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They are going to export OUR natural gas

herm — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:36:12 GMT

Edward Mcallister - REUTERS - May 15, 2012

Pres. Obama refuses to do anything about it. You can bet the greedy corporations dont care about higher fuel costs for Americans, and they probably will get tax benefits to do it. --Ed.

Two North American liquefied natural gas export plants were announced on Tuesday, joining a lengthening list of projects aimed at shipping surplus gas overseas.

Excelerate Energy, the U.S. liquefied natural gas company founded by Oklahoma billionaire George Kaiser, plans to develop the country's first floating LNG export plant off the Gulf Coast, while energy major Royal Dutch Shell has partnered with Asian buyers to build a plant in western Canada.

The two projects add to 10 others announced in North America over the last few years as a huge supply surge from shale deposits floods the market and pushes prices far below levels in Europe and Asia.

The export of LNG, which is natural gas cooled to a liquid for shipping, marks a stark turnaround for North American energy companies, which 10 years ago were scrambling to build import terminals before shale gas production unlocked potentially decades of supplies.

It has sparked a political debate in the United States about exporting cheap resources that could be used domestically. The Obama administration said on Monday that it does not oppose U.S. LNG exports, though it will depend on an official analysis to guide its decision on whether to allow more gas projects to proceed.

But Canada, whose vast gas reserves are stranded without demand from the amply-supplied United States, is racing to find needy buyers in Asia willing to pay dearly for the fuel. LNG prices in Asia are at four-year highs of about $18 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), while U.S. benchmark prices languish around $2.50 mmBtu, weighed down by oversupply.... [Read More]

As European Car Sales Slide, the Industry Gets Desperate

ALS — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:33 GMT

The car sector cannot solve its Europe problem, and that will swamp sales and earnings for a long time to come.

Douglas A. Mcintyre - 247WALLST - May 16, 2012

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) announced that April sales of cars and light trucks in the region were �6.9% less than in the same month of 2011.� That means only 1,017,912 new passenger cars were registered in the European Union during the month.

As might be expected, based on the great disparity of GDP growth or contraction, sales in Germany rose 2.9%, while sales in Spain and Greece fell 21.7% and 18.0%, respectively. Regardless of how the numbers break out by nation, the market in the area is in such deep trouble that regional manufacturing results have been crushed and will continue to be. EU results for multinational car companies are and will be poor enough to offset most success in the United States or China. The car sector cannot solve its Europe problem, and that will swamp sales and earnings for a long time to come. All that remains to figure is what each manufacturer will do to try to offset the problem.... [Read More]

Facebook�s Zuckerberg's Perfectly Legal Scheme to Avoid Taxes

xcel — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:28:57 GMT

Can I get paid via stock options too? Nope.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 15, 2012

Facebook - A �No Tax� deal for all concerned. Those concerns behind Facebook anyway?

In an article posted at Thinkprogress - Facebook Unfriends Uncle Sam: Mark Zuckerberg�s Plan to Avoid Taxes, apparently some in Congress are cheering his and co-founder of Facebook Edward Saverin�s plan on?

With the way the �IPO� is being structured, both CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook itself will lower their tax bills to �$0.00� for years to come and in fact, generate up to $500 Million of our taxes paid in refunds back to Facebook. Wow!!!

In a NY Times Op-Ed piece written by Tax Attorney David S. Miller, Zuckerberg may then never pay a dime of taxes on the rest of his Facebook wealth.

Quote:

�But how much income tax will Mr. Zuckerberg pay on the rest of his stock that he won�t immediately sell? He need not pay any. Instead, he can simply use his stock as collateral to borrow against his tremendous wealth and avoid all tax.

If Mr. Zuckerberg never sells his shares, he can avoid all income tax and then, on his death, pass on his shares to his heirs. When they sell them, they will be taxed only on any appreciation in value since his death.

Larry Ellison of Oracle and the late Steve Jobs of Apple has benefitted greatly from some of the ultra wealthy�s completely legal tax avoidance practices. Read the NY Times Op-Ed as it�s a good one.

The Citizen�s for Tax Justice reported on the Facebook IPO financial structure in February revealing a number of interesting methods in which the company is going to cost you and I dearly.

Facebook's First Public Filing Reveals Its Plan to be a Champion Tax Dodger

Quote:

�Facebook, Inc.�s upcoming initial public stock offering (IPO) paperwork reveals that it plans to wipe out all of the company�s federal and state income tax obligations for 2012 and actually generate a half billion dollar tax refund. As part of the plan, Facebook co-founder and controlling stockholder, Mark Zuckerberg can expect a $2.8 billion after tax cash windfall�

Senator Carl Levin:

Quote:

�Facebook may not pay any corporate income taxes on its profits for a generation. When profitable corporations can use the stock option tax deduction to pay zero corporate income taxes for years on end, average taxpayers are forced to pick up the tax burden. It isn�t right, and we can�t afford it.�

Facebook just like most major corporations in the US use this section of the tax code to avoid paying corporate income taxes and in fact generate refunds and credits to carry forward essentially forever.

Way to go Congress. In an election year when they are asking for donations from those very same corporations and the wealthiest of tax payers, do you think they might change this?

Why would they as the Government is only taking in $0.60 on every $1.00 it is spending and what�s a few more $Trillion each year added onto the almost $16 Trillion we have racked up so far?

Hyundai�s Blue Link Receives Major Upgrade

xcel — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:15:34 GMT

Faster, easier, a new parking meter timer, car finder and vehicle diagnostics are brand new.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 15, 2012

Hyundai's BlueLink is just the beginning.

Every “next” generation automobile offers new technology and in the past 5 + years, that also means more connected.

Enter Hyundai’s Blue Link

Blue Link allows you to connect to your Hyundai automobile and its surrounds through your Smartphone, from within your future Hyundai or via the web. It is an all-new telematics platform that offer s more than 30 unique connectivity features on near future Hyundai models.

Hyundai introduced its latest mobile application for the Hyundai-developed Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various Blue Link features and services through compatible smartphones. Completely redesigned, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version with faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively. A Blackberry version is also in development.

Blue Link� Mobile App Highlights

Completely redesigned interface and navigation
Swipe gestures allow quick access to core features
Remotely access many Blue Link� features found on MyHyundai.com
Manage multiple Blue-Link-enrolled vehicles
Remotely control vehicle functions: Door lock/unlock, horn & lights, lights-only and remote vehicle start (not available on all models)
Search, save and send POIs to vehicles for in-car navigation
Innovative new features: car finder, parking meter/timer and vehicle diagnostics
Remotely manage Blue Link alerts and notifications

Blue Link is Hyundai’s telematics solution combining safety, service and infotainment into a single package.

The refreshed app is only the beginning of a series of enhancements planned around Blue Link.

New User Interface

Navigation elements are designed to reduce the steps needed to access Blue Link features and services by leveraging familiar Smartphone touch commands. A new swipe carousel allows users to quickly access core features without needing to take several steps. Shortcut buttons allow one-touch access to vehicle diagnostics and POIs while the main menu allows one-finger access to all features within the application.

Remote Features

Blue Link Essentials subscribers can access a number of key vehicle functions remotely from the mobile application without the need to be in the proximity of the vehicle. Remote Door Lock or unlock allows for remote control and convenience from virtually anywhere. Remote Horn & Lights allows the subscriber to remotely activate the horn and lights. Remote Lights allows subscriber to remotely activate the vehicle lights only. Remote Vehicle Start, which has been expanded to include more Hyundai models, allows the subscriber to remotely start their vehicle, an especially convenient feature in cold states during winter months. Vehicles equipped with push-button start and automatic or dual-clutch transmissions are supported for Remote Vehicle Start. For added security, all remote access features require the vehicle PIN to be entered prior to the command being sent.

New POI Functionality

The new Blue Link allows the ability to search POIs using the Smartphone’s on-screen keyboard by entering the name, city, state and/or zip. Searches can be done using the Smartphone’s built-in location service or by manually specifying the location. POIs then can be saved to the phone for quick access. Subscribers also have the ability to send the POI directly to their Hyundai vehicle or by email to a friend through the application. POIs sent to the vehicle also may be saved for later use via the POI History function.

Blue Link-equipped vehicles are not required to have a touch-screen navigation system to take advantage of Guidance features! Vehicles not equipped with touch-screen navigation will display navigation information on the standard vehicle audio screen using Blue Link’s Turn-by-Turn feature.

The new mobile app also includes speed dial buttons to contact Roadside Assistance and Blue Link. A new Vehicle Diagnostics screen provides access to critical maintenance information and the ability to view their Monthly Vehicle Report. Essentials subscribers can easily schedule a service appointment with their preferred dealer without making a phone call. Blue Link alerts also can be toggled remotely from within the application.

New Stuff

A new built-in Parking Meter/Timer function allows a countdown for the need to “feed the meter”. Car Finder allows Essentials subscribers to either search for their vehicle if they are within a 1-mile radius of their vehicle or save its location. While you may not have lost a car in a public area ever before, I have and this feature would have come in very handy indeed.

Blue Link annual subscription pricing for its Assurance, Essentials (includes Assurance), and Guidance (includes Assurance and Essentials) packages.

Hyundai Blue Link Pricing Details

Blue Link Package	Complimentary Blue Link Service Period	Complimentary Blue Link with Automatic Renewal *
Assurance	6 months	12 months
Essentials	3 months	6 months
Guidance	3 months	6 months

* New owners may elect for Blue Link automatic renewal within the first 30 days of ownership.

After the complimentary introductory period, customers have three attractive pricing options based on length of service agreement.

Assurance

One-Year - $79
Two-Year - $139
Three-Year - $198

Assurance & Essentials

One-Year - $179
Two-Year - $315
Three-Year - $448

Assurance, Essentials & Guidance

One-Year - $279
Two-Year - $491
Three-Year - $699

Hyundai Blue Link Highlights

Blue Link telematics platform will offer connectivity, convenience and safety services including Agent-assisted advanced voice recognition system provides a new approach to performing in-vehicle POI searches vs. voice-recognition-only systems, or traditional operators.

