What’s the plural of Prius?
admin @ 2007-12-31 23:52:17 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
International Herold Tribune has a fun article trying to figure out how to refer to multiple Prius vehicles. It could be Priora because Prius is a “neuter nominative/accusative singular of the adjective prior.” It could also be Prioria because “adjectives of the third declension belong to the i-stem declension” (Don’t ask me to explain that). Priora means the car is masculine or feminine but if cars are women, then it’s Priores. Other candidates include Prii, Prix and Priapic. I think I will stick with Priuses.
Related:
- Hungry for a snack? How about a Prius?
- Video: Toyota apologizes for Prius ad after it appears on Digg
- Woz gets $700 ticket for going 105 MPH in a Prius
[Source: International Harold Tribune]
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Citigroup: New energy bill will push ethanol prices higher
admin @ 2007-12-31 23:34:57 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Ethanol
While the auto industry reactions were pretty much universally positive when the new energy bill passed earlier this month, Citigroup is ready to throw a bit of water on the parade. The banking giant is predicting that the new legislation will make ethanol even more expensive in 2008. According to an article on Purchasing, Citigroup analysts wrote in a report that “We firmly believe the new energy bill will serve as a significant catalyst to the ethanol industry, as the higher mandated ethanol levels stipulated by the new renewable fuel standard should serve to bring ethanol supply and demand back into balance, thereby strengthening ethanol’s pricing fundamentals.” Does this mean that the glut will be over soon? Will promises of higher prices drive even more ethanol producers into the business? What about corn prices? Or beer?
[Source: Tom Stundza / Purchasing.com]
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Petrochina plans to install new biofuel facilities
admin @ 2007-12-31 23:17:52 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, China
Petrochina Co Ltd, China’s largest oil and gas producer, has announced plans to invest 800 million yuan (about $110 million) to build a non-grain ethanol plant in the southern region of Sichuan, in Nanchong. The expected output of the plant is about 100,000 tons of ethanol per year.
The company also recently announced an agreement with the State Forestry Administration to build a “biomass base” to grow plants in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces to produce raw materials for a new biodiesel plant, able to produce up to 60,000 tons per year, totaling 180 million yuan (about $25 million).
China’s plans for 2020 are to produce 10 million tons of ethanol per year, along with two million tons of biodiesel.
Related:
- China investing in something worse than bad ethanol: methanol
- How much? 3.65 billion tons of scrap in 25 years thanks to car boom
- Exxon’s got competition: PetroChina now the first company worth over $1 trillion
[Source: Abcmoney]
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Japanese rail company to build $45 billion MagLev train
admin @ 2007-12-31 23:00:42 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Transportation Alternatives, Japan
In the United States we’ve squandered hundreds of billions of dollars in the last five years. Our political “leaders” bicker over fuel economy rules that ultimately still won’t get us to where most of the world already is today. Meanwhile the rest of the world is racing ahead, developing technologies that will provide real transportation alternatives. Japan and Europe have long had trains that go well over 200mph. The Japanese are now preparing to step up to the next level. The Central Japan Railway Co. is preparing to build a 290km magnetically levitated (maglev) train line between Tokyo and central Japan. The target speed for the train is 310 mph. Central Japan Railway has a maglev test train that ran 361 mph in 2003. The company is now planning to move ahead with the project in spite of not getting any government subsidies.
