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Electric police motorcycles nail speeders with stealth

ALS — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:28:03 GMT

The electric motorcycles will help offset all that gas burned up by all those big Ford Crown Victoria cruisers. But best yet, speeders will never hear them coming.

Chris Woodyard - USATODAY - May 24, 2012

When it comes to motorcycle cops, at least you can usually hear them coming when they are astride a big Harley-Davidson. Now Zero Motorcycles, a maker of electric motorcycle, is making a police bike that will be the steathiest yet.

It's called the Zero, and it is being dressed up with light, sirens, shotgun mount and the rest to make it just as potent as the Harley.

"Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve, so our goal was to give them all the tools necessary to allow them to be successful. The resulting Zero DS Police Motorcycle opens up new patrolling possibilities," said Mark Cummings, Zero's manager of fleet sales, in a statement.... [Read More]

Will Truckers Ditch Diesel?

ALS — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:43:40 GMT

Mr. Tech says in a couple of years, one in three Navistar trucks sold will burn natural gas. "This is not a subsidy-driven market."

Rebecca Smith - YAHOO - May 24, 2012

Rising diesel costs last year forced Waste Management Inc. to charge customers an extra $169 million, just to keep its garbage trucks fueled. This year, the nation's biggest trash hauler has a new defensive strategy: it is buying trucks that will run on cheaper natural gas.

In fact, the company says 80% of the trucks it purchases during the next five years will be fueled by natural gas. Though the vehicles cost about $30,000 more than conventional diesel models, each will save $27,000-a-year or more in fuel, says Eric Woods, head of fleet logistics for Waste Management. By 2017, the company expects to burn more natural gas than diesel.

"The economics favoring natural gas are overwhelming," says Scott Perry, a vice president at Ryder Systems Inc., one of the nation's largest truck-leasing companies and a transporter for the grocery, automotive, electronics and retail industries. ... [Read More]

Car surfing ends in death

Chuck — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:29:17 GMT

Corbitt made a sharp turn that threw the 17-year-old off. His head hit the asphalt and later died at the hospital.

Krister Rollins - WCSH6 - May 23, 2012

Post video is not actual incident. Any comment necessary about the obvious recklessness and stupidity? --Ed.

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WRCB) - Police in Chattanooga, Tennessee are investigating the death of a teen who died after falling off the hood of a car.

They found the 17-year-old victim unconscious in a parking lot Sunday night.

Police say a group of friends were doing a dangerous stunt called "car surfing," where you ride on the hood of a car.... [Read More]

Fuel Cell produced electricity on the verge of profitability

herm — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:28:56 GMT

My local grocery store uses one of these running on diesel, to keep the freezers running in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Christopher Martin - BLOOMBERG - May 22, 2012

FuelCell Energy manufactures ultra-clean stationary fuel cell power plants --Ed.

FuelCell Energy Inc. may be the first company to turn a profit producing systems that generate power chemically from natural gas, as the fuel�s historic price plunge drives sales.

Revenue began exceeding manufacturing costs a year ago, and Chief Financial Officer Michael Bishop expects to report a profit once annual fuel cell production exceeds 80 megawatts, up from 56 megawatts this year, a target that�s in sight as partnerships in Europe and Asia spur demand.

�Fuel cells are beginning to turn the corner after decades of struggle,� Dan Reicher, executive director of the center for energy policy and finance at Stanford University, said in an interview. �Low natural gas prices are helping drive the market.�

The century-old concept is becoming financially viable as a glut of shale gas in the U.S. drove down prices 80 percent from mid-2008. That�s making electricity from FuelCell�s systems more competitive with utilities, said Walter Nasdeo, an analyst at Ardour Capital Partners LLC in New York.

FuelCell�s biggest customer and biggest backer is South Korea�s largest steelmaker Posco, which ordered 70 megawatts of power plants in 2011 and agreed to buy an additional 120 megawatts in March. Posco, which owns 17 percent of FuelCell, is using the systems at factories and reselling them in Asia. The steel company also licensed the technology and expects to begin making them in 2015.

When combined annual production from Posco and the Connecticut factory reaches 210 megawatts, FuelCell�s average cost of power production will drop as low as 9 cents a kilowatt- hour, Bishop said.

That�s based on a gas price of $8 per million British thermal units, about four times the current price.
... [Read More]

Prius Driver Beat Up After Taking Out Two Bikers

msirach — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:28:42 GMT

Another Prius driver gone bad

Benjamin Preston - JALOPNIK - May 22, 2012

Another Prius driver gets a black eye. This guy got it in more ways than one. --Ed.

A San Francisco area Prius driver couldn't get enough of a pack of motorcycles cruising the freeway, and decided to record video of them. Unfortunately, driving and shooting video proved to be too much for the 19-year-old hybrid pilot, and he veered into the pack of two wheelers, taking two of them out.

For his distracted driving, the unidentified teenage Prius driver got a ticket, but only after getting beat up by other riders in the group.

He said he was also threatened with a knife, but the bikers were understandably pissed off at him. While he was videotaping from his Prius in the center lane, the young man veered into the right lane, overcorrected, then swerved into the left lane, knocking down one of the riders. When his car bounced off the jersey wall, he took out another one.... [Read More]

2006 Chevy Duramax Tops One Million Miles

msirach — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:41:30 GMT

How far have you driven your truck

Mike Sirach - CleanMPG - May 22, 2012

General Motors and the Faces of GM celebrated a huge milestone at the Flint, MI assembly plant last Friday. On April 4th and in only six years, Hugh and Tammy Pennington have topped the one million mile mark in their 2006 Duramax powered Chevy Silverado 3500 HD 4x4. How many auto drivers can say they have driven a single vehicle the equivilent of two trips to the moon and back or 40 times around the earth?

The truck wasn�t driven an average of 474 miles per day gathering groceries! The husband and wife team haul camping trailers as large as 38 feet all across the United States for delivery to dealers and customers. They tout the durability of their truck and its low cost of repairs. One item they didn�t mention was fuel economy.
James Davis of CleanMPG has a 2007 2 wheel drive version of the same truck. He also praises the durability of his Duramax powered Silverado. With over 382,000 miles logged, it also has been virtually troublefree. Along with the durability, he constantly monitors the fuel mileage. He delivers campers also, but only in the Midwest region and Canada. The routes pay a fixed fee for delivery, so mpg is directly affecting the profit on the trip.

Using a typical mpg of 16mpg reported on several forums for pulling a camper with a Duramax, a whopping 62,500 gallons of diesel would have been used for an out of pocket expense of $240,000 at $3.82 per gallon. A more concientious and conservative approach to pulling trailers could be used. Hypermiling could increase the mpg to as much as 22mpg. The reduced amount of fuel would be 45,454 gallons for $174,543. In six years and one million miles, this could yield $65,457 more in your pocket.

TomTom�s new 6� Screen For Portable Navigation

xcel — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:38:11 GMT

Larger screen with an easier to comprehend display and larger touchscreen selection buttons makes the Smart series TomTom’s best yet.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 22, 2012

The TomTom Start 60 comes with a 6” sharp screen, big buttons and menus and a dual mounting system.

Late last week TomTom released its latest personal portable navigation series with the release of the TomTom Start 60 featuring the largest screen of all TomTom's portable navigation devices. The larger 6" diagonal sharp screen should enhance the driving experience by making it easier and safer for users to use.

The TomTom Start 60 comes with TomTom's new dual mounting system, which gives people the choice between mounting their device on the windscreen or dashboard.

The unique design of the TomTom Start 60’s larger buttons and a sharp screen ensure interaction is easier than ever before.

The TomTom Start 60 is one of the first devices to offer lifetime free daily map changes. Updates are based on reports from TomTom's Map Share community of 21 million, and help drivers to deal with frequent road changes such as new speed limits and blocked roads.

Pricing and Availability

The TomTom Start 60 is available for purchase in Europe at a starting price of $254 across much of Europe. Pricing in the US has not yet been released but TomTom has posted US based media shots so its retail price should be announced for US consumers shortly.

TomTom Start 60 at a glance

A large 6" Touch Screen plus a Dual mounting system so it can be mounted on either the windscreen or the dashboard.

Other features of the TomTom Start 60 include:

Advanced Lane Guidance - Gives drivers extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions
Improved IQ Routes - Uses real travel times shared by millions of drivers to get the best routes and arrival times at every time of day.
TomTom Map Share - Gives drivers free daily map changes from the TomTom Map Share Community.
Spoken street names
Parking Assist helps drivers find parking near their current location or final destination.
Frequent Destinations allows drivers to save their most frequent destinations, for even easier and quicker navigation to the places they go most often.

Even while many of the press vehicles we drive today come equipped with NAVI, the latest in portable NAVI continue to improve and with the new 6” screen offered at a somewhat affordable price, it never hurts to carry a spare.