Blue Link services will be standard on all Blue Link-equipped models for a free trial period of six months for Assurance and three months for both Essentials and Guidance; this free service period will be doubled if the customer signs up for auto renewal.

A variety of features will be available at launch, including unique applications such as “Service Link” that helps drivers schedule service at their Hyundai dealer; an “Eco-Coach” that improves efficient driving; restaurant ratings; and remote door lock/unlock capabilities. Blue Link’s innovative features continue with remote vehicle start (late availability), which allows a driver to start their Hyundai vehicle so it can be warmed up or cooled down before driving; Geo-Fence, which can send a notification if a driver has ventured outside prescribed borders or time constraints; and stolen vehicle slowdown to help police recover a stolen vehicle.

Blue Link Assurance further expands Hyundai’s industry leadership formerly established by Hyundai Assurance, the industry’s most comprehensive suite of new-vehicle protection. Hyundai Assurance already offers a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 5-years complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Blue Link Assurance package

Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance - Provides immediate assistance when an accident occurs and an airbag is deployed. In this event, an ACN signal, containing customer and location information, will automatically be transmitted to the response center. Upon receipt of the signal, a response specialist will attempt to establish voice communications with the vehicle occupants and forward any pertinent information to emergency services.
SOS Emergency Assistance - Customers request emergency 911 assistance by pressing the dedicated SOS button in the vehicle. This action transmits vehicle information and location to specially-trained response specialists, who assist in coordinating the dispatch of appropriate emergency assistance to the customer. The response specialist remains on the line with the customer until advised assistance has arrived.
Enhanced Roadside Assistance - Enables customers to contact Roadside Assistance via a single in-vehicle button-press. Vehicle information (including location) is automatically transmitted to a response center, enabling the specialist to dispatch assistance more quickly and efficiently for vehicle assistance and retrieval.
Monthly Vehicle Report – Provides monthly reporting of vehicle systems status via the Blue Link website and/or via email if desired by owners.

Blue Link Essentials package

Convenience

Quick Tips – Provides quick reference assistance for primary vehicle feature location and function.
Location Sharing - Enables sending vehicle location to select friends and members of social networking sites, including Facebook - directly from the vehicle.
Voice Text Messaging – Enables hands-free text messaging to SMS text recipients, using the innovative Agent-Assisted Voice Recognition system allowing for natural speech messages.
Mobile App – Available for download and access to remote services and account information. It is available for popular devices such as iPhones, Android, and Blackberry devices.
Remote Door Lock/Unlock - Enables locking or unlocking vehicle doors via a toll-free number, owner's website, or mobile phone application.
Remote Horn and Lights - Enables activating the horn and/or lights via a toll-free number, owner's website, or mobile phone application.
Remote Vehicle Start - Enables customers to start the vehicle via owner's website or toll-free number, or mobile phone application. (late availability)
Service Link – Provides convenient link to schedule service at a Hyundai dealer and to send the dealer a recorded message of requested services in advance of the visit.

Vehicle Self Diagnostics

Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification - Provides explanation assistance using vehicle data and off-board diagnosis capabilities to better inform the customer of vehicle trouble alerts. A combination of in-vehicle display alerts and guided voice messages provides customers with additional instructions (information also sent to the customer's preferred dealer to assist with the repair process).
Maintenance Alert - Notifies customers via website, email or SMS message that an upcoming service is due at various thresholds leading up to the event. Configured online, the alerts explain what is included in particular maintenance intervals.
Recall Advisor – Provides all pertinent recall information should a recall be initiated.
Web Vehicle Diagnostics - Provides a report of vehicle diagnostics, eco-coach performance and other important information in a monthly email report and web page update, starting 30 days after registering with the Blue Link service.

Safeguard

Valet Alert – Enables alert via text message or automated phone message if a valet driver takes a customer’s vehicle and moves beyond a prescribed region.
Geo-Fence - Enables monitoring of vehicle movement in and out of pre-defined regions configured on the owner’s website. When the vehicle enters or leaves a designated region, the customer is notified by email, text message or automated phone message.
Speed Alert - Notifies the customer via email, text message or automated phone message when their vehicle exceeds the specified speed threshold established on the owner's website. This feature is often appreciated by parents of teen drivers and fleet customers.
Curfew - Alerts owners if the vehicle is being used outside a pre-determined time interval. Alerts are configured online and sent via text message and/or automated phone message.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery - In the event a customer's vehicle is reported stolen (and a stolen vehicle report has been filed with the appropriate police department), the response center can provide assistance to the police in an attempt to recover the vehicle.
Stolen Vehicle Slowdown - Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to gradually reduce the engine power of the vehicle, thus slowing it down to safe levels. A warning will be transmitted to the driver prior to the slowdown procedure.
Vehicle Immobilization - Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to send a signal to the vehicle which immobilizes the engine management system, thus preventing startup. This capability is only valid when the ignition is off, but the command can be saved by the engine ECU for later immobilization if the vehicle is on or in motion at the time of signal transmission.
Panic Notification - Notifies customers when the panic button on their vehicle key fob has been activated, signifying when a family member or other vehicle occupant may be in danger. Notifications are configured online and occur via email or text message.
Alarm Notification - Notifies customers when and where the vehicle alert is activated via a text message, email or an automated phone call.

Guidance Package

Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service - Provides graphical and audible directions to a downloaded destination in vehicles that do not have on–board navigation systems.
POI Search by Advanced Voice Recognition System - Enables Point-of-Interest searches using an automated voice system. Results can be downloaded to the vehicles for turn-by turn or on-board navigation system. This powerful tool can help you find destinations ranging from very specific street addresses like “1600 Pennsylvania Ave” to general searches like “pharmacy” or “sushi.”
POI Download from Websites – Allows owner-directed download of point-of-interest data from selected websites.
Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition - Enables customers to pre-define several routes to a common destination and receive a regularly-scheduled traffic alert for traffic delays along those routes. Results include flow and incident data, along with "Fastest Route" recommendation.
Traffic Information - Provides traffic information surrounding the customer's vehicle and in the nearby area, based on preferences established using the owner’s website.
Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices - Locates nearby gas stations with the lowest prices. Results are played back via automated voice, and can be downloaded to the vehicle’s navigation system.
Eco-Coach - Tracks the customer's driving performance habits (MPG and CO2 emissions) on a continual and historical basis. Results and environmentally responsible driving recommendations are provided on the owner’s website. Customers can compete in a Blue Link community of drivers.
Restaurant Ratings – Provides a tool to search for local restaurants with the highest ratings. The address can be downloaded for turn-by-turn navigation or onboard navigation.
Weather - Provides weather forecasts and alerts for the immediate area or for customer-defined “favorite” locations within the owner website.

All told, one of the better ones gets even better! Now darn it, where did I place my smartphone as I have a new app to load ;)

iPhone Powered By Viruses? Berkeley Scientists Move Closer

ALS — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:45:55 GMT

The scientists tapped a finger on an electrode coated with the viruses and the viruses then converted the force of the tap into an electric charge.

Joanna Stern - YAHOO - May 14, 2012

Viruses might eventually be able to power the very phone, computer or tablet you're reading this article on. And we're not talking about those digital viruses or infestations - trojans, worms, and whatnot.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Berkeley Lab have found a way to generate power using human viruses. Yes, those viruses inside your body. With a harmless specially engineered M13 virus, the group has been able to power a small display. The viruses can covert mechanical force into electricity.

"In near future, we believe that we can develop personal electric generators. Basically, all of our daily activity related to mechanical movement (or vibration): walking, jogging, typing, etc.," Seung-Wuk Lee, a faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab's Physical Biosciences Division, told ABC News. "For example, by installing our piezoelectric thin films on your shoes, we can convert our walking energy to electric energy. Therefore, with a phone in our pocket connected to our shoes, we can charge our phone."... [Read More]

Ferrari hybrid car? Coming this year, chairman says.

ALS — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:26:40 GMT

Hybrid car sales rising, Ferrari decides to join the crowd with a Ferrari Enzo hybrid car, due out 'at the end of the year,' chairman says.

Nelson Ireson - CSMONITOR - May 14, 2012

Luca di Montezemolo is many things: a snazzy dresser, a political powerhouse in Italy, and, most relevant to us, the chairman of Ferrari. As part of the most recent quarter's financial results (which were quite good) di Montezemolo announced that the new Ferrari Enzo hybrid supercar would arrive by the end of the year.

In di Montezemolo's words, "At the end of the year, we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.".... [Read More]

A �Driving with Load� like Cruise Control for the Big Rigs Is Ready to Roll

xcel — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:17:48 GMT

Predictive Cruise Control � A Smart cruise that saves fuel.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 14, 2012

A Daimler product, an older Freightliner Cascadia climbing the Rockies. If it only had Predictive Cruise Control its owner/operators could have saved thousands of $ per year by reducing their consumption by thousands of gallons of diesel.

Taking the driver out of the equation may be one of the only real things that can be done get the big rigs to reduce their fuel consumption. Now Mercedes-Benz may have a partial solution.

A cruise control (CC) that can "see ahead" is about to go live. Predictive Power Control, now available in the new Mercedes-Benz Actros, reduces fuel consumption by an additional three percent. Because the system is familiar with the topography of the road ahead, it is able to respond in a way that will deliver the most fuel-efficient performance. This new driver assistance system really comes into its own when negotiating up- or downhill gradients. As the first GPS-based cruise control system, Predictive Powertrain Control not only intervenes to control speed and braking, but can now also regulate the transmission. The system thus extends use of the fuel-saving �EcoRoll� or �Glide� function, which is a standard feature on the Actros, and will provide a carefully judged single or double downshift where and when appropriate.

