UAW says Big 3 compete at fuel economy

Living la vida loca?

According to the UAW's Ron Gettelfinger, American automakers are unfairly portrayed as not competing on fuel economy, stating "Unfortunately, there is a misperception that the Big Three only make gas guzzlers, while Toyota is a division of Greenpeace."

I don't know, Ron. The Big 3 trail both Honda and Toyota year-after-year-after-year on fleet fuel economy. Are those facts based on misperception?

Without the profit margins of Detroit's most fuel inefficient vehicles, bankruptcy would be unavoidable. Yet, Toyota and Honda could survive.

Perhaps the real problem is Ron's misperception of reality? Time for a new UAW President?

GM steps up E-Flex plans

GM invests in the E-Flex platform - powertrain of the Volt

The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is an excellent concept vehicle. The keyword in that sentence is 'concept'. More impressive than the Volt, is the E-Flex platform powering the Volt.

Akin to the the Hybrid Synergy Drive of Toyota, the E-Flex Platform is, almost certainly, the powertrain of the future for most - if not all - GM vehicles. Thus, it's great to hear that GM continues to make solid investments in the E-Flex Drive.

"Word from GM’s design center in Michigan is that Bob Boniface, director of advanced design, has been ordered to take command of a studio solely dedicated to designing cars using the Volt/E-Flex powertrain. GM is investing $500 million in the project and hopes to put a version of the car on the road by 2010." (Autoweek)

GM's dual mode hybrid advantage?

Bigger hybrids are better?

Later this year GM's first dual mode hybrid vehicles are set to go on sale. The Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid will be GM's first full hybrid passenger vehicles, and already many are claiming GM's dual mode hybrids are superior to Toyota's hybrids.

And they are right. Well, sort of. OK, maybe, in some circumstances, although no one really knows, to be quite honest.


---> Finish GM's dual mode hybrid advantage

Efficiency study versus Detroit's excuses

Too many American excuses?

You've heard it many times. Legacy costs, currency manipulation, etc. are the reasons that U.S. automakers aren't as competitive as foreign automakers.

Excuses. Excuses.

Yes, these issues do cause problems for U.S. automakers. Nonetheless, for decades, foreign automakers have been far more efficient at making automobiles than U.S. automakers (more). Yes, Detroit, waste does have costs, significant costs. It's time for management and Union leadership to accept the fact that THEY significantly contributed to the decline of America's auto industry.

Many labor issues are now coming to the forefront of the U.S. auto industry. Let's hope both sides act a little more intelligently this time around.

GM determined to become the greenest automaker

"We have to have people think we are part of the solution, not part of the problem," the WSJ quoted Lawrence Burns, GM's vice president for research and development and global planning, as saying.

Thus, GM is fast-tracking the Chevy Volt, its dual mode hybrids, and its fuel cell program.

(Source: Car&Driver)

Toyota postpoing lithium powered Prius?

The next Prius won't be lithium powered?

Less than a month ago, Toyota announced that their lithium-ion batteries were ready for the next generation Prius, as well as all Hybrid Synergy Drive vehicles.

Now there are rumors in Japan that Toyota is going to delay the launch of lithium-powered hybrid cars due to safety concerns.

Hopefully, these are just rumors.

Hybrids & CAFE: Is Toyota playing America?

Hybrid king and CAFE fighter?

Toyota has received an incredible amount of positive press over its very successful Toyota Prius hybrid car. Thus, one might assume that Toyota would love to see the U.S. become as aggressive as possible regarding fuel economy - something that almost guarantees the success of Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

So, why is Toyota also joining U.S. automakers in the fight against significant increases in CAFE?

Finish: Hybrids and CAFE: Is Toyota playing America.

Are you a hypermiler?

Are you a fuel economy wizard?

Obviously, most drivers of hybrid vehicles are concerned with fuel economy. Many are even obsessed. Some, however, are consumed by achieving unbelievable hypermileage with their hybrids.

