Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: California still wants EPA waiver to set emissions standards until 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/report-california-still-wants-epa-waiver-to-set-emissions-stand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/report-california-still-wants-epa-waiver-to-set-emissions-stand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/report-california-still-wants-epa-waiver-to-set-emissions-stand/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Even though President Obama's new national CAFE standards will lean on the stricter California standards for support and there was broad agreement that a national standard of this type is the way to move forward, the devilish details could still cause a disagreement or two.

Problem One is that the new CAFE rules don't start affecting new cars until the 2012 model year. Problem Two is that the whole EPA waiver thing hasn't been decided. While California will back down once the 2012 models are here, that state has announced that it still wants to be able to regulate tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions between now and then. The New York Times' Jim Motavalli explains that California doesn't see its rules for the next few years being all that tough for automakers to comply with using existing technology. The battle lines are still drawn, but they're getting a bit scuffed up.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: Mel. B under C.C. 2.0)

REPORT: California still wants EPA waiver to set emissions standards until 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEcaliforniacalifornia co2CaliforniaCo2co2corporate average Fuel econonomyCorporateAverageFuelEcononomyFri, 29 May 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Big Problems with California's CO2 Standard

Earlier this week President Obama instructed the EPA to determine whether it should grant California a waiver to set its own CO2 standards for cars. It's a hugely controversial issue, and one that's fraught with major problems for the auto industry.

First off, cars and trucks account for only 18% of total CO2 emissions in the United States. Yet it's the automotive industry that's in the cross-hairs, and California's rules are designed to "hold the automaker's feet to the fire." But even if it eliminated all automotive CO2, that still leaves 80% of other man-made sources untouched.

Besides, California's standard will merely bring the federal standard forward by four years. What's the big rush? Even more importantly, California only accounts for 1% of global CO2 emissions. So is it really fixing anything? And above all else, whatever reduction the state achieves will be immediately replenished by CO2 and other green house gasses blowing in from India, China and other points in Asia.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogautolinedetroitAutolineOnAutoblogcaliforniaco2john mcelroyJohnMcelroyFri, 30 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany joins EU in taxing CO2 emissions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/germany-joins-eu-in-taxing-co2-emissions/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/germany-joins-eu-in-taxing-co2-emissions/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/germany-joins-eu-in-taxing-co2-emissions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

European car ads are always mentioning how many grams of CO2 a car emits because more than twelve European countries tax drivers based on those emissions. Germany, home to a cadre of automakers for which CO2 parsimony is not a prime consideration, has held out from the carbon dioxide taxation scheme, until now. The leading government coalition has finally agreed on a plan to tax CO2 output.

The only problem is that it doesn't really change much of the scheme already in place, and it's hit-and-miss. This, naturally, has Germany's environmental parties calling foul, yet the nation's domestic producers like VW, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW initially gotten the government to consider lowering the taxes on gas guzzlers. In that light, the new taxation proposal could be seen as a victory, albeit a small one.

As it stands, the yearly tax will be calculated based on engine size and emissions, and smaller-engined, cleaner vehicles will pay less tax. An Opel Agila owner with a 1.2-liter engine and 120 gm/km would save €75, nearly a 40% discount from the current system. The owner of a V12 Audi Q7 wouldn't pay any more under the new regulations; however, someone buying a Mercedes GLK -- with a 3.5-liter V6, the biggest option available -- would pay 4.7% more.

The new taxing system will go into effect July 1 of this year. Although it now brings Germany into line with a majority of its European partners, if the greens have anything to say about it the issue is nowhere near being put to rest.

[Source: Der Spiegel via Automotive NewsWire]

Germany joins EU in taxing CO2 emissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2emissionsenvironmenteurogermanygovernmentgreenlegaltaxtaxationThu, 29 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Endangered Species: Europe's sportscar makers worried about the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the European Union tightening restrictions on carbon emissions, danger has been spelled out in big bright letters for the sportscar-makers we know and love. The bulk of the world's best supercar manufacturers - including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin and Porsche - reside in Europe, but while industry executives continue to campaign for exception and protection, things don't look good. There are, however, a few solutions that could keep the exotic automakers in business and unmolested.

