Answering the need to be more eco-friendly as far as their business operations are concerned, Team Honda, Team Nissan and Team Toyota have announced the launch of their first carbon neutral dealerships in Lithia Springs, Georgia. After starting out with their tire and oil recycling measures, the auto dealers are now focusing their attention on offsetting their carbon footprint to become the first carbon neutral dealers in Georgia.

The concentration now is to bring down their energy use, a practice that has drawn prices and queries from their customers on where they can get one for their own homes or offices as well. Additionally, employees are given thermal porcelain cups in lieu of the usual Styrofoam which itself is an eco-friendly hazard.

All AutoNation dealerships, Team’s parent company, make it easy for car buyers to shop for more fuel-efficient vehicles with its E-Vehicle program. The program identifies cars and trucks that produce at least 28 miles per gallon or deliver 10 percent better fuel efficiency than average for their class. AutoNation also singles out what they call “F-vehicles” with a yellow leaf logo; these are cars and trucks that use flex-fuel technology.

With the combined efforts of these popular auto dealers, the call to lower carbon emissions and the various practices to attain it should be something customers and employees will learn from. Hopefully they will be the catalyst to improve on the call for better green living needed these day.

(Source) Press

Tags: Auto Dealers, autonation, better fuel efficiency, business operations, car buyers, carbon emissions, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel technology, honda team, launch, leaf logo, lithia springs georgia, miles per gallon, more fuel efficient vehicles, oil recycling, porcelain cups, styrofoam, team honda, team toyota, yellow leaf

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A joint effort involving ExxonMobil and Electrovaya has opened the doors for a new kind of car sharing and rental program called AltCar. The said program will be launched at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

The car to watch will be the Maya-300, a car that is powered exclusively by lithium-ion battery technology. These new electric vehicles will make up one of the first fleets of all-electric vehicles in a consumer car-sharing and rental program in North America.

“This program is a perfect example of the important role innovative companies and organizations, such as ExxonMobil, Electrovaya and the Maryland Science Center, will play in addressing the world’s need for safe, low emission, fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Sankar Das Gupta, president and chairman, Electrovaya.

With the growing turn towards electric vehicles, it is apparent that the efforts of these two companies and the launch of the Maya-300 will no doubt be welcomed with open arms. As we all try to curb down our carbon emissions and find solutions to fuel problems, a new electric car is certainly something we will all be needing.

(Source) Press

Tags: addressing the world, baltimore maryland, battery technology, car sharing, carbon emissions, consumer car, electric car, electric vehicles, electrovaya, exxonmobil, fuel efficient vehicles, gupta, innovative companies, joint effort, lithium, lithium ion battery

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Controversial or not, Volkswagen of America has vowed its support for the “Cash for Clunkers” program of the government where each of their vehicles for their 2009 lineup qualifies for the said program. Under the “Cash for Clunkers” programs, potential new car buyers can get up to $4,500 off from the purchase price of new vehicles who trade-in their old cars.

In order to qualify, eligible new vehicles must achieve at least 22 miles-per-gallon for automobiles, and at least 18 mpg for small light-duty trucks and SUV’s, and trade-in vehicles must achieve 18 mpg or less.

“Volkswagen of America supports this historic decision of the United States Government to enact the Cash for Clunkers program.” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America. “The fact that Volkswagen has long been known for producing fun-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicles, combined with our eight Top Safety Pick rated vehicles by the IIHS, should put Volkswagen on any new car buyers shopping list.” added Jacoby.

Among the new cars that Volkswagen has lined up include:

• 2009 Rabbit
• GTI
• Jetta
• Jetta SportWagen
• New Beetle
• New Beetle convertible
• Passat
• Passat Wagon
• Eos
• CC

(Source) Press

Tags: car buyers, fuel efficient vehicles, IIHS, Jetta, jetta sportwagen, light duty trucks, miles per gallon, new beetle, new car, new cars, new vehicles, old cars, president ceo, rabbit gti, shopping list, Stefan Jacoby, united states government, volkswagen, volkswagen of america

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New York gets a facelift of sorts as its sanitation department will now be powered with hybrid-diesel trucks that will clean up the city. Aside from the usual cleaning along the streets of New York, the Kenworth T370 is expected to lead by example in the call for eco-friendly transport solutions aimed at fending off the growing greenhouse gas and carbon emissions caused by public serving vehicles.

“We are pleased to introduce the Kenworth T370 as New York City’s first medium duty diesel-electric hybrid truck,” said Rocco DiRico, Deputy Commissioner of Support Services for the New York City Department of Sanitation. “We are committed to use fuel-efficient vehicles that will reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve the air we breathe. The Kenworth hybrid will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions in New York City.”

