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[VIDEO: Jones Soda Co. celebrates Earth Day with bicycles and car batteries]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/video-jones-soda-co-celebrates-earth-day-with-bicycles-and-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/video-jones-soda-co-celebrates-earth-day-with-bicycles-and-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/video-jones-soda-co-celebrates-earth-day-with-bicycles-and-car/#commentsFiled under:


Click above to watch the video

Think your company did something worthwhile on Earth Day? If so, that's great, but it probably didn't require quite the level of commitment that was shown by Jones Soda employees at the beverage company's headquarters. There, staffers took turns spinning themselves silly on stationary bicycles hooked up via belts to used car alternators. These generators sent electrons to a slew of recycled car batteries that provided power to the office's 15 laptops, a server, a printer and the usual assortment of phones and fax machines. Apparently, more power was generated than was used by this equipment.

However impractical this may be, employees of seemed to get behind the idea, showing up at work early to help generate their own electricity. A more realistic scheme is currently in the works that would see Jones Soda reduce its fleet of delivery trucks and minimize excess packaging materials.

[Source: Seattle PI]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jones Soda Co. celebrates Earth Day with bicycles and car batteries

VIDEO: Jones Soda Co. celebrates Earth Day with bicycles and car batteries originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last December, President Bush signed a new energy bill into law that requires automakers to achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard of 35 mpg by 2020. This historic stiffening of CAFE standards set a lofty goal, but left plenty of time to get there and new standards of any kind won't begin until the 2011 model year. Today, which happens to be Earth Day, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters laid out the first set of new CAFE rules that will be implemented for passenger vehicles and light trucks from 2011 through 2015.

The first step on the path to 35 mpg by 2020 will be increases of 4.5% in CAFE standards for passenger vehicles and light trucks over the five-year period spanning 2011 and 2015. This means that standards for passenger vehicles will rise from the current 27.5 mpg to 35.7 mpg by 2015, while light trucks will go from 23.5 mpg to 28.6 mpg. The NHTSA claims the new interim standards will save 55 billion gallons of gasoline and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 521 million metric tons. They also claim that drivers will save $100 billion in fuel costs over the lifetime of vehicles that fall under the rule.

We decided to reach out to the Big 3 automakers in the U.S. to ask for a comment, and both Ford and Chrysler are keeping mum until they've had a chance to read over the new rules. General Motors, meanwhile, already released a statement reiterating what it said last December, which is that it will meet the new standards despite how tough they are.

Automakers are also able to earn credits when they happen to exceed the CAFE standards, and can either bank those for a time when they won't meet them or even sell the credits to other automakers at a cost below what the fine would be for not meeting the standards. We've heard rumors, for instance, that Honda's sitting on a healthy pile of credits.

Now that we have an actual CAFE target for the auto industry to hit in the near term, expect to see a flurry of activity from automakers. Lithium-ion plug-in hybrids, series hybrids, diesels and all-electric cars will likely be the new technologies that help the industry meet these new interim CAFE standards by 2015, and the first change set for 2011 is not far away at all.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading NHTSA announces new CAFE standards through 2015

NHTSA announces new CAFE standards through 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 CAFE standards2015CafeStandardsCAFEearth dayEarthDayenergy billEnergyBillMary E. PetersMaryE.PetersNHTSANHTSA CAFE rulesNhtsaCafeRulesTue, 22 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[First round of CAFE targets to be announced on Earth Day]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/first-round-of-cafe-targets-to-be-announced-on-earth-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/first-round-of-cafe-targets-to-be-announced-on-earth-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/first-round-of-cafe-targets-to-be-announced-on-earth-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Bush camp hasn't exactly been extolled for its green virtue over the past seven years, but the administration is trying to make up for lost time by announcing 2011-2015 CAFE targets on Earth Day. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters is scheduled to announce the targets, which are expected to be differentiated by vehicle size, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Automakers already know they have to get to 35 mpg by 2020, so the 2011-2015 targets should be somewhere between the magic number and today's 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.5 mpg for trucks.