[Source: AFP]
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Honda FCX Clarity one of Motor Trend’s "Top 10 Cars of 2007"
admin @ 2007-12-31 1:02:32 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
One can’t help but wonder if Motor Trend felt the need to include at least one alternative fueled car on their list of “Top 10 Cars of 2007“, considering that none of the other machines come close to delivering good fuel mileage or an eco-image. Whatever their reasoning, they chose to include the Honda FCX Clarity on their list, saying that “it blew us away because, as the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, it gave us the chance to drive the future, now.” That is certainly debatable, considering that it requires hydrogen — which is a little more difficult to find than gas. Take a look at the full list:
- AUDI R8
- BMW M3
- CADILLAC CTS
- CHEVY MALIBU
- FERRARI F430 SCUDERIA
- HONDA FCX CLARITY
- INFINITI G37 COUPE
- JAGUAR XF
- MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO X
- NISSAN GT-R
[Source: Motor Trend]
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German biodiesel producers must become efficient, facing tough times with the taxman
admin @ 2007-12-31 0:45:12 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Biodiesel, Etc., Legislation and Policy, Germany
Until a few months ago, making biodiesel in Germany was great business. Tax breaks were good and it was proclaimed that biodiesel was good for the environment. Between 2000 to 2006, production increased from 200,000 tons to 3.4 milion. Source oil was usually soy or rapeseed (Brassica napus), and about 1 million Ha of crops, 10 percent of Germany’s crops, are rapeseed.
However, from January 1st, Herr Taxman is going to ask for 9 cents for each liter of biodiesel sold, and this amount will increase to 65 cents in 2012. Add the fact that the subsidies (which totaled $3,000 million in 2006) won’t arrive anymore and you have reasons for this business to stop being interesting. Current biodiesel production figures are actually slowing - and imported rapeseed oil is now cheaper.
Of course, the Federal Association of Organic Fuels’s Peter Schrum accused the German Government of “crushing” them. And the current Government coalition entered into crisis when deciding what to do with that extra income. Adding to the anti-biodiesel proponent’s side of the arguments, Hamburg’s Environmental Institute on biofuels released a report recently speaking about the hidden environmental costs of biodiesel.
Related
- European biodiesel manufacturers against US biodiesel imports (again)
- EU might raise mandatory biodiesel blend
- The EU reduces subsidies for biofuel crops
[Source: IPS via Biodieselspain]
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MotorWeek video: E85 conversions are impractical
admin @ 2007-12-31 0:27:58 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel
In a recent episode of MotorWeek, as you can in the video above, Pat Goss lays out the reasons why flex-fuel conversion kits are “impractical.” Using parts supplied by GM, Pat lists the things in a regular gas engine that just won’t work with ethanol. The parts that must be changed to convert a gas car to run on ethanol include: fuel lines, fuel pumps, fuel gauges, fuel tank, fuel rail, capsule assembly, fuel injectors, the fuel injector computer, fuel identifier, exhaust valves, intake valves, valve seats and - last but not least - the cylinder heads must be replaced.
Pat warns against using conversion kits you find on the internet but I don’t think he meant to say EPA approved kits are impractical. Early research hints regular cars may be able to use higher percentages of ethanol. Even the president, depending on how you interpret his recent comments about ethanol, may endorse regular cars using ethanol. The EPA however warns using ethanol in a regular car will cause your engine to stop working, damage your engine, increase emissions and set the emissions warning light off. We have written about ethanol conversion kits and gas cars using ethanol but don’t gloss over the first lines of those articles that warn that there is a debate on the practicality of these options.
[Source: YouTube]
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Mazda announces Mazda2 diesel prices for the UK
admin @ 2007-12-31 0:10:35 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Diesel, Mazda, UK
We’ve been keeping an eye on the new Mazda2 for a while, and our UK readers can now start calculating just how badly they might want to drive one of these little cars. Mazda has announced that the common-rail turbo diesel-engined Mazda2s will start at £9,499 (on-the-road) for the lower-end version and £10,999 for the upper end (see details after the jump). The cost will nab you a supermini that gets 65.7mpg (Imperial, which is 54.7 U.S.) and emits just 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Compliant with the Euro IV directives, the Mazda2 will cost the owner just £35 in annual road taxes. Deliveries start in March.