A Honda Insight achieving 75 mpg. A Toyota Prius in Japan achieving 112 mpg - without plug-in technology. A Civic hybrid achieving 60 mpg. All these examples are the work of hypermilers according to the AP - people whom coast, draft, and slightly over inflate their tires.

Are you a hypermiler? What kind of crazy fuel economy have you achieved with your hybrid?

Want an Altima hybrid, but its not available where you live?

Just gotta have one?

I've received a few e-mails from some hybrid car buyers that decided to purchase a Nissan Altima hybrid, rather than a Toyota Prius, simply for the Altima's full tax credit compared to the almost expired, significantly reduced, tax credit on Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

I can see the sense in that.

Yet, Nissan is only selling the hybrid version of the Altima in just 8 states; California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Not all potential Altima hybrid buyers live in these states. So, many are driving hundreds of miles to buy one.

So, where will these 'out-of-area' Altima hybrids be serviced?

Nissan is warning Altima hybrid buyers outside of the 8 states where Nissan is selling the hybrid vehicle, that servicing outside of these 8 states will be very limited and might include several days of delay.

Hybrid tax credit, servicing hassles, tax credit????

President Hillary to protect gas-guzzling?

Winning is the only thing that matters?

According to the DetroitNews, Hillary Clinton is going to try very hard to distance herself from Barack Obama and his stance on Detroit and U.S. automakers. Mr.Obama wants to see significant increases in U.S. fuel economy and a move towards hybrid vehicles due to the dangers of foreign oil dependency and global warming.

Hillary, on the other hand, doesn't want to risk any votes by speaking the truth. Well, sometimes the truth hurts, and the truth is that U.S. automakers need to become as aggressive as possible regarding foreign oil dependency. There's no way to candy-coat that reality.

On that issue Barack Obama is dead-on.

I guess since Hillary saved the health care system, she probably has the perfect plan to save U.S. automakers as well.

Toyota's FT-HS hybrid closer to reality?

Built on the GS450h hybrid powertrain?

After the Chevy Volt, Toyota's FT-HS hybrid concept was my favorite hybrid at the North American International Auto Show. This potential Supra replacement is nearing reality according to the Winding Road and rumors out of Japan.

The 400 hp FT-HS will probably be built on the GS450h hybrid powertrain - possibly utilizing the next generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, and thus lithium-ion batteries.

PSE&G going hybrid

Adding 1,300 hybrids to fleet

"Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) today unveiled plans to reduce its carbon emissions by more than 81,000 tons by replacing 1,300 vehicles with hybrids and making changes in other areas of its corporate fleet.

During the next decade, the utility will invest in hybrid cars and light trucks, hybrid bucket truck prototypes, electric-drives and alternative fuels in an effort to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to global warming."

Nissan Altima hybrid testimonials

Altima hybrid driver?

Do you own a Nissan Altima hybrid? How is it going? What kind of gas mileage are you achieving? Have you had any problems? Is there anything you wish Nissan had done differently with its first hybrid?

Let us know about your Altima hybrid experiences and give us your testimonial today.

--> More hybrid testimonials

Japanese want cheaper hybrid cars

Japanese government to help develop cheaper hybrid vehicles

According to Satoshi Kusakabe, the director of the Automobile Division of the Trade Ministry of Japan, the Japanese government will spend $1.7 billion over the next five years to develop cheaper hybrid cars and cleaner fuels.

"Cost burdens on consumers should not exceed those of current gasoline cars," Kusakabe told reporters.

(Source: Reuters)

U.S. Automakers - A Memorial Day Insult?

Honor our soldiers by buying a foreign-oil dependence-increasing gas-guzzler?

Heading into the Memorial Day Weekend, U.S. automakers are beginning an ad campaign to convince Americans that CAFE increases are bad for America. Such a move, they argue, is too expensive, too limiting and too unsafe.

How safe and cost effective is America's foreign oil dependence?

(Finish U.S. Automakers - A Memorial Day Insult?)

Americans already used to $3.00 gas - proof a gas tax could work?

Will $4.00 make any difference?