While news of 2011-2015 fuel economy standards isn't exactly the stuff that makes blood boil, today's announcement will help shape what vehicles you'll be able to buy in the years ahead. Something tells us the horsepower war is almost over.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

First round of CAFE targets to be announced on Earth Day originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bush AdministrationBushAdministrationCAFEEarth DayEarthDayNHTSATue, 22 Apr 2008 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV to pimp out a '65 Impala with 800hp biodiesel for Earth Day]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/mtv-to-pimp-out-a-65-impala-with-800hp-biodiesel-for-earth-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/mtv-to-pimp-out-a-65-impala-with-800hp-biodiesel-for-earth-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/mtv-to-pimp-out-a-65-impala-with-800hp-biodiesel-for-earth-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Next week on MTV, it's a "Very Special Edition" of Pimp My Ride. In honor of Earth Day coming on April 22, the crew of the popular MTV show that proves on a regular basis that having a large budget in no way guarantees good judgment will be updating a 1965 Chevy Impala. Generally, the best way to have a 65 Impala help the environment would be to tow it to the nearest car crusher and then melt it down to make new cars.

That, however, wouldn't be nearly as entertaining as the approach taken by the crew at Galpin Auto Sports, and it certainly wouldn't merit inclusion here. Instead, they've tossed the old pre-EPA engine that was in the Impala. GM provided the team with a brand new Duramax diesel V-8 as is used in the automaker's full size trucks and SUVs, and after a few minor tweaks, it was installed in the Impala. Result: the GAS crew took the engine from 360hp to 800hp running on biodiesel! Stay tuned for more on the veggie oil special later this week.

[Source: MTV]

MTV to pimp out a '65 Impala with 800hp biodiesel for Earth Day originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earth dayEarthDaymtvpimp my ridePimpMyRideSat, 14 Apr 2007 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[General Motors observes Earth Day 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/general-motors-observes-earth-day-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/general-motors-observes-earth-day-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/general-motors-observes-earth-day-2006/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The world's largest automotive company is celebrating Earth Day with a barrage of activities across the U.S.

GM actually started at the beginning of the year with its "Live Green Go Yellow" campaign to promote the biofuel E85. Now the various brands have launched their own activities. Saturn, for example, is sponsoring the Green Apple Music Festival in New York City, New York, U.S. And in Detroit, Michigan, GM will be at the New Detroit Science Center to discuss its fuel cell technologies.

A full listing of sponsored activities can be found at the GMability site.

[Source: Auto Spectator]

General Motors observes Earth Day 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earth DayEarthDayGMSat, 22 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo is cooking with oil for Earth Day]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/tokyo-buys-cooking-oil-for-earth-day-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/tokyo-buys-cooking-oil-for-earth-day-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/tokyo-buys-cooking-oil-for-earth-day-2006/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"We want your vegetable oil."

That is what organizers for Earth Day Tokyo 2006 are asking volunteers, for which they'll pay a small amount. The organizers will then create biodiesel from the oil and use the resulting fuel to power the lighting, televisions, speakers, and other equipment for the various planned activities which to be held in Yoyogi Park. Besides the equipment, the fuel will also be used to power a special bus that will be touring the area.

The organizers have been accepting vegetable oil since the beginning of the month. More details, including drop off locations and "Earth Day Money" can be found at the link.

[Source: The Daily Yomiuri]

Tokyo is cooking with oil for Earth Day originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio dieselbiodieselEarth DayEarthDayTokyovegetable oilVegetableOilVeggie oilVeggieOilyoyogi parkYoyogiParkSat, 22 Apr 2006 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Earth Day, every day: Autoblog announces eco-friendly spinoff, AutoblogGreen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/autoblog-launches-environmentally-savvy-spinoff-autobloggreen/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/autoblog-launches-environmentally-savvy-spinoff-autobloggreen/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/autoblog-launches-environmentally-savvy-spinoff-autobloggreen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As the song goes, "Blues had a baby, and the called it rock n' roll." Well, Autoblog has just birthed its first spinoff, and we're calling it AutoblogGreen.

