Jalopnik: Environment

Official Car Pundit Drinking Game: Early In The Morning Edition

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:25:08 EDT

I'll be on NPR's The Bryant Park Project tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM talking about whether Japanese automakers create more environmentally friendly cars than American automakers. My answer will be a resounding no. Feel free to play along with some early morning shots of mimosa and some new rules in the comments below. If all of this sounds unfamiliar to you, read through this for the gist of it. [Bryant Park Project]

Biofuel Comparison Chart Highlights Hypocrisy

Wes Siler — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The problem with the green movement isn't its goal of conservation — that's admirable — it's the gullibility many of its proponents suffer from and which big companies and governments are able to exploit to sell them on far-from-friendly products and policies. Take biofuel for instance. Many of its sources use more energy and effort than they're capable of producing, yet they receive subsidies and publicity over sources that might actually prove sustainable. This chart, put together by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer neatly sums this up. We only spot one glaring omission, poop.

[Seattle PI via Treehugger]
Photogrpahy credit: Daniel Leininger

G-Oil: Yep, You Guessed It, A Green Motor Oil

Travis Hudson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST

With green-this, hydrogen-that, hybrid-this and Al Gore-that all slowly taking over the pages of Jalopnik, we thought that we still had the safe haven known as the "traditional engine" to fall back on, free from worries about the environment or mpg or anything else. Until now. Welcome G-Oil to the party, the green-alternative to traditional motor oil.

This oil supposedly uses nanotechnology and dehydrogenation, whatever the hell those do, to be all green-like. It contains amino acid, plant exacts, plant-based fatty acids and non-ionic surfacants. Sounds like it would make a nice shampoo!

One appealing feature is that when it comes time for an oil change you can combine the G-Oil with Green Earth Technology's G-DISPOSOIL to ensure the oil is 100 percent biodegradable.

G-Oil also comes in a variety of weighs including 5w-20, 5w-30, 10w-30, 10w-40, 15w-40, 20w-50 and SAE-30. Man, going green is freaking awesome! [Toolmonger]

Carbon-Capturing Car To Eliminate Emissions, Maybe

Travis Hudson — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:45:00 EST

Rather than focusing vehicle-development and alternative-energy resources on finding different kinds of fuel, students and researchers at Georgia Tech are taking a couple steps back and looking at the emissions problem. The project currently being worked on involves a car that still operates on standard liquid fuels, but the kicker is the carbon emissions. The car will collect those and shuttle them back to a processing plant that can convert them back into fuel, taking out two birds with one stone.

Eventually the team is looking into a long-term strategy that would involve creation of a truly and completely sustainable system. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the process as well, so take a gander at the press release below and see if you can figure out all of the eggheady scientific jargon.

ATLANTA (February 11, 2008) —Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a strategy to capture, store and eventually recycle carbon from vehicles to prevent the pollutant from finding its way from a car tailpipe into the atmosphere. Georgia Tech researchers envision a zero emission car, and a transportation system completely free of fossil fuels.

Technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions from large-scale sources such as power plants have recently gained some impressive scientific ground, but nearly two-thirds of global carbon emissions are created by much smaller polluters — automobiles, transportation vehicles and distributed industrial power generation applications (e.g., diesel power generators).

The Georgia Tech team's goal is to create a sustainable transportation system that uses a liquid fuel and traps the carbon emission in the vehicle for later processing at a fueling station. The carbon would then be shuttled back to a processing plant where it could be transformed into liquid fuel. Currently, Georgia Tech researchers are developing a fuel processing device to separate the carbon and store it in the vehicle in liquid form.

The research was published in Energy Conversion and Management . The research was funded by NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense NDSEG Fellowship Program and Georgia Tech's CEO (Creating Energy Options) Program.

"Presently, we have an unsustainable carbon-based economy with several severe limitations, including a limited supply of fossil fuels, high cost and carbon dioxide pollution," said Andrei Fedorov, associate professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and a lead researcher on the project. "We wanted to create a practical and sustainable energy strategy for automobiles that could solve each of those limitations, eventually using renewable energy sources and in an environmentally conscious way."

Little research has been done to explore carbon capture from vehicles, but the Georgia Tech team outlines an economically feasible strategy for processing fossil or synthetic, carbon-containing liquid fuels that allows for the capture and recycling of carbon at the point of emission. In the long term, this strategy would enable the development of a sustainable transportation system with no carbon emission.

Georgia Tech's near-future strategy involves capturing carbon emissions from conventional (fossil) liquid hydrocarbon-fueled vehicles with an onboard fuel processor designed to separate the hydrogen in the fuel from the carbon. Hydrogen is then used to power the vehicle, while the carbon is stored on board the vehicle in a liquid form until it is disposed at a refueling station. It is then transported to a centralized site to be sequestered in a permanent location currently under investigation by scientists, such as geological formations, under the oceans or in solid carbonate form.

In the long-term strategy, the carbon dioxide will be recycled forming a closed-loop system, involving synthesis of high energy density liquid fuel suitable for the transportation sector.

Georgia Tech settled on a hydrogen-fueled vehicle for its carbon capture plan because pure hydrogen produces no carbon emissions when it is used as a fuel to power the vehicle. The fuel processor produces the hydrogen on-board the vehicle from the hydrocarbon fuel without introducing air into the process, resulting in an enriched carbon byproduct that can be captured with minimal energetic penalty. Traditional combustion systems, including current gasoline-powered automobiles, have a combustion process that combines fuel and air — leaving the carbon dioxide emissions highly diluted and very difficult to capture.

"We had to look for a system that never dilutes fuel with air because once the CO2 is diluted, it is not practical to capture it on vehicles or other small systems," said David Damm, PhD candidate in the School of Mechanical Engineering, the lead author on the paper and Fedorov's collaborator on the project.

The Georgia Tech team compared the proposed system with other systems that are currently being considered, focusing on the logistic and economic challenges of adopting them on a global scale. In particular, electric vehicles could be part of a long-term solution to carbon emissions, but the team raised concerns about the limits of battery technology, including capacity and charging time.

