My Perfect Automobile » Green

Super-high MPG Ford Fiesta

Larry Bell — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:17:52 +0000

Ford Fiesta

Ford Motor Co. has announced that its 2014 Fiesta will achieve 41 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in city driving. In order to reach those fuel efficiency numbers from the EPA, the Fiesta must be fitted with Ford’s SFE package, which reduces gasoline consumption with underbody shields, special tires, side air deflectors, a rear spoiler, and cruise control. The Fiesta SE is a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter automatic six-speed version of the Fiesta. Ford competitors in this segment include Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Chevy.

Ford Fiesta: Video

Ford Fiesta fans will revel in the data-heavy video clip, above, which delivers all the latest information about the Ford Fiesta for 2014. Of special interest to readers of this site will be the SFE package on the Fiesta. It increases the already impressive mileage to 41 mpg highway. Super Fuel Economy (SFE) packages consist of an array of fuel-saving features. In addition, available black chrome accents on the newly designed one-piece grille make for a sporty look, along with body-colored door handles. All models of the Fiesta carry the Reverse Sensing System and a rear view camera. Besides the base engine choice, Fiesta offers a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine as well as a performance model ST.

Ford Fiesta

Ford competitor Chevrolet has not yet announced its mileage numbers for the 2014 Sonic, whose 2013 automatic was rated at 27 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway. Honda’s automatic Fit nets 28 city and 35 highway mpg, while the Yaris offers 30 city and 37 highway. Nearly every major carmaker has been striving to produce cars that can reach close to 40 mpg on the highway. Ford’s rating of 41 is more than symbolic, as the U.S. auto giant makes moves throughout its vehicle family to build fuel efficient electric, hybrid and combustion vehicles.

For more about Ford vehicles, see the U.S. automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.ford.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

‘Global Green Brands’ Winners Surprise Many

Larry Bell — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:31:14 +0000

Green Brand: Kia Optima Hybrid

Interbrand’s 2013 Best Global Green Brands report offered up some surprises last week, as it does every year. The report looks at the gap between consumer perceptions of companies’ environmental efforts and the reality of what those brands actually do to promote sustainability. Companies that rank high on the list typically are devoted to green initiatives and are rightly perceived to be doing so in the eyes of the public. Many of the leading brands on the list use the information about any public misperception to develop strategies and campaigns that inform consumers about corporate green efforts. This year’s top places were dominated by auto companies, with Kia showing up as a new entry in the report.

Global Green Brands: Video

An honest, though overall positive review of the Kia Optima Hybrid is the subject of the above clip. According to the reviewer, who takes the car on a spin and describes practically every feature available, the exquisite looking hybrid is not perfect but makes up for its few flaws with many positive characteristics. The unique exterior was the brainchild of a former Audi designer. Now, instead of looking like a replica of a generic Japanese sedan, the Korean-made Optima Hybrid has its own mystique, and exudes a sporty, upscale roadster personality.

Global Green Brands

Of the top ten brands on this year’s list, automakers took five slots. Toyota, Ford and Honda were numbers one through three, in that order. Nissan came in at number five, while Volkswagen was number seven. Kia is the only carmaker to debut on the list this year, placing at number 37. Toyota repeatedly dominates the hybrid sector of the auto marketplace, while Ford Motor Co. has geared up its manufacturing to emphasize green sustainability, rather than include environmental efforts as second-tier priorities.

http://www.ford.com
http://www.kia.com
http://www.toyota.com
http://www.honda.com

Larry Bell

Ford’s Recycling Secret

Larry Bell — Fri, 31 May 2013 19:44:04 +0000

Ford Focus Electric

Ford Motor Company’s legendary recycling program reached a milestone this month when the Fusion became the first globally available model to use recycled fabric in every car sold. Since 2008, the Michigan-based automaker has led the industry in the use of recycled upholstery. Now, approximately 25 percent of all fabric used in Ford vehicles is made from recycled material. In fact, Ford’s ecological approach has spawned a cottage industry of sorts. Worldwide, the carmaker utilizes the services of four major suppliers of recycled fabric.

Recycling at Ford: Video

The short clip above outlines Ford Motor Company’s extensive recycling program. Follow along through the process to see how Ford leaves no stone, or tiny auto part, unused. It really is an ingenious system that save the company and Ford customers money. The word “recycling” has a wide meaning in this context, as some parts are indeed melted or crushed while others, like transmissions with minor defects, are remanufactured and resold. In many cases, as a program supervisor explains, the refurbished parts are of better quality than original equipment. To be fair, Ford is not the only automaker with a sophisticated recycling plan, but it was certainly one of the first to make recycling a major part of its standard operation.

