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Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions
Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan Said to Top EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Many brands now have a claim of some sort to use in fuel economy marketing, which likely means all of them will advertise fuel efficiency this fall, making the issue so confusing that it might no longer be effective for selling cars. Buyers will assume that fuel economy is a given in the entire class of vehicles and forgo the nuances. A similar situation has occurred in the marketing of auto safety during the past decade, with it increasingly difficult for companies to draw a competitive advantage in a continually improving field of what is now demonstrably the safest fleet of new vehicles ever sold in the U.S. Continue reading
More U.S. Companies Working on Sustainability and CO2 Reduction
The Carbon Disclosure Project released today an analysis showing that S&P 500 companies are making progress towards reducing carbon emission when compared to the so-called Global 500. CDP claims its results show a “tipping point” has now been reached in American C-suites and boardrooms to integrate a sustainability agenda into overall business strategy. This apparent acknowledgement of the growing spending and voting power of the green movement is occurring without comprehensive regulatory requirements in the U.S. to reduce CO2, and despite the goal – sometimes actually stated this election season – of Republican party candidates to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency and ignore climate change and possible remedial actions. Continue reading
Toyota Says 2013 Avalon Lightest in Class. But Where’s the MPGs?
Toyota claims its new 2013 Avalon is 110 lbs. lighter than the 2012 model, at 3,461 lbs. compared to 3,571 for the 2012 model. When Avalon arrives at dealerships later this fall, it will be the lightest-weight vehicle in the premium mid-size segment, according to the world’s largest automaker.
This is a claim without a real distinction, though. The V6 powered Avalon is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined and 21 city, 31 highway – not exactly world beating. For comparison consider the Buick La Crosse, which comes standard with a mild hybrid or so-called e-assist system, is rated at 29 combined, 25 city and 36 highway. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, fuel economy or emissions, new vehicle, news analysis
Tagged auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, Avalon, impala, Ken Zino, la crosse, lexus 300h, taurus
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EPA Approves Fuel Waiver for States Hit by Hurricane Isaac
EPA has temporarily waived some clean gasoline requirements for fuel distributed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The request for federal help come from the governors of the states most affected by delays in production and delivery of Gulf coast refineries. Continue reading
DOT and EPA Issue Record 54.5 MPG Fuel Economy Standards
Realistically, the fuel economy average will likely be in the 38-40 mpg range. Therefore, your mileage not only can vary but will vary from big numbers being touted in a closely contested Presidential election year. This, by the way, is where European fuel economy is right now, so if you want to know what the roads will look like a decade hence, travel to Spain or Italy whose governments desperately need tourist revenues to cover their massive deficits. Continue reading
Union Pacific Unveils Low Emissions Hybrid Locomotive
Union Pacific Railroad (NYSE: UNP) today unveiled an experimental locomotive that will test three emissions-reducing technologies – exhaust gas recirculation, diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters. While automotive enthusiasts might snicker about how far behind the heavy-duty diesel engine industry is lagging what are now virtually emissions free automobiles, the new locomotive is a significant step toward meeting EPA Tier 4 emission standards that are finally addressing large commercial vehicles. Continue reading
Messing with Texas – Trees for Electric Vehicle Testing
Electric utility Reliant (NYSE: NRG) and its EV recharging subsidiary eVgo will donate $25 to the Texas Trees Foundation or Trees for Houston each time a customer take an electric vehicle test drive of the Mitsubishi “i” or Nissan Leaf in North Texas or Houston between now and December 1st at participating EVs for Trees dealerships. Participating dealers will also donate $25. If a NRG customer test drives both the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi I, a total of $75 will be donated to the local tree planting organization. Continue reading
Sinclair Oil to Pay $3.8 Million Penalty for Refinery Pollution
Sinclair Oil Corporation will pay a $3.8 million fine and install pollution control equipment at its refineries in Casper and Sinclair, Wyoming after it previously agreed to reduce pollution, but then failed to do so. The U.S. Justice Department said today that the pollution controls would cost about $10.5 million, including other projects to resolve the allegations of violations of the Clean Air Act. Continue reading
Posted in environment, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news
Tagged air pollution, auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, clean air act, doj, epa, flare gas, Ken Zino, Sinclair
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First Look – 2013 Range Rover SUV
Land Rover has released the first photos of what it says is an all-new 2013 Range Rover. The fourth generation version drops its steel body for an all-aluminum monocoque design that is somewhat lighter. The upshot is total vehicle weight savings of about 700 pounds on what will remain about a 5,000 pound (or more) SUV in its two V8-powered U.S. versions. Currently the $80,000-$100,000 sport ute is rated by the EPA a 12 mpg city, 18 highway and 14 mpg combined, which is at the lower end of the class and requires a 28-gallon tank of premium fuel to provide a decent range. Continue reading
U.S. and Mexico Sign Agreement on Decreasing Border Pollution
The U.S. and Mexico today signed an agreement to reduce pollution, exposure to chemicals accidents or terrorism, and improve environmental stewardship. It is the latest environmental cleanup program implemented under the 1983 U.S.-Mexico La Paz Agreement covering public health problems in the 2,000-mile border region. The border is home to more than 14 million people and one of the busiest trade regions in the world. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news, transportation
Tagged auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, epa, Ken Zino, mexico
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GM Invests in NanoSteel, Claims New Class of Light Weight Materials
General Motors has invested an undisclosed amount in The NanoSteel Company because it claims the firm is a leader in light weight steel materials design. Through the development of patented alloys, NanoSteel has created a new class of steel that in theory allows automotive engineers and designers to reduce weight with thinner, higher strength gauges while maintaining the structural integrity needed for safety. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, energy, engineering, fuel economy or emissions
Tagged auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, cafe, GM, Ken Zino
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Ford C-Max Hybrid EPA Rated at 47 MPG in all Categories
The all-new Ford C-Max Hybrid that goes on sale this fall is now EPA-certified at 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined. This makes it the first hybrid without a window sticker decline in highway fuel economy ratings. Whether this is real or the product of carefully calibrating the C-Max to the test cycle awaits independent verification. Continue reading
First 118 MPGe Honda Fit EV Delivered in California
American Honda initially will lease Fit in some California and Oregon markets. Some East Coast locations will be added next year. The EV is lease-only with a price of $389 per month for three-years, which computes to a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $36,625. Collision coverage, maintenance costs and roadside assistance service included in lease. Gasoline versions of the Fit sell in the $16,200 to $21,000 range. Continue reading
EU Pols Say Tough New CO2 Limits Will Create Auto Jobs
As part of the proposal adopted yesterday by the European Commission to limit drastically CO2 emissions from cars and light commercial vehicles, there were claims made that it makes economic sense. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news, news analysis
Tagged acea, auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, co2 eu, emissions, Ken Zino
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European Makers Squeal Over Tough CO2 Targets Just Announced
It is not clear if the European auto industry has the political influence to modify the regulations in the face of strong and apparently growing (at least among regulators and some political parties) green sentiment in Europe. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news
Tagged auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, co2, emissions, eu acea, Ken Zino
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