Here is another friendly reminder for people who have travel plans this Summer. EcoDriving has always been a reliable recourse especially during these critical times and apparently the aim of most motorists today is to make sure that they practice sensible driving as well as watching out for their carbon footprints.

EcoDriving helps a lot when fuel savings are concerned. And for the summer, here are some tips to remind people about eco-friendly driving once they hit the roads with their cars or RVs:

• Turn the engine off when waiting at a curb to save more than half a gallon of fuel for every hour that would have been spent idling.
• Tire pressure changes an average of one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature, so maintaining proper tire pressure can improve gas mileage by about 3 percent. This can earn drivers a free tank of gas every year.
• Avoid rapid starts and stops. This is not only safe, but it can save more than $1 per gallon, according to the U.S. EPA. While improving fuel economy by up to 33 percent.

These may seem like common and simple tips but practicing them is different. Be aware of your driving prowess. Being and eco-friendly driver can save more for you than it can for society.

(Source) Press

Tags: aim, Cars, critical times, fahrenheit, free tank, friendly reminder, fuel economy, fuel savings, gas mileage, motorists, pressure changes, proper tire pressure, prowess, psi, recourse, u s epa

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It looks like the Mercury Milan from Ford Motors Corp. is here to stay despite the issues surrounding the cost of owning one. Critics have been harsh on Ford for the actual price of this vehicle although one thing they have failed to do is provide support in justifying their complaints. That has made all the difference since consumers who want improved technology know for a fact that the price to pay is no walk in the park.

The Mercury Milan aims to help in providing fuel-efficient cars which is pretty much important as far as motorists are concerned today. This and of course the smooth ride more than helps as a convincing factor that this car really lives up to its billing as a car that holds true to its cost.

As far as speed and design, take note that hybrids manufacturers did not focus on this as the primary aspect of the car. The Mercury Milan still carries the same external and internal quality expected with some adjustments. However, it still remains that the real intention of this car is really on the fuel-savings technology to which is really the rant of the vehicle industry today.

Though a bit pricey at $33,735, you just have to consider that there is a price to pay for innovation and also the standard cost of getting quality vehicles from Ford Motors Corp. But you can bet you are getting your money’s worth!

(Source) Asia One

Tags: Ford, ford motors, fuel efficient cars, fuel savings, hybrids, Mercury, mercury milan, motorists

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Better Texas moves forward by announcing the addition of two new new hybrid-powered bucket trucks to its fleet. Oncor’s decision to add the hybrid-powered bucket trucks comes as a result of its participation in a 2006 trial of the hybrid trucks in the field, organized by the non-profit organization CALSTART (www.calstart.org).

Oncor was one of 14 utilities included in the trial, the results of which were very positive. The trial proved that the hybrid-powered bucket trucks, which alternate between diesel fuel and battery power to operate, get up to 60 percent in fuel savings, of which one-third comes from driving with the rest of the savings occurring at the job site as the hybrid system works the bucket or aerial device of the truck. The fuel savings Oncor receives from these hybrids help save the environment by using less fuel, a non-renewable resource.

On Friday, May 1, the trucks will hit the field, with one heading to work in Waco and the other to Fort Worth. Both are wrapped in Texas flag-inspired artwork, with “Hybrid Truck” and “Small Changes. Better Texas.” marked on both sides of each truck.

(Source) Press

Tags: aerial device, battery power, bucket trucks, calstart, diesel fuel, fuel savings, hybrid system, hybrids, oncor, renewable resource, texas flag, truck source

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Leave it to Hella Electronics Corporation to come up with the solution to your car needs as they try to stay in line with the responsible and conservative car owners. The shift in U.S. buying patterns has caused some vehicle manufacturers to re-think how new fuel and carbon dioxide (CO2)-saving vehicles should be marketed to technology-savvy drivers who may want a premium sound system in a smaller vehicle.

Hella believes most U.S. car buyers can have it both ways by applying energy management principles learned in Europe, where drivers are accustomed to more expensive fuel prices. Today, technologies such as automatic start-stop controls, intelligent battery sensors, electronic pedal sensors, fuel-quality and oil-quality sensors, demand-driven fuel pumps and electric vacuum pumps are available and in use to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The savings in energy use can then be applied to comfort and convenience options U.S. buyers want.

Among their line of consumer saving gadgets include:

• Automatic Start-Stop Increases Hybrid Vehicle Fuel Savings
• Intelligent Battery Sensor Saves 3.8 Grams of Carbon Dioxide Per Mile
• Hella’s Accelerator Pedal-Sensor Module Sets the Pace Globally in Fuel Efficiency
• Integrating Electronic Systems is Key to Improvements in Energy Consumption

Hella is one of the top 50 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. Nearly 25,000 people work in 70 manufacturing facilities and production subsidiaries throughout the world, including more than 3,500 research-and-development engineers and technicians. Customers include all of the world’s leading vehicle and systems manufacturers, as well as the automotive parts aftermarket.

(Source) Press

Tags: accelerator pedal, co2 emissions, electric vacuum pumps, energy consumption, fuel consumption, fuel efficiency, fuel pumps, fuel quality, fuel savings, hybrid vehicle, premium sound system, quality sensors, vehicle manufacturers

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