Ford’s Recycling Plan

Ford’s efforts have even created a quickened pace of scientific advancement in the industry, with several fabric processors saying that as a direct result of the automaker’s urging, new recycling techniques have been developed. Ford employees are currently on a mission to collect more than two million plastic containers.

For more about Ford Motor Co., see the U.S. automaker’s official corporate website, linked below. Ford and GM were two of the first major auto companies to create high-quality, information-laden websites. Each contains a wealth of data not only about vehicles, but also about public service efforts, history, and environmental responsibility.
http://www.ford.com

Larry Bell

GreenTech Automotive Announces New EV

Larry Bell — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:47:43 +0000

GreenTech Automotive’s EV

GreenTech Automotive has announced that it will build a 5-passenger EV sedan at its Mississippi facility. The low-speed electric car will be a joint venture with JAC Motors of China. The vehicle features a 100-mile range and a 19 kWh battery. Horn Lake, Miss., is the location of GTA’s assembly plant. Because the car’s top speed will be only 25 mph, it does not have to meet the many safety standards to which most cars are subjected by federal law. Terry McAuliffe and Charles Wang founded GTA in 2006, but McAuliffe has since left the company.

GreenTech: Video

For a look behind the scenes at an unconventional auto company, see the above video clip about GreenTech. Famous at the outset for its association with former Democratic Party chairman Terry McAuliffe, GTA is chaired by Charles Wang, who is also the company’s co-founder and a world famous financier. The company specializes in low-speed electric vehicles, currently producing the NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle) called MyCar. The two-seater EV sells for $15,500 and is street legal in most states on roads that have speed limits of 35 mph or less.

GreenTech Automotive

GTA has already delivered models of its MyCar to European and U.S. customers. Production of the car began in 2012 and company officials have indicated that purchase agreements, primarily from municipalities and corporations, have reached the 30,000 mark.

The new EV sedan will be sold to commercial fleets, which often use low-speed vehicles on large corporate properties and in congested urban driving environments. Eventually GTA intends to transform the NEV into a street legal car that can be driven on highways. The company is looking to triple its workforce, from 100 to 300 employees, as a result of the new model’s production.

For more about U.S.-based GreenTech Automotive, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.wmgta.com/en/

Larry Bell

Consumer Reports: Best Green Car is…

Larry Bell — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:15:38 +0000

Toyota Prius: Top Green Car for CR

The annual Consumer Reports car picks are out, and Honda walked away with bragging rights in the Minivan, Small SUV, and Midsize categories. On an historic note, the Toyota Prius won the Green Car category for the tenth consecutive time, a feat unmatched by any other vehicle in any category. Korean automaker Hyundai snagged the coveted Budget Car title with its Elantra, while the Subaru Impreza was named the top Compact Sedan.

Consumer Reports: Video

For an informative look at a hybrid car comparison, view the video clip below, which pits the Toyota Prius against the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The so-called reigning champ, with a 50 mpg rating, the Prius indeed sells more cars than all other hybrid models, from all other manufacturers, combined. In a way, as the reviewer notes, the two cars couldn’t be more different, with the Jetta resembling a more traditional engine arrangement and a much smaller electric motor that the Prius. Both cars feature the signature hybrid-braking feel, which is definitely not the linear, traditional braking experience most drivers are used to. In the comparison, the Jetta offers a sportier drive, though the Prius is the more fuel efficient of the pair, by a long shot. For all the details, and to see which comes out on top in the head-to-head drive, watch the video.

Consumer Reports: Green Cars

Rounding out the other categories, the Sports Sedan trophy went home with the BMW 328i, to which the CR raters gave high marks for fuel efficiency, performance and comfort. The Audi A6 walked off with honors in the prestigious Luxury Car segment. Toyota earned three top spots on the list with the aforementioned Prius in the Green Car section, Highlander as best Midsize SUV, and the Scion FR-S settling for a tie in the Sports Car category (with the Subaru BRZ).