Hopefully, this move will help encourage local folks to do the same as far as addressing the eco-friendly concerns the world has to contend with to date. The City’s Kenworth T370 hybrid is equipped with a stakebed body, PACCAR PX-6 engine rated at 240hp and 560 lb-ft of torque, and the Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system.

The Kenworth hybrid’s assignment is to pick up and deliver supplies and parts for the Department of Sanitation’s various locations throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

(Source) Press

Tags: carbon emissions, department of sanitation, diesel trucks, facelift, fuel consumption, fuel efficient vehicles, greenhouse gas emissions, hybrid power system, new york city department of sanitation, rocco, sanitation department, torque, transport solutions

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With the new age of plug-in electric vehicles slowly creeping in, Raser Technologies and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be on hand to demonstrate the Hummer H3. The H3 uses an extended range electric vehicle (E-REV) powertrain developed by Raser Technologies. The Hummer H3 is a mid-sized SUV, similar in size to a Jeep Commander.

“I believe low-carbon fuel vehicles are the future and I want to see them succeed right here in California,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “That’s why I’m bringing cars like this one to the Capitol where we can show the world there is a market for smart and innovative technologies that will also create jobs in the auto industry.”

Indeed, this should be something worth checking out if you are within the area. The attention of most motorists today is geared towards checking out what the latest trends for alternative transport options are available in the market today. And while everyone knows the Hummer brand, it is quite curious to note what this mid-sized SUV has to offer in light of the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles needed today.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, california governor arnold schwarzenegger, carbon fuel, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel vehicles, governor schwarzenegger, hummer h3, innovative technologies, jeep commander, latest trends, mid sized suv, motorists, raser technologies, transport options

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As far as new cars are concerned, it is not surprising that most motorists are turning towards hybrid technology to curb down carbon emissions and better fuel efficient vehicles. This seems to be the trend these days as we see most car manufacturers unveiling their own version of hybrids, potentially to lure a curious market on the ideal car to have today.

The new 2010 automobiles will soon change the future in transportation as conventional vehicles make the switch to hybrid cars. The new cars also qualify for government incentives to use as a 2009 hybrid car tax credit. Hybrid cars can achieve better fuel efficiency and are led by car manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Honda, and General Motors.

The big switch is indeed apparent. We have been seeing various advertisements and promotions for the new breed of hybrids. And this time, it is not just a marketing gimmick. These car giants are really gearing towards the market demand. With due consideration to the two factors, carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, the product is that of having a hybrid or electric car in your lineup, something that we can see in most vehicle showrooms for customers looking for a new vehicle to own.

(Source) News Oxy

Tags: better fuel efficiency, car giants, car manufacturers, car tax, carbon emissions, conventional vehicles, due consideration, electric car, ford motor, ford motor company, fuel efficient vehicles, government incentives, hybrid car tax credit, hybrid cars, hybrid technology, hybrids, motor company toyota, new cars, vehicle showrooms

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Ford is thankful that it has one vehicle doing well in the market. The vehicle is their Ford Fusion and thanks to the growing popularity of this vehicle, they have moved up in the retail market share for April.

In April, the Ford Fusion paced the share performance. Fusion sales totaled 18,321, a record for any month. April was the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid version, and April is believed to be the first month that Fusion was among the top three-selling mid-size sedans. Recent independent studies rate Fusion and the Mercury Milan – the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans in America – as having the best predicted reliability among all mid-size sedans.

The new Fusion Hybrid is one of four hybrid models offered by Ford. Hybrid models also are offered in the Mercury Milan mid-size sedan and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles. All Ford hybrid models are the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their class, and the Ford Escape and Ford Fusion recently were named to Kelley Blue Book’s list of Top 10 Green Cars. In April, combined sales of all hybrid models totaled 2,299, up 21 percent versus a year ago.

Other new Ford products contributed to the retail share performance, including the new F-150 pickup, America’s best-selling vehicle, and Ford Flex, the distinctively styled crossover utility that had its best sales month ever (3,190).

(Source) Press

Tags: Crossover, ford escape, ford fusion, ford products, fuel efficient vehicles, green cars, hybrid models, hybrid version, kelley blue book, Mercury, mercury mariner, mercury milan, mid size sedans, new ford, utility vehicles

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For a company that is in trouble, you have to admire how their branches are trying to weather the storm. General Motors has been in the news lately and has been reportedly experiencing turbulence in the financial world but don’t tell that to their Australian branch which is launching a new line of vehicles carrying the EcoLine title.