A first stage of development occurred three years ago when Daimler Trucks introduce a GPS speed regulator, without gearshift intervention as an option for its Freightliner trucks in the USA. When it was launched onto the market in 2009 this system, it was the first cruise control system to look ahead. Combining geodetic data with the ability to pinpoint the vehicle's position through the Global Positioning System (GPS) makes "predictive" driving in cruise control mode possible.

The new development from Mercedes-Benz builds on this basis, using its knowledge of the road ahead when driving up or downhill. In doing so, Predictive Powertrain Control turns the classic and inherent disadvantage of a non-regulated cruise control system into clearly measurable advantages: fully laden long-distance haulage trucks such as the new Actros 1845 BlueTec 6 can achieve fuel savings of around three percent in long-distance operations over moderately difficult topography compared with "non-regulated" examples fitted with a classic cruise control system.

Predictive Powertrain Control is representative of a new type of technology that brings together the technology that is already in the vehicle with external data from its surroundings. As a result, the intelligent CC system with transmission intervention delivers a driving performance that could only be matched by an extremely motivated truck driver with an exceptional level of concentration. To put it another way: Predictive Powertrain Control exploits the fuel-saving potential of the new Actros better than the average Joe.

Operating a vehicle with Predictive Powertrain Control is just as easy as you would expect with any Mercedes-Benz truck. In essence, all the driver has to do is to operate the speed regulator. Over and above the parameters that could previously already be set, just one further critical value needs to be defined. Alternatively, the driver can simply rely on the parameters as pre-set at the start of each journey. Over the course of the trip, the most important variables can then be very easily fine-tuned via the menu of the on-board computer.

Ford’s Focus Diesel Honored Yet Again in Europe… Nowhere To Be Found Here However :(

xcel — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:23:58 GMT

The best C-Segment car at the 2012 diesel car awards was none other than the Focus with the mighty 1.6L TDCi.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 14, 2012

2012 Ford Focus � In Europe, Ford�s diesels continue to win awards. In the US, its Direct Injected 2.0L counterpart doesn�t even garner press?

Can it have anything to do with a 66.5 mpgUS combined rating on the NEDC and maybe 53 mpgUS combined on our own EPA for the upcoming Focus ECOnetic vs. the US spec�ed Focus SFE with the 2.0L allowing an eye popping, hold onto your hats folks, blockbusting 33 mpgUS combined rating! Surely it could not have anything to do with that?

Dateline Europe: The all-new European Ford Focus is the best C-Segment diesel car available thanks to its contemporary style and refinement according to Diesel Car magazine at its 2012 awards.

According to the magazine, buyers are particularly attracted to its style and contemporary cabin. The all-new Ford Focus fought off competitors including the Hyundai i30 and Volkswagen Golf.

Quote:

�Still the one to beat among mid-size family cars, the Ford Focus is simply the best in its class.�

Here in the US, lots of $�s are having to be placed on the hood to move it because there is nothing in the propulsion equation to make it stand out :(

The Focus has just surpassed the landmark 1,500,000 sales since its launch in 1998 and continues to dominate the segment overseas. The all-new Focus is recognized for its driver assistance technologies and refined drive, and offers a number of fuel efficient powertrains including the popular 1.6 TDCi which returns 53.6 mpgUS combined on the NEDC or about 43 mpgUS on the EPA.

It only gets better� For the Europeans

The 1.6L turbo diesel engine has been further optimized with a new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge-air cooling and friction-reduction technologies. It will be introduced in the UK market next month as the Focus ECOnetic that would be rated at a stupid high 53 mpgUS or so combined rating here in the US!

Andy Barratt, Ford Britain Sales Director said in a prepared statement the following:

Quote:

"50 percent of Focus� purchased today are diesels and we look forward to welcoming the Focus ECOnetic to the range shortly. This will be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid family car currently available in all of Europe."

I can almost hear the Ford managers in Europe laughing at us because we are so wasteful :ccry:

Describing Handling

xcel — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:58:54 GMT

So what's a lift-off oversteering car with turn-in understeer?

Julian Edgar - AutoSpeed - May 15, 2012

A 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport exiting hard on the throttle - One of the best handling and somewhat affordable -- compared to the exotics -- showroom floor handling super cars available anywhere.

This article was first published in 2008.

Here we cover the definitions of some of the words used to describe car handling and suspension. If you don't know how to describe it, it's a lot harder to get someone to help you fix it.

Understeer is when the cornering car does not turn as sharply as the amount of steering lock indicates it should. In other words, the front of the car is sliding. A car that understeers off the road does so with the front still facing the original direction. Understeer is safer than oversteer (see below) and so all car manufacturers set their cars up to understeer when grip levels are exceeded.

A car with plough understeer has completely stopped responding to steering inputs – turning the wheel further makes no difference to the direction the car is headed. Plough understeer is dangerous because steering control has been lost.

Power understeer means that the understeer increases when more power is applied. This normally applies to front-wheel drive cars. Power understeer can be remedied by reducing power, so transferring weight forwards and also reducing the work the front tires need to do… [Read More]

Car buying in China limited by lotteries, fitness tests

ALS — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:30:47 GMT

Beijing issues 20,000 new plates a month. Would-be car buyers stand a 1-in-32 chance of securing a plate that allows city driving six days a week.

Alisa Priddle - USATODAY - May 14, 2012

Juan Lu and her husband, Jun Gao, can't suppress their new-car grins.

The young Chinese couple have taken delivery of their first car, a Ford Mondeo midsize sedan, from a dealership in western Beijing.

They are part of a burgeoning middle class that wants to trade in their subway tokens for their own wheels to get Lu to work at the hospital and Gao to his government job, and also take them away for a weekend holiday.

Automakers like Ford and Fiat-Chrysler are racing to establish themselves in China to meet this growing demand, while dominant players such as General Motors, Volkswagen and Hyundai invest to maintain their leadership.

Although growth has slowed in the world's largest market, the sheer volume and sales potential mean no one can afford not to compete in China.... [Read More]

Hyundai�s Direct Injection Wins �Yankee Cup Technology Award�

xcel — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:21:56 GMT

From the smallest Accent to the flagship Equss, direct injection is Hyundai�s key enabler to better fuel economy is called �Direct Injection�.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 13, 2012

2012 Hyundai Accent � Just $12,545 to start while allowing a 30/40 mpgUS city/highway rating thanks in part to its very advanced 1.6L GDI.

Late last week, Hyundai was recognized for their industry-leading push and rollout of Direct Injection (DI) technology. The New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) honored Hyundai with what they call the �Yankee Cup Technology Award�. DI simultaneously improves fuel efficiency and lowers emissions and is the key to Hyundai being the most fuel efficient brand in the US.

According to Hyundai, NEMPA�s annual Yankee Cup award is chosen by a panel of MIT professors and NEMPA members during a blind vote. The panel assessed a variety of entries and chose the submission they thought best represented the utilization of advanced technology. To be considered, the technology had to be new and available for purchase for the 2011 model year.

Direct Injection � What Is It And What It Provides

Representing the biggest advancement in fuel injection since port fuel injection replaced the carburetor; Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) places Hyundai at the cutting edge of engine design and management by achieving three seemly incompatible goals:

GDI lowers emissions while increasing power output and improves fuel economy.

We will use the Hyundai Sonata�s 2.4L as an example.

A serious limitation of conventional fuel injection is that as engine revolutions increase, the valve opening and closing times get progressively shorter, thus reducing the time available to inject fuel. GDI avoids this problem altogether by positioning the fuel injector in the most optimal location, directly inside the combustion chamber to offer unparalleled control of the fuel mixture at point of ignition and beyond while improving efficiency in the process.

The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.3:1 compression ratio for increased power AND efficiency.

GDI allows a higher compression ratio to occur due to the greater cooling effect thanks to the atomized air-fuel mixture being injected directly into the hot cylinder after exhaust gas removal thus reducing the propensity for knock. The GDI�s higher than normal 11.3:1 compression ratio delivers an outstanding 200 HP@6300rpm and 186 lb-ft.@4250rpm without turbo or supercharging. The 11.3:1 compression ratio also improves thermodynamic efficiency which in turns improves fuel economy.

The Process

The injection is split into two phases to achieve optimum combustion:

During the first phase, the pilot injection and ignition trigger via spark plug initiate the piston's downward power stroke. During the main injection phase while the piston is still descending during this same power stroke, more fuel is injected and ignited. This split-injection technique reduces loading on the catalytic converter and helps lower emissions. This is particularly beneficial during cold starts when emissions are highest because the catalyst has not reached its optimal operating temperature. Split-injection enables the catalytic converter to reach the optimal operating temperature faster thus reducing emissions by up to 25 percent during cold starts.

GDI�s other benefits include improved dynamic performance and better gas mileage. Compared to a conventional engine of the same displacement, GDI delivers 7 percent more torque at low revolutions and 12 percent more torque at the high-end for better take-off and overtaking performance. And perhaps best of all, a vehicle equipped with a GDI engine will get about 10 percent better fuel economy than a vehicle equipped with a conventional multi-point fuel injected engine.

DI availability within the Hyundai Lineup

Previously a premium/luxury feature, Hyundai�s DI technology is available on seven models including the all-new 2013 Veloster Turbo, 2012 Veloster, 2013 Genesis Coupe (3.8L V6), 2012 Equus, 2012 Genesis 5.0 R-Spec, 2012 Genesis (3.8L V6), 2012 Azera, 2012 Sonata, 2012 Sonata 2.0T and 2012 Accent. The Accent and Sonata were also the first vehicles in their segment to adopt DI technology as standard equipment in a naturally aspirated powertrain.

In a slight, Hyundai mentioned that DI is a technology still not found on any vehicles in Toyota or Honda�s lineup. And it is not for some odd reason? :rolleyes:

What happens when oil becomes unaffordable?