For more information about the award-winning Toyota Prius hybrid, see the company’s specific page for the vehicle:
http://www.toyota.com/Prius

Larry Bell

Grammy Star Taylor Swift’s Eco Mercedes Viano

Larry Bell — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 02:28:29 +0000

Mercedes-Benz Viano owner Taylor Swift (Photo: Flynetonline)

Taylor Swift blasted open the Grammy Awards show this week with a wild, hilarious rendition of her signature hit, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Swift, arguably the world’s most famous pop singer, at one time owned a Mercedes-Benz Viano, the environmentally friendly vehicle that comes equipped with a BlueEfficiency package which includes regenerative braking and other green components. Uber-celeb Swift has been spotted on the streets of LA in her Audi R8 as well. It comes as no surprise that the global sensation owns several hot rides, and besides the green Viano and an Audi R8, Taylor is also known to prefer the Porsche 911 as a get-around cruiser for weekend errand-running.

Taylor Swift: Video

When Swift first acquired her Mercedes-Benz Viano, the vehicle had not yet shown its Vision Diamond concept version, which was on display at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. The video clip above offers a few rare shots of the vehicle, perfectly suited for a celebrity lifestyle. The Vision Diamond concept has a plush interior that resembles a small, upscale hotel room, complete with entertainment center, ultra-comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. One of the most luxurious vehicles at the Beijing show last year, the Viano is based on another Mercedes-Benz model, the Vito panel van. Though the Vision Diamond concept has not yet seen production, it is a good guess that many of its features and components will find their way onto other Mercedes-Benz models in the near future.

Taylor Swift and Viano

The Viano employs a so-called smart alternator that operates independently, making sure the battery gets additional power at exactly the right time. BlueEfficiency packages come standard on the Viano. With a design based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito van, the Viano provides seating for eight people yet is frugal when it comes to fuel consumption.

For more about Mercedes-Benz vehicles, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.mercedes-benz.com

Larry Bell

Nissan’s Easy-Fill Tire Alert System Saves Fuel

Larry Bell — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:47:41 +0000

Nissan’s Easy Fill Tire Alert dash display

Having placed in the finals of two prestigious auto technology awards, Nissan’s Easy-Fill Tire-Alert system is one of the more unusual “green” technologies, primarily because it is not directly connected to a car’s engine. However, in a design engineer’s world of aerodynamics and rolling resistance, tire pressure is serious business. Some environmental experts call pressure regulation the unsung hero of green technologies, precisely because it plays such a vital role in fuel efficiency. If tires can be kept at their ideal pressure at all times, mpg numbers can be as much as 10 percent higher than on cars with poorly maintained pressure.

Easy Fill Tire Alert: Video

For an up-close look at exactly how the Easy Fill system works, the short clip below, produced by Nissan USA, runs through a typical cycle of low air to refill. Unlike most tire alert systems currently on the market, even on some very upscale cars, the Nissan version shows precise tire-pressure readouts for each tire so the driver knows which one needs filling. Then, as you put air in the low tire, the car’s parking lights flash to let you know the tire is filling. When the pre-set, desirable psi level is reached, the horn lets out a quick beep and you are all done, “good to go” as Nissan’s video narrator says.

Easy Fill Tire Alert

At the recent Washington Auto Show, Nissan’s Easy Fill system made it to the final round of the prestigious Green Car Technology Awards, which saw stiff competition from Mazda’s SkyACTIV technology (the eventual winner), Ford’s Energi plug-in hybrid system, Honda’s Eco Assist, and the powertrains in Tesla Model S and Fisker Karma. Nissan intends to put the system on each of its new models as they arrive in showrooms.

For more about Nissan vehicles, see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.nissanusa.com

Larry Bell

SAE 2013 Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium

Larry — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:28:02 +0000

Efficiency

The technology behind hybrid and electric vehicles continues to be a growing subject as new technologies are being developed and some are already in vehicles or soon will be. The tenth anniversary of this event will take a unique, comprehensive examination of the rapidly growing fields – past, present and future – and focus on the latest technologies and advancements in the hybrid and electric vehicle markets. Hear first-hand knowledge from leaders in the industry on topics ranging from energy storage, battery technology, plug-in technology, utility preparedness, field testing, fuel cells, regulations and standards and many more. Do not miss this opportunity to network with these leading professionals through panel discussions and in-depth technical sessions – all designed to give attendees the information they need in this complex marketplace.

