Autoblog

Is Chevrolet readying a CNG-powered Impala?

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet, Specialty

When it comes to fleet vehicles, the Chevrolet Impala definitely plays an important role for General Motors, and it looks like GM is hard at work developing the next-gen Impala for bulk-buying businesses. The Motoring Journal recently spotted a handful of Impalas testing in Colorado with minor camouflage, but upon closer inspection, these appear to be test mules for a new compressed natural gas (CNG) model - a powertrain combination far more likely to find favor with fleet buyers than everyday consumers.

Aside from the obvious "CNG" stickers affixed to the decklid, these cars also have different exhaust outlets than what we saw on the V6-equipped Impalas during our first drive of the sedan back in March. Images also show under the hood with a different engine cover and plenty of exposed wiring as the CNG system continues testing. There was also an electrical connector poking out of the front fascia, and at least one of the sedans had a receiver-style trailer hitch.

During the launch of the 2014 Impala, Chevrolet said that it is looking to flip the current fleet-to-retail from 70:30 to a more profitable and resale-friendly 30:70 ratio, and this new CNG Impala could be a good way to retain some of that 30-percent fleet business. We reached out to GM for word on when a CNG Impala might arrive, and received this response:

We do offer a CNG van and a bi-fuel pickup truck, but still studying the demand for CNG powered passenger cars. Infrastructure is a consideration for anyone buying these types of vehicles. Unfortunately, there's nothing to announce today on this front.

Our best guess is that it could debut for the 2015 model year, since the ninth-generation model is carrying over for fleet-only sales as the 2014 Impala Limited.

Is Chevrolet readying a CNG-powered Impala? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 G-Tron offers big range, few emissions

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

Audi is exploring a variety of sustainable transportation technologies beyond the traditional diesel, hybrid, plug-in and electric options, including the compressed natural gas A3 Sportback G-Tron that debuted today at the Geneva Motor Show.

The most interesting thing about this rather innocuous-looking A3 Sportback is that when run on Audi e-gas, the car becomes completely carbon neutral, emitting no more CO2 than was chemically input in this special fuel's production. Audi has already broken ground on a new plant - powered by renewable energy, of course - that uses electrolysis to produce e-gas, which could then be made available through any natural gas distribution network.

A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine burns the e-gas, or any garden variety CNG, for 110 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, but the real story lies in the machine's natural gas tanks. The two light-weight composite vessels weigh in at just under 60 pounds each and can store a shave over 30 pounds of fuel combined and 2,900 psi. The tanks are made from a four-layer composite comprised of a gas-impermeable polyamide polymer, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, glass fiber reinforced polymer and a high-strength epoxy resin.

The A3 Sportback G-Tron also features a new gas regulator to keep the fuel at the correct pressure for any given engine speed. If the tank pressure falls below 145 psi, the engine automatically and seamlessly switches over to gasoline operation. With its two on-board fuel sources, the five-door offers a bladder-busting range of approximately 807 miles.

Continue reading Audi A3 G-Tron offers big range, few emissions

Audi A3 G-Tron offers big range, few emissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi unveils A3 Sportback G-Tron with bi-fuel power, 808-mile range

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hatchback, Audi

By this time next year, the Audi A3 Sportback will be offered with a variety fuel-efficient powertrains ranging from diesel to the all-electric E-Tron, but perhaps the most interesting is the all-new G-Tron model, which uses Audi's innovative carbon-natural compressed natural gas called e-gas. Previously called A3 TCNG, we first heard about this technology last year, but now Audi has confirmed that this low-emission, sustainable-fuel will debut by the end of this year on the A3 Sportback G-Tron.