Firstly, both automakers and lawmakers agree on the need to reduce weight, which helps neither emissions nor performance. However, weight reduction itself won't bring the supercars below the 120g/km target touted by the EU. One possible solution would be to give niche automakers an exemption, noting that the few cars they produce are rarely driven anyway. According to Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, exotic automakers like his "are representing Europe to the world" and "are a species to protect", much like an art form. That's something we car lovers can appreciate, and if it strikes a cord with the lawmakers it could help some of the smaller independent automakers like Aston Martin and Lotus, but it won't help the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, which are part of bigger auto groups Fiat and Volkswagen, respectively. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has argued that it would be unreasonable to force low-polluting little Fiats like the Panda and the 500 to bear the burden of their more polluting cousins from Ferrari and Maserati simply because they happen to be under common management.

At the end of the day, these exotic sportscars are not the big problem, though they do make easy targets. If European Union bureaucrats ignore the former and focus on the latter, Europe's most famous automakers could be legislated right out of business.

[Source: Reuters]

Endangered Species: Europe's sportscar makers worried about the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2emissionseueuropean sports carseuropean unionEuropeanSportsCarsEuropeanUnionlegislationlow volume emissions exemptionLowVolumeEmissionsExemptionniche automakersNicheAutomakersregulationsTue, 05 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari cutting CO2 output by 40%, hybrid sports car in the works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/ferrari-cutting-co2-output-by-40-hybrid-sports-car-in-the-work/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/ferrari-cutting-co2-output-by-40-hybrid-sports-car-in-the-work/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/ferrari-cutting-co2-output-by-40-hybrid-sports-car-in-the-work/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Mainstream automakers are faced with the reality of improving the efficiency and cleanliness of everyday vehicles, but companies like Porsche and Lamborghini say drastic change would effect the underlying character of their products. Ferrari apparently doesn't feel the same way, as the exotic automaker has pledged to cut emissions 40 percent by 2012. Like most other automakers, Ferrari plans on tackling its emissions problems on several fronts. It will improve the efficiency of its current powertrains, add new engines, possibly including a turbocharged V6, and bring a hybrid to market that could incorporate Ferrari's Kinetic Energy Recycling System (KERS) employed on its F1 cars, which uses a CVT connected to a flywheel that stores energy under braking. Prancing stallion president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo told a German newspaper that the hybrid Ferrari would be available around 2015. If anybody can make a hybrid supercar that is entertaining, efficient, exotic, and extremely fast, we're betting on the guys and gals over at Ferrari.

[Source: AFP]

Ferrari cutting CO2 output by 40%, hybrid sports car in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CO2emissionsFerrarifuel economyFuelEconomyhybridsMon, 07 Jul 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



How much do marketing angles play into consumer choices? The European Union apparently thinks a lot. For instance, we've recently seen all tobacco sponsorships pulled from motorsports, such as the world's most popular, Formula 1. Now it seems that automobile advertisements will be the next form of media ordered to clean up its act. Potential new rules that are currently in draft form and up for review by the College of Commissioners call for the inclusion of fuel consumption and carbon emission warnings on all vehicle advertisements, just like health warnings are included on packs of cigarettes. It is suspected that the legislation follows a previously published report that suggests 20 percent of every automobile ad should address environmental concerns. Arguments against the proposition claim that it will lead to lost revenue from decreased advertising by automakers who don't want to publicize how dirty their cars are. Would the Bugatti Veyron buyer really be swayed from his or her decision by seeing a single digit city fuel economy rating staring back from within the pages of Robb Report? We think not.

[Source: Autocar UK]

EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CO2EmissonsEUeuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUnionMPGukTue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamborghini CEO: Emissions be damned, we'll make big engines]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/lamborghini-ceo-emissions-be-damned-well-make-big-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/lamborghini-ceo-emissions-be-damned-well-make-big-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/lamborghini-ceo-emissions-be-damned-well-make-big-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

How can a company like Lamborghini be expected to adapt to tightening emissions regulations? It's a reasonable question, and according to the company's chief executive Stephan Winkelmann, it simply can't. In an interview with Automotive News, the supercar exec justifies that its production is so limited and its vehicles are so rarely driven that its overall environmental impact is negligible. As such, Lamborghini will not be switching to downsized engines, like Ferrari has been discussing.