Gallery: Mazda2 driving photos
Gallery: 2008 Mazda2
Related:
- Mazda2 sedan to debut at Guangzhou Motor Show
- Mazda demonstrates that small lightweight cars be safe too
[Source: Mazda]
ALL-NEW MAZDA2 DIESEL PRICES REVEALED
- Two-strong Mazda2 diesel model range priced from £9,499 (on-the-road)
- 1.4-litre, 68ps diesel supermini achieves 65.7mpg and a 114g/km CO2 rating
- Exceptionally generous levels of standard equipment on both models
- Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser as standard
- On sale in December, for delivery from March 2008, with Band B £35 road tax
Prices for the all-new Mazda2 diesel range of five-door hatchbacks, which will go on sale next March, have been confirmed and start from just £9,499 (on-the-road). Two equipment levels (TS and TS2) will be available each boasting the generous level of standard equipment already featured on the new Mazda2 petrol models.
New Mazda2 diesel models feature the same eye-catching, distinctive styling that is making the petrol models stand out from the small car segment crowd. Both models will be powered by a newly developed MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine.
This four‑cylinder power unit is similar to the engine of the outgoing model, but more fuel‑efficient and with reduced operating costs. It produces 68ps at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at a low 2,000rpm for quick responses to the throttle pedal. The precise-shifting five-speed manual transmission is fitted with special gear ratios to make the most of the diesel engine’s torque and ensure that this version of new Mazda2 is as much fun to drive as the petrol models.
“The new Mazda2 diesel has all the attractive and dramatic styling of the petrol models, and offers customers increased fuel economy, reduced CO2 impact and ultra-low road tax of just £35 per year,” comments Mazda UK’s marketing director Mark Cameron.
“It is going to deliver an entertaining driving experience coupled with Mazda’s renowned Japanese build-quality and reliability. While styling is one of the most important factors in the buying process, consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and demand for small capacity diesels is growing. We expect the new diesel models to account for 12 percent of Mazda2 sales,” added Cameron.
Simplified model range will Boost Sales
Mazda, which is focusing on retail sales with new Mazda2 and has deliberately simplified the petrol model line-up, is continuing the same simple approach with the new diesel duo. Such is the generosity of the standard equipment that the Mazda2 range starts with the TS model - rather than a more basic ‘S’ model - priced at £9,499 and a £1,500 step-up to £10,999 buys the TS2 model, complete with alloy wheels and air-conditioning (see below). The range-topping Sport derivative is reserved for the petrol line-up.
Standard equipment on the Mazda2 1.4D TS includes: 15-inch steel wheels, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, driver and passenger front airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, electric adjustable door mirrors, driver seat height adjust, CD radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers, multi‑function glovebox with magazine rack and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.
The new Mazda2 1.4D TS2 model has 11 additional equipment items including: 15-inch alloy wheels, side and curtain airbags, body coloured electric, heated folding door mirrors, body coloured door handles, two additional audio speakers (total four), 60/40 split rear seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, leather steering wheel and gear knob and manual air-conditioning.
Each trim level of Mazda2 diesel is so well equipped that the options list is remarkably short, just metallic or mica paint (£350) and manual air-conditioning for the TS model (£500). Customers ordering a diesel Mazda2 can choose between the same nine exterior colours as offered with the petrol model and two interior colours - Charcoal Black (TS) or Black (TS2) upholstery.
Remarkable fuel Economy with reduced Emissions
Thanks to its lightweight construction, sophisticated aerodynamics and high torque figure (160Nm compared to the 1.3-litre petrol model’s 122Nm), the new Mazda2 diesel combines lively performance with remarkable fuel economy.
Although by their nature, diesel engines are heavier than petrol units, the Mazad2 diesel is a lightweight engine, featuring aluminium cylinder block, head and sump with alloy pistons and smaller diameter (45mm) main crankshaft bearings, so it adds only 20kg to the car’s kerb weight, which is still a highly competitive 1050kg (including a 75kg driver).
