Autoblog

REPORT: Michigan legislature pondering eco-friendly motoring tips in driving school

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST

There's always a mouthful of teeth gnashing whenever lax US driver's ed standards are brought up. Yes, we need sixteen-year-olds on the road so they can get to their part time jobs at Taco Bell, but most are really lousy drivers. Or are they just uneducated drivers? Remember, even though 9 and 3 o'clock are the proper way to hold a steering wheel, kids in the US were taught 10 and 2 for generations (though in the mid-90s it was switched to 9 and 3 with the proliferation of airbags). Point is, in terms of car control and emergency handling, US drivers lag behind some other (*cough* Germany *cough*) countries.

However, rather than focusing what we think is most important while driving (avoiding accidents), a couple members of Michigan's legislature are looking to mandate environmentally friendly education into their state's drivers ed curriculum. The Detroit News' Manny Lopez nearly has a coronary attacking the proposed legislation -- "trust me, environmental activism is a religion" -- but we don't really see the big deal.

Especially as the three parts of the bill Lopez brings up are learning about the importance of car-pooling and public transportation, identifying a fuel-efficient vehicle, and recycling vehicle parts and fluids. With the exception of the public transportation aspect (that really has no place in drivers ed unless it's learning how to avoid hitting buses), all of the above is good stuff to know. A smart state legislator might even grab into this proposed legislature and help to pass it only if teaching emergency lane change and braking procedures gets added in.

[Source: Detroit News | Photo Source: Jim Gray/Getty Archives]

REPORT: Michigan legislature pondering eco-friendly motoring tips in driving school originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM gets out from under its polluted sites scot-free

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

Among those clamoring for attention and payouts from Motors Liquidation Co., the company that assumed General Motors' unwanted assets after its Chapter 11 filing, are the environmental and economic redevelopment departments of state governments. According to reports, when GM exited bankruptcy, its polluted factory and land sites were consumed by the Motor Liquidation, allowing the automaker to avoid the responsibility of cleaning up its mess, and state leaders fear there won't be any money to clean the locations.

Before bankruptcy, GM estimated it had $1.9 billion in environmental issues and litigation liabilites. Motors Liquidation Co., though, has only about $1.2 billion to manage the entire wind-down of its affairs -- and as one might expect, attorneys handling the matter are expected to get a huge chunk of that. The figure to clean up sites in places like Buick City (pictured, before the buildings were demolished), Michigan and Massena, New York has been pegged at $530 million. However, the way it's looking, there won't be anywhere near that much money to get the job done.

The affected areas are afraid they will have to pay for the clean ups or simply let the land go unused. The problem with that: those local governments don't have the money. And they can't expect a developer to spend millions to clean up an old mess. If not Motors Liquidation or GM, civic representatives want the government to foot the bill since the current administration orchestrated the deal. No one knows how it will -- or won't -- be resolved, but the EPA has said that it's in touch with states and Motors Liquidation to "identify any environmental cleanup requirements that existed at the time of bankruptcy."

[Source: Freep | Photo Credit: Plan59]

REPORT: GM gets out from under its polluted sites scot-free originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Ford

2010 Ford Transit Connect - Click above for a high-res image gallery

A welcome splash of news for the UAW and the U.S. economy: Ford will commence production of the Transit Connect at a U.S. assembly plant by mid-year 2012. Currently built in Turkey on a version of the Euro Focus platform, the next generation Transit will also migrate to the FWD compact platform that will underpin the next Focus both hear and abroad. Ford plants in Wayne, Michigan and Louisville, Kentucky will be retooled to build cars on that architecture, meaning the that Transit could join them.

With an electric version joining the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in 2010, an outside analyst predicted 60,000 units would be reasonable by 2013. Ford isn't quoting any production numbers yet, preferring to see how the current version -- that just went on sale this month -- fares.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM reportedly picks Orion Township plant for upcoming small car

Chris Shunk — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

The state of Michigan finally got some good news Thursday when it learned that General Motors chose its Orion Township plant as the location that will produce the automaker's future small car. GM plans to make up to 160,000 cars at the plant, likely over two shifts.