Chuck — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:03:42 GMT

...even China and India, the global economy�s principal engines of growth, can�t escape the toll exacted by high energy prices.

Jeff Rubin - THEGLOBEANDMAIL - May 2, 2012

"Oh, it will NEVER happen - we just have to be allowed to drill it and there's plenty." --Ed.

When the first OPEC oil shock hit in the 1970s, President Nixon responded by lowering the national speed limit to 55 miles per hour in a bid to conserve energy. But speed limits aren�t the only thing that can change when oil prices go up. Right now, we�re seeing that rising crude prices can influence much more than just how fast you can drive your car. High oil prices change the speed at which your economy can grow.

Just as people require food, economies require energy. The relationship is straightforward: economic growth is a function of energy consumption. With national economies around the world once again forced to pay more than $100 (U.S.) for every barrel of oil consumed, a critical question must be asked -- what happens when the world�s most important source of energy becomes unaffordable?... [Read More]

How cars are really killing us

Chuck — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:51:01 GMT

It's not failure to be green - it's failure to be lean. Long commutes contribute to obesity and high blood pressure.

Paul Taylor - THEGLOBEANDMAIL - May 10, 2012

We need more walkable communities and options to walk and bike. --Ed.

Our love affair with the automobile often leads to a broken heart � quite literally.

Two studies published this week drive home the message that an overreliance on the car can contribute to the development of heart disease.

One study found that long car commutes to and from work are associated with a decrease in overall fitness.... [Read More]

Car rental by the minute gaining traction in Europe

atlaw4u — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:13:42 GMT

Daimler AG installed the largest fleet of its Car2go short-term rental cars in Berlin last month, overwhelming BMW AG's DriveNow offerings two-to-one

Chris Reiter - DETROITNEWS - May 13, 2012

Daimler AG is flooding Berlin with Smart cars to claim a greater share of Europe's burgeoning rent-by-the-minute urban auto market.

The maker of Mercedes-Benz cars installed the largest fleet of its Car2go short-term rental service in the German capital last month, overwhelming Bayerische Motoren Werke AG's DriveNow offerings two-to-one. The pursuit of Berlin drivers is part of a broader effort to win over urban consumers and boost sales from services as the allure of car ownership in cities wanes.

"It's natural that competition shows up," said Robert Henrich, Car2go's chief. "It shows that we have the right business idea. Our intention is clearly to remain the leader."

Daimler and BMW are ramping up city-based services that allow drivers to rent by the minute, tapping a growing customer base. Car-sharing membership in Europe is projected to surge to about 15 million people by 2020 from 700,000 at the end of last year, according to consulting group Frost & Sullivan. There were 13.6 million cars sold in the region last year.

For Daimler the Car2go service, which like DriveNow costs 29 cents a minute in Berlin, is part of a strategy to retake the luxury-car lead from BMW by the end of the decade. Achieving the goal rests on its success in expanding its appeal, especially with younger drivers... [Read More]

Over 15 Million Truck Transport Miles Avoided Thanks To New Logistics Program

xcel — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:05:40 GMT

The ‘Network Integrator’ logistics concept offers one distribution platform for multiple automotive manufacturers aimed at reducing unnecessary or underutilized transport by optimizing the supply chain.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 13, 2012

A lot less of this = lot more of this: $. And for all the right reasons.

In a Ford corporate release, Ford and Penske were recently honored by the European Logistics Association (ELA) with this year’s European Award for Logistics Excellence 2012 award for the innovative Network Integrator concept developed by the two companies.

The winning case study submission is a joint project of Ford’s European Customer Service Division (FCSD) and Penske Logistics to optimize spare-parts supply chain enabling collaboration for multiple car brands across Europe.

The award ceremony took place in Kiev, Ukraine last Thursday.

The Network Integrator has been a success story on spare-parts logistics optimization for many years. It’s application has led to savings in transportation of more than 15 million truck miles based on an assumption of 750,000 truck shipments annually, with further potential in the years ahead.

The team behind the concept consists of Ford and Penske logistics experts. Together, they have designed flexible logistics solutions for both the inbound and outbound shipments by integrating the supply chains of participating brands to create a collaborative logistics network.

The jurors: “Simply excellent”

“Simply excellent,” were the words the jury used to describe the project.

Quote:

“Redesigning a spare parts supply chain is not an easy task, but combining this with the acquisition of other brands to be included in the logistics network in Europe is a true challenge. This supply chain is particularly complex, due to the high number of unique items to be managed, the heterogeneity of those items, and the extremely short lead times that dealers require. The industry-wide cooperation makes the Network Integrator a state of the art example. This excellent concept produces excellent results in cost reduction, increased customer service and advantages for the planet through deep collaboration. On top of that it delivers several exemplary models for the future.”

The Network Integrator

Spare parts logistics has become more challenging for the automotive industry due to the increasing number of spare parts as a consequence of increased vehicle complexity.

Ford collaborated with Penske Logistics and co-developed the Network Integrator concept into a best-in-industry model in collaboration.

Raymond Damerow, Director Parts Supply and Logistics, Ford European Customer Sales Division:

Quote:

“The Network Integrator concept is part of Ford’s holistic efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of our products along their entire life-cycle, including the supply chain.”

The Network Integrator model has evolved into a solid solution that is delivering results and that has exceeded expectations for some time now. It also proves smart solutions can contribute to a greener supply chain at lower costs while maintaining high services level.

All New 2013 Corolla Released in Japan

xcel — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:59:18 GMT

11th Generation of one of the world’s best selling cars should arrive in North America later this summer or fall.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 12, 2012

2013 Toyota Corolla “Axio” – Pricing details were not disclosed.

The tenth-generation Corolla was introduced in 2008 as a 2009, 40 years after the first Corolla arrived in the United States and while little was changed from the previous generation, the refresh helped maintain America’s Love for the reliable compact. In late 2011, the best selling compact in America at the time arrived with a refresh including new front and rear exterior styling, new interior changes, Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan, standard Smart Stop Technology, and new colors.

And like all North American Toyota’s available today, it included Toyota’s much vaunted Star Safety System which included Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and a standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

That was then, this is now

On Friday, Toyota launched an all-new 11th generation Corolla in Japan and while few chances were taken, why should they need to. As a perennial North American compact sales leader, it only needed minor modernizations and that is apparently exactly what Toyota has provided.

Since its debut in 1966, the Corolla has been designed to be dependable, affordable and practical. According to Toyota, the Corolla has now exceeded 39 million in sales globally and it now ranked as the world's best-selling vehicle.

The redesign of the Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder sought a return to the Corolla's origins. Both vehicles were completely revamped to minimize body size while maintaining the ability to safely and comfortably transport four adults over long distances.

Charting the Changes

Already a compact car with a reasonable abundance of interior volume, Toyota reduced the length of the Corolla Axio by almost 2” while providing an additional 1.6” of leg room somehow?

The Corolla’s turning diameter has been reduced by 1.4 ft. to 32.1 ft. which of course makes it more maneuverable in tight spaces.

Various structural and design improvements including a new more rounded to the sides front windscreen, rear-shifted and narrowed front A-pillars, and door-mounted side mirrors providing a broader field of vision.

Exterior Design

The Corolla did not receive much. In an era where Elantra’s Focus’ and the next generation Sentra are taking chances and its paying off with ever increased sales, the Corolla arrives little changed. That in and of itself is taking a risk.

Interior Design

The center console features switches at naturally-accessible locations and angles, the instrument gauges have highly readable figures and symbols, and the tall, L-shaped door handles are easy to grasp, creating a functional interior that places items in occupants' natural line of vision.

Storage spaces are said to be easily accessible but unfortunately I do nto have a media pic of the interior at this time.

Deck boards and package tray trim are made from natural kenaf, reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint.

Japanese Colors

The Corolla is available in seven body colors including the new Mellow Silver Metallic.

Interior color options for the Corolla feature a choice between beige or a modern gray. The wagon sports all black.

Japanese get 1.3s, 1.5s and 1.8s. We will probably only receive 1.8s

The Corolla is powered by a new, highly efficient 1.3L 1NR-FE engine with dual VVT-I and on the way out there JC08 offers up an unheard of 48.4 mpgUS rating.

An improved 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine provides higher fuel economy thanks to reduced friction and an all new CVT-I which Toyota says substantially improves power while minimizing shift shock. Together the pair provide a 47 mpgUS rating on the JC08 or possibly 28 mpgUS combined on our own 08 EPA?

A Stop/Start System is available with the 1.5L CVT-i models that improves fuel efficiency by just under 2 mpgUS on the truly mythical JC08 test cycle.

An improved 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine features an enhanced valvematic function that reduces pumping losses and engine-part friction to substantially improve fuel efficiency to 39 mpgUS on the JC08.

A new CVT Sports Mode is available on 1.8L improves responsiveness during acceleration. In addition, a new G AI-Shift uses vehicle G-sensors to detect deceleration and turning force, enabling the AI to automatically downshift when entering a corner and to limit unnecessary up shifting when cornering.

New Amenities

The driver's seat features seat ventilation and heaters (standard on the 1.5L Luxel trim), enabling cool air flow from the seat and back on warm days, and heating for the driver's shoulders, back and legs on cold days.

Also standard on the 1.5L Luxel is a new feature that enables automatic mirror stowage and deployment in tandem with door locking and unlocking, thereby eliminating the need for switch operation when entering or exiting the vehicle. Asia is a hot bed for mirror folding and we may even see a Corolla with it here someday as the Kia Rio already has it available on upper level trims.

In addition, a new reverse-link function gives the driver the ability to see objects such as parking space lines by automatically angling the mirrors towards the rear tires when the vehicle is in reverse. I have this in the MDX and personally I think it kind of sucks as you lose your dept when the mirrors angle downward.

A/C arrives with a new nano-ionizer and a new climate function that eliminates pollen from the passenger space with the touch of a button is also standard. I believe this feature is already in the v and all-new Lexus GS as well.

