Autoblog

ExxonMobil says diesel to surpass gas as global transportation fuel of choice by 2020

Zach Bowman — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel

Diesel is seeing a huge surge in demand, and ExxonMobil says that jump will eventually lead the fuel to become the number one choice for transportation worldwide in just seven years. The move away from gasoline is being propelled by an increase in light-duty engine efficiency and an expansion in commercial transportation globally. All told, diesel represents some 70 percent of all growth in transportation fuel demand through 2040. That's according to Outlook For Energy: A View to 2040, a report by ExxonMobil.

While the company predicts gasoline demand will stay fairly flat for the next few decades, the diesel-powered heavy duty vehicle segment is expected to swell by 65 percent over the next 27 years. Meanwhile, developing nations will experience an 80 percent increase in commercial transportation.

Where, exactly, do hybrids fit into this equation? ExxonMobil projects the cars will become less expensive by 2025, which should precipitate a jump in popularity. Full hybrids will make up about 40 percent of the global vehicle fleet by 2040, though electric and plug-in hybrids will still be just five percent of the market by that time. You can take a look at the full report here.

ExxonMobil says diesel to surpass gas as global transportation fuel of choice by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is how not to wash your car's windshield

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

We've heard of all manners of interesting ways to wash cars and car parts. Naturally, there's more store-bought specialized detergents than you can shake a rag at, but we've seen plenty of dish soap, vinegar, club soda and even Coke used to clean a stubborn part or two.

Sometimes, though, you've just got a little spot on your windshield that needs to be cleared off before you continue your commute. So, you pull into the gas station, grab the thoughtfully provided squeegee wand and go to town. Or, if you're the woman in the video down below, you take a somewhat different tactic.

Needless to say, we don't recommend following in her example. See why by watching the video below.

Continue reading This is how not to wash your car's windshield

This is how not to wash your car's windshield originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How this summer's drought might affect your car's gasoline

Chris Tutor — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

In 2007, then-president George Bush signed a law that required increased production of ethanol. Swelling ethanol demand for fuel combined with this past summer's drought has driven the price of corn (used to make ethanol) up. In fact, prices have swollen some 400 percent in the last seven years. That's comforting for corn growers, who are dealing with much smaller yields than normal. But it's not comforting for livestock producers, poultry farmers and grocery shoppers.

Under the law, the amount of ethanol used in gasoline is supposed to increase to 15.2 billion gallons this year, up from five billion in 2007. The Environmental Protection Agency can decide to delay the increase, however, and it has until Tuesday to consider the circumstances. According to The Detroit News, governors from eight states have asked the EPA to waive the ethanol requirements to prevent corn prices from going any higher. They join almost 200 members of Congress, top United Nations officials, two dozen scientists and scores of poultry farmers in opposing the boost in ethanol production. Governors of poultry-producing states Maryland and Delaware say without a waiver, thousands of jobs could be lost.

On the other side are corn-producing states and the farmers who live there. They argue a waiver would harm their agricultural income and, in turn, harm their state economies.

If a waiver is granted, gas formulations might not be affected at all. E10 gasoline (10-percent ethanol) would still be sold at fuel stations across the nation, but an increase in ethanol production would be delayed. If a waiver is not granted, corn growers will see a demand in their product. And since all that new ethanol has to go somewhere, drivers may see more pumps serving ~~E20~~ E15 gasoline (20 15-percent ethanol) which cannot be used in pre-2001 vehicles.

How this summer's drought might affect your car's gasoline originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego creates six mini Ferrari kits for Shell

Chris Tutor — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ferrari, Toys/Games

The best way we can think of to get customers into your gas stations is by offering complimentary fuel. The next best way? Lego Ferraris. For a limited time, Shell gas stations are offering six tiny Lego Ferrari kits when you fill up your tank.

Unfortunately to take advantage of the offer, you need to gas up in Hong Kong. Though we don't yet have official word from Lego or Shell, there doesn't seem to be a plan to make a similar offer here in the States.

But you can virtually build and drive the six models on Shell's Website. Choose from the Scuderia Ferrari Truck, an F40, 150° Italia, 458 Italia, FXX, or a 250 GT Berlinetta. If virtual Lego building isn't enough for you, these should materialize on eBay soon enough.

