Recent Comments:
Toyota VP: we'll sell nothing but hybrids by 2020 {Autoblog Green}
May 11th 2007 1:38PM Can't we get over the "hybrid hype"? Unless fuel economy is dramatically improved - it doesn't matter if the car is a hybrid or not. A fleet of hybrid Hummers (or Tundra Crew Max's) doesn't mean much. The Geo Metro got 50+ mpg a decade ago...
Freedom from Oil strikes again in New York {Autoblog Green}
Apr 6th 2007 8:09PM Toyota - get real. Explain how you are changing the climate for the better? What is your net C02 balance? Net energy usage?
You can manipulate words (I believe Honda has a higher CAFE rating than you - sorry if you don't consider them "full line" - but they ARE a major automaker) - but stating you are changing the climate for the better is an outright lie. You may be able to argue that in some ways you aren't doing as bad as say, oh, Ford. But not being the worst doesn't mean you are good...
-Matt
Freedom from Oil strikes again in New York {Autoblog Green}
Apr 6th 2007 2:53AM Actually, a quick search on Google News shows several dozen news outlets that covered it. WNYC, Edmunds, Autochannel, Gothamist, Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg and covered the story. It also went out on the AP wire and was carried in Forbes, Business Week, MSN Money, International Herald Tribune, Detroit News, ABC Money and many more.
I think this action really reflected the true greenwash automakers are espousing on climate change. First automakers deny climate change is happening. Then they spend millions fighting lawsuits trying to prevent greenhouse gas regulations. They cry at when the feds propose very modest increases in fuel economy (the same cry they made when CAFE started in the 70's)
Then they lose a big one at the Supreme Court, and start trying to equate breathing with the hundreds of millions of tons of pollutants and greenhouse gasses their cars spew. Then they try to hide the evidence Vermont by asking the judge to not make emissions data public in the lawsuit THEY are waging against the state.
It's time they bit the bullet and take responsibility for their predicament. Their reliance on gas guzzlers was their choice, and it's harming all of us. Fuel economy will benefit everyone, and the planet doesn't have time to wait...
Fewer coal plants in Texas as a result of environmental groups and a buyout offer {Autoblog Green}
Feb 27th 2007 7:56PM 3 new coal power plants is still 3 too many. Not all the environmental groups fighting TXU are happy with the deal - especially folks in Texas who are the ones that will still face the 22 million tons of greenhouse gasses that the 3 remaining plants will emit annually.
There is a new solar bill about to be introduced into Texas, as well as plans for extensive development of wind generation across the panhandle. Our energy needs can be met through smart energy management, a commitment to efficiency, and with the prioritization of clean, renewable energy sources. It's time to put the final nail in the coffin of coal...
GM opens alternative fuel exhibit at Disney Epcot {Autoblog Green}
Jan 11th 2007 2:06PM Greenwashing anyone?
If they want to be seen as the environmental leader in the industry - they should commit to leading the industry in fuel economy, stop litigating and lobbying against environmental regulations and increases in fuel economy, and commit to target dates to have their green concept cars actually in the public's hands...
-Matt
Detroit Auto Show: A conversation with Ed Peper {Autoblog}
Jan 11th 2007 1:50PM It's great to see a major automaker finally moving forward on what small companies have been proving possible for several years (see Energy CS, CalCars and HyMotion). But while the announcement is exciting, GM still isn't giving any solid timeline on WHEN we can see these cars on the road or HOW MANY cars are actually going to be produced - at best they say 3-4 years if the battery technology is available. There is a demand for plug-in hybrids NOW - there are hundreds of cities, counties, utility districts and fleets already placing "soft orders" for such vehicles. Such early-adopters of these vehicles would provide test markets for GM to refine the technology and build public confidence and interest in these cars.
I have to admit I'm a little concerned that they will use the announcement of these concept cars more to clean up their image than clean up their product line. There is a lot GM can do between now and when we may see these concept vehicles actually on the road.
We all know increasing fuel efficiency is the direction automakers need to head – so let’s get past the hype of a handful of concept vehicles and look at what they are doing with the rest of their fleet.
Overall average fuel economy from the Big 6 is worse today that it was 10 years ago and GM is still heavily dependent on its gas guzzling truck lines. In addition to that they are still fighting tooth-and-nail against increasing fuel economy regulations, suing states that try to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and in December argued before the Supreme Court that carbon from tailpipe emissions was not even a pollutant. GM is still planning to expand their Hummer line to become 25% of their overall sales. Consumers still have limited options to find fuel-efficient cars that are affordable, well-built, and fun to drive. There are plenty of things automakers can do today to increase fuel economy – and I'm tired of being shown distracting concept cars that we won't see for 3-4 years if ever.
I've been working with the Freedom From Oil Campaign to make automakers honestly prioritize fuel economy and move beyond oil – check out what we do at
http://www.FreedomFromOil.org
Detroit Auto Show: It's here. GM's plug-in hybrid is the Chevy Volt Concept {Autoblog Green}
Jan 8th 2007 3:58PM It's great to see a major automaker finally moving forward on what small companies have been proving possible for several years (see Energy CS, CalCars and HyMotion). But while the announcement is exciting, GM still isn't giving any solid timeline on WHEN we can see these cars on the road or HOW MANY cars are actually going to be produced - at best they say 3-4 years if the battery technology is available. There is a demand for plug-in hybrids NOW - there are hundreds of cities, counties, utility districts and fleets already placing "soft orders" for such vehicles. Such early-adopters of these vehicles would provide test markets for GM to refine the technology and build public confidence and interest in these cars.