Winkelmann also reiterated that Lamborghini is not interested in significantly boosting production, or in developing SUVs or four-seaters. Business as usual, then, for the Raging Bull, and you know what that means: powerful, loud, exotic supercars that you can't get your hands on... and hopefully, neither will the bureaucrats.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Lamborghini CEO: Emissions be damned, we'll make big engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2emissionslamborghinilamborghini co2 emissionsLamborghiniCo2Emissionsstephan winkelmannStephanWinkelmannTue, 27 May 2008 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada plans new fuel economy standards at least as good as U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/canada-plans-new-fuel-economy-standards-at-least-as-good-as-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/canada-plans-new-fuel-economy-standards-at-least-as-good-as-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/canada-plans-new-fuel-economy-standards-at-least-as-good-as-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Canada's response to America's latest energy legislation and CAFE standards: a resounding "Meh, whatever. Call us when you're serious." The land of the maple leaf has declared that the new U.S. standards simply don't go far enough. Said the nation's transport minister, "We welcome the U.S. goal, but are committed to developing made-in-Canada standards that achieve - at minimum - that same target in Canada."

What kind of goal do they have in mind? Well... they haven't really said. But there will be a 60-day consultation period while the government holds pow wows with various groups, clans and businesses, and then they will come up with... something... that will take effect for the 2011 model year. No word on whether Dick Cheney has been invited to attend the sessions.

Of course, no announcement that "Those guys didn't do enough, so we're going to do it right" would be complete without fifteen follow-up announcements claiming that "You guys aren't doing enough, either!" Quebec, which is already playing the role of Canada's California in trying to set emissions rules that are more stringent than federal standards, has said "setting fuel efficiency standards alone doesn't go far enough." The Sierra Club says the delay to implementing the new rules -- to 2011, mind you -- is still too long. And the auto industry is saying that if you want it, fine, but you're going to pay for it. It looks like the quest for the greenest mile is going to bring quite a bit of heat to the frozen north.

[Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corp]

Canada plans new fuel economy standards at least as good as U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecanadaco2emissionsenvironmenthybridsquebecThu, 17 Jan 2008 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[CONFIRMED: Ferrari considering twin-turbo V8 for next Enzo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/more-evidence-ferrari-is-considering-twin-turbo-v8-for-next-enzo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/more-evidence-ferrari-is-considering-twin-turbo-v8-for-next-enzo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/more-evidence-ferrari-is-considering-twin-turbo-v8-for-next-enzo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ferrari is looking to decrease its carbon footprint by 40% in time for stringent new European CO2 laws that come into effect in 2012, and even the Enzo replacement could receive a downsizing. We broke the news a couple months back about Ferrari looking into a twin-turbo V8 to replace the Enzo's 6.0L V12 powerplant, and Ferrari technical director Robert Fedeli told AutoWeek that the Italian automaker is developing both a V8 and a V12 to cover its exotic options.

The Italian automaker states that it is not interested in advancing the power wars, and that driving dynamics will take precedence over brute force. If our sources were right about the new force-fed V8 pumping 900 horses at the drivetrain, then we would be all for a four-cylinder diet for the top-end Ferrari. If Ferrari manages to keep the weight to 2,200 lbs. using technology hinted at with the FXX Mille Chile concept, then even the vaunted Veyron could have more competition than it can handle. Lets just hope featherlight weight and 900 HP comes with driving lessons, because otherwise we'll be doing a lot more Ferrari crash posts come 2012.

[Source: Auto Week via Winding Road]

CONFIRMED: Ferrari considering twin-turbo V8 for next Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>900 hp900HpCO2enzoFerrariFXX Mille ChileFxxMilleChileItalian supercarItalianSupercartwin-turbo V8Twin-turboV8Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VW & DaimlerChrysler put out more CO2 than last year... kind of]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/21/vw-and-daimlerchrysler-put-out-more-co2-than-last-year-kind-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/21/vw-and-daimlerchrysler-put-out-more-co2-than-last-year-kind-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/21/vw-and-daimlerchrysler-put-out-more-co2-than-last-year-kind-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In 1998, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association said that in ten years it wanted cars to put out 140g of CO2 per kilometer. According to the latest report from Transport & Environment, a "green pressure group" according to the BBC, only two makers are close to that, and two out of three German car makers have raised their fleet CO2 levels since 1998.

