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

Continue reading "BMW Hydrogen 7 hits the road"

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.

Continue reading "Zero Emission Volkswagen Tiguan will Travel to 31 Cities"

Researchers Work to Turn Car's Exhaust into Power

WARREN, Mich. -- The stinky, steaming air that escapes from a car's tailpipe could help us use less gas. Researchers are competing to meet a challenge from the U.S. Department of Energy: Improve fuel economy 10 percent by converting wasted exhaust heat into energy that can help power the vehicle.

General Motors Corp. is close to reaching the goal, as is a BMW AG supplier working with Ohio State University. Their research into thermoelectrics - the science of using temperature differences to create electricity - couldn't come at a better time as high gas prices accelerate efforts to make vehicles as efficient as possible.

August 10, 2008

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Launch Underway

DETROIT, Mich. - The launch of the world's first hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, begins this month.

Achieving a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving, Escalade Hybrid arrives at Cadillac dealerships in the United States with an MSRP of $71,685. That represents a premium of only $3,600 over a comparably-equipped Escalade.

Continue reading "Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Launch Underway"

Nissan previews new enviro-vehicles

TOKYO -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled all-electric and original hybrid electric prototype vehicles, both powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries.

Under the NISSAN GT 2012 business plan, the company has committed to zero-emission vehicle leadership, and has announced plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle in 2010 and mass market globally in 2012.

Continue reading "Nissan previews new enviro-vehicles"

Volvo Ocean Race takes part in pioneering environmental project

Portsmouth (England) The Volvo Ocean Race is taking part in a pioneering project aimed at finding out how the oceans have been affected by ships' exchanging of billions of tonnes of ballast water.

Each boat in the race will be involved in the programme which was initiated by the Official Logistics Partner, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL).

Continue reading "Volvo Ocean Race takes part in pioneering environmental project"

Volunteers Join HUMMER Recreation Rescue Project In Sierra National Forest

DETROIT - More than 35 volunteers from local four-wheel-drive clubs, Tread Lightly! and HUMMER joined U.S. Forest Service employees on August 1, for a day of trail maintenance on the Bald Mountain OHV route in Sierra National Forest, east of Fresno, Calif.

Continue reading "Volunteers Join HUMMER Recreation Rescue Project In Sierra National Forest"

August 9, 2008

Nissan shows test models of electric car

YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Nissan showed on Wednesday a spiffy electric car packed with a battery developed by the Japanese automaker to deliver more power than the type common in today's hybrids.

The electric vehicle, set for sale in 2010, carried a 300 kilogram (660 pounds) lithium-ion battery and still zipped around a Nissan Motor Co. test course, accelerating more quickly than comparable gas-engine cars.

It was extremely quiet, absent of engine noise _ a trademark of electric vehicles. Details such as cruising range are yet to be determined, Nissan officials said.

Ford boosts better fuel economy in engines

Ford Motor Co.'s group vice president for global product development, Derrick Kuzak, said Wednesday that Ford would "achieve class-leading fuel economy" for its new cars and trucks in North America "through unprecedented spending on advanced gasoline engines."
Advertisement

That includes EcoBoost, a Ford-branded engine technology that combines gasoline-injection with turbocharging for up to a 20% improvement in fuel economy, as well as other technologies.

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.

Continue reading "Nissan doubles fuel cell efficiency"

Mitsubishi to Provide i MiEV Electric Vehicles to Southern California Edison

TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that it has signed a letter of intent with Southern California Edison (SCE) to forge a unique collaboration for testing and evaluation of the new i MiEV electric vehicle.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi to Provide i MiEV Electric Vehicles to Southern California Edison"

August 7, 2008

Nissan ECO Pedal system to be commercialized by 2009

TOKYO -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today unveiled the ECO Pedal - a world first technology - designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient.

When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelarator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required.

Continue reading "Nissan ECO Pedal system to be commercialized by 2009"

August 6, 2008

VW Jetta TDI Debuts at Teen Choice

Los Angeles, CA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. teamed up with FOX Television and TEEN CHOICE 2008 to support the initiative to "green" Teen Choice.

Young Hollywood showed their support for the environment by arriving at the eco-friendly TEEN CHOICE 2008 in Volkswagen's fleet of highly-anticipated 2009 Jetta TDIs - the newly released, clean diesel sedan.

Continue reading "VW Jetta TDI Debuts at Teen Choice"

Natural Gas: An Enticing Alternative

By Larry Burns, GM Vice President, Research & Development

Volatile oil prices have been dominating the news lately, underscoring growing unease about the automobile's heavy dependence on petroleum.

As these concerns reverberate from Main Street to Wall Street, General Motors is working toward new solutions that will answer the growing demand for personal transportation in an affordable and sustainable way.

Continue reading "Natural Gas: An Enticing Alternative"

Chery Hybrid Vehicles Debut at Beijing Olympics

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich. -- As part of the transportation arrangements for the Beijing Olympics, 50 hybrid vehicles co-developed with Ricardo are being provided by Chery Automobile Company Ltd. Known as the "Olympics Green Messengers," these vehicles are some of China's first hybrid vehicles and will go into full production in the months following the games.

Continue reading "Chery Hybrid Vehicles Debut at Beijing Olympics"

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."

Continue reading "Jamie Lee Curtis gets a Honda Hydrogen vehicle"

Bush Rules on Fuel Economy Hit from 2 Sides

At the first public hearing on the rules Monday, critics accused the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of using false assumptions about gas prices and environmental impacts when it set the proposed fuel economy standards. For their part, auto industry officials insisted that the standards are so aggressive, they might be tough for some automakers to meet.

David Westcott, a Buick and Pontiac dealer from North Carolina who spoke on behalf of the National Automobile Dealers Association, noted that new vehicle sales have plummeted to a two-decade low as cash-strapped consumers are having trouble getting the credit needed to make a purchase. He warned that if adding new fuel-saving technologies increases the price of vehicles, it could keep many Americans from trading in their older, less efficient cars and trucks.

July 31, 2008

Tread Lightly! And HUMMER Help Maintain Trail In Sierra National Forest

DETROIT - At a time when recreation areas are closing from lack of funds, HUMMER and the nonprofit Tread Lightly! are partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and volunteers from local four-wheel-drive clubs to maintain a section of the popular Bald Mountain OHV route, located in the Sierra National Forest, east of Fresno, Calif.

The project is the second trail maintenance event supported by a new Tread Lightly! program called HUMMER's Recreation Rescue.

Continue reading "Tread Lightly! And HUMMER Help Maintain Trail In Sierra National Forest"

July 30, 2008

Proposal for Fuel Economy Loan Adds Supporters

WASHINGTON -- Backers of a program that would lend up to $25 billion to automakers and auto parts suppliers said Monday they had garnered 71 U.S. House members to support their search for $3.75 billion in funding over the next couple of months. The program, known as the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program, was meant to help automakers meet fuel economy standards of 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

Created but not funded by Congress last year, the program would provide low-cost loans to cash-strapped automakers and their suppliers for engineering fuel-efficient vehicles or converting old plants.

Fuel Economy Push Hits Snags

WASHINGTON -- A Bush administration proposal to boost fuel efficiency of automobiles to 31.5 miles per gallon by 2015 is raising hackles on two sides: from car makers, who say it is too tough, and from some Democrats, who say it isn't tough enough. At issue is how to implement a landmark law passed last year that requires the Department of Transportation to raise fuel-economy standards for cars and light trucks to a fleetwide average of 35 mpg by 2020.

The law gives the Department of Transportation authority to set interim standards. The department's proposal for 2015 is a 25% increase from the present and amounts to the fastest leap in the 33-year history of the federal automobile-fuel-economy program.

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.

Continue reading "Honda FCX Fuel Cell Lease Program Begins With First Customer Delivery"

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.

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

July 24, 2008

GM's "Other" Plug-In: The Saturn Vue

by Larry Nitz, Executive Director, GM Hybrid Powertrain Engineering

With all of the excitement created by Bob Lutz's first drive of the Chevrolet Volt test mule vehicle recently, some may have forgotten GM has another plug-in vehicle that is approved for production and progressing through early program development stages.

As I revealed to the audience today at the Plug-in 2008 Conference in San Jose, CA, we currently are testing 11 Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEV) at the GM proving grounds in Michigan and Arizona. In fact, we brought one with us to San Jose.

Continue reading "GM's "Other" Plug-In: The Saturn Vue"

July 23, 2008

Renault-Nissan & Tennessee Form Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership

FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and the State of Tennessee are forming a partnership to promote zero-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, in Middle Tennessee with participation from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other partners.

In May, Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault, SA, committed the Alliance to be a global leader in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV).

Continue reading "Renault-Nissan & Tennessee Form Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership"

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.

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

July 22, 2008

General Motors Partners to Commercialize Plug-in Vehicles

San Jose, CALIF - General Motors announced today that it will collaborate with the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) - more than 30 of the top electric utilities in the United States and Canada -- to accelerate the introduction of plug-in electric vehicles.

General Motors will work with EPRI and the utility companies on everything from codes and standards to grid capability to ensure that when the Volt goes to market, the infrastructure is ready - and customers can realize the full potential of these revolutionary vehicles as soon as they leave the showroom.

Continue reading "General Motors Partners to Commercialize Plug-in Vehicles"

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.

Continue reading "Honda outlines environmentally responsible mobility"

July 19, 2008

Video: Chrysler Green Initiatives

This months Chrysler Green Scene features GEMA and the Michigan prairie initiative.

Climate, Safety and Leadership in focus in Volvo Cars' Sustainability Report 2007

Volvo Cars has published its seventh Sustainability Report. The report describes activities and improvements within the sustainability area for year 2007.

This year's report is divided into three main areas: environment with focus on climate change, safety with focus on active safety and leadership as a means to improve performance.

Continue reading "Climate, Safety and Leadership in focus in Volvo Cars' Sustainability Report 2007"

July 18, 2008

Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs

DEARBORN, Mich. -- With elevated gas prices and the summer travel season in full swing, Americans are looking for ways to save at the pump. Ford has some quick tips for all consumers, suggesting changes to their driving behavior.

