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Unofficial Volt Wait List surpasses 30,000 hand raisers

Submitted: 22.08.08

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Green, Chevrolet, GM, LifestyleShortly after the Volt Concept was shown, a Volt adherent started a website called GM-Volt.com to show General Motors that it was on to something. After the Volt was approved for production, the site added a feature to allow people to "raise their hands" to show interest in the Volt, much like what was done for the smart fortwo before its arrival on our shores. A little more than a year later, there are almost 34,000 hand raisers in 50 states and 56 countries. While the list is unofficial and doesn't mean that any of these hand raisers are in line ahead of you to purchase a Volt, the site claims that GM is aware of the list and considering making it official in some capacity. California, no surprise, accounts for the greatest interest in the Volt, but even the folks in the dirty dirty -- that's the South -- have put in a strong showing. Alabama's got 86 Volters on the list, as opposed to Vermont, one of the states suing the EPA over emissions regulations, which has just ten. As far as countries interested in the Volt, number three on the chart is Turkey (among those who identified their nationalities). Who knew? And tiny Vanuatu has double the number of hand raisers than all of Russia -- two to one. What could be most interesting is the average price people say they are willing to pay for the Volt: $31,298.27. That's about $9,000 short of Lutz's number, but hey, there's still time to negotiate. Thanks for the tip, iOrange! [Source: GM-Volt] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AutoblogGreen for 08.13.08

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/autobloggreen-for-08-13-08/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Greenclick to visit AutoblogGreen Mainstream hip-hop videos are often dominated by excessive luxury, especially when it comes to the four-wheeled monsters in the background. Not every rapper is swayed by the lure of a big ride full of chrome, though, as Redman shows by using a smart fortwo in a short music video. Too cool. Meanwhile, Chrysler is thinking that the work week might be one day too long. Dude! Better bicycle seat yields better sex Rapper chooses smart fortwo for music video GM to add XFE models to full-size pickup and SUV, 15 mpg city/21 mpg hwy Chrysler considers 4-day work weeks to save energy costs Amtrak ridership up along with gas prices HHO generation/injection redux: It's not a fuel cell, fails in testing! Hybrid drivers most brand-loyal Vectrix sales get their scoot on, more affordable model coming next year There's more than algae for non-food biofuels Nine new EV charging stations - Elektrobays - opening in London tomorrow Next-gen Saab 9-5 to get 1.6L base engine Project Driveway particpant blogs about the experience National Hydrogen Road Tour kicks off in Portland ME Lotus to create OMINVORE research engine for next gen biofuels Madrid installing nitrogen-oxide capturing asphalt  Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Unofficial Volt Wait List surpasses 30,000 hand raisers

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/unofficial-volt-wait-list-surpasses-30-000-hand-raisers/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Green, Chevrolet, GM, LifestyleShortly after the Volt Concept was shown, a Volt adherent started a website called GM-Volt.com to show General Motors that it was on to something. After the Volt was approved for production, the site added a feature to allow people to "raise their hands" to show interest in the Volt, much like what was done for the smart fortwo before its arrival on our shores. A little more than a year later, there are almost 34,000 hand raisers in 50 states and 56 countries. While the list is unofficial and doesn't mean that any of these hand raisers are in line ahead of you to purchase a Volt, the site claims that GM is aware of the list and considering making it official in some capacity. California, no surprise, accounts for the greatest interest in the Volt, but even the folks in the dirty dirty -- that's the South -- have put in a strong showing. Alabama's got 86 Volters on the list, as opposed to Vermont, one of the states suing the EPA over emissions regulations, which has just ten. As far as countries interested in the Volt, number three on the chart is Turkey (among those who identified their nationalities). Who knew? And tiny Vanuatu has double the number of hand raisers than all of Russia -- two to one. What could be most interesting is the average price people say they are willing to pay for the Volt: $31,298.27. That's about $9,000 short of Lutz's number, but hey, there's still time to negotiate. Thanks for the tip, iOrange! [Source: GM-Volt] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Reefers ISO Containers