Check out Shell's promotional video of the deal below. A transcript provided by Shell is also available.

Continue reading Lego creates six mini Ferrari kits for Shell

Lego creates six mini Ferrari kits for Shell originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Young motorists driving far less than even 10 years ago

Zach Bowman — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

A new study by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group indicates Americans are driving less than they were a few years ago. That drop is largely thanks to young people. Those between the ages of 16 and 34 drove 23 percent fewer miles in 2009 than they did in 2001. While it's tempting to attribute the decline to the recession, the study suggests the decline may continue even after the economy picks up pace. Factors like steeper fuel prices, more readily available public transportation and a shift in priorities are likely to continue to allow young drivers to cut down on their time behind the wheel.

The study cites one poll that found a full 45 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 have moved to replace driving with other modes of transportation. By comparison, only 32 percent of older drivers have done the same.

Is this bad news? Not from our point of view. Our aging highway infrastructure is constantly struggling to keep pace with the volume of cars on the road. With more drivers opting for alternative transportation, there's bound to be less traffic and more room for those of us who actually prefer driving. Throw in decreased demand for gasoline, and we may even see fuel prices stay manageable in the near future. All hail the new generation.

Young motorists driving far less than even 10 years ago originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gas pumps found to be germiest things we touch

Jeff Sabatini — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

We think Nissan has found its new spokesman for the all-electric Leaf. A microbiologist at the University of Arizona known as "Dr. Germ" says he's identified gas pumps as the biggest biohazard in modern society.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the doctor's research results show 71 percent of gas pump handles are "'highly contaminated' with the kinds of germs most associated with a high risk of illness." Other highly-contaminated items we encounter on an everyday basis include public mailboxes, ATM machines and escalators.

Now, before you run off and buy an electric car to avoid germ-covered gas pumps, know this: The study also found 40 percent of parking meters to be similarly infested. Maybe you should just keep a can of disinfectant wipes in the car. It'd be cheaper, at least.

Gas pumps found to be germiest things we touch originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Americans driving fewest miles since 2003

Zach Bowman — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

USA Today reports that Americans are driving less today than they were one year ago. According to a new study by the Department of Transportation, travel on U.S. roads has declined by around 1.3 percent through the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2010. That equates to around 26 billion vehicle miles, or the lowest figure since 2003.

The report also indicates that travel varied by area somewhat. The Northeast, for example, curtailed its travel by 2.2 percent in August compared to the same month in 2010, while drivers in the West cut back by just 1.2 percent.

There's no clear indication as to the reason behind the decline, though as USA Today points out, higher fuel prices likely played a part. A gallon of regular gasoline cost driver $3.68 in August; up a full dollar from the same period last year.

Americans driving fewest miles since 2003 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Computer glitch causes gas station to sell 8,000 gallons at $1.10

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:29:00 EST

When residents of Wilmington - a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California - got word that a local Valero fueling station was selling gas for the bargain price of $1.10 per gallon, almost immediately, vehicles lined up 'round the corner. This wasn't one of those promo deals on fuel, though. It was a computer glitch that lead to the station dispensing some 8,000 gallons of gas at just $1.10 each.

According to KCAL 9, it took hours for the on-duty gas station attendant to notice the glitch (didn't the line-up of cars give it away?). In the meantime, police arrived on the scene to direct traffic around the overcrowded station.

When station owner Kenny Nguyen got wind of his unintended act of kindness, he immediately shut down all of the pumps. All told, Nguyen estimates that he lost nearly $21,000 due to the glitch. Ouch.

Computer glitch causes gas station to sell 8,000 gallons at $1.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DOE: Oil will average $99/barrel by end of 2012; gas $3.29 per gallon

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

According to the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA), crude oil prices are expected to steadily increase over the next two years, hitting $99 per barrel by the end of 2012. Tightening of world oil markets, along with a growth in consumption, will continue to drive oil prices up from the recorded average of $89 a barrel in December 2010 to an estimated $93 per barrel for 2011.

Higher crude oil prices directly translate into increases at the pump. The EIA projects that regular-grade gasoline will climb from the documented average of $2.78 per gallon in 2010 to $3.17 in 2011 and hit $3.29 per gallon by the end of 2012. Likewise, the cost of diesel fuel is estimated to soar from the recorded $2.99 per gallon in 2010 to $3.52 in 2012. Adding to the pain at the pump, the EIA predicts that there's at least a seven percent chance that the retail price of gasoline could, once again, exceed the $4 mark at some point this July.