The hydrogen economy presents yet another possible solution to carbon emissions but also yet another roadblock — infrastructure. While liquid-based hydrogen carriers could be conveniently transported and stored using existing fuel infrastructure, the distribution of gaseous hydrogen would require the creation of a new and costly infrastructure of pipelines, tanks and filling stations.

The Georgia Tech team has already created a fuel processor, called CO2/H2 Active Membrane Piston (CHAMP) reactor, capable of efficiently producing hydrogen and separating and liquefying CO2 from a liquid hydrocarbon or synthetic fuel used by an internal combustion engine or fuel cell. After the carbon dioxide is separated from the hydrogen, it can then be stored in liquefied state on-board the vehicle. The liquid state provides a much more stable and dense form of carbon, which is easy to store and transport.

The Georgia Tech paper also details the subsequent long-term strategy to create a truly sustainable system, including moving past carbon sequestration and into a method to recycle the captured carbon back into fuel. Once captured on-board the vehicle, the liquid carbon dioxide is deposited back at the fueling station and piped back to a facility where it is converted into a synthetic liquid fuel to complete the cycle.

Now that the Georgia Tech team has come up with a proposed system and device to produce hydrogen and, at the same time, capture carbon emissions, the greatest remaining challenge to a truly carbon-free transportation system will be developing a method for making a synthetic liquid fuel from just CO2 and water using renewable energy sources, Fedorov said. The team is exploring a few ideas in this area, he added.

[GT via io9]

Ford To Add EcoBoost Turbocharging and Direct Injection To 500,000 Vehicles

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:03:20 EST

If you've been wondering what Ford's big plans were for dealing with the new energy bill and higher CAFE standards and guessed hybrids or electric cars &mdash you were wrong. Ford's big plan is to add turbocharging and direct injection to 500,000 vehicles, starting with the 2009 Lincoln MKS. Ford claims this technology will boost performance while also affordably decreasing gasoline usage. According to their numbers, an EcoBoost car can recoup the initial investment in the technology in 30 months, compared to 12 years for a hybrid and 7.5 years for a diesel. The press release detailing this wild technology below the jump.

FORD TO EQUIP HALF A MILLION VEHICLES WITH ECOBOOST ENGINE TECHNOLOGY FOR UP TO 20% BETTER FUEL ECONOMY

DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2008 - Ford Motor Company is introducing a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years.

The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today's affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.

"EcoBoost is meaningful because it can be applied across a wide variety of engine types in a range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks - and it's affordable," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development.

"Compared with the current cost of diesel and hybrid technologies, customers in North America can expect to recoup their initial investment in a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine through fuel savings in approximately 30 months. A diesel in North America will take an average of seven and one-half years, while the cost of a hybrid will take nearly 12 years to recoup - given equivalent miles driven per year and fuel costs," he said.

Ford will introduce EcoBoost on the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009, followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles. By 2013, Ford will have more than half a million EcoBoost-powered vehicles on the road annually in North America.

In 2009, Ford first will introduce EcoBoost on the Lincoln MKS featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6. It will produce the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. In fact, with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque, the Lincoln MKS will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the market.

More With Less
EcoBoost's combination of direct injection and turbocharging mitigates the traditional disadvantages of downsizing and boosting 4- and 6-cylinder engines, giving customers both superior performance as well as fuel economy.

With direct injection, fuel is injected into each cylinder of an engine in small, precise amounts. Compared to conventional port injection, direct injection produces a cooler, denser charge, delivering higher fuel economy and performance.

When combined with modern-day turbocharging - which uses waste energy from the exhaust gas to drive the turbine - direct injection provides the best of both worlds: the responsiveness of a larger-displacement engine with fewer trips to the gas pump.

Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, for example, can deliver upwards of 340-plus lb.-ft. of torque across a wide engine range - 2,000 to 5,000 rpm versus 270 to 310 lb.-ft of torque for a conventional naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 over the same speed range. At the same time, this V-6 gives customers an approximate 2 mpg improvement and emits up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions to the environment.

Direct injection coupled with turbocharging allows for the downsizing of engines that deliver improved torque and performance. A small 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine has the capability of producing more torque than a larger 4-cylinder engine - nearly an entire liter larger in displacement - with better fuel efficiency.

The real-world fuel economy benefit is consistent no matter the drive cycle, meaning the engine is efficient in the city as well as on the highway - unlike hybrids, which are most efficient in stop-and-go traffic. In addition, customers who tow and haul - and have long turned to more expensive diesel powertrains for their superior towing capabilities - can find the engine performance they need from an EcoBoost powertrain.

EcoBoost - combined with multi-speed transmissions, advanced electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements - is part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver sustainable, quality vehicles that customers want and value. Additional hybrid offerings and diesel engines are planned for light-duty vehicles.

Longer term, Ford plans to remain aggressive in the development of plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.

"We know that what will make the biggest difference is applying the right technology on volume vehicles that customers really want and value and can afford," said Kuzak. "EcoBoost puts an affordable technology within reach for millions of customers, and Ford's systems approach adds up to a big idea that differentiates Ford's sustainability strategy in the market."
[Source: Ford]

Ford's Tests Out Eco-Friendly Paint on U-Haul Vans

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST

Proving that saving the environment isn't all about mating electric motors to gas engines, Ford has been working on reforming the painting process to find ways to lessen our impact on our world. If you don't believe that painting trucks creates an environmental hazard, check out the paint shop at your local transit authority's bus barn. According to Ford, the new system "combines an advanced chemical formulation of high-solids, solvent-borne paint with an innovative three-wet application process." Exactly. Fittingly, Ford is testing this new process out on 200 U-Haul vans, which each use a lot of paint to describe the many tourist attractions of Delaware.

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 26, 2007 - Ford Motor Company and U-Haul launched the industry's first fleet of vehicles painted with Ford's environmentally responsible new technology, which reduces greenhouse gases by 15 percent and cuts Ford's production costs.

More than 200 Ford E-Series trucks painted with this new technology were delivered to U-Haul facilities around the country. U-Haul began renting the units, tagged with eco-friendly decals, to customers this week.

The technology combines an advanced chemical formulation of high-solids, solvent-borne paint with an innovative three-wet application process that requires a smaller, less expensive and cleaner paint shop than traditional automotive paint facilities.