An interior light cut-off system is standard on all models to turn off interior lights if they are left on for 20 minutes after parking.

Safety

While the current US based 2012 Corolla earned an IIHS top Safety Pick, it scored just 4 stars on the tougher NHTSA crash test rating system falling behind the class leading Cruze and Elantra.

For 2013, the redesigned Corollas feature an omni-directional compatibility body structure that minimizes body deformation even in collisions with larger vehicles, and new pedestrian-injury-reducing features such as impact-absorbing hoods and bumpers that serve to minimize injuries afflicted on pedestrians in the event of a collision.

The use of three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters (front seats and left and right rear seats), Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) concept seats, and six airbags have earned the redesigned Corolla a five-star rating on the Japan New Car Assessment Program (Japan-NCAP).

A new High Intensity Discharge lamp (HID) View Assist Package is available on some upper level trims and improve nighttime visibility and reduce driver interference.

The new available lighting system features include:

Automatic high beams with camera sensor detect bright light during night-driving, automatically switching from high beams to low beams to ensure front visibility.
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror with embedded sensor detects light from behind and adjusts mirror reflectivity accordingly to help maintain driver visibility.
Projector-type discharge headlights (with low-beam auto-leveling function) offer twice the illumination of standard halogen lights to improve nighttime visibility.

The redesigned "Corolla Axio" sedan and '"Corolla Fielder" station wagon are being sold through Japanese dealerships nationwide.

Early Conclusions

In the hotly contested C-Segment, other manufacturers are providing not only reliability and fuel economy that easily surpasses the Corolla but something else is being provided. That being modern and unique styling. The all new Corolla seems to miss that last attribute and it will be interesting to see its consumer acceptance after the US release if this is what we will receive?

Any bets on our redesign?

Low tire pressure causing crashes

atlaw4u — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:40:27 GMT

Poor traction gives drivers less time to take evasive action

David Shepardson - DETROITNEWS - May 12, 2012

Pump up for safety & better fuel economy --Ed.

Washington -A new government study says 5 percent of vehicles involved in crashes experienced tire problems. The study warned that underinflated tires are at significantly higher risk of causing a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a study of crash data from 2005-2007 found that vehicles with tires underinflated by 25 percent or more were three times as likely to be involved in a crash linked to tire problems.

Passenger cars accounted for 66 percent of the tire-related crashes.

"Tire problems are inherently hazardous to vehicle safety," the NHTSA report said.

"When these problems emerge in the pre-crash phase, the time window for attempting a crash avoidance maneuver is normally very small."

Tires with worn tread also experienced a big increase in crashes linked to tire issues. The study also found that poorly maintained tires or underinflated tires were more likely to have problems in bad weather.

Of the sample of vehicles studied, 11.2 percent had problems linked to tires in bad weather, compared to 3.9 percent when weather was not a factor. Dan Zielinski, senior vice president for public affairs for the Rubber Manufacturers Association, said the study reiterated the need to properly maintain and inflate tires... [Read More]

Eureka! A Name You Can Trust For Your Next Automobile, Biking or Hiking Adventure

xcel — Sat, 12 May 2012 17:59:10 GMT

Great products but more importantly, great product service after the fact is what truly “WOW’ed” us!

Bob Winger - CleanMPG - May 12, 2012

The Ford F-150 at the St. Louis Arch, the Gateway to the West – It was Eureka! that made the adventure “FUN”!

Last year a number of CleanMPG members and guest journalists set off on a cross-country fuel economy drive behind the wheel of a 2011 Ford F-150 Super Crew with the all-new 3.5L EcoBoost. While the fuel economy prowess of the mighty Ford pickup truck proved to be astounding at 32.3 mpg when crossing the Continent and loaded up beyond its actual GVWR, it was the adventure that those of us fortunate to attend will remember forever.

Remembering the Ford F150 EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge.

The Adventure Begins with Eureka!

As we were planning the trip, someone (ahhemmm his initials are Wayne G or xcel as most know him.) had an idea to turn the drive into a true adventure with overnight camping stops at each of the waypoints. The trip would have us camping in the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada’s with overnight temperatures as low as 20 degrees and onto the Georgia coast were overnight temperatures were expected to be a much more moderate 60 to 70 degrees F. Normally a sleeping bag and gear meant for 20 degrees F is not comfortable in temperatures much above 50 degrees. And so the gear hunt began. It was not long before a name that most familiar with the outdoors know all too well began to rise to the surface again and again. That name was Eureka! whose parent Johnson Outdoors is responsible such brands and products as Old Town kayaks and canoes, Ocean Kayak and Carlisle Paddles, Humminbird fishfinders, SCUBAPRO diving products and of Eureka! Tents and outdoor gear.

Eureka! Tents, bags, pillows, chairs and even lighting for the “Great Outdoors”

Search after search for a sleeping bag system that was capable of handling the extreme temperature variations continued to reveal the new Eureka! dual temp (20/40 degree) sleeping bag as the one to own and now a year later, it is by far the best sleeping bag I have ever used. With 30-years of scouting experience, that is saying something.

Given the plan had morphed into a true camping adventure with the need to setup up camp each night in unfamiliar locales -- most of the time in the dark -- it was Eureka! lighting that came through yet again.

As it turned out, my favorite light was the Eureka! Magic 185 lantern. With its small size and reversible LED head, it functions as a bright flashlight for spot lighting footpaths or finding a toothbrush deep inside a gear bag. With a simple twist of a knob, it also became a table top lantern, perfect for those late night card games and more importantly, setting up camp under the stars. The 185 was also the perfect size for illuminating the interior of my Eureka! Apex 2XT tent just prior to settling in for the night. A small blinking green LED on the power switch made it a lot easier to find the flashlight in the middle of the night too! To this day I continue to use this over the top equipment monthly in all weather camping conditions with the Boy Scouts, and “I positively do not leave home without it”!

Customer Service to the Rescue

I was prepping for another Scout campout this past week and when I tested the Magic 185, it did not light up. I took the batteries out with the idea that they were dead and would need to be replaced. Instead, I found the Duracell batteries (not related in any way to the Magic 185) had leaked and dissolved an electrical contact within the lanterns battery holder.

I was so disappointed that a $1.00 battery had ruined my 185; a light like this is worth more than its weight in gold out in the woods. I tried but could not fashion a new suitable spring steel contact so I called Eureka!’s Customer Service number hoping to be to buy a replacement part. A cheerful lady named Shannon Sharpe answered the phone and asked how she could help. I explained that I had a Magic 185, described how the leaking batteries had damaged the electrical contact and asked if a replacement battery holder was available. I also explained that I didn’t have a receipt because Eureka! supplied the light as a promo item for the Adventure Challenge drive.

The Eureka! Magic 185

My absolute “must have” and favorite camping accessory.

I felt as if I had no right to ask for help but I really like this light and wanted to see if it could be fixed. Shannon promised to check to see if she could find the part and asked if she could call me back. Just a few hours later the phone rang with Shannon on the other end. Unfortunately she could not find the replacement part in stock.

Above and Beyond

Going further than any other companies selling outdoor gear I have dealt with in the past, Shannon did find a sample and was willing to cannibalize it for my benefit. She emailed me pictures of the parts, asking me to verify the correct one.

Picture Shannon, the Eureka! product and warranty specialist, at her desk taking a small lantern apart and emailing me pictures to make sure she had the right part? This simply does not happen with company’s nowadays and all for a part whose replacement is probably worth far less than the time to do the right thing.

The actual photos sent: Is this what you were looking for?

This was more than any customer could have expected or asked for and I can almost guarantee most reps from other companies would have given up and said, “Sorry, we can’t help you”, click, dial tone.

I quickly replied to Shannon’s email, identifying the correct part and after what I thought would be a nominal shipping and handling charge, I would be back in business.

The next day I received an E-Mail reply from Shannon:

Quote:

“Per Kristin Jankowski, our Marketing Communications Manager, I am going to replace your Magic 185 lantern with a brand new one at no cost to you. We are unfortunately out of stock on them at the moment, but as soon as they arrive, I will ship it to you. Please send me your address so that I know where to send it.

If you ever have any problem with any of our products in the future, please let me know. I would be happy to help!”

Wow! The damage to the lantern was due to the Duracell batteries leaking which had nothing to do with Eureka!’s lantern. The light was also past the warranty period and I never paid for it and here Eureka! is sending me a brand new replacement!!!

I don’t know about your experiences with other company’s customer service lately but I would be willing to bet Shannon, Kristin and Eureka! could show ‘em a thing or two!

A few shots for memories sake of the Adventure Challenge made easy thanks to a company called “Eureka!”

Eureka! Tents and Outdoor Accessories in “Action”

Camp Eureka! on the Adventure Challenge in Williams AZ

Camp Eureka! packed up and ready to roll out of Santa Rosa, NM

Camp Eureka! at dawn in Sallisaw, OK

Camp Eureka! “The Morning After” in Sallisaw, OK

Camp Eureka! at Chewalla Lake & Holly Springs National Forest in Oxford, MS – Camping, what it is really all about.

Bob Winger - Williamsburg, Virginia

Radioactive man? Milford resident pulled over by state police

ALS — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:01:36 GMT

I asked the officer `What seems to be the problem?' " Apatow said. "He said `You've been flagged as a radioactive car.'

Amanda Cuda - CTPOST - May 11, 2012

Mike Apatow was minding his own business Wednesday, driving to an appointment for work in Washington Depot when a state police car appeared suddenly and signaled for the Milford resident to pull over.

Apatow, 42, was entering Interstate 84 in Newtown when the cruiser appeared, and he had no idea what he'd done to merit police attention. It turns out he didn't do anything.

But earlier that day, Apatow, who'd experienced a recent spike in his blood pressure, had a nuclear stress test at Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County in Trumbull. In the test, a small amount of a radioactive material is injected into the veins and used to help track blood flow to the heart.