One Month = First S

xcel — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:36:43 GMT

Tesla announces it will deliver the first S on June 22nd.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 22, 2012

The S – $49,900 to $97,900 - When equipped with the 85 kWh Li-Ion pack, it is rated by the company for 300 miles all-electric range at a steady state 55 mph.

Tesla’s electric powertrain delivers performance with a single moving piece, a rotor. As a result, the 60 dance can be accomplished in 5.6 seconds and most importantly, it is accomplished without a single drop of gasoline being consumed.

In a release earlier this morning, Tesla announced that it will begin delivering its Model S to customers on June 22nd. Several customers will receive their cars that day at an invitation-only event at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California. In its Q1 financial results, Tesla announced they would begin deliveries of the Model S ahead of the July time frame and apparently they are on schedule to do just that.

Model S is the first premium sedan designed from the ground up to take full advantage of electric vehicle architecture. A revolutionary powertrain sits under the floorboard of Model S, creating an ultra-low center of gravity. Paired with an aluminum body engineered for superior handling, Tesla has created a vehicle that will raise the bar for vehicle handling and efficiency while meeting the highest standards for safety.

Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan and includes a second trunk under the hood. Model S seats five adults and two children in optional rear facing seats. The interior features a 17” in-dash touchscreen with internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation. With the most energy-dense battery pack in the industry and best-in-class aerodynamics, Model S has the longest range of any electric car in the world. Model S comes with three battery pack options to fit the unique needs of different drivers.

Model S test-drive events will begin rolling out to select North American cities in July. Tesla will be ramping up production throughout 2012 and plans to deliver 5,000 vehicles by year end. Reservations for the premium electric sedan currently exceed 10,000. Customers can reserve a Model S at one of Tesla’s retail stores or online.

The S Specs

Li-Ion Pack Capacity	40 kWh	60 kWh	85 kWh
Pricing	$49,900	$59,900	$69,900
Est. Range (55 mph)	160	230	300
0 - 60 mph (seconds)	6.5	5.9	5.6
Top Speed (mph)	110	120	125

LEAF Owners Unite

xcel — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:04:47 GMT

Just like hybrid ownership more than a decade before, there is a badge of honor being worn proudly by thousands of LEAF owners across the globe.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 22, 2012

2012 Nissan LEAF - $35,200 to start and a 73-mile all-electric range makes for a fuel saver beyond reproach for those it can satisfy. From those in the vid, it does indeed satisfy greatly ;)

Now in its second year of production, the 2012 Nissan LEAF continues to lead the drive into the “no gas” and locally zero-emission era. With its 22 + kWh Li-Ion pack, the small midsize hatch is rated by the EPA to provide a 73 mile all-electric range from a full charge.

Tor the 2012 model year, Nissan added a standard battery heater, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and rear HVAC duct on all models. Also, a Quick Charge Port is now standard on the LEAF SL.

Last week, Nissan created a vid and documented some of its forward thinking owner’s experiences regarding the 100% electric LEAF.

BEVs are beginning their third round with the first dating back more than a century when they dominated automobile travel on what few roads there were at the turn of the century. The second large arrival occurred with GM’s EV-1. Beginning with Pb-Acid’ packs and moving to a more advanced NiMH chemistry, it proved to be a great car for those that “owned” them via LEASE only. A few BEV Ranger Pus were avaible as was the RAV4EV that could actually be purchased.

Today, there are more offerings than ever before available in the form of both BEVs and PHEVs with an ever expanding marketshare presence albeit a small one at that today. Established car makers like GM, Nissan, Toyota and Ford have invested heavily because they are confident in the electric revolution future of one sort or another.

Nissan has already sold 28,000 LEAFs worldwide and this is only the beginning.

Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer:

Quote:

“Let’s jump the end game. The end game is a full-electric car. It’s quiet and it’s clean. There are so many merits around it.”

Electric Vehicle Advocate Chelsea Sexton:

Quote:

“BEVs are no longer an idea of the future. They are the cars with the most class and ‘cool.’ They’re fast and they’re fun and the new thing to have.”

“This is no longer if it will happen and maybe. It will happen. That is, it’s happening”

There are so many drivers in San Francisco, for example, that they actually formed a club called the BayLEAFs.

BayLEAFs President Gary Lieber:

Quote:

“I’ve been in high technology all my life. I’ve worked for Apple. I’ve worked for Microsoft. I’ve worked on the space shuttle. And the next big thing has always been my passion. BEVs are the next big thing.”

Lieber signed up to buy a LEAF two years in advance. He and his wife have driven it for a full year now, and they’ve put 14,000 miles on it.

Lieber added:

Quote:

“I got home and it was phew, this was a good idea. And I haven’t looked back since. We love the car.”

“You can’t go anywhere without seeing two or three of them, and it’s kind of like at first everybody is waving at each other. But now there’s so many of them that you sometimes forget that you have to wave to your fellow Ever.”

There are thousands of LEAF drivers like Lieber in California -- so many that he almost stopped doing the LEAF salute.

It’s an electric community that seems here to stay.

I would say more than “seems to” because when you are behind the windscreen of the Nissan LEAF, the sound of its silence is deafening to those not driving the same.

The USA is back in space

herm — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:08:59 GMT

SpaceX will show NASA that they can do the job

William Graham - NASASPACEFLIGHT - May 22, 2012

Many in DC are against the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program --Ed.

SpaceX has launched their Falcon 9/Dragon duo � the latter of which is aiming to complete the spacecraft�s remaining COTS demonstration objectives, and culminate in a visit to the International Space Station. The launch suffered from no problems, lifting off from Cape Canaveral at 3:44am Eastern. The key milestone of solar array deployment was also successful.

The Dragon C2+ mission is a combination of the C2 and C3 missions which were originally planned to be conducted separately. The second flight of a Dragon spacecraft, it follows on from the successful Dragon C1 flight in December 2010.

C2+ will be the first flight of a complete Dragon, however; as C1 flew without the unpressurised �Trunk� section and solar arrays. Launched at 15:43 UTC on 8 December 2010, Dragon C1 made two orbits of the Earth before being deorbited.

Following reentry, splashdown occurred at 19:02 UTC, with the spacecraft being recovered successfully from the Pacific Ocean, having completed all of its planned mission objectives.

The C2+ mission is more demanding; SpaceX need to prove that the spacecraft can be used to deliver cargo to the International Space Station safely. As a result, the spacecraft needs to demonstrate its ability to remain in orbit for several weeks, test its manoeuvring and navigation systems, and perform a rendezvous with the space station.

If the initial rendezvous is successful and the spacecraft is operating well, SpaceX will then be cleared to perform the next stage of the demonstration, which will see the spacecraft approach to within ten metres of the ISS before being grappled by the station�s Canadarm2 remote manipulator system, and berthed at the nadir port of the station�s Harmony module.

In anticipation of being cleared to perform the berthing test, the Dragon spacecraft has been loaded with 520 kilograms (1,146 pounds) of cargo for delivery to the ISS.

Unlike the Progress, ATV and HTV spacecraft currently used to resupply the ISS, the Dragon�s capsule is designed to survive reentry and be recovered. With the Space Shuttle retired and Soyuz spacecraft not large enough to accommodate large amounts of cargo, this will provide the only means of returning equipment from the space station to Earth.

After its cargo has been unloaded, Dragon C2+ will be loaded with 143 kilograms (315 lb) of crew equipment, 93 kilograms (205 lb) of research equipment, 39 kilograms (86 pounds) of spacesuit equipment and gloves, and 345 kilograms (760 pounds) of station hardware.

The Dragon spacecraft consists of two sections; a pressurised cargo module, or capsule, which houses the supplies to be delivered to the station, and a �trunk� section which can house unpressurised cargo, or additional payloads such as microsatellites.

Including both the capsule and trunk sections, Dragon measures 5.9 metres (19.3 feet) in length, and 3.66 metres (12 feet) in diameter.

The pressurised module has a volume of ten cubic metres (353 cubic feet), of which 6.8 cubic metres (240 cubic feet) can be used to store cargo, whilst the trunk has a volume of 14 cubic metres (494 cubic feet). The trunk section also accommodates the two solar arrays which will provide power to the spacecraft.

The pressurised module is 2.9 metres (9.5 feet) long, and can carry up to 3,310 kilograms (7,296 lb) of cargo to the space station. It can also accommodate 2,500 kilograms (2,500 lb) for return to Earth. The trunk section can carry the same mass of cargo to the station; however it is not recovered, so it cannot be used to return cargo to Earth. Instead, it can hold 2,600 kilograms (5,732 lb) for disposal.... [Read More]

4,000,000 Sold and Counting

xcel — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:51:25 GMT

Prius family’s humble beginnings turn into a juggernaut.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 22, 2012

In the beginning there was the first generation Toyota Prius – It was ungainly yet advanced and who would have known it was the start of something much bigger to come?

Toyota unleashed a bevy of PR’s from around the world showing global sales of Toyota and Lexus full hybrid vehicles have finally topped topped the 4 million vehicles sold as of April 30.

