Honda to Display Concept Model of All-New Insight Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle Scheduled for Release in 2009 at Paris Motor Show
8th September 2008 11:10 am Fuel-Efficient Cars
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will display the concept model of its all-new Insight dedicated hybrid vehicle at the 2008 Paris Motor Show (October 2–19; Press Days: October 2–3). Honda is introducing the advanced Insight to meet the needs of customers in a new era of widespread demand for hybrid vehicles.
The name Insight was chosen to denote Honda’s “insight” into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers.
A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback, the new Insight will feature an innovative new platform in which the battery and control unit are located beneath the cargo space for exceptional utility and a light, pleasing driving feel. The new Insight features Honda’s innovative, highly efficient compact hybrid powerplant, in which a gasoline engine serves as the main power source and the electric motor assists when extra power is needed, such as during passing or start-up and acceleration.
The new Insight also features a new driving support function that helps drivers make the most of its exceptional fuel economy to achieve more efficient, environmentally responsible driving.
Thanks to reductions in the weight and size of the Insight’s key components, Honda has also achieved significant cost reductions.
Honda plans to introduce the production version of the all-new Insight to the markets in Japan, Europe and North America in spring 2009 and projects annual global sales of 200,000 units.
At the Paris Motor Show, Honda will also display the FCX Clarity, its fuel cell automobile that offers the ultimate in clean performance, producing absolutely no CO2 emissions in operation; and a design study model of the CR-Z lightweight sports hybrid vehicle, scheduled to be released in the near future.
Get the Facts About Fuel-Efficient Cars
29th August 2008 10:02 pm Fuel-Efficient Cars
A New Feature Allows Shoppers to Research Hybrids and Other Fuel-Efficient Vehicles by their Estimated Miles per Gallon
Consumer interest in finding a vehicle that provides more gas economy has increases dramatically over the last several months. In fact, CarMax, Inc., the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, says that searches for hybrids on carmax.com were up 43 percent from March to July.
In response to the growing demand for information about fuel efficiency, CarMax is offering the following tips for shopping for a used hybrid or a more fuel-efficient vehicle:
* Do your research on hybrid vehicles: hybrids combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by batteries. The electric motor helps increase the engine’s fuel efficiency.
* Learn what type of hybrid is best for you, a full or mild hybrid: a full hybrid can at times be powered by an electric motor independent of a gas engine. The electric motor gives it the ability to obtain more miles to the gallon than a non-hybrid. A mild hybrid uses its electric motor only to assist the gasoline engine when more power is required.
* Investigate whether your state offers tax credits or HOV access for hybrid owners: some states still offer some benefits, although the laws are changing.
* Research non-hybrid, fuel-efficient cars that also offer better-than-average mileage: some non-hybrids like the Honda Fit and Toyota Corolla can get up to 35mpg highway.
* Hybrid and non-hybrid versions of the same car differ in price: the hybrid version can cost up to $5,000 more, so be prepared to pay more up front to save money in the long run.
Looking For Better Fuel Economy?
28th August 2008 8:45 pm Fuel-Efficient Cars
With all eyes on gas prices and fuel mileage ratings, cost-conscious consumers are taking control of their own “miles per gallon” by tracking their real-world fuel consumption while learning more efficient driving habits.
Since its public debut in May 2008, FuelClinic.com has assisted drivers from all over the world to understand their fuel consumption and help find real methods to reduce it. Today the FuelClinic team celebrates a significant milestone as members of the website have logged over one million miles of driving records.
“People join the website for a variety of reasons,” says Michael Bragg, creator of FuelClinic. “Most want to track their actual fuel usage and spending, some want to reduce their ‘carbon footprint,’ and then there is a growing group of small business owners who are using the site to help manage their fleet fuel costs.”
With their fuel pump receipts and odometer readings, members are able to enter their information into the website. FuelClinic then creates a variety of metrics, charts and graphs that illustrate spending habits and fuel costs at a glance. Members can easily compare the different vehicles in their account.