Though the amount of radioactive material used in the test is relatively low -- equal to a few X-rays or a diagnostic CT scan -- it was enough to set off a radioactivity detector in the state police car. The detectors are used to help identify potential terror threats.... [Read More]

Toyota�s Hybrids are heading towards 25% of Toyota�s Total Sales.

xcel — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:24:35 GMT

18% today and the percentage is growing.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 11, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius v with the Washington State Cascade Mountain Range in the background - $26,400 to start, a 44/40/42 mpgUS city/highway/combined rating and an incredible array of propulsion technology mated to a true family sized vehicle. Manufacturer offerings with similar fuel economy?

"0"!!!

Read the Prius v Preview and Review for more on what I consider to be the best family hauler available in the world today.

While I was busy with the Mazda CX-5 write-ups, Toyota released a PR detailing the Prius family’s sales success last month and the sales volumes are continuing to improve.

The Toyota Motor Companies strong April sales performance Toyota April 2012 Sales up a Better than Expected 11.6% and Almost Tops Ford! (178,044 vehicles sold in April, an increase of 11.6 percent compared to April 2011) and the Toyota division itself recording 160,493 vehicles sold in April for 13.1 percent increase compared to the same) was helped in large part by the release of its latest Prius family and Camry hybrids that created consumer demand that can almost be described as a frenzy. Ok, I am taking liberty’s but when shopping for my parents Prius v last month, there were few Prius hatches on the ground, fewer v’s and the c was almost non-existent. The c’s non availability in particular was not unexpected given it was just released two months ago and with a starting price anyone can afford, manufacturer supply and consumer demand were working as they should.

Rising fuel prices, a generation of better performing hybrid vehicles and according to Toyota, an increased consumer acceptance of hybrid technology are all helping to propel the sales of Toyota hybrid vehicles.

The Prius Family (Prius hatch, Prius v, Prius PHEV and Prius c) accounted for a total combined sales volume of 25,168 units. Based on current sales, the demand for the fuel-saving Prius Family models seems to be outpacing the company's initial U.S. target of more than 220,000 units this year.

Including the Prius PHEV, here are Toyota’s April hybrid sales breakouts.

Prius hatch - 15,661
Camry hybrid - 4,406
Prius c* - 4,006
Prius v - 3,847
Prius PHEV - 1,654

Notable among the Prius models is the sales pace of the subcompact Prius c. This 53/46 mpgUS rated B-Segment hybrid has a starting below that of the Honda Insight-II at $18,950. During its first 49 days on the market, the c posted sale of 8,901 units.

In a prepared statement, Toyota’s group VP and GM Bob Carter said the following:

Quote:

“We’re tracking well ahead of that. I’ve ordered additional production and I am confident we’ll get it, but globally we’re seeing high demand.”

The redesigned 2012 Camry Hybrid, which was introduced in fall of 2011, also recorded strong sales during the March and April 2012 period. Camry Hybrid sold 9,810 units (5,404 in March and 4,406 units in April) and accounted for 12.4 percent of the total Camry volume during the same two-month period (79,387 total Camry units sold).

Whether a new Prius family consumer is purchasing a Prius due to high gas prices, wanting to make a difference or just doing the right thing, who cares. It is a win for all of us. And congrats to Toyota for providing a vehicle that no other manufacturer has bothered matching let alone imitate. And I am sure they are all kicking themselves because f this oversight and it continues to this day.

Some other tidbits about the Prius family April sales results. The Prius hatch just by itself outsold the entire Buick division by 215 vehicles. Prius hatch also outsold the entire Cadillac, Infiniti and Lincoln divisions by 5,810, 8,532 and 9,353 vehicles respectively.

Other notables include that fact the Prius family outsold the entire April sales volumes of Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Audi. While this does not mean Toyota is earning the same profit from those sales as most of these manufacturers, it does show relative consumer demand. When a single vehicle or vehicle line outsells the stalwarts of the industry’s entire lineup, maybe the stalwarts had better begin thinking more along the lines of real fuel economy for an affordable price instead of racing and the other "distractions" that have gone hand in hand with their sales volumes and overall marketshare falling year after year.

A public service message brought to you from the minds of CleanMPG: Build affordable 35 to 50 mpg vehicles, not 15 to 30 mpg ones and your sales will pick up in a similar fashion too.

My Parent's Blizzard Pearl v-3 and our Blue Ribbon Metallic Review v-5. Two exceptional Prius v’s for the road along the shore of Lake Michigan.

Why I love the Lotus � and the Prius

msirach — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:37:54 GMT

The Prius is from Venus. The Lotus is from Mars.

Peter Cheney - THEGLOBEANDMAIL - May 08, 2012

Now I know. I'm afraid I have the same affliction as Peter! --Ed.

I have never lived in Utah, and I love only one woman. And yet there is a part of me that is a polygamist. The part I�m referring to, of course, is my automotive side. Which explains my relationship with the Toyota Prius and the Lotus Evora S.

It�s hard to imagine two more radically different machines. The Prius is quiet. It�s fuel-efficient. It has a luggage compartment big enough to swallow a kayak. And driving a Prius has all the thrill of operating a kitchen appliance (and not one of the exciting ones, like a blender or a corn-popper)

The Lotus, on the other hand, is a low-slung sports machine that makes a trip to Loblaws feel like a record lap at the Nurburgring. It has scalpel-like steering, a 285-km/h top speed and an exhaust note that, depending on the occasion, sounds like a supercharged saxophone or a jungle cat undergoing a proctological examination.

The Prius is from Venus. The Lotus is from Mars. And I love them both. Until last week, I never gave my diverse automotive preferences much thought. Then I got a Tweet from a reader who spotted my new Lotus: �That completely makes up for you liking the Prius,� he wrote.

This got me thinking about the taxonomy of motorized passion. Many enthusiasts are wedded to a single class of vehicle (old British roadsters, Italian supercars, jacked-up four-wheelers, etc.). But I find myself pulled toward a wide range of rides, from Porsche race cars to modified Jeeps to postwar classics. And then there�s the Prius, which is one of my favourite vehicles, much to the consternation of my car nut friends.... [Read More]

Las Vegas Game Face is lit with GE LEDs

xcel — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:07:00 GMT

The Vegas marquees may be breathtaking but it is the new LED streetlights that will really light up the city.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 10, 2012

Can you guess which area of this Las Vegas intersection is being lit with GE LEDs?

The Vegas Strip is famous for its brightly lit marquees and display screens but thanks to new LED fixtures from GE, the city’s streets will be lit far more efficiently. Vegas is expected to receive a $1.7 million annual energy cost windfall simply by reducing the electricity its uses by more than 20 million kilowatt hours (kWhs).

Nearly 6,600 GE Evolve LED Roadway fixtures have already replaced mercury vapor and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights on arterial streets and residential thoroughfares throughout Las Vegas. As a result, the city will consume approximately 2.2 million fewer kWhs this year, equating to $175,000 in energy savings.

This spring, Las Vegas will launch the second phase of its street lighting update, installing 35,000 additional Evolve LED Roadway fixtures. Stage-two utility savings alone will exceed $1.5 million a year by diminishing electricity use by more than 18 million kWhs.

Once complete, more than 80 percent of Las Vegas’ 50,000 streetlights will be LED.

The Real Savings is Less Maintenance

According to GE, the previous streetlights lasted about four years whereas its Evolve Roadway LEDs have an estimated life of 11 plus years based on 12 hours use per day. Las Vegas estimates this will yield an additional $1 million cost benefit, bringing combined annual energy and maintenance savings to $2.7 million. The more natural white light produced by the LEDs improves visibility on streets markedly.

Las Vegas City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell:

Quote:

"People who don't live in Southern Nevada may not think of Las Vegas when they talk about the environment and energy efficiency, but the truth is our city is a leader in these areas."

Ok, maybe the city is but the gaming industry? Not really. It’s a desert after all.

The Project

The Las Vegas lighting project was opened to public bid in late 2010 and allowed for all types of illumination technologies. Design Concepts, Inc. (DCI), GE Lighting’s authorized Las Vegas representative agency, met with city officials to discuss the advantages of an LED solution. Among many different competitors and technology offerings, GE was selected as one of five finalists to participate in an extended trial that concluded in March 2011.

GE hit all the targets posed by the city with an efficient fixture that yields up to a 60 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to standard high-intensity discharge (HID) systems.

In April 2011, GE was awarded the contract for the first 6,600 fixtures. In early 2012, the city proceeded with phase two of the lighting update with an additional 35,000 fixtures. The complete project represents the largest roadway lighting contract in GE Lighting’s history!

By transitioning to more than 41,000 GE LED Roadway fixtures over the next year, Las Vegas will remove more than 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere annually. This is equivalent to eliminating the CO2 emissions of more than 2,300 passenger cars or to planting more than 3,200 acres of trees.

GEs Evolve LED Roadway fixtures are designed to meet recommended luminance and illuminance requirements for local and major highway and street classifications. Advanced reflective optic technology effectively directs light where it’s needed, improves horizontal and vertical uniformity and reduces glare. A refined thermal management system incorporates a robust heat sink directly in the fixture to ensure maximum heat transfer for long LED life. These energy-efficient fixtures can also be paired with programmable dimming options for even greater control and savings.

I do not think I can add much more to the PR other than to say way to go Vegas and thanks GE! Now if we could only get the hotels and casino’s to reduce their consumption significantly, we would really have something.

Spaces in the 2013 Escape

xcel — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:46:26 GMT

Storage and convenience are top notch.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 10, 2012

A 2013 Ford Escape in the wilderness - $22,470 to start with the base 2.5L and a 23/33 mpgUS city/highway figure when equipped with the 178 HP 1.6L EcoBoost engine.

We have driven the new 2013 Escape a total of 2-miles in downtown Chicago at rush hour so there is little to be gained from the quick impression other than it offered > 30 mpg on that inner city loop, it looks much nicer than the current Escape and it has an abundance of unique storage space and convenience features.

The second-row seats that fold flat with the touch of a button, it now includes an umbrella holder, second-row floor bin and ticket holder in each sun visor.

Hands-free loading

Kick and “Open Sesame” Liftgate for the Upcoming Escape

The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs. Pretty cool if I do say so myself ;)

The Escape’s storage include:

Overhead visors with ticket holders for parking or toll tickets.
Hidden storage bin under the second-row floor.
Small umbrella holders on both the driver and passenger seat trim panels.
A card holder below and a stowage bin above the center of the instrument panel.
Center console space to hold a 1-liter bottle, MP3 player or CDs.
Eight cupholders – four in the front and rear doors, two in the front center console and two in the optional folding second-row armrest.
Rear cargo management system.
Convenient USB ports in the center console and 110-volt inverter located at the back of the floor console for easy plug-in of laptops, cell phone chargers or other electronics.

The 2013 Escape’s rear seats really do fold flat. Touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seatback folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into position.

Other unique features include the composition of its interior spaces. Look no further than A Few “Light” Details about Ford’s Upcoming 2013 Escape for more on that.

Early verdict? The Escape with 1.6L EcoBoost is the right choice but to get it, you are looking at a lower end SE with a base price of $26,670 with the basic SYNC package. That is Prius v territory folks and while the v is not quite an crossover, it provides a lot more fuel economy, room for rear seat passengers and surely resale given the hybrid drivetrain.

2013 Ford Escape Competitive Comparison

Year	Make	Model	Price	Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)	Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)	Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined - mpgUS)
2013	Ford	Escape	$22,470 - $31,195	98.1	34.3	23/33/26 (at best)

2012	Toyota	Prius v	$26,400 to $29,990	97.2	34.3	44/40/42
2012	Chevrolet	Equinox	$23,530 - $30,970	99.7	31.4	22/32/26 (at best)
2012	Dodge	Journey	$18,995 - $29,995	99.5	39.6	19/26/22 (at best)
2012	Honda	CR-V	$22,495 - $29,995	104.1	37.2	23/31/26 (at best)
2013	Hyundai	Tucson	$19,145 - $27,320	101.9	25.7	23/31/26 (at best)
2012	Mazda	CX-5	$20,695 - $28,295	103.8	34.1	26/35/29 (at best)

A few others to think about reveal how tough it is to compete in the compact crossover segment.

In Defense of the Chevy Volt

ALS — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:48:38 GMT

Cars don't usually vote in elections, but one vehicle is playing an unusual role in this year's presidential campaign: the Chevrolet Volt.

Rick Newman - USNEWS - May 9, 2012

The plug-in Volt, which debuted in late 2010, has become a political target for Republicans, who associate it with the 2009 General Motors bailout and with President Obama's fondness for controversial green-energy programs. Conservative pundit Glenn Beck called it "crappy." Rush Limbaugh huffed about GM "trying to kill its customers." Obama's likely opponent, Mitt Romney, says the Volt is "an idea whose time has not come."

GM CEO Dan Akerson, not surprisingly, complains that the Volt has become a "political punching bag," with sales hurt by partisan bickering that has nothing to do with the car itself.

I spent a week driving the Volt recently, courtesy of GM, and like many other reviewers, I think Beck and the other sourpusses are totally wrong about the car. The Volt is sturdy and enjoyable, grippy on curves, visually appealing and supremely quiet. Its high starting price of $39,995 means that it's not practical for most drivers. But it's also a technological marvel that may represent an important step forward in the history of powertrains and fuel efficiency.... [Read More]

First documented battery capacity drop in a LEAF

herm — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:10:22 GMT

it was bound to happen

Herm Perez - CleanMPG - May 9, 2012

The 12 "tick" marks on the extreme right represent battery capacity --Ed.

Over at the Leaf forum member Azdre posted the first documented case of battery capacity loss for a Nissan Leaf.

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=8802

It is believed that this represents a loss of 15% capacity loss since there are 12 "tick marks" to indicate the full range. Nissan does not warrant battery capacity loss.

Azdre further explains her usage patterns:

* We always charge to 100% (we drive it a lot, 17,000 miles in 14 months of driving).
* We do 'top it off' a lot. That's the one item we got 4/5 stars on the battery check in March 2012.
* The car sat at 100% for a month in May, 2011, not plugged in.
* It's almost always garaged or in covered parking.
* We get the low battery warning about once a month.
* Never turtled. Been meaning to try this out though.
* We've QC'd 2-3 times this spring.

The Arizona heat, topping off and keeping the battery at 100% for prolonged periods are probably to blame here. Lets see what Nissan has to say about it.

Studies have shown that a large proportion of owners (60% in several cities) always charge their Leaf to 100%, Nissan recommends you charge to the 80% level to extend battery life, frequent topping off is not recommended either.

SIEMENS overhead electrification for the eHighway

herm — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:18:03 GMT

Germans do enjoy over-engineering things, don't they ;)

Herm Perez - CleanMPG - May 9, 2012

Keeping future trucks in the right lane while being more efficient than some cars on the road today.

At EVS26 in LA Monday, Siemens described its �eHighway of the Future� concept for the electrification of trucks and select highway lanes via overhead electrified wires similar to how modern day trolleys or streetcars are powered on many city streets.

Siemens 'eHighway of the Future' concept is the electrification of trucks and select highway lanes via overhead electrified wires similar to how modern day trolleys or streetcars are powered on many city streets. The eHighway solution is an environmentally friendly, sustainable and efficient solution for today's truck transport. It will use less fossil fuels, substantially reduce CO2 emissions, reduce pollutant load in residential and agricultural areas, and, most importantly, will be very easy to integrate into existing highways and infrastructures.

Siemens has developed the supporting technology necessary to make the eHighway a reality: infrastructure, software, hardware and drives. This technology compliments Siemens' extensive ELFA portfolio of the complete hybrid drive system. The ELFA traction hybrid drive systems enable personal and commercial vehicles to save over 30 percent in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Daryl Dulaney, CEO, Siemens Infrastructure & Cities, United States:

Quote:

"When most people think of vehicle emissions, they assume cars do most of the damage, but it's actually commercial trucks that are largely to blame. Freight transportation on U.S. roadways is expected to double by 2050, while global oil resources continue to deplete."

Essentially, all that is needed is a hybrid diesel electric freight truck with built-in technology and software to connect to overhead electrified wires. The trucks are designed to use both electricity and diesel power and will automatically switch to electric mode when they detect and attach to the overhead lines. Once the truck leaves the lines, it switches back to diesel. As the technology becomes more widely adopted, the company believes every truck equipped with an electric drive system will be able to use the eHighway regardless if it's a diesel electric, pure battery, fuel cell range extended or CNG combustion engine vehicle.

"It's really about creating a more sustainable environment," Dulaney says. "Already more and more consumers are driving electric and hybrid vehicles. If we can get the commercial freight industry to come on board, we'll decrease emissions dramatically and improve sustainability."

Currently being tested in Germany, pilot projects are already being planned for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to connect to cargo centers. The technology also can also be expanded to allow trucks to travel through densely populated cities.

Honda wins reversal of small-claims loss over hybrid mileage

herm — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:30:26 GMT

Honda and the EPA win

Edvard Pettersson And Maurice Possley - DETROITNEWS - May 9, 2012

so what is the next step? --Ed.

Honda Motor Co. won the reversal of a $9,867 small-claims-court loss to a Californian who dropped out of a class-action lawsuit and pursued her own claim that the company overstated the fuel mileage of its Civic Hybrid.

Judge Dudley W. Gray II of state Superior Court in Torrance, in Los Angeles County, ruled Wednesday in the case of Heather Peters, according to an entry on the court docket.

Peters had rejected the class-action settlement, which paid car owners $100 or $200 depending on the model and as much as $1,500 credit toward a new vehicle. Peters and plaintiffs in the larger suit challenged the company's claim that the car gets 50 miles per gallon of fuel.

A small-claims judge in February agreed with Peters that Honda's advertising misrepresented the mileage of her 2006 Civic Hybrid and awarded her damages. He rejected Honda's claims that it's stuck with the estimate provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency... [Read More]

100 � Triple Digits and the Holy Grail Rolled Into One�

xcel — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:28:23 GMT

That would be 100 mph and 100 mile all-electric range thanks to Brammo�s latest bikes.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 9, 2012

Brammo Empulse � Brammo has come a long way in a short period of time.

Our last ride of an all-electric bike, the Zero-S back in 09, proved to be anything but inspiring. No fuel consumption is great but when the vehicle cannot keep up with standard traffic (i.e. slower than while between the limits) and its range is radically impaled at those speeds, you know there are problems.

And then there was Brammo. They too had range and top speed issues early on. Worst yet, they have built some of most hideous all-electric streetable bikes known to the motorcycle community.

Anyone remember the Enertia?

Enertia: The Ultra-Clean, All-Electric Motorcycle

Brammo drops the price of its Enertia BEM by $4,000

YUCK! :eek:

Promise and hideous in the same sentence.

That is about to all change.

Brammo in a PR revealed pricing and production plans for its all-new Empulse and Empulse R while providing enthusiasts in LA a first look at the new design.

Brammo has made advances in electric motorcycling but this is a first. That being a 100-mile all-electric range and 100-mph top speed.

Two models

Empulse - The body work is all plastic, has semi adjustable front suspension and semi adjustable rear suspension.

Empulse R - Carbon fiber for headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing.

Pricing

Brammo will be pricing the Empulse and Empulse R at $16,995 and $18,995 respectively.

Production for the Empulse R will take place first with limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012. The Empulse will be available in Q1 2013.

The Brammo pair arrive with a water-cooled AC motor and fully integrated IET six speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on board J1772 Level 2 charging capability.