In addition to reduced CO2 emissions, the new technology reduces VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds) by about 10 percent. The company estimates it can save approximately $7 per vehicle by cutting the time it takes to paint a vehicle by almost 20 percent as well as reducing the size of the traditional paint shop by nearly 15 percent.

"Painting vehicles has traditionally been one of the auto industry's biggest environmental challenges," said Mary Ellen Rosenberger, paint manager of Ohio Assembly Plant where the new technology was launched. "Ford has found the solution. It's environmentally sound. It's cost-efficient. And it produces beautifully painted vehicles with long-term durability."

Ford's new high-solids, solvent-borne paint formulation produces fewer VOC and CO2 emissions than do water-borne and current solvent-borne paints. Because the new formulation contains more color pigment, it requires less paint to cover a vehicle than water-based paint. Furthermore, the new technology allows for three coats of wet paint to be applied to the vehicle one on top of the other, without drying between coats. This eliminates the prime-coat application and its related processes, which means a smaller, more efficient paint shop.

Furthermore, there's no need for an air-conditioning process or an additional low-temperature oven, which are required in water-borne paint shops to evaporate the water from the paint.

The paint formulation contains new polymers and other additives that prevent running and sagging during the three-wet application process. And Ford's laboratory tests show the high-solids, solvent-borne paint provides better long-term resistance to chips and scratches than does water-borne paint.

Said Dean Cerimeli, U-Haul's director of Truck and Trailer Product: "When it comes to the environment and sustainability, we are happy to partner with Ford in this important field test. We believe this is the most environmentally responsible way to paint vehicles. And we applaud Ford for leading the industry."

In June, Ford won the "Best Technical Prize" for its new paint technology at SURCAR: The International Conference on Automobile Body Finishing in Cannes, France. [Source: Ford]

EU Outlines New Environmental Restrictions, Disappoints Ze Germans and Ze Greens

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST

The European Commission announced their energy bill today, which will require carmakers to reduce the CO2 emissions of new automobiles by approximately 20% to 120 grams per kilometer (30 fingers per ounce, we think) by 2012. Within the EU cars account for 12% of all carbon emissions. On one side, environmental groups are upset that the new plan abandons an old plan to cut emissions by 25%. On the other side, makers of larger cars, cars with smaller volumes and larger cars with smaller volumes may seek concessions or exemptions.

There's a monetary penalty for not reaching the standards, based on the difference between the standard and the average multiplied by the volume of cars sold. Of course, there's still disagreement over that. Will this result in lighter, more efficient cars or just more exceptions? Only time and people with foreign accents will tell. [Guardian]

Are You Hosers Killing The Electric Car, Eh?

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST

The Canadian government is taking heat for depriving its citizens of locally built electric cars. Specifically, the ZENN electric car being made in Quebec and being sold in the U.S. and Mexico is getting volt-blocked by the government. Transport Canada has been vague about their reason for not allowing the companies to sell their cars, so of course there are those who see it as a great conspiracy. Another electric car company, Dynasty, is moving out of Canada because of problems with the Government.

The Canadian Green Party has started a petition to get the cars approved, so we're sure that all of this will go away soon as the Canadian PM is totally BFF's with the Green Party. It makes us happy to live in a country where where the government encourages electric car companies like Tesla, or at least lets them take deposits for cars. [CBC]

UPS to Infuriate NASCAR, Eliminate Left Turns

Travis Hudson — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST

What's worse that a big, brown and ugly truck clogging up the streets everyday? Probably a big, brown and ugly truck constantly moving through traffic and clogging up the street. There are 95,000 UPS trucks out everyday and soon they will be drastically reducing the amount of left turns, focusing the delivery routes on making mostly right turns (I wonder if the same rule will apply for Dale Jarrett's UPS-sponsored car — that could get real messy). Eliminating the left turns will reportedly save three million gallons of gas annually.

The new and improved routes will reduce the delivery routes by 28.5 million miles and reduce CO2 emissions by 31,000 metric tons. The new system begins at the sorting facility. A special software will load packages onto trucks in a method to maximize the amount of right turns and eliminating unnecessary left turns that requires the trucks to sit idle wasting gas and pissing off Al Gore.

I'm sure the lazy UPS drivers will continue to cut corners (like when they throw my package of fragile gadgets 20 feet) by making unnecessary left turns, but regardless, UPS gets a gold star for the effort! Now stop double-parking to drop off packages and the world will be a better place. [New York Times]

EU to Cede on US Demands to Drop Vehicle Emissions Targets?

Ray Wert — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:15:00 EST

So we're hearing negotiators at the United Nations climate talks in Bali agreed to U.S. demands, dropping specific targets on greenhouse-gas emissions from a draft document in order to salvage an agreement that will guide discussions on a global-warming treaty over the next two years. Specifically, the target changes were pushed by Germany. Hmm, we're thinking maybe there's an automaker twisting arms behind the scene. Our guess is in this round the score is: Porsche, 1. Gore, 0. Who's got next? (Hat tip to Brian W!) [Bloomberg]

Ford Wins "Clean Vehicle Award" For Hybrids

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:45:00 EST

While we may have had a little poke at yesterday for their environmental leadership, the experts at the International Energy Agency Implementing Agreement on Hybrid & Electric Vehicles have given Ford their propers for achieving sales of more than 50,000 hybrid models worldwide. They also received awards for best practices in promotions and a "personal Award" for their dedication to increased efficiency in Hybrid powertrains. So there. Press release below the jump:

FORD EARNS "CLEAN VEHICLE AWARD" FROM INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY

ANAHEIM, Calif.., Dec. 4, 2007 - Today, for the second time, Ford Motor Company was awarded the "Clean Vehicle Award" from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Implementing Agreement on Hybrid & Electric Vehicles for the company's achievement in obtaining high energy efficiency and lower energy consumption in the transport sector. Ford accepted the award today at the 2007 Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS23) in Anaheim.

Out of three possible categories, Ford was recognized for achieving sales of more than 50,000 hybrid models worldwide as part of the organization's award given to manufacturers with outstanding sales figures - surpassing thresholds of 25,000; 50,000; 100,000 and more than 250,000 clean vehicles sold.