Ford calls it EcoDriving - ECOnomical because it saves money and ECOlogical because it is better for the environment. Following are simple tips from Ford that any driver can use:

Continue reading "Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs"

Toyota Launches Research Effort On Corporate Energy Efficiency

Washington, DC -- The Pew Center on Global Climate Change and Toyota are pleased to announce the launch of a new research project to document and communicate best practices in corporate energy efficiency strategies.

The project's goal is to educate corporations on the most effective methods to reduce energy use and related greenhouse gas emissions, while addressing the market and internal barriers many corporations face in implementing these strategies.

Continue reading "Toyota Launches Research Effort On Corporate Energy Efficiency"

Toyota Awards Grant to Support Environmental Volunteers' Science Programs

Palo Alto, CA - Environmental Volunteers (The EV), a 36-year-old science education non-profit, announced today that it has been awarded a 3-year grant of $146,250 from the Toyota USA Foundation, the largest corporate grant in EV history, to support its environmental science programs at 60 schools in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

The EV trains hundreds of volunteers to deliver approximately 500 hands-on science programs to more than 10,000 elementary school students annually. Information about the EV's science programs is available at www.EVols.org.

Continue reading "Toyota Awards Grant to Support Environmental Volunteers' Science Programs"

July 14, 2008

GM, National Governors Association Team Up on E85

PHILADELPHIA - The National Governors Association and General Motors Corp. will work together to expand the nationwide infrastructure and distribution network for E85 ethanol aimed at being ready when next-generation ethanol made from a variety of non-grain sources is available.

The announcement was made Sunday by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty during the opening plenary session of the NGA Centennial Meeting in Philadelphia.

Continue reading "GM, National Governors Association Team Up on E85"

July 13, 2008

BMW to Test Electric-Powered Minis

BMW has said it will outfit ``several hundred'' Mini cars with electric motors to test the technology for future models.

``This step will allow the BMW Group to gain an initial knowledge of how mobility can be achieved efficiently using purely electrically powered vehicles,'' Norbert Reithofer, chief executive officer of the Munich-based carmaker, said today in a statement.

BMW has put more effort into researching hydrogen-combustion engines, rather than electric motors because of electric-powered vehicles' limited range and performance. The test is scheduled to last 12 to 18 months and comes as other carmakers are readying vehicles for production.

July 12, 2008

Renault-Nissan Commit to Zero Emission Vehicles in Portugal

LISBON -- The Government of Portugal and the Renault Nissan Alliance today announced a partnership to promote zero-emission mobility across that country.

The partnership was launched today in Lisbon, in the presence of Mr. José Sócrates, the Prime Minister of Portugal, and Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault and President and CEO of Nissan.

Continue reading "Renault-Nissan Commit to Zero Emission Vehicles in Portugal"

GM now selling fuel economy

General Motors Corp. will shift its 2008 advertising for Buick, GMC and Pontiac to promote their fuel-economy edge over competitors after the three brands' U.S. sales fell 25 percent last month.

New commercials single out Toyota Motor Corp.'s Tundra pickup and 4Runner sport utility vehicle and other models as having lower efficiency than GM models.

"The market is flooded with fuel-economy messages, and we needed to tell our story," Frakes said. The "pump less and drive more" commercials emphasize the range and fuel economy of the models, she said.

July 11, 2008

Toyota Brings Mobile Hybrid Experience to Hybridfest 2008

MADISON, Wis. -- Toyota is bringing its nationwide tour called "Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience," to Hybridfest 2008 in Madison, Wis., on July 19-20th as part of the Dane County Fair.

The tour is designed to provide consumers with a firsthand opportunity to experience automotive hybrid technology and learn what they can do to make a difference in the environment.

Continue reading "Toyota Brings Mobile Hybrid Experience to Hybridfest 2008"

July 10, 2008

Pain at the Pump? Not a Problem for Piaggio Adventurers

Native New Yorker Buddy Rosenbaum (71) and fellow adventurer Bob Chase (72) are proving that age, the price at the pump and America's thirst for adventure aren't mutually exclusive.

Four weeks ago the two seniors set out on scooters from San Francisco at the western end of America's first transcontinental road, the Lincoln Highway.

Continue reading "Pain at the Pump? Not a Problem for Piaggio Adventurers"

July 8, 2008

GM Installing World's Largest Rooftop Solar Array

Zaragoza, Spain - General Motors announced today it is adding the world's largest rooftop solar photovoltaic power installation to its car assembly plant located in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, Spain.

When the project is completed in the fall of 2008, the Zaragoza solar installation will cover about 2,000,000 sq. ft. of roof at the plant and comprises about 85,000 solar panels.

Continue reading "GM Installing World's Largest Rooftop Solar Array"

June 30, 2008

Ford Waits as GM, Toyota Take Lead on Plug-In Hybrids

Ford Motor Co., under pressure to trim its reliance on trucks, said it's taking a measured approach on plug-in hybrid vehicles by letting rivals assume the risk of marketing the new technology.

"If customers aren't buying them, we're not making them," Ted Miller, Ford's senior manager of energy storage, said in an interview [last week]. "If there's going to be a true plug-in hybrid market, we're going to be there. It's just that that's a huge commitment to actually go to production."

That tack may force the world's third-largest automaker to play catch-up if plug-ins such as General Motors Corp.'s Chevrolet Volt concept can be built in high volume. The chief hurdle is a rechargeable battery for extended electric-only use. GM and Toyota Motor Corp., the biggest automakers, are racing to introduce a vehicle able to recharge from household electrical sockets in 2010. Ford has a test fleet of 20 plug-in sport-utility vehicles, without a target date for selling them.

Drivers Paid to Retire Old Cars

WASHINGTON -- Some U.S. states and Canada are boosting efforts to get older, dirtier cars off the roads. The moves come as people are holding onto vehicles longer than ever, amid a weakening economy.

And it's expected that people will hold on to their cars and trucks even longer when new U.S. fuel efficiency rules boosting the industrywide, fleet average to 35 miles per gallon drive up the price of new vehicles.

In January, Texas unveiled a $45 million annual program, dubbed "Drive a Clean Machine" that offers up to $3,500 toward a new vehicle for consumers in Austin, Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area who make lower incomes and own a vehicle at least 10 years old. The program has retired more than 11,000 vehicles this year, said Andrea Morrow, a spokeswoman for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

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.

Continue reading "Shell and General Motors Open Hydrogen Fueling Station in Los Angeles"

Toyota's Donation Enhances Environmental Education at Great Smoky Mountains

GATLINBURG, Tenn. -- Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have partnered to foster environmental education through Toyota's contribution of $1 million and three hybrid vehicles to America's most visited national park.

In support of raising environmental awareness, the donation will enhance and develop a variety of new science education initiatives for K-12 students, teachers and families to encourage careers in science and service-learning opportunities.

Continue reading "Toyota's Donation Enhances Environmental Education at Great Smoky Mountains"

Nissan Executive Testifies Before Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming

WASHINGTON -- Dominique Thormann, senior vice president for administration and finance at Nissan North America, Inc., today testified at a congressional hearing that radical change, in the form of breakthrough technology like the zero-emission electric car, is needed to address national and global challenges affecting consumers and the environment.

During his comments he asked members of Congress to foster greater cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to create an environment that encourages investment in new technologies and infrastructure.

Continue reading "Nissan Executive Testifies Before Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming"

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.

Continue reading "Shell Opens Los Angeles' First Combined Hydrogen and Gas Station"

June 26, 2008

2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid Wins U.S. Concept Car Award

Detroit - Already labeled "Best Concept" by AutoWeek Magazine upon its world debut at the Geneva auto show last March, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid has been voted "Specialty Concept Car of the Year" by a jury of 25 professional North American automotive journalists.

The award ceremony took place at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

Continue reading "2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid Wins U.S. Concept Car Award"

Nissan Publishes 2008 Sustainability Report

TOKYO -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will publish its 2008 Sustainability Report on June 25, after the conclusion of its 109th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. The fifth-edition of the report offers an update of Nissan's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the scope of nine key focus areas identified by the company.

The report includes the Nissan CSR Scorecard which tracks the progress made on annual CSR objectives.

Continue reading "Nissan Publishes 2008 Sustainability Report"

California sees victory in greenhouse case

NEWTON CENTRE, Mass. -- Attorney Matt Pawa issued the following statement today:

"Today, a federal district court in California entered an opinion and order denying the automobile manufacturers' latest attempts to invalidate the California Pavley law that regulates greenhouse gas emissions from cars.

Continue reading "California sees victory in greenhouse case"

June 24, 2008

McCain Challenges Auto Makers on Fuel Efficiency

Republican presidential contender John McCain challenged auto makers to increase fuel-efficiency and create a zero-emissions vehicle. Sen. McCain's speech Monday at Fresno State University in California expanded on his broader energy policy, which is aimed at reducing dependence on foreign oil and helping the ailing U.S. economy.

Sen. McCain proposed two incentives to help Americans move to more-fuel-efficient vehicles. To the consumer, he offered a "Clean Car Challenge," proposing a $5,000 tax credit to drivers who buy a zero-emissions car. He also said that as president, he would offer a $300 million "prize" -- about $1 for every person in the country -- to the auto maker that developed a new car battery that would do better than the existing electric and hybrid options.

Hybridfest 2008 to Focus on Rising Fuel Prices

MADISON, Wis. -- As consumers continue to see the effects of rising fuel costs in many aspects of their lives, often the most visible is in their transportation costs. They are frustrated with what they can do, and are looking for options to save money.

Hybridfest 2008 will offer the largest selection of clean and sustainable vehicles all in one venue, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, biodiesel, electric, propane, compressed natural gas and other experimental vehicles.

Continue reading "Hybridfest 2008 to Focus on Rising Fuel Prices"

$5 Gasoline By Labor Day - Are Most Americans Expecting It?

WASHINGTON -- While Washington tinkers with the notion of expanded offshore drilling, a sizable number of Americans expects gasoline prices to hit $5 by Labor Day and favors bolder and more fundamental energy- and climate-related fixes, according to a new national opinion survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) for the nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute (CSI) think tank and its Citizens Lead for Energy Action Now (CLEAN) project (www.cleanenergyaction.net).

