Since the Honda FCX Clarity was unveiled in 2007 there has been considerable interest among alternative energy fans, and critics, to see how practical the hydrogen fuel cell automobile would be in the long run. So far, it hasn’t done too bad at all, in fact it has received worldwide recognition as one of the best hydrogen cars in its class. (more…)

Ford News

Ford announced recently that they will be investing approximately $135 million toward designing, engineering, and producing key components for five new hybrid vehicles they plan on making statewide. These next generation Ford hybrid-electric vehicles, and their components, will go into production in 2012 here in the United States and will create much needed economic stimulus for a Michigan populous that has been hard-hit by the recession. (more…)

A Funding Announcement

This year is an important anniversary for Jaguar and they, appropriately, started it out with a bang. Supported by the Heritage Trust and Jaguar Cars, Jaguar showcased their iconic ‘works team’ in the 2010 Mille Miglia revival event in Italy to celebrate their most prestigious models. (more…)

The Bill before Congress

After the faulty accelerator pedals and brake problems of more than 8 million Toyota vehicles that reportedly caused the death of 52 people, the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee (HRECC) has drafted a bill that will make the auto industry meet new safety standards, and impose stricter penalties on companies that fail to promptly report safety defects to the appropriate governmental safety agency.

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WASHINGTON – Responding to one of the first major directives of the Obama Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today jointly established historic new federal rules that set the first-ever national greenhouse gas emissions standards and will significantly increase the fuel economy of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States. The rules could potentially save the average buyer of a 2016 model year car $3,000 over the life of the vehicle and, nationally, will conserve about 1.8 billion barrels of oil and reduce nearly a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lives of the vehicles covered.

This action is one important step in fulfilling the Obama Administration’s commitment to moving towards a clean energy, climate friendly economy.

“These historic new standards set ambitious, but achievable, fuel economy requirements for the automotive industry that will also encourage new and emerging technologies,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will be helping American motorists save money at the pump, while putting less pollution in the air.” (more…)

In 2004 the General Motors introduced the world’s first full sized hybrid pickups which were the ½ ton Silverado /Sierra. These hybrids did not use electric energy for propulsion like the successive models by GM. Then in 2005 the Opel Astra which was a diesel hybrid concept vehicle was introduced. Then came 2006 and the introduction of Saturn Vue Line which was the first passenger vehicle from GM is also a mild design

Currently, the GM is offering two types of hybrid systems the first was used in the Saturn vue and Saturn astra which is called the BAS hybrid system which is a type of hybrid canceled in 2009. Then the GM together with BMW and Daimler AG co-developed a Two- Mode Hybrid which is currently used on the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC’s Yukon

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Virtual speed traps are the sneakiest of the bunch; they ticket you in an instant without the need for a police officer. No longer is it as easy as looking for the black and white at a predictable corner or turn. Today’s speed traps utilize machines to do the work for them. Red light cameras and speed cameras have enabled better speed controls on both city and highway roads and have made a positive overall change in people’s driving habits. For the driving enthusiast, however, one of these speed traps can be a real show stopper. That’s why radar detectors, specifically those with GPS-enabled technology, are so useful. Take a look at the features and benefits of these newest GPS detectors and see how they can benefit your overall driving experience. Here are the top 3 rated speed camera detectors.

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It’s a familiar problem for most Northern California Residents. You’re driving on 680 near Martinez, and that steady wind tries to push you off the highway, or maybe it’s I5 near Weed, or one of the many other sections of freeway blessed with a strong cross wind. Not a major problem at first, but after a while that constant pull on your car just adds to the fatigue of an already long drive.

Well, Ford has come up with an answer to the problem. Starting with the 2008 Ford Escape, Ford has started adding EPS or Electric Power Steering to some of its vehicles.

What is EPS?
Instead of the usual complicated mix of hydraulic pumps, hoses, power steering fluids and drive belts that can require regular service and repair. EPS uses an electronic motor to assist in steering. (more…)

0 – 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and no emissions, that’s the new Tesla Roadster! Based on the Lotus chassis the Tesla with it’s impressive performance earns the right to be included with some of the top sports cars. With the new “Signature 100 Series” hot off the production line check out one of the first impressions with our Tesla Roadster review.

While not as quick to 60 mph (4 seconds) the Tango Commuter Car still earns the right to be put in the sports car performance category. Although when looking at it, that would not be your first impression. Don’t let the looks deceive you though, it uses many of the same safety innovations as race cars, including a stainless steel chassis with a chromium molybdenum roll cage.
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image source: zeropollutionmotors.us

In a previous post I talked about the air car from Tata Motors. Since then other manufacturers are entering into the race to take the lead in this environmentally friendly from of transportation.

Zero Pollution Motors in cooperation with MDI group unveiled their new air car at the 2008 New York Auto show on March 20. They also entered a team to compete for the Automotive X Prize.

Zero Pollution Motors has plans of introducing a compressed air vehicle to the US market in the year 2010. This family sized vehicle will seat 6, have 4 doors, and will achieve over 100 MPGe (mpg equivalent) with the ability to go over 90 mph. One interesting point is the affordability of this vehicle, it is expected that it will cost around $18,000. An economy/utility model will be produced by MDI for sale in France and elsewhere 2009 at a price of beginning at around $5,000-$6,000 for the basic model.

History of the air car
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