“I think the idea for this site is really wonderful. It is one of those things that seems so obvious to do it is surprising no one had before. I guess things had to reach a point where people were just really paying attention to mileage,” said Jonathan from Chicago, who has been using FuelClinic to track his mileage for just over a month.
This million-mile mark is just the beginning according to Mr. Bragg, who created the website based on software he had written to track his own fuel consumption. “I’m constantly working on new ways to expose trends in the data, finding ways to make the user interface smoother, and growing the selection of reports available,” said Mr. Bragg.
Electric Car Supplier Holds Shareholder’s Meeting
28th August 2008 7:45 pm Fuel-Efficient Cars
Harbin Electric, Inc. (’Harbin Electric’ or the ‘Company’; Nasdaq: HRBN), a leading developer and manufacturer of a wide range of electric motors, will hold its annual meeting of shareholders at 8:30 AM (local time) on September 26, 2008 in Shanghai, China at the following address:
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao
2270 Hong-Qiao Road
Shanghai, 200336
People’s Republic of China
Harbin Electric, headquartered in Harbin, China, is a leading developer and manufacturer of a wide array of electric motors with a focus on innovative, customized and value-added products. Its major product lines include linear motors, automobile specialty micro-motors, and industrial rotary motors.
The Company’s products are purchased by a broad range of domestic and international customers, including those involved in oil services, factory automation, food processing, packaging, transportation, automobile, medical devices, machinery and tool manufacturing, petrochemical, as well as in the metallurgical and mining industries.
Harbin Electric has built a strong research and development capability by recruiting talent worldwide and through collaborations with top scientific institutions. The Company owns numerous patents in China and has developed award-winning products for its customers.
Through its U.S. and China-based subsidiaries, the Company operates two manufacturing facilities in China located in Harbin and Weihai, and is completing the construction of a high- efficiency production plant in Shanghai. Harbin Electric employs approximately 2,200 people including employees at Hengda Electric Motor Co. Ltd., which it recently acquired. Each of the three manufacturing facilities is dedicated to a specific product line and is equipped with state-of-the-art production equipment and quality control systems.
As China continues to grow its industrial base, Harbin Electric aspires to be a pioneer in leading the industrialization and technology transformation of the Chinese manufacturing sector. To learn more about Harbin Electric, visit http://www.harbinelectric.com .
University Welcomes Zipcar to Campus
22nd August 2008 5:00 pm Fuel-Efficient Cars
When students come back for classes at the University of Miami in late August, a new transportation option will be available to them called Zipcar, an innovative car-sharing program that allows members to reserve cars online or via phone or mobile device for an hourly rate of $8 that includes gas and insurance.
Zipcar, the world’s largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, which is currently being utilized by 80 universities, allows members to pay an annual fee of $35, and have the flexibility to have a fuel efficient vehicle without actually owning or leasing a car — or paying for insurance or gasoline.
That’s especially helpful for freshmen residents at UM, who are not able to bring their cars to campus for the first time this fall.
“Student Government is thrilled that the University will offer this new option, allowing students the opportunity to easily move around Miami and see everything that it has to offer,” said Brandon Gross, who petitioned the administration to explore this option in his position as President of Student Government. “Students can travel off campus to attend interviews, run errands, or take a weekend trip, and they don’t have to spend money on the upkeep of their own car.”
UM faculty and staff on all campuses can use this new service which will translate into fewer cars, said Alan Fish, Vice President for Business Services, who oversees the “Green U” campus sustainability program at UM. “The partnership with Zipcar continues UM’s commitment to invest in sustainable solutions on campus, and gives students, faculty and staff an environmentally friendly way of getting around,” said Fish. To get a Zipcar membership, visit http://www.zipcar.com/umiami.