Keynote Speaker

Shinichi Abe

General Manager
Hybrid System Management Department
Hybrid Vehicle System Engineering Division
Toyota Motor Corporation

Shinichi Abe is General Manager, Hybrid System Management Department within Toyota Motor Corporation’s Hybrid Vehicle System Engineering Division.
His current responsibilities include overseeing engineering and development of all system controls, including driving force, energy management, engine control, motor control and electric battery control for all Toyota hybrid vehicles.
Abe joined Toyota in 1981 as Engineer in charge of development of engine controls in the company’s Engine Development Division. In 1991, he served as Manager and Coordinator in charge of exhaust emissions related government affairs at Toyota Technical Center, U.S.A., Inc. in Gardena, Calif. He returned to Japan in 1994 as Manager in charge of advanced development of LEV exhaust system at the Higashifuji Technical Center, Powertrain Control Development Division. In March of 1996, he was named Manager in charge of the development of the engine control system for the Toyota Prius. In September of that year, his responsibilities were expanded to include the system control and development of driving force control for the Prius.
In 2000, he was appointed General Manager of the Hybrid Vehicle Control Development Department, with the responsibility for development of engine control, system control and driving force control for all Toyota hybrid vehicles. In 2003, he was appointed General Manager of Hybrid System Management Department and in 2006 his responsibilities were expanded to include development of electric battery control.
Abe has both an undergraduate and masters degree in mechanical engineering from Nagoya University. He is a member of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan.
Abe is married and has two grown children. He was born on April 20, 1956.

Technical Session

The event features an array of engaging technical sessions, panels, supplier discussions and networking events covering the latest industry developments. Industry speakers and leading experts, including Shinichi Abe of Toyota, Dan Sperling of the Institute for Transportation Studies, Tom Cackette, formerly of the California Air Resources Board and Aaron Robinson of Car & Driver, will be providing insight on a plethora of timely topics.

February 18-19, 2013, Hilton in Anaheim, Calif

Larry Judkin

Larry Judkin + is My Perfect Automobile’s General Manager, but people call him Lar’. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Co-owner of My Perfect Automobile. Larry is a lover of the Automobile a

Washington Auto Show Full of Surprises

Larry Bell — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:11:43 +0000

Washington Auto Show: Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The 2013 Washington Auto Show, which runs through Feb. 10 at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., is enjoying one of its biggest years ever, with a huge display of green, energy-efficient vehicles that is the centerpiece of the event.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu opened the show last week with a speech emphasizing the importance of building electric vehicle infrastructure and making alternative fuel cars more affordable. A forum which dealt exclusively with green transportation spent time on consumer attitudes toward green autos and the increasing public interest in such technology. At least one industry spokesperson mentioned that consumer pressures in the marketplace, rather than regulatory urgings, will in the end determine how quickly electric cars catch on.

Washington Auto Show: Video

The clip above has an upbeat summary of Ford’s offerings at this year’s Washington Auto Show, complete with the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Plug-in Hybrid. The U.S. auto giant is also taking the chance to show off its 2014 Fiesta, a gas miser that logs better mpg than many hybrids. Ford has packed its space with hands-on displays, rally simulators, and of course the crowd-pleasing Mustang family of cars. Ford has recently placed an emphasis on consumer interaction, which is obvious from the video clip.

Washington Auto Show

This year also marks the biggest ride-and-drive for the Washington Auto Show, with Fiat, Cadillac, Scion, Kia, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen among the daily lineup. The show has come to pride itself as being one of the greenest of the major U.S. auto events. In fact, the Green Car Technology Awards are given out here, this year being won by Mazda’s SkyACTIV system. For sheer numbers of green cars on display, the Washington Auto Show is certainly in the top tier of such events.

For more about the exciting Washington (DC) Auto Show, see the event’s official website:
http://www.washingtonautoshow.com/

Larry Bell

World Green Car Award Nominees Announced

Larry Bell — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:29:26 +0000

World Green Car: Last year’s winner, Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI

Officials for the New York International Auto Show and Bridgestone have announced this year’s finalists for the World Car of the Year Awards in four categories. On March 5, as part of the Geneva International Motor Show, the lists will be pared down to just three finalists in each category. Then, the winners will be crowned in New York at a press conference on March 28. Renault and Volkswagen landed cars on three of the four finalist lists, the only automakers to achieve that feat.