In response to environmental and fuel costs, Toyota embarked on a bold plan to revamp a significant percentage of automobile offerings in a manner the world had never seen before. With management backing the belief that environmentally friendly vehicles can only truly have a positive impact if they are used disbursed, Toyota took upon itself a massive undertaking to promote the mass-market adoption of fuel efficient and low emissions producing hybrid vehicles.

It Started with a Bus

The world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle was launched in December, 1997 in Japan, but the first hybrid vehicles was actually a bus, the Toyota Coaster Hybrid EV which was introduced to the Japanese market in August, 1997.

Sales of the Prius began in Europe and North America in 2000. The second generation Toyota Prius was launched in 2003 and expanded further when according to the company its full hybrid technology was installed in Japanese Domestic Market minivans, SUV’s, luxury sedans and family hatchbacks. The third-generation Prius launched in May 2009 and was a hit with customers around the world, leading to global cumulative sales of Toyota hybrid vehicles topping 3 million vehicles by the end of February, 2011.

2004 – 2009 Second Generation Prius

Europe

As Toyota’s hybrid range expanded localized production began including the UK built Toyota Auris Hybrid and upcoming Toyota Yaris Hybrid which will be built in France. Later this year, the range expands yet again with the launch of the seven seat Prius+ (our v) and Prius PHEV.

Cumulative sales of full hybrid vehicles in Europe reached 423,000 units. In the UK the number is 94,000.

Globally, Toyota currently sells 18 full hybrid passenger vehicle models in approximately 80 countries. This year, hybrid vehicles have accounted for 15% of Toyota’s global vehicle sales while in Europe full hybrid vehicles account for 10% of sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Toyota Motor Europe plans to increase sales share of Toyota and Lexus full hybrid vehicles in 2012 to 14%.

Third Generation 2010 Toyota Prius

A Global Milestone

This year, hybrid vehicles have accounted for 15% of TMC's global vehicle sales. With the upcoming "Yaris Hybrid" scheduled for launch in Europe and the Lexus "ES 300h" for the United States, TMC is committed to augmenting its product lineup even further and increasing the number of countries and regions in which it sells hybrid vehicles.

Toyota estimates its full hybrid vehicles have led to a reduction of as much as 30 million tons of CO2 compared to what would have been emitted by Prius owners driving gasoline or diesel powered vehicles of similar size and performance.

The fuel savings has been estimated to be almost 2.4 Billion gallons which is the equivalent to the total annual gasoline and diesel consumption of a country like Belgium in 2012!

2012 Toyota Prius v

Prius Hybrid Timeline

Year	Month	Milestone
1997	Mar	Toyota Hybrid System (THS) unveiled
	Aug	Coaster Hybrid EV launched (Japan only)
	Dec	Gen 1 Prius launched
2000	Nov	Start of full hybrid sales in US and Europe; Cumulative Prius sales top 50,000 vehicles
2001	Jun	Estima (Previa) Hybrid launched (Japan only)
	Aug	Crown Mild Hybrid launched (Japan only)
2002	Mar	Cumulative hybrid vehicle sales top 100,000 mark
	Aug	Cumulative Prius sales top 100,000 vehicles
2003	Apr	Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) unveiled
	Jul	Alphard Hybrid launched (Japan only)
	Sep	Second-generation Prius launched
	Nov	Dyna Hybrid and Toyoace Hybrid launched (Japan only)
2005	Mar	Harrier Hybrid (RX 400h) and Kluger Hybrid (Highlander Hybrid) launched
	Oct	Cumulative hybrid vehicle sales top 500,000 mark
	Dec	Second-generation Prius production commenced at the Changchunplant inChina
2006	Mar	GS 450h launched in Japan
	Apr	Cumulative Prius sales top 500,000 vehicles
	May	Camry Hybrid launched (for sale outside Japan)
	Jun	Redesigned Estima Hybrid launched (Japan only)
	Oct	Camry Hybrid production commenced at the TMMK’s Kentucky Plant, U.S.; Quick Delivery 200 launched (Japan only)
2007	May	Cumulative hybrid vehicle sales top 1 million mark; LS 600h/LS 600hL launched
2008	Feb	Crown Hybrid unveiled (launched in April; Japan only)
	May	Cumulative Prius sales top 1 million vehicles
2009	Jan	RX 450h unveiled (launched in April)
	May	Third-generation Prius launched
	Jul	Camry Hybrid production commenced at the TMT’s Gateway Plant, Thailand; HS 250h launched
	Aug	Cumulative hybrid vehicle sales top 2 million mark
	Oct	Sai unveiled (launched in December, Japan only)
	Dec	Camry Hybrid production commenced at the TMCA’s Altona Plant, Australia
2010	Apr	Camry Hybrid production commenced at the GTMC’s plant in China
	Jun	Auris Hybrid production commenced at the TMUK’s Burnaston Plant,UK; Auris Hybrid launched (for sale outside Japan)
	Jul	Cumulative sales in Japan of TMC hybrids top 1 million vehicles
	Sep	Cumulative Prius sales top 2 million vehicles
	Nov	Third-generation Prius production commenced at TMT’s Gateway Plant, Thailand
2011	Jan	Annual Prius sales in Japan of new vehicles in 2010 were 315,669 vehicles, the largest amount of annual sales ever recorded; CT 200h unveiled
	Feb	Cumulative hybrid vehicle sales top 3 million mark
	May	Prius α launched
	Aug	Prius sales in Japan top 1 million mark; Camry Hybrid unveiled; Hybrid models of the Alphard and Vellfire added (launched in November, Japan only);
	Oct	TMEC of China conducts cornerstone laying ceremony and announces plan to produce and sell vehicles with hybrid system produced in China jointly with China FAW Group and GAC by around 2015
	Nov	Prius PHEV unveiled (launched in January 2012 in Japan and March in the U.S. and scheduled for launch in Europe in the summer of 2012)
	Dec	Production of third-generation Prius commenced at SFTM’s Changchun Plant in China; Aqua unveiled
2012	Jan	Redesigned GS 450h launched
	Feb	Start of Highlander Hybrid production at Indiana Plant in theU.S.in the second half of 2013 announced; production and sale of Camry Hybrid in Taiwan commenced
	Apr	Cumulative hybrid vehicle sales top 4 million mark

2013 Lexus GS 450h

Toyota Hybrid Vehicle Sales by Year (Unit = 1,000 vehicles)

Locale	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	Jan – Apr 2012
Japan	12.5	18.4	19.9	27.1	68.7	58.5	72.4	81.9	104.4	251.1	392.2	316.3	255.1
Overseas	6.4	18.4	21.3	26.1	65.9	176.4	240.0	347.4	325.3	278.9	297.9	312.6	170.5
Total	19.0	36.9	41.3	53.2	134.6	234.9	312.5	429.4	429.7	530.1	690.1	628.9	425.7
Cumulative total	52.2*	89.1	130.5	183.8	318.5	553.4	865.9	1,295.3	1,725.1	2,255.2	2,945.4	3,574.4	4,000.1

* Includes 1997 - 1999 Sales.

2013 Lexus ES 300h

To think of the market the domestics have given up over the last decade in pursuit of inefficient PU’s, SUVs and Crossovers instead of a world class hybrid automobiles. To be fair, Toyota also designs and sells similar inefficient vehicles as well.

Survey: Gas mileage top concern for new-car buyers

atlaw4u — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:40:21 GMT

Quality, safety follow far behind in Consumer Reports poll.

Reid Stuart - CleanMPG - May 22, 2012

New-car buyers ranked fuel economy as their top issue and are now "really" considering smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to survey by Consumer Reports released early this morning.

With fuel prices at near record levels, consumers are driving less and contemplating a move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to recent survey by Consumer Reports.

The survey found that 37 percent said their leading consideration when shopping for their next car will be fuel economy. A distant second was quality (17 percent) followed by safety (16 percent), value (14 percent) and performance (6 percent).

"These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy auto editor. "While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump."

Some two-thirds of owners surveyed said they expected their next vehicle to get better fuel mileage than the one they're driving now. While gasoline costs (90 percent) were the number one reason cited for wanting a more fuel-efficient vehicle, more than half of respondents also had other reasons, including a desire to be more environmentally friendly (62 percent) and concern about dependence on foreign oil (56 percent).

Women disproportionately said they were motivated by the environmental benefit of better fuel economy (65 percent vs. 58 percent of men), more concerned about dependence on foreign oil (63 percent vs. 49 percent of men), and impacted by changes on the home front (38 percent vs. 31 percent).

The survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, found that car owners were open to different ways of saving at the pump, from downsizing to looking at hybrids, electric cars, or models with diesel engines. In all, nearly three quarters (73 percent) of participants said they would consider some type of alternatively fueled vehicle, with flex-fuel (which can run on E85 ethanol) and hybrid models leading the way. Younger buyers were more likely to consider an alternatively-fuel or purely electric vehicle than drivers over the age of 55.