"Our hybrid program has been an unqualified success and we believe hybrids are important to America's future," said Greg Frenette, chief engineer, Fuel Cell Production Program, Ford Motor Company. "From a technological perspective, our Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid from an American automaker and the first SUV hybrid on the market. It also remains the most fuel-efficient SUV in the world."

Two additional award categories include "The Best Practice Award" which is given to the organizers of an outstanding promotion project and the "Personal Award" which is given to an individual who has dedicated his or her work to the development or promotion of clean vehicles in an outstanding way.

In 2006, the Implementing Agreement on Hybrid & Electric Vehicles recognized Ford for passing the 25,000 milestone in clean vehicle sales.

The IEA launched the Implementing Agreement on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in 1993 with the intent to produce and disseminate balanced, objective information about advanced vehicle technologies including electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. It has a working group of governments and research organizations from eleven countries. Task forces are formed to investigate topics in depth, such as hybrid vehicles, advance electro-chemical storage systems, and market deployment strategies of clean vehicles.

According to IEA, "Ford Motor Company played an important role as a clean vehicle innovator in the early 1990s. By developing and marketing the hybrid Escape, Ford has been a pioneer among U.S. manufacturers to introduce a sports utility vehicle to the marketplace, and this has rewarded the company with well-earned market success." [Source: Ford]

NASCAR Going Green... Eventually

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:30:00 EST

Whether or not NASCAR is a sport, it's a fairly popular pastime. And like all of America's major events, it's attempting to go green in order to protect the environment and reduce our dependence on... yada yada yada. Another important reason is that people drive long distances to get to races and an increase in gas prices could mean a decrease in fan support (A trip around a NASCAR event parking lot will reveal a few more V8-powered Mustangs than hybrids)

What they're actually going to do besides pay lip service to the cause is up in the air, but said one NASCAR official "we've got lots of people who want to help us. We've got lots of ways to get educated and figure out... how we can participate." Yeah, totally. That'll do the trick. What about a hydrogen powered Honda entry? It'll make the crashes that much more spectacular [Reuters]

UK to EU: Give Us a Break

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EDT

Britain's Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is none-to-pleased with the EU's plans for a 125g/km carbon dioxide limit for all new cars from 2015. Porque? According to Kelly, the onus it puts on car manufacturers that sell only a few high emission cars (Aston Martin/Bentley) is unfair. It may not be a problem for the Seats and Citroens of this world, but Britain still has a few small marques. This isn't America, so she's not asking for all emission standards to be thrown out of the window. She merely wants a target date to be 2020 or 2025 so that smaller manufacturers can prepare for the stricter standards. And by prepare, one can only hope that she means an Aston Martin Hybrid Estate, Bentley Continental Hatch or other brand dilution that results in a cheaper ride.[What Car]

Don't Sweat it, Offset it

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EDT

Enterprise, National and Alamo are offering the largest carbon offset program in rental car history, which isn't saying that much. Eco-friendly persons who don't want to take the bus/train can opt to pay $1.25 on top of the cost of the rental (plus insurance, gas fees, et cetera) and the companies will match that amount up to $1 million in carbon offsetts. The plan will be administered by TerraPass, which is an industry leader in letting people buy their way out of their eco-guilt. No word yet on whether Hertz or other rental car companies will offer a similar plan, but it wouldn't surprise us. [Environmental Leader].

Couple Bringing LA to the Water...less Carwash

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EDT

What to do if your one-year old daughter is allergic to commercial cleaners? If you're a bad parent you might put the kid up for adoption. The Peris of Los Angeles let the experience lead them to create a waterless car washing system that uses low levels of chemicals. The product is apparently good for the environment both in terms of chemical use and water savings (heads up Georgia). The couple has already landed a Lexus dealership and the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, so this might end up being a sustainable business. If you're in the LA area and don't like spending hundreds of gallons washing your baby, check it out. [LA Times]

Enviro-Dweebs Plan To Plant Small Garden, Play Ping-Pong In Your Parking Spot Today

Ray Wert — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EDT

[rant] OK, seriously enviro-nuts, you've gone and crossed a line. It's hard enough trying to find metered parking spots in places like LA and New York City without you eco-nerds taking them over and putting up your potted plants and trees and lawn chairs. And according to the Journal from Wall Street many of you green-freaks are going to be playing ping-pong in some of the spots. What? Ping-Pong?! We thought the purpose of "Parking Day" was supposed to be

"an effort to raise local awareness about the lack of open out-of-doors public space in urban areas, and draw attention to the gas wasted and pollution created by drivers circling the block for low-cost curbside parking spaces."

If you want to play ping-pong, find a rec room at a YMCA or something. There's a lot of those out in San Francisco and Miami and Waukegan, Illinois (seriously — which of these does not belong?) and all the other cities you'll be "protesting" in. But seriously, if one of us sees you eco-dorks out there taking up a much-needed meter, we'll be parking in that there spot — so move that ping-pong table or else it'll be mulch when we're through with it. [/end rant] Phew, we're glad we got that off our chests — we hate not being able to find parking! [WSJ]

Ontario Contemplates Crackrock HOV Enviro Plan

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:00:00 EDT

As much as we vent here on tha Jalop about the habits and attitudes of many hybrid drivers, we're not against the gasoline-electric machines. We think they're fascinating pieces of technology, and in stop-and-go environments, their benefit is clear, both in terms of emissions and fuel savings. And we're not, per se against Ontario's nascent initiative to reward the drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles. But ferchrissakes, lawmakers, do not let solo hybrid drivers into your HOV lanes. The benefit is useless at constant freeway speeds. But carpool lanes are designed largely to reduce congestion, not pollution. Don't succumb to hybrid jackassery, Ontario! You Canucks are supposed to be the sensible North Americans! [The Star]

New Yorkers Count SUVs

Wes Siler — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EDT

In an experiment in crowdsourcing, WNYC's Brian Lehrer asked listeners to count the number of SUVs on their block. "We're trying to find out just how much gas-guzzling SUV use there is throughout the New York area, with all the talk of environmental sustainability in the city," Lehrer explains. Results after the jump.

