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[EPA reverses decision, approves California's greenhouse gas emissions waiver]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/epa-reverses-decision-approves-californias-greenhouse-gas-emis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/epa-reverses-decision-approves-californias-greenhouse-gas-emis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/epa-reverses-decision-approves-californias-greenhouse-gas-emis/#commentsFiled under: ,



The saga of California's greenhouse gas waiver has come to an end with the EPA deciding that the state can indeed enforce its own GHG emissions standards for new motor vehicles. This means that, at least between now (with current model year vehicles) and when the 2012 MY vehicles arrive, California and the 13 states (and D.C.) that have adopted its rules will use the stricter emission standards to regulate vehicles. In the EPA's statement on the decision, it says it used "the law and science as its guide," in order to "tackle air pollution and protect human health." EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says:

This decision puts the law and science first. After review of the scientific findings, and another comprehensive round of public engagement, I have decided this is the appropriate course under the law. This waiver is consistent with the Clean Air Act as it's been used for the last 40 years. [...] More importantly, this decision reinforces the historic agreement on nationwide emissions standards developed by a broad coalition of industry, government and environmental stakeholders earlier this year.

Here's a short history of the waiver story: CARB asked for the waiver in December of 2005. The EPA announced in December of 2007 that it would deny the waiver (after then Vice President Dick Cheney met with automakers). The day after Barack Obama was inaugurated, CARB asked the EPA to reconsider the denial, a request that the new President supported. When strong national CAFE standards were announced in May, the EPA's waiver lost a bit of its punch, but it still wanted the waiver to bridge the gap between now and when the CAFE rules go into effect with 2012 vehicles. Today, the EPA said "okay." Come to think of it, this saga probably isn't as final as this decision might imply. Check out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: EPA | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Continue reading EPA reverses decision, approves California's greenhouse gas emissions waiver

EPA reverses decision, approves California's greenhouse gas emissions waiver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingC02california epacalifornia epa waivercalifornia waiverCaliforniaEpaCaliforniaEpaWaiverCaliforniaWaiverCARBemissionsepagreenhouse gasgreenhouse gasesGreenhouseGasGreenhouseGaseslisa jacksonLisaJacksonpresident obamaPresidentObamawaiverTue, 30 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Make a Deal: Automakers reportedly reach agreement with lawmakers on carbon cap legislation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/lets-make-a-deal-automakers-reportedly-reach-agreement-with-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/lets-make-a-deal-automakers-reportedly-reach-agreement-with-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/lets-make-a-deal-automakers-reportedly-reach-agreement-with-la/#comments

Now that the U.S. has officially concluded that greenhouse gasses are harmful to human health, it's time to do something about them. One major hurdle standing in the way of the U.S. implementing carbon cap and trade legislation appears to have been cleared as both the domestic automakers and Michigan's legislature have lifted their opposition and now support for the bill. Why? The Detroit News reports that an agreement has been reached that could see up to $15 billion paid out to the Detroit-based automakers starting in 2012. Yeah, that would do it.

In a so-called cap and trade plan, the federal government would set a limit on the total amount of carbon emissions the U.S. as a whole can produce. The government would then divvy up that figure by issuing permits to various industries. A company that wants or needs to emit more carbon dioxide can either purchase credits at auction or pay fines for surpassing its assigned limit. Under the proposed deal, automakers will receive 3 percent of the revenue generated from both auctions for carbon emissions permits and fines paid by corporations for violating carbon limits. That revenue would drop to 1 percent in 2017.

John Dingell (D-MI) had this to say in a written statement:
"This is a significant achievement for the automotive industry and its workers, as the bill will help fund research, development, implementation and deployment of new, low-carbon technologies and upgrading manufacturing facilities to provide the next generation of green vehicles right here in the United States."
The deal with automakers is just one of several agreements that House Democrats are making to appease various key state representatives and industry heads that may have otherwise opposed the bill. In its latest form, the bill would cap greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 at 17 percent below 2005 levels.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Clinton Steeds]

