Archive for the ‘Hybrids’ Category
Honda Earns #1 Ranking for “Greenest Vehicles of 2011″
Monday, February 21st, 2011
Honda has earned a number 1 ranking for the “Greenest Vehicles of 2011” from the American Counsel for an Energy Efficient Economy. 5 Honda vehicles earned recognition for their minimal impact on the environment compared to other models and their vehicle economy, and these vehicles can be purchased from Middletown Honda Dealers. The ACEEE ranks environmentally friendly vehicles annually and the models that were considered included the Civic GX, Civic Hybrid, and Insight. These models were included as well in the ranking for the “12 most environmentally responsible vehicles available to the public.” These models among other Honda models can be purchased from Austin Honda Dealers.
Also check California Subaru Dealers for high quality fuel efficient models. The system used to measure the impact on the environment of the vehicles considered includes measures of fuel economy, emissions, health related pollution impact, global warming impact, and other factors. The vehicles are given a “Green Score” and the top ranking vehicles are ranked based on segment. The Civic GX is a zero emissions model available to the public and runs on compressed natural gas. The Civic GX has been rated as the “Greenest Vehicle of the Year” from the years of 2004 to 2011 and is rated ahead of the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt, which are two popular plug in electric vehicles.
What is even more impressive is that the GX is the cleanest burning internal combustion engine on the planet and does not utilize electric vehicle technology for its zero emissions rating. The model features compressed natural gas fuel technology and runs exclusively on this fuel. As a result the GX must be refueled at home. Honda will be expanding the availability of the GX to 50 states as it becomes more popular and affordable. Other models that made the list for Honda include the Honda Civic Hybrid which has a fuel economy of 40 mpg in the city and the Honda Insight.
EPA to set new fuel economy numbers;
Sunday, January 30th, 2011
The Environmental Protection Agency along with the California Air Resources Board will be setting new fuel economy numbers in 2011. Fuel efficient luxury vehicles brands like Lexus can be purchased from Chantilly Lexus dealerships. The federal government will be working with car manufacturers to announce the fuel economy standards ahead of time to allow automakers such as Jaguar, whose models can be purchased from Jaguar Dealers Shreveport and other manufacturers to improve their vehicles’ fuel economy ratings. Other fuel efficient used models can be purchased from KS Used Cars dealerships.
A new mandate for fuel efficiency will go into effect in 2017, and automakers will have 6 years to prepare for the changes. The new recommendations will be published on Sept 1, 2011. There will not be different regulations for each state but rather federal regulations that automakers will have to meet. The fuel economy number shift will have dramatic implications on vehicle production and the direction that most automakers are now taking is to produce models which will meet the new recommendations.
The range that the EPA is looking at for 2025 is around 47 to 62 mpg. It is most likely that automakers will begin producing more hybrid models, as it is unlikely that traditional gasoline models will be able to achieve that level of fuel economy. As a result, more hybrids will be produced as well as more small vehicles in order to keep in line with the recommendations. In 2009, the battle between California and the federal government over California’s attempt to create separate fuel economy mandates ended with matching standards being set for 2012 through 2016. The negotiations between the California Air Resources Board and Washington D.C. resulted in the new regulations and the end result of auto manufacturers having to be more focused on fuel economy. As a result, newer models will be more fuel efficient than in previous years.
Be Green to Save Money
Sunday, December 26th, 2010
Do you remember the cash for clunkers program that took place last year? Well, there was some merit to the concept and idea behind the whole program. There are plenty of great new cars from Middletown Nissan that offer amazing fuel economy and reduced emissions into the environment. If more Americans will stop driving their broken and outdated vehicles then they would save money on fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint. While we understand that not everyone can afford to upgrade to a new Nissan Cambridge car right at this moment, so there are some tips you can adhere to in the meantime to improve your commuting costs.
The best way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint is to take advantage of public transportation in your daily commute. Not only does this reduce the wear and tear on your current car, it reduces the amount of traffic on the roads. Play with that idea in your mind for a moment and if more people were using public transportation and removing their cars from the daily commute then traffic would flow faster and smoother every day. An alternative to this idea that ends up with almost as good of results is to carpool. You will get to know your employees and maybe they can even let you know when the Nissan Darien Rebate is being offered so you can upgrade your vehicle.
Finally the last couple ways to improve your fuel consumption on your daily commute is to look at how your driving habits are impacting your fuel mileage. Idling is the biggest waste of gas that all of us do. If you are going to be idling for more than one minute, just turn your car off until you will be moving again. Remember, when you are idling you are getting 0 mpg. Another helpful hint is to travel at slower speeds. Not only will your commute be safer with less chances of having a motor vehicle collision but you will increase your fuel miles per gallon.