When the General announced that it was entering bankruptcy on June 1, Orion was one of 14 facilities that was going to be closed under the automaker's recovery plan. GM then said that Orion was under consideration for a future small car, along with the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant that currently builds the Chevy Traverse and the recently closed Janesville, Wisconsin facility.

GM made no bones about the fact that the winning plant will get the need based not on the merits of the plant, but the size of the state and local incentives. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Township gave GM a 25-year tax abatement that could ultimately save the struggling automaker $100 million in that time frame. We're guessing officials figure that's a small price to pay for the chance to keep 1,200 good-paying jobs in a region that sorely lacks other employment options. GM is expected to make an official announcement about Orion today.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM reportedly picks Orion Township plant for upcoming small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Detroit businesses lining up to court Fiat execs with... $1,600 sandals?!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Fiat, Lifestyle

It is estimated that up to 200 Fiat executives would relocate to Michigan if Fiat ends up owning Chrysler, and the city of Birmingham, Michigan wants them. It's gearing up for something like an Olympic bid to attract prosperous Continental types, and is joined in the effort by nearby city Bloomfield Hills. The two cities are regular landing spots for top level execs -- Zetsche, Wagoner, Henderson and Nardelli, among others -- with beautiful real estate, high property values, and a high school founded to serve transplanted kids.

A Birmingham real estate agent is planning to present its relocation services to the local Italian consulate. and the Bloomfield Hills International Academy is considering an Italian extracurricular program. To sweeten the deal, the owner of a boutique shoe store pitches the fact that only she and the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas sell $1,595 Chrissie Morris high heeled sandals. No, it's not Turin and the surroundings are the Piedmont -- but a fresh million in Birmingham will get you 3,000 square feet more living space and a yard, and if you're going to be in Michigan anyway...

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Detroit businesses lining up to court Fiat execs with... $1,600 sandals?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren mayor wants requirement for all municipal works to 'Buy American'

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Calling it "economic and consumer patriotism," the mayor of Warren, Michigan wants to make it compulsory for city officials to buy American cars. Jim Fouts says that 15% of his fiscal budget depends on the auto industry, and the city's two most lucrative tax payers are General Motors and Chrysler. Therefore, in order to support the folks who support the town -- and in turn, take care of the taxpayer -- he's trying to expand the order he gave last year that required his appointees to Buy American.

The mayor hasn't said he'll fire or lay off someone who doesn't buy American. Yet when asked if he would, he has said things like "they are at-will employees in a strong mayor form of government... and they can be terminated at any time. I believe they know that and with that in mind I strongly urge that they buy American."

Of course, at least one person has come out and rung the constitutional bell, saying "It comes down to liberty... I don't see how they can tell you how to spend your money." However, Fouts says he has had no complaints so far.

[Source: Freep]

Warren mayor wants requirement for all municipal works to 'Buy American' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: MI attorney general pleads for automakers to declare bankruptcy in state

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM, Earnings/Financials

As in a basketball game when players are yanking on jerseys trying to block each other out under the basket, General Motors and Chrysler's creditors have officially begun jockeying for position.

Michigan's Attorney General, Mike Cox, has sent letters to the CEOs at both companies to ask that, if they file for bankruptcy, they do it in Michigan. Why? Because that would be more convenient to the creditors that GM and Chrysler have in Michigan.

According to The Detroit Free Press, both automakers owe funds to state coffers from the Michigan Business and Single Business Tax obligations to environmental regulations, among others. If GM and Chrysler declare bankruptcy in some other state, the burden will be on state reps to travel to attend proceedings, and that "would undoubtedly lead to unjust bills." What remains to be seen, though, is how much say either GM or Chrysler will have in where they will have to declare bankruptcy - if such movements become necessary.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: MI attorney general pleads for automakers to declare bankruptcy in state originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So Cold in the D: Motown student pleads for auto aid in documentary

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Earnings/Financials

Nicole Pentis is a high school junior in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan who has been making videos for five years. When C-SPAN sent out a call for students to make a video address to President Obama and tell him what they thought were the most pressing issues facing the U.S., Pentis grabbed her camera. Her subject: the turmoil in her own home - the imploding auto industry.

