Date Posted |
News Article |
1/27/2010
| | Toyota recall/sale suspension |
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Toyota has just announced that, due to the upcoming recall of
approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals,
they have decided to temporarily suspend the sale of eight models involved
in the recall. Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is
confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not
affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner,
FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry
hybrids, which will remain for sale.
Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles
on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and
coordinate activities. The North America vehicle production facilities
affected are:
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra) |
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1/12/2010
| | Ford Fusion & Transit Connect Win Awards |
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Ford Sweeps N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Awards
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Company scored a historic doubleheader today, capturing both the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It is only the third time in 17 years that one manufacturer has won both titles.
The Fusion Hybrid edged out finalists including the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI to win the North American Car of the Year award. It is the fourth hybrid vehicle in 17 years to win recognition as North American Car (or Truck) of the Year. It also is the second hybrid win for Ford – the most hybrid wins for any automaker. The Ford Escape Hybrid was named North American Truck of the Year in 2005.
The Transit Connect bested finalists including the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback to win the North American Truck of the Year award. It is the sixth Ford truck to win the award – the most wins of any automaker in the 17-year history of the awards program. It also is the second year in a row that Ford has captured the title. Last year, top honors went to the 2009 Ford F-150.
The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be "all-new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model to qualify for the award. |
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12/28/2009
| | Equinox/Terrain Recall |
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Equinox/Terrain Recall
Summary :
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 101, controls and displays." The software in the center instrument panel can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost, and radio controls, as well as the panel illumination to become inoperative.
Consequence :
Driving without a functioning defrost system can decrease your visibility under certain driving conditions and could result in a crash without warning.
Remedy :
Dealers will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during January 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at www.gmownercenter.com. |
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9/16/2009
| | Honda to Launch All Electric Cars in US |
Honda Motor Company is likely to launch an all-electric car in the United States over the next few years, according to executives familiar with the project and the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA).
Honda is taking this step because of an increased interest in fuel efficiency, which has prompted an increased interest in battery-powered vehicles.
According to the company executives, the automaker is likely to limit the availability of the new car to a region within the United States. The time frame for the launch has not been specified, stated EDTA. |
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7/17/2009
| | US DOT Proposes New Tire Efficiency Ratings |
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The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a new, consumer-friendly replacement tire label which would include, for the first time, information about the tire's impact on fuel economy and CO2 emission reductions. Tires with lower rolling resistance – and proper inflation pressure – can contribute to improved fuel economy.
In addition to the new fuel efficiency ratings, the proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also would provide consumers with two other key pieces of tire performance information, wet weather traction, and tread wear. All three ratings would be prominently displayed on a removable label attached to the replacement tire at the point of sale.
The new, three-tiered ratings also will appear on safercar.gov to help consumers in compare ratings as they shop for new tires. NHTSA is required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to issue a final rule by December 2009. |
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7/8/2009
| | House Passes Historic Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Bill |
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The House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, sponsored by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Edward J. Markey, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.
This landmark bill will revitalize U.S. economy by creating millions of new jobs, increase national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil, and preserve the planet by reducing the pollution that causes global warming.
The bill will invest $190 billion in new, clean energy technologies and energy efficiency; including energy efficiency and renewable energy ($90 billion in new investments by 2025), carbon capture and sequestration ($60 billion), electric and other advanced technology vehicles ($20 billion), and basic scientific research and development ($20 billion), as well as reduce carbon emissions from major U.S. sources - by 17 percent by 2020, and over 80 percent by 2050 -compared to 2005 levels, among various other provisions. |
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3/5/2009
| | Driving Green |
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Driving Green
Subtle changes in driving habits can produce significant benefits, such as saving money at the gas pump and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Believe You Can Reduce Fuel Use and Emissions
Typically, practicing moderate levels of EcoDriving can reduce fuel use by an average of 15 percent.
Avoid Rapid Starts and Stops
Rapid acceleration and braking, often called “jack rabbit” starts and stops, use fuel and cost money at the gas pump.
Keep on Rolling in Traffic
Maintaining a constant speed in your commute increases fuel economy, because it takes much more energy to move a stopped vehicle than to keep a vehicle moving.
Ride the “Green Wave”
A steady speed often can help drivers avoid red lights and keep the car moving more efficiently.
Use Air Conditioning at Higher Speeds
When driving at slower speeds (less than 40 mph), such as driving in urban areas, open windows are better. At higher speeds (over 40 mph), open windows use more fuel than the air conditioner.
Maintain an Optimum Highway Speed for Good Mileage
Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph (where legally allowed) can improve mileage by 7 percent to 23 percent.
Use Cruise Control
According to a test conducted by Edmunds.com, cruise control can provide a 7 percent average fuel savings, compared to driving without the device operating.
Navigate to Reduce Carbon Dioxide
Planning driving trips, even Saturday shopping, can help reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions.
Avoid Idling
Idling uses gas and because the car is going nowhere, it translates into 0 mpg. |
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5/28/2008
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