The EcoLine vehicles will highlight the companies use of alternative fuels, fuel saving technology, and hybrid and electric models. Initially, the EcoLine of vehicles will include diesels, liquified petroleum cars, and vehicles with active fuel management systems that can cut power to cylinders to save gas. In 2010, Holden will introduce an E85 vehicles into its lineup.

But the big news is that GM’s Holden group will introduce the extended range Chevy Volt electric vehicle in Australia in 2012. The Australian automotive market appears to be behind most of the world in terms of advanced engines and low emissions. The technologies introduced by the EcoLine such as E85, cylinder deactivation, advanced diesels, are all available in the U.S. and most have been for years.

Australia’s demand for fuel efficient vehicles may be behind the times, but a Chevy Volt will be a big step towards lower emissions and acceptance of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.

(Source) All Cars Electric

Tags: alternative fuels, automotive market, chevy volt, country source, cylinder deactivation, diesels, e85 vehicles, electric models, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, emissions, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel management systems, fuel saving, General Motors, GM, holden, liquified petroleum, turbulence, volt electric

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Carmax Inc. has vouched to help urge Congress to include used cars in the “Cash for Clunkers” proposals. By including used vehicles, this legislation is better positioned to promote fuel efficiency, save jobs, and help more Americans afford a car. One legislative proposal that does include used cars is S. 247, sponsored by Senators Feinstein, Schumer, and Collins.

“More people will be able to participate in the program, more jobs will be saved, and more fuel-efficient vehicles will end up on the road by including used vehicles,” said Tom Folliard, president and chief executive officer. “Excluding this segment of the auto industry could potentially have a negative impact on millions of American workers and thousands of U.S.-based businesses. Nationally, used car sales outnumber new car sales nearly 3 to 1.”

Including used vehicles in the legislation will have the following benefits:

• Help More Americans Afford to Buy a Car
• Save More American Jobs
• Increase the Number of Eligible Fuel-efficient Cars on the Road

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, carmax, carmax inc, congress, fuel efficiency, fuel efficient cars, fuel efficient vehicles, jobs, legislation, legislative proposal, new car sales, proposals

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Chrysler and A123 Systems come together to develop advanced battery technology and also provide new employment opportunities. Facilitated by an agreement with Chrysler LLC and its commitment to introduce production electric-drive vehicles starting in 2010, A123Systems has received a $100 million tax grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to build a full-scale battery manufacturing facility in Michigan. The new plant will bring additional high-tech jobs to Michigan, and will help Chrysler achieve its leadership goals in electric vehicle development and production.

“Today’s recognition of this Michigan-based partnership represents tremendous forward thinking by the government, and demonstrates how government can greatly affect the development of – and costs associated with – this type of advanced technology,” said John Bozzella, Senior Vice President – External Affairs and Public Policy. “Chrysler is proud to participate in this effort that will bring high-technology jobs to Michigan, and will help solidify American innovation in electric vehicles – ultimately leading to more advanced fuel-efficient vehicles for the American consumer and the environment.”

Last week, Chrysler LLC announced A123Systems as the supplier for energy storage systems for Chrysler’s first-generation ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicles and battery only Electric Vehicles.

The heart of ENVI’s battery system is a scalable battery module, as demonstrated in ENVI’s five electric-drive vehicles showcased at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five vehicles included the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Chrysler 200C EV concept. At the reveal, Chrysler announced its intention to bring the company’s first production electric vehicle to market in 2010.

(Source) Press

Tags: a123 systems, american international auto show, battery manufacturing, chrysler town, energy storage systems, fuel efficient vehicles, high tech jobs, international auto show, jeep patriot, jeep wrangler, michigan economic development, michigan economic development corporation, michigan facility, north american international auto

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With the demand for electric cars expected to further be bolstered, Norwegian car manufacturer Think is reportedly planning to open shop on American waters. Under their leaked plans involve producing 16,000 cars per year in the first phase and more later on. The company is in talks with eight states, including Michigan, on a site for the facility that would initially employ about 300 workers to build its TH!NK city car, Think said.

A technical center in conjunction with the plant would provide jobs for another 70 engineers and electric drive specialists, it said. Think, which is owned by private equity group Novus Energy Partners, aims to apply for low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Energy for developing U.S. production of fuel-efficient vehicles, the company said.

(Source) Reuters

Tags: drive specialists, electric cars, energy partners, fuel efficient vehicles, jobs, low interest loans

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