With gas prices surging and more interest in alternative fuel vehicles and their attendant lifestyles than at any time in recent memory, the time couldn't be better for the Weblogs Inc. network to launch a new site to provide a home for the burgeoning movement, and that's what ABG is all about. In the words of lead blogger Sebastian Blanco, "AutoblogGreen is not just about autos themselves, but also about the environments in which they're driven."

We've already assembled a crack team of contributors to the site, with the aforementioned Blanco at the helm. A seasoned journalist specializing in matters automobiles and environmental, he brings experience and good judgment to the effort. Aiding and abetting him will be the one-and-only Bruno Vanzieleghem, who is the ABG equivalent of Autoblog's own Eric Bryant--  he's a gifted engineer in the automotive supplier realm, albeit with an emphasis on developing eco-friendly technologies.  The two gentlemen will be in good company, as they'll be accompanied by the boundless energy and optimism of self-described 'neo hippy' Cheryl Morrissette, who will imbue her writings with spirit and first-hand knowledge that only a life long 'Green' can offer. And in a chance meeting that can only be described as 'fate,' fellow Autoblog co-lead John Neff was able to use his powers of persuasion to woo green activist/entrepreneur/author Ray Holan, founder of Biodiesel Cleveland, an Ohio-based business preaching the gospel of the alternative fuel. Oh, and he just put the finishing touches on his book, Sliding Home: A Complete Guide to Driving Your Diesel on Straight Vegetable Oil.

As you can see, AutoblogGreen is in more than capable hands, and will be a fine compliment to your daily surf here at Autoblog. For those worried about such things, the advent of ABG does not mean that AB will be handing off all automotive stories of ecological import to its new sister-site. It simply means that so-inclined readers will have another, more focused resource and outlet to frequent.

If you're willing to pardon our dust pollen, stop over at AutoblogGreen and have a look around. Kick off your sandals and stay a while, if you like. After all, today is Earth Day.

 

 

Earth Day, every day: Autoblog announces eco-friendly spinoff, AutoblogGreen originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Apr 2006 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earth DayEarthDayEcoEnvironmentalGreenGreenpeaceHabitat for humanityHabitatForHumanitylifestyletreehuggerSat, 22 Apr 2006 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Altima Hybrid? Only if you live in one of eight states]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/nissan-altima-hybrid-to-only-be-sold-in-8-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/nissan-altima-hybrid-to-only-be-sold-in-8-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/nissan-altima-hybrid-to-only-be-sold-in-8-states/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan's first hybrid, the forthcoming 2007 Altima HEV will only be sold in eight states. To put a geographical point on it, the Japanese automaker will sell the eco-friendly sedan in the Northeast and California:  New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey will join the Golden State. All of the states in question have adopted versions of the latter's zero-emissions vehicle program, which in effect will force manufacturers to sell hybrids.

Nissan admits it has the ability to churn out 50,000 hybrids-- more than it expects to divvy up between the eight markets, so it can technically build for other states if demand warrants it.

What do you think, is Carlos 'Hybrids Don't Make Sense' Ghosn missing an opportunity, or just making a good business decision? Sound off in 'comments.'

[Sources: Bloomberg News; Nissan]

Nissan Altima Hybrid? Only if you live in one of eight states originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccordAltimaCalifornia EmissionsCaliforniaEmissionsCamryEarth DayEarthDayFord FusionFordFusionHeVHybrid synergy driveHybridSynergyDriveNissanPriusToyotaFri, 21 Apr 2006 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda to build diesels in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/honda-to-build-diesels-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/honda-to-build-diesels-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/honda-to-build-diesels-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In order to support high demand for diesel vehicles in Europe, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. has announced that it will start building oil-burning engines at its plant in Britain. Currently, its UK plant gets diesel powerplants from Japan, and will initially get the parts for the engines from Japan. Ultimately, however, the company plans to produce the parts in Blighty and assemble 20,000-30,000 engines annually.

The company will also increase output of diesels at its two Japanese facilities, which currently produce over 70,000 engines.