Among the universities that have partnered with Zipcar to reduce traffic, noise and parking demands are MIT, Columbia, Georgetown, Rutgers, Harvard University, American University, University of Toronto, and the University of North Carolina.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Supplier Sees 470% Increase In Revenue
13th August 2008 8:57 am Fuel-Efficient Cars
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD, LSE: ADC & OTCQX: AZDDF) - (”Azure” or the “Company”), a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, today reported its second quarter financial results for the period ending June 30, 2008. The Company also provided an update on product development activities.
Second Quarter 2008 Highlights
- Revenue for the second quarter totaled $3.4M representing an increase of 470% compared to the same quarter last year
- The Company shipped a record number of units during the second quarter: 35 Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric, 14 CitiBus(TM) Series Hybrid Electric shuttle buses and 37 Force Drive(TM) Electric vehicle systems
- Key deliveries were made to FedEx Express, AT&T, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and several others
- The Company signed its first four dealerships with a Sales & Service agreement that allows each of the dealerships to service the growing market demand for Azure’s vehicles
“The second quarter was a watershed period in meeting Azure’s commitment to commercialization,” said Azure Dynamics’ Chief Executive Officer, Scott T. Harrison. “Production began on our Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric, integrated on the Ford E450 Chassis, and orders and revenue are following. Customers using the vehicle report that it is meeting or exceeding expectations from both a performance and cost metric.
The Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric was designed and built to serve the delivery vehicle market niche and all of our indicators, including increased sales and growing interest from potential customers, suggest that the market is responding favorably.”
Purolator’s fleet of 49 G1 hybrid vehicles has accumulated over 700,000 miles as of June 30, 2008. The vehicles are deployed in
Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Two of the 19 diesel hybrids have now surpassed three years in service, while the 30 G1 gas hybrids will soon be approaching a year and a half in service.
As of June 30, 2008 the Company had completed assembly of all 59 units in the G1 hybrid cab chassis production run at Product Concepts Inc. Orders have been received for 15 of the 59 which were delivered to Startrans for body build for various customers including Pennsylvania DOT within the quarter.
- The Company delivered 20 pre-production step vans to FedEx Express in California and the vehicles began revenue service.
- The Company initiated the accelerated seven year Altoona durability test on the shuttle bus variant. The Altoona testing is expected to be completed in the third quarter, at which point the Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric shuttle bus will be eligible for funding programs administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in the United States.
- An order for 15 hybrid chassis from AT&T was received. These AT&T chassis were hybridized within the quarter and will begin service in the third quarter once their body builds are complete.
- Within the quarter, Azure delivered one LEEP Freeze(TM) system to Kidron which is being used for sales and marketing purposes.
- Within the quarter the Company continued the development and build of the first demonstration LEEP Lift(TM) system as part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Altec, a leading manufacturer of aerial boom trucks.
During the quarter, Azure continued the controlled production of its Force Drive(TM) systems planned for delivery against a 200 unit release within the supply agreement with Electro Autos of Mexico. Azure’s scope of supply for the 1,000 Force Drive(TM) systems includes the motor, controller, gearbox and 12 V converters.
In addition, a number of key sales initiatives are expected to contribute positively to Azure’s performance in the second half of 2008, including the following:
- Production has commenced on the Company’s largest order to date of 105 Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric systems for Purolator Courier Ltd., Canada’s largest courier company
- The Company’s plan to sign approximately 50 dealers over the next year in major metro markets in the United States and Canada is on target. This will broaden Azure’s distribution network for its Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric medium-duty trucks
- New fleets with over 5,000 estimated annual commercial vehicle purchases are either currently engaged in an active product trial or demonstration for the Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric, or are expected to enter into one during the third quarter
- Beyond major fleet holders, Azure is attracting interest and orders from marquee, civic-minded organizations like the West Harlem Art Fund in Northern Manhattan and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
“On July 18, 2007, a barrel of oil cost $75. Exactly one year later, that same barrel cost $131. As a result, Americans drove 9.6 BILLION fewer miles in May 2008 compared to May 2007,” said Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics Vice President of Sales. “Most of our commercial customers don’t have the option to simply stop driving. Instead, they need transportation to be more economical without sacrificing any performance or dependability. Our Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric is a valid solution offering significant
economic advantages over conventionally equipped vehicles. The second quarter saw our sales and revenue ramp-up begin, and with increased attention from fleet managers, we expect to continue to grow share in the markets we serve.”