New Fusion 2011
Friday, November 12th, 2010
Ford Fusion is ranked a fifth out of twenty in affordable mid-size cars. Ford Fusion 2011 has upscale their interior, and added more powerful engine options along the all-wheel drive. In 2010 Ford Fusion won the Motor trend Car of the Year, and the nice thing about that is the 2011 has not change much from the 2010 model which means its has great interior, and great fuel economy with great new features like Blind Spot Mirrors and HD radio. One was of the newest feature that Ford is exciting is about is the MyKey System which is great for parents with young adults who will be driving cause this feature will allow parent to limited the speed of the car up to 80mph and limit the radio volume which should help parents be more at ease. Imports Boston as great options for consumer to check out not only carrying the Ford Fusion but other great Ford brand cars. The Fusion was the Top Safety Pick according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety because of the great testing in their frontal and side impact as well as the roof strength, making one of the kind. A new blind spot alert was adding which helps drivers back-out parking spaces is offer but not in all models. New Haven Jeep and Dodge Jeep CT are right struggling with recalls while the Ford is making great improvements across the whole inventory line.
While checking out the Ford Fusion consumer might want to check out the Ford Fusion Hybrid that won 2010 North American Car of the Year. The Hybrid is a unique new hybrid that carefully blends the the over-all driving experience with technology and conventional family sedan. If consumer are looking for that go green life style the Ford Hybrid seats are made of 80 percent recycle material although consumer who want leather is also available.The 2011 Hybrid has not be ranked yet the federal government has gave it five stars for driver frontal and side protection and four stars for passengers side protection. Over-all consumer should be well pleased with Ford Fusion or the Ford Fusion Hybrid that has made great improvements and challenges other auto-maker to improve their inventory.
The Future of the VW Jetta!
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
As workers at San Diego Toyota field calls about more and more recalls, life must go on! Auto shoppers should head over to VW Peoria and test drive some of the current inventory. Make sure you ask your salesman about the upcoming changes that we can expect to see with their popular compact sedan Jetta. Used models of the reliable German car can be found at many dealerships nationwide, such as Bradenton used cars. Here is a sneak peek of what consumers can expect to see as Volkswagen AG makes some changes to their best selling American model.
VW hopes to release a hybrid version of the Jetta by 2012 and hopes to compete with the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. The 2011 Jetta will be released this October and MSRP will be approximately $1,700 less than the current model as well as featuring a longer body. This lower price will make it on par for current pricing of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Vehicle sales are on the rise in the United States and Volkswagen sees how well Honda and Toyota are doing with their American branches. By giving some extra love and attention to their most popular model, VW hopes to become a major source of competition in the small car segment. VW sold about 213,500 vehicles in America during 2009 and has a goal of doubling that amount by 2012. Their main change that we can expect to see implemented for the entire line up: lower prices. Americans are spending more money on vehicles, but we are also spending more money on domestic purchases in hopes that our American auto manufacturers can strengthen their financial reputation.
Some of the financial gains VW hopes to achieve will be far more realistic and possible if their production in North America increases so that they do not have to spend so much to ship the vehicles overseas from European plants. The last item on VW’s immediate plans for the Jetta include releasing the hybrid version. While the company has yet to pick a vendor for their batteries, the hybrid market is growing in popularity and reliability.
MPG, Emissions, and the Environment: Decisions, Decisions
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
You are likely to find several used hybrids at Bradenton used cars, perhaps a Prius or Civic Hybrid. You could probably find some VW deals on their Golf TDI diesel sporty compact. Or visit New York Nissan in hopes of finding their electric Nissan Leaf or settle for a run of the mill 4-cylinder Sentra. Whatever vehicle you end up purchasing, one main concern for all consumers is fuel efficiency. The big fuel tank icon on the window sticker makes it impossible to not notice. With gas prices forever increasing, threats of global warming, and the fact that we all want to save a dollar when we can, consumers are more concerned with fuel efficiency and environmental impacts now more than ever. For right now, we are faced with three prominent choices; hybrids, diesel, and traditional gasoline.
Hybrids are often higher in cost than their non-hybrid version. Something to consider is that these vehicles will often come with a tax credit incentive, which can help ease the financial burden on the consumer. Hybrids can be tricky for mechanical work and it is advised that owners take their vehicle to the professionals at the dealerships who have been specifically trained for the hybrid design.
The price of diesel does not fluctuate as often as regular fuel, but the price per gallon is often not what you might think. For the longest time it was the cheapest fuel around but when gas prices were at their highest above $4, diesel remained the highest price even once regular fuel prices returned to normal. Diesel fuel is more efficient and can result in higher fuel economy and higher torque and engine power. Diesel burns clean but is not always available at all gas stations.
Old School 4-Cylinders: The “New” Green Car?