I have to admit I'm a little concerned that they will use the announcement of these concept cars more to clean up their image than clean up their product line. There is a lot GM can do between now and when we may see these concept vehicles actually on the road.
We all know increasing fuel efficiency is the direction automakers need to head – so let’s get past the hype of a handful of concept vehicles and look at what they are doing with the rest of their fleet. Overall average fuel economy from the Big 6 is worse today that it was 10 years ago and GM is still heavily dependent on its gas guzzling truck lines. In addition to that they are still fighting tooth-and-nail against increasing fuel economy regulations, suing states that try to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and in December argued before the Supreme Court that carbon from tailpipe emissions was not even a pollutant. GM is still planning to expand their Hummer line to become 25% of their overall sales. Consumers still have limited options to find fuel-efficient cars that are affordable, well-built, and fun to drive. There are plenty of things automakers can do today to increase fuel economy – and I'm tired of being shown distracting concept cars that we won't see for 3-4 years if ever.
I've been working with the Freedom From Oil Campaign to make automakers honestly prioritize fuel economy and move beyond oil – check out what we do at http://www.FreedomFromOil.org
Detroit Auto Show: General Motors' E-Flex platform {Autoblog Green}
Jan 8th 2007 3:58PM It's great to see a major automaker finally moving forward on what small companies have been proving possible for several years (see Energy CS, CalCars and HyMotion). But while the announcement is exciting, GM still isn't giving any solid timeline on WHEN we can see these cars on the road or HOW MANY cars are actually going to be produced - at best they say 3-4 years if the battery technology is available. There is a demand for plug-in hybrids NOW - there are hundreds of cities, counties, utility districts and fleets already placing "soft orders" for such vehicles. Such early-adopters of these vehicles would provide test markets for GM to refine the technology and build public confidence and interest in these cars.
I have to admit I'm a little concerned that they will use the announcement of these concept cars more to clean up their image than clean up their product line. There is a lot GM can do between now and when we may see these concept vehicles actually on the road.
We all know increasing fuel efficiency is the direction automakers need to head – so let’s get past the hype of a handful of concept vehicles and look at what they are doing with the rest of their fleet. Overall average fuel economy from the Big 6 is worse today that it was 10 years ago and GM is still heavily dependent on its gas guzzling truck lines. In addition to that they are still fighting tooth-and-nail against increasing fuel economy regulations, suing states that try to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and in December argued before the Supreme Court that carbon from tailpipe emissions was not even a pollutant. GM is still planning to expand their Hummer line to become 25% of their overall sales. Consumers still have limited options to find fuel-efficient cars that are affordable, well-built, and fun to drive. There are plenty of things automakers can do today to increase fuel economy – and I'm tired of being shown distracting concept cars that we won't see for 3-4 years if ever.
I've been working with the Freedom From Oil Campaign to make automakers honestly prioritize fuel economy and move beyond oil – check out what we do at http://www.FreedomFromOil.org
Detroit Auto Show: It's here. GM's plug-in hybrid is the Chevy Volt Concept {Autoblog Green}
Jan 8th 2007 3:36PM It's great to see a major automaker finally moving forward on what small companies have been proving possible for several years (see Energy CS, CalCars and HyMotion). But while the announcement is exciting, GM still isn't giving any solid timeline on WHEN we can see these cars on the road or HOW MANY cars are actually going to be produced - at best they say 3-4 years if the battery technology is available. There is a demand for plug-in hybrids NOW - there are hundreds of cities, counties, utility districts and fleets already placing "soft orders" for such vehicles. Such early-adopters of these vehicles would provide test markets for GM to refine the technology and build public confidence and interest in these cars.
I have to admit I'm a little concerned that they will use the announcement of these concept cars more to clean up their image than clean up their product line. There is a lot GM can do between now and when we may see these concept vehicles actually on the road.
We all know increasing fuel efficiency is the direction automakers need to head – so let’s get past the hype of a handful of concept vehicles and look at what they are doing with the rest of their fleet. Overall average fuel economy from the Big 6 is worse today that it was 10 years ago and GM is still heavily dependent on its gas guzzling truck lines. In addition to that they are still fighting tooth-and-nail against increasing fuel economy regulations, suing states that try to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and in December argued before the Supreme Court that carbon from tailpipe emissions was not even a pollutant. GM is still planning to expand their Hummer line to become 25% of their overall sales. Consumers still have limited options to find fuel-efficient cars that are affordable, well-built, and fun to drive. There are plenty of things automakers can do today to increase fuel economy – and I'm tired of being shown distracting concept cars that we won't see for 3-4 years if ever.
I've been working with the Freedom From Oil Campaign to make automakers honestly prioritize fuel economy and move beyond oil – check out what we do at http://www.FreedomFromOil.org