There will be a winner for overall World Car of the Year, as well as winners in the Performance, Green, and Design categories. The finalists for the 2013 World Green Car of the Year are:
Renault Zoe
Smart Electric Drive
Tesla Model S
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel

World Green Car Award: Video

New York puts on an informative and entertaining auto show each year. While the 2013 event is still several weeks away, have a look (above) at some of last year’s sights, sounds, and highlights. The 2012 NYIAS possibly set a record for showing the most concept cars ever in one place. Besides the Mazda Takeri and uniquely unusual Land Rover Defender 100, attendees at the Big Apple auto gala were treated to close-up looks at the BMW i8 concept, the Acura RLX and NSX concepts, and the Chevy Code 130R. Some better-known models also put out there concept versions, all of which were crowd-pleasers. There was Toyota’s Avalon concept, the Infiniti LE, Honda Accord, and KIA’s amazing pair of futuristic vehicles, the GT concept and Trackster concept. If this year is anything like 2012’s show, lucky ticket holders will have plenty to write home about.

For all the latest information about the upcoming New York International Auto Show, see the event’s official website:
http://www.autoshowny.com/

Larry Bell

NAIAS Sets Attendance Record

Larry Bell — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:30:30 +0000

NAIAS: 2014 Lexus IS is a crowd-pleaser

Final numbers are not yet in, but all the data is pointing to a record-setting 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Preliminary data being collected early Sunday, Jan. 27, the final day of the show, points to a healthy 2013 event. In fact, the show had its best first weekend in many years, tallying over 100,000 paying attendees on opening day, which represents an 8-year high. The NAIAS charity preview, an annual staple of the car show, posted a 30 percent increase in donations from last year’s total, this time collecting over $4 million for a group of Detroit children’s organizations.

NAIAS: Video

One of the highlights of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show was the Lexus display, featuring the new model IS sedan. The short interview clip below goes into detail about the company’s plans for the IS hybrid, which will not be sold in the U.S. for now. This year’s NAIAS also brought the Cadillac ELR electric hybrid, what many consider a groundbreaking design and a turning point for the legendary carmaker. Via Motors showed off its newest line of extended-range electric trucks to round out another very green Detroit Auto Show.

NAIAS Attendance

Show officials expected the final day of NAIAS to log over 100,000 visitors, similar to opening day. If estimates hold, it looks as though the 2013 Detroit Auto Show will reach an attendance total that is the best in nearly a decade. Some media pundits point to the increased turnout as an overall sign of an improving U.S. economy, in the transportation sector at least. Detroit’s event is the first major auto show of the calendar year and is used as a benchmark for many similar events later in the year. When the NAIAS has a good turnout, the auto industry typically has an up year as well.

For information about the North American International Auto Show, and to be put on the list for updates about next year’s event, see the official website for the show:
http://www.naias.com

Larry Bell

Toyota Prius c Voted ‘Greenest Car’

Larry Bell — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 13:45:36 +0000

Toyota Prius c

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has named the Toyota Prius c ‘Greenest Car of the Year.’ The award rates cars based upon environmental and fuel-efficiency parameters. For the first time since the rankings have been compiled, conventional cars do not appear anywhere on the list, instead being replaced by a variety of all-electric, conventional hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Rounding out the top five, spot number two was filled by Honda Fit EV, while the original Toyota Prius snagged the number three slot. Toyota’s new Prius plug-in hybrid was number four, and the Honda Civic Hybrid was number five.

Toyota Prius c: Video

A production of Toyota Global, the video clip below provides an all-encompassing review of every vehicle on display at this year’s Toyota booth in Detroit. Of course, the entire Prius family of cars is the primary attraction, along with a handful of Toyota Racing vehicles, which are always crowd-pleasers. Many of the world’s largest automakers use events like NAIAS to show off their full lineup, though smaller companies just can’t afford the square-footage that Toyota, Ford, GM, Honda, Volkswagen, and others can. As you see in the clip, Toyota’s space includes concept cars, racing vehicles, production models, and everything in between.

Toyota Prius c

The lead vehicle analyst for ACEEE, Shruti Vaidyanathan, noted that carmakers are working to meet fuel economy standards and bolstering their green model lineups at the same time. He explained, “The vehicles at the top of this year’s rankings are proof that automakers are really ramping up their offerings. There are more hybrid and electric options on the market this year than ever before and the race for a spot on the greenest list is increasingly competitive. ” The ACEEE evaluators used a stricter, more accurate methodology this year in order to precisely measure each vehicle’s environmental impact.

For more about Toyota vehicles, see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com/PriusC

Larry Bell