[Source: U.S. Department of Energy | Image: Kari_Marie - C.C. License 2.0]

Continue reading DOE: Oil will average $99/barrel by end of 2012; gas $3.29 per gallon

DOE: Oil will average $99/barrel by end of 2012; gas $3.29 per gallon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BBC: At nearly $7.30/gal and climbing, UK gas prices hit record high

Noah Joseph — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: UK

Think fuel prices are high in the United States? What Yanks pay is nothing to what our former colonial masters are forced to shell out at the pumps, as reports come in of record-high prices in the UK.

According to the BBC, prices have hit an all-time high of 121.76p per liter in the United Kingdom. The numbers work out to $7.27 per gallon in American terminology, but the record doesn't take inflation into account. To put the current British petrol prices into perspective, consider that it will now cost English soccer moms in Chelsea over $163 (!) to fill up their BMW X5s.

The worst news for British motorists is that this isn't even the end of it: with both the Value Added Tax (VAT) and fuel duties scheduled to rise again in the new year, next month is anticipated to go even higher. As Edmund King, head of the UK's Automobile Association put it, "for those people dependent on road transport, it's not looking like a very happy Christmas or indeed New Year." Indeed.

[Source: BBC News | Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty]

BBC: At nearly $7.30/gal and climbing, UK gas prices hit record high originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: EPA sued by food and farm groups over E15 fuel approval

Autoblog Staff — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 12:03:00 EST

Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of E15, a 15-percent ethanol and 85-percent gasoline blend, in vehicles from model year 2007 and newer. Now, nine food and farm groups, along with the American Petroleum Institute, are suing the EPA over this decision. According to the two lawsuits filed, the use of E15 in cars, SUVs and light trucks violates the Clean Air Act. API's Bob Greco says testing on the safety of E15 being conducted by Department of Energy and automakers is not yet complete, therefore the ruling "puts consumers at risk." EPA Deputy Press Secretary Betsaida Alcantara tells Green Car Advisor:

[The] decision was based on strict adherence to the Clean Air Act and was grounded firmly in science. The agency relied on rigorous testing that the Energy Department did on 19 car models, in consultation with automakers and fuel suppliers. This decision is sound, and the agency is confident that it will withstand legal challenge.

Results of studies conducted by the DOE on whether the new blend will be approved for use in 2001 through 2006 model year vehicles are expected later this month. Also opposed to the change from E10 to E15 are major motorcycle, auto and gasoline-powered off-road vehicle manufacturers who are worried that the additional ethanol may cause damage to parts made from plastic, rubber and metal in fuel systems in older vehicles, as well as in engines not made for ethanol use.

[Source: Edmunds | Image: drewzhrodague - C.C. License 2.0]

Report: EPA sued by food and farm groups over E15 fuel approval originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: If you're a car thief, you'd best know your diesel from your gasoline

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, UK, Humor, Diesel

2010 Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

When stealing a vehicle, we imagine the last thing on a thief's mind is thinking is about type of fuel their "new" car requires. However, that's something Daniel Boxall should have considered after acquiring a new set of wheels through less than legal means.

Boxall decided he needed a new whip, so after picking the pocket of Caroline Lyons, he quickly made off with her Audi A4. Nary a Bobby in sight, he decided to pick up his friend Richard Lloyd and go for a spin. Soon thereafter, the pair started to run low on fuel and headed towards the nearest petrol station.

Daniel Boxall proceeded to fill his illicit Audi with regular gasoline - despite the fact that the gas cap had a big 'D' on it. After leaving the station, the two thought their joy-riding session was about to hit full swing. Unfortunately, TDI-equipped Audis don't like chugging gasoline and the car sputtered to a halt just a few hundred yards down the road. The two attempted to sell the car for £100 to a passer-by stopping to help. He declined and became suspicious of the pair, even though they claimed they would have a Porsche by the following day. It's a natural tactic for the logically-thinking impaired... to make outlandish and suspicious boasts of high-end sportscar "purchases" when your ~~£100~~ £13,000 Audi A4 diesel is broken down on the side of the road.

