Auto Moving News

Automotive museum at Los Angeles

2010-01-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

The Petersen Automotive Museum was started On June 11, 1994, by Margie and Robert E. Petersen .contributing $5 million to the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. In April 2000, the Petersens made an additional payment $24.8 million dollars to the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum to withdraw the bond debt and establish the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation as a self-governing nonprofit organization. Now, the Petersen Automotive Museum is treated as the nation's prestigious automotive museum.

Petersen Automotive Museum has four floors; where the first floor exhibits the history of the automobile. Visitors are not only invited to walk through the exhibits but to experience settings of the early hours Los Angeles where the world's first shopping district was intended. The second floor presents classic cars, vintage motorcycles, five rotating galleries with state-of-the-art displays of racecars, concept cars, celebrity and movie cars, and auto design and technology.

The Family Discovery Center is situated on the third floor. Designed to kindle interest in science by way of explaining the working of automobile, the 6,500 square-foot, interactive hands-on learning center teaches children fundamental scientific principles by explaining the fundamental functions of a automobile. The fourth floor comprises of an impressive all glass penthouse conference centers, Founder's Lounge and kitchen, which is available for special events and functions.

Innovations in transport engineering

2010-01-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

One of the most important key factors for the survival for any medium to large sized automobile industry is innovation. The research and development efforts of the automotive industry are primarily focused on technologies that will make the automobile as environmental friendly, as reasonable, and as secure as possible. Invention of such technologies is the goal of the vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers. Many innovations introduced in cars and trucks have come from merchant companies, including, electronic fuel injection electronic stability control anti-lock braking systems (ABS), auto-dimming mirrors and a host of others.

While the vehicle manufacturers initiate the research and development work, they require their parts suppliers also to develop and refine many of the technologies and devices necessary to make the new systems feasible. The results of new innovations include sophisticated batteries capable of long range on the road without frequent recharging, bio fuels for both gasoline and diesel engines, economical catalysts for fuel cells.

Fuel cell is the next big revolution in the automobile industry. Research into the development of viable fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is intended for producing economical fuel cells, improving their efficiency, and creating effective ways to produce and store hydrogen and other fuels. U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), Department of Energy (DOE) and CaFCP, the California Fuel Cell Partnership formed; are intended to encourage private companies and government agencies to work together for FCVs commercialization.

NAIAS trend setter in automobile industry

2010-01-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

The 2010 North American International Auto Show(NAIAS) which was started on January 11th is the place where the worldwide automotive community will once again meet together to know about the latest innovations and products in automobile industry. This auto show will wind up on January 24th 2010. Besides several new vehicle debuts, in national and international level, the 2010 NAIAS will also consists of some of the world's most eagerly awaited automotive news and products.

The North American International Auto Show has declared the introduction of Electric Avenue, a 37,000-square foot facet on the main floor of the 2010 show that will showcase electric vehicles and technology of both conventional automakers and pioneering entrepreneurs. The display area will exhibit nearly 20 vehicles as well as symposiums and other special proceedings on the nearby NAIAS stage.

One of the most fascinating debuts in the 2010 North American International Auto Show is Lexus's LFA supercar of worth $350,000. It is named as the two seat supercar by Lexus; the vehicle holds the top position in Lexus's F portfolio, a lineup of high end sports performance vehicles. LFA's public sale will start in early 2011, and only 20 hand built cars will be produced each month and a maximum quantity of 500 can be produced. Production starts in December at Toyota's Motomachi manufacturing plant in Japan, and customers can customize their cars with various colors and wheel designs along with other options.

On the road, the LFA will be able to speed up from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds with a peak speed of 202 mph, appreciation to its 10 cylinder, 552 horsepower engine. The car is made up of strong yet lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer, which makes it comparatively lighter than aluminum design.

Volkswagen increases sales and market share

2010-01-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen, Europe's biggest car maker, has reported record results for 2009 despite a difficult year for the automobile industry, as it pursues Japanese rival Toyota for the title of world number one.