A new poll suggests that while $3.00 plus gas hurts, most Americans are getting used to it. And, while $3.00 gas is pushing more to consider more fuel efficient vehicles, it's mostly just causing consideration, not action. Will $4.00 be the magic number to force real change? Will we hit $4.00 this summer?

One thing is for certain. At $4.00 per gallon, there is no question about the cost effectiveness of hybrid cars, which makes me wonder, does this prove a gas tax could revolutionize America?

Say gas stays at $3.50 per gallon. Add an extra $.50 tax to fund clean vehicle tax credits for the consumers of hybrids, etc. America could easily generate billions to subsidize the extra costs of hybrid technology, and the fuel savings would essentially negate the tax for wise consumers.

Oh yeah, and the gas tax would increase the cost-effectiveness of bio-fuels - maybe we could move the massive ethanol subsidies to consumers, rather than profit-driven corporations?

The Volt: Is it or is it not a hybrid vehicle?

Is the Volt a hybrid vehicle?

The Chevy Volt isn't a hybrid vehicle, I've been told a number of times. What is it I ask?

It's a plug-in electric vehicle, is usually the best answer I hear. Then I ask, "a plug-in electric vehicle with a range-extending gasoline engine?"

In other words, it's a plug-in hybrid vehicle, I conclude.

Yes, the Volt is a different kind of hybrid vehicle. Call it a series hybrid, or a plug-in series hybrid. Call it an electric-gasoline hybrid, but don't call it the end of hybrid cars. The Volt might be the best hybrid vehicle available when it hits the streets in about 3 years - if it hits the streets - but it will still be a hybrid.

Of course, considering that numerous lithium-ion companies have already converted today's Toyota Prius into 150 mpg+ Plug-in Prii, it seems pretty obvious that Toyota will be well positioned to give the Volt a run for the money.

And, really, what more could hybrid fans really ask for?

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend

For those of you driving this weekend, be safe! Hopefully your hybrid vehicles can save you some cash this weekend. Cheers!

Dreaming about a Volt SS - A true American hybrid

Lutz, Wagoner and the Chevy Volt

I can still feel the buzz created by the launch of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid at NAIAS earlier this year. Minimally, if successful, this concept puts GM in the same league as Toyota regarding hybrid cars.

Minimally.

Timing will also be important. The sooner the better, and I mean much sooner.

If GM can get the Volt right, it is a game changer. If successful, the Volt will be the definition of game changer. But there are many 'ifs'. And just because the Volt might be a game changer, doesn't mean it will be a Prius killer (but I'll address that another day - maybe tomorrow).

The Volt - as debuted in Detroit - might also....(finish Dreaming about a Volt SS - A true American hybrid)

Diesels to outgrow hybrids?

A Mercedes clean diesel vehicle

"Ricardo forecasts that combined diesel and hybrid gasoline will represent 15 percent of the U.S. light vehicle market by 2012, with sales of diesels outstripping gasoline hybrids by 1.5 million units versus 1.2 million. UBS highlights that European automakers and a number of global suppliers look set to benefit from the diesel trend."

I like a good clean diesel vehicle, but they are still no hybrid. Yes, in terms of costs, diesels are competitive to hybrids - at least with today's hybrid technology. Will that still be the case when lithium enters the hybrid powertrain? Inevitably, each new generation of hybrid vehicles will continue to become more fuel efficient and cheaper, and if plug-in hybrids are developed, can diesel really compete?

In the short term, clean diesel is a fine choice. Ultimately, however, the best future for diesel is as a diesel hybrid.

Automakers launching ads against CAFE increase

Because foreign oil dependency has no costs?

"Despite rising gas prices and a growing concern about climate change," the DetroitNews writes today "the auto industry is going on the offensive to convince Americans to oppose dramatically higher fuel economy requirements."

"Led by Detroit's Big Three and Toyota Motor Corp., the industry is launching print and radio ads this weekend warning consumers that fuel regulations under consideration by the U.S. Senate would lead to higher vehicle prices and smaller and less safe vehicles."

