GM has just announced that they will begin auctioning off new cars in California tomorrow and already they have taken center stage again to speak of the forthcoming Chevy Volt. The automaker will reportedly announced mileage details for the electric vehicle tomorrow, August 11th.

While the mileage numbers will most definitly vary from what they will be during everyday use, expect the Volt to feature well over 100mpg. If you’re wondering why an electric vehicle would use gas it’s because the Volt is an extended range electric vehicle, this means that it’s propulsion will come completely from electricity but in order to gain a higher range GM will include a small gas tank that will then be used to power those electric motors.

Still no solid word on a price or release date for the volt.

Read (HybridCarBlog)

Tags: all electric, extended range, gas mileage, GM, mileage, Volt

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The need is there and the forecasts are being made. As far as the needs of electric cars, charging stations are bound to be the next demand in the motoring industry, something that has already started but is way off from covering the needs of the projected number of electric cars expected to be out in the market.

As far as the Pike Research is concerned, there will be over 5 million charging stations up, obviously foreseeing the major influx of electric cars running around in the streets by then.

“While electric vehicles will be primarily charged at home, a strong funding push by governments will mean that more than half of all charge points will be public charging stations by 2015,” says industry analyst John Gartner. “Retailers will also install public access stations primarily as a marketing tool, and many companies will also offer workplace charging stations for their employees.”

Indeed, people can satisfy themselves for now with a one-time charge. But the next question is up to where can they go? Most electric cars today have a specified mileage depending on the charging capacity and unlike fueled cars, charging stations just in case of extended road trips is obviously lacking. Then again, who knows if they will be that plenty come 2015? We can only wait and see.

(Source) Press

Tags: 5 million, electric cars, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, fueled cars, gartner, governments, industry analyst, influx, marketing tool, mileage, public access, road trips, time charge

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The Cash for Clunkers has been approved and the next step that many are certainly awaiting would be the list of vehicles that qualify for the said program. The list of cars have been released but this early, the terms of the deal are not the ideal.

Surely, vehicles still operating satisfactory may be better off being sold by owners or even trading it in. Whichever course of action a car owner may choose, it certainly looks ideal if this Cash for Clunkers Rebate program is the final guidelines issued:

• It will offer no more than $4,500 to new car buyers.
• It will require the trade-in vehicle to be crushed (which means that owners will not collect any trade-in value.)
• Cars to be scrapped would have to have EPA combined fuel economy ratings of 18 miles per gallon or less, and the new vehicle purchased must earn better mileage.
• The participant must have owned the “clunker” for one year.

Vehicles:

• 1996 Honda Passport ($1,227)
• 1997 Lincoln Continental ($1,179)
• 1998 Chevrolet Silverado ($3,378)
• 1995 Audi A6 ($1,261)
• 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser ($4,042)

“This legislation attempts to offer a benefit for the environment and to spur vehicle sales, but the reality is that it does neither very well,” asserted Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. “In terms of vehicle sales, the only consumers who will be interested are those willing to take no more than $4,500 for their current car and yet be financially able to buy a new one – quite a narrow profile.”

(Source) Press

Tags: audi a6, better mileage, car buyers, car owner, Chevrolet, chevrolet silverado, clunker, fuel economy ratings, Honda, honda passport, lincoln continental, mileage, narrow profile, new car, participant, rebate program, toyota land cruiser

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What if you could turn those exhaust gasses into extra mileage? Would you be interested in anything like that? Heat2power will doe exactly that. It will take the excess heat which would otherwise go through the exhaust pipe and turn it into usable energy. Heat2power is also said to be quite efficient as it will reduce fuel consumption by 20% in the city and 35% on the highway. The device can be mounted on any internal combustion engine and it will only cost you an extra $500. Unfortunately the product isn’t quite ready for commercial use so we’ll have to wait for a full release.

via Autoblog Green

Tags: Energy, Exhaust gasses, Heat2power, mileage

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May is EcoDriving month hence a call for motorists to try and improve their driving skills such as improving fuel consumption and reducing the carbon footprint use. To mark the first EcoDriving month, the program is partnering with Indy Goes Green, sponsored by the racing team of Nelson Philippe. The program raises awareness about how to be an EcoDriver, and aims to be the first-ever carbon neutral Indy team.