Volkswagen said it sold 6.29 million vehicles, an increase of 1.1 percent from the 2008 figure, and won 11.4 percent of the global market, up from 10.3 percent a year earlier.

The global car market shrank by more than 6 percent, the group said in a statement. It added that 2010 market share have to be even stronger, as it works to overtake Toyota by 2018 as the biggest car maker all over the world. Toyota has not yet posted results for 2009.

Volkswagen vice president Mr. Christian Klingler was quoted as warning, however, that 2010 would be 'another challenging year', with no signs of a sustained recovery. However he said China as well as Brazil would show an upward trend.

Amongst the German group's 10 brands, the Volkswagen nameplate reported a 7.8 percent increase to 3.95 million vehicles last year, while its high-end unit Audi posted a drop of 5.4 percent to 949,700. Volkswagen benefited from car scrapping premiums worldwide in 2009, as buyers focused on smaller, less expensive cars to make the most of state-subsidized windfalls.

In China, now Volkswagen's biggest market, sales soared by 36.7 percent to 1.4 million units.

Global survey on alternative fuels

2010-01-10T21:25:00.001-08:00

Automotive manufacturing senior managers have recognized discovery of alternative fuel resources as the important trend in front of the automobile industry and the industry is also focused on manufacturing low-priced cars and hybrid vehicles to meet up with consumer demands, this is according to a yearly global survey by KPMG.

The results of this automobile survey is based on three criteria they are, Fuel efficiency was ranked as the first, while environmental friendliness was second followed by safety innovation in third. The rating of most important alternative fuels in the automobile industry in future is as follows,

1. Hybrid systems
2. Battery electric power
3. Fuel cell electric power
4. biodiesel

A car's design and model is least bothered by the consumers as per this survey.
“Automobile producers are in the difficult situation of being asked to contend on both knowledge and rate. With worldwide customers still in the effect of recession, those OEMs who can manage with both technology and cost will be driving the automobile industry" Gary Silberg, national automotive industry leader for KPMG, said in his statement.

US Advanced Battery Consortium's new R&D venture

2010-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC), an association whose associates are General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Group LLC. This organization is looking for tender information (RFPIs) for four plans associated with sophisticated battery development for advanced combination of electric vehicles.

USABC's four projects for development are:

1. Development of sophisticated batteries with high efficiency for electric vehicle (EV) purpose;
2. Development of sophisticated energy storage structures for high-power, lower energy, energy storage system (LEESS) for power assist hybrid electric vehicle (PAHEV) applications;
3. Development of sophisticated batteries with high efficiency for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications;
4. An expertise evaluation of planned sophisticated battery technologies for EV applications.

The RFPIs for sophisticated battery advancement are meant for developers with electrochemical energy storage expertise that are competent of meeting the USABC long term requirement for electric motor vehicle applications. The RFPI for the Development of Advanced High Performance Batteries for electric motor vehicle applications. The new Applications look for high energy to power ratio batteries, which use a carbon based substance as the negative electrode active substance.

The major technological confronts, which should be tackled to progress market penetration of energy storage structures are power density discharge rate, energy storage, life expectancy complexity and cost effectiveness.

Go green hybrid taxi launched in Seoul

2010-01-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

The Seoul Metropolitan Government initiated the test run of hybrid taxis from December 3, to renovate existing gas taxis into eco friendly ones which will facilitate the improvement of air quality of the city. To launch this taxi, the city government has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Environment of Korea on introduction of hybrid taxis.

Korea LPG Association, Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association and Hyundai Kia Motors have approved that upgrading the air quality and sinking the emission of greenhouse gases in the city are burning problems. For this reason, these associations have agreed to support the distribution of hybrid taxis. The Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association will choose participating taxi companies. Hyundai Kia Motors as an automobile manufacturer will observe and develop new technologies and ensures durability of components. Korea LPG Association will offer fuel for the taxis, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Environment will take care of overall administration of the project.