Diesel Car Myths Explained
11th August 2008 5:44 pm Fuel-Efficient Cars
Would you consider buying a clean diesel passenger vehicle? What if owning a clean diesel vehicle translated into savings for your pocket book and helped protect the environment, without sacrificing vehicle performance?
If you are in the Detroit area on Labor Day weekend, make your way to Detroit’s beautiful Belle Isle where you will have a chance to see clean diesel technology in action. The Audi R10 TDI racecar with Bosch clean diesel technology will be showcased at the 2008 Detroit Sports Car Challenge.
“Many consumers still have outdated perceptions of diesels,” said Dr. Johannes-Joerg Rueger, vice president, engineering, diesel systems, Robert Bosch LLC. “You can learn more about clean diesel vehicles on Belle Isle and see for yourself that today’s diesel passenger vehicles are fuel efficient, clean and provide drivers with greater performance than comparable gasoline vehicles. We call this diesel advantage: Good, Clean, Fun.”
Diesel passenger vehicles offer 30 percent better fuel economy, on average, compared to gasoline passenger vehicles, which means consumers make fewer trips to the pump. As a matter of fact, consumers save money every time they go to the pump even though diesel fuel prices are currently higher when compared to gasoline fuel. For example, the most recent (Aug. 4) national average fuel prices are $3.88 for gas and $4.50 for diesel. Factoring in diesel’s 30 percent fuel economy improvement is like paying
$3.15 a gallon for diesel — that translates into $.73 less per gallon of diesel fuel as compared to gasoline fuel.
Diesel passenger vehicles, when compared to gasoline vehicles, benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 percent. Today’s clean diesel vehicles comply with all U.S. emission regulations. With particulate filters, what comes out of the tailpipe (exhaust gas) typically contains fewer particles than the air entering the vehicle’s engine — the particulate filter literally acts as a cleaner.
Diesel passenger vehicles offer a premium performance experience due to a 50 percent increase in torque (especially at low rpm) — the force that allows cars to accelerate smoothly and powerfully — compared to gasoline passenger vehicles. This premium performance experience includes increased acceleration and power at the point of acceleration as well as an ability to tow heavier loads for longer periods of time, compared to gasoline vehicles.
“Diesel engines are a durable, fuel-efficient and eco-friendly powertrain option that provides superior performance. For merican drivers who want to save money at the pump without sacrificing their driving experience, diesel is a great option,” said Rueger. “Regardless of what you drive, for families who want to save money and have fun on Labor Day weekend the Grand Prix and City of Detroit will have a host of family friendly activities accessible to many people in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, all on less than a tank of gas.”
Diesel technology supplied by Bosch has played a key role in helping the Audi Racing Team and the Audi R10 TDI achieve success in the American Le Mans Series. The Audi R10 TDI vehicles finished second and third in the2007 Detroit Sports Car Challenge and will be competing in the 2008 race series. Worldwide, the Audi R10 has won numerous races including the past three 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
McCain and Obama Promote Vehicle Maintenance on Campaign Trail
8th August 2008 10:56 am Fuel-Efficient Cars
No matter where the presidential candidates are on the campaign trail, the issue of skyrocketing gas prices is always a top concern. The Car Care Council applauds both candidates who have recently discussed vehicle maintenance as a way to save energy, citing proper tire inflation and regular tune-ups. In fact, according to the survey by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), 75 percent of drivers said they are better maintaining their vehicles because of rising gas prices.
