years after the project first began. This initiative, which was promoted by the EU Commission, has resulted in a combustion engine fueled by hydrogen that offers clear advantages over other propulsion systems in terms of performance and costs.

The project team consists of companies from the automotive industry, their supplier companies and two Universities. This project, which was coordinated by BMW Group Research and Technology, developed two concepts of mixture formation, which were approved on engines for passenger cars as well as for citybuses. The necessary key components were also developed. In addition, relevant simulation tools have been adopted to Hydrogen combustion to support the development process of future production engines.

Furthermore, the top European hydrogen experts shared their findings on a regular basis with researchers from the US Department of Energy. This makes HyICE the first project of its kind within

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