“The key to EcoDriving is that anyone can do it, in any vehicle, and best of all, it’s easy,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “Now, as the summer driving season gets underway, EcoDriving month is the ideal time for each of us to renew our green driving habits.”

During National EcoDriving Month, the Auto Alliance and its 11 global automakers are working to educate consumers about the benefits of EcoDriving through www.EcoDrivingUSA.com. Practicing EcoDriving produces the highest mileage from every single vehicle, regardless of size or age–potentially affecting the United States’ entire fleet of 245 million automobiles. As a result, the possible benefits of the program are significant, and many fuel-saving EcoDriving practices are surprisingly simple, such as:

• The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that using cruise control for 10,000 of the miles driven in a year could save a driver nearly $200 and more than 60 gallons of fuel.
• Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph, where legally allowed, can improve mileage by up to 23 percent.
• Traffic lights are often synchronized so that a motorist driving at a specific speed will pass through a series of green lights without stopping. Driving at a steady speed can help drivers avoid red lights, therefore keeping their vehicles moving more efficiently.

(Source) Press

Tags: alliance of automobile manufacturers, auto alliance, automakers, automobiles, consumers, cruise control, department of transportation, estimates, fleet, fuel consumption, indy, mileage, motorists, nelson philippe, speed limit, steady speed, traffic lights

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As part of their DAS brand campaign, Volkswagen of America announces a collection of 30-second TV spot ads entitled “Meet the Volkswagens”. The new spots again feature Max the Beetle but also introduce a brand new character named BUS.

Voiced by actor Thomas Haden Church, BUS is a talking ruby red 1963 Volkswagen Micro Bus who draws upon Volkswagen’s tradition and heritage while creating clever vignettes that make subtle competitive comparisons in order to highlight key messages like mileage, fuel efficiency, cost of ownership and safety.

The campaign will run for 8 weeks and will be supported online and at dealerships nationwide. A first for Volkswagen, the TV spots will direct viewers to Facebook where they will experience information and messaging surrounding the campaign and other brand initiatives.

(Source) Press

Tags: Beetle, brand campaign, church bus, cost of ownership, fuel efficiency, heritage, initiatives, micro bus, mileage, ruby red, spot ads, thomas haden church, tradition, tv spot, tv spots, vignettes, volkswagen, volkswagen of america, volkswagens

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Ford really wants to get the word out there that their new 2010 Fusion Hybrid is a force to be reckoned with, recently announcing a campaign to put the vehicle’s fuel efficiency to the test.

Apparently, the above car is set to be driven over 1,000 miles for 43 consecutive hours from Mount Vernon, VA to Washington, DC, all on a single tank of gas. Ford is saying that the car needs to average 57 miles per gallon, a task that may actually be accomplishable given the fact it has reached as high as 70 miles per gallon.

And to top it all off, the drive will raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You get em’ Ford!

Press release after the break. (more…)

Tags: 1000 miles, campaign, fuel economy, fusion hybrid, Gas, mileage, one, petrol, Tank

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With the scheduled release of the 2010 Toyota Prius this May, prices for the hybrid vehicle has been released by Toyota Motor Sales, USA. The third-generation Prius will be available in one grade with a starting MSRP of $21,000. The Prius will be offered with five levels of popular standard equipment combinations.

“The 2010 Prius delivers outstanding mileage, performance and advanced technology at a great price,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.

Carter sees the most popular model starting at an MSRP of $22,000, equipped with a high level of standard features. “This model provides more than $2,000 added value, including the features most buyers want, at the same price as the current base model,” he said.

A new base model with a lower level of standard equipment is scheduled to be available later this year. It is designed to appeal to the most cost-conscious businesses and consumers.

(Source) Press

Tags: advanced technology, available later this year, bob carter, carter group, hybrid vehicle, mileage, third generation, Toyota, toyota motor, toyota motor sales, toyota prius

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Despite the tumbling economy, Chrysler has been able to weather the storm. One of the big three that was reportedly in dire straits as far as financing operations is concerned, Chrysler LLC’s sales throughout the Midwest, the Rockies and the plains of America posted a retail sales increase of almost 3% over February.