Despite later claims to law enforcement that they were forced to drive the car by a "black drug dealer," CCTV captured the action and the two were sentenced. Boxall received a 12-month suspended sentence and loss of his license for a year while Lloyd got a 180-day stay in prison, 18-month suspension and 12-month driving ban.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Telegraph]

PSA: If you're a car thief, you'd best know your diesel from your gasoline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

According to the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Monthly Statistical Report, U.S. gasoline deliveries for the first half of 2010 averaged 8.88 million barrels per day, 0.6 percent lower than the corresponding period a year ago. Though the drop in demand is minuscule, it does provide us with an indication that despite low gas prices and a rebounding economy, U.S. demand for gas continues to wane.

The numbers for the month of June paint a more vivid picture of our declining need for gas. June gasoline deliveries of 9.18 million barrel per day were the lowest level for any June on record since 2004 and were 0.5 percent lower than June 2009 deliveries. To gain a better understanding of the numbers, gasoline prices in 2004 barely cracked $2, whereas prices now sit at a nationwide average just north of $2.70.

API chief economist John Felmy offered additional insight into the declining demand for gas:

The listless economic recovery continues to take a bite out of gasoline demand. It's clear from the gasoline deliveries data that consumer confidence in the economy remains shaky. This certainly supports API's position that increased taxes or other anti-jobs policies by Congress or the administration could increase unemployment and harm our economic recovery.

While economists like to attribute decreased demand for gasoline to our shaky economical situation, we'd also point out that advancements in fuel-saving technologies lead to a dwindling need for gas. Follow the jump for more info from the API.

[Source: American Petroleum Institute | Image: FutureAtlas - C.C License 2.0]

Continue reading API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years

API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taxes drive gas prices to over $7 a gallon in UK, mass boycott coming soon

Eric Loveday — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, UK

Through the power of Facebook, up to a half a million drivers in the UK are expected to boycott gas next month shortly before the nation heads to the polls for a general election in which Prime Minister (PM) Gordon Brown is fighting stiff competition for the win.

Many Brits are upset with recent gas tax increases that were supported and passed by PM Brown. Protesters hope that the mass demonstration will be the nail in the coffin for his chances of winning. Gas prices have soared in Britain, reaching U.S. $1.87 a liter (about $7.06 a gallon) last week. The numbers are a significant increase from a year ago when gas was only $5.55 a gallon. Further upsetting residents, the government pockets a whopping $4.42 from each gallon sold, yet still insists that more taxes are needed. Another government-mandated tax increase is scheduled for this fall followed by one more next winter and, frankly, many people are fed up.

On May 1st, protesters will go into action by blocking entry into local gas stations. As boycott organizer Jo Slater said, "We need to take action, the only way we'll see petrol prices fall is if we hit someone in the pocket." Additional protests are scheduled across the nation with support from the trucking industry and farmers.

Here in the states, we constantly hear complaints of gas prices that are astronomical. Sure, $2.80 might seem like a lot to us, but it's like a slap in the face compared to the UK's knock-out blow. Ouch. Our thanks go to Andy for this one!

[Source: NewsoftheWorld | Image: BradleyPJohnson - C.C. 2.0]

Taxes drive gas prices to over $7 a gallon in UK, mass boycott coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: CAFE fuel economy standards to rise 8% by 2011

Chris Paukert — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal, Green

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.

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California gives its lawmakers unlimited gas cards

Michael Harley — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EST

What's up with California's lawmakers? First, they pass legislation that makes it illegal to use cell phones while driving, yet texting while behind the wheel is still legal (thankfully rectified earlier this week). Now they get caught with unchecked, taxpayer-reimbursed, unlimited-use gas cards...while driving state-issued vehicles! The "gas cards" are supposed to be used for fuel, but they can also be used for incidental purchases such as snacks or drinks. The lawmakers never see the bills as they are sent directly to the Senate and Assembly rules committees for payment. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the golden state of California is unique with this program -- in most other states (not facing $15 billion budget deficits) lawmakers must submit expense forms for gas. Yeah, just like the rest of us do...

[Source: AOL Autos]

California gives its lawmakers unlimited gas cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could U.S. become net exporter of gasoline?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Green

A number of factors are conspiring to create a situation that recently would have been unthinkable: the United States as a supplier of gasoline to world markets. According to Booz & Company, those factors are the rise of biofuels in the West, the introduction of plug-in electric and other alternative fuel vehicles, and the growth of the really cheap car, like the Tata Nano.