Continue reading "$5 Gasoline By Labor Day - Are Most Americans Expecting It?"

June 22, 2008

BorgWarner's Turbo Technology Improves Diesel Emissions

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Building on the success of variable turbine geometry turbochargers and regulated two-stage turbocharging systems, the experts at BorgWarner have achieved another ground-breaking advancement in air management technology, designing a turbocharger that can withstand the harsh environment created by low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems to meet the world's strictest emissions standards.

Continue reading "BorgWarner's Turbo Technology Improves Diesel Emissions"

Survey: Fuel Prices and Environment Drive Consideration of Hybrids to Highest Level

DETROIT -- According to a new survey by global market research firm Synovate, US consumers are more familiar with advanced propulsion systems compared to a year ago, with turbo gasoline direct injection, direct injection diesel and hybrid electric vehicles the best known systems.

"We are fast approaching the 'perfect storm' facing our advanced technologies," says Tim Englehart, vice president for Synovate Motoresearch, the automotive research division of Synovate, and head of the study. "The combination of rational and emotional purchase behaviors is not as aligned as in the past," continues Englehart.

Continue reading "Survey: Fuel Prices and Environment Drive Consideration of Hybrids to Highest Level"

June 20, 2008

Volvo Awards Environment Prize to Crawford "Buzz" Holling

The Volvo Environment Prize, administered by an independent foundation, this year goes to Buzz Holling, Canadian ecologist and scientist, whose theories on how ecosystems deal with sudden changes have had great global influence.

Today, with many worrying about global climate change and unexpected natural disasters, Buzz Holling stresses the importance of increasing our society's ability to be flexible and cope with change. This is necessary for the continued use of natural resources, because crisis, Holling says, is an inevitable part of nature's way of functioning.

Continue reading "Volvo Awards Environment Prize to Crawford "Buzz" Holling"

Ford's Green Plant Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

DEARBORN, Mich. - When Ford Motor Company's Rouge Plant Manager Rob Webber looks out his office window at the facility's "living" roof he sees a field of green where Canadian geese, mallard ducks and killdeer nest and raise offspring. Seeing wildlife flourish at the Rouge Center would have seemed farfetched five years ago.

"You wouldn't have seen this when the Rouge was just black top, concrete and steel," Webber said. "The greening has transformed it."

Continue reading "Ford's Green Plant Celebrates Fifth Anniversary"

Volvo Eco-kids praised for saving park

Following their triumph in the 2008 Volvo Adventure World Final in Gothenburg last month, the kids of the 'Green Sail' project in their home city of Nizhniy Novgorod have been praised for their work and congratulated on the world title by the city Mayor Mr. Vadim Bulavin.

Offering the congratulations of his city to the Green sail campaigners, Mr. Bulavin said, "I'm truly glad our youth team could win Volvo Adventure 2008. It's very important victory and it may be their first serious achievement in their lives."

Continue reading "Volvo Eco-kids praised for saving park"

June 13, 2008

Energy Department Grants $30M to Plug-in Vehicle Projects

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Energy Department on Thursday announced $30 million in funding over three years for a trio of plug-in vehicle projects -- a fraction of the financial support automakers have sought, but a step they praised nonetheless.

Detroit's automakers will use the money for plug-in vehicle test fleets and to accelerate mass production of battery technologies. There is concern among automakers and Congress that the United States could replace reliance on imported oil with reliance on imported batteries, since most battery production is in Asia.

Philadelphia Wants Zipcar's Car-Sharing Services

PHILADELPHIA -- Zipcar, the world's largest car-sharing company, today announced it won the bid from the City of Philadelphia to provide car sharing for City workers.

This relationship signifies the City's commitment to changing the way people -- and their employees -- move around Philadelphia. Since 2004, car sharing has helped the City eliminate approximately 330 vehicles from its fleet, and the City plans to continue streamlining its fleet through car sharing. Zipcar was selected as Philadelphia's car-sharing provider by being the lowest bidder in a competitive sealed bid.

Continue reading "Philadelphia Wants Zipcar's Car-Sharing Services"

June 8, 2008

Toyota sponsors environmental exhibit

Washington, D.C. -- The Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet exhibit, featuring more than 30 larger-than-life globes that depict simple solutions to global warming, has opened at the United States Botanic Garden (USBG).

The globes, designed by local, national and international artists, will be on display May 23 - October 13, 2008 as part of the USBG's "One Planet-Ours!" exhibition on sustainability.

Continue reading "Toyota sponsors environmental exhibit"

June 7, 2008

Nissan saves 21 million gallons of H2O at Barcelona Paint Plant

BARCELONA -- Nissan Motor Co.’s productive manufacturing plant in Barcelona will save 21.6 million liters of water in its paint shop in 2008, thanks to a new water recycling process now installed.

This improvement - a 20 percent reduction in water consumption over 2007 - is an integral element of the Nissan Green Program 2010, a global program designed to reduce the company’s impact on the environment.

Continue reading "Nissan saves 21 million gallons of H2O at Barcelona Paint Plant"

June 6, 2008

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid brings $33,000 at auction for Heal the Bay

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient SUV sold in America, generated $33,000 for the environmental group Heal the Bay at the organization's annual charity auction.

Ford donated a 2008 Escape Hybrid SUV to Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica-based environmental group dedicated to improving water quality along California's coastline.

Continue reading "2008 Ford Escape Hybrid brings $33,000 at auction for Heal the Bay"

Ford's Fumes-to-Fuel system turns emissions into 'green' fuel

OAKVILLE, Ont. -- Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) in Ontario, Canada, will begin producing 'green' energy this summer through the use of the company's patented Fumes-to-Fuel system, an eco-friendly, industry-leading pollution-control system that converts emissions from the plant's paint shop into electricity to help power the plant.

The experimental Fumes-to-Fuel system at OAC already is turning emissions from the plant's paint shop into useable fuel, which will later be used to power a fuel cell that generates electricity.

Continue reading "Ford's Fumes-to-Fuel system turns emissions into 'green' fuel"

June 5, 2008

Finnish Co-Op Seeks to Electrify Corollas

A Finnish start-up is trying to aggregate over 500 customers to sign up for Toyota Corollas that will be turned into all-electric vehicles -- the theory being that a bulk order will make the cars as affordable as traditional gas models.

While the effort sounds honorable, it's a little short on specifics, such as who is actually going to be doing the conversions, but we understand this is essentially an attempt to create interest first, and flesh out the details later.

June 2, 2008

Think to export electric vehicles to US in 2009

Norwegian company Think has announced plans to export an all-electric car to the United States in 2009.

The model, known as City, should sticker just under $25,000; it reaches a top speed of 65 miles an hour and can drive up to 110 miles on a single charge. The company hopes to sell as many as 30,000 to 50,000 units a year in the U.S.

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.

Continue reading "GM Announces California Public Policy Partners for Fuel Cell Project"

May 24, 2008

Lexus Hybrid joins Hotelier for Eco-Chic Promotions

Washington, DC -- Eco-savvy travelers can now enjoy luxury, style and a commitment to sustainability when they visit two premier hotels.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus have partnered to unveil two "Lexus Hybrid Living Suites" geared for eco-conscious visitors, with the first launched at The Fairmont San Francisco in April 2008, and now in the nation's capital at The Fairmont Washington, D.C.

Continue reading "Lexus Hybrid joins Hotelier for Eco-Chic Promotions"

May 23, 2008

Ford Donates Customized Escape Hybrids to LA County Lifeguards

LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Company is teaming up with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, to help save lives while protecting the environment.

Today, Ford presented the squad with the first 10 of a fleet of 45 eco-friendly Escape Hybrids with Intelligent four-wheel-drive, specially equipped for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline.

Continue reading "Ford Donates Customized Escape Hybrids to LA County Lifeguards"

May 22, 2008

Honda to set Environmental Benchmark With Global Hybrid

LONDON -- Honda is to launch an accessible hybrid car to allow more people around the world to adopt cleaner motoring technology and significantly reduce global car emissions. Going on sale early next year, Honda expects to sell 200,000 units globally of the new car annually.

The company will further accelerate hybrid sales by introducing a sporty hybrid based on its CR-Z, Civic Hybrid and the addition of a Jazz Hybrid model. With all four of these models, Honda expects combined annual sales of its hybrid models to reach 500,000 units.

Continue reading "Honda to set Environmental Benchmark With Global Hybrid"

British drivers to be hit with huge tax increase

LONDON -- Eighty-four per cent of British drivers are unprepared for the radical changes to road tax rates which will see a million people pay more than double over two years, according to the Environmental Transport Association.

The graduated rates of vehicle excise duty in 2009 will be based on a car's emissions, but the research reveals that only 16 per cent of people know the current tax band into which their vehicle falls.

Continue reading "British drivers to be hit with huge tax increase"

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.

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

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.

Continue reading "Challenge X Crosses the Finish Line"

Emerson Fittipaldi to Participate in Ethanol Summit at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, ethanol refiner and driver of the Corvette Z06 Indy 500 pace car powered by E85 Ethanol for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, Emerson Fittipaldi will participate in the third annual Ethanol Summit and panel discussion held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 22 from 9:30-11 am in the North Pavilion.

Participants in the Ethanol Summit include:

Continue reading "Emerson Fittipaldi to Participate in Ethanol Summit at Indianapolis Motor Speedway"

May 21, 2008

Honda CEO Outlines Aggressive Hybrid Strategy

Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has outlined an aggressive hybrid strategy for the company, aiming to sell 500,000 units per year of four hybrid models by early next decade.

Honda's plan calls for a dedicated hybrid vehicle based on the design of the company's FCX Clarity hydrogen car, that will debut as a five door hatchback. Honda plans to put the new hybrid on sale next year in in Japan, North America and Europe and projects annual global sales of 200,000 units.

In addition, and this came as a bit of surprise, Honda plans to make a hybrid version of the popular Fit subcompact, as well as the CR-Z SUV. The company will also roll out a reconfigured Civic hybrid.