In her eight-minute vid entitled "Auto Industry for America's Past, Present, and Future," Pentis lists the numbers and makes her case for what the auto industry means for America, and uses a history lesson and interviews with several industry workers to back it up. Admittedly, the numbers she uses are debatable, but it can't be argued that the vid is heartfelt. Click the link to have a watch.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

So Cold in the D: Motown student pleads for auto aid in documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surprise! Credit agency says Michiganders have lowest average auto loan balances of any state

Chris Paukert — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Etc., Earnings/Financials

With today's dire economic climate, it should come at no surprise that delinquencies on automotive loans climbed last year. But what's perhaps counter-intuitive is, despite a particularly acute financial crunch, Michigan's residents owe less on their car and truck loans than their counterparts in any other state. In fact, 35 states have a higher delinquency rate than Michigan, according to the latest findings of TransUnion, one of the country's largest consumer credit agencies.

In a news blurb in the Detroit Free Press, TransUnion president Peter Turek reasons that the reality behind the perception disparity is likely the result of many Wolverine state residents having access to special discounts afforded to auto company employees and their friends and families.

According to the Freep, Nevada residents have the highest balance owed on its vehicles ($15,225), while Michigan owners carry the smallest balance (at an average of $11,009), and the latter's 60-day delinquency is 0.68 percent, well below chart-topping Mississippi and its 1.62 percent tally.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Surprise! Credit agency says Michiganders have lowest average auto loan balances of any state originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Daimler to open Mercedes hybrid electric research base in MI

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

In an all-too-rare win for Detroit's automaker base, the state of Michigan and Daimler have reportedly reached a deal to see a new Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric car research and development facility built in neighboring Ann Arbor. Among other things, the facility will develop hybrid transmissions, electric motors, and powertrain management software.

The German automaker is reportedly seeking a 65,000 square-foot facility to house the R&D works, and the development will also see the relocation of an existing facility currently located in Troy. Over the course of the next decade, the new operation is expected to represent a $9.9 million investment and generate 454 jobs - 223 of them directly. However, in order to secure the facility in Michigan (California and South Carolina were reportedly also considered), the state has had to cough up a tax break package worth some $7.5 million over 10 years.

[Source: MLive]

REPORT: Daimler to open Mercedes hybrid electric research base in MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mazda CX-7 nip/tuck spotted

Chris Paukert — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mazda

Please To our eyes, Mazda's CX-7 crossover still manages to look fresh despite having been on the market since mid-2006. While it has aged gracefully, the Japanese automaker is readying a facelift for 2010, and some early mules have just been caught by spy shooters roaming in wintery Michigan.

While the prototypes have been quite heavily disguised, it is still possible to see that beneath their anti-spy cloaks, changes are taking shape. Significantly upsized air intakes have taken up residence up front, and tape around the rear lenses could indicate that the taillamp clusters may be altered as well. Click on the link below for the full monty.

[Source: EVO]

Spy Shots: Mazda CX-7 nip/tuck spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What CDL? You don't need no stinkin' license to pull two trailers in Michigan!

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Michigan is a state of contradictions. The authorities there are so worried about your focus on the road in front of you that it's illegal to hang anything on your rear-view mirror. Yet if you want to triple tow - that's pulling two trailers at one time, like an RV camper and a boat - you can do it after you pay $10 and take a 15-question test. And you just need to get 12 answers right.

The only caveat worth mentioning is that the total length of the tow vehicle and two trailers can't exceed 65 feet. That's about the length of a semi-trailer combo, the differences being that a semi-trailer has only one articulated point and the folks who drive them need expensive specialized training and commercial driver's licenses.

Incredibly, Michigan is not only not alone with this, it is not the most permissive: Wisconsin and other states allow 65-foot triple-towing combinations, South Dakota allows 75 feet, and Wyoming gives drivers a whopping 85-foot towable length. No wonder Wyoming is the state of The Bucking Horse and Rider...

[Source: Automobile]

What CDL? You don't need no stinkin' license to pull two trailers in Michigan! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michigan International Speedway joining with state to create car test facility

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Safety, Technology

Michigan International Speedway (MIS) plays host to two NASCAR races: the 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo in the Sprint Cup Series, and the Carfax 250 in the Nationwide Series. Both races are likely to involve a fair number of cars crashing into each other, so it's ronic, then, that the MIS has been selected by the Michigan Department of Transportation as a neutral testing facility for car-to-car and car-to-road technology that are expected to one day prevent cars from crashing.