Of those who said they plan to move to a different type, owners of large SUVs were the most open to downsizing, frequently planning to move to a smaller SUV. Small cars were the leading category targeted by survey respondents for their next vehicle, followed by larger sedans and midsized SUVs. Further illuminating a future market shift, larger sedans (18 percent) and minivans (7 percent) are on fewer participants' radar relative to their current model.

With the federal government expected to finalize new fuel efficiency standards later this year that would require manufacturer's average fuel economy to reach 54.5 miles-per-gallon by 2025, some 90 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements "Auto manufacturers should offer a greater variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the near future." Almost 80 percent felt the same about the statements "Fuel economy standards should require auto manufacturers to increase the overall fleet average to at least 55 miles per gallon," (79%) and "I am willing to pay extra for a more fuel efficient vehicle if I can recover the additional cost through lower fuel costs" (81%).

"When gas prices are high, it's always tempting to rush to trade-in for a more fuel-efficient car to save at the pump. But our research has shown that you're often better off financially to stick it out with the vehicle you have if it's less than three years old, because a new vehicle will cost you more in depreciation than you would save on gas," said Bartlett.

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted the random, nationwide telephone survey in two waves, April 5-7 and April 12-15, 2012, contacting 2,009 adults. The Center interviewed 1,702 adults in households that had at least one car.

US imposes tariffs on underpriced solar imports from Chinese companies

herm — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:16:55 GMT

Bad news for consumers in the US

Andrew Restuccia - THEHILL - May 17, 2012

Too late for Solyndra --Ed.

The Obama administration will impose hefty tariffs on Chinese solar imports after determining Thursday that the country is flooding the market with underpriced panels.

The Commerce Department, in a preliminary determination, ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to impose tariffs of between 31 and 250 percent on solar imports from various Chinese companies.

The decision is a victory for solar panel manufacturer SolarWorld Industries America, which, along with several other manufacturers, pressed the administration to impose the tariffs last year.

�The verdict is in,� SolarWorld President Gordon Brinser said in a statement. �In addition to its preliminary finding that Chinese solar companies were on the receiving end of at least 10 WTO-illegal subsidies, Commerce has now confirmed that Chinese manufacturers are guilty of illegally dumping solar cells and panels in the U.S. market. We appreciate the Commerce staff�s hard work on this matter.�... [Read More]

2012 Toyota Prius c earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

xcel — Sat, 19 May 2012 23:20:39 GMT

The c joins the rest of the Prius family as IIHS Top Safety Pick award winners.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 19, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius c - $18,950 to start and a 53/46 city/highway rating make for an impeccable choice for those just entering the automobile marketplace.

Toyota�s Prius �c� was designed to be an inner city vehicle providing a unique driving experience thanks to its lightweight design (2,500 pounds) and downsized hybrid drivetrain allowing an unprecedented city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg. This is the best rating of any non-plug-in vehicle in the world!

At Toyota, Safety is Standard

The Prius c�s body structure makes extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel to help reduce vehicle weight which not only improves fuel economy but also provides a passenger cell capable of absorbing and dispersing impact energies thus enhancing occupant safety.

The Prius c is also equipped with nine airbags including driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags (for positioning) and front and rear side curtain airbags. In addition, the c arrives equipped with the Toyota STAR Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) or brake override.

With the active and passive safety equipment standard, the 2012 Toyota Prius c, the most affordable B-Segment hybrid on the market today, was just awarded an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) - Top Safety Pick. The Top Safety Pick award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting driver and passengers in front, side, rollover, rear impact evaluations and assessing whiplash protection and a roof strength test to measure occupant protection in rollover crashes.

While the NHTSA has yet to crash test the c, with an IIHS �Top Safety Pick� award in its toolbox, it has a pretty darn safe starting point.

For more on the c, consider the CleanMPG Preview of the Prius c.

2013 Fusion Is Loaded With the Latest Safety and Convenience Technology

xcel — Sat, 19 May 2012 22:19:15 GMT

One of the most anticipated midsize sedans in recent memory is almost upon us.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 19, 2012

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid – Pricing has not yet been announced while its fuel economy will be an astounding and class leading 47/44 mpgUS city/highway.

With Ford’s upcoming 2013 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, the company is targeting to be the dominate player in the non-luxury midsize sedan marketplace. With an outstanding exterior, all-new new modern interior, easily the best in class driver displays thanks to an improved SmartGauge with Eco Guide plus the latest infotainment features from the sometimes controversial but award winning SYNC with MyFord Touch, that target will surely be met.

Latest Safety Advances

Incorporating the latest cutting edge safety not found in vehicles costing as much as double its expected going price, the Fusion is scheduled to arrive with a number of optional radar, ultrasonic, optical and motion sensors that will provide an entirely new level of convenience for its customers. The safety technology package includes Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Alert, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), active park assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and a rear view camera.

Fusion’s suite of driver assist technologies are the result of the addition of new sensors, including cameras and radar combined with existing technologies, such as electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and data from the anti-lock braking and stability control systems.

The 2013 Ford Fusion with a Lane Keeping System, a first in the mainstream midsize segment in North America.

Lane-Keep uses a forward-facing camera that can scan the road surface for lane markings. The system can evaluate if the car is drifting out of its lane and then alert the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver does not respond to the vibrations, the system provides steering torque to nudge the car back toward the center of the lane.

Driver Alert uses the front-facing camera to detect a pattern of vehicle motion consistent with a drowsy driver, and provides a series of alerts to suggest the driver stop and rest for a while. The visual alert includes a coffee cup icon appearing in the instrument cluster display indicating that pulling off the road and taking a break is a good idea

Pull-Drift Compensation is built into the electric power-assisted steering to counter the effects of steeply crowned roads or steady crosswinds. It can detect if the car is changing direction even if the steering angle sensor indicates the driver is not commanding this change. The Pull-Drift control then uses EPAS to provide gradual steering corrections that keep the car moving to where the driver wants to go.

Adaptive cruise control with collision warning uses a radar sensor that measures the distance and speed to the vehicle ahead.

With this extra information, the same engine power reduction and brake application techniques that are used to limit wheel spin by the traction control system can now be used to automatically slow the car and maintain a safe following distance when the adaptive cruise control is active. If the sensors detect the following distance is shrinking too quickly and a collision is likely, the system will provide a visual and audio alert so the driver can respond by steering or braking.

Active park assist help make parallel parking a breeze. The sensors measure the gap between parked cars to see if there is enough room, and then the car is automatically steered into the space. The driver just has to apply the accelerator and brake.

Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert provides driver assistance during periods when he or she cannot see around an obstacle. Rearview mirrors help, but the Fusion is available with radar sensors in the rear corners that can monitor the spaces beside and just behind the car.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Safety Systems

On the road, these sensors trigger a warning light in the mirror indicating there is another vehicle in the blind spot the driver may not be able to see when changing lanes. When backing out of a parking space, these same sensors can see vehicles coming down the aisle while the back-up camera provides a view directly behind the rear bumper.

What happens when oil becomes unaffordable?

Chuck — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:39:25 GMT

In a world of triple-digit oil prices, the global economy will be very different from the one we�ve known.

Jeff Rubin - THEGLOBEANDMAIL - May 2, 2012

We should find alternatives without delay unless we want to cope like Cuba is now. --Ed.

When the first OPEC oil shock hit in the 1970s, President Nixon responded by lowering the national speed limit to 55 miles per hour in a bid to conserve energy. But speed limits aren�t the only thing that can change when oil prices go up. Right now, we�re seeing that rising crude prices can influence much more than just how fast you can drive your car. High oil prices change the speed at which your economy can grow.

Just as people require food, economies require energy. The relationship is straightforward: economic growth is a function of energy consumption. With national economies around the world once again forced to pay more than $100 (U.S.) for every barrel of oil consumed, a critical question must be asked -- what happens when the world�s most important source of energy becomes unaffordable?... [Read More]

2013 Lexus ES 300h Overview

xcel — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:32:51 GMT

Both impressions and details are embargoed until May 31st.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 19, 2012

A 2013 Lexus ES 300h bathed in flowers – A hybrid for the entry mid-size luxury market that should prove to be both affordable and fuel efficient.

At the 2012 NYIAS this past April, Lexus loosed upon the show going journalists and public soon after yet another reveal sporting the latest new face of Lexus and it was done in its most mainstream sedan. That being the ES. And for the first time it was set to incorporate Lexus’ Hybrid Drive.

What was promised was an all new interior and exterior design, vastly improved handling and enough infotainment additions to satisfy a “Linux Geek.”

Lexus ES Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi: “What has the presence of our flagship LS, more legroom than a Mercedes Benz E-Class and 25% better MPG than a subcompact Honda Fit? The answer… the all-new ES hybrid!”