To create this e-gas, a plant in Werlte, Germany uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. As hydrogen fuel cell vehicles become more popular, Audi says that this process could also be used to produce hydrogen fuel, but to create CNG, it mixes the hydrogen with carbon dioxide to create "synthetic methane." Since it is identical to the CNG available today, Audi's e-gas can be shipped and stored using the existing CNG infrastructure. Making the whole process even greener, Audi obtains the CO2 for this process from a nearby biogas plant, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

Differentiated from the regular versions of the A3, the G-Tron features a pair of tanks under the rear cargo floor holding 15.43 pounds of CNG, which can power the car for almost 250 miles. What's more, the A3's conventional gasoline tank is still in place, giving the car an addition 560 miles of range. In total, that means the A3 G-Tron has a driving range of more than 800 miles. To run on both CNG and gas, Audi made changes to the car's 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (including the turbo, cylinder head and fuel injection system) and catalytic converter.

It isn't clear how many G-Tron models Audi is planning to build, but the press release posted below says that its e-gas plant can provide enough fuel for 1,500 cars to travel about 9,300 miles (15,000 kilometers) per year.

Continue reading Audi unveils A3 Sportback G-Tron with bi-fuel power, 808-mile range

Audi unveils A3 Sportback G-Tron with bi-fuel power, 808-mile range originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch this man's natural-gas pickup explode as he refuels it

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Middle East

We've reported before on the proliferation of natural-gas powered vehicles in the heavily oil-sanctioned state of Iran. Now we've got some further very dramatic circumstantial evidence that not all of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles are as safe as their Iranian owners would hope.

It's hard to say just what caused the violent ending in this pickup refilling video - a KTLA rebroadcast from an unidentified news source - but the result is terrifying. In light of this catastrophic clip, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that CNG vehicles have an excellent safety record here in the US. Follow on below to watch the video clip.

Continue reading Watch this man's natural-gas pickup explode as he refuels it

Watch this man's natural-gas pickup explode as he refuels it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iran invests heavily in natural gas cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Middle East

A report in the Financial Times says that in Iran in 2006 there were 1,500 dual-fuel cars - those that can run on gasoline and on natural gas. In only seven years that number has climbed to 2.95 million. To serve them, where there were once just 60 refilling stations there are now 2,500. The switch to the alternative fuel has well publicized causes, namely the oil and financial sanctions enacted against Iran due to its nuclear research programs.

The sanctions have driven down government revenue - a recent report says government income is down by 45 percent in the last nine months due to reduced oil exports, which the Iranian government immediately refuted - as well as the value of the local currency, the rial, making it more expensive to purchase gasoline. The FT article quoted one Iranian saying that whereas 20 liters of fuel cost him $10.80, filling his tank twice a day with natural gas only cost a total of $6.50.

The move to natural gas isn't exactly new, with a program put in place a decade ago to bolster its use. Five years ago the program was given an additional $3 billion to accelerate the transition, the same year that another round of sanctions was approved by the United Nations. The move away from petrol use helps keep consumption down, staving off a full-blown gasoline emergency - Iran has huge oil and natural gas reserves, but it needs to keep gasoline demand in line with its domestic processing capacity since the sanctions also cover the importation of petrol.

With Iran seemingly committed to enduring the current sanctions and the potential of more, the FT piece figures natural gas will continue to play an important role in Iran's economy. That might be expected even if sanctions were to go away: Iran's fuel shift means that the country of 80 million now has more natural-gas-powered cars than any other country in the world, topping natural gas powerhouse Brazil and population powerhouse India.

Iran invests heavily in natural gas cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi A3 Sportback e-Gas Project shows off carbon-neutral fuel

Zach Bowman — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

Audi has revealed its 2013 A3 Sportback in Munich ahead of the model's official debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this week, and Autoblog was on hand for the early unveiling. Like its three-door cousin, the third-generation five-door wears subtly evolved styling inside and out as well as a longer wheelbase, more interior room and a commendable weight savings of around 198 pounds over its predecessor. This particular model wears the line's optional LED headlamps and features a bi-fuel powertrain as part of the Audi e-Gas project. The exercise uses electrolysis to generate hydrogen, which is then combined with carbon dioxide to create methane, or natural gas. The result is what Audi is calling a "carbon-neutral" fuel.