Eco friendly taxis use LP gas as fuel and adopted liquefied petroleum direct injection engine to boost 1,600cc engine power. The taxi also has a set up of 15kw electric motor as supplementary power unit to produce electricity for charging the battery. The hybrid taxi also shut down the engine when the car is not running to reduce fuel consumption. The vehicle is expected to be particularly effective for the taxi fleet as taxis spend most of the time waiting with their engine on.

Hybrid taxi is extremely eco friendly as one hybrid taxi is likely to lessen more than six tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Source: http://automotive.einnews.com/article.php?nid=24563

Positive sign in U.S automobile industry

2009-12-30T22:52:00.000-08:00

North America's worn out automobile industry is in the middle of an improvement and its gaining thrust. D.J Power and Associates, a leading industry analysis firm, declared that compared to the same period in the previous year the automobile sales are likely to secure 2009 up about 10 per cent from 2008. That's on pinnacle of December sales that are likely to be up about 7 per cent from the same phase a year back.

The marketplace is enduring to recover, with the comparative potency of December trades supporting a year end gathering. The December trading rate is trailing at 11.2 million units, nearly one million units high compared to one year back which sets up 2010 for extra revitalization. This sign of recovery comes at the end of what the company called the most awful economic situation since the immense Depression, a year that saw business leaders make an embarrassing trip through bankruptcy after being successfully taken over by the American administration.

The U.S supported authority's encouraging evaluation is similar to a report earlier this month by Scotia bank economist Carlos Gomes that saw better trade in North America and also all over the world. Canadian sales have recorded a second successive double digit year increase compared to the same period in the previous year this is the best performance since near the beginning of 2008.

During this year, North America's automobile industry worked at just below 60 per cent of their ability which means extensive periods of unemployment and small shifts for workers. A mass of data and market analyst forecasts shore up in general optimistic outlook of the industry. The upturn is being determined by numerous factors, including enhanced labor markets and profits, steady new automobile prices in Canada and the United States.

Source: http://www.thespec.com/News/Business/article/696781

U.S. DOT's Short Term Lending Program to motivate small businesses

2009-12-30T01:38:00.000-08:00

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that Carver Federal Savings Bank will become the first to partake New York lender in the U.S. Department of Transportations Short Term Lending Program (STLP).This bank is the major African-American bank in the United States and the only participating lender in New York. The partnership with DOT continues Carver's long history of service to the petite business community.

This program is administered by the USDOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. It is designed to help small and deprived businesses gain right of entry to the financing where they need to contend for transportation-related contracts, such as American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA) projects. Under STLP, the DOT guarantees up to $750,000 in loans with participating banks for small & deprived businesses. The loan guaranty provides a spinning line of acclaim for effort on transportation associated contracts.

"This statement is another instance of the Obama Administration's dedication to helping minority-owned small businesses realize the American revelation and contribute to making our transportation systems even better," said Secretary LaHood.
The part of petite businesses in creating superior quality and stable jobs is vital to the American dream, and we are grateful to the Obama Administration and Secretary LaHood for their recognition of the significance of small businesses in underserved communities." said Carver

The accord between Carver Federal Savings Bank and the Department of Transportation marks a fantastic chance for marginal owned businesses, not just in Brooklyn but across the region. This notice should offer much-needed admission to capital for minority businesses, which will lead to more jobs.

The US DOT's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization was created as part of the Small Business Act (SBA) to ensure that petite and deprived businesses are provided highest feasible chance to participate in the agency's astringent process.

2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced

2009-12-29T01:23:00.000-08:00

Six finalists for the 17th annual North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year were announced Dec. 16 at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit.

The winners will be announced Jan. 11 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada has selected the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Volkswagen Golf/GTI as finalists for North American Car of the Year. Finalists for the North American Truck of the Year are the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, and Subaru Outback.

Vehicles are selected based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, and value for the dollar.

To be eligible, vehicles must be "all-new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally focused on 16 cars and 10 trucks.

Last year's winner of the North American Car of the Year was the Hyundai Genesis and the North American Truck of the Year was the Ford F-150.

