Ford Transit

The Ford Transit van is hardly what anyone would consider a true "green vehicle." However, green comes in many shades, and in this case, a slight change in shade will make a big impact in America.

Ford announced that the Transit will be coming to the US market. The vehicle is more fuel efficient than the current Ford Econoline sold here. With it's V8 engine, heavy metal body that appears to have been borrowed from tank designs, and technology that hasn't changed since 1992, the Econoline is a beast...but also a very necessary workhorse for many businesses. Ford sold 168,722 of them in 2007, capturing 79.6% of the full size van market against competition from Chevrolet and Dodge.

Not everyone needs the heavy hauling capacity of the Econoline, and for those who simply need some mobile enclosed space, the Transit should do more than adequately. Even if Ford converts just 1/3 of its sales of Econolines to Transits, it's still potentially selling over 50,000 of the far more efficient of the two vans. While the Transit may not be green next to the Honda Clarity, it's plenty green next to the Econoline. It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction.

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Thai Pushes 'Green' Car Production

By Anthony Fontanelle

Thai government is giving incentives to encourage the production of “green” cars. According to experts, the incentives have yielded a raft of major investments in the territory and started to alter how Thais drive.

“Green” tax breaks were introduced in Thailand last year. This is an effort of the nation as the world’s largest manufacturer of light pickups to tuck the title in the years to come. Annually, Thailand churns out 900,000 one-tonne trucks. The figure is three-fourths of global output.

The government is threatened by escalating oil prices and global warming concerns that could result in truck sales doldrums. This scenario could put a dent to Thai economy because shoppers are expected to shift to fuel-efficient compact cars. These reasons prompted the Thai government to offer incentives for the manufacturer of “eco-cars” that meet European emission standards.

"First-time car owners, and especially motorcyclists who want to become car owners, are cost-conscious consumers," said Surapong Paisitpatnapong, spokesman for the Federation of Thai Industries' automotive club. "Investments in eco-car production will help grow this new segment of the country's domestic auto market while increasing exports.”

By far, seven automakers have proposed eco-car projects to Thailand's Board of Investment. The automakers include Toyota Motor Corp., Volkswagen AG, and Tata Motors. Thai enthusiasts are excited to see their car lights installed in eco-cars. Surapong said four proposals have already been approved.

Also, Honda Motor Co. intends to invest $214 million to assemble eco-cars while manufacturing engines and parts in Thailand. Suzuki Motors, meanwhile, will invest $303.658 million to build a new factory in central Thailand. Approximately 80 percent of cars produces will be for export. Nissan Motors Co. also will invest $177 million to build 120,000 units annually. The output is also mainly allotted for export.

"Eco-cars are going to be hot in Thailand's auto market. The lower prices for these minicars, along with high oil prices, will drive up the demand," said Nongnapat Wilepana, a Nissan dealer in Bangkok.

AFP reported that under the scheme, the companies will not have to pay corporate income taxes on their investments for eight years, and duties on imported machinery will be waived.

“Thailand's main worry is that its auto industry depends entirely on foreign companies, since the kingdom has no national automaker,” Surapong noted. “That means the country will have to keep wooing automakers with attractive offers in the future to deter them from looking for better deals for their factories in other countries.”

Freescale Chips On Chevy, GMC Hybrids

By Anthony Fontanelle

General Motor Corp. in partnership with Freescale Semiconductor Corp. will be promoting improved fuel efficiency by using innovative chips. Freescale chips will be used in Chevy and GMC hybrids to pave the way for a green makeover.

According to reports, Freescale chips that control the combustion and electric engines as well as the transmission in the new Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids have produced a 50 percent increase in mileage over their counterparts. The hybrids are efficient for both city and highway. To note, they can tow a 6,000-pound cabin cruiser. The hybrids are now arriving at Valley Chevy and GMC dealerships.