ES 300h Hybrid

For the first time in the ES lineup, Lexus is providing Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring the Camry’s atkinsonized 2.5L I4, the ES 300h hybrid is expected to earn an EPA fuel economy rating of approximately 40 mpg combined. The certified results will be disclosed on May 31st.

The new, low friction twin cam engine utilizes a sophisticated power management system, a 12.5:1 compression ratio, and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The beltless motor is designed to improve fuel economy and durability, and a near zero evaporative fuel system helps reduce emissions.

2013 Lexus ES 300h Engine Bay

The ES 300h hybrid offers the driver four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. EV mode allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack. Normal mode provides a blend of performance and efficiency that is suited to everyday driving, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. Sport mode increases powertrain responsiveness.

Exterior Design

The new ES features a lower profile with the four corners pulled inward to the wheel arches. The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by 1.8 inches, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by an inch, creating a much more spacious interior.

The new ES is also adorned with the new face of Lexus and the spindle grille design language. The LED DRLs and combination rear lamps reflect the “L” design motif and look very aggressive! Highly unusual for a Lexus and follows a similar theme to that released with the 2013 Lexus GS 450h.

At the rear, the 2013 ES 300h hybrid features a distinctive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated spoiler.

Inside

2013 Lexus ES 300h Interior - The Working End

The 2013 ES provides improved sightlines, controls are logically placed, and new cabin materials reveal a new higher level of craftsmanship with a unique and distinctive bamboo trim.

The steering wheel angle has been reduced from 24 degrees to 22 degrees for a more natural control position. Fluid-filled engine mounts, new sound absorbing materials and a tuned engine intake help minimize the intrusion of outside noise.

The newly designed drivers displays and operation zones were specifically laid out to keep your eyes on the road. The instrument panel, with a long 3-dimendiaonl appearance places the main information display directly in the driver’s line of sight. Just below the center display is a self-illuminating LED analog clock. Controls are clustered beneath the information zone, on the steering wheel, and on the center console.

The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located on the center console. RTI reduces eye and hand movement, helping reduce effort and distraction.

More rear seat leg and knee room are the new 13 ES’ true claim to fame with Knee room is increased by 2.8 inches and legroom is increased by 4.1 inches. The new design also offers additional foot room below the front seats.

Available comfort and convenience features include manual door window shades, a power rear shade, and a one-touch power trunk closer. Optional ambient lighting, discretely placed under the wood trim, softly illuminates the surfaces of the instrument panel and all four doors.

The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for an even more refined look and feel.

Ride and Handling

2013 Lexus ES 300h on the binders

A number of suspension and steering changes plus a stiffer body deliver improved handling. Opposite-wound coil springs on the front suspension enhance straight-line stability. Revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort. A reduction in the steering gear ratio delivers a more responsive and direct steering feel.

Increased body rigidity was achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and additional spot welds. Despite its larger size, roomier interior and additional luxury appointments, the weight of the new ES is reduced by almost 90 pounds.

The ES 300h will be equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Safety

An array of safety features have been added including the available “Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert” (RCTA) which helps detect vehicles in side blind spots. The RCTA alerts the driver to rear cross traffic when backing out of a parking spot. Available Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology. The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) uses sub-millimeter wave radar to detect obstructions and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.

Following a safety design cue from GM’s least to most expensive models, The ES finally features 10 airbags including front, side, side curtain, driver and front passenger knee and outward rear seat side airbags. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries.

Lexus Safety Connect, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location services, and Automatic Collision Notification to a Safety Connect center is standard on the new ES. A one-year trial subscription for Safety Connect is included.

Infotainment

The new ES features the next-generation Lexus Enform system providing seamless connectivity with Bing search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp and Facebook Places through compatible smart phones. Apps are updated through over-the-air downloads, so new apps and content can be added as they become available. One-year trial subscriptions to Lexus Enform with Safety Connect and the Application Suite are included.

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer, CD player, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and a SiriusXM receiver. The available Display Audio package adds a seven-inch screen, a backup camera, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle information display. The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command and an integrated backup camera.

An available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system features an eight-inch display screen, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, DVD audio/video and a SiriusXM receiver. Exclusive GreenEdge technology from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent.

2013 Lexus ES 300h – Base specifications

Seating Capacity: 5
Overall Length (in.): 192.7
Width (in.): 71.7
Height (in.): 57.1
Wheelbase (in.): 111.0
Driven Wheels: Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,660
Wheel size: (front and rear) 17” x 7.0”
Tires size: 215/55/17

The new Look of Lexus from the ES’ perspective

She's a looker alright ;)

For more views of this groundbreaking midsize luxury automobile, look no further than the 2013 ES 300h Gallery and click on “Start Slideshow”.

We will have a lot more on this eye catching all-new ES 300h after the embargo is lifted later this month.

GM won't advertise on Facebook or next Super Bowl

Chuck — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:34:52 GMT

Each of the Big Three has been looking for ways to break out as they struggle to reach potential buyers.

Paul A. Eisenstein - MSNBC - May 18, 2012

Facebook is not the only place GM is unfriending.

In the latest in a series of surprise moves, General Motors has decided to boycott next January�s Super Bowl advertising extravaganza in protest over a huge increase in advertiser rates.

The decision follows word that the maker will also pull its ads off Facebook, the social media site that is today on its way to what could be the largest IPO in U.S. history. But insiders say GM is weighing more heavily than ever the perceived payoff for its estimated $4.5 billion ad budget, backing out of purchases that might deliver a halo but relatively little in terms of actual results.... [Read More]

5 Causes of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

Chuck — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:54:38 GMT

10th leading cause of US cancer deaths: non-smoker lung cancer

MEDICINENET - May 18, 2012

While most lung cancer deaths are smokers, 13 percent are NOT. That's why Donna Summer's family had to stress second-hand smoke was her demise. So keep that in mind if you can limit your time around smoke-filed rooms and smog areas. --Ed.

While cigarette smoking is an undisputed cause of lung cancer, not all cases of lung cancer occur in smokers or former smokers. Each year, over 170,000 Americans develop lung cancer, and approximately ten per cent of lung cancers, or 17,000 cases, occur in non-smokers. Although not every non-smoker suffering from lung cancer will have an identifiable risk factor for development of the disease, a number of conditions and circumstances have been identified that will increase a non-smoker's chance of developing lung cancer.... [Read More]

Lack of Speed Limit Signs Troubles Drivers

Chuck — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:33:55 GMT

...drivers should be aware that they can still be stopped for speeding even if there are no posted limits.

Tammy Mutasa - MSNBC - May 18, 2012

Anyone seriously believe a sober, competent holder of a driving licence does not know the maximum speed in north Texas is 70? Anyone? --Ed.

Drivers on the eastern extension of the President George Bush Turnpike are concerned that the roadway has no posted speed limit signs between state Highway 78 in Garland and Interstate 30 in Rowlett.

"It's dangerous and not fair if they pull you over for speeding and you don't know it's not posted,� said Garland resident Heather Trisko.... [Read More]

20 Years and 5 Generations of Altima�s Built in TN

xcel — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:36:30 GMT

First 2013 Altima rolled off the assembly line last Tuesday.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 19, 2012

2013 Nissan Altima - $21,500 to start and a 27/38 mpgUS city/highway rating.

20 years of Altima with a total of more than 4.4 million built at Nissan’s Smyrna, TN assembly plant according to the company’s latest release.

The first generation Altima rolled off the line in 1992 and with the 2013 Altima following the proud tradition of the highest build quality from the past through to today; it is only the first of five all-new Nissan vehicles scheduled to be releases over the next 15-months.

Smyrna will also serve as the future home of the LEAF and the batteries that power it, the next-generation Nissan Pathfinder, and, in 2013, the next-generation Nissan Rogue.

Like previous generations, the 2013 Nissan Altima will also be manufactured in Canton, Miss., and the engines will be produced in Decherd, Tenn.

2013 Altima at a glance

The all-new fifth generation design is going to be a strong presence in the mid-size sedan segment with all-new styling, innovative features like “zero gravity seats” and a class leading 38 mpgUS highway rating with its powerful 182 HP 2.5L mated to the all-new Nissan Xtronic CVT.

The new Altima provides standard Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth. Available options include NissanConnect and NissanConnect Navigation with a suite of Bluetooth phone connectivity features, including hands-free text message integration, Pandora playback, real-time Google POI search and more; along with Easy Fill Tire Alert, and next-generation Safety Shield Technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.

Altima's next-generation CVT reflects Nissan's more than 20 years of engineering and development leadership with its smooth, fuel-efficient design. Altima's redesigned 4-wheel independent suspension features segment-first Active Understeer Control for refined feel and responsive handling.

We should have more on 2013 Altima’s attributes and capabilities with time behind the wheel scheduled for tomorrow afternoon through Monday evening.