2010 North American Car of the Year nominees:

* BMW 335d
* Buick LaCrosse
* Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
* Chevrolet Camaro
* Ford Fusion
* Ford Fusion Hybrid
* Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO
* Honda Insight Kia Soul
* Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3
* Mercedes-Benz E-Class
* Porsche Panamera
* Subaru Legacy
* Suzuki Kizashi
* Toyota Prius
* Volkswagen Golf/GTI/TDI

2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees:

* Acura ZDX
* Audi Q5
* Cadillac SRX
* Chevrolet Equinox
* Ford Transit Connect
* Honda Accord Crosstour
* Land Rover LR4
* Lincoln MKT
* Subaru Outback
* Volvo XC60

Source: http://www.automotive-fleet.com

Bid to cut UK transport emissions

2009-12-21T04:01:00.000-08:00

UK transport emissions could be cut by a quarter by 2020 if the government shifted its policies, a report claims. The Campaign for Better Transport study urges ministers to focus on the biggest possible savings by tackling Lorries, vans, and long distance commuters. It also proposes an extra tax on air passengers, with proceeds redistributed among the entire population. The government says it is moving freight off roads, and helping people make greener local travel choices. The report says that by 2020, the government could achieve emissions cuts of 26% on 2006 figures.

This is broken down as:

* Reductions in passenger travel emissions of 32%
* Freight emissions reduced by up to 19%
* Cars 25% more fuel efficient
* Car traffic reduced by 15%
* Domestic aviation emissions down 30%

However, the report says government attempts to make people who drive children to school feel bad about causing climate change have been misdirected. Using the government's own figures, it shows that the school run accounts for just 4% of the UK's passenger-transport carbon emissions.

For more info: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7742917.stm

GM to discontinue Saab after deal talks collapse

2009-12-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK - General Motors Co. said Friday it will unwind Saab after talks to sell the brand to Dutch carmaker Spyker Cars collapsed.

General Motors said in a news release that issues arise during the sale talks that cannot be resolved.

"Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction cannot be executed in a reasonable time," General Motors Europe President Nick Reilly said in a statement. "In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution."

General Motors was scheduled to provide more details in a conference call with reporters Friday morning. The Detroit automaker said it will go on to honor Saab customer warranties.

General Motors first sought a buyer for Saab in January as part of its restructuring, which included plans to downsize its brands to four from eight. It was previously in talks to sell Saab to a consortium led by the Swedish sports car maker Koenigsegg Group AB, but it turned to Spyker after Koenigsegg withdrew from the talks in November.

Speculation has since been rampant on the future of Saab. Earlier this week, General Motors Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre told reporters he had "a sense it is possible" that the sale to Spyker would go through, but conceded the brand will close by the end of the year if the talks fell apart.

On Monday, China's Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings - originally part of the Koenigsegg consortium - announced it had decided to buy some powertrain technology from Saab. It gave no information about costs or timing of that purchase.

GM to present 6 concept vehicles in Delhi Expo

2009-12-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) US car maker General Motors today said it will display six production and concept vehicles during the Auto Expo here next month, as well putting on display its soon-to-be-launched mini car "Beat". The production and concept vehicles which are to be displayed include the company's hybrid sedan Chevrolet Volt, sports-car Chevrolet Camaro, sports usefulness vehicle (SUV) Captiva Extreme, electric version of its small car Spark, the CNG version of Chevrolet Aveo and its race car WTCC Cruze.

"The Auto Expo in Delhi is the most ideal platform in India to highlight our new product range that will showcase GMs technological advancement and innovation," General Motors (GM) India Vice-President P Balendran said in a declaration. GM India will also display its mini car Beat during the January 5-11 expo.

The company had previous said it will be launching the car in January 2010. "The new addition to the companys product portfolio - Chevrolet Beat - will further combine GM's position in the small car segment," Balendran said.

The company will also display many of its existing models from the Chevrolet stable during the occasion including Cruze, Captiva, Tavera, Optra, Aveo U-VA and Spark, the statement added. GM India is a wholly-owned supplementary of the US-based car major.