The United States imports oil to feed its gasoline habit, but the U.S. has refining capacity that developing nations cannot match. The U.S. is also lowering its reliance on traditional gasoline due to the price, states' mandates on switching to biofuels, and the dawn of mass market alternative fuel vehicles. This adds up to the United States importing oil, and then selling it to nations like India and China to feed their larger appetites for gasoline.

In the middle of all of this are the refineries, who made predictions for today's business plans two decades ago. Sure, no one is crying for them -- they need extra pages to include the zeros on their profit statements -- but they have to start figuring out who's going to need which products and how they are going to deliver them. And, by refining company standards, they need to do it quickly, which is a method of operation they aren't well versed in.

[Source: Green Car Congress via Kicking Tires; Photo CC 2.0 - National Archives]

Could U.S. become net exporter of gasoline? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hurricane season may bring $6-a-gallon gas

Chris Tutor — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green

Don't like the weather? Just wait, it'll change. Don't like gas prices? Just wait, they'll change, too. But if the weather brings a hurricane, some experts say gas prices could hit as high as $6 a gallon.

NOAA has predicted as many as nine named storms this season, with five of those possibly reaching major status. One expert in a CNN story says that a typical hurricane will shut down an off-shore oil rig and interrupt supply lines for as long as two weeks. If even one of those damages Gulf of Mexico drilling rigs, you can bet the crude markets will go nuts, and today's black gold and $4/gallon gas will seem like a bargain.

The good news? Hurricane season ends Nov. 30. If we make it to December with no major hurricanes, we might see oil and gas prices fall. Maybe.

[Sources: CNN, NOAA]

Hurricane season may bring $6-a-gallon gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealership offers free gas or gun with new car: 80% choose gun

Michael Harley — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

In a move certain to generate both controversy and publicity, a new and used car dealer in Butler, Missouri, is offering his customers a choice between two sales incentives with their vehicle purchase: $250 in gasoline or a free semi-automatic handgun.

"We got high gas prices, theft, carjackings, innocent people getting hurt," Walter Moore, from Max Motors, told KMBC-TV. It seems the resourceful dealer is offering car buyers a solution for it all -- and the gun is proving to be the popular choice with 80 percent of his customers choosing the firearm over free fuel. As expected, not everyone is happy. Considering most of his customers already own guns, Moore doesn't understand why people's feathers are getting all ruffled. Customers who choose the semi-auto pistol over the gas are handed a certificate that must be redeemed, after the requisite forms and background check are complete, at a local gun shop. This, of course, keeps the local police much happier. Thanks for the tip, mccreery!

[Source: KMBC-TV]

Dealership offers free gas or gun with new car: 80% choose gun originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Price of gas capped at $4/gallon for pumps that can't help it

John Neff — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Machines are only as smart as their creators, which doesn't say much about gas pump manufacturers in the mid-1990s. A report from Washington reveals that at least 12 gas stations in the state are using pumps not 13 years old that are unable to display and calculate a price of gas higher than $3.99 9/10 per gallon. These pumps were produced before everything went digital and you could simply slide your AmEx into the little slot to pay for your premium petrol. They use a mechanical computer with gears to calculate the price of gas, and the cost of retrofitting them to account for the current reality of $4+/gallon gasoline amounts to $8,500 in upgrades according to one station owner, if he could even find the parts since they're all on back order.

Just like computer engineers couldn't imagine that their little machines would last until Y2K, the mechanical engineers who designed these pumps back in 1995 when gas was the equivalent of $1.60/gallon apparently couldn't imagine a day in 2008 when dead dino juice would be this expensive. Unfortunately for customers who patron stations with this antiquated equipment, they aren't getting their fuel for the price advertised on the pump. Rather, the state's Weights and Measures program is giving these businesses extra time to upgrade or replace their pumps as long as the actual price of gas is clearly displayed and customers get an explanation of what's going. For now they're doing it the old fashioned way, by multiplying the gallons pumped by the price on the sign. Thanks for the tip, bojac!

[Source: Seattlepi via Fashion Funky]

Price of gas capped at $4/gallon for pumps that can't help it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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