The region has shown positive sales growth for two consecutive months despite industry trends. Chrysler LLC also bucked the trend nationwide reporting March U.S. total sales greater than 100,000 units for the first time since Sept. 2008 and increased retail market share to an estimated 10 percent.

On top of a second month of sales improvements, Dodge Ram 1500 was awarded the 2009 Truck of the Year and the Dodge Challenger was awarded the 2009 Car of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association.

“We are honored by the continuing vote of confidence from our customers, dealers and media across this region. Our focus remains to keep rebuilding their confidence and trust,” said Fred Diaz, Director of the Denver Business Center, Chrysler LLC.

“The market is starting to show small signs of life which need to be nourished like seedlings,” said Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. “The fact that we exceeded 100,000 units for the first time since last fall is encouraging, and evidence that our improved quality, improved mileage as well as value represented in Employee Pricing Plus Plus are just what the doctor ordered for recession-wary customers who are reluctant to make long-term purchases. It’s too early to see a trend, but spring shows signs of hope.”

(Source) Press

Tags: business center, car of the year, Chrysler, denver business, dodge challenger, dodge ram 1500, market share, mileage, retail sales, rockies, rocky mountain

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Trucks taken as a whole, would normally point towards higher spending as far as fuel consumption is concerned. They do pack in some power but a lot of that occurs due to the fact that they have the horsepower to make it happen. However, adding the new era of hybrid aims to stabilize all that as the hybrid trucks aim to hit two areas critical for daily transportation requirements today.

Hybrid pickup trucks are unique because they have exceptional fuel economy, but drive and are fueled the same way as a normal pickup truck. While they are usually more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts, from a cost-benefit analysis, experts say that it’s really not much of a premium.

Still packing a powerful punch, not only do the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups have fuel economy that’s 50% better in the city, they offer over 300 horsepower and 1,500 pounds payload — as well as 6,100 pounds of towing, so you don’t have to compromise on a full-size truck. In fact, these hybrid pickup trucks have the same mileage as many popular 4-cylinder mid-size cars. Experts say the versatile pickup truck is here to stay, as the pickup truck still represents the second largest segment of the auto market.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto market, Chevrolet, chevrolet silverado, cost benefit analysis, fuel consumption, fuel economy, GMC, gmc sierra, horsepower, hybrid pickup trucks, market source, mileage, pickup truck

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Timing belts are important and like any band of rubber, it will reach a point where you may have to change it. The best way is to follow the usual practice when your car runs a total of 50,000 KPH. Some car owners follow a lower limit but this depends on how well you are aware of your car’s maintenance issues and needs.

What happens if you don’t replace your timing belt on time?
Expect your car to suddenly stop with all the engine pistons probably bent leading to a major engine overhaul. Other than that, you may have to spend a fortune trying to have your engine repaired. Additionally, don’t expect your car to perform as smoothly as before since most of the parts are certain to be replaced but with lower quality.

Don’t overlook the importance of proper car maintenance. Just because it runs smoothly, it doesn’t follow you are free from preventive maintenance needs. Just be aware of the mileage you have driven and have your timing belt checked and replaced if needed. It is a good practice especially if your car is used daily and on long trips.

Tags: car maintenance, car owners, engine overhaul, maintenance issues, mileage, pistons, preventive maintenance, timing belt, timing belts

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Most car owners are looking for alternative source of fuel and while we have been witness to various forms of car fuel like fossil fuel and biodiesels, here is a new form of fuel and it is called LipoDiesel.

Lipodiesel is actually extracted fats from a human body, mainly from people who undergo liposuction to get rid of unwanted fats. These extracted fats have been tried by a cosmetics surgeon on his Ford Explorer and so far, it seems to be helping him fight off the dreaded fuel costs. Just imagine how 1 gallon of fat can produce a gallon of fuel. That is practically the same amount of mileage from regular diesel.

However, the legality of it all is certainly under hot water. While the patients do not mind where their excess fats, there is a U.S. law that prohibits the use of medical waste from powering vehicles.

Mail Online

Tags: biodiesels, car fuel, diesel, excess fats, Ford, ford explorer, fossil fuel, liposuction, medical waste, mileage

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