[Source: The Business Times]

Honda to build diesels in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bio DieselBiodieselDieselEarth DayEarthDayOil-burningTue, 18 Apr 2006 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Transcontinental with a little help from Daryl Hannah, cow patties and corn whiskey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/transcontinental-with-a-little-help-from-daryl-hannah-cow-patti/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/transcontinental-with-a-little-help-from-daryl-hannah-cow-patti/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/transcontinental-with-a-little-help-from-daryl-hannah-cow-patti/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cable network Outdoor Life Network (OLN) is set to debut a 13-part television series featuring actress Daryl Hannah, a modified Chevrolet S-10, hemp oil, and an AstroTurf-covered 1982 Volkswagen Jetta that runs on bio diesel. Coolfuel: Roadtrip charts the journey of Australian Shaun Murphy (and his Jack Russell terrier, Sparky) as he traverses 30 states on 30 unique vehicles, running solely on alternative fuels.

Highlights include a bio diesel Hummer limousine, an Electra Cruiser electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and a BMW Z3 that runs on corn whiskey.

Coolfuel: Roadtrip premieres Tuesday on OLN at 8 pm Eastern.

Check out the link for the show's website, which includes video clips, images, and alternative fuel educational resources.

Transcontinental with a little help from Daryl Hannah, cow patties and corn whiskey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Apr 2006 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelAlternativeFuelBio DieselBio FuelBioDieselBioFuelBMW Z3BmwZ3Chevrolet S-10ChevroletS-10CoolfuelCorn WhiskeyCornWhiskeyDaryl HannahDarylHannahdieselEarth DayEarthDayElectra CruiserElectra GlideElectraCruiserElectraGlidefuel economyFuelEconomyHarley-DavidsonHummerHummer LimoHummerLimoJack RussellJackRussellJackson BrowneJacksonBrowneOutdoor LifeOutdoorLifeRoad TripRoadTripShaun MurphyShaunMurphyTrans ContinentalTransContinentalVolkswagen JettaVolkswagenJettaVW JettaVwJettaMon, 17 Apr 2006 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington state signs ethanol requirement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/15/washington-state-signs-ethanol-requirement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/15/washington-state-signs-ethanol-requirement/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/15/washington-state-signs-ethanol-requirement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last month, Washington became the fourth state to join the growing ethanol wave. Governor Christine Gregoire signed the bill, which states that two percent of the state's diesel and gasoline must come from biodiesel or ethanol by the end of 2008. Other parts of the bill require state agency purchases to include a minimum of 20 percent biodiesel.

Washington is the fourth state to enact an ethanol requirement. The other states are Minnesota, Montana and Hawaii.

[Source: American Coalition for Ethanol]

Washington state signs ethanol requirement originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselclean airCleanAirearth dayEarthDayemissionsethanolSat, 15 Apr 2006 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll shows over fifty percent of America interested in hybrids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/14/poll-shows-over-fifty-percent-of-america-interested-in-hybrids/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/14/poll-shows-over-fifty-percent-of-america-interested-in-hybrids/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/14/poll-shows-over-fifty-percent-of-america-interested-in-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gallup conducted a poll last month checking the pulse of automotive consumers, and how their buying attitudes are changing in light of America's increasing gas prices. According to the poll, fully 57 percent of the 1001 responders now state that they would consider purchasing a hybrid as their next vehicle. Those among the younger and middle-age were reportedly more interested than seniors, and would-be consumers with higher incomes looked upon hybrids with more favor than those in lower-income brackets.

(Nod to Bob for the tip)

[Source: Editor & Publisher]

Poll shows over fifty percent of America interested in hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Apr 2006 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Buying attitudesBuyingAttitudesEarth DayEarthDayGallupGallup pollHybridSurveyFri, 14 Apr 2006 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-honda-to-ny-civic-buyers-phill-er-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-honda-to-ny-civic-buyers-phill-er-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-honda-to-ny-civic-buyers-phill-er-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Honda announced today that it is bringing to market a compressed natural gas (CNG) motivated Civic GX to New York buyers this fall.