With the diesel engine, Mazda2 accelerates from 0-to-62mph in 15.5 seconds and has a top speed of 101mph. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is a remarkable 65.7mpg, giving a realistic range of almost 600 miles on a single 42.8-litre tank. The engine is Euro 4 compliant and places this Mazda duo in road fund licence Band B so an owner will pay just £35 annual road tax.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Mazda2 1.4D TS
Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km CO2, 5-speed manual
Safety & Security
All-disc braking system with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Driver & passenger front airbags
Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Three 3-point rear seatbelts
Twin ISOFIX child seat anchorages
Thatcham Category 1 alarm & immobiliser
Exterior
15-inch steel wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured bumpers
Electric door mirrors
Black mirror housings and door handles
Comfort & Convenience
Remote central locking and dead locks
Folding jack-knife key
Electric front windows, with one-touch auto down
Remote release fuel filler flap
Electric speed-sensing power steering
Interior
Driver’s seat height adjustment
Driver and passenger seat height-adjustable head restraints
Front centre console with storage and cup holders
CD Radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers
Multi-function glovebox with magazine rack
Rear seat three height-adjustable head restraints
Charcoal Black trim
Mazda2 1.4D TS2
Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km , 5-speed manual
Additional equipment over TS model.
15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured door mirrors (electric, heated and folding)
Body-coloured door handles
Side and curtain airbags
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Two additional audio speakers (total 4)
60/40 split folding rear seats
Leather steering wheel and gear knob
Manual air-conditioning
Black trim
New Mazda2 Price List
|
Mazda2 (Diesel) |
Ps |
Estimated |
CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
Road Fund Licence Band |
Insurance |
|
1.4D 5dr TS |
68 |
£9,499 |
114 |
B |
3E |
|
1.4D 5dr TS2 |
68 |
£10,999 |
114 |
B |
3E |
NB ‘On the road’ prices and are inclusive of number plates, 12 months’ road fund licence and first registration tax.
|
Factory-fitted Options |
RRP |
|
Manual air-conditioning (TS model only) |
£500 |
|
Metallic / Mica Paint |
£350 |
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Spain adding flex-fuel capability to official fleet
admin @ 2007-12-30 23:53:13 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Germany
The Parque Móvil del Estado is Spain’s official fleet of cars. The fleet has a distinctive license plate (PME) and includes all sort of vehicles from all ministries. Their most recent additions, replacing 80 old gasoline vehicles, are flex-fuel units able to run burn E85. The Schwarzenegger-like problem is that Spain hasn’t got many E85 fuelling stations (up to date, only three in the Basque Country), so the Ministry of Public Administrations has installed an E85 pump in Madrid in the gas station which serves these vehicles. The PME already has 272 diesel vehicles running on B10 blends, and these are expected to run on B30 in a few weeks time.
The biofuel plan falls under PME’s plans to obtain a few ISO standards certifications: ISO 9001:2000, OSHAS 18001:1999 and the environmental ISO 14001:2004 which falls under Spain’s Plans on “Urgent Measures towards Climate Change and Clean Energy” (EECCEL). Pictured above is Spain’s first E85 station opening in Vitoria.
[Source: Agroinformación]
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Big Ad Agency predicts "Blue" will replace "Green" as the color of environmentalism
admin @ 2007-12-30 23:36:02 | Filed under: General | No Comment:(
Filed under: Etc.
For a long time now green has been the unofficial color of environmentalists. Anything environmentally friendly has been considered green. But that may be about to change. Advertising agency JWT (formerly known as J Walter Thompson) is predicting a shift from green to blue in 2008. If that happens they will be following the likes Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Those two companies use the BlueTec and BlueMotion branding on their clean diesels and most efficient models, respectively. As VW spokesman Keith Price explained at the launch of the Dieselution tour earlier this year the Blue refers the earth and sky that make up this pale blue dot when seen from space. The big question will we have to rename this site AutoblogBlue?
[Source: GreenDaily]
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