Honda Expanding FCX Clarity Leasing Program

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.

Continue reading "Honda Expanding FCX Clarity Leasing Program"

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.

Continue reading "EcoCAR: The Next Competition from DOE and GM"

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.

Continue reading "Mississippi State Students Win GM and DOE Challenge X 2008 Competition"

Nissan wins Spanish enviro award for solar array

BARCELONA -- Creating the largest solar panel structure for industrial use in Spain has not only reduced Nissan Motor Ibérica’s carbon footprint and lowered its energy bills, but has also won the company an important award.

In recognition of the moves made to improve its energy efficiency, Nissan has won the 2008 Carles Ferrer Salat Award, presented annually by Fomento del Trabajo Nacional, a confederation of Catalan businesses.

Continue reading "Nissan wins Spanish enviro award for solar array"

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.

Continue reading "GM Partners with Discovery Channel on Planet Green"

May 16, 2008

Time for an SUV Bailout?

With gas prices hitting an average $3.78 a gallon in the U.S., millions of people who thought it was their god given right to plow down the freeway in vehicles that were more buses than cars are fretting that they can't afford the gas to go and buy something they don't need. You know, in order to do their part for the economy.

So maybe it's time for a bailout for these suckers, who used to love looking down their noses at furry environmentalists driving crap boxes, and who now look forlornly as life passes them by on the way to the mall.

You see, we thought of this because of the current fervor over mortgage bailouts, the theory of which says we can't have people, and the banks that enable them, suffering due to their bad decisions and/or greed and/or fraudulent behavior.

So why don't we give people a free house and buy back their big SUV at the same time, replacing it with an economical car?

The biggest question should be where to attach the bow -- on the car or the house? And hey, if Ty Pennington will show up for the house rechristening, we'll show up for the BRAND NEW CAR! presentation.

Continue reading "Time for an SUV Bailout?"

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.

Continue reading "General Motors Powertrain Europe opens doors for Tech Show"

Eco-Friendly Toyota Deals Take Leadership Role in Environmental Construction

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Once a symbolic target of environmentalists, auto dealerships are now playing a leading role in the development of buildings and facilities exemplifying leading-edge environmental construction standards.

Toyota of Rockwall (Texas) is the first dealership in the country to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Rockwall joins Pat Lobb Toyota (McKinney, Texas), which earlier received a Silver certification as the first dealership to be LEED certified. But they won't be the last.

Continue reading "Eco-Friendly Toyota Deals Take Leadership Role in Environmental Construction"

May 14, 2008

Stephen Wallman awarded gold mdeal for Volvo emissions work

The world’s perhaps most important invention for controlling exhaust emissions on cars was developed at Volvo Car Corporation in the early 1970s.

Under the leadership of the legendary environmental expert Stephen Wallman, the three-way catalytic converter controlled by an oxygen sensor was introduced. Mr. Wallman has now been awarded the Royal Swedish Automobile club’s gold medal.

Continue reading "Stephen Wallman awarded gold mdeal for Volvo emissions work"

Russian Kids Save Park, Win Volvo Adventure Victory

A campaigning project to rescue and revive an endangered and environmentally-sensitive urban park in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod has won the 2008 Volvo Adventure and the US$10,000 first prize, the five students of the ‘Green Sail' team, beating off stiff competition at the World Final in Gothenburg today (Tuesday).

Continue reading "Russian Kids Save Park, Win Volvo Adventure Victory"

May 13, 2008

Toyota Awards Huron Watershed $100,000 for Bioreserve Project

Ann Arbor, MI -- The Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) is announcing major support from Toyota Motor North America, Inc. and the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in the amount of $100,000 for the Bioreserve Project.

Building on the fundraising efforts made through Liz Swims the Huron, HRWC has secured a total of $230,500 towards the project total of $250,000, which include; $43,000 in donations from individuals to Liz Swims The Huron; $5,000 from Keybank; $65,000 from Community Foundation of SE Michigan; $7,500 from Visteon; $7,000 from Speckhard-Knight Charitable Foundation and $3,000 from TCF Bank.

Continue reading "Toyota Awards Huron Watershed $100,000 for Bioreserve Project"

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.

Continue reading "GM Hosts Collegiate Advanced Tech Vehicles"

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.

Video: New Fuel Economy Ratings

The EPA is using more realistic tests to determine the estimated miles per gallon performance of 2008 vehicles, so consumers will have a more realistic idea of how vehicles perform on the road.

To download the 2008 EPA Fuel Economy Guide, right-click here to save the PDF to your computer.

May 10, 2008

New Ford transmission gets improved MPG

DEARBORN – Ford Motor Company is fitting the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner with the automaker’s newest, advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, further demonstrating its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for customers.

The new 6F35 front-wheel-drive transmission offers a 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel economy versus conventional 4- and 5-speed automatics, in addition to improved acceleration.

Continue reading "New Ford transmission gets improved MPG"

Volvo Sponsors Ecological Adventure for Students

15 national teams of young environmentalists from all over the world will congregate in Gothenburg, Sweden next week for the seventh Volvo Adventure World Final with US$20,000 of prize money on the line for environmental excellence.

From hundreds of projects in more than 50 countries around the world submitted on-line by the 31st January 2008 deadline the Volvo Adventure judges have selected a shortlist of 15 finalists, each of whom will be chasing the US$10,000 first prize to invest in their project.

Continue reading "Volvo Sponsors Ecological Adventure for Students"

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.

Continue reading "Survey: Quest for Fuel Efficiency Changing Americans' Car Consciousness"

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.

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

Race Fans on Fast Track to Recycling

CONCORD, N.C. -- Race fans will have an opportunity to support the environment, their favorite drivers, as well as Speedway Children's Charities for two weekends of racing at the historic Lowe's Motor Speedway this month.

Partnering with Lowe's Motor Speedway and Bealer Distributing, the local Anheuser-Busch wholesaler, Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation (A-BRC) is supplying more than 225 recycling containers in the concourse and select suite areas.

Continue reading "Race Fans on Fast Track to Recycling"

May 9, 2008

One million hybrids on American roads

In December 2007, an auto dealership employee somewhere in America handed a new owner the keys to the one millionth hybrid vehicle sold in this country. In that month, industry sales of 30,892 hybrids brought the cumulative total to 1,012,442 units.

This event occurred a month after Toyota recorded the sale of its 500,000th hybrid in the United States, and only a few months after Toyota Motor Corporation reached the one-million-unit mark in global production of hybrid vehicles.

Continue reading "One million hybrids on American roads"

Toyota Mobile Hybrid Experience Events

Toyota's traveling display and demonstration of environmentally preferable transportation will be on the road in 20 states between May and September.

It will visit events ranging from the Albany Tulip Festival to the Boston Harborfest, and from the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven to the Minnesota State Fair.

Continue reading "Toyota Mobile Hybrid Experience Events"

May 7, 2008

Ford development earns enviro award

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Ford Motor Company's Fairlane Green retail and recreational development, today received the national Phoenix Award for excellence in brownfield development.

The Phoenix Award recognizes projects that remediate environmentally challenged sites while stimulating economic development.

Continue reading "Ford development earns enviro award"

May 6, 2008

Toyota Announces Million Dollar Donation to Everglades National Park

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Toyota today announced a contribution of more than $1 million dollars and five vehicles to Everglades National Park to support environmental education programs.

The donation will benefit more than 10,000 students annually via a number of initiatives including day program field trips and camping trips for grade school students; the K-12 Miccosukee Indian School program; in-park teacher workshops for day and camping programs; in-park special programs for other school groups and student organizations; and in-school teacher workshops.

Continue reading "Toyota Announces Million Dollar Donation to Everglades National Park"

Allstate to Aid Reforestation Efforts in Ohio

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Allstate Insurance Company recently announced a change in its Allstate Green pilot program in Ohio. Funds raised through Allstate Green will help repopulate Ohio's Emerald Ash forests stricken by Ash borer infestations.

In the Allstate Green program, new or existing auto insurance customers who choose to sign up for Allstate Green will automatically be enrolled in the company's Easy Pay plan, which makes the Green program possible.

Continue reading "Allstate to Aid Reforestation Efforts in Ohio"

GM Mentors Local Kids About Environmental Awareness

PONTIAC, Mich. - Students, teachers and General Motors employees will get their feet wet in environmental science - quite literally - at Riverside Park on the Clinton River, in Auburn Hills, as part of the Clinton River Watershed Council's Stream Leaders program this Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

Approximately 80 kids will conduct water quality monitoring, learn scientific techniques and assess the stream's general health under the watchful tutelage of their teachers and volunteer mentors from GM's Pontiac Assembly Center, Pontiac Centerpoint campus and Pontiac Metal Center.

Continue reading "GM Mentors Local Kids About Environmental Awareness"

Ford first automaker to join The Climate Registry

DEARBORN, Mich., May 5, 2008 - Ford is taking an industry-leading move by becoming the first automaker to join The Climate Registry (TCR), building upon Ford's leadership in facility greenhouse gas (GHG) initiatives globally. Ford supports the global harmonization of GHG monitoring and reporting practices. TCR represents a significant step toward that goal.

TCR is a non-profit organization established to measure and publicly report GHG emissions using a single reporting standard across industry sectors.

Continue reading "Ford first automaker to join The Climate Registry"

May 3, 2008

Bentley Apprentices Build Electric Race Car

Crewe -- A Bentley Motors apprentice team has won a special “Spirit of Greenpower” award for its performance in the Greenpower Corporate Challenge which took place at Goodwood race circuit.

The Bentley apprentice team designed, engineered and built the electric powered car which they entered into the Greenpower Challenge as well as a season of “F24+” racing. The Bentley Greenpower car is called Continental DC (Direct Current) and runs off a 24-volt motor supplied by two 12-volt batteries.

Continue reading "Bentley Apprentices Build Electric Race Car"

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.

Continue reading "GM Enlists D.C. Drivers to Test Hydrogen Vehicles"

May 1, 2008

GM and Mascoma Enter into Non-Food Biofuels Relationship

WASHINGTON -- General Motors Corp. and Mascoma Corp. today announced a strategic relationship to develop cellulosic ethanol focused on Mascoma's single-step biochemical conversion of non-grain biomass into low-carbon alternative fuels to help address increasing energy demand.