Results:
Total number of cars: 4226
Average percentage of SUVs per total vehicles: 30.60%
Neighborhood with highest percentage: Paterson, NJ (East 30th Street and 22nd Avenue), with 100%
Neighborhood with lowest percentage: Kensington, Brooklyn; Mount Kisco, NY, London, with 0%
Average Percentage of SUVs in Manhattan: 28.7%
Average Percentage of SUVs in Brooklyn: 32.3%
Distribution:
Top quartile (75-100%): 1.44%
Second highest (50-75%): 8.12%
Second lowest (25-50%): 54.20%
Lowest percentile (0-25%): 36.23%

While hardly scientific, the response to Lehrer's question does highlight the growing animosity towards large SUVs and their perceived environmental cost. [Via Gothamist]

Automotive X-Prize Announces First Teams

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:00:40 EDT

Want a check for 10 extra-large (that's millions)? All you have to do is prove you can design, build and bring to market a car that can get 100 miles per gallon and that people will buy. It sounds simple enough, and 31 teams have already signed up to compete for the Automotive X-Prize (you remember the X-Prize people from the $10 million they gave Paul Allen's Mojave Aerospace Ventures for building the first private vehicle that could go into space; no, it wasn't a Delorean). Qualifying teams will race their vehicular entries in a cross-country competition combining speed, distance, pothole bashing (i.e., urban driving) and overall performance. The winners will be those exceeding 100 mpg (or the equivalent), hit strict targets for emissions and finish in the fastest time. No prob. Bring us a Rupp go-kart, a case of rubber bands and 100 quarts of 151-proof rum. It's on. (Shown: Aptera)

Press Release:

SANTA MONICA, Calif., August 1, 2007 —The Automotive X PRIZE (AXP), a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles to help break our addiction to oil and stem the effects of climate change, announced today that over 30 teams have signed a letter of intent to compete once the prize is officially funded and launched.

The international competition, in which qualified teams will compete head to head, aims to dramatically increase consumer access to ultra-efficient, clean, affordable and desirable vehicles. The 30 plus teams include diverse groups from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. More than 300 additional teams have inquired about joining and are actively considering entry.

"We are thrilled with the wide variety of teams and technologies from around the world that have expressed an interest in joining the competition," said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, CEO and Chairman, X PRIZE Foundation. "We are confident that the Automotive X PRIZE will motivate and bring visibility to a range of non-traditional solutions from both traditional and non-traditional players. The time for incremental change is over. We need radical breakthroughs to stem the consumption of fossil fuels. An X PRIZE can help make this happen."

The independent and technology-neutral AXP competition is open to teams from around the world to prove they can design, build and bring to market 100 MPG or equivalent fuel economy vehicles that people want to buy. Industry experts will scrutinize team plans. Those that qualify will race their vehicles in rigorous cross-country stages that combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance. The winners will be the vehicles that exceed 100 MPG equivalent, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time.

"In just a short time, we have seen a tremendous enthusiasm for the Automotive X PRIZE," said Donald J. Foley, executive director of the AXP. "We believe this enthusiasm reflects the strong interest among the car-driving public for new options of super-efficient vehicles. It is clear energy legislation in Congress will fall far short of encouraging the type of breakthroughs that are needed to provide a new generation of ultra-efficient vehicles. We have designed AXP to be a technology-neutral competition to help provide this new generation of vehicles, and we are pleased that the fairness of our competition guidelines has been ratified by the interest among a wide variety of teams and technologies."

The competition is expected to travel through multiple cities while broadcast to a global audience in 2009 and 2010, building consumer demand for vehicles in the competition and demonstrating many practical, clean and affordable vehicle options. Cities involved in the competition route have not yet been chosen.

Reflecting the nature of the non-partisan effort, two leading members of Congress on energy issues, Senators Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), have expressed their support for the AXP.

The AXP has also received support and encouragement from several government agencies that will help the privately-funded organization conduct the competition and test vehicle compliance, including the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory; the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway, Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHA); the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ); and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

In addition, non-governmental organizations supporting the AXP include the National Resources Defense Council, Union of Concerned Scientists, the Apollo Alliance, the Consumer Federation of America, Global Green USA, CALSTART and Greenpeace among others.

The AXP has recently finalized a supporting sponsorship from Adobe. Other early AXP sponsors and donors include Idealab, Ray Sidney of Big George Ventures, the Elbaz Foundation, and the Jack D. Hidary Foundation.

Once fundraising for the prize purse and administration is complete, the AXP will officially launch. "We are seeking assistance from major foundations, corporations and philanthropic individuals to help bring about this revolution in transportation," Diamandis said. "Visionary individuals and organizations have risen to this type of challenge before by backing the Ansari X PRIZE for personal spaceflight, and the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics. We're confident we can build a financial base for this competition as well, and expect one or more heroes to rise to this challenge."

The following 30 teams have signed a letter of intent signaling their intent to apply for the AXP competition:

* Aptera Motors - California, USA
* Commuter Cars Corp. - Washington, USA
* Cornell University - New York, USA
* DEHyds - Washington, USA
* Delta Motorsport - Northants, UK
* Desert Fuel - Arizona, USA
* Disruptech - California, USA
* Dragonfly Technology LTD - Northhampton, UK
* Fuel Vapor Technologies - British Columbia, Canada
* GreenIt! - Oregon, USA
* Herf Duo - Berlin, Germany
* HyKinesys - California, USA
* Kinetic Vehicles - Oregon, USA
* Kuttner Doran Inventions - Virginia, USA
* Loremo AG - Munich, Germany
* Maine Automotive X - Maine, USA
* MDI, Inc. & Zero Pollution Motors LLC - New York, USA
* Michigan Vision - Michigan, USA
* MotoTron Corporation - Wisconsin, USA
* Phoenix Motorcars - California, USA
* Porteon Electric Vehicles, Inc. - Oregon, USA
* Prometheus Systems, LLC - Arizona, USA
* Psycho-Active - Georgia, USA
* Roane Inventions - Texas, USA
* Society for Sustainable Mobility - California, USA
* Spirit One - Alberta, Canada
* Valentin Technologies - Wisconsin, USA
* Tesla Motors - California, USA
* Velozzi - California, USA
* X Tracer - Winterthur, Switzerland
* ZAP Motors - California, USA

ABOUT THE AUTOMOTIVE X PRIZE

The goal of the Automotive X PRIZE (AXP) is to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles that help break our addiction to oil and stem the effects of climate change. The multi-million dollar AXP purse will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon equivalent fuel economy. For more information please visit auto.xprize.org or email autoprize@xprize.org.

ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION

The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. On October 4, 2004, the X PRIZE Foundation captured world headlines when Mojave Aerospace Ventures, led by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan and Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world's first private vehicle to space twice in two weeks to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The Foundation has since expanded its mission beyond space exploration to offer new prizes for breakthroughs in the life sciences, energy and the environment, education and global entrepreneurship. In October of 2006, the X PRIZE Foundation announced the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for genomics, which will reward the first private effort to map 100 human genomes in 10 days ushering in a new era of personalized preventative medicine. For more information please visit www.xprize.org or email press@xprize.org

Man Petitions to Ban Cars in UK

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EDT

A UK citizen by the name of John McGlade has started an online petition to ban all private vehicles in the nation. His rationale?

This petition asks for the banning of the use of cars for private use, so taxis etc. would still be allowled [sic]. This will cut CO2 emmissions and reduce the effects of global warming. It will also create a better envirinment for all to live in with less noise, road deaths & fumes. Public transport should be massively improved to meet new demand created from this action.

So far, Mr. McGlade stands as the petition's only signatory. Maybe we should start our own campaign to mandate Mr. McGlade's use of a spell-checker. Or better yet, take up a collection to buy the poor clot a life. Who's in? [10 Downing Street]

The Roar of the Masses Could be Farts, Part 6: How Cows Work

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:15:00 EDT

The debate rages back and forth about whether cars or cattle are worse for the environment. As a global warming agent, methane is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, and bovines pump the stuff out by the pantsful — estimates arrage around 26-132 gallons per cow, per day. There are 1.5 billion of the animals in the world today, and it's estimated that agricultural methane production could increase 60% by 2030. [Howstuffworks]

Top Gear Once Again Under Eco-Fire

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:10:00 EDT

Jezza, Der Kapitan der Nicht Schnell Ist and Doctor Teeth are once again in trouble with environmentalists for racing to the North Pole. Clarkson and May drove cold-weather outfitted Toyota Hiluxes, while Hammond hitched himself up to a team of sled dogs. Greenpeace, however, was far from pleased at the competition, once again spewing vitriol at Clarkson and blaming the BBC for destroying the environment. Interestingly, the notoriously outspoken lead presenter has yet to issue a comment, but we imagine he'll have a lot to say on the occasion of the show's airing. As a side note, Spinelli talks about the trek here. [Daily Express, UK]

Cutting C02 by Plugging In

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EDT

A study in Japan over a period of fourteen months has shown that a system designed to run heating and cooling systems from external power sources when trucks are parked has cut C02 emissions from the vehicles by 97%. Consisting of a cabin-mounted cooler and electric carpets and blankets for heating, the Stop Idling system drops commercially in Nihon next March. We also assume that the system could be modified to light up one's dekotora. Now we just need a hot plate for cooking up some udon on the road and we're set. [Envautomental]

Florida to Adopt CARB Standards?

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EDT

Autoblog Frank notes that actions by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist indicate that the nation's exceptionally peninsular state is moving toward adopting the greenhouse-gas standards of the California Air Resources Board, which would make our brothers in oranges the twelfth of the fifty to hop on the bandwagon. As populous as FL is, it could very well effectively force the hand of automakers to bend to the will of the Golden State when it comes to emissions standards. Über alles, California. [Autoblog]

Never mind cars, the biggest threat to the ...

Ray Wert — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:35:00 EDT

Never mind cars, the biggest threat to the environment is ... ~~bears~~ cows! [Top Gear]

Unfortunate, Unnatural Reef

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:00:00 EDT

While the Land Down Under is famous for its Great Barrier Reef, another, lesser, freshwater reef is being dismantled by the po-po in Bankstown. Ne'er-do-wells have been dumping car carcasses into the Georges River via a launch ramp, and the estimated 60 cars in that area of the waterway could pose a navigational hazard to watercraft. Police divers have attached bouys to the underwater carcasses and are planning to use all manner of trickery to extricate the vehicles from Davey Jones' sock drawer.

Thieves' reef formed by cars that have come to grief [Sydney Morning Herald]

Related:
Hoon Hell! [Internal]

IHT Lays The Carbon Guilt on Swedes

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:15:00 EDT

Twenty-five percent of Sweden's energy comes from renewable resources. Forty percent of the top ten vehicles on Swedish roads come from the nation's homegrown, foreign-owned automakers. And as such, the EU points the carbon-dioxide finger at Sverige and the International Herald Tribune gladly plays along, painting the Scandanavian socialists as greedy scumbags. The Swedes' defense? They like their cars. We suppose, as Americans, the rationale doesn't really wash with us. On the other hand, the Swedes may actually be trying to warm the globe, so's to become a vacation destination, thus bringing lingonberry yogurt to the masses. – Davey G. Johnson

Turmoil brewing in Sweden's love affair with big cars [IHT]

Related:
Heavy Metal Amazon Award! [Internal]

New Cheap Cars Curry Favor With Indian Middle Class

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EDT

While India's expanding middle class is now more able to afford motor vehicles beyond scooters and Renault/Nissan are looking at jumping into the $3000-car segment in India (presumably with some variant of the Logan), environmentalists and traffic gurus got worry on their hands. While public transit in New Delhi has cut carbon monoxide levels drastically, an influx of newer, cheaper cars with emissions standards behind Europe and the United States could start pushing the numbers back up. What's more, Murad Ali Baig, an Indian auto journalist, asks in the face of the impending flood, "The question is — where are all the bloody roads to cope?" – Davey G. Johnson

India's "people's cars" spur green nightmare fears [Reuters]

The Roar of the Masses Could Be Farts, Part 5: UK Encourages Less Meat Consumption

