Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....

[Sigmetnow]

Miles Driven In U.S. Hits New All-Time High; Gasoline Used Doesn't
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100724_miles-driven-in-u-s-hits-new-all-time-high-gasoline-used-doesnt

[oren]

A survey published earlier this year found that the average age of a car on U.S. roads is a record-high 11.5 years.

That surprised me a little. Thought it would be lower.

[Sigmetnow]

A survey published earlier this year found that the average age of a car on U.S. roads is a record-high 11.5 years.

That surprised me a little. Thought it would be lower.

I like to think that people are waiting for the next generation of EVs, due in the next couple of years.
Of course, that's just me.  Maybe.  But we can hope.   

[Sigmetnow]

European Interoperability Centre aims to harmonize US and EU EV standards

Interoperability will not only