“We commend Senators McCain and Obama for shedding light on the importance of vehicle maintenance as Americans seek to save energy,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “You can’t control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you burn. Performing simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance does not only save gas money, perhaps as much as $1,200 per year, but it also improves a vehicle’s safety and dependability.”
The Car Care Council offers these maintenance tips that can add up to big savings:
– When tires aren’t inflated properly, it’s like driving with the parking brake on, and can save 12 cents per gallon, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site, http://www.fueleconomy.gov.
– An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture — too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents on a gallon.
– A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as three million times each 1,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat, electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly.
– Keep your car properly tuned. A 21st Century tune-up can improve your gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit http://www.carcare.org.
Auto Suppliers Urge Move To Greater Fuel Efficiency
7th August 2008 9:50 am Fuel-Efficient Cars
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), a trade association representing motor vehicle parts suppliers, the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, is urging Congress to pass legislation that would assist the industry’s transition to more fuel efficient technologies.
Specifically, MEMA asked Congress to provide funding that would help automakers and parts suppliers retool their facilities, purchase new equipment, and expand or build new facilities to meet the demand for more fuel efficient vehicles. MEMA also called for funding for advanced battery technology to help speed the development of plug-in hybrids and pure plug-in vehicles.
“The entire industry is transitioning to more efficient vehicles and more fuel-saving technologies,” said MEMA President and CEO Bob McKenna. “We hope that when Congress returns next month, they will encourage this transition by providing the necessary funding to assist the hundreds of companies, big and small, that are working to get this job done.”
McKenna said suppliers have long supported funding for both the retooling of facilities and advanced battery development, provisions that were authorized in last year’s energy bill, signed into law in December. “Now’s the time for Congress to nail the numbers down,” he said.
McKenna also thanked Sens. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Reps. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), Dale Kildee (D-Mich.) and Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) for their leadership in promoting the issue.
According to recent studies, motor vehicle suppliers employ 783,100 in the United States and contribute to 4.5 million domestic jobs. Suppliers also provide 70 percent of the content of U.S.-built cars and trucks. Additionally, suppliers manufacture the parts and technology used in the production of more than 11 million new cars and trucks produced each year, and the aftermarket products necessary to repair and maintain more than 247 million vehicles on the road today.
MEMA supports its members through its three market segment associations, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on the motor vehicle parts supplier industry, visit http://www.mema.org or http://www.automotivesupplier.org.
Properly Inflated Tires Save Fuel
7th August 2008 8:48 am Fuel-Efficient Cars
Recent political talk about tire pressure serves as an important reminder to motorists about the fuel saving benefits of properly inflated tires.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that as much as 1.2 billion gallons of fuel is wasted in the United States each year due to under-inflated tires. Additionally, nitrogen inflated tires maintain proper pressure up to three times longer than air inflated tires, enabling motorists to realize the fuel saving benefits of proper tire inflation for a greater period of time.
“Nitrogen is a superior material for tire inflation because it diffuses through tire rubber about 40 percent more slowly than air, helping the tire maintain proper pressure longer,” explains Ashok Mathur, business manager at Air Products, which makes the UltraFill(R) High-Purity Nitrogen Tire Inflation System. “Proper pressure reduces rolling resistance, which maximizes gas mileage.”
Nitrogen, which is non-flammable and non-corrosive, makes up about 78 percent of the air we breathe. For more than 20 years it has been used to inflate tires in high performance applications such as race cars, the space shuttle, and Air Force One. Thanks to new technologies, consumers have easy access to nitrogen today. Plus, nitrogen will work in any grade of existing tire. The air can be purged out and the tire re-inflated with nitrogen at auto service centers nationwide.
“If your tire is under-inflated by just 20 percent, you can lose up to three miles per gallon,” says Mathur. “Those miles add up quickly and cost Americans a great deal of wasted fuel and unnecessary expense.”
Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives.
The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe.
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