News Car and Trucks Advertising and Insurance

Volvo to field test trucks with new DME fueled engines

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/10/volvo-to-field-test-trucks-with-new-dme-fueled-engines/ Filed under: Biodiesel, Volvo, European UnionLate next year, Volvo will start field testing 14 trucks fueled with dimethyl ether, a biomass-derived fuel. DME is produced by gasification of biomass materials, with the syngas converted to a fuel through a catalytic process. The Volvo development program is being paid for in part by the Swedish Energy Agency and the European 7th framework program. DME evidently works well as fuel in diesel engines but offers much lower particulate and NOx emissions. There are however issues that need to be addressed. DME has poor lubricity compared to conventional diesel and is stored similar to liquified petroleum gas in low pressure storage tanks at about 5 BAR. The field tests are part of a European program that will also look at DME distribution and storage. The field testing in Sweden will occur over a three year period.[Source: Newspress.co.uk] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Production Mitsubishi Concept-cX will highlight new eco direction

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/10/production-mitsubishi-concept-cx-will-highlight-new-eco-directio/ Filed under: Diesel, Mitsubishi, Frankfurt Motor Show, European Union, UKClick above for a high-res gallery of the Concept-cXMitsubishi wanted the world to see that it had plenty of green intentions at least year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Thankfully, those hopes and dreams appear to be turning into reality, as the Concept-cX crossover has now been approved for production. As was initially shown in the concept vehicle, a brand-spankin' new 1.8 liter clean turbodiesel engine will make its debut in the new crossover. From there the power will be sent through a dual clutch SST transmission and the all-wheel-drive system lifted from the latest Lancer Evolution. Of course, to meet the future Euro-V emissions regulations, a diesel particulate filter is fitted to clean up the exhaust stream. The new cX should fit well into Mitsubishi's product portfolio, right under the current Outlander in both size and price. We can't say for certain, but considering that the two vehicles share a platform, we can reasonably expect to see this same drivetrain mounted in the even friendlier Lancer platform in the future. We can only hope that the cX and its diesel engine will make its way stateside. [Source: Car Central] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Even at $4/gallon, American drivers still getting off easy

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/11/even-at-4-gallon-american-drivers-still-getting-off-easy/ Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, European Union, UK, USAAmerican drivers getting angry when the gas pump automatically shuts off $50-75 into filling their cars might want to stop whining. In Norway, it can cost upwards of $130 to fill the !3.2 gallon tank of a MINI at $9.85/gallon. A new survey indicates that even at above $4/gallon, American prices are still among the cheapest in the world, in large part due to low taxation. Only 19 percent of the pump price of fuel in the US is attributable to taxes. Pretty much the only countries in the world with cheaper gas than the US are major exporters of oil that essentially give gas away. In the UK, more than 81 percent of the current 9$ price of a gallon of fuel goes to taxes. At the $4.15 that gas runs where I am right now, even eliminating the tax entirely would still bring the price to only about $3.40. Americans who really want to save at the pump are now following the path of drivers elsewhere and just migrating to smaller, more efficient vehicles, driving less and changing their driving styles. Europeans, on the other hand now actually have a reason to complain about high fuel taxes. Truck drivers, fisherman and farmers are all feeling the pain and pushing for some relief. The taxes in Europe made sense from a public policy perspective in the past to encourage efficiency, but with the price of crude so high now, it may be time to back off.[Source: Detroit News] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Harley-Davidson purchases MV Agusta and Cagiva

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/11/harley-davidson-purchases-mv-agusta-and-cagiva/ Filed under: On Two Wheels, European Union, UK, USAThe rumored purchase of MV Agusta by Harley-Davidson is now official. The total purchase price of $109 million nets HD both Italian sportbike maker MV Agusta as well as its Cagiva brand. While most of the world will be focusing in on MV, and with good reason, we at AutoblogGreen have a particular interest in what the sale could mean for the Cagiva brand. After all, there isn't much fuel savings to be had with MV's line of super-fast sportbikes. Cagiva, on the other hand, specializes in eking the most power possible from rather small mills, which is both a boon to efficiency and makes its bikes extremely entertaining machines. Though they are not currently sold in the U.S., Cagiva's bikes, like the 125cc Mito pictured above, make perfect starter machines for many new riders in Europe, and an influx of cash from HD's deep pockets could be just what Cagiva needs to re-enter the American market. At least, we hope so.[Source: Harley-Davidson]Continue reading Harley-Davidson purchases MV Agusta and Cagiva Permalink | Email this | Comments

Euro-bound Volt clones will be built in U.S.

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/14/euro-bound-volt-clones-will-be-built-in-u-s/ Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Chevrolet, Opel, European Union, UKClick above for a high-res gallery of the Opel FlextremeThe internal debate over whether the upcoming Volt will be badged as a Chevrolet or an Opel across the pond has been decided. The first Euro-bound EV's from the General will be Opels, though we are not sure how much in common the vehicle will share with the Flextreme concept. Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe, indicates that a Vauxhall version is also in the works (this would be nothing more than a right hand drive variant for the British market) and that all three of the vehicles will be quite similar in design. A gasoline range-extending powerplant will see shared duty in the trio as well, though we would expect a diesel option in Europe at least at some point. For the forseeable future, all three E-Flex variants will be built at the same factory in Detroit, and Europeans should expect to see the Opel in 2012. Of course, the extended-range electric car will carry a price premium, with a €10,000 bump over a comparable gas engined vehicle currently being thrown around. We hope that the Volt and its clones will prove popular enough to see that cost premium dwindle somewhat as the cost of batteries drops and allow the General to make a few bucks in the process.Gallery: 2007 Opel Flextreme concept[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