Let's Make a Deal: Automakers reportedly reach agreement with lawmakers on carbon cap legislation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C02Detroit 3Detroit3Domestic autosDomesticAutosemissionsgreenhouse gasesGreenhouse gassesGreenhouseGasesGreenhouseGassesJohn DingellJohnDingellThu, 14 May 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: 88% of Americans believe hybrid leadership is crucial to U.S. - Do you? [w/POLL]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/study-88-of-americans-believe-hybrid-leadership-is-crucial-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/study-88-of-americans-believe-hybrid-leadership-is-crucial-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/study-88-of-americans-believe-hybrid-leadership-is-crucial-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We Americans want hybrid leadership. We want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Trouble is, most of us aren't willing to pay for it. Johnson Controls surveyed 2309 adults on all matters hybrid, and it found that 84% of Americans believe the government should support the advancement of hybrid technology and fully 88% believe hybrid leadership is crucial to America's future. But the devil is in the details, and few things bring out the worst in people more than money.

The survey asked whether car buyers would expect to pay more, less, or about the same amount as a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. 23% of the adults surveyed said they were willing to pay more for a hybrid, while 35% would only purchase a car with battery assistance if it cost the same as a comparable non-hybrid. 33% actually think they should pay less for a hybrid than a conventional vehicle. And the other 11%? They wouldn't purchase a hybrid at any price. Click through to the jump for more on the study, the official press release, and the chance to participate in our poll.

[Source: Johnson Controls]

Continue reading STUDY: 88% of Americans believe hybrid leadership is crucial to U.S. - Do you? [w/POLL]

STUDY: 88% of Americans believe hybrid leadership is crucial to U.S. - Do you? [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emissionsgas-electricgreen carGreenCarhybridjohnson controlsJohnsonControlspriussurveyWed, 13 May 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: CAFE fuel economy standards to rise 8% by 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/report-cafe-fuel-economy-standards-to-rise-by-8-by-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/report-cafe-fuel-economy-standards-to-rise-by-8-by-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/report-cafe-fuel-economy-standards-to-rise-by-8-by-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The nation's Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards will swell to 27.3 miles-per-gallon by 2011. That's the word coming out of Washington, where the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to bump the fleet fuel economy standards for the first time in more than a quarter-century.

The 27.3 mpg figure represents an 8% increase over the current 2010 requirement of 25.3. In specific, cars will need to average 30.2 mpg and light trucks will need to hit 24.1 mpg.

The truck figure is expected to be a tough one for automakers to meet within that timetable (most of the vehicles for 2011 are already well along in development - if not on dealer lots already). However, automakers are actually operating ahead of the 2010 requirements, achieving 2007 model year averages of 31.3 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for trucks, so there is some hope that the figures are workable.

Further, General Motors and Chrysler may have some additional federal funds to help them get there - the Obama administration is hinting that it will release more federal aid to the troubled automakers. The two companies have already received $17.4 billion in loans and are seeking a further $21.6 billion to stave off bankruptcy.

This is a separate issue from the decision that President Obama's administration is mulling over whether it should allow California (and the 13 other states that follow its policies) to mandate a 30 percent drop in tailpipe emissions by 2016, essentially a backdoor mandate of 34.5 mpg by 2015.

Federal estimates say the new CAFE figures will save 887 million gallons of fuel and 8.3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: David McNew/Getty]

REPORT: CAFE fuel economy standards to rise 8% by 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEChryslerdieselemissionsfuel economyFuelEconomygasgas consumptionGasConsumptiongasolineGMgreenhouse gasGreenhouseGashybridObamaObama AdministrationObamaAdministrationFri, 27 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: EPA declares greenhouse gases a public danger, may be preamble to new emissions laws ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/report-epa-declares-greenhouse-gases-a-public-danger-may-be-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/report-epa-declares-greenhouse-gases-a-public-danger-may-be-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/report-epa-declares-greenhouse-gases-a-public-danger-may-be-pr/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to the Detroit News, the Environmental Protection Agency has taken a likely step towards stricter emissions standards, as it has asked the White House Office of Management and Budget to declare greenhouse gas a public danger. California, along with several other states, is looking to enact tough new CO2 laws that will drastically limit the emissions of new cars and trucks. Automakers are against the idea, as they argue that the technology isn't currently available in large scale to meet the proposed targets, let alone while the industry is cash poor. The Obama administration wants Congress to take swift action to regulate CO2 emissions, a move that could cost automakers ranging from Ford and GM to Honda and Toyota billions of dollars.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President William Kovacs says the California plan "could damage automakers." Kovacs points out that GM and Chrysler are already receiving federal loans to stay afloat, the sunshine state wants to "put more holes" into the sinking ships. If California does win the right to demand stricter CO2 standards, it will be interesting to see if the regulations involve pollutants outside the auto industry. In 2006, cars, trucks, and big rigs only account for 24% of our nation's greenhouse pollution and 4% of the world's overall.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: David McNew/Getty]