Since compressed natural gas stations can be few and far between, however, the A3 also makes use of a 13-gallon gasoline tank to help give the machine an effective range of around 745 miles. The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine features injectors for both natural gas and gasoline and can seamlessly switch between the two fuels while driving. After perusing our high-res image gallery, you can take a look at the full press release on the 2013 Audi A3 Sportback below.

Continue reading 2013 Audi A3 Sportback e-Gas Project shows off carbon-neutral fuel

2013 Audi A3 Sportback e-Gas Project shows off carbon-neutral fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNG tank explodes while owner fills up

Zach Bowman — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Videos, Middle East

A driver in Iran recently had a scare when his car exploded at a filling station. Details are scarce surrounding the video below, but from what we can discern, the driver of the white Iran Khodo Samand backed into the station and the attendant began filling his tank. When the driver and popped the trunk for a look inside, the vehicle exploded, knocking him to the ground. From the looks of things, neither the driver, the attendant nor the two individuals standing on the other side of the island were injured in the incident.

It's unclear what exactly caused the car to erupt, though there's some indication the accident could have been initiated by a faulty compressed natural gas tank. Take a look at the video below for yourself to see if you can figure out exactly what happened.

Continue reading CNG tank explodes while owner fills up

CNG tank explodes while owner fills up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Etc., Technology, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors has released pricing for the bi-fuel option for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD, and it's a pill that probably won't go down easy. Buyers who want their workhorses to suck down either compressed natural gas (CNG) or gasoline can look forward to ponying up $11,000 for the pleasure. That big chunk of change adds a Type 3 tank in the bed for CNG, and GM says that with both fuels, the trucks will have an effective range of 650 miles. The bi-fuel option is available on any heavy-duty truck configuration, including four-wheel drive and extended cab models.

The automaker says the bi-fuel trucks are a way for business owners to safeguard themselves against volatile gas prices, and that the option could save anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 over the course of three years depending on fuel fluctuations. However, any option on a work truck that only might break even in three or four years seems like a tough sell in our book, especially given the reduction in useable bed area. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as a quick video.

Continue reading Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video]

Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White House annouces $4.7B effort for advanced-technology vehicles, including EV Everywhere

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Electric

It's a big week for compressed natural gas vehicles, thanks to President Obama's announcement today that his administration wants to increase federal support for CNG automobiles by introducing a tax credit similar to the one in place for plug-in vehicles. Plug-in vehicles, too, could get a big boost - and a double-whammy at that - with the current tax credit exchanged for a point-of-sale rebate and an increase in the maximum value from $7,500 to $10,000. The President made the announcement today at a Daimler Trucks North America plant in North Carolina.

The White House is proposing spending $3.7 billion on the the tax credits and another $1 billion that would go directly to 10 or 15 communities through a "Race to the Top" challenge that
will allow the local governments "to invest in the necessary infrastructure, remove the regulatory barriers, and create the local incentives to support deployment of advanced vehicles at critical mass." This challenge is "fuel neutral" and thus allows "communities to determine if electrification, natural gas, or other alternative fuels would be the best fit."

The White House also announced a new "EV Everywhere" plan, which it described as, "a clean energy grand challenge to make electric-powered vehicles as affordable and convenient as gasoline-powered vehicles for the average American family within a decade." The White House says driving electric will save the average driver $100 a month, which will be much more valuable when the upfront cost of an EV drops and more people can afford one. To this end, EV Everywhere "will invest in breakthrough R&D for advanced batteries, electric drivetrain technologies, lightweight vehicle structures, and fast charging technology."

As the President said in North Carolina today:

Here is the truth. If we are going to control our energy future, then we've got to have an all-of-the-above strategy. We've got to develop every source of American energy - not just oil and gas, but wind power and solar power, nuclear power, biofuels. We need to invest in the technology that will help us use less oil in our cars and our trucks, in our buildings, in our factories. That's the only solution to the challenge. Because as we start using less, that lowers the demand, prices come down. It's pretty straightforward. That's the only solution to this challenge.