Most Americans not interested in hybrids, diesels or alt fuels

No serious changes until $4.00 gas?

A new survey by Consumer Reports shows that most people are interested in better fuel economy, but only about half are willing to sacrifice size or performance to achieve better fuel economy. Also, "47 percent of those currently shopping for a car said they would consider purchasing a hybrid, diesel or flex-fuel vehicles."

Third Generation Prius body design finalized?

Close to what the 2009 Prius will look like?

Some time next year fans of hybrid vehicles will be driving the sales people at Toyota crazy. Why? Because everyone will be dying to have a third generation Prius in 2008.

Still, there is far more that we don't know about this new Prius than what we know. According to Edmunds, however, we know the body design is in final design stages, and it will look similar to the Hybrid X concept pictured above - one of three main designs that Toyota was considering for the next gen Prius.

Nonetheless, it won't look exactly like the one pictured above. Then again, maybe Toyota will offer a few different Prii, such as a sporty Prius, or a smaller city Prius - something Toyota has indicated was possible in the past.

Excited yet?

Re: The hidden hybrid PR coup

Hybrid success is purely because of Hollywood?

GM's Bob Lutz, just a few years ago, claimed that GM could have beat Toyota to the Prius hybrid car by spending just a fraction of one year's marketing budget on such a plan. Instead, GM spent that money marketing a new line of large SUVs.

But who cares?

Instead, Fortune's Sue Callaway wants us to believe that the only reason hybrid cars are popular is because of a hidden hybrid PR coup in Hollywood. So, if you bought a hybrid, apparently, then you are a Hollywood-wannabe, Sue seems to imply.

While I don't doubt that some have bought hybrids because of some Hollywood-influence, is it really so hard for hybrid critics to understand that many whom buy hybrids are incredibly committed to issues such as global warming and foreign oil dependency? Sure such a purchase accomplishes little on a global scale, other than send a message and invest in the future.

Still, what message are gas-guzzlers sending? In what future does gas-guzzling invest?

How about the hidden PR coup that has enabled automakers to spend billions marketing the most extreme foreign-oil dependency-increasing gas-guzzlers - despite 9/11 and two wars in Iraq - because of profit, at the expense of U.S. soldiers and U.S. National Security. Now that's a real coup.

Some interesting Ford Escape hybrid facts

Escape hybrid taxi drivers can save as much as $6000.00 on gas, PER YEAR

Earlier today New York announced that it was going to convert its yellow taxi fleet to hybrids in the next 5 years. As a result, Ford issued a fact sheet regarding the Escape hybrid, including facts like the $6000.00 per year that some New York cabbies are saving by driving a hybrid.

Another point of interest - some Escape hybrid cabs in NY have accumulated some 175,000 miles, yet there have been no major mechanical issues according to Ford. That sounds like reliability to me.

In two years, 18 hybrid Escape taxis saved the city $250,000 in fuel costs.

So, in five years the fleet will have paid for itself in fuel savings? No wonder NY is converting to hybrid vehicles - it's a no brainer.

Electric cars versus plug-in hybrids: An achilles heal?

Could electric cars be a National Security threat?

Many fans of electric cars are some of the biggest supporters of plug-in hybrid vehicles. It's not that these supporters, however, believe that plug-in hybrids are superior to electric vehicles, rather they believe that plug-in hybrid cars are the best way to make Americans comfortable with pure electric autos.

On the other hand, while I like both plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, I believe that plug-in hybrids are superior to electric vehicles - in most circumstances. Mostly, it's the...(Finish electric vehicles versus plug-in hybrids)

Volt should give GM same PR as Prius did for Toyota, NOW?

O.K. I see the Prius, but where is the Volt

I am a big fan of GM's Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid concept, but I think too many fans of the Volt have simply become nonsensical, and David Kiley of BusinessWeek is one such fan.

"I would argue that since GM was the first one to bring out a concept (the Volt) and commit to a plan to bring it to market that GM deserves the same PR boost from that as Toyota has achieved with hybrids."