The relationship, which includes an undisclosed equity investment by GM, complements an earlier investment in a cellulosic ethanol startup that uses a thermo-chemical process to make ethanol from non-grain sources.

Continue reading "GM and Mascoma Enter into Non-Food Biofuels Relationship"

Ford ranks among tops in corporate sustainability

BOSTON -- For the second time in five years, Ford Motor Company has won the award for “Best Sustainability Reporting” from the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Ford previously earned the honor in 2004, and shares this year’s award with Timberland clothing company.

“Ford’s commitment to sustainability reporting isn’t surprising,” said Brooke Barton, Ceres manager of Corporate Accountability.

Continue reading "Ford ranks among tops in corporate sustainability"

General Motors To Announce Second Advanced Biofuels Relationship

On May 1, at 10:30 a.m., GM President Fritz Henderson will announce General Motors’ Corp’s second partnership with a cellulosic ethanol manufacturer. Non-grain based sustainable biofuels are critical to meet rising energy needs and decrease dependence on foreign oil.

GM leads the auto industry in offering vehicles that can run on either ordinary gasoline or E85 – a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline – or any combination of the two. There are more than 7 million flex-fuel vehicles on U.S. roads, 3 million of which are GM cars and trucks.

April 29, 2008

Chevy offers Cobalt "XFE" that delivers 36 mpg

DETROIT - Consumers looking to squeeze the most mileage from every gallon of gas will find much to appreciate with the new Chevy Cobalt XFE. It delivers a segment-best 36 mpg in highway driving, outdistancing competitors like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.

The Cobalt XFE - for Xtra Fuel Economy - is on sale now and includes LS and 1LT coupe and sedan models with the manual transmission.

Continue reading "Chevy offers Cobalt "XFE" that delivers 36 mpg"

High Tech Spark Plugs Adds 3 MPG to Prius Economy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Recent tests performed at Enerpulse, Inc. demonstrate that its newly released product, Pulstar improved fuel economy on 2005 and 2007 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles by 6% - 8%, or approximately 3 miles per gallon.

These results were on vehicles that already get over 50 miles per gallon of gasoline. In addition to the impressive fuel economy improvements in the Toyota Prius, an acceleration test (from 40 to 80 miles per hour) was conducted, which resulted in improved acceleration of 5% as compared to the factory-installed spark plugs.

Continue reading "High Tech Spark Plugs Adds 3 MPG to Prius Economy"

April 28, 2008

Toyota Announces $5 Million Grant To National Park Organizations

Washington, D.C. -- Toyota today announced a $5 million contribution in support of five National Parks and the National Park Foundation to enhance environmental leadership and educational programs at parks around the country. The company also will donate 23 vehicles to the National Parks.

Some of the funds may be used by the local fundraising partners such as Everglades National Parks for matching Federal funds as part of the National Park Centennial Challenge program highlighting the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.

Continue reading "Toyota Announces $5 Million Grant To National Park Organizations"

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.

Continue reading "Environmentalist John Picard gets keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7"

Video: Chrysler Green Scene -- Paint Waste into Electricity

The First Edition of Chrysler Green Scene comes from St. Louis assembly plant and features a process that turns used paint into power.

April 25, 2008

Toyota joins effort to plant a million trees in NYC

New York, NY -- MillionTreesNYC, a public-private partnership between the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) to plant and care for one million new trees in New York City by 2017 today announced a new supporter in its mission to improve New York City's environment.

Toyota has signed a three-year $1.4 million sponsorship with MillionTreesNYC that will support tree planting, public education and community outreach activities - all aimed at getting every New Yorker involved in tree planting and stewardship activities.

Continue reading "Toyota joins effort to plant a million trees in NYC"

Hummer provides grants to recreation sites

OGDEN, UTAH – General Motor’s HUMMER division and the nonprofit organization Tread Lightly! announced today the launch of a new partnership called HUMMER’s Recreation Rescue, which will provide grants to outdoor recreation sites. The grants will be dedicated towards land use education, management and trail maintenance.

“This partnership comes at a critical time, especially for recreation activities involving the use of off-highway vehicles,” said Tread Lightly!’s executive director Lori McCullough.

Continue reading "Hummer provides grants to recreation sites"

GM's Tech History Behind Coskata's Cellulosic Ethanol Plant

MADISON, Pa. – General Motors Corp.’s role in helping Coskata Inc. bring its next-generation cellulosic ethanol to market traces back a quarter of a century to technology developed for a GM iron foundry in northwest Ohio.

Coskata announced Friday that its pilot plant will be located at the Westinghouse Plasma Center in Madison, the current site of a pilot-plant gasifier.

Continue reading "GM's Tech History Behind Coskata's Cellulosic Ethanol Plant"

Weight Reduction Vital to Helping Automakers Meet Fuel Economy Regulations

TROY, Mich. -- The following comment in response to the U.S. DOT's proposed new fuel economy standards can be attributed to Buddy Stemple, Chair of the Aluminum Association's Auto and Light Truck Group:

"For automakers to meet the U.S. DOT's proposed fuel economy standards of a 35 mile-per-gallon average by 2020, powertrain advances alone won't get the job done and cutting weight must be part of the solution.

Continue reading "Weight Reduction Vital to Helping Automakers Meet Fuel Economy Regulations"

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.

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

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.

Continue reading "EU President Gets into a BMW Hydrogen 7"

April 23, 2008

Auto Dealers Applaud Speedy Implementation of Fuel Economy Standard

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Bush Administration proposed aggressive fuel economy targets for automakers that would take effect beginning in Model Year 2011.

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) recognizes the substantial impact that this national standard, if adopted, would have on both reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil and limiting greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles.

Continue reading "Auto Dealers Applaud Speedy Implementation of Fuel Economy Standard"

Bosch Produces 200 Millionth Oxygen Sensor

ANDERSON, S.C. -- As Earth Day 2008 is celebrated globally in a multitude of ways, the associates at the Robert Bosch LLC plant here are proudly celebrating the production of 200 million oxygen sensors at the site since first manufacturing the product in 1988.

The oxygen sensor, which was first developed by Bosch more than 30 years ago, is one example of the many Bosch products that reflect the company's slogan of Invented for Life.

Continue reading "Bosch Produces 200 Millionth Oxygen Sensor"

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.

Continue reading "New York County Joins Chevrolet's Fuel Cell Test Program"

Statement by American Honda on Proposed Fuel Economy Standards

Honda is studying the details of the proposed new standards. We embrace the challenge and the opportunity these standards present for the health of our planet and the future of the automobile.

Honda has long supported the idea of tougher federal fuel economy standards and has advocated strongly for the adoption of new standards that will further advance the cause of increased automobile fuel efficiency and reduction of C02 emissions that contribute to global climate change.

Continue reading "Statement by American Honda on Proposed Fuel Economy Standards"

Volkswagen publishes biodiversity mission statement

WOLFSBURG, Germany -- Retaining biological diversity is one of the great ecological challenges of the 21st century. Without the commitment of industry, the United Nations would not be able to meet its target of stopping or at least slowing down the extinction of species.

As a globally active industrial company, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft engages in protecting biodiversity.

Continue reading "Volkswagen publishes biodiversity mission statement"

GM statement on proposed 2011-2015 Fuel Economy Targets

"GM intends to meet the tough, new national CAFE standards of 35 mpg for cars and trucks combined by 2020, a dramatic increase of 40 percent."

NHTSA’s proposed rule lays out the first set of standards toward this target. GM will work with NHTSA throughout its rulemaking process on the yearly targets and the sensible mechanisms needed to meet this challenge.”

Continue reading "GM statement on proposed 2011-2015 Fuel Economy Targets"

German mayor thinks tiny car is the smart choice

On time for the start of his new climate protection campaign entitled "Tübingen goes green. 10% less CO2 by 2010" Boris Palmer, the mayor of Tübingen has taken delivery of his new business car - a smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd).

The administrative head of the university town opted for a smart – a brand now sold successfully in 37 countries – first and foremost for environmental reasons.

Continue reading "German mayor thinks tiny car is the smart choice"

April 22, 2008

Automakers Respond to New Fuel Economy Proposal

WASHINGTON -- The following is being issued by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers:

"Congress has set an aggressive, single, nationwide standard and automakers are prepared to meet that challenge. This proposal represents an important mile marker on the road to at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020," said Dave McCurdy, President and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Continue reading "Automakers Respond to New Fuel Economy Proposal"

Goodyear Joins EPA Transport Partnership

AKRON, Ohio -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, the nation's leading commercial tire manufacturer, announced today it has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership, which previously approved using the company's Fuel Max linehaul tires on SmartWay tractors and trailers.

SmartWay is a collaboration between the truck transportation industry and the EPA to increase energy efficiency and significantly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution.

Continue reading "Goodyear Joins EPA Transport Partnership"

Ford Reduces Global Environmental Footprint

DEARBORN, Mich. – Earth Day (April 22) is a time to reflect on what society is doing to address climate change and energy security, and a reminder that preserving the earth is the responsibility of all who use it.

As part of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to do its part, the company is dramatically improving the efficiency of its manufacturing operations worldwide and increasing the use of renewable or “green” energy sources.

Continue reading "Ford Reduces Global Environmental Footprint"

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.

Continue reading "Volkswagen Group Launches Environmental Microsite"

Honda Civic Tour Announces Details of Environmental Efforts

LOS ANGELES -- If you had $15,000 to $50,000 to help heal the environment, how would you spend it? The Honda Civic Tour (www.hondacivictour.com) is asking for answers to that very question with the Honda Civic Tour Panic At The Disco Eco-Challenge Presented By SPIN.*

Through June 30, 2008, contestants can submit an essay (roughly 500 words) at www.spin.com/ecocontest outlining how they would allocate the money raised via the tour's Tickets = Action program, in which a portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold is being contributed to a special eco-fund.