John Hartley, Internet sales manager at Midway Pontiac GMC in Phoenix, said there is considerable interest in the vehicles. However, the production of the hybrid sport utilities is currently limited.

The increase in fuel efficiency is attributed to the automaker’s two-mode hybrid transmission that is operated by Freescale’s advanced microcontroller technology.

"The automotive industry is a very significant part of Freescale's business," said Tony Massimini, an analyst with research company Semico Research Corp. "And the hybrid market is becoming very important part of the U.S. car business."

The Austin, Texas-based supplier of microcontrollers found in American cars, is determined to improve the offers of automakers in the industry. And its cutting-edge products are expected to make it happen.

Kevin Klein, vice president of marketing for Freescale's automotive group, said that a current luxury car can contain over 100 chips that control everything from disc brakes to parking-assistance radar. He added that automotive chip sales now amount to about a third of Freescale's $5.7 billion in annual revenue.

The innovative technology offers two driving modes. Using the first driving mode, the vehicle can operate at low speed and with light loads in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or in any combination of engine and electric power, reported The Arizona Republic. The second mode, meanwhile, is used primarily at highway speeds. This mode provides full eight-cylinder engine power when road conditions require. It can be employed when passing other vehicles, climbing a steep grade or pulling a trailer. Additionally, a refined control unit settles which mode the vehicle should use.

"With the introduction of the world's first full-size hybrid SUVs, GM is pioneering a niche in the automotive market that's in step with today's growing concerns about the environment and global warming," said Paul Grimme, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale's Microcontroller Solutions Group. "We're proud that Freescale technology is helping make these innovative, fuel-efficient SUVs a reality in the market."

2008 Hyundai Sonata Receives Green Honor

By Anthony Fontanelle

If you were a vehicle and you needed to gain the attention of consumers, what would be the best way to do it?

Well, you could proudly market yourself and place tons of ads on television, radio, print, and billboards. But that would cost you much money. But if you just made sure that you had the right components which would work best and give consumers satisfaction, someone great may notice you and do the advertisement for you for free.

Take the 2008 Hyundai Sonata. Just recently, it was given the honor of being part of the Greener Choices 2008 list which is done by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The vehicle was given that honor and that means that consumers looking through that list would be given a heads up that the 2008 Hyundai Sonata could be a good choice, especially if a consumer is looking for a green vehicle that also performs well on the road.

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata comes with an engine that holds four cylinders which proves to help out a lot in efficiently using fuel. The ACEEE gave this vehicle a green rating of 39 out of a possible 100 points and that is a good rating. These points are not subjective but are based on other ratings and reviews made by organizations focusing on vehicles and how green they can be. These organizations include the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board among many others.

John Krafcik is the vice president for Hyundai Motor America’s Strategic Planning and Product Development and in behalf of the company as reported by Auto Spectator, he has said that they are happy with what the 2008 Hyundai Sonata has received. He added, “The award for our clean, fuel-efficient Sonata recognizes Hyundai’s commitment to the environment. Like industry leading quality and safety, environmental sensitivity is another element of the value equation that makes Hyundai such a smart choice for consumers.”

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata was given a certification that it was an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) and that is added point for the vehicle. Consumers would be more attracted to vehicles that hold such titles. Aside from having quality Hyundai parts, the company made sure that the vehicle also was efficient in the use of fuel. The company has clocked in 30 miles per gallon for the vehicle, thanks to the 2.4 liter DOHC engine which comes with four incline cylinders.

General Motors North America President Says Industry At Crossroads

By Anthony Fontanelle

After the huge success that was the North America International Auto Show, automakers are now showing off their wares at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Among these automakers is Detroit's General Motors. The said automaker is one of the companies looking forward and looking for a solution to the increasing threat of global warming.

During his keynote address at the said event, General Motors North America President Troy Clarke pointed out that the industry is in a crossroad. He likened the situation of the auto industry to the country. Clarke likened automakers like General Motors to presidential candidates.