38 mpgUS highway from a normally aspirated mid-size with an AT is almost scary good ;)

So what�s New about the All-New 2012 Toyota Yaris?

xcel — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:04:34 GMT

More safety, more room, a touch more fuel economy and still lacking :(

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 19, 2012

2012 Toyota Yaris � $14,115 to start and a 30/38 mpgUS city/highway fuel economy rating.

For 2012, Toyota dropped the Yaris sedan and instead provides a choice of either the three or five-door hatch just like its predecessor. Unfortunately it arrives with the same engine minus a lb-ft. of torque and the way to low geared 5-speed MT and ancient 4-speed AT, also unchanged for 2012.

It does however gain an additional 1 mpg in the city for both the MT and AT and 2 more mpgs on the highway with the 5-speed stick.

Ride and Handling

The 2012 gained a few inches of wheelbase (98.8 vs. 96.9�) and has a slightly more composed feel to it on the highway. The font stabilizer bar diameter has been increased by almost 0.05� and with the larger 15� steel wheels and tires vs. last year�s 14� steel wheels and tires, its ride over minor imperfections has improved. 16� alloys with a quicker ratio steering is also available on the slightly more upscale SE trim while adding an unfortunate 5.9� to the SEs turning diameter.

Safety

It�s a Toyota so the 2012 Yaris just like its predecessor arrives with the much vaunted STAR safety system incorporating Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA). New for 2012 is the addition of Smart Stop Technology (SST) or brake override system.

On the passenger safety cell front, the previous generation 2009 � 2011 Yaris achieved a marginal rating on the roof crush strength test performed by the IIHS and thus missed the Institutes desired Top Safety Pick award. For 2012, the good news is that oversight has been remedied with improved HS steel reinforcements and all 2012 models are now IIHS Top Safety Picks.

All Yaris models come with complimentary Toyota Care, which covers normal factory maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Passenger and Cargo Volume

With the new longer wheel base and additional 3� of overall length, passenger and cargo volume has increased slightly to 85 vs. 84 cu. ft. and 15 vs. 13 cu. ft. respectively. The Lowest L trim still arrives with a standard single piece folding bench seat whereas the LE and SE arrive with a 60/40 split fold down rear seat back, a Convenience package option last year.

Early Conclusions

It is still holds down the bottom of the Toyota family with little changed for the 2012 Model Year other than larger wheels and tires. If you are in the market for a B-Segment sized automobile, the Yaris is surely going to provide excellent reliability, safety and good resale. Today however there are other vehicles in its segment that deserve a closer look including Hyundai�s Accent, Kia Rio and Chevrolet�s Sonic.

You cannot overlook the Yaris� value propositions but you also cannot dismiss the rest of the segment offerings that have caught up and in most cases surpassed the lowly Yaris on a �fun to drive� and even a �cost to own� basis. Good yes, great, no.

Chevrolet Volt Saves Supertanker of Gas

ALS — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:13:49 GMT

900 miles between gasoline refuelings is the Volt owner norm.

Al S. - CleanMPG - May 18, 2012

In a GM release earlier this week, the multiple award winning Chevrolet Volt can now be classified as an American super fuel saver as owners have collectively saved a supertanker of gasoline since the car went on sale. That means 2.1 million gallons of gasoline (One supertanker of gasoline is equivalent to 2 million gallons of gas) was not consumed according to data being collected through GM's On-Star.

That is a lot of damn fuel with the accumulated savings being displayed in a Live Feed to the Volt sales portal on the Chevrolet Volt website.

In a prepared statement, the well respected Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt Marketing Director said the following:

Quote:

�Sixty percent of the time our owners are driving electric, but the extended range is providing additional miles when they need it.�

Lexus Euthanizes Slow Selling, Overpriced HS 250h Hybrid Sedan

seftonm — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:13:24 GMT

Lexus HS 250h sales plunged 73 percent last year to only 2,864 units

Brandon Hill - DAILYTECH - May 18, 2012

Why were sales so unimpressive? --Ed.

When it comes to hybrids, Toyota has experienced a great deal of success with its Prius family of vehicles and hybrid variants of its Camry and Highlander. Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, hasn't experienced the same amount of widespread success with its hybrid models.

Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model, the awkward-looking HS 250h, has been a sales disaster. Sales of the hybrid reached a high of 10,663 units in 2010, but plummeted 73 percent last year to a pitiful 2,864 units. As a result, Lexus has already ended production of the vehicle.

"Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012," stated a Lexus representative to Inside Line in an email. "Lexus continues to monitor sales for each product and we make adjustments to make sure that we meet market demand, and the discontinuation of HS was part of that adjustment. The ES 300h is not replacing HS in our lineup. It's merely part of the hybridization of many of our existing vehicles in the Toyota and Lexus lineups."

The HS 250h has been outpaced by the cheaper, more fuel efficient CT 200h, and the upcoming ES 300h will slot in above the HS 250h�s current spot in the Lexus family.... [Read More]

Regal GS Seeks Repeat Performance in Open Road Rally

ALS — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:46:13 GMT

Buick engineers will pilot vehicle in the "2012 Nevada Open Road Challenge".

Al S. - CleanMPG - May 18, 2012

The 2012 Buick Regal GS sport sedan, along with two Buick engineers, will compete in the Nevada Open Road Challenge on May 20 seeking to repeat a class victory in the event.

In September 2011, GS lead development engineer Bill Rietow with GS powertrain engineer John Townsend as his navigator won the 120-mph class of the Silver State Classic Challenge, which takes place on the same open road course. The team also won a �Most Accurate Rookie� award with a 0.019-second deviation from the perfect 45-minute time to complete the course.

�We learned a lot about the intricacies of the course on our first time out� said Rietow. �We now know that the segment known as �the Narrows� can be safely negotiated at 90 mph. By planning the slow down into and the acceleration rate out of the Narrows, we can more accurately control our pace to the target average speed. At times, we�ll need to run at the GS�s top speed.�

In this month�s race, the Regal GS will compete against world class sports cars in the more difficult 135-mph class.

�The competition in this class was really good last fall and we look forward to competing,� said Townsend. �Weather is going to be an interesting factor this time around, with headwinds as high as 20 mph possible.�

The Nevada Open Road Challenge, like the September event, takes place on a remote, two-lane, 90-mile-long segment of Nevada State Highway 318. Rather than a test of who finishes a course the fastest, the goal is average speed consistency. In the Regal�s class, the team that averages closest to 135 mph over the entire course wins. In many instances, the top three finishers are just hundredths of seconds off the target time.

The Regal GS being piloted by Rietow and Townsend is a stock 2012 model, with modifications limited to safety equipment such as a roll hoop and five-point harness seat belts, as well as data collection computers.

�This is another great opportunity to showcase the GS and its comfort and capability at real-world condition high speeds,� Rietow said. �Stability, body control and durability are all being tested to extremes. Events like these provide safe conditions for us to get away from the test track to gather unique data that will benefit future development of our vehicles.�.

Ford C-Max set to best the MPG of Prius v

JusBringIt — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:46:57 GMT

Ford C-Max touted to get better gas mileage than its Toyota rival, the Prius V

Ricardo Bowlin - CleanMPG - May 17, 2012

C-MAX - More FE than the Prius v.

Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America’s most affordable and soon to be fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle – the 2013 For C-MAX Hybrid – with innovative technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo as well as the fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling cars including Ford Focus.

The C-MAX is a compact hybrid utility vehicle and the company’s first dedicated line of hybrids. The 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will be available this fall with a base price of $25,995 – approximately $500 lower than the Toyota Prius v’s base price.

The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will follow later this year with better electric-mode fuel economy and overall driving range than the Prius plug-in hybrid.

The C-MAX Hybrid blends fuel economy with performance, with projected best-in-class horsepower and torque along with Ford’s third-generation powersplit technology that allows for higher speed while in electric mode than Toyota Prius v.

C-MAX Hybrid benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology driving it, with many of Ford’s almost 500 hybrid vehicle-related patents contained within.

That means that along with SYNC with MyFord Touch, drivers get class-exclusive features like hands-free liftgate (offering hands-free cargo access with a simple kicking motion), SmartGauge� with EcoGuide, regenerative braking and an advanced lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack that is being used for the first time in a Ford hybrid.

Room

C-MAX Hybrid is a compact hybrid utility vehicle jam-packed with features and room for five people and cargo.

The vehicle has a high roofline (63.9 inches) offering ample interior space and flexibility. C-MAX Hybrid offers 99.7 cubic feet of passenger space compared with 97 cubic feet in Prius v. The spacious C-MAX Hybrid also provides greater headroom in both front and rear seats than Prius v (41/39.4 inches vs. 39.6/38.6 inches).

For cargo, C-MAX Hybrid has 60/40 split-fold rear seats that easily fold flat with 54.3 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row.

Tech

C-MAX Hybrid features the company’s innovative hands-free liftgate, allowing for quick and easy access to the cargo area without messing with keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it’s OK to engage. The same motion can close the liftgate.