Continue reading "Honda Civic Tour Announces Details of Environmental Efforts"

Chicago Rolls Out ZAP Solar Electric Car for Catering on Earth Day

CHICAGO -- Chicago's Sopraffina Marketcaffe today is celebrating Earth Day with the unveiling of a new, first-of-its-kind, 100 percent solar-electric powered catering vehicle. La Grange Park electric car dealer Jessup's Automotive helped bring the vehicle to Chicago as part of a dealer network being formed by ZAP.

The modified ZAP Xebra truck being unveiled on Earth Day at Sopraffina's 222 West Adams location runs on electric power throughout the day and can be charged by solar panels located on the roof.

Continue reading "Chicago Rolls Out ZAP Solar Electric Car for Catering on Earth Day"

Buffalo Niagara Region Gives Up Driving Alone on Earth Day

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- In Buffalo, New York, the pressing question on Tuesday is not "where are you going?" but "how will you get there?"

On Earth Day, the Buffalo region will use less fuel and fewer vehicles, cut harmful vehicle emissions, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and demonstrate its commitment to ongoing environmental stewardship. Pairing Earth Day celebrations with concrete action, commuters throughout the region will carpool, bike, walk, or take Metro bus or rail to get to their destinations.

Continue reading "Buffalo Niagara Region Gives Up Driving Alone on Earth Day"

April 21, 2008

Hybrid Vehicle Registrations Leap 38%

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 350,289 registrations in 2007 - a 38 percent increase from 2006, according to R. L. Polk & Co. The Toyota Prius continued to lead the segment with 179,178 total new registrations - 51.2 percent of hybrid market share.

"Auto buyers are benefiting from new hybrid launches, and fleecing of old models that didn't work. There is a lot of excitement being generated within the industry as manufacturers adjust plans to adapt to consumer demand," said Lonnie Miller, director of Industry Analysis at Polk.

Continue reading "Hybrid Vehicle Registrations Leap 38%"

April 20, 2008

Ford moving forward on plug-in hybrid research

Ford has teamed up with the independent, non-profit organization Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop and evaluate new Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), study how they would fit into the nation’s electric grid and help accelerate the introduction of the eco-friendly vehicles.

This new partnership will work in conjunction with Ford’s existing project with Southern California Edison (SCE). For SCE, Ford is building 20 Escape PHEVs for testing in the Los Angeles area.

Continue reading "Ford moving forward on plug-in hybrid research"

April 19, 2008

Ford creates environmentally safe paint processes

Even though Ford leads the industry with the most long-term paint durability and fewest chips and scratches, according to Global Quality Research System studies, the automotive company is committed to exceeding customer expectations through continuous quality improvements.

The Ford paint team examines the competition by conducting rigorous side-by-side paint resilience testing to ensure that the vehicle looks as good several years later as it did when it rolled off the assembly line.

Continue reading "Ford creates environmentally safe paint processes"

Ford Displays EcoBoost, Advanced Tech in China

BEIJING – As a world leader in the automotive industry during the past century, Ford has developed and introduced many technologies to mass production, thereby, making leading-edge technology accessible to millions of consumers.

The pace is quickening. At this year's Auto China motor show, Ford will display several significant technologies that will directly benefit you, reduce environmental impact and continue to make Ford vehicles exciting to drive and desirable.

Continue reading "Ford Displays EcoBoost, Advanced Tech in China"

April 18, 2008

Two-thirds of Americans Believe Humans Are Contributing to Increased Temps

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- As the nation gets ready to celebrate Earth Day 2008, attitudes towards global warming are little changed from last year. Two-thirds (67%) of Americans believe the activities of human beings are contributing to an increase in global temperatures.

This is little changed from last year when 65 percent of Americans believed this. Last year, one in five (21%) Americans said they did not believe the activities of humans contributed to an increase in temperatures while this year 17 percent do not believe this.

Continue reading "Two-thirds of Americans Believe Humans Are Contributing to Increased Temps"

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.

Continue reading "FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle Official Car for 2008 Indy Japan"

Lexus Announces Environmental Challenge Winning Projects

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

"The Dream Team" - W.R. Farrington High School, Honolulu, Hawaii:
This team of eight students focused on educating people around the world about the benefits of renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels, fuel cells, and hydropower.

Continue reading "Lexus Announces Environmental Challenge Winning Projects"

Lexus Awards More Than $1 Million in Grants and Scholarships

Torrance, CA -- Student teams in Jersey City, N.J., and Honolulu, Hawaii, will be celebrating this Earth Day. Not only have they done their part to protect the planet, they've also emerged as the two $75,000 grand-prize winners in the Lexus Environmental Challenge, a national competition designed by Lexus and Scholastic to educate and empower teens to think big about possible solutions that could make a positive impact on the environment.

Continue reading "Lexus Awards More Than $1 Million in Grants and Scholarships"

April 17, 2008

Nissan to issue green purchasing guidelines

TOKYO -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will issue its Green Procurement Guidelines in April 2008, defining a set of environmental protocol to augment The Nissan-Renault Purchasing Way, which applies to all its global auto-parts and materials suppliers.

The newly issued NissanGreen Procurement Guideline replaces the previous Green Procurement Standards issued in 2001. The new guidelines include the following areas:

Continue reading "Nissan to issue green purchasing guidelines"

Nissan Barcelona Plant Cuts CO2 Emissions by 12% Since 2005

BARCELONA -- Nissan Motor Co.’s Barcelona plant, its biggest manufacturing plant in Spain, has reduced CO2 emissions by 9,400 tonnes or 12% since 2005, exceeding the company’s 2010 target for its plants around the world.

The 2010 target calls for a 7% reduction in plant CO2 emissions compared with the level in 2005.

Continue reading "Nissan Barcelona Plant Cuts CO2 Emissions by 12% Since 2005"

April 16, 2008

Ford to Hit Fuel Economy Improvements in Millions of Vehicles

DETROIT -- With rising prices at the pump, it's no surprise that more than 58 percent of car consumers polled by Kelly Blue Book in March indicated that fuel prices affected their purchase decision. While Ford, along with other automakers, are exploring game-changing, long-term solutions, developing affordable, near-term ways to improve fuel efficiency is critical as well.

Andreas R. Schamel, Ford's chief engineer for Research and Advanced Engineering, will explain to SAE delegates today how volume-based, near-term actions -- such as Ford's upcoming EcoBoost engine technology -- can deliver real-world fuel economy improvements for millions of customers within the next five years.

Continue reading "Ford to Hit Fuel Economy Improvements in Millions of Vehicles"

April 15, 2008

Toyota Wins 2008 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

Erlanger, KY -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., with a 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency.

TEMA's accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2008.

Continue reading "Toyota Wins 2008 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award"

Auto Makers Stress Importance of National Fuel Economy Standard

WASHINGTON -- Several auto industry lobby groups will host a briefing for members of the media to discuss the importance of preserving the single, national fuel economy standard signed into law last year.

Efforts in Congress to overturn the EPA waiver decision would create a new state-by-state fuel efficiency standard for the industry. This would result in unnecessary manufacturing complexity, compliance inefficiencies and a reduction in consumer choice.

Continue reading "Auto Makers Stress Importance of National Fuel Economy Standard"

Chevron Faces $16 Billion Environmental Claim in Ecuador

SAN FRANCISCO -- Chevron Corp. has only itself to blame for facing a looming judgment of up to $16 billion in a historic environmental case in Ecuador, because it produced most of the evidence that is now being used against it, say representatives of the Amazon Defense Coalition, a group representing 80 communities and five indigenous groups in the class-action lawsuit.

"It has become clear that the court-appointed expert who came up with the $16 billion damages claim against Chevron relied largely on Chevron's own evidence," said Pablo Fajardo, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs who is in San Francisco to receive the Goldman Prize for Excellence in Protecting the Environment, long considered the "Oscars" for the environmental movement.

Continue reading "Chevron Faces $16 Billion Environmental Claim in Ecuador"

Responsible Car Care Includes Recycling Motor Oil

WAYNE, N.J. -- Changing your car's motor oil is an important part of maintaining engine protection and performance.

However, Earth911.com states most people do not realize that what is done after the oil change is just as important. With National Car Care month and Earth Week approaching in April, Castrol(R) and Earth 911 are making sure the potential environmental impact of automotive maintenance is top of mind for car owners nationwide.

Continue reading "Responsible Car Care Includes Recycling Motor Oil"

150 MPG SUV Ride and Drives in Philadelphia, April 15

Reporters and editors in Philadelphia are invited to drive the XH-150 150 mpg SUV at Penn Treaty Park along the river on Delaware Avenue at E. Columbia Ave.

This will be the first and only opportunity to drive the XH-150 anywhere on the East Coast before it is featured on the Capital Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, April 20 as part of the 38th anniversary of Earth Day.

Continue reading "150 MPG SUV Ride and Drives in Philadelphia, April 15"

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.

Continue reading "BMW Unveils Engine that Eats Pollution"

Volvo Launches World's First Hybrid Garbage Truck

GOTHENBURG, Sweden -- Steeply rising oil prices and a strong focus on the climate have made fuel-saving hybrid technology particularly interesting.

Volvo Trucks is now taking an important step towards commercialisation of this technology for heavy vehicles by launching two hybrid refuse trucks that will be tested in regular daily operations in Sweden by refuse collection firms Renova and Ragn-Sells.

Continue reading "Volvo Launches World's First Hybrid Garbage Truck"

Ford Transmissions Drive for Fuel Economy Leadership

DETROIT -- The often overlooked transmission is proving to be a secret weapon for Ford Motor Company in the quest for improved fuel economy.

"Transmission technology is playing a key role in bringing down fuel consumption," said Craig Renneker, chief engineer for new automatic transmissions for Ford Powertrain Operations. "That's why Ford is rolling out an industry-leading array of fuel-efficient, six-speed automatic transmissions on more than half of the North American product lineup, including the new 2009 Ford F-150."

Continue reading "Ford Transmissions Drive for Fuel Economy Leadership"

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.

Continue reading "Student-Built Prototype Vehicle Breaks Mileage Record"

April 10, 2008

Young Engineers Compete with Futuristic Vehicles to Achieve High Mileage

Student engineers from across Canada, Mexico and the United States will compete for the title of the most fuel-efficient vehicle during the 2008 Shell Eco-marathon Americas.

Student teams will make history by competing in high-mileage, eco-friendly prototype vehicles fueled by gasoline, hydrogen, diesel fuel, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or solar power. The team with the vehicle that travels the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel wins US$10,000 for their school.

Continue reading "Young Engineers Compete with Futuristic Vehicles to Achieve High Mileage"

150 MPG Extreme Hybrid SUV Starts Cross Country Earth Day Tour

SAN FRANCISCO -- The 150 MPG Extreme Hybrid SUV, the XH-150 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle introduced in January by AFS Trinity Power Corporation, starts a cross country tour here to give Americans their first on-road look at what CNN and others suggested may be "the car of the future" as the XH-150 works its way to Earth Day on the Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 20, 2008.

Continue reading "150 MPG Extreme Hybrid SUV Starts Cross Country Earth Day Tour"

Survey: Environment Tops Cost in Auto Industry

DETROIT -- A new survey conducted by DuPont and the Society of the Automotive Industry (SAE) shows that environmental issues top the list of challenges facing the automotive industry, outranking cost reduction for the first time in 14 years.

A total of 53 percent of the respondents said that a basket of environmental factors such as fuel economy, CAFE and emissions or clean air regulations are the top challenges versus 32 percent who cited cost.

Continue reading "Survey: Environment Tops Cost in Auto Industry"

PA DEP Urges Strengthened Diesel Idling Legislation

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- In order to better protect the public health and ensure cleaner air, a Department of Environmental Protection official today urged the General Assembly to make substantive amendments to a bill that would limit the amount of time diesel-powered commercial vehicles could idle their engines.

Continue reading "PA DEP Urges Strengthened Diesel Idling Legislation"

April 9, 2008

Shareholders Laud Ford For Setting Greenhouse Gas Goal

DETROIT and NEW YORK -- Religious and other institutional investors joined today with Ford Motor Co. in announcing that Ford is the first U.S. auto company to spell out how it plans to reach the goal of reducing by at least 30 percent the greenhouse gas emissions from its new vehicle fleet by 2020.

The decision by Ford to publish its emission target came in the wake of climate-related shareholder resolutions put forward by members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility and the Investor Network on Climate Risk Network organized by Ceres.

Continue reading "Shareholders Laud Ford For Setting Greenhouse Gas Goal"

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Offers Hybrids in Four Atlanta Locations

ATLANTA -- In response to demand for environmentally friendly vehicles in Atlanta, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has designated its first “Green Branches” in the country at four locations across the metropolitan area.

Hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles will comprise approximately 60 percent of each of the four “Green Branch” fleets, demonstrating Enterprise’s ongoing commitment to supporting the use of alternative technologies and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Continue reading "Enterprise Rent-A-Car Offers Hybrids in Four Atlanta Locations"

Honda Helpful Campaign Supports the Environment With New Arbor Day Program

LOS ANGELES -- The Southern California Honda Dealers Association, have announced another helpful program, this one committed to the environment.

Beginning today, the Honda Helpful Guys & Girls in Blue are going green by distributing eco- friendly, reusable tote bags at farmers markets, grocery stores and recycling stations in various cities across Southern California to help encourage residents to do their part in caring for the environment.

Continue reading "Honda Helpful Campaign Supports the Environment With New Arbor Day Program"

April 7, 2008

Audi TDI – at the top for the past two decades

Audi is the pioneer in turbocharged diesel engines with direct injection – since 1989 the company has built and sold more than 4.5 million cars with TDI engines. From the very start, the initials TDI began to develop into a synonym for superior propulsive power and a maximum efficiency; the technology has advanced to become a trend setter for the entire automotive industry.

No other drive system has yet been able to beat the turbocharged diesel direct injection engine when it comes to power combined with low consumption.

Continue reading "Audi TDI – at the top for the past two decades"

Why automakers don't sell a car that gets 50mpg

So gas just hit another miserable milestone. Unleaded regular is averaging a record $3.30 a gallon and seems likely to blast past $4 by Memorial Day.

Wouldn't it be great if you could drive a car that gets 50 miles per gallon? Well, you can. Just hop on a plane and fly to Europe, where all new cars average 43mpg, or Japan, where the average hits 50mpg. Here in the United States, we're stuck at 25mpg in our considerably larger and more powerful cars, trucks and SUVs.

So why can't we do better? Here's the dirty little secret: we can.

"If you want better fuel economy, it's just a question of when auto companies want to do it and when consumers decide they want to buy it," says Don Hillebrand, a former Chrysler engineer who is now director of transportation research for Argonne National Labs. "Auto companies can deliver it within a year."

April 3, 2008

Ford Earns EPA Energy Star Award

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company's actions to reduce the amount of energy used to manufacture vehicles and support its U.S. operations have earned it the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's coveted 2008 ENERGY STAR Award.

A three-time ENERGY STAR Award winner, the 2008 award for Sustained Excellence recognizes Ford's continued leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through energy efficiency.

Continue reading "Ford Earns EPA Energy Star Award"

Thank You, Citizens of Volt Nation

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

This is a little late coming, but I just wanted to take the time and space to officially thank everyone who traveled to New York, some from fairly far away, for the Volt Nation event at the auto show there last month.

And I’d like to thank Dr. Lyle Dennis, the Foundation of Volt Nation, for organizing such a great event, and for his boundless enthusiasm. In fact, all the attendees were rather enthusiastic, and we are very appreciative of that, and of their rabid interest in the Volt program.

Continue reading "Thank You, Citizens of Volt Nation"

Nissan Enviro Tech on Display at London Science Museum

TOKYO -- A scale model of Nissan’s highly distinctive Pivo electric concept and several other of the company’s environmental technologies will be showcased at the "The Science of Survival" exhibition which opens Saturday April 5 at the prestigious Science Museum in London.

The thought-provoking and interactive exhibition explores how our lives could be affected by environmental changes and resource availability by 2050. The exhibition was developed in consultation with scientists and researchers and is co-sponsored by Nissan.

Continue reading "Nissan Enviro Tech on Display at London Science Museum"

April 1, 2008

Honda Sponsors The Great American Cleanup

TORRANCE, Calif. -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., has partnered with Keep America Beautiful for a fourth year as the Official Automobile Manufacturer of the Great American Cleanup.

Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community improvement program, takes place annually from March 1 through May 31 and attracts more than 3 million volunteers to clean up and improve over 17,000 communities across America.

Continue reading "Honda Sponsors The Great American Cleanup"

March 31, 2008

Honda Launches New Environmental Site, "Green"

TOKYO -- Honda has opened a new special site, "Green."

Visit the brand new media-rich "Green" site, which provides an overview of Honda's activities to reduce emissions and carbon dioxide throughout the entire production life-cycle, and Honda's passion in developing non-fossil fuel alternatives to provide a safer, greener future for our next generations.

March 30, 2008

California lowers target for zero-emission cars

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California regulators have drastically cut the number of zero-emission vehicles required to be sold in the state by the year 2014, a decision that frustrated environmentalists but came as a relief to auto manufacturers.

The rules adopted Thursday put the number of electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles that automakers sell in California at 7,500 by 2014 — a 70 percent reduction from the 2003 target.

Diesels look to rev up their reputations

Diesel-powered vehicles haven’t enjoyed the best reputation in the United States, despite the well-known benefit of impressive fuel efficiency. Consumers have long been unimpressed by other traits, such as their black clouds of exhaust soot, ear-rattling racket and, ahem, let’s call it “stately” acceleration.

But an emerging generation of new diesel vehicles looks set to upend those expectations. Some high-performance models will soon exploit the fuel economy benefits of diesel power while delivering the neck-snapping acceleration associated with gas-guzzling cars.

March 28, 2008

Volvo Cabin Filters Make Life a Clean Breeze

Drive about 10,000 miles a year and that can equal an average of more than 24 hours a month in the car. That number probably doubles if you live in a major city with busy traffic.

At the same time, research indicates that 45% of the population of the western world is affected by some kind of hypersensitivity and one in ten women suffers from nickel allergy, while allergic asthma is also increasing rapidly. That’s why Volvo feels a healthy environment inside the car goes hand in hand with Volvo's safety philosophy.

Continue reading "Volvo Cabin Filters Make Life a Clean Breeze"

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.

Continue reading "BMW Hydrogen 7 Has Super Duper Low Emissions"

March 27, 2008

Ford Partners With Researchers on Plug-In Viability

PALO ALTO, Calif. – The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Ford Motor Company today announced a three year agreement to develop and evaluate technical approaches for integrating plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the nation’s electric grid system, a key requirement to facilitate widespread adoption of the vehicles.

EPRI will form a collaborative of utilities in the New York-New Jersey area that will test Ford Escape PHEVs. Subsequent trials will be conducted with customers of the participating utilities.

Continue reading "Ford Partners With Researchers on Plug-In Viability"

March 26, 2008

Connecticut Carpoolers Get Dunkin' Donuts Credit

For Connecticut commuters who choose to carpool, there is a glazed bonus awaiting you -- Dunkin' Donuts is offering a $5.00 credit off a Box 'O Joe and a dozen cruellers.

To be eligible, carpoolers must register through NuRide, a non-profit that is sponsoring an effort to reduce the number of miles driven in the TriState area by 5 million, by encouraging ridesharing.

Toyota Announces Five-Year Alliance With Audubon Society

NEW YORK -- The National Audubon Society and Toyota today launched TogetherGreen, a nationwide Audubon program to fund conservation projects, train environmental leaders, and offer volunteer opportunities to significantly benefit the environment.

A $20 million Toyota grant -- the largest Audubon has received in its 103-year history -- will fund TogetherGreen for five years, enabling Audubon to expand the scope and reach of its internationally-known conservation programs.

Continue reading "Toyota Announces Five-Year Alliance With Audubon Society"

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.

Continue reading "Honda Pursues Aggresssive Environmental Progress"

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.