Nissan 370Z set to scorch Indian roads

2009-12-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Japanese auto maker Nissan is scheduling to launch its iconic sports car 370Z next month in India as the company looks to expand portfolio in the country. "The new sports car model 370Z will be introduced in India from January and it will be the third in the series of entirely imported cars launched here, after Teana and X-Trail," a company spokesperson said.

Known as the Fairlady Z in Japan, the 370Z is powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7 L DOHC V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control. The whopping 332 bhp delivered from this potent motor is transferred to the rear wheels through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission.

With its standout performance, the car stands out from the crowd with its dramatic performance-oriented exterior and interior. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces include an extended front nose with a canard design at all the corner for better downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler.

A uniquely bolstered driver's seat along with an anti-slip material on the seat cushions hold you in place during spirited driving. Also, fine stitching and quality materials create one of the best-looking interiors ever put into a sports car.

The 370Z go on with the tradition of the original by offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for straight from the factory.

Hudson Motor Car Company

2009-12-14T05:22:00.000-08:00

In 1909, former associates of Ransom Olds - Roy Chapin, Howard Coffin, Frederick Bezner and James Brady - began building a line of cars that became known for their value, performance and solid engineering. However, it wasn't until Joseph Hudson made the largest investment into the new motor-car venture that the car company received its official name; and,

The Hudson Motor Car Company quickly started production, with its first car driven out of a small factory in Detroit on July 3, 1909. The new Hudson Twenty was one of the first low-priced automobiles in the American market, with more than 4,000 cars sold in the first year; and,

Although the last automobile, that carried the Hudson name was produced in 1957, enthusiasts from all over the world still continue to celebrate it with its yearly International HET Club meeting; and,

With an expected number of nearly 1,000 Hudson automobile enthusiasts, the 2009 International HET Club meeting will feature tours of the historical sites and major car museums in the Detroit area;

That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of July 13, 2009, Hudson Motor Car Company Week in Michigan. On the 100th anniversary of the Hudson Motor Car Company and the 50th anniversary of the International HET Club, I offer my best wishes for a successful event.

Rail transit proposal caps year of DOT safety initiatives

2009-12-09T03:35:00.000-08:00

Rail transit is the only mode of transportation within DOT that operates without comprehensive Federal safety regulation, oversight, or enforcement. For the sake of the 14 million Americans who ride rail transit every weekday, we must close that gap.

So today I went to Congress to propose legislation reforming DOT safety oversight of America's rail transit systems.

Traveling by rail transit in the United States remains extraordinarily safe. Yet serious accidents do occur, such as this summer's tragic Washington Metro crash and other recent accidents in Boston and San Francisco.

And, as transit use increases in this nation, passengers need additional action to make rail transit even safer.

Look, we have safety regulations in place for planes, trains, trucks, and automobiles. Yet rail transit riders enjoy none of the stringent standards that protect passengers on airlines and railroads.

And, even though rail transit systems carry far more passengers daily than either airplanes or railroads, DOT is actually prohibited from issuing safety standards and regulations for these systems.

This doesn't make any sense; the nation's rail transit passengers deserve to see it fixed; and this DOT wants to help fix it.

I am pleased to be able to look back on this year and see a host of DOT efforts that show safety really is our number one priority. If you've been reading this blog, then you already know about these initiatives.

Rail transit protection is a critical piece in the safety puzzle. I urge Congress to consider it.

Toyota Announces Fix for Accelerator Pedal Entrapment Problem

2009-11-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that Toyota has identified a vehicle-based remedy to fix a sudden acceleration safety issue involving floor mats trapping accelerator pedals in various Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota announced the recall of these vehicles in early October and said it would soon develop a vehicle-based remedy to reduce the risk of a crash due to accelerator pedal entrapment.

The models involved in the recall are: 2007 to 2010 MY Camry, 2005 to 2010 MY Avalon, 2004 to 2009 MY Prius, 2005-2010 MY Tacoma, 2007-2010 MY Tundra, 2007-2010 MY ES 350, 2006-2010 MY IS 250, and 2006 to 2010 MY IS 350.