- posted: 22.08.08

European Trucks News

- posted: 22.08.08

Honda's Prius-killing hybrid gets a date: April 2009

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/hondas-prius-killing-hybrid-gets-a-date-april-2009/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Paris Motor Show, HondaClick above for high-res gallery of Honda Hybrid spy shotsHybrids are hot and Honda is anxious to get in on the action that Toyota's been unable to fully quench with its Prius hybrid sedan. We expect to see the production version of Honda's new hybrid, which will apparently not be called the Insight, to debut in October at the Paris Motor Show. Fortunately, Honda won't make us wait too long to buy its new hybrid, as the five-door hatchback is rumored to show up in dealer lots by April of 2009. Toyota also plans on showing off its new third-gen Prius at the Detroit Auto Show in January, so it will be very interesting to watch these to tangle in the marketplace. Honda plans to undercut its rival in the pricing wars with its hybrid coming in at a base price of less than $19,000, a few thousand less than the larger Prius. Both models will use nickel metal hydride batteries (for now) as opposed to the latest lithium ion units in an effort to keep their costs down. Both should also score fuel mileage numbers somewhere in the 50-60 mpg range. For its part, Honda is planning to build 200,000 units of its new hybrid annually, with 100,000 earmarked for the U.S. Let the (fuel-saving) games begin!Gallery: Spy Shots: Honda Hybrid[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AutoblogGreen for 08.14.08

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/autobloggreen-for-08-14-08/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Greenclick to visit AutoblogGreen Different people need different vehicles. If you've got to tow a lot of stuff, but don't like to waste gas, you might be interested in the 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid or Silverado XFE. If you're two years old and are already a Suzuki kid, try out the Kiddiemoto GSX-R. If you're somewhere in between these two extremes, I'm sure we can find something suitable for you, too. ABG First Drive: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid and Silverado XFE Tokyo to get 200 quick-charge EV stations with plans for more Better World Club aims to out-green the AAA Carz4Girlz on how to get your parents to buy you an Escape hybrid Daimler brings ten hybrid trucks to London Honda getting 3 more hybrids and 3 diesels in the next few years Ener1 takes full control of EnerDel Ford's Fields to explain plan for making money on small cars CNG-powered Standard Taxi to be built by AM General Allied Minds and UW partner up in algae biofuel company AXI Ultra Motor 2 bring A2B 2 USA Lexus smiles as sales of the RX 400h jump 28% The Kiddiemoto GSX-R, Suzuki's greenest two-wheeler ever?  Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA '08 Preview: RONN Scorpion hydrogen-injected supercar to debut in Vegas

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/sema-08-preview-ronn-scorpion-hydrogen-injected-supercar-to-de/ Filed under: SEMA, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, SupercarsClick above for high-res gallery of the ScorpionWe've already alerted you to the existence of Ronn Motor Company's new supercar, the Scorpion. Aside from its exotic looks, the Scorpion makes headlines for its innovative engine: a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.5L VTEC V6 from Acura that's augmented by a hydrogen fuel injection fuel system. Ronn developed a system that's somehow able to fracture water molecules from a small onboard water tank and then insert the resulting hydrogen into the air intake manifold where it's blended with the car's gasoline at a ratio of 30-40%. We suspect black magic is involved, but they claim science. Since adding hydrogen means less gas is used, Ronn claims the Scorpion can achieve 40 mpg. Plus, there's no need to fill up at a hydrogen refueling station since the car makes it own on board. These bold claims will see the light of day in early November when the Scorpion makes its first public appearance at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. We'll be on hand to ask questions and hopefully smash some water molecules ourselves.Gallery: Ronn Motors Scorpion[Source: SEMA] Permalink | Email this | Comments

AutoblogGreen for 08.15.08

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/autobloggreen-for-08-15-08/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, GreenGM has taken us one step closer to the production Chevy Volt. Yesterday, the company released two more teaser images of the much-hyped E-REV that is due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October. Yes, we can wait. As for cars you can buy now (well, soon), Ford has now finished Job One of the new global Fiesta in Germany. And, if you're really old-school, you'll want to check out these old and green VW Golfs. New shots of the production Volt Ford Ka to follow Paris debut with bit part in new Bond movie Honda's hybrid-only model will hit in April 2009 Channel 4 finds that real-world testing undermines "green" car claims 2008: The most fuel efficient year yet Gold medal idea: China raises tax on large cars, cuts tax on small cars Learning from the past: two green Golfs almost lost to history Johnson Controls-Saft get $8.2m for batteries, calls money-givers ignorant Mass transit going greener: Urban tramway to work with solar power Peterbilt hybrid truck delivers the good stuff NASCAR joins the Fuel $aving Challenge Chrysler announces new fuel-efficient offerings AutoblogGreen on the Radio Massachusetts gets its first hydrogen station Ford starts production of new global Fiesta in Germany Craig Vetter back at work designing low-consumption 2-wheelers  Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota Supra is DOA, FJ Cruiser won't be refreshed, more hybrids on the way