"When it comes to the pending election, the candidates will tell you that the nation is at a crossroads. There are important issues that must be addressed. And, then they’ll tell you that they are the right person at the right time in history. They reach out to us with their ‘vision’ of a better America… with their ‘vision’ of a better future," said Clarke. He also said that "this is exactly how automakers think as well. I am here to tell you that when it comes to personal transportation, and the auto industry, our way of life is at a crossroads."

Clarke went on to say that General Motors is addressing the solution of "energy security, climate change and the cost of transportation". These factors are known to not only affect the status of the environment but also the cost of ownership of vehicles.

The top level executive pointed out that they have three goals which are of course related to each other. Clarke said that the foremost concern is for the people, the consumers. "Starting with the people, which is first and foremost on our list for good reason. We - the industry, to include GM - have to develop cars and trucks that people will want to buy… not just what we may want to sell them," said Clarke.

The second goal for General Motors according to Clarke is concerned about the protection of the environment thus the development of so-called green cars. General Motors believes that they should offer their consumers with a wide choice of green cars.

"For GM, the solution involves developing multiple solutions to give the customer choice. Because, just like there are a variety of ways to meet customer needs, there are a variety of ways to get at fuel economy and emissions. And, I want to be clear on this: that’s the main driver for General Motors – we want to stay ahead of the game to bring our best technological solutions to market for our customers. We believe – as always – they will decide which technologies best meet their needs," explained Clarke. This means that the automaker will be manufacturing a number of green vehicles which may be equipped with auto parts as reliable as Acura CL A/C condenser.

As for the third goal, Clarke said that they are working on different technology so that they would be able to provide consumers with what they want.

GMC Sierra Goes Green For 2009

By Anthony Fontanelle

Quite obviously, vehicles are gradually shifting to an environmentally friendly nature. Cars have started the trend and the gas-guzzling vehicles are expected to follow. Wiping the gas-sipping image, General Motors Corp. will be offering a green version of the Sierra truck for the 2009 model year. The hybrid version of the GMC Sierra will be launched at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

General Motors has been working on hybrid versions of its sport utilities. Now, the technology is infecting the truck segment. According to the automaker, the 2009 hybrid version of the Sierra will offer customers the power of a hefty six-litre engine, a 25 percent slash in fuel consumption and a 6,100-pound towing capacity.

"The Sierra Hybrid represents GMC's commitment to engineering excellence, delivering a fully functional truck that offers a significant improvement in fuel economy," said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. "Sierra Hybrid will deliver fuel economy that is expected to be the best in the full-size pickup segment, exceeding the current mileage leader - the non-hybrid Sierra."

The Detroit-based automaker said that the Sierra Hybrid will allow owners to realize a fuel savings even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. The hybrid truck, which features stability control system, trailering package and locking rear axle, will be sold on crew-cab bodied trucks in two and four wheel drives.

Like its famous sibling, the Chevy Silverado, the Sierra truck is now available with the automaker’s two-mode hybrid system. The 6.0-liter V8 is mated to the automaker’s Electrically Variable Transmission, which combines two electric motors into the transmission housing. The electric motors are powered by a 300-volt hybrid battery pack under the backseat.

Light modifications entertained by the Detroit automaker include a number of exterior changes. The word "hybrid" is spelled out on the rear window, windshield and on both sides of the 2009 Sierra. Also, the truck gets hybrid badges on the front fenders and tailgate.

The hybrid truck boasts of more substantial changes including the low-rolling-resistance tires that are wrapped around 18-inch aluminum GMC wheels. Additionally, the front air dam is deeper and the truck comes with a tonneau cover to enhance aerodynamics.

The 2009 Sierra Hybrid is set to go on sale during the fourth quarter of this year. It will join its siblings Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade to bolster General Motors’ full-size truck lineup. The truck is specially engineered to compete with Ford F-150, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra.