Carmakers

Two Paths to Clean Diesel

As more clean diesel vehicles begin to hit the market, consumers should be aware that diesel car manufacturers are taking different technology paths. The two main paths mean different responsibilities for car owners, although the goal is the same: to reduce emissions.

2010 Hybrid Cars - The Year Ahead

The first hybrid gas-electric car in the United States, the original Honda Insight, reported its first 17 sales in December 1999. One decade and 1.5 million hybrids later, the auto industry is ready to embrace hybrids and other green cars like never before. What are the major trends we expect as hybrid cars boldly move into the first year of their second decade? Plug-ins, new models, a growing market, and an evolving Prius. Prepare for the green car movement to shift into warp speed.

Fox News Attacks US Loans to Fisker and Tesla

According to Fox News, the US Department of Energy threw away nearly $1 billion in loans to Fisker Automotive and Tesla Motors—two Calif.-based auto startups trying to produce the next generation of American-made energy-efficient cars. On several of its shows, including America's Newsroom and Your World, Fox News criticized the loans because Fisker and Tesla currently produce expensive cars that are made in Europe.

Honda Unveils New Personal People Mover

The race toward sustainable mobility is moving car companies in odd and unexpected directions. For example, Honda today unveiled the U3-X, a compact electric personal mobility device that fits between the rider’s legs to provide movement forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally.

Plug-in Cars in Frankfurt: Revolution or False Dawn?

The list of automotive brands showing electric or plug-in hybrids at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show reads like an auto industry A – Z: Audi, BMW, Citroën, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Smart, Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen…Are plug-in cars the latest fashion for an industry needing to green-up its image? Or is the EV revolution off and running?

Exclusive: Toyota Explains Its Position on Electric Cars

It appears that every automaker in the world has caught electric car fever, save one: Toyota, the one best known for green cars. In an exclusive interview with HybridCars.com, Toyota product planners explain the company's position on electric cars.

Clunkers Nets Big Fuel Economy Boost

The Cash for Clunkers program has exceeded the positive expectations of even its most ardent supporters. Not only did more consumers take advantage of the program than anyone anticipated, but the cars they chose to buy were far more fuel efficient than anticipated. The average fuel economy of a clunker was 15.8 mpg, compared to 25.4 mpg for the car that replaced it—a 61 percent improvement.

Toyota's 'DecoPrius' Winks at Hello Kitty Demographic

At a showroom in Tokyo last week, Toyota got in touch with its girly side. With the "DecoPrius," a candy-apple red custom Toyota Prius emblazoned with decorative rhinestones, the carmaker hopes to catch the eye of a demographic that is growing increasingly cold to a product that once exemplified cool: the automobile.

More Cash for Clunkers, But What About Eco Benefits?

Less than one week after it launched, the Car Allowance Rebate System—or "Cash For Clunkers"—has almost run through its $1 billion in funding. Congressional leaders scrambled Friday to extend the program before the August recess—but Senate leaders like Dianne Feinstein of California may be reluctant to add further money to a program many felt had lost its environmental benefits.

Is It Time for An Open-Source Car?

In the Internet age, a company with limited funds and no track record can build a successful business with nothing more than a good idea and some powerful technology. It's not easy, but it can be done. As cars become more and more like high-tech gadgets on wheels, a crop of new companies is trying to put “open source” or “crowdsourcing” concepts to use in making the next great hybrid, plug-in, or fuel cell car.

« Previous |

Free Email Newsletter Sign-up

All the latest news in a free and engaging bundle. Totally free!

Carmakers

Most Popular Pages

Free Email Newsletter Sign-up