The testing is a part of Michigan's "Connected Vehicles" program, which is examining the practical use of technologies that allow cars to communicate with one another. The $100 million state program is four years into its five-year term, and needed a site where it could test a variety of makes and a range of components without giving anyone home-field advantage. The Speedway is now that site.

Between automakers and technology suppliers, Connected Vehicles is expected to add up to 40,000 jobs to the Michigan economy, 1,000 in 2009 alone. The larger goal behind it is for Michigan to position itself as a center of automotive technology and research -- and were it to succeed and end up creating cars that can't crash, that would make a nice filler for the vacuum created by the Detroit 3.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Ronald Martinez/Getty]

Michigan International Speedway joining with state to create car test facility originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michigan passes $335M battery stimulus bill

Chris Paukert — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Plants/Manufacturing

The U.S. is not exactly a leader in battery production at the moment. Most of the copper tops that power our hybrid cars come from other countries, mostly in Asia. That may soon change. Hot on the heels of General Motors' announcement this week that battery packs for the 2011 Chevy Volt would be built in Michigan with LG Chem, Jennifer Granholm, the state's governor, signed a bill into a law that provides $335 million in refundable tax credits to companies willing to develop and build batteries in the state.

As the U.S. auto market shrinks, no state is hurt worse than Michigan, and Governor Granholm has been doing whatever it takes to keep her state relevant as consumer tastes, the market and the entire industry evolves. She's betting batteries will play a big part in the years to come, and she's probably right. It will be some time, however, before we know if the $335 million bill will be a large enough carrot to attract new business to the region. But at this point, Detroit and Michigan just need a little luster.

[Source: WWJ.com, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty ]

Michigan passes $335M battery stimulus bill originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Court strikes down Michigan "fuzzy dice" ban... then reinstates it...

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

A man named Lonnie Ray Davis was pulled over by Michigan police. When they searched his car, they found an open alcohol container, crack, a wad of cash, a stun gun, and a .38 caliber handgun. He was, of course, arrested. But the reason they pulled him over has become a constitutional law issue: Davis had a Tweety Bird ornament dangling from his rear view mirror, and Michigan law forbids dangling things that "obstruct the vision of the driver of the vehicle."

Davis' argument was that the Tweety Bird didn't obstruct his vision, so the cops had no right to pull him over, and therefore the items they found should be suppressed. The 6th Court of Appeals initially struck down the Michigan law since it does not define "to what degree the driver's vision must be obstructed or for how long." Noting that a great many cars have objects dangling from their mirrors, and so may be in unwitting violation of the law, "the statute itself provides no guidance either to motorists or police as to which ones" violate the law, and so must be scrapped.

The court didn't suppress the evidence, and shortly after its ruling it rescinded its decision striking down the ban. The reason is thought to be that the court was required to let Michigan plead its case for the ban before the court struck it down. The court has not given a reason for its reversed decision. As far as the now-reinstated fuzzy dice ban, for now it remains a reason for the police to pull you over if and when they decide.

[Source: Michigan Messenger]

Court strikes down Michigan "fuzzy dice" ban... then reinstates it... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ironic or appropriate? Wagoner up for "Michiganian of the Year"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM

Depending on your point of view, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner could either be considered a Godsend or a pariah that represents all that's currently wrong with the country. Of course, we're referring mainly to the automotive bailout that the CEO helped (or hindered, again depending on your viewpoint) negotiate with the Feds and its impact on the jobs of thousands of Michigan workers. Regardless, Mr. Wagoner has been nominated for the "Michiganian of the Year" trophy by The Detroit News. That oughtta ruffle a few feathers.