Along with Suzuki, VW and DaimlerChrysler were the only two automakers in the survey not to have lowered their fleet CO2 levels. BMW lowered its CO2 emissions by 2.5-percent to 184 g(CO2)/km, but VW's increased by .9-percent and DaimlerChrysler's rose by 2.80-percent. Yet even though VW increased its emissions, it is still the best performing German manufacturer, with a fleet average of just 166 g(CO2)/km.

PSA/Citroen is the closest to the target, with a CO2 rating of 142 g/km, followed by Fiat at 144 g/km. For the full report and methodology, click here. And for those of you interested, GM and Ford fall in line just behind Honda, and before VW.

Thanks for the tip, John P!

[Source: BBC.com]

VW & DaimlerChrysler put out more CO2 than last year... kind of originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2co2 emissionsCo2EmissionsemissionenvironmentWed, 21 Nov 2007 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Are Audi's plans for world domination too big?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/are-audis-plans-for-world-domination-too-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/are-audis-plans-for-world-domination-too-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/are-audis-plans-for-world-domination-too-big/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems like every carmaker has set themselves the goal of world domination. Toyota's internal master-plan memos leaked out, and then there's BMW nipping right along with lofty goals, too. Here comes Audi, deciding that they'd really like to sell 200,000 vehicles in the US market by 2010. While BMW is the current premium brand champ, Audi thinks it's got the moxie to claim that spot. Audi's perhaps got a case of inflated self-esteem if they think they're going to come out on top, especially considering that competitors are also projecting gains. Taken together, automakers have set out goals for growth that are more ambitious than what the market's likely to do.

Nobody will argue that Audi makes high-performing cars packed with high levels of technology and class-leading appointments. When the conversation takes on a green tinge, however, Ingolstadt seemingly falls short. Audis have been packing on the muscle and the weight, while BMW's been at work discovering ways to decrease carbon emissions and innovate in the name of fuel efficiency. Audi fires back, citing their fleet's CO2 emissions which are lower than Mercedes or BMW, with more tech to come. Tweaked engines, hybrid and alternative-fuel powertrains, and fuel-saving techniques like stop/start and brake regeneration are all coming to the Audi range soon. In the race for the top, someone will inevitably end up on the bottom. Audi just hopes that they can claw up that slope, Quattro-like.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Are Audi's plans for world domination too big? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audico2fuel efficiencyfuel efficientFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientgreenhybridsalesstart stopStartStopFri, 16 Nov 2007 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Car</i> drives start-stop equipped MINI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/i-car-i-drives-start-stop-equipped-mini/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/i-car-i-drives-start-stop-equipped-mini/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/i-car-i-drives-start-stop-equipped-mini/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Car magazine has test driven the new MINI Cooper 1.6 with BMW's start/stop technology and likes it a lot. The system on the manual transmission car requires you to put the car in neutral when you come to a stop in order for it to work, which does seem a bit funky to us -- we don't know anyone who puts their car in neutral every time they stop at a light. However, once you learn to do that, you'll get all the benefits of having left your engine running, and you'll increase your fuel economy by about 9%.

The system also only kicks in once the car is up to full operating temperature. If you wish to turn it off (and keep the engine running at all times) there's a button near the gear lever. The MINI also benefits from having an alternator that only charges the battery when necessary, and a light indicator telling the driver when to shift up.

Performance-wise, driven with ultimate economy, the MINI matched Prius CO2 emissions and got -- count 'em -- 74 mpg. Assuming Car uses the Imperial MPG metric, that converts to a still impressive 61 mpg in our U.S. cycle. The zippier Cooper S turned in 46 mpg, or 38 mpg in using the U.S. metric. Even accounting for a drop in real-world mileage, those are still impressive numbers. This is the system that BMW is going to introduce across its entire range, and so far, it's an auspicious beginning.

[Source: Car]

Car drives start-stop equipped MINI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwco2dieselemissionsministart/stopTue, 04 Sep 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[EU blinks regarding blanket CO2 standard for automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/08/eu-blinks-regardin-blanket-co2-standard-for-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/08/eu-blinks-regardin-blanket-co2-standard-for-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/08/eu-blinks-regardin-blanket-co2-standard-for-automakers/#commentsFiled under: ,

It looks as if the (very) heavy pressure coming from Germany with regard to the EU's proposed legislation to limit fleetwide automaker CO2 emissions is having an effect. Earlier drafts set a 130 g/km ceiling, which would seriously impact German automakers like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, all of which rely on the powerful vehicles in their product portfolios to make money. In new drafts, the flat limit has been replaced by a tiered approach favored by the Germans (Porsche specifically mentioned this alternative in its press release countering the silly Greenpeace protest in Zuffenhausen).