The details of the plan are available below.

Continue reading White House annouces $4.7B effort for advanced-technology vehicles, including EV Everywhere

White House annouces $4.7B effort for advanced-technology vehicles, including EV Everywhere originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ram adds extra doors to Tradesman, announces CNG-powered pickup

Zach Bowman — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:18:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Work, Ram

We're pretty fond of the Ram Tradesman. The truck offers impressive power and capability per dollar spent, and now it looks as if Chrysler aims to give buyers a little extra functionality, as well. For 2012, the Tradesman can be had in either Crew Cab or Quad Cab configurations to provide comfortable-enough transportation for six adults.

Long live the bench seat.

The vehicles will come boasting the same 4.7-liter V8 found in the standard-cab Tradesman, complete with 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. With an EPA rating of 20 mpg highway and a standard tow package that allows the truck to pull up to 7,700 pounds, the pickup is still a smart combination of economy and power. That is, at least by full-size truck standards. A six-speed automatic transmission, spray in bed liner and a no-cost Ram Box storage system are all part of the mix, as well.

Ram also announced that it intends to offer a compressed natural gas version of the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8, the truck is technically a bi-fuel offering. While there are CNG tanks on board, Chrysler also threw in an eight-gallon gasoline tank in the event buyers can't make it between CNG fueling stations. Canadian customers can opt for a 35-gallon gasoline tank, as well. In order for the truck to be able to swill down both fuels, new cylinder heads had to be designed with reworked valves and valve seats. The V8 also wears two sets of fuel rails and injectors: one for gasoline and the other for CNG.

The system is fully automatic, and will switch between the two fuels without any user input. Very cool. No prices have been announced for the 2500 CNG, though we do know the truck can haul up to 1,580 pounds and tow 7,650 pounds. Hit the jump for the full press releases.

Continue reading Ram adds extra doors to Tradesman, announces CNG-powered pickup

Ram adds extra doors to Tradesman, announces CNG-powered pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis swing into action across U.S.

Autoblog Staff — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Ford, Specialty

The next time you hail a cab in Southern California, you could be jumping into a vehicle fueled by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG). That's because California Yellow Cab of Orange County has become the state's first taxi company to put CNG-fueled Ford Transit Connect vans into service. California Yellow Cab says 10 (and soon more than 120) natural gas Connects are on the roads and ready to pick up passengers in the greater Los Angeles area.

Meanwhile, over in Chicago, Taxi Medallion Management says it has a dozen Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis in service. And in Connecticut, two cab companies are waiting for Ford to fulfill orders for 70 CNG-fueled Transit Connect taxis.

Later on, CNG-fueled Transits will ship out to Las Vegas and St. Louis. Philadelphia is expected to get in on the CNG action, too, once city officials approve natural gas vehicles for taxi duty.

Continue reading Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis swing into action across U.S.

Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis swing into action across U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V-Vehicles resurfaces as Next Autoworks in California

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Specialty

V-Vehicles started making noises back in 2006 about building an environmentally friendly car that ran on compressed natural gas, and doing it here in the U.S. The company is backed by oilman billionaire T. Boone Pickens and the VC firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the latter of which also backs Fisker. Its head designer is Tom Matano of Mazda Miata and RX-7 fame. In May of this year, Pickens was still talking about the car being on the way, even though all anyone's ever seen of it is a few teased angles, like the headlight above.

It looks like things are finally getting serious, though. V-Vehicles had planned to build its car in a former General Motors plant in Louisiana, but that fell through. Now the company's been rechristened Next Autoworks and the top spot has been taken by Kathleen Ligocki, whose resume includes top positions at Ford, Tower Automotive and Mexico's GS Salinas. It'll probably be a while before Next is in a position to announce anything, but with an experienced auto and turnaround veteran in the lead, they've got a much better chance of hanging around at all.