You have got to be kidding me?!!!! Toyota will have sold millions of hybrid vehicles before GM has sold one Volt - a vehicle that has a small possibility of NEVER existing - yet GM should already be receiving the same PR boost as Toyota because it has a plan? You mean like the fuel cell vehicle plan we've been hearing about for decades?

Wow. I'll be attacking this article later in Why the Volt IS NOT a Prius killer.

NY Cabs will be 100% hybrid vehicles

All cabs will be hybrid vehicles in 5 years?

Today New York's mayor, Michael Bloomberg, announced that the entire fleet of yellow taxis will be entirely hybrid in 5 years. Already the city uses a number of hybrid cars, including Toyota's Prius, Highlander hybrid and Lexus RX400h, in addition to the Ford Escape hybrid.

Many of New York's taxis average just 14 mpg, while the Escape hybrid averages 36 mpg.

“There’s an awful lot of taxicabs on the streets of New York City,” Bloomberg said. “These cars just sit there in traffic sometimes, belching fumes.

“This does a lot less. It’s a lot better for all of us,” he said of the hybrid plan.

(AP via MSNBC)

Could the X-prize prove Detroit has duped America?

The car that started it all?

When Toyota launched the Prius hybrid car, executives from the Big 3 almost couldn't stop laughing at such a ridiculous effort. Americans, they seemed to believe, could care less about hybrid cars and fuel efficiency.

Well, who is laughing now?

Sure, hybrids are a long way from ending the internal combustion engine, but the vehicles did wake up some Americans, especially those realizing the ever-growing dangers of foreign oil dependency and/or global warming.

Can the Automotive X-Prize challenge the auto establishment even more? Dan Carney comments for Edmunds "The winning cars will not use "fuel molecule aligners," "air vortex generators," "fish carburetors" or any of the other mythical and fraudulent add-on devices claimed to produce fantastic fuel economy. Of course, this [an X-Prize Winner] will prove to conspiracy theorists that there's still a nefarious conspiracy between Detroit and Big Oil."

Army keeps testing hybrid technology

Diesel hybrid vehicles reduce fuel logistics

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. today announced that it was awarded a contract to develop a diesel hybrid electric version of its Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV) "Aggressor." This program is a follow on to Quantum's successful "Aggressor" vehicle, a high performance light-duty off-road fuel cell hybrid vehicle developed for the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), National Automotive Center (NAC). The contract has a total value of $4.88 million.

When will the Kia Rio hybrid hit America?

Maybe in 2009?

This morning AutoblogGreen posted an article about the Kia Rio hybrid coming to the U.S. in 2009. However, is that actually true?

Around 2009 Hyundai is supposed to develop a full production line of Rio hybrids, however, Kia has not announced how many vehicles will be built, nor in which markets the new hybrid will be sold.

While it's natural to assume that the hybrid will make it to the states, I wouldn't expect any before 2010. Furthermore, I doubt many of these mild hybrids will ever make it to the States.

Hyundai has announced that when lithium-ion batteries are cost-effectively integrated into automobiles, then hybrid cars become the future. Thus, I'm sure a full hybrid powertrain will quickly replace the mild hybrid powertrain currently slated to power the Rio hybrid.

Then, again, I'm just assuming.

A Toyota Sienna hybrid soon?

Would a hybrid Sienna be "home run"?

That's the sentiment of Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. General Manager. "Personally I think [a Sienna hybrid] would be a home run," Carter opined. "But that decision has not been made."

While Mr. Carter acknowledges the decision to move forward with a Sienna hybrid has not been made, Toyota has decided it is better to convert as many of their vehicles into hybrid vehicles "sooner rather than later" according to Edmunds.

Hydrogen: Perfecting the hybrid vehicle?

Ford's HySeries Hydrogen Plug-in hybrid drive

Could a new way of creating hydrogen turn hybrid cars into THE automotive technology of the future?

Researchers at the University of Purdue have developed a simple, on-demand form of hydrogen creation that could solve many problems related to the hydrogen economy - particularly storage and transportation (more).