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Boston Nissan may or may not be carrying the new Nissan Leaf. And Volkswagen Dealer employees will begin expanding their knowledge base on hybrids as the release of the 2012 Jetta Hybrid is making headlines. The green market is a powerful one, and competitive beyond imagination. Even good old American Ford is putting soy foam in their car seat cushions! Some people might question the green auto industry market. Are consumers really concerned with saving the environment or are they concerned with saving a dollar? The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is banking on the latter, and should be available at Hartford Hyundai for interested buyers this summer.
The 2011 Sonata doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles appeal that you will find with green cars. There is no plug-in charging station needed, you can use regular octane fuel, it is still consuming fuel even when you are idling, and there is no stand-out futuristic exterior design. You do get a sleek and attractive mid-sized family sedan from a reliable auto maker. What you won’t get is the option for 6 cylinders that tends to draw buyers to this category of vehicles.
Hyundai sales of its V6 model Sonata has continued to drop since gas prices increased. Keeping that knowledge in mind, Hyundai higher-ups have decided to make the 2011 Sonata only available as a 4-cylinder. It will still offer 198 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. This will make for a powerful sedan, with great fuel economy. It is estimated to get 23 city and 34 HWY mpg. With an MSRP ranging from $19,195 to $25,295, it is no surprise that U.S. News gave it their #1 Ranking for Affordable Mid-Size Cars. It is getting positive feedback for having many features that come standard, its sleek design, Hyundai’s strong warranty, and amazing fuel efficiency especially for not being a hybrid model. It is rivaled by the Ford Fusion for its electronic media capabilities as well as the Mazda6 being a sportier 4-cylinder sedan. With this new competition, are Americans about to see a shift back to its 4-cylinder roots?
The Ford Kuga. A Super Cool Crossover.
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
The Ford Kuga is a compact, five-seat crossover designed by Englishman Martin Smith, who left General Motors to join Ford in early 2004. He and his team created an aerodynamic yet extroverted skin, which is accentuated by available wheels as large as nineteen inches. Stylish and fashionable, the new crossover from Ford of Europe is about the same length as a Ford Escape, but it sits astride a 2.8-inch-longer wheelbase. Where the Kuga is a new car, it is probable that you will not be able to find a used one on the lots. But if you want to look, you can look anywhere that has Charlotte used cars.
Some compare the Kuga to the Pontiac Solstice which has been available since 2006. The Pontiac Solstice is a two-door; two-passenger convertible powered by a twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder 177 horsepower 2.4L ECOTEC I4 engine matched with Variable Valve Timing for enhanced engine performance. The Solstice GXP model is fitted with 260 horsepower 2.0L Turbo ECOTEC I4 direct fuel engine. You can service your Solstice at any Pontiac service dealer.
Back to the Kuga. The interior is unlike anything sold in a U.S. Ford in its design. Its more rounded and enveloping, with nary a hint of truck-based inspiration. Ford says that it is appointed with plenty of gloss finishes and leather trim pieces — the center console appears leather wrapped and the seats are upholstered in a two-tone cloth/leather mix.
The Kuga buyer’s most significant option, though, is all-wheel drive. Ford chose a progressively variable AWD system that employs a Haldex clutch to distribute the forces between the axles. A brake-operated virtual limited-slip differential optimizes the side-to-side torque flow.
The Ford Kuga is a super-cool crossover that will have its drivers jumping in to drive every chance they get.
Infiniti G37 Will Be A Hybrid?
Friday, May 14th, 2010
Nissan has shared that the next Skyline coupe will have a significant number of styling features that are similar to the Essence Concept. The coupe, which is expected to arrive in 2012 at the earliest will have elements from the Essence Concept that debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
Boston Nissan dealers have learned that the Essence model will be indicative of the brand’s future design direction. In fact, some features of the Essence are visible in Infiniti’s vamped M sedan lineup. In fact, some features of the Essence are visible in Infiniti’s vamped M sedan lineup. The next G coupe measures about 186 x 77 x 52 inches and it sits on a 110-inch long wheelbase. These dimensions are believed to be more practical for the real world than had been first thought. Nissan is expected to soon launch its Leaf electric car, which fits the next G coupe with a hybrid powertrain option.
Order the Nissan Leaf
Friday, April 23rd, 2010
Nissan’s Leaf electric vehicle officially became available for order this week, with the Japanese automaker taking 6,635 reservations for the zero-emission EV. All reservations were made on line and required a $99 refundable deposit. The Nissan Leaf officially became available for order on April 20, but only those individuals that previously expressed interest in the car are currently able to place orders. The Leaf ordering process will become available to the general public on May 15.
Nissan expects to have 25,000 orders of the Leaf by the time it goes on sale in December. Nissan is currently building a plant in Smyrna, Tennessee that will eventually have the capacity to build 150,000 units of the Leaf per year. After a federal tax credit of $7,500, the Leaf will carry a retail price of $25,280, excluding destination. Leaf buyers will also be required to setup a home charging station. The charging station will set customers back another $2,200, but Nissan says half of that amount is eligible for a federal tax credit.