Also up for the award, and perhaps equally as divisive, is John Dingell, the recently displaced chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. These men are just two of the choices mentioned by the newspaper, which has polled Michigan residents annually since 1978 for the award. Submissions are now open, and you can either cast a vote towards one of the preselected candidates or fill in your own.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ironic or appropriate? Wagoner up for "Michiganian of the Year" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's not just California: Michigan wants to raise the gas tax, too

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

California isn't the only one taking aim at the pumps in an effort to raise state revenue. The Michigan state legislature is also proposing a hike in its gas tax that could potentially make its gas taxes the highest in the nation. The current nineteen cent per gallon tax on gas, and fifteen cent per gallon tax on diesel, would be replaced by a simple 18% tax on the wholesale prices of both. Michigan says that the state isn't earning enough now that people are driving less, and driving more fuel efficient cars.

The reasons in for the tax are the same in MI as they are in CA: the transportation sector and road funding are sorely inadequate. Michigan has legendarily bad roads -- not the worst in the nation, but close in some cases. The oil and gas station lobby, however, wants none of it. One oil company exec said, "Cheap fuel prices are fueling the (economic) activity we have now. Taxing gasoline to fix roads is an old way of doing it." They are also worried that when gas prices inevitably go back up, the tax will make pump prices exorbitant.

A Michigan transportation rep said "We didn't necessarily see memos coming out from them when the price of fuel exceeded $4 a gallon." He also said that the tax is capped in the first couple of years, so no one needs to be concerned. The measure, along with a rise in DMV registration fees, is expected to raise $1.5 billion per year. If it doesn't pass this year, the legislature is expected to resurrect it next year. Hat tip to Braggin Dragon!

[Source: Michigan Live]

It's not just California: Michigan wants to raise the gas tax, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota opens second facility in Michigan, adds 400 jobs

Chris Shunk — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

Michigan has been begging for good news from the auto industry lately, and the Great Lakes state got some from a company that was once considered public enemy number one. Toyota has officially opened a brand new $187 million technical center in York Township that will provide 400 more jobs to the beleaguered state while giving the Japanese automaker additional manpower to develop more new vehicles for North America. The York Township facility will compliment the 700-person Toyota research and development center in Ann Arbor that has been operational since 1997. The Ann Arbor facility has performed R&D duties for various vehicle including the Avalon, Tundra, Sienna and upcoming Venza. The added jobs at the new facility only represents a small portion of the thousands of jobs Michigan residents have lost over the past decade, but having an automotive force like Toyota investing in your state is a very good start, indeed.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota opens second facility in Michigan, adds 400 jobs

Toyota opens second facility in Michigan, adds 400 jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solving Michigan's decrepit roads by going back to gravel?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The usual line from a preacher at a burial is "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust". Well something along those lines may soon be happening to some roads in Michigan. After my recent treatise on the process for (de)constructing roads in the Great Lakes state, an article turned up in the Lansing State Journal indicating that some county officials are contemplating an alternative to repaving decaying thoroughfares. With a complete repaving costing $100,000 per mile and repeated patching potentially costing even more over time, Clinton County is considering grinding up at least one road and returning it to gravel.

With the state of Michigan suffering perennial budget shortfalls and everything already pared to the bone, this may be the only financially viable option for some counties and municipalities. The gravel option is considered only a temporary fix until the financial situation in the state improves. However, there are currently no indications that will happen anytime soon. If they do start grinding up some roads, hopefully they will at least grade them periodically, in which case they may be smoother than they are now.

[Source: Lansing State Journal]

Solving Michigan's decrepit roads by going back to gravel? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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State intends to find out how much stress plug-in hybrids would put on grid

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green

Judging by the vast array of plug-in hybrids at the past few auto show, it's reasonable to assume that at some point in the next ten to 15 years there could be millions of vehicles plugging into our nation's power grid. The Michigan Public Service Commission will be looking at this issue over the course of the next several years as part of its effort to assess the state and region's future power needs.

The MPSC will use real plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to judge how the vehicles will effect the power grid at different times of the day, and the study will also gauge the possibility of plug-ins giving power back to the grid during peak times. The MPSC is inviting Detroit automakers, the utility companies, advocacy groups and others to participate in the ongoing study, and the group's first report is scheduled to go public in June 2009.

If the plug-in electric vehicle is going to be a major means of future propulsion, it's good someone is studying whether our aging power grid can actually handle the extra load.

[Source: Detroit News]

State intends to find out how much stress plug-in hybrids would put on grid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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