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:45:00 EDT

One of Los Jalops has been a vegetarian for nearly exactly twelve years now. At the time, he drove a V8 automobile. Twelve years later, he still drives a V8 automobile. That is to say, he's sort of a hypocrite, yet with the amount he actually drives said V8 automobile, coupled with his reduced appetite for methane-emitting agricultural beasts, he's pretty sure he's got the moral edge on rich people who slum in hybrids while tanking up once a week and dine early and often at Ruth's Chris. Apparently, a British government agency has decided that in the fight against climate change, the nation's citizenry should be gently pressured into eating fewer bangers and topping off their mash with a tad bit less butter. Needless to say, we're sure the cattle lobby in the UK is hopping mad. – Davey G. Johnson

Eat less meat to save planet: British official [Reuters via Slate]

Related:
The Roar of the Masses Could Be Farts, Part 1, 2, 3 and 4 [Internal]

General Motors Joins Economic Environmental Partnership

Ray Wert — Tue, 08 May 2007 13:00:00 EDT

The General's just decided, now that Earth Day's come and gone, to join the "non-partisan" United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP). USCAP's a partnership of companies and NGO's in all sorts of sectors of the economy that creates recommendations for toward slowing, stopping and reversing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. Those rec's are based on six principles:

1.) Account for the global dimensions of climate change.
2.) Recognize the importance of technology.
3.) Be environmentally effective.
4.) Be fair to sectors disproportionately impacted.
5.) Recognize and encourage early action.
6.) Create economic opportunity and advantage.

Yeah, we kind of paused on the last one too. So does that mean USCAP requires an environmental solution if and only if it's creating economic opportunity? Hmm, maybe not so altruistic of a group wethinks. Well, we'll give 'em an "A" for effort at least. Full press release below the jump. – Ray Wert

General Motors Joins United States Climate Action Partnership
DETROIT - General Motors today announced that it will join the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), becoming the first automaker to support the non-partisan group's call for action to address climate change through advanced technology and on an economy-wide, market-driven basis.

USCAP, a partnership of companies representing key sectors of the economy and non-government organizations, issued earlier this year a set of principles and recommendations toward slowing, stopping and reversing the growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the shortest period of time reasonably achievable. USCAP's recommendations are based on the following six principles: Account for the global dimensions of climate change; Recognize the importance of technology; Be environmentally effective; Create economic opportunity and advantage; Be fair to sectors disproportionately impacted; and, Recognize and encourage early action.

"GM is very pleased to join USCAP in proactively addressing the concerns posed by climate change," said Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of General Motors. "The key as we see it is energy diversity - being able to offer our customers vehicles that can be powered by many different energy sources and advanced propulsion systems to help displace petroleum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We especially applaud USCAP for recognizing the important role that technology can play in achieving an economy-wide solution."

GM views the need to promote energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as both a business necessity and an obligation to society. The company has a globally integrated strategy to meet the world's growing demand for its cars and trucks, while lessening these products' impact on the environment.

As a full-line automaker, GM is pursuing energy diversity across its product line-up by offering vehicles that can be powered by many different energy sources and advanced propulsion systems that will displace petroleum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. GM continues to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines and builds more vehicles that achieve over 30 mpg on the highway than any other automaker. In addition to its intensive efforts to displace traditional petroleum-based fuels with biofuels like E85, GM is significantly expanding and accelerating the development of electrically driven vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cells and extended-range electric vehicles.

GM believes its approach offers a more effective solution than the current Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program that, over the course of more than 30 years, has fallen dramatically short of its stated goals. Since CAFE was enacted, both the number of vehicles on the road and the number of vehicle miles traveled have nearly doubled. During this same three decade period, U.S. gasoline consumption has increased by 60 percent and U.S. oil imports have increased by more than 100 percent. These increases have occurred despite the fact that automakers as a whole have increased new vehicle fleet fuel economy for light trucks by 60 percent, and more than doubled it for passenger cars—with GM improving its fuel economy more than any other major auto manufacturer.

In testimony before Congress in March, Wagoner said, "Now is the time for a new, more comprehensive and forward-looking national strategy that ensures we're working on the right things that will really make a difference in reducing oil consumption and CO2 emissions."

Also, in the same testimony Wagoner said GM is willing to engage in discussions on carbon constraints on the U.S. economy as part of such a broader climate change strategy. GM's position is consistent with USCAP's strong commitment toward an economy-wide policy and legislative framework that would include a mandatory, flexible cap-and-trade program.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit , GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
NOTE: A full copy of A Call for Action and background information on the U.S. Climate Action Partnership may be found at www.us-cap.org.

Governator Says He Won't Take Away Our Musclecars

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EDT

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger played up the green image he's been cultivating during a speech yesterday at Georgetown University. The Austrian Oak remarked, "We don't have to go and take away the muscle cars. We don't have to take away Hummers or SUVs or anything like this, because that's a formula for failure," he said. "Instead we have to make those cars more environmentally muscular." So then, Governor Schwarzenegger, when can we have our 30-year rolling CARB exemption back? – Davey G. Johnson

Schwarzenegger's Guiltless Green [SFGate]

Breathe Deep, Seek Medical Attention: How Toxic Are Car Interiors?

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EDT

It's been over a year since we mentioned anything about that toxic cloud inside your new car's interior. By the way, how are you feeling? That's good. Now, a watchdog organization concerned with the toxicity of cars' insides has released data on the best and worst new cars in which to take a breath. The group, Ecology Center, used a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) gadget (thanks, CSI) to identify the presence of chlorine, bromine, arsenic, mercury and other potentially harmful substances. And according to their results, buyers of the Nissan Versa should probably keep a few extra Hazmat suits under their seats. Check out the toxicity list by class here. – Mike Spinelli

Toxins in Your Car Interior [Paul Tan]

Fruit by the Foot: Length-Oriented Parking Fees on the Table in UK

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 21:15:00 EST

We actually think this is a pretty interesting idea. Norwich City Council members have floated the idea that motorists who apply for parking permits in the UK municipality should pay by the length of their vehicle. While we think Red Ken's proposed tripling of the congestion charge for large vehicles is presented in a really screwy way, especially considering a Landie isn't three times as long as a Fiat Panda. But this parking-by-length scheme actually seems like a pretty good plan.