NHTSA said Toyota plans to reconfigure the accelerator pedal, and in some cases the shape of the floor surface under the pedal, to address the risk of pedal entrapment due to floor mat interference, particularly with regard to inappropriate or improperly attached floor mats. At the same time, Toyota will develop replacement pedals for these vehicles, which will become available for some models in April 2010. Toyota will provide owners with the new pedal, when it becomes available, even if the vehicle has already received the modified pedal under the recall.

In addition, vehicles with any genuine Toyota or Lexus accessory all-weather floor mats will be provided with newly-designed replacement driver- and front-passenger side all-weather mats.

NHTSA also said that Toyota will, in addition to these announced vehicle-based remedies, install a brake override system on the involved Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models as an "extra measure of confidence." The brake override system would ensure the vehicle would stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are simultaneously applied. NHTSA is particularly pleased that Toyota is taking this additional step.

NHTSA said that Toyota intends to notify vehicle owners on a rolling basis, starting with owners of the ES 350, Camry, and Avalon vehicles. While awaiting Toyota's notification, NHTSA urges owners to remove all removable driver's side floor mats and not replace them until their vehicles have received the remedies being provided by Toyota. Toyota will begin making the necessary fixes to the recalled vehicles beginning early in 2010, perhaps in January. Initially, Toyota dealers will be instructed on how to reshape existing accelerator pedals. Later, replacement accelerator pedals will be available for installation on vehicles not yet remedied or, if the owner so chooses, even to replace the modified pedals.

Sleepy Drivers a Menace on the Road

2009-11-24T03:20:00.000-08:00

One percent of U.S. drivers - 1.9 million people - have had accidents or near-misses over the past year because they were driving while sleepy, a new survey finds.

Also, more than half of drivers surveyed admitted that they''e driven over the last year while feeling drowsy, and 28 percent said they drive while sleepy at least once a month, according to the survey sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation.

"People underestimate how tired they are and think that they can stay awake by sheer force of will," Thomas Balkin, chairman of the National Sleep Foundation, said in a news release about the 2009 Sleep in America poll. "This is a risky misconception. Would there be 1.9 million fatigue-related crashes or near misses if people were good at assessing their own ability to drive when fatigued?" he asked.

"The problem is that although we are pretty good at recognizing when we feel sleepy, we do not recognize the process of actually falling asleep as it is happening," Balkin said. "The process robs us of both self-awareness and awareness of our environment. All it takes is a moment of reduced awareness to cause a crash."

Research has suggested that not sleeping for more than 20 hours can make people as impaired as if they were drunk. Sleepiness slows reaction times, makes people less aware and impairs their judgment, researchers say.

What do the experts suggest? The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you watch out for these warning signs:

1. Difficulty focusing, heavy eyelids and difficulty avoiding daydreams
2. Nodding, forgetting the last few miles you've driven, and repeated yawning
3. Restlessness and irritability

Energy Sustainability in the Transportation Sector

2009-11-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

Efficient energy use is among the more widely acceptable subjects on sustainable development. Energy is the engine of growth; therefore access to energy affects our social, economic and physical development. The recent increase in energy prices has taken its toll on our pockets no matter who we may be, young or old, poor or rich. For some time now we have been anxiously awaiting the increase in gas prices as we watched the prices fluctuate on the world market.

There is now much speculation on how much these new prices will affect us. Given the inevitable, perhaps a better question would be what can be done to lessen the impact of the increased prices. In 2001, the Government of Saint Lucia approved a national Sustainable Energy Plan. The plan is a strategy to guide the development and growth of the local energy sector paying, special attention to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The transportation sector has expanded considerably in the last decade. Experiences in other countries like Europe and the USA have shown that while there is a budding trend towards energy management in the transport sector that has been a very difficult area to manage largely because we are dealing with personal attitudes and behaviors. We in Saint Lucia have no control over the prices on the world market but we can control the amount of fuel we use.