REPORT: EPA declares greenhouse gases a public danger, may be preamble to new emissions laws originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emissionsenvironmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaGreenhouse gasgreenhouse gasesgreenhouse gassesGreenhouseGasGreenhouseGasesGreenhouseGassesWed, 25 Mar 2009 10:27:00 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[Obama faces immediate challenges with Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/23/obama-faces-immediate-challenges-with-detroit-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/23/obama-faces-immediate-challenges-with-detroit-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/23/obama-faces-immediate-challenges-with-detroit-3/#commentsFiled under:

To be fair, the new president faces a lot of immediate challenges. But when it comes to the auto industry, the biggest four challenges could be the bridge loans, fuel economy mandates, the EPA vs The California 14, and the board of czars that will oversee the fortunes of GM and Chrysler. The similarity between these challenges and others on the domestic and global agenda: he doesn't have a lot of time to get them right.

It was clear that the $17.4 billion granted to GM and Chrysler was just the beginning of a process needing a well thought out and long term endgame. Part of that endgame involved the two automakers coming up with viability plans, which are due on February 17. Then Congress and the president will need to decide, based on those plans, whether the car companies should receive more money.

Should the carmakers get more money, the necessary car czar position is looking like a body-of-car-oligarchs instead, which sounds like a more reasonable idea. One name that has popped up to head the group is Steven Rattner, a former NYT reporter turned private equity fund founder. What hasn't been explained yet is how this board of overseers is meant to work with the car companies.

On the issue of fuel economy, some of Obama's campaign pledges might cause additional consternation. He had said he wanted to double the CAFE standard in 18 years, which would mean a 50 mpg average by 2027. He has backed off of that to the more generic "I want to raise fuel economy standards." His other campaign trail pledge was to review the EPA not granting California and 13 other states a waiver to set their own emission standards. His EPA designee has said one of her first priorities will be to review that decision, and she sounds like she intends to overturn if she can. If that happens, as the Obama administration lifts up the industry with one hand, the industry will probably feel itself being choked by the other hand.

[Source: Detroit News]

Obama faces immediate challenges with Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industryAutoIndustrybarack obamaBarackObamabridge loansBridgeLoanscaliforniacar czarcarbCarCzaremissionsenvironmentepagovernmentlegalobamaFri, 23 Jan 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[EPA under Obama will revisit state emission laws]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/15/epa-under-obama-will-revisit-state-emission-laws/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/15/epa-under-obama-will-revisit-state-emission-laws/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/15/epa-under-obama-will-revisit-state-emission-laws/#commentsThe decision on whether or not to allow states to enforce limits on vehicle greenhouse gas emissions is moving back to center stage under the incoming Obama administration. Lisa Jackson, the President-elect's nominee for EPA administrator, has promised to "immediately revisit" the issue once she is confirmed for the office.

During his election campaign, Obama promised he would allow states to each dictate their own rules towards greenhouse emissions. This puts the administration at odds with the automakers, which argue that it's a federal responsibility (along the same lines as regulating fuel economy). Most in the industry feel that having state-mandated greenhouse gas limits would add unnecessary costs to vehicles, and create problems for dealers located near state lines. The states, however, want the right to impose their own regulations. We've been watching this exhausting cage match for years, and the conflict doesn't show any signs of waning.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

EPA under Obama will revisit state emission laws originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW carried out a survey of 2,068 motorists in Great Britain and found that no matter what motorists claim to want, what they really want is a BMW. While 20% of respondents said they look at CO2 levels when they research new cars, 75% said they'd only buy a car if they saved money. Which really means they'd only buy a car that slurped less gas than the one in the driveway. Another notable tidbit in the "Driving Change" survey revealed that only 13-percent of people believed that other folks were really buying environmentally friendly cars because of reduced emissions. That means that those Britons know why you really bought that Prius...