[Source: Inside Line]

V-Vehicles resurfaces as Next Autoworks in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat Eschews EV's, Chooses CNG - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Fiat, Autoline on Autoblog

While every other major automaker in the world is pouring billions of dollars into research for electric vehicles, Fiat doesn't seem to be all that interested in electric cars. Instead, it's putting its efforts into producing cars that can run on compressed natural gas. Even more importantly, it's offering what it calls bi-fuel cars, which can run on both gasoline and CNG.

In fact, the Italian automaker is more bullish on bi-fuel cars than it is on diesels. It prides itself on having the lowest average CO2 emissions of any major automaker in Europe. Low emission ratings are a big deal to European car buyers. And Fiat believes it can continue to maintain its lead with engines that can run on both gasoline and CNG.

Most of Fiat's sales come from the low-end of the market, tiny A- and B-class cars that don't cost a lot of money. The people who buy these cars typically can't even afford to pay the premium to get a diesel engine. And forget about hybrids or electric cars, they're simply further out of their price range.

Now Fiat thinks it has another idea that could push it far ahead of everyone else when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions. It wants to combine hydrogen gas with compressed natural gas and offer the cleanest burning engines in the industry.

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

Continue reading Fiat Eschews EV's, Chooses CNG - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Fiat Eschews EV's, Chooses CNG - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat's Marchionne wants to add CNG- and LPG-powered vehicles to Chrysler's lineup

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Fiat

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat has the highly regarded Multijet diesel engine among its offerings, and Volkswagen has been spending massive amounts of moolah to soften American hearts toward diesels. Yet in spite of those two factoids, at a recent symposium in Michigan Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne championed compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel he'd like to see take a notable place among the panoply of domestic options.

Last year when Fiat presented its five-year plan, the senior VP of powertrain, Paolo Ferrero, mentioned diesels, hybrids and electric cars as intentions beyond the direct-injected and turbocharged ICE. Earlier this year an electric Fiat 500 was announced for 2012. But the push has apparently already begun to integrate compressed and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles. Fiat's already has the experience and hardware in South America, where its tetrafuel engines run on four different fuels.

Marchionne didn't offer any kind of timetable for the arrival of CNG, saying only that it "is the most effective solution, in terms of costs and timing, to lessen this country's reliance on oil" as well as making it clear that it could be a quicker way for Chrysler to get seriously green. He did admit, though, that the infrastructure is nowhere close to making it viable. We will admit that the idea of an Alfa Giulietta that runs on LPG is an enticing thought. But we'd be even more enticed if Fiat could get even one Giulietta here for retail sale that runs on... well, anything.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

[Source: NGV Global]

Fiat's Marchionne wants to add CNG- and LPG-powered vehicles to Chrysler's lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: Work, GM, Hummer, Specialty, Electric

Vehicle Production Group MV-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Standard Taxi from the Vehicle Production Group? It's now called the MV-1, and production is slated to begin next year at the AM General plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. That's the same assembly location where the Hummer H2 is built, which makes sense since the MV-1 is based on the same GM underpinnings as the behemoth SUV.

According to its makers, the MV-1 is the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle in America, and it's able to accommodate up to six adults or two full-size wheelchairs. An ADA-approved ramp that stows under the vehicle's floor and a 36-inch wide side opening are designed to make entry and exit a simple affair.

With its body-on-frame construction made with fully boxed rails, the MV-1 should prove to be a durable people mover and its well-known GM drivetrain components should also be easily serviceable. Further, VPG has teamed up with Clean Energy to develop a dedicated compressed natural gas powertrain option that will provide a 250-mile range with significantly reduced emissions.

Styling wise, the MV-1 may not be the prettiest machine on the road, but for those needing to transport wheelchair-bound passengers, this design may just be a thing of beauty. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Vehicle Production Group MV-1

[Source: VPG Autos, Detroit Free Press]

AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AFVTech working on CNG-powered, 600-hp 1933 Ford Roadster

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Specialty, Electric

Take something old - in this case, a 1933 Ford Roadster body - and make it into something new - a CNG-powered, 600-horsepower beast, perhaps. That's what's happening over at AFVTech, which is prepping the fenderless hot rod for the upcoming Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Institute expo that's coming in May.