We can become more energy conscious and practice energy conservation and energy efficiency whenever possible. Major steps would be to improve the road networks in Saint Lucia and to provide a higher standard of public transportation. These changes would achieve significant success in reducing fuel consumption but they more than likely require considerable investment and decisions at the policy level.

However as an individual there are some personal choices we can make. These choices will not only improve our financial and social circumstances but will also contribute to a healthy environment. These include simple decisions like carpooling, biking, walking short distances, using public transport, and bundling errands so that fewer trips are made. These can go a long way in reducing our expenditure on fuel and helping us adjust to the increased prices. But below are few other suggestions for saving on energy.

Buy Smart.Consider the energy efficiency when buying a vehicle. The initial cost of an energy efficient car may be high but the operational cost will be lower, hence over time the total cost of the energy efficient vehicle will be less. In addition a vehicle that gets 30 mpg will generally emit about 3.75 tons less CO2 per year than a 15-mpg.

Drive Smart. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, because higher speeds demand more fuel to overcome wind resistance. It is also prudent to turn off the engine while parked for more than a minute. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines. When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

Maintain your car. Regular tune-ups can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, which reduces a cars CO2 output and can save on every gallon. That is of course dependent on the kind of repair and how well it is done. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Your car's air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.
Keep the pressure on. Check tyre inflation regularly, at least once a month.

It is estimated that a tyre that is under inflated by only 2 pounds per square inch can cause a 1 percent increase in fuel consumption and corresponding CO2 emissions. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. In addition, properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

Wise energy use in the transportation sector will not only save you money but will help ensure a clean environment. Live wiser be an energy miser.

New Study Concludes Driver Behavior Causes Most Truck Crashes

2009-11-12T01:04:00.000-08:00

New Study Concludes Driver Behavior Causes Most Truck Crashes (WASHINGTON) - Drivers of large trucks and other vehicles involved in truck crashes are 10 times more likely to be the cause of the crash than other factors, such as weather, road conditions and vehicle performance, according to a new study released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The Large Truck Crash Causation Study was commissioned by FMCSA to review the causes of, and contributing factors to, crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. While previous data focused on specific crashes and/or individual causes of crashes, this study was the first nation-wide examination of all pre-crash factors.

"This study makes it clear that we need to spend more time addressing driver behavior, as well as making sure trucks and buses are fit for the road," FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg said. "The multitude of data now available will allow us to analyze specific areas of behavior and work with our industry and safety partners to develop an agenda on driver safety that will improve commercial motor vehicle driver performance."

FMCSA will conduct analysis to further examine driver factors such as use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, speeding, fatigue, inattention, distractions, work environment, and unfamiliarity with the road.

he study, conducted with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, investigated a national sample of fatal and injury crashes between April 2001 and December 2003 at 24 sites in 17 states. Each crash involved at least one large truck and resulted in at least one fatality or injury. The total sample of 967 crashes included 1,127 large trucks, 959 non-truck motor vehicles, 251 fatalities and 1,408 injuries. Action or inaction by the driver of either the truck or other vehicle was the critical reason for 88 percent of the crashes.

The data offers unprecedented detail about the events surrounding truck crashes that are not available anywhere else. The study database eventually will be available to the public to encourage further analysis and increase the knowledge about large truck crash factors.

Tips to get better gas mileage

2009-11-03T02:59:00.000-08:00

You can greatly improve your mileage by having your car serviced regularly and by driving wisely. Any of these eight points can help improve your mileage:

1. Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts by accelerating gradually whenever possible. Also, anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.

2. Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine. Limit car warmups in winter.

3. Avoid carrying unneeded items in the trunk. Extra weight decreases gas mileage. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks.

4. Avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.

5. your air conditioning only when necessary. Roll down the windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on not-so-hot days.

6. Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to make use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy. Your owner's manual will give you further information.

7. Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Periodic wheel alignments and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can improve your gas mileage.