Under the plan, small cars would continue to pay 16 a year for parking permits, while owners of vehicles between 3.92m and 4.45m would pay 22 per year, while the 4.45m-and-up set would front 30 per year. Besides hopefully encouraging the purchase of more efficient vehicles, the plan could conceivably free up 520 parking spaces on Norwich streets. And who doesn't love more parking? On the flipside, though, it is only a few bob a year; for such a plan to work, the pricing structure might need to be more aggressive. – Davey G. Johnson

Pay by the metre to park your car [Evening News 24]

Less Smoke on the Water: The Greening of Geneva

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:45:00 EST

While The Postfather is cooling his heels outside the Geneva City Limits, gearing up to take the Jalopnik Maximum Mojo Party to the pallid people at Palexpo, those who report on the week's business note that Geneva's followed the lead of Los Angeles, and to a lesser extent, Detwa, and donned the mantle of the Green Hornet. Which probably makes Spinelli Kato. We digress. Really, though. Spinelli totally needs a green AMC Hornet. With the Gucci interior, natch. – Davey G. Johnson

At Geneva Cars Go Green [BusinessWeek]

Related:
Jalopnik in France, Waiting for Geneva [Internal]

In Russia, Government Pays YOU!

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:45:00 EST

According to Moscow Mayor Mayor Mayor Yuri "Not Gagarin" Luzhkov, motorists willing to navigate the city in diminutive, efficient vehicles should receive a bonus. What's more, he's willing to back it up with a fistful of dollars, suggesting "We should establish incentives for citizens who opt for small-size cars with electric and hybrid engines. I am ready to grant a bonus of 1,000 U.S. dollars to each of them." The Man With No Name, Ennio Morricone, Salman Rushdie and Lavrenti Beria were all unavailable for comment on the program. – Davey G. Johnson

Moscow's mayor promises $1,000-bonus for baby cars buyers [ITAR-TASS]

Related:
In Soviet Russia, Tank Flies YOU! [Internal]

Merkel Don't Need No Merkin: German Chancellor Stands Up for Bruce

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:30:00 EST

Angela Merkel just applied a blast furnace to the cockles of our speed-freak hearts by standing up to the EU and asserting that unrestricted autobahn speeds aren't negotiable. The key to the development of the most Brucetastic vehicles in the world, the highways are a wonder of order and precision, at least when compared to the 405. The German chancellor stared down EU Environmental Commissioner Stavros Dimas when he asserted that Germany isn't doing enough to be green. Funny, because when we studied in Germany a decade ago, it was a helluva lot greener than the US is now. Plus, gas prices and the cost and rigorous nature of driver training in Germany, as well as serious TUV inspections, combined with impeccably-maintained roadways make travel by car in the nation, from our anecdotal experience, some of the safest and cleanest in the world.

We agree with Merkel; the unrestricted Autobahn and its success add to German prestige. And as the EU clamps down on emissions, practicioners of Bruce's black, precise art will simply build more powerful, cleaner engines. You cannot stop Bruce. You can't even contain it. It will triumph. And the autobahn is Bruce's natural habitat. Limit the 'Bahn and you neuter Bruce. Remember what happened last time international governments cut the Germans off at the cojones? – Davey G. Johnson

Germany's Open Speed Limits To Continue — But for How Long? [Inside Line via Autoblog]

The Roar of the Jetliners Could Be Farts: Portland Worries About Plane Pollution

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:15:00 EST

We're big fans of Portland, Oregon. Sure the downtown one-way system and obsessively obsessive buslanes are a pain in the ass and the punkers sparing for change give us bad Telegraph Ave and Gilman Street flashbacks, but it's a beautiful, civic-minded city. And PDX is simply one of the best airports in the country. Recently, critics of the facility commissioned a study of air quality in the flight path of the place. But when the Southwest Clean Air Agency said that they couldn't differentiate the difference between toxic compounds in the air from those produced by vehicles, rendering the study inconclusive, a fight broke out between airport proponents and eco-minded folks. However, most people agree that less benzene is a good idea. We can get behind less benzene, although the Ferrari 308 GT4's "benzina" gauge is totally freaking awesome. Just for the record. – Davey G. Johnson

PDX air-quality study: Cars, not planes, the problem [The Columbian]

Directly Injected: 300hp GM V6

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:32:50 EST

General Motors is moving closer toward the holy grail of simultaneous horsepower and efficiency by taking a more direct route. Direct injection works by taking the fuel injectors away from the cylinder head intake ports, and into the combustion chambers. The ability to meter precise amounts of fuel into the chamber at exactly the right time makes for clean cold starts, enables higher compression ratios, improves fuel economy, and can help extract V8-level horsepower numbers out of a V6. GM claims 300 ponies from Cadillac's version of the naturally aspirated, direct injected 3.6-liter V6 engine, currently in pre-production at the GM Flint Engine South plant. While one atmosphere in the chambers is OK, direct injection fuel control also holds the potential for creative use of forced induction setups that still meet cold startup emissions standards. We'll take a directly injected twin-turbo V6 in something light, with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. Hey-yo! – Mike Bumbeck

Direct Injection Connection [The Flint Journal]

Is it Home of the Free or What? London Council Pushes Ahead With CO2-Based Parking Fees

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:00:00 EST

The busy clippers of the Richmond upon Thames Council in southwest London have decided to push ahead with a scheme that would allow electric cars to park for free, halve parking rates for vehicles like efficient diesels and hybrids and triple the fee to 300 quid for drivers of Landies and Espaces. All of this despite the fact that only 49% of residents consulted thought this was a good idea. Apparently, the more compelling number was that 64% would consider a car with lower CO2 emissions if the levy was put into effect. The aura of smugness on the part of the council is stifling. – Davey G. Johnson

London council to hit gas-guzzling cars [Reuters]

Thank You, Don't Drive Through: Canucks to Crack Down on Idling Cars

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:45:00 EST

The city fathers in Hamilton, Ontario, are mulling over proposals from eco-activist group Environment Hamilton to cut down on emissions by in part, halting construction of new drive-through windows in theh municipality, as well as gradually shutting down existing in-car service portals over an unspecified period of time. However, the government doesn't think that they'll be able to shutter the existing windows, although they apparently agree with most of the group's 10-point plan for the destruction of convenience and improvement of Hamilton's air quality. – Davey G. Johnson

City urged to curb drive-through windows, idling cars [Dundas Star-News]