The alternate approach would set aggressive CO2 limits that would factor the car's weight into the final number. This is similar to what's done in Japan, and if adopted, might even hasten the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover. One of the reported holdups in that saga has been prospective buyer One Equity Partners LLC's concern over how new EU CO2 rules would impact the brands.

Until legislation passes, everything is subject to change, and there are people like MEP Chris Davies to contend with. Davies, you may remember, is the politician whose ridiculously overzealous, anti-car proposals include a ban on vehicles capable of going more than 100mph.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

EU blinks regarding blanket CO2 standard for automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris daviesChrisDaviesco2emissionsemissions capemissions regsEmissionsCapEmissionsRegsgerman automakersGermanAutomakersWed, 08 Aug 2007 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Breathe easy: British website lists low CO2 emitters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/breathe-easy-british-website-lists-low-co2-emitters/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/breathe-easy-british-website-lists-low-co2-emitters/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/breathe-easy-british-website-lists-low-co2-emitters/#commentsFiled under: , ,



British buyers have been able to glance quickly at their color coded environmental labels since 2005, a convenient way to assess the footprint they'll be leaving on things green or furry. Now buyers can head to the Department for Transport's website, and the DfT's ACT on CO2 program will provide a list of the top 10 cars in 14 different categories for low CO2 emissions. Providing this information in an accessible manner has the potential to spur drivers to purchase more fuel-efficient (and thus more CO2 efficient) vehicles. The categories were laid out by What Car? and the rankings were created using data from the Vehicle Certification Agency, which conducts the official emissions tests for the DfT. The website can be found here.

[Source: DfT via autoindustry.co.uk]

Breathe easy: British website lists low CO2 emitters originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincarbonco2dioxideenglandenvironmentfootprintukThu, 02 Aug 2007 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche Cayenne, Panamera getting hybrid power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/porsche-cayenne-panamera-getting-hybrid-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/porsche-cayenne-panamera-getting-hybrid-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/porsche-cayenne-panamera-getting-hybrid-power/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automakers and legislators in Europe are tightening the screws on CO2 emissions, and Porsche may turn to hybrid powertrains for the Cayenne and Panamera to meet a proposed 130 gram per kilometer limit. Bosch and Audi are reported partners in the effort to bring a gasoline/electric system to the Cayenne before 2010, with the Panamera falling in line, as well. While hybrid technology is typically used to boost fuel economy, the V8 and large vehicle size of the Porsche models are anathema to the studied aero shape of the Insight or Prius, and we doubt that Porsche has misgivings about the unbelievably strong torque delivery of an electric motor. You'll still be able to rocket around in your Wessiach thumper, but Porsche has got its eye on that 130g/kg CO2 target. If it becomes mandatory, the hybrid powertrain is a good hedge at being ready. In the meantime, Porsche is promoting a percentage reduction in CO2, rather than a blanket number for all vehicles.

[Source: Car]

Porsche Cayenne, Panamera getting hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon dioxideCarbonDioxidecayenneco2emissionseuropegreenhybridpanameraporscheturboMon, 02 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen has been down this road before with the Jetta Trek back in the late '90s. This time, though, they're putting a green spin on it. Lime, to be exact. Chi-town Volkswagen dealers are giving buyers a bicycle and roof rack for the next month. The premise is that the dealer will encourage you to take your bike on quick, short-distance jaunts. Not driving a car at all by riding a bike is super effective at reducing fuel consumption, gridlock, and CO2 emissions. Biking is also way cheaper than exotic technological solutions; plus, you'll get some exercise, which is hard to come by in stop and go traffic. The cycle is still a Trek, dubbed the Lime, which is one of their newest models and has a three speed automatic transmission that automatically changes gears for you, in the hopes that you'll find it a more enjoyable way to ride. We'd probably hate it. It really is a great, simple solution that could work for a lot of folks. We know this is Autoblog, and this has turned into a bicycular love-fest, but we have to applaud the marketing stunt as an elegant (if gimmicky) way of focusing on our vast appetite for fuel.