Fifty-four percent of the surveyed motorists also said that diesels are better on highway journeys than hybrids, and an unknown percentage of them "are demanding premium performance as well." It's a good thing then that BMW has a line of diesels mated to its EfficientDynamics technology that gets better gas mileage, emits fewer emissions, costs less in taxes, and has higher residual values. And in case you didn't know this about BMW, they're supposed to be a lot more fun to drive. If you have a massive amount of time on your hands, you can read the full report here. Otherwise, skip the words and do your duty: buy that BMW you've had your eye on, save the Earth and have fun doing it.

[Source: BMW]

BMW learns buyers want to save money, not planet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw driving change surveybmw efficient dynamicsbmw surveyBmwDrivingChangeSurveyBmwEfficientDynamicsBmwSurveyc02dieselsdriving changeDrivingChangeefficient dynamicsefficientdynamicsemissionsgreat britainGreatBritainsurveysukMon, 27 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Saab Australia busted for misleading green claims, ordered to plant LOTS of trees]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/saab-australia-busted-for-misleading-green-claims-ordered-to-pl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/saab-australia-busted-for-misleading-green-claims-ordered-to-pl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/saab-australia-busted-for-misleading-green-claims-ordered-to-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Marketers have been known to make claims that test our good sense, our gullibility and our patience. But in a field in which it's often the best story -- not the best product -- that wins, some of the more unsightly details can get left out when making a pitch. Nevertheless, there is still, as Pinocchio's nose would tell you, a line between a tall tale and what's commonly referred to as a lie.

Saab Australia drove its entire model range over that line when it claimed in a campaign last year that "Every Saab is green, with carbon emissions neutral across the entire Saab range." The ads also said Saab would plant 17 native trees to offset the CO2 emissions for the lifespan of each car it sold. Turns out that 17 trees only offsets the carbon produced in the first year of a car's life. Saab left that part out when they lied added the small print.

Australia's competition watchdog took Saab's parent company, GM Holden, to court, and in a verdict for truth and the environment, Saab's claims were declared, ahem, "misleading". GM has pledged to "retrain its marketing staff in relation to making green claims," and plant a forest of 12,500 trees to cover the lifetime emissions of all the cars sold during the campaign.

[Source: Drive]

Saab Australia busted for misleading green claims, ordered to plant LOTS of trees originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now that making cars cleaner and more efficient is a mainstream proposition, the only questions are how each carmaker plans to do it. BMW's Efficient Dynamics has allowed it to lower it's CO2 emissions more than any other automaker. In a show of how seriously all automakers are taking the issue, The Economist revealed a study of fourteen automakers from GM to Suzuki found that only Honda posted an emissions increase from 2006-2007.

Essentially, the automakers are trying to figure out how to please the government and the public at a cost that allows them to stay in business. Competing -- and expensive -- technologies are all in the race now, although everyone seems to have agreed that ultimately, electric cars will be the norm. Luxury carmakers can pad prices to cover or subsidize the tab of frugal technology. When the mid- and low-price automakers are making cars that get 80 mpg that the average couple can afford, then the landscape will be much more clear.

No matter what, none of this spells the end of the internal combustion engine: said VW's head of group research, "It is important to recognize that there is not a single solution, and that the internal-combustion engine will continue to dominate for at least 20 years." Follow the link to read the full piece, and you might want to start stocking up on multi-plug outlets... Thanks for the tip, Forrest!

[Source: The Economist]

Carmakers try different ways to grow green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative vehiclesAlternativeVehicleseconomistelectric carsElectricCarsemissionsenvironmentenvironmentalhybridhybrid techonologyhybridsHybridTechonologyThu, 18 Sep 2008 07:02:00 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.