The vehicle also features the newest version of MyFord Touch to help inform, enlighten, engage and empower drivers. MyFord Touch offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs.

C-MAX Hybrid also offers the next generation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX Hybrid, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on the left cluster to help drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle’s efficiency.

The left cluster also shows Brake Coach, a feature that helps drivers optimize their use of the braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency – as drivers improve their efficient driving, they are rewarded with more leaves.

QC

The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is new, but its software and hardware technology have been evolving for nearly two decades.

C-MAX Hybrid is powered through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine – a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.

The electric motor of the C-MAX Hybrid is powered by an advanced li-ion battery system designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford’s critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.

C-MAX Hybrid also offers Ford’s next-generation powersplit architecture that allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds.

In the C-MAX Hybrid, the li-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the regenerative braking system can recapture more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging.

The C-MAX Hybrid is being produced at Ford’s Wayne, Mich.-based Michigan Assembly Plant alongside Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST.

They are going to export OUR natural gas

herm — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:36:12 GMT

12 projects to export LNG ongoing

Edward Mcallister - REUTERS - May 15, 2012

Pres. Obama refuses to do anything about it. You can bet the greedy corporations dont care about higher fuel costs for Americans, and they probably will get tax benefits to do it. --Ed.

Two North American liquefied natural gas export plants were announced on Tuesday, joining a lengthening list of projects aimed at shipping surplus gas overseas.

Excelerate Energy, the U.S. liquefied natural gas company founded by Oklahoma billionaire George Kaiser, plans to develop the country's first floating LNG export plant off the Gulf Coast, while energy major Royal Dutch Shell has partnered with Asian buyers to build a plant in western Canada.

The two projects add to 10 others announced in North America over the last few years as a huge supply surge from shale deposits floods the market and pushes prices far below levels in Europe and Asia.

The export of LNG, which is natural gas cooled to a liquid for shipping, marks a stark turnaround for North American energy companies, which 10 years ago were scrambling to build import terminals before shale gas production unlocked potentially decades of supplies.

It has sparked a political debate in the United States about exporting cheap resources that could be used domestically. The Obama administration said on Monday that it does not oppose U.S. LNG exports, though it will depend on an official analysis to guide its decision on whether to allow more gas projects to proceed.

But Canada, whose vast gas reserves are stranded without demand from the amply-supplied United States, is racing to find needy buyers in Asia willing to pay dearly for the fuel. LNG prices in Asia are at four-year highs of about $18 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), while U.S. benchmark prices languish around $2.50 mmBtu, weighed down by oversupply.... [Read More]

As European Car Sales Slide, the Industry Gets Desperate

ALS — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:33 GMT

The car sector cannot solve its Europe problem, and that will swamp sales and earnings for a long time to come.

Douglas A. Mcintyre - 247WALLST - May 16, 2012

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) announced that April sales of cars and light trucks in the region were �6.9% less than in the same month of 2011.� That means only 1,017,912 new passenger cars were registered in the European Union during the month.

As might be expected, based on the great disparity of GDP growth or contraction, sales in Germany rose 2.9%, while sales in Spain and Greece fell 21.7% and 18.0%, respectively. Regardless of how the numbers break out by nation, the market in the area is in such deep trouble that regional manufacturing results have been crushed and will continue to be. EU results for multinational car companies are and will be poor enough to offset most success in the United States or China. The car sector cannot solve its Europe problem, and that will swamp sales and earnings for a long time to come. All that remains to figure is what each manufacturer will do to try to offset the problem.... [Read More]

Facebook�s Zuckerberg's Perfectly Legal Scheme to Avoid Taxes

xcel — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:28:57 GMT

Can I get paid via stock options too? Nope.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 15, 2012

Facebook - A �No Tax� deal for all concerned. Those concerns behind Facebook anyway?

In an article posted at Thinkprogress - Facebook Unfriends Uncle Sam: Mark Zuckerberg�s Plan to Avoid Taxes, apparently some in Congress are cheering his and co-founder of Facebook Edward Saverin�s plan on?

With the way the �IPO� is being structured, both CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook itself will lower their tax bills to �$0.00� for years to come and in fact, generate up to $500 Million of our taxes paid in refunds back to Facebook. Wow!!!

In a NY Times Op-Ed piece written by Tax Attorney David S. Miller, Zuckerberg may then never pay a dime of taxes on the rest of his Facebook wealth.

Quote:

�But how much income tax will Mr. Zuckerberg pay on the rest of his stock that he won�t immediately sell? He need not pay any. Instead, he can simply use his stock as collateral to borrow against his tremendous wealth and avoid all tax.

If Mr. Zuckerberg never sells his shares, he can avoid all income tax and then, on his death, pass on his shares to his heirs. When they sell them, they will be taxed only on any appreciation in value since his death.

Larry Ellison of Oracle and the late Steve Jobs of Apple has benefitted greatly from some of the ultra wealthy�s completely legal tax avoidance practices. Read the NY Times Op-Ed as it�s a good one.

The Citizen�s for Tax Justice reported on the Facebook IPO financial structure in February revealing a number of interesting methods in which the company is going to cost you and I dearly.

Facebook's First Public Filing Reveals Its Plan to be a Champion Tax Dodger

Quote:

�Facebook, Inc.�s upcoming initial public stock offering (IPO) paperwork reveals that it plans to wipe out all of the company�s federal and state income tax obligations for 2012 and actually generate a half billion dollar tax refund. As part of the plan, Facebook co-founder and controlling stockholder, Mark Zuckerberg can expect a $2.8 billion after tax cash windfall�

Senator Carl Levin:

Quote:

�Facebook may not pay any corporate income taxes on its profits for a generation. When profitable corporations can use the stock option tax deduction to pay zero corporate income taxes for years on end, average taxpayers are forced to pick up the tax burden. It isn�t right, and we can�t afford it.�

Facebook just like most major corporations in the US use this section of the tax code to avoid paying corporate income taxes and in fact generate refunds and credits to carry forward essentially forever.

Way to go Congress. In an election year when they are asking for donations from those very same corporations and the wealthiest of tax payers, do you think they might change this?

Why would they as the Government is only taking in $0.60 on every $1.00 it is spending and what�s a few more $Trillion each year added onto the almost $16 Trillion we have racked up so far?

Hyundai�s Blue Link Receives Major Upgrade

xcel — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:15:34 GMT

Faster, easier, a new parking meter timer, car finder and vehicle diagnostics are brand new.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 15, 2012

Hyundai's BlueLink is just the beginning.

Every “next” generation automobile offers new technology and in the past 5 + years, that also means more connected.

Enter Hyundai’s Blue Link

Blue Link allows you to connect to your Hyundai automobile and its surrounds through your Smartphone, from within your future Hyundai or via the web. It is an all-new telematics platform that offer s more than 30 unique connectivity features on near future Hyundai models.

Hyundai introduced its latest mobile application for the Hyundai-developed Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various Blue Link features and services through compatible smartphones. Completely redesigned, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version with faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively. A Blackberry version is also in development.

Blue Link� Mobile App Highlights

Completely redesigned interface and navigation
Swipe gestures allow quick access to core features
Remotely access many Blue Link� features found on MyHyundai.com
Manage multiple Blue-Link-enrolled vehicles
Remotely control vehicle functions: Door lock/unlock, horn & lights, lights-only and remote vehicle start (not available on all models)
Search, save and send POIs to vehicles for in-car navigation
Innovative new features: car finder, parking meter/timer and vehicle diagnostics
Remotely manage Blue Link alerts and notifications

Blue Link is Hyundai’s telematics solution combining safety, service and infotainment into a single package.

The refreshed app is only the beginning of a series of enhancements planned around Blue Link.

New User Interface

Navigation elements are designed to reduce the steps needed to access Blue Link features and services by leveraging familiar Smartphone touch commands. A new swipe carousel allows users to quickly access core features without needing to take several steps. Shortcut buttons allow one-touch access to vehicle diagnostics and POIs while the main menu allows one-finger access to all features within the application.

Remote Features

Blue Link Essentials subscribers can access a number of key vehicle functions remotely from the mobile application without the need to be in the proximity of the vehicle. Remote Door Lock or unlock allows for remote control and convenience from virtually anywhere. Remote Horn & Lights allows the subscriber to remotely activate the horn and lights. Remote Lights allows subscriber to remotely activate the vehicle lights only. Remote Vehicle Start, which has been expanded to include more Hyundai models, allows the subscriber to remotely start their vehicle, an especially convenient feature in cold states during winter months. Vehicles equipped with push-button start and automatic or dual-clutch transmissions are supported for Remote Vehicle Start. For added security, all remote access features require the vehicle PIN to be entered prior to the command being sent.

New POI Functionality

The new Blue Link allows the ability to search POIs using the Smartphone’s on-screen keyboard by entering the name, city, state and/or zip. Searches can be done using the Smartphone’s built-in location service or by manually specifying the location. POIs then can be saved to the phone for quick access. Subscribers also have the ability to send the POI directly to their Hyundai vehicle or by email to a friend through the application. POIs sent to the vehicle also may be saved for later use via the POI History function.