[Source: VW via AutoblogGreen]

Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikecarbonchicagoco2cycledealerfreefuelgreenrabbittrekvolkswagenvwWed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[They want more: CA petitions to raise automaker fleet standard to 40 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/they-want-more-ca-petitions-to-raise-automaker-fleet-standard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/they-want-more-ca-petitions-to-raise-automaker-fleet-standard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/they-want-more-ca-petitions-to-raise-automaker-fleet-standard-t/#commentsFiled under:

Depending on your viewpoint, California is trying to make the world better for people everywhere, or trying to kill all the joy of automobiles and perhaps the entire domestic auto industry. In 2004, California adopted a requirement declaring that automakers reduce their fleets' CO2 emissions from September 2008, which would begin the 2009 model year. The first year's cut would be 1-2%, culminating in 2016 with a 24-36% reduction from the amount of 2002 CO2 levels. Eleven states have followed California's lead, but in order for the requirement to go into effect, California has to be granted a waiver for federal permission from the EPA.

The state of Vermont, which adopted California's stance, was sued last month by GM and a collection of auto industry partners. A verdict is still awaited. In that trial, it was said that in order to achieve that CO2 reduction, average mpg would need to be 43.1 in 2016. The cost to automakers would be billions upon billions. Chrysler has said it could only sell Smarts in states with the measure. GM said it could stop selling cars entirely in those states. There's howling on all sides, and it appears every side will not rest until it gains complete victory. Senators, meanwhile, are busy trying to protect their constituents and assuage voters with their own alternatives.

In 40 years, the EPA has never declined a waiver. If it approves California's request, six or so additional states are expected to adopt the same measures.

[Source: Detroit News]

They want more: CA petitions to raise automaker fleet standard to 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaco2epatailpipevermontWed, 23 May 2007 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris Preview: methane-powered Fiats]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/paris-preview-methane-powered-fiats/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/paris-preview-methane-powered-fiats/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/paris-preview-methane-powered-fiats/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


In addition to the higher-output Panda Sport, Fiat will be showing two new methane-powered vehicles at the Paris show at the end of the month. Over the past year, across Europe, Fiat has sold 24,000 methane-powered cars; the major advantage being reduced CO2 emissions.

The rather oddly-named Panda Panda (shown) is a flexible-fuel vehicle that can run on either methane or conventional gasoline, going on sale in Italy beginning January. Using the floor-plan from the four-wheel-drive Panda but driving only through the front wheels, the supplemental methane tanks are placed where the 4WD mechanicals would be, giving the Panda Panda the bonus of increased range.

The Multipla Multi-eco concept, meanwhile, runs on methane, gasoline or E85 bioethanol. Like the Panda Panda, the methane is stored in separate tanks, while the main tank takes either gas or bioethanol, leaving the ECU to switch modes automatically according to the fuel used.

We're still waiting for our flying DeLorean that runs on either plutonium or garbage, with a flux capacitor pumping out 1.21 gigawatts!

(More pics of the Panda Panda after the jump.)

[Sources: Fiat, Autocar]

Continue reading Paris Preview: methane-powered Fiats

Paris Preview: methane-powered Fiats originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Sep 2006 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelAlternativeFuelbioethanolco2emissionsfiathybridmethanemultiplamutli-ecopandapanda pandaPandaPandaparisSun, 17 Sep 2006 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Supreme Court to consider government's role in CO2 regulation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/u-s-supreme-court-to-consider-governments-role-in-co2-regulati/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/u-s-supreme-court-to-consider-governments-role-in-co2-regulati/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/u-s-supreme-court-to-consider-governments-role-in-co2-regulati/#commentsFiled under:

The Supreme Court announced Monday that it has agreed to hear an appeal filed by a number of states, cities and environmental groups hoping to force the federal government to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains that it cannot regulate CO2 emissions because the Clean Air Act does not give it the authority to do so. An appeals court ruling last year upheld the EPA position.

The appeal involves Baltimore, New York City and Washington, D.C., along with California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. The group's request for a Supreme Court ruling was opposed by the Bush administration, ten other states and a group representing electricity generating companies.

The case will be heard later this year.

[Source: Reuters]

U.S. Supreme Court to consider government's role in CO2 regulation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto emissionscarbon dioxideco2emissionsenvironmental protection agencyepagreenhouse gassupreme courttailpipe emissionsMon, 26 Jun 2006 14:36:00 EST