Autoblog

Click on the image above for high-res shots of this wacky scene

Running diesel vehicles on biofuels is a good thing, right? Not always, according to Greenpeace Argentina. It seems that the export of soybeans from Argentina is causing more pollution than was initially estimated. Also, too much of Argentina's native forests are being mowed down for the soybeans. These issues are in stark contrast with two of Greenpeace's stated charters: (1) catalyzing an energy revolution to address the number one threat facing our planet: climate change and (2) supporting sustainable agriculture by encouraging socially and ecologically responsible farming practices.

No Greenpeace protest would be complete without some sort of outlandish stunt, and this one follows suit. Because most of the Argentinian biodiesel goes to Germany, a Mercedes-Benz M-Class and a Porsche Cayenne were made to look like bulldozers by men and women wielding German flags. The two SUV's were surrounded by fake tree stumps. Once again, Greenpeace has done an admirable job of catching plenty of attention. Whether the group's wacky efforts have any effect, though, is another matter entirely.


[Source: Argentina Auto Blog - translated]

Greenpeace staged a protest (what a surprise) outside Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant today, carrying on about how the company's vehicles are "Climate Pigs," complete with a pink Cayenne Turbo dressed up in pig ears and a porker's nose. (We wonder, did the Greenpeaceniks drive their Porcine Cayenne to the protest? Because if they did, helloooo hypocrisy.) The argument is nothing new, with the organization upset because Porsche is (in their eyes) an enemy of Gaia. You see, it has the temerity to build thrilling cars that aren't ultralights in terms of consumption. Greenpeace must be on tour through Germany this week, as they pulled the same stunt at BMW on Monday. Porsche welcomed the protesters with the snarky banner shown above.

Follow the jump for more info and commentary.

[Sources: Greenpeace, Porsche]

It's a divisive world we live in and in few places outside of international policy are these divisions felt more then in consumer choice. Whether it's where you buy your everyday necessities, what types of food you choose to consume or even the establishment where you buy your flavored caffeine, these choices say something about you and your lifestyle. Vehicles, as such, are no different and few vehicles seem to cause more of a societal rift than SUVs.

Greenpeace has drawn their line in the sand and it is no surprise which side of the argument they fall on. Their new ad campaign puts their displeasure towards the ubiquitous urban assault vehicle front and center, asking blankly, "What does your car say about you?" The answer, according to Greenpeace, is scorn and degradation felt by all who come into contact with this supposed bastion of consumer ignorance.

Sound off in comments. This should be good.

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.