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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[States start paying people to buy new, cleaner cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/states-start-paying-people-to-buy-new-cleaner-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/states-start-paying-people-to-buy-new-cleaner-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/states-start-paying-people-to-buy-new-cleaner-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

All of the clean new vehicles in the world won't amount to much if they don't replace the older, dirtier fleet of cars currently on the roads. For this reason, some U.S. states are beginning to offer programs which pay drivers to turn in their old clunkers for new, cleaner cars and trucks. In Texas, for instance, up to $3,500 is available to qualifying families which earn less than $63,000 per year in combined income and own a vehicle which fails current emissions testing. Texas was able to retire 11,000 vehicles last year alone by using this cash-based incentive. California too has begun offering a similar program, and though its $1,500 offer is a bit less generous, that state has no income restrictions.

Even our neighbors up north have plans to reduce their older vehicle fleet by one-percent starting January 1st of next year. Canada's plan would offer drivers either $300 towards a new vehicle, a discount bicycle or a bus pass, which seems a bit suck-tastic next to the program in Texas.

[Source: The Detroit News]

States start paying people to buy new, cleaner cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dirty cardirty carsDirtyCarDirtyCarsemissionsemissions testingEmissionsTestingold carold carsOldCarOldCarsTue, 01 Jul 2008 08:02:00 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.

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After protests by California auto dealers, the head of California's Air Resources Board (CARB) said she is willing to discuss modifying one aspect of the state's stringent emission regulations. Mary Nichols, CARB Chairwoman, told reporters at an SAE Government/Industry meeting that she is open to "regional" standards for tailpipe emissions, rather than the current standards that create state-by-state standards.

As it stands now, automakers need to cut tailpipe emissions 30 percent by 2016, per regulations established by California in 2002. With 13 states adopting those same requirements and more in the process, a patchwork of regulations is emerging nationwide. Automakers, and auto dealers, have argued that such a trend could force some brands to stop selling vehicles altogether in places like California, because it's too cost prohibitive to build different versions of the same car to meet a multitude of standards. Some also speculate that consumers would just go buy larger vehicles in neighboring states with less stringent regulations. A regional approach to emission regulations might protect auto dealers from watching their business walking out of the state, but we're certain that the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers that represents most major carmakers in the U.S. will continue arguing for California's standards to be disregarded in favor of the more stringent national standards set forth in our nation's new energy bill.

[Source: Detroit News]

CARB offering compromise on emissions regulations? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaCalifornia Air Resources BoardCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardCARBEmissionEmissionsMary NicholsMaryNicholsSmogtailpipetailpipe emissionsTailpipeEmissionstailpipesWed, 14 May 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi to offer electric vehicles within ten years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/audi-to-offer-electric-vehicles-within-ten-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/audi-to-offer-electric-vehicles-within-ten-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/audi-to-offer-electric-vehicles-within-ten-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi has been quietly going about the business of preparing its lineup for a green future, with cleaner and more efficient diesels in Europe, and oil-burners scheduled for the US in the near future. While the German automaker realizes diesel will be big in the next 10 years, it's also planning for life without emissions. Audi exec Rupert Stadler says the four-ringed automaker is primed to offer an electric vehicle in the next five to ten years. Meanwhile, Audi's German competition has been talking up its green position, but Stadler points out that the Volkswagen-owned brand has more research resources to exercise its options.

With the emissions belt being tightened both here in the US and in Europe, every automaker is going to have to make huge changes to its vehicles to stay in the game, and Audi is no different. We're going to be the big winners during these changing times, and while a battery-powered R8 won't sound as good as its petrol-powered twin, we like the idea of plugging in our sports car instead of filling it with gas every few days.

[Source: Reuters]


Audi to offer electric vehicles within ten years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audibatterydieselelectricemissionslithium-ionMon, 05 May 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Bentley wants to slash CO<sub>2</sub> by two-thirds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/bentley-wants-to-slash-co-sub-2-sub-by-two-thirds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/bentley-wants-to-slash-co-sub-2-sub-by-two-thirds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/bentley-wants-to-slash-co-sub-2-sub-by-two-thirds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Bentley Brooklands