AFVTech is using what President Kevin Fern calls the "Natural Drive dedicated EPA-certified CNG retrofit systems" for 600 clean-burning horsepower. The conversion uses a modified General Motors LS7 seven-liter V8 engine (as used in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06), a six-speed transmission, drive-by-wire controls and ABS disc brakes.

The company is also working with the Arizona Fountain Hills High School's research club on turning a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria into a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

[Source: Green Car Advisor, Green Car Congress]

AFVTech working on CNG-powered, 600-hp 1933 Ford Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Call for Green: AT&T to add 15,000 alt-fuel vehicles to fleet

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Electric

Click above to watch video after the jump

Although AT&T claims it wants to be more sustainable, today's announcement from the telecom behemoth is more about cutting operating expenses as fuel costs climb. Whatever the reason, the addition of 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles to the company's fleet over the next decade is a good thing. The phone company will be spending as much as $565 million over that time period to turn over much of its fleet of service and support vehicles. The lucky automaker who will get this big order hasn't been named yet, but AT&T has said it will be a domestic automaker and a domestic supplier will be used to convert the vehicles to run on CNG.

Approximately 8,000 compressed natural gas fueled trucks and vans will be deployed, starting mainly in California where there are already a significant number of CNG filling stations available. AT&T will also work with suppliers to install up to 40 more CNG stations in the areas where it operates.

Passenger cars that are used by customer service personnel will also be replaced with new hybrid vehicles. The first 800 vehicles will be put into service this year. Check out the video and press release after the jump.

UPDATE: The Detroit Free Press reports that Ford will be the lucky recipient of AT&T's large order of vehicles. Thanks for the tip, Fadi!

[Source: AT&T]

Continue reading A Call for Green: AT&T to add 15,000 alt-fuel vehicles to fleet

A Call for Green: AT&T to add 15,000 alt-fuel vehicles to fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz considering natural gas vehicle for the U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Green, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Click above for a gallery of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz is considering entering the automotive CNG market with a version of its B-Class compact vehicle and it's currently showing just the machine at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show. Regardless of the German automaker's intent, the decision on whether or not to actually offer the vehicle in America may have a lot to do with hybrid- and electric-specific legislation that, for better or for worse, rewards consumers for choosing specific vehicles based on the size of their battery pack.

Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline or diesel fuel and could therefore be a viable way to lower emissions. While it's generally true that natural gas is a fossil fuel, it can also be collected from landfills or created synthetically. For those looking to avoid the importation of fuel, the United States and Canada are major producers of natural gas. Still, if there's no financially sound reason for consumers to purchase a CNG vehicle, it seems highly unlikely that M-B will choose to import one.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes-Benz considering natural gas vehicle for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Toyota to display CNG fueled Camry Hybrid concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Green, Toyota

A standard Camry hybrid

Hybrid vehicles are increasingly becoming mainstream, but so far all of the production units available on the market have used gasoline exclusively as the fuel for the internal combustion engine. Various manufacturers have also shown concept and one-off test hybrid vehicles with diesel and E85 capable flex-fuel engines. One combination we don't recall seeing is a CNG fueled hybrid. Toyota plans to address that oversight at the LA Auto Show in November with a CNG fueled Camry Hybrid. Vehicles running on compressed natural gas are nothing new, although the only one currently offered by a major automaker in the US right now is the Honda Civic GX. Since CNG vehicles have a shorter range, they have primarily been used by fleets with centralized filling stations. Toyota has built this vehicle as part of its wide ranging sustainable mobility strategy. With domestic supplies of CNG being comparatively plentiful, something like a CNG hybrid sedan could be a good option for someone who does most of their driving locally. Combine it with the Phill home fueling station and you'd never have to go to a gas station again. Press release after the break.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA Preview: Toyota to display CNG fueled Camry Hybrid concept

LA Preview: Toyota to display CNG fueled Camry Hybrid concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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