The continued rise in gasoline prices as well as tighter rules on vehicle emissions are reviving automakers’ interests in alternative fuels specifically compressed natural gas or CNG. Toyota revealed plans to expand its line of alternatively-powered cars aside from the Prius by unveiling a new Camry Hybrid that will run on compressed natural gas rather than gasoline.

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Chrysler makes a big jump into electric-hybrid technology with the announcement of three new production-intent vehicles that feature advanced electric-hybrid technology – one each for its brands Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. The automaker also launched a new enclosed GEM low-speed neighborhood car. The new vehicles are the Dodge EV, an all-electric performance sports car; the Jeep EV, a range-extended electric vehicle based on the Jeep Wrangler; and the Chrysler EV, a Town & Country range-extended electric vehicle.

From this line up, Chrysler will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for the North American markets and after 2101 for European markets. The development of Chrysler’s line up of electric vehicles and range-extended electric vehicles is spearheaded by ENVI, an in-house organization that was created to focus on developing electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technology.

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The average fuel economy of cars and light duty trucks in the United States increased for the fourth consecutive year reaching a projected 20.8 miles per gallon for 2008, says a report by the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA. This figure Is 0.2 mpg higher than last year’s average fuel economy.

However, the final data for 2008 will not be available until automakers submit their final annual sales data in early 2009. EPA expects that the final average fuel economy for 2008 will still be higher than initial projections of automakers since gasoline prices have since increased.

The EPA has seen an upward trend in the average fuel efficiency in America beginning in 2005. The average national fuel economy is now the highest since 1983. Most of the increase is attributed to higher fuel economy for light trucks following a long-term trend of slightly declining overall fuel economy that peaked in 1987. Market share of light trucks have also slid from 52% in 2004 to an estimated 48% in 2008.

Via The Auto Channel

General Motors officially unveiled its much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt, its extended-range electric vehicle, just in time to kick off its next 100 years. The automaker is celebrating its one hundredth year this year. “Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century,” said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. “The Volt is symbolic of GM’s strong commitment to the future … just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today’s and tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges.”

The Chevrolet Volt production version is redesigned from the original concept revealed at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The new Volt now features a sleeker and more aerodynamically efficient design with rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille, sharp edges and streamlined spoiler as well as an aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass. Design elements from the original concept still endure such as the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more.

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Electricity, not hydrogen, gasoline or ethanol, will fuel the cars of the future, says Ford Motor Co.’s global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak. He stressed that he was speaking as an engineer and was not commenting specifically on Ford’s future product plans. He also said that Ford will continue to develop these alternatives. He also said that the electrification of the vehicle is the ultimate solution.

Kuzak argued that alternative fuels such as hydrogen fuel cells face several technological hurdles and will required the construction of an entirely new energy structure, which he believes is not likely or practical. On the other hand, an electric car would be able to utilize the existing power grid. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use an electric only drive train that is powered by the fuel cell to generate electricity.

Via The Auto Channel

Seat belt use in the state of California has increased to an all-time high of 95.7%, up by more than 1 percentage point over the 94.6% figure recorded in 2007, state officials announced. California’s seat belt usage is one of the highest in the nation. “These numbers show that the overwhelming majority of Californians have gotten the message that seat belts work,” said Dale E. Bonner, Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. “They save lives, prevent injuries and reduce the societal costs of collisions.”

In fact, the state’s seat belt usage has been rising steadily since the Click It or Ticket campaign started in 2005. That year, seat belt usage stood at 90.4%. Since then, an estimated 1.25 million motorist in the state have started buckling up regularly. The Click It or Ticket campaign was launched to increase awareness of the legal and monetary consequences of failing to wear seatbelts. Fines for first time offenders can reach up to $90 while penalties for improperly restraining children under 16 years old can cost four times as much.

Honda’s newest hybrid car due early next year will carry the Insight nameplate. The new gas-electric vehicle will be named after the original Insight. “The name Insight was chosen to denote Honda’s ’insight’ into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers,” the company said. The new Honda Insight has a lofty goal of catching up to rival Toyota Prius’ success in the hybrid arena. Introduced back in 1999, the original Honda Insight was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the U.S. However, it was discontinued in 2006 due to sluggish global sales. In contrast, the Toyota Prius has sold more then a million units over the past ten years.
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