FedEx adds 10 new diesel hybrid vans to test fleet

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/14/fedex-adds-10-new-diesel-hybrid-vans-to-test-fleet/ Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, European UnionFedEx has already managed to rack up over two million miles in its fleet of hybrid delivery vehicles, and will now be further padding that number thanks to ten additional diesel hybrid vans from Iveco for use in Europe. The vans officially began their duty in Milan and Turin, Italy on July 10th. While we are most interested in the CO2 emissions savings, FedEx will surely enjoy the corresponding 30-percent reduction in fuel use.In what could be the most important news from this story, though, Iveco claims that it will begin regular production of the diesel hybrid vans by the end of 2009. If that is the case, any commercial customers that are interested in purchasing the fuel-savers will be able to follow the lead of FedEx, which has already proven the technology to be commercially viable.[Source: Iveco]Continue reading FedEx adds 10 new diesel hybrid vans to test fleet Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Environmental organisations team up to reduce CO2 emissions

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/14/environmental-organisations-team-up-to-reduce-co-sub-2-sub-emi/ Filed under: Legislation and Policy, European UnionFriends of the Earth, Ecologistas en Acción, Greenpeace, Jóvenes Verdes and WWF/Adena have launched an online campaign demanding a drastic reduction of CO2 emission limits in Europe. The EU is set to establish limits next fall and these associations are lobbying in for stricter ones. According to figures managed by these organizations, 70 percent of all oil used in Europe is used for transport and, among this, 50 percent is used for cars and light freight transport. The statement by these organizations also says that the moment is now, because of high oil prices and because transport is offsetting progress made by other sectors to curb global emissions. The proposal includes average car emissions for 2012 in the 120 g/km of CO2 limit, but 80 g/km by 2020 and 60 g/km by 2025. These levels should not take in consideration the car's weight and should be achieved by additional and not substitute innovations (like adding plug-in capabilities to all hybrids).[Source: Ecologistas en Acción] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pirelli to supply emissions technology for Beijing buses

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/15/pirelli-to-supply-emissions-technology-for-beijing-buses/ Filed under: Diesel, European Union, ChinaItalian company Pirelli is best known for making high performance tires, but now it is making efforts in emissions technology. The Italian government announced an agreement between the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and the City Council of Beijing, China. Pirelli will supply diesel particulate filter systems (DPF) to be installed on heavy duty vehicles (mainly buses, but also trucks and later snowploughs and tractors). The vehicles are used by the local public transportation company and the filters are able to eliminate 95 percent of particulate emissions. The first filter systems will be installed before the start of the Olympics, and the rest after the summer. Pirelli's technology can be retrofitted to most existing models. Pirelli has been offering the retrofit filter systems for sale in Europe since the beginning of 2008 in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Britain. The filters are currently made in Gorj, Romania, and will also be produced in a new plant in Russia.[Source: The Auto Channel] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan introduces new diesel engine for the Note

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/18/nissan-introduces-new-diesel-engine-for-the-note/ Filed under: Diesel, Nissan, Renault, European UnionFew of our North American readers might know the Note. It's Nissan's interpretation of the subcompact minivan, which can seat five comfortably and adds versatility with the outer dimensions of a subcompact car. The range of available engines was a little poor at launch (Europeans usually get a wide array of engines to choose from) and, thanks to the Renault-Nissan alliance, the 1.5 dCi good for 105hp is being now installed in the Note. This engine is mated to 6-speed manual transmission. This adds to the existing 1.5 dCi that produced 86hp and to the 1.4 liter 88hp and 1.6 liter 100 hp gasoline engines. The new dCi engine has also a Diesel Particulate Filter installed as standard. The Note is manufactured in Sunderland, UK and prices for the new version start at €18.850 (in Spain).Gallery: 2008 Nissan Note[Source: Nissan] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Prices and models of the new Ford Fiesta are announced

- posted: 20.07.08
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/19/prices-and-models-of-the-new-ford-fiesta-are-announced/ Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Ford, European Union, UKFord has everything ready to start selling the new Fiesta in Europe next Fall. Prices start at €11,700 for gasoline variants, and €13,700 for diesels (prices shown are for the French market). If you want 5 doors instead of 3, you have to add €500 to the sticker price. Six different trims(Ambiente, Trend, ECOnetic, Ghia, Titanium and Sport, or Zetec S in the UK) and six powerplants (4 gasoline and 2 diesel) will be available.All gasoline engines produce CO2 under 140 g/km and start with two 1.25L options, with 60 or 82 hp. An available 1.4L is good for 96 hp. All three have emissions ratings under 135 g/km. The sportiest version has a brand new 1.6L four-cylinder rated at 118 hp that achieves 41.6 mpg (US), while keeping CO2 emissions at 139 g/km. Regarding diesels, there's a 1.4L good for 68 hp as well as a 1.6L with 90 hp, producing CO2 under 110 g/km. The ECOnetic version further improves the car's consumption level to 62.5 mpg (U.S.) and boasts CO2 emissions of 98 g/km.Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta[Source: Autoplus] Permalink | Email this | Comments

znalezionych: 20, strona 2 z 2
<<<  -  1  2  -  >>>