According to the automaker, the GX will put out 'near zero emissions,' giving owners access to tax credits and home refuelling via an optional Phill home refueling apparatus.

In CNG guise, the green Civic nets an EPA fuel economy rating of 28/39 (city/highway), while meeting federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and ILEV zero evaporative emission standards. It does so via a 1.8-liter four-banger putting out 115 horsepower and 109 ft-lbs. of twist (a 10 percent increase) and 5-speed automatic.

The home refueling appliance, "Phill" is a product of the FuelMaker Corporation, and is usually garage-resident. The system allows overnight refueling, which nets owners natural gas at a rate about 50 percent cheaper than buying traditional gasoline from a station. GX owners on the road can get fuel at select CNG stations around New York State and still save an estimated 25 percent over petrol buyers. Phill must be professionally installed.

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!"

New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CivicCNGEarth DayEarthDayECofuel economyFuelEconomygreen motoringGreenMotoringGXHondanatural gasNaturalGasNew York CityNewYorkCityTax CreditTaxCreditThu, 13 Apr 2006 15:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Saab's BioPower 9-3 hybrid secretly a plug-in?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/saabs-biopower-9-3-convertible-hybrid-secretly-a-plug-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/saabs-biopower-9-3-convertible-hybrid-secretly-a-plug-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/saabs-biopower-9-3-convertible-hybrid-secretly-a-plug-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The fine folks at Aftonbladet and TrollhattenSaab.net may have stumbled on more than an interesting detail regarding the Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid concept shown at the Stockholm Autoshow. The Swedish prototype has been touted as the first hybrid to return nearly zero fossil fuel emissions, but it's drivetrain may have been hiding an even bigger secret: it might be a 220-volt plug-in.

As the story goes, the revelation was concealed, perhaps in order to reserve some news for the New York Auto Show. The question now is, if this is indeed General Motors' technology program for the future, will it debut plug-in capability with Saab, or give the limelight to another division?

Refresh your memory on the 9-3 BioPower Hybrid here.

[Sources: Aftonbladet, TrollhattenSaab.net and Saab]

(Top Tip, Swade!)

Saab's BioPower 9-3 hybrid secretly a plug-in? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ConvertibleEarth DayEarthDayGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMHybridPlug-inSaabStockholm AutoshowStockholmAutoshowSwedeSwedenSwedishTue, 11 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Third-gen Prius to flirt with 100 mpg?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/third-gen-prius-to-flirt-with-100-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/third-gen-prius-to-flirt-with-100-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/third-gen-prius-to-flirt-with-100-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

According to AutoExpress UK, Toyota is set to go for the green-veined jugular with its next Prius. The automaker's next hybrid will reportedly net a scarcely-believable 94 mpg (113mpg in imperial gallons). The figure comes about as the company has reportedly set a fuel economy bogey of 40km/liter, as it looks to distance itself from the fuel-sipping diesels that are so popular abroad.

Word is that the gains will largely come from replacing the current Prius' nickel-hydride batteries with lithium ion cells. AE further reports that Toyota hopes to have the charged-up hybrid on the road by as early as 2008. While pulling up the MPG, the manufacturer also hopes to improve the car's acceleration, and is expected to drop its 0-60 mph times by more than one second.

[Source: AutoExpress UK]

(Great tip, Jay!)

Third-gen Prius to flirt with 100 mpg? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100 mpg100MpgDual Synergy DriveDualSynergyDriveEarth DayEarthDayecoenvironmentEPAfuel economfuel economyFuelEconomygas savingGasSavingHybridLeonardo DiCaprioLeonardoDicaprioLithium ionLithiumIonNickel HydrideNickelHydridePriusToyotatreehuggerTue, 11 Apr 2006 07:33:00 EST<![CDATA[UK green cab service expands Prius coverage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/environment-conscious-cab-service-expands-prius-coverage/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/environment-conscious-cab-service-expands-prius-coverage/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/environment-conscious-cab-service-expands-prius-coverage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

UK Minicab firm greentomotacars has started a pilot program to expand into the West London area with its Prius fleet. The service, which currently uses five of the well-known hybrids, plans to increase its numbers to fifty when they extend service across all of London by the end of June.