8. Get regular engine tuneups and car maintenance checks. Tuneups improve performance as well as gas mileage. Check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance schedules. By following the manufacturer's recommendations

you should avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or the transmission not going into high gear.

Tips to keep in mind before buying a used car

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1. Before you go to the first dealer, try to arrange financing with your bank, credit union, or other financial institution. Compare finance charges to find the best deal.

2. Know beforehand what the total cost will be, including price, down payments, the interest rate and monthly payments.

3. When you are ready to actually go look at cars, take someone with you whose experience and judgment you trust.

4. Do not sign any documents until you have read and understand them. Make sure there are no blank spaces, all of the salesperson's verbal promises are included, and the type of warranty that comes with the car is spelled out.

5. If you are required to make a deposit, ask whether it is refundable and under what circumstances, and make sure the information is also included in the contract (the contract may be your only receipt).

6. Before buying a used car, have your own technician inspect it. A used car may have major mechanical or structural problems; replacement parts may be hard to find; the seller may misrepresent the car's mileage or condition; and warranty coverage may not be available.

7. The "three-day cooling off period" for canceling a contract does NOT apply to new or used car purchases. Many consumers think that it does apply, but it does not. As of July 1, 2006 the "Car Buyers Bill of Rights" offers the "option" of a cooling off period of 2 days for a fee.

8. For used cars, a dealer is required to make sure the car is in safe working order before it leaves the lot. This means the car must have brakes, lights, etc.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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Electric vehicles are propelled by an electric motor (or motors) powered by rechargeable battery packs. Electric motors have several advantages over internal combustion engines (ICEs):

* Energy efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels-internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20% of the energy stored in gasoline.

* Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.

* Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.

* Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.

EVs face significant battery-related challenges:

* Driving range. Most EVs can only go about 100-200 miles before recharging-gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before refueling.

* Recharge time. Fully recharging the battery pack can take 4 to 8 hours. Even a "quick charge" to 80% capacity can take 30 min.

* Battery cost: The large battery packs are expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times.

* Bulk & weight: Battery packs are heavy and take up considerable vehicle space.

However, researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight, and cost. These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs.

2011 Electric Super car

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Not since Tesla electrified the auto mover world with its lean green super cars has an all-electric vehicle gotten pulses pounding this rapidly. Germany-based auto manufacturer E-Wolf newly unveiled images and specs of their new e2, a 537 horsepower plug-in sports car that boasts slick Italian styling and a 0-60 speed of under 4 seconds.

Even though super cars tend to be ridiculously fast and absurdly expensive, the trend towards high performance plug-ins proves that electric vehicles can more than keep up with their gas guzzling counterparts.

Upping the ante in this field, E-Wolf's e2 will be propelled by four in-wheel 134 horsepower electric motors that create a total of 536 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive gives the vehicle plenty of grips to stay on the road, which is handy when cruising at the vehicle's top speed of 155 mph. E-Wolf claims that the vehicle will have a 187-mile range on a full battery and will be able of charging completely in 30 minutes thanks to an innovative flat cell Li-Tec battery.

Source: Automover

Bad news from the shipping industry

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The Asia-U.S. route is the world's major shipping route, and it's becoming pricier by the minute. As shipping appearance negotiated contracts in April, observers expected sharp increases. Members of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement, or TSA, a 13-line consortium, were advised to increase rates by $285 per 40-foot container. The TSA estimate volume between Asia and the U.S. will rise more than 10% this year, and that's on top of 2004's 14.4% rise.

With U.S. ports blocked, Canada is moving to make Vancouver the top entry point for Asian goods into North America. To that end, the Canadian Pacific Railway plans to expand its tracks in western Canada by 12%, to accommodate an extra 400 freight cars a day.

In the meantime, back in the States, truckers' workday hours are a source of tension. Rep. John Boozman (R-Ark.), whose district is home to Wal-Mart, just tried to legislate 16-hour days for truckers (with an unpaid two-hour break), up from 14 hours with a three-hour break. Public protection groups and unions scuttled the plan, but Boozman vows to fight on.