Blue Link-equipped vehicles are not required to have a touch-screen navigation system to take advantage of Guidance features! Vehicles not equipped with touch-screen navigation will display navigation information on the standard vehicle audio screen using Blue Link’s Turn-by-Turn feature.

The new mobile app also includes speed dial buttons to contact Roadside Assistance and Blue Link. A new Vehicle Diagnostics screen provides access to critical maintenance information and the ability to view their Monthly Vehicle Report. Essentials subscribers can easily schedule a service appointment with their preferred dealer without making a phone call. Blue Link alerts also can be toggled remotely from within the application.

New Stuff

A new built-in Parking Meter/Timer function allows a countdown for the need to “feed the meter”. Car Finder allows Essentials subscribers to either search for their vehicle if they are within a 1-mile radius of their vehicle or save its location. While you may not have lost a car in a public area ever before, I have and this feature would have come in very handy indeed.

Blue Link annual subscription pricing for its Assurance, Essentials (includes Assurance), and Guidance (includes Assurance and Essentials) packages.

Hyundai Blue Link Pricing Details

Blue Link Package	Complimentary Blue Link Service Period	Complimentary Blue Link with Automatic Renewal *
Assurance	6 months	12 months
Essentials	3 months	6 months
Guidance	3 months	6 months

* New owners may elect for Blue Link automatic renewal within the first 30 days of ownership.

After the complimentary introductory period, customers have three attractive pricing options based on length of service agreement.

Assurance

One-Year - $79
Two-Year - $139
Three-Year - $198

Assurance & Essentials

One-Year - $179
Two-Year - $315
Three-Year - $448

Assurance, Essentials & Guidance

One-Year - $279
Two-Year - $491
Three-Year - $699

Hyundai Blue Link Highlights

Blue Link telematics platform will offer connectivity, convenience and safety services including Agent-assisted advanced voice recognition system provides a new approach to performing in-vehicle POI searches vs. voice-recognition-only systems, or traditional operators.

Blue Link services will be standard on all Blue Link-equipped models for a free trial period of six months for Assurance and three months for both Essentials and Guidance; this free service period will be doubled if the customer signs up for auto renewal.

A variety of features will be available at launch, including unique applications such as “Service Link” that helps drivers schedule service at their Hyundai dealer; an “Eco-Coach” that improves efficient driving; restaurant ratings; and remote door lock/unlock capabilities. Blue Link’s innovative features continue with remote vehicle start (late availability), which allows a driver to start their Hyundai vehicle so it can be warmed up or cooled down before driving; Geo-Fence, which can send a notification if a driver has ventured outside prescribed borders or time constraints; and stolen vehicle slowdown to help police recover a stolen vehicle.

Blue Link Assurance further expands Hyundai’s industry leadership formerly established by Hyundai Assurance, the industry’s most comprehensive suite of new-vehicle protection. Hyundai Assurance already offers a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 5-years complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Blue Link Assurance package

Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance - Provides immediate assistance when an accident occurs and an airbag is deployed. In this event, an ACN signal, containing customer and location information, will automatically be transmitted to the response center. Upon receipt of the signal, a response specialist will attempt to establish voice communications with the vehicle occupants and forward any pertinent information to emergency services.
SOS Emergency Assistance - Customers request emergency 911 assistance by pressing the dedicated SOS button in the vehicle. This action transmits vehicle information and location to specially-trained response specialists, who assist in coordinating the dispatch of appropriate emergency assistance to the customer. The response specialist remains on the line with the customer until advised assistance has arrived.
Enhanced Roadside Assistance - Enables customers to contact Roadside Assistance via a single in-vehicle button-press. Vehicle information (including location) is automatically transmitted to a response center, enabling the specialist to dispatch assistance more quickly and efficiently for vehicle assistance and retrieval.
Monthly Vehicle Report – Provides monthly reporting of vehicle systems status via the Blue Link website and/or via email if desired by owners.

Blue Link Essentials package

Convenience

Quick Tips – Provides quick reference assistance for primary vehicle feature location and function.
Location Sharing - Enables sending vehicle location to select friends and members of social networking sites, including Facebook - directly from the vehicle.
Voice Text Messaging – Enables hands-free text messaging to SMS text recipients, using the innovative Agent-Assisted Voice Recognition system allowing for natural speech messages.
Mobile App – Available for download and access to remote services and account information. It is available for popular devices such as iPhones, Android, and Blackberry devices.
Remote Door Lock/Unlock - Enables locking or unlocking vehicle doors via a toll-free number, owner's website, or mobile phone application.
Remote Horn and Lights - Enables activating the horn and/or lights via a toll-free number, owner's website, or mobile phone application.
Remote Vehicle Start - Enables customers to start the vehicle via owner's website or toll-free number, or mobile phone application. (late availability)
Service Link – Provides convenient link to schedule service at a Hyundai dealer and to send the dealer a recorded message of requested services in advance of the visit.

Vehicle Self Diagnostics

Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification - Provides explanation assistance using vehicle data and off-board diagnosis capabilities to better inform the customer of vehicle trouble alerts. A combination of in-vehicle display alerts and guided voice messages provides customers with additional instructions (information also sent to the customer's preferred dealer to assist with the repair process).
Maintenance Alert - Notifies customers via website, email or SMS message that an upcoming service is due at various thresholds leading up to the event. Configured online, the alerts explain what is included in particular maintenance intervals.
Recall Advisor – Provides all pertinent recall information should a recall be initiated.
Web Vehicle Diagnostics - Provides a report of vehicle diagnostics, eco-coach performance and other important information in a monthly email report and web page update, starting 30 days after registering with the Blue Link service.

Safeguard

Valet Alert – Enables alert via text message or automated phone message if a valet driver takes a customer’s vehicle and moves beyond a prescribed region.
Geo-Fence - Enables monitoring of vehicle movement in and out of pre-defined regions configured on the owner’s website. When the vehicle enters or leaves a designated region, the customer is notified by email, text message or automated phone message.
Speed Alert - Notifies the customer via email, text message or automated phone message when their vehicle exceeds the specified speed threshold established on the owner's website. This feature is often appreciated by parents of teen drivers and fleet customers.
Curfew - Alerts owners if the vehicle is being used outside a pre-determined time interval. Alerts are configured online and sent via text message and/or automated phone message.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery - In the event a customer's vehicle is reported stolen (and a stolen vehicle report has been filed with the appropriate police department), the response center can provide assistance to the police in an attempt to recover the vehicle.
Stolen Vehicle Slowdown - Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to gradually reduce the engine power of the vehicle, thus slowing it down to safe levels. A warning will be transmitted to the driver prior to the slowdown procedure.
Vehicle Immobilization - Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to send a signal to the vehicle which immobilizes the engine management system, thus preventing startup. This capability is only valid when the ignition is off, but the command can be saved by the engine ECU for later immobilization if the vehicle is on or in motion at the time of signal transmission.
Panic Notification - Notifies customers when the panic button on their vehicle key fob has been activated, signifying when a family member or other vehicle occupant may be in danger. Notifications are configured online and occur via email or text message.
Alarm Notification - Notifies customers when and where the vehicle alert is activated via a text message, email or an automated phone call.

Guidance Package

Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service - Provides graphical and audible directions to a downloaded destination in vehicles that do not have on–board navigation systems.
POI Search by Advanced Voice Recognition System - Enables Point-of-Interest searches using an automated voice system. Results can be downloaded to the vehicles for turn-by turn or on-board navigation system. This powerful tool can help you find destinations ranging from very specific street addresses like “1600 Pennsylvania Ave” to general searches like “pharmacy” or “sushi.”
POI Download from Websites – Allows owner-directed download of point-of-interest data from selected websites.
Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition - Enables customers to pre-define several routes to a common destination and receive a regularly-scheduled traffic alert for traffic delays along those routes. Results include flow and incident data, along with "Fastest Route" recommendation.
Traffic Information - Provides traffic information surrounding the customer's vehicle and in the nearby area, based on preferences established using the owner’s website.
Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices - Locates nearby gas stations with the lowest prices. Results are played back via automated voice, and can be downloaded to the vehicle’s navigation system.
Eco-Coach - Tracks the customer's driving performance habits (MPG and CO2 emissions) on a continual and historical basis. Results and environmentally responsible driving recommendations are provided on the owner’s website. Customers can compete in a Blue Link community of drivers.
Restaurant Ratings – Provides a tool to search for local restaurants with the highest ratings. The address can be downloaded for turn-by-turn navigation or onboard navigation.
Weather - Provides weather forecasts and alerts for the immediate area or for customer-defined “favorite” locations within the owner website.

All told, one of the better ones gets even better! Now darn it, where did I place my smartphone as I have a new app to load ;)