Already there are hydrogen hybrids. Why? Because hydrogen is about as efficient as gasoline. Hybrid technology can make hydrogen 20-30 percent more efficient as a fuel with today's technology. Lithium-powered hybrid technology could double this efficiency, meaning the need for huge amounts of hydrogen would not be needed - making the hydrogen highway far less complicated.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles could further reduce the need for large amounts of hydrogen. Add in a small fuel cell, and even less hydrogen is needed. You get the picture.

Hydrogen and hybrids, a perfect marriage?

Hybrid HOV Access: Feds doing what states have already done?

Hybrids and HOVs: Do the Feds really need to get involved?

The EPA is reviewing its certification of clean and energy efficient vehicles to help states determine which hybrid vehicles should be allowed in HOV lanes. While I don't know every state's legislation, California, for example, is already more strict than the EPA. Maybe the Feds should just leave things alone?

(Source: CNN)

125 mpg Prius plug-in hybrid, but not from Toyota

Toyota's next generation hybrids will use lithium, but you still won't plug them in

There is an interesting experiment taking place in the workshops of many lithium-ion battery producers: the creation of 100 mpg+ plug-in versions of the Toyota Prius.

Thus far, both LTC and A123Systems have each demonstrated working plug-in hybrid vehicles built upon the Prius and each company's lithium battery packs. Both companies have achieved 125 mpg + performance with such plug-in hybrids.

Yet, when Toyota begins to sell the third generation Prius, probably sometime next year, the Prius will....(Finish: 125 mpg+ Prius plug-in hybrid, but not from Toyota)

Lexus LS600h series launches in Japan

LS600h and LS600hL launch in Japan today

Toyota is now selling the Lexus LS600h and the Lexus LS600h L in Japan, and the hybrid will soon find its way into other countries soon. Beginning at $80,300* for the LS600h and $84,850 for the longer wheel-based LS600h L, the LS600 series will be the most expensive Toyota vehicle sold outside of Japan.

"This car takes the concept of luxury beyond the conventional parameters and into the 21st century," President Katsuaki Watanabe said at the car's launch in Tokyo.

Reuters notes, "Pulling out all the stops on the car it calls the "Flagship of Lexus", Toyota packed the LS600h/LS600hL with several new components and systems including a 5-litre V8 engine, full-time all-wheel-drive and a high-output electric motor. The result, Toyota says, is a car with the power and acceleration of a 6-litre engine but half its carbon dioxide emissions."

* Other reports claim the LS600h will start at $124,000, possibly due to import tariffs, taxes, etc. into the U.S., where as the numbers above are Japanese prices.

Vue hybrid going full, but what about the Aura and the Malibu?

A full future for this mild hybrid?

I'm not a very big fan of large SUVs. Even when hybrid technology is added to large SUVs, they are still only more fuel-efficient gas-guzzlers - in my opinion. Nonetheless, I can gladly endorse a Yukon hybrid over a conventional Yukon, for example. Still, I would prefer to see America morph into a liking for smaller SUVs.

Thus, I am very excited about the fact that GM will offer a full Saturn Vue hybrid in 2008. A Vue hybrid...(Finish: Vue hybrid going full, but what about the Aura and Malibu hybrids)

CAFE: Can Democrats put Michigan in check?

Is Nancy Pelosi's biggest problem her own party?

Do Democrats really care about global warming and foreign oil dependency? While the answer to that question seems like a resounding yes, why is it that some Democrats are the BIGGEST laggards regarding real CAFE increases and real action on global warming? Isn't that supposed to be the domain of Big Oil-influenced Republicans?

At some point Democrats might have to ask, "Are Michigan Democrats really Democrats."

John Dingell (D) of Michigan is one of the biggest forces preventing a serious increase in CAFE, even though hybrid cars demonstrate that the CAFE requirements proposed for 2020 are essentially achievable today. Yet, Dingell has ripped....(Finish: CAFE: Can Democrats put Michigan in check?)