Even using hybrids is not enough for greentomatocars, since even hybrids release CO2. The firm also plants trees and engages in other "eco-projects" to minimize its vehicles' impact on the environment. And while the service has considered all-electric vehicles, they are currently not viable according to founder Tom Pakenham.

[Source: ITV Motoring]

UK green cab service expands Prius coverage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earth DayEarthDayenvironmentgreentomatocarshybridLondonminicabPriustaxiU.K.Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA['Skipee', the eco-friendly trike concept from Down Under]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/skipee-the-eco-friendly-trike-concept-from-down-under/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/skipee-the-eco-friendly-trike-concept-from-down-under/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/skipee-the-eco-friendly-trike-concept-from-down-under/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BusinessWeek Magazine recently weighed in on 'Skipee', the three-wheeler concept seen here, designed by Australian Dimitrios Scoutas.

As an environmentally friendly proposition, Scoutas envisions his curious trike as an alternative form of transportation produced primarily from recycled materials, with a battery-powered motor contained within the rear wheel.

Skipee debuted as part of the 'Forecast Motors' exhibit by the Monash University Art Design Faculty at the Melbourne International Motor Show. Other displays by Monash included the Tribe and the Triad 2-seater sports car.

[Source: gizmag via BusinessWeek]



'Skipee', the eco-friendly trike concept from Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As previously posted, the automobile is the number one recycled product in the U.S. Most of the recycled materials are re-used for different purposes, like floormats being turned into sound-deadening materials.

But how about fuel? In a new study, Changing World Technologies, Inc. used a process known as "thermal conversion" to recycle foam seats and other automotive parts into oil. The process involved pounding the scraps into a soupy mix, then subjecting it to 600 degree heat. The resulting oil was then separated from the waste water. One researcher estimated about 64 percent of the raw material was successfully processed into oil.  The results were released by the U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR).

Several hurdles from the process, such as carbon dioxide emissions and heavy metals, would have to be dealt with before the process ever becomes commonplace. Also, there is intense debate of what automotive parts would be allowed to be processed into fuel.

The USCAR decides this week if the process requires another study. See here on how General Motors is converting landfill gas into natural gas.

[Source: Detroit News]

Is your next tank of gas from...seat foam? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back in 1999, Toyota Motor Corp. started to shift top coat painting for its automobile lines in Japan from organic-solvent paints to metallic water-borne paints as part of its goal to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC). The company has just completed the rollout at its Motomachi plant.

The rollout completion, which is part of the automaker's Third Toyota Environmental Action Plan, has reduced emissions to an average of 30g/m2. Toyota plans to go even further to reducing VOC emissions to 25g/m2 by the year 2010 by switching to the water-borne paints to the middle coat and bumper painting lines.

Both Ford and Mazda have developed new paint procedures to deal with the VOC issues as well.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Toyota completes water-based car paint rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earth dayEarthDaySat, 08 Apr 2006 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Government investigating if Big Oil thwarting biodiesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/government-investigating-if-big-oil-thwarting-biodiesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/government-investigating-if-big-oil-thwarting-biodiesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/government-investigating-if-big-oil-thwarting-biodiesel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This week, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and the state's two U.S. senators, Richard Durbin and Barack Obama, sent letters to the heads of the six major oil companies as part of an investigation to see if they have any policies that are inhibiting construction and operation of biodiesel and ethanol pumps at fuel service stations. The state is the biggest user of ethanol and the country's second largest producer of the alternative fuel. However, only three of the 108 service stations selling E-85 (gasoline mixed with 85 percent ethanol), are franchises branded by the oil companies.

Also, U.S. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman has indicated he will speaks with the oil companies, though he plans to discuss their policies on promoting alternative fuels. The oil companies in question? BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, Shell Oil Co., and Valero Energy.

[Source: Reuters]

Government investigating if Big Oil thwarting biodiesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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