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-supra-is-doa-fj-cruiser-wont-be-refreshed-more-hybrids/ Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, ToyotaClick above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota FT-HS concept.A report by Automotive News detailing Toyota's future products reveals that the automaker's focus will be realigned to meet new fuel efficiency standards and limiting high-powered and niche offerings.On the hybrid side, the new Prius will debut in Detroit, with sales beginning in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. The nickel-metal hydride battery will remain, and because of that, the plug-in model will be delayed until a lithium ion battery is offered. The new Prius will be packing the Corolla's 1.8-liter four cylinder and the car will be an inch wider and a half-inch longer. The second hybrid model might not come to Detroit, but development is currently under way and sales will be limited to Japan.The Supra revival has been shelved due to high mpg requirements, allowing Toyota to focus on its RWD coupe, jointly developed by Subaru. Also, there's only room for one body-on-frame SUV from the automaker, so the 4Runner will be re-engineered for the 2010 model year, will debut in either New York or Chicago, and the FJ Cruiser will complete its lifecycle and be dropped in the next few years.The Sienna and Venza will be equipped with hybrid drivetrains in 2012, with the Sienna receiving a facelift late next year, along with more cargo space and room for third-row occupants.The report goes on to state that the Corolla will be redesigned in 2013, along with the Matrix, the next Camry will receive a facelift in 2010, with the new model debuting in 2012, and the new Avalon will debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: In 2020, all cars will be hybrids, Toyota think so too

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/report-in-2020-all-cars-will-be-hybrids-toyota-think-so-too/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Etc., Green, ToyotaIn the future, we'll eat all our meals from toothpaste tubes, everyone will be beautiful and healthy, and we won't need cars, what with the proliferation of nuclear-powered jet packs. Prediction is such thorny business, though Toyota isn't making such a fantastical claim by suggesting that each of its vehicles will have a hybrid option available by 2020. Wired's blog seems to agree that by 2020, hybrids will have proliferated like rabbits, and we'll be awash in electron propulsion systems. We still feel a little cheated that eight years into the 21st century, we still don't have all those things promised to us fifty years ago, but at least automakers are hard at work pushing alternative systems toward viability. Justin Ward, a manager at the Toyota Technical Center overseeing advanced powertrain programs, told a Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse city that work continues on fuel cells to overcome challenges like climate extremes and range. Battery technology, too, will continue to advance, making the current Hybrid Synergy Drive even more efficient. Toyota is still holding off on diesels, and plug-ins present some issues when you consider where that electricity is generated, so it's looking like Toyota will continue to develop its fuel cell technology for the long term and bolster its hybrid offerings in the near future.[Source: Auto News - sub req. Photo: itd.idaho.gov]  Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/ Filed under: Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, LexusClick either image for a high-res gallery.Another year, another limited edition Lexus. But this year's Pebble Beach Edition SC430 (the sixth consecutive variant) is joined by the first-ever LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition. We know, the excitement is palpable.Only 50 LS 600h Ls will be made available in Callaway Golf Experience, Travel Package or Epicurean Encounter trim levels, swathed in Truffle Mica exterior paint and featuring two-tone Alabaster and black leather trim interior, with Dark Grey Bird's-eye maple wood trim. Both models receive all the prerequisite badging to stand apart from the rest of the Lexi in the golf-course parking lot, and are equipped with a host of standard equipment that you can read all about in the press release after the jump.One of the 300 2009 SC 430s can be yours this September, while the Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L will hit dealers the following month.Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h LGallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition Lexus SC430Continue reading Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430 Permalink | Email this | Comments

AutoblogGreen for 08.18.08

- posted: 22.08.08
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/17/autobloggreen-for-08-18-08/ Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Greenclick to visit AutoblogGreen Where would you have rather been this weekend, checking out the classics during the Woodward Cruise or out in San Francisco looking on as 133 tiny Smart cars packed Lombard Street? Alternately, you maybe wanted to get in on the $1.99/gal deal that was used to promote electric cars in Missouri. So many good places to be. 133 Smarts pack San Francisco's Lombard Street! Woodward 2008: Touring the NextCruise tents Woodward 2008: It's not all gas guzzling muscle cars Human-powered "Dogsled" cycle shows up for Dream Cruise At Witz End - GM's EV1, the True Story, part I Surprise: Segway loses to parked car in crash testing The trend continues: people want smaller cars, not compromises Selling cheap gas to promote electric cars? Zap one step closer to building electric car factory in Kentucky Some complete speculation on the Daimler-Tesla deal Toyota wants hybrids across the board, remains dubious of plug-ins Well, gas prices have dipped... did praying help? Toyota Highlander adds four cylinder option for 2009 More headlines after the break.Continue reading AutoblogGreen for 08.18.08 Permalink | Email this | Comments