In a prepared statement, Craig Bramsher, CEO and President of Brammo sid the following:

Quote:

"From concept to production the Empulse product has evolved quite a bit. We are bringing you a different motorcycle that promises to be more than what our riders expected."

Brammo Empulse and Empulse R Specifications

6 speed gearbox
3kW J1772 Level 2 charging
Water cooled and sealed motor
BPM 15/90 Battery Module <-- Not sure who makes it but those details are probably unimportant right now.
Regenerative braking
Speedo, tach, range prediction, gear position, directional�s and SoC
Dynamic Data Collection � A black box records all on bike functions second by second to create a complete picture of every ride and charge.

Front Suspension - Marzocchi
Brakes - Brembo
Wheels - Marchesini
Frame - Brammo E-Beam fabricated in Italy by Accossato.
Tires - Avon.
Styling - A naked street bike

What I find even more interesting is all the green and performance sites on the net clambering all over the Brammo PR when probably < 2% of them even ride. WTF is a matter with that?

Want an iPad? Buy a 2013 Cadillac XTS

xcel — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:47:24 GMT

It�s called CUE and is supposed to change the Cadillac owner experience.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 9, 2012

2013 Cadillac XTS � 17/28 mpgUS city/highway and a 300 HP V6 to move the 4,000 pound sedan. The front end looks modern and willing. The back end � I cannot place my finger on it but something is amiss back there???

With a 104.2 cu. ft. of passenger space (slightly larger than an Accord and Sonata) and an 18 cu. ft. trunk (at least 10 Ciminillo�s will fit inside ;)), it is also more than big.

iPad for the masses

Following in the Hyundai Equss� footsteps, Cadillac announced that owners of its 2013 XTS will receive an iPad with their new car as part of the ownership experience.

Hyundai Equss owners from April of 2010 were recipients of an iPad preloaded with the flagship sedans interactive owner�s manual but last August that promotion disappeared. Instead, the 2012 Equus� glove box contains a standard paper-bound manual with few if any complaints noted.

Given the an average age of the typical Cadillac buyer is 62, will the early baby boom crowd mob their nearest dealership for this once in a lifetime opportunity to connect?

The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) is an extensive network of services to access entertainment and information. Each 2013 Cadillac XTS buyer will receive an iPad with their new car as part of the customer experience.

In the PR, Don Butler, U.S. VP of Cadillac Marketing said the following:

Quote:

�CUE is intuitive, bringing touch and voice controls into the car in really unique and helpful way. With CUE becoming a signature of Cadillac, and with the launch of the XTS luxury sedan, this is an opportunity for us to build a new level into the luxury customer experience.�

Boy I hope so :rolleyes:

Cadillac is launching CUE with training and support resources to enable dealers and customers to provide feedback, ask questions and access support in a number of ways. New customer care elements include:

A Cadillac CUE App that enables shoppers to �test-drive� the system on an iPad, anytime, anywhere. The CUE app replicates many of the controls and features of the CUE center stack. The CUE center screen and control panel represents the first automotive use of capacitive touch and familiar multi-touch gestures.
Every 2013 Cadillac XTS sold in the United States includes an iPad customized for Cadillac buyers with the CUE App, along with the MyCadillac App and OnStar RemoteLink.
Each U.S. Cadillac dealership has a trained technology expert to assist customers, providing a personal, local first line of contact during both the shopping and ownership experiences.
Twenty-five new Connected Customer Experts are being deployed across the United States. to support the launch of CUE. These connectivity experts provide a resource for in-car electronic technological training, sales and service assistance.
Cadillac�s existing customer assistance services have added specific CUE experts to answer owner questions. Cadillac�s customer assistance center in Austin, Texas, has specially selected and trained advisors who have expertise in infotainment and mobile devices to help answer questions.
OnStar, standard on every Cadillac, will have a direct link to these CUE experts as well, for any owners with questions or wishing to provide feedback.
Every new Cadillac XTS and ATS buyer will receive a welcome call, creating a personal contact to answer questions or provide feedback.

The technology ladened 2013 XTS with the iPad inside will launch later this spring.

Alaska � Purchased for $7.2 Million and May Power America for the Next 1,000 Years

xcel — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:42:29 GMT

What a bargain!

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 8, 2012

Nordic-Calista Methane Hydrate field trial drilling rig #3 on site at the Ignik Sikumi #1 on Alaska’s North Slope.

On March 30, 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward agreed to purchase the Alaska territory from a financially strapped Russia for the mere sum of $7.2 million. At the time, critics thought Seward was nuts and called the deal "Seward's folly." And oh boy have those critics been proved wrong again and again.

With the purchase, the United States gained an additional 586,412 square miles territory (more than twice the size of Texas) and expanded its land mass by over 20%.

The financial value of the Alaska Territory purchase as we all know turned out to be tens of thousands of times greater than what was paid as it is absolutely teeming with natural resources including gold, oil and something else that you may not have heard of before. That being methane hydrates.

The 21st Century Gold Rush - Natural Gas

On May 2, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced the successful field trial of Methane Hydrate production technologies by a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Japan.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the completion of the unprecedented test occurring on the North Slope of Alaska that was able to “safely extract a steady flow of natural gas from methane hydrates – a vast, entirely untapped resource that holds enormous potential for U.S. economic and energy security.”

With the initial, small-scale test success, the DOE is launching a new more exhaustive research effort for a long-term production test as well as research to test additional technologies that could be used to locate and safely extract methane hydrates on a larger scale in the U.S. Gulf Coast.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu:

Quote:

“While this is just the beginning, this research could potentially yield significant new supplies of natural gas.”

What are Methane Hydrates?

According to the DOE release, Methane hydrates are 3D ice-lattice structures with natural gas locked inside, and are found both onshore and offshore – including under the Arctic permafrost and in ocean sediments along nearly every continental shelf in the world. The substance looks remarkably like white ice, but it does not behave like ice. When methane hydrate is “melted,” or exposed to pressure and temperature conditions outside those where it is stable, the solid crystalline lattice turns to liquid water, and the enclosed methane molecules are released as gas.

The Field Test on Alaska’s North Slope

The DOE partnered with ConocoPhillips and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation to conduct a test of natural gas extraction from methane hydrate using a production technology developed through laboratory collaboration between the University of Bergen, Norway, and ConocoPhillips. This ongoing, proof-of-concept test commenced on February 15, 2012, and concluded on April 10. The team injected a mixture of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen into the formation, and demonstrated that this mixture could promote the production of natural gas. Ongoing analyses of the results from the field will be needed to determine the efficiency of simultaneous CO2 storage in the reservoirs.

This test was the first ever field trial of a methane hydrate production methodology whereby CO2 was exchanged in situ with the methane molecules within a methane hydrate structure. As part of this exchange demonstration, the depressurization (i.e., production through decreasing pressure of the deposit) phase of the test extended for 30 days. The prior longest-duration field test of methane hydrate extraction via depressurization was six days (Japan-Canada 2007/2008 Mallik well testing program).

This testing will provide critical information to advance the Department’s efforts to evaluate various potential gas hydrate production technologies. The next stages of the Department’s research effort will be aimed in part at evaluating gas hydrate production over longer durations, likely through depressurization, with the eventual goal of making sustained production economically viable. While this may take years to accomplish, the same could be said of the early shale gas research and technology demonstration efforts that the Department backed in the 1970s and 1980s.

Today, the Department is announcing two major new steps in the overall methane hydrate research effort:

The Department is making $6.5 million available in Fiscal Year 2012 Funding Opportunity Announcement for research into technologies to locate, characterize and safely extract natural gas from methane hydrate formations like those in the Arctic and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Specifically, projects will address (1) deepwater gas hydrate characterization via direct sampling and/or remote sensing field programs; (2) new tools and methods for monitoring, collecting, and analyzing data to determine reservoir response and environmental impacts related to methane hydrate production; and (3) clarifying methane hydrates role in the environment, including responses to warming climates.
As part of the President’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013, the Department is requesting an additional $5 million to further gas hydrates research both domestically, and in collaboration with international partners. The exact nature of that research effort will be determined in the coming months; however, a longer duration test of methane hydrate extraction on the North Slope on an existing gravel bed pad that can accommodate year-round operations is envisioned. Such an effort would again require engaging private sector and international partners.

While the DOE may have taken credit for the find, results and future research, it was the determined push over many years by Republican Senator from the Great State of Alaska that budgeted the project in the first place.

That senator was none other than U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

In a prepared statement, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska said the following:

Quote:

“The success of this test is wonderful news for Alaska and America. The test not only demonstrated that we have the ability to release methane hydrates from their frozen state, but also that the same process can effectively be used to sequester carbon dioxide. If we can bring this technology to commercialization, it would truly be a game changer for America.”

Murkowski is the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. She has been an outspoken proponent in support of research to unlock the tremendous energy potential of methane hydrates.

She sponsored the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act in 2005, which is the foundation for today’s federal research into unlocking the energy potential of the methane hydrates.

Murkowski approved appropriation language to fund the DOE tests in the 2011 and 2012 budgets. During last week’s markup of the Energy and Water appropriations bill for the coming fiscal year, Murkowski won inclusion of an additional $5 million to fund methane hydrate research in 2013 that the DOE mentioned above.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska’s North Slope is likely to contain up to 590 trillion cubic feet of methane hydrates onshore. On the central North Slope, two hydrate accumulations, Eileen and Tarn, alone account for a potential natural gas resource of as much as 100 trillion cubic feet!

According to the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, Alaska contains as much as 200,000 trillion cubic feet of methane hydrates offshore. Taken together, U.S. lands and waters contain a quarter of the world’s methane hydrates – enough to power America for 1,000 years at current rates of energy consumption!

This is one of those times when Government $’s in support of advanced technology is more than likely spent properly.

Does anyone know where I can buy one-half a million square miles of “useless” land for $7.2 Million today and afterwards, would you mind loaning me a few million to cover the purchase ;)