Continue reading "Honda Commits Resources to Fuel Cell Technology"

Tesla Motors Speaks Out Against Weaker Emissions Rules

SAN CARLOS, Calif. -- On March 27, 2008 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will meet in Sacramento to review the recently proposed changes to the California Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Regulation as reflected in the staff’s Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR) dated February 8, 2008.

If adopted as proposed, key provisions of the ISOR would needlessly weaken the intended purpose of the ZEV Regulation, rather than “strengthen the overall objective of the program” and “maintain pressure on the commercialization of PURE ZEV technologies,” as CARB has publicly committed to doing.

Continue reading "Tesla Motors Speaks Out Against Weaker Emissions Rules"

March 24, 2008

Mercedes ML 320 Bluetec SUV

This ML 320 Bluetec SUV is Mercedes' new diesel entry in the United States which has recently been approved for sale in all 50 states -- to date it is the cleanest diesel in the world.

Merccedes-Benz Bluetec vehicles go on sale in the U.S. in the Fall and will also be available in the R-Class and GL SUVs.

EPA Awards $103,297 to Cook County, Ill., For Clean-Diesel Project

CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has awarded a $103,297 grant to the Cook County, Ill., Department of Environmental Control for a project to cut diesel emissions from the county's vehicles.

EPA said the grant will be used to retrofit at least 30 vehicles with equipment that will reduce diesel emissions. It is estimated that at least 26 vehicles will be retrofitted with diesel oxidation catalysts, and four vehicles will be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters.

Continue reading "EPA Awards $103,297 to Cook County, Ill., For Clean-Diesel Project"

March 22, 2008

BMW Advanced Diesel Named 2008 World Green Car

Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- The selection committee for the 2008 World Car Awards announced today that the European BMW 118d Advanced Diesel was named the 2008 World Green Car.

Tom Purves, President and CEO of BMWNA, accepted the honor on behalf of BMW at the award reception, which was held this morning at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

Continue reading "BMW Advanced Diesel Named 2008 World Green Car"

March 21, 2008

Passat BlueMotion Voted Environmentally Friendly

Wolfsburg -- The Passat BlueMotion is one of the most environmentally friendly cars worldwide. The jury of international judges of the “World Car of the Year Awards” awarded Volkswagen, which came in third, the famous prize this Thursday in New York. Wolfgang Hatz, Head of Volkswagen Group Powertrain Development, received the award.

Continue reading "Passat BlueMotion Voted Environmentally Friendly"

March 20, 2008

Survey: Americans Don't Want to Pay Tax to Reduce Emissions

WASHINGTON -- 48% of Americans are unwilling to spend even a penny more in gasoline taxes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says a new nationwide survey released today by the National Center for Public Policy Research.

The poll found just 18% of Americans are willing to pay 50 cents or more in taxes per gallon to reduce greenhouse emissions. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) has called for a 50 cents per gallon gas tax increase.

Continue reading "Survey: Americans Don't Want to Pay Tax to Reduce Emissions"

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."

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

Ohio Student Wins Sustainability Competition Sponsored by Johnson Controls

MILWAUKEE -- Matthew Belz, a sixth-grader at Hastings Middle School in the Upper Arlington (Ohio) City School District, is one of three national student winners of the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge -- an educational competition that encourages students to develop ingenious ways to live a more sustainable life and protect the environment.

Continue reading "Ohio Student Wins Sustainability Competition Sponsored by Johnson Controls"

March 19, 2008

Mercedes First to Launch 50-State Diesel Protocol

Mercedes-Benz is continuing to build on its world-leading position in the field of clean diesel technology. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer has become the world's first car producer to receive a certificate for licensing BlueTEC SUVs in all 50 US states.

Mercedes-Benz will shortly be launching three BlueTEC SUVs – the ML 320 BlueTEC, the R 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC – featuring the technology for the world's cleanest diesels.

Continue reading "Mercedes First to Launch 50-State Diesel Protocol"

March 18, 2008

Chrysler and Washtenaw County Collaborate on Wind Testing for Energy Production

Chelsea, Michigan -- The winds in western Washtenaw County will be tested for clean energy production over the next year, beginning with construction of a 26-story meteorological tower at Chrysler LLC’s Chelsea Proving Grounds this week.

Over the next 12-18 months, energy experts from the county, the University of Michigan, and the consulting firm North Coast Wind and Power will monitor high-level winds at the site to determine if they are suitable for generating electricity.

Continue reading "Chrysler and Washtenaw County Collaborate on Wind Testing for Energy Production"

Subaru to Run Real World Tests of Electric Car

Subaru of America, Inc. will Subaru will begin evaluating its R1e electric vehicle (EV) in the United States this summer in conjunction with the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

The plan will be officially announced at Thursday, March 20th at 12:30 PM at the New York International Auto Show.

Continue reading "Subaru to Run Real World Tests of Electric Car"

March 16, 2008

Ford partners with Extreme Makeover for eco-friendly school project

DEARBORN, Mich. – Schools looking to go green can now enlist Ford Motor Company’s help in welcoming sustainability into the classroom.

The automaker is joining forces with ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” on Educate to Escape—a green school makeover campaign. As part of the campaign, Ford is sponsoring a nationwide contest that awards one lucky K-12 school with an eco-friendly makeover up to $250,000.

Continue reading "Ford partners with Extreme Makeover for eco-friendly school project"

March 14, 2008

New Technology to Reduce Diesel Emissions

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Officials from the Government of Canada, EnCana Corporation and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) announced today they are committing $5.5 million in financing to a NxtGen Emission Controls project which demonstrates an innovative diesel emission reduction system.

Continue reading "New Technology to Reduce Diesel Emissions"

Volvo, Saab cooperate on plug-in car development

Together with electricity provider Vattenfall, Saab Automobile, ETC and the Swedish state, Volvo Car Corporation is launching a joint broad-based research venture to develop spearhead technology in the area of plug-in hybrid cars. Sweden will be the arena for the field tests.

"I see this project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it comes to innovations for advanced green-car technology", says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Continue reading "Volvo, Saab cooperate on plug-in car development"

March 13, 2008

Mercedes launches three diesel SUVs in New York

NEW YORK - Mercedes-Benz is unveiling three new sport utility vehicles powered by the world's cleanest state-of-the-art diesel engines at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, open to the public March 21-30, 2008 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

The impressively fuel-efficient 2009-model diesel SUVs - the ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC - all come with a new AdBlue exhaust treatment system that meets the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.

Continue reading "Mercedes launches three diesel SUVs in New York"

Nissan Barcelona Plant Cuts CO2 Emissions by 12%

BARCELONA -- Nissan Motor Co.'s Barcelona plant, its biggest manufacturing plant in Spain, has reduced CO2 emissions by 9,400 tonnes or 12% since 2005, exceeding the company's 2010 target for its plants around the world.

The 2010 target calls for a 7% reduction in plant CO2 emissions compared with the level in 2005.

Continue reading "Nissan Barcelona Plant Cuts CO2 Emissions by 12%"

Car Buyer's Notebook

Recent Stories

Topics

August 11, 2008

BMW Hydrogen 7 hits the road

August 11, 2008

Zero Emission Volkswagen Tiguan will Travel to 31 Cities

Researchers Work to Turn Car's Exhaust into Power

August 10, 2008

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Launch Underway

Nissan previews new enviro-vehicles

Volvo Ocean Race takes part in pioneering environmental project

Volunteers Join HUMMER Recreation Rescue Project In Sierra National Forest

August 9, 2008

Nissan shows test models of electric car

Ford boosts better fuel economy in engines

August 8, 2008

Nissan doubles fuel cell efficiency

Mitsubishi to Provide i MiEV Electric Vehicles to Southern California Edison

August 7, 2008

Nissan ECO Pedal system to be commercialized by 2009

August 6, 2008

VW Jetta TDI Debuts at Teen Choice

Natural Gas: An Enticing Alternative

Chery Hybrid Vehicles Debut at Beijing Olympics

August 5, 2008

Jamie Lee Curtis gets a Honda Hydrogen vehicle

Bush Rules on Fuel Economy Hit from 2 Sides

July 31, 2008

Tread Lightly! And HUMMER Help Maintain Trail In Sierra National Forest

July 30, 2008

Proposal for Fuel Economy Loan Adds Supporters

Fuel Economy Push Hits Snags

July 26, 2008

Honda FCX Fuel Cell Lease Program Begins With First Customer Delivery

July 25, 2008

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

July 24, 2008

GM's "Other" Plug-In: The Saturn Vue

July 23, 2008

Renault-Nissan & Tennessee Form Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership

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

July 22, 2008

General Motors Partners to Commercialize Plug-in Vehicles

July 20, 2008

Honda outlines environmentally responsible mobility

July 19, 2008

Video: Chrysler Green Initiatives

Climate, Safety and Leadership in focus in Volvo Cars' Sustainability Report 2007

July 18, 2008

Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs

Toyota Launches Research Effort On Corporate Energy Efficiency

Toyota Awards Grant to Support Environmental Volunteers' Science Programs

July 14, 2008

GM, National Governors Association Team Up on E85

July 13, 2008

BMW to Test Electric-Powered Minis

July 12, 2008

Renault-Nissan Commit to Zero Emission Vehicles in Portugal

GM now selling fuel economy

July 11, 2008

Toyota Brings Mobile Hybrid Experience to Hybridfest 2008

July 10, 2008

Pain at the Pump? Not a Problem for Piaggio Adventurers

July 8, 2008

GM Installing World's Largest Rooftop Solar Array

June 30, 2008

Ford Waits as GM, Toyota Take Lead on Plug-In Hybrids

Drivers Paid to Retire Old Cars

June 27, 2008

Shell and General Motors Open Hydrogen Fueling Station in Los Angeles

Toyota's Donation Enhances Environmental Education at Great Smoky Mountains

Nissan Executive Testifies Before Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming

Shell Opens Los Angeles' First Combined Hydrogen and Gas Station

June 26, 2008

2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid Wins U.S. Concept Car Award

Nissan Publishes 2008 Sustainability Report

California sees victory in greenhouse case

June 24, 2008

McCain Challenges Auto Makers on Fuel Efficiency