British racing green could take on a whole new meaning if Bentley is able to achieve its goal of reducing CO2 emissions by two-thirds to just 120 grams per kilometer by 2012. Currently, all of its vehicles emit more than 400 g/km, no doubt including the 2009 Bentley Brooklands we drove last week, so the company from Crewe has a long way to go. While we'd expect to see some sort of diesel offering, Bentley remains mum on any real details regarding its future powerplants. We do know, however, that the British manufacturer of ridiculously luxurious transportation is holding out hope for biofuels, which post high well-to-wheel CO2 measurements. When just the tailpipe emissions are taken into consideration, biofuels offer just a little benefit as compared to dino-juice, but when the entire carbon footprint of the fuel is considered, biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel can post significant CO2 improvements.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Bentley Brooklands


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

Bentley wants to slash CO2 by two-thirds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley emissionsbentley-emissionsBentleyEmissionsbiofuelsdiesel bentleydiesel-bentleyDieselBentleyemissionshybrid bentleyhybrid-bentleyHybridBentleyTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Cali may cancel smog exemption from pre-1976 cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/ca-looking-to-remove-smog-exemption-from-pre-1976-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/ca-looking-to-remove-smog-exemption-from-pre-1976-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/ca-looking-to-remove-smog-exemption-from-pre-1976-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In California, home of the strictest car emissions regulations in the U.S., cars produced before 1976 do not need to undergo smog testing. California State Senator Dean Florez has proposed legislation that would remove that exemption for cars registered in the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.

What would that mean if it were passed into law? It would mean that as of January 1, 2009, any car registered in a rather large swathe of central California -- from the 1974 Maverick to the 1929 Model A -- would need to pass every current and future smog test. If it didn't, it couldn't be driven.

It is theorized that the move comes because state authorities have missed their air quality goals and are now looking at targeting a tiny fraction of cars. Living in LA, we can't speak for Central California, but most of the pre-1976 vehicles we see here sound and run better than the glut of 80's Toyotas puttering down the streets. What vintage car owners fear is that if the legislation becomes law in the San Joaquin Valley, then it's only a matter of time before it gets adopted everywhere. Thanks for the tip, Kevin!

[Source: SEMA Action Network]

Cali may cancel smog exemption from pre-1976 cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaclassic carsClassicCarsemissionsemissionsreductionssmogsmog reductionsmog testingsmogreductionSmogTestingvintage carsVintageCarsMon, 31 Mar 2008 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/21/new-york-2008-mercedes-burns-oil-and-rubber/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/21/new-york-2008-mercedes-burns-oil-and-rubber/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/21/new-york-2008-mercedes-burns-oil-and-rubber/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery from Daimler's press conference

Just like any good political campaign, Mercedes came to the New York Auto Show touting nothing much as a whole lot. Actually, the faux political rally might have been less than compelling with its old news, but the new M Class sporting 50-state legal BlueTec diesel power is exciting. Almost as exciting as the very original 1965 190 D Mercedes had borrowed to illustrate its long-running experience with Rudy's coal dust motor. The senescent sedan will be helping MBZ recreate Bill Carroll's cross-country diesel-fueled journey to celebrate the U.S.-wide availability of what it's touting as the cleanest diesel ever. BlueTec allows the M-, GL- and R-class oil burners to earn ULEV and TierII/Bin 5 classification.

Mercedes says its new diesels are now as clean as gasoline powerplants, and once they drop BlueTec hybrids on us, emissions and economy will improve yet again. JD Power projects that fully 40 percent of vehicles will be diesel powered by 2017, and Mercedes wants to increase diesel sales beyond the current level of 22 percent. The newly tweaked M-Class should help move the powertrain off dealer lots. Sporting plenty of safety upgrades, new headlights, a Hannibal-Lechter inspired grille and some interior tweaks, the M-Class has returned from the gym freshly chiseled. It was not all utes and politely obscured minivans (*ahem* R-Class). Just before Mercedes wrapped the presser, they said, we're paraphrasing here, "Oh yeah, we also brought the SL, w00t."

Gallery: New York 2008: Mercedes M Class and SL

Continue reading New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber

New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowbluetecbluetec dieselBluetecDieseldieselemissionsgreenm classm320MClassmercedesmercedes benzmercedes dieselmercedes suvmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesDieselMercedesSuvnew yorknew york auto shownew york auto show s...new york autoshowNewYorkNewYorkAutoShowNewYorkAutoShowS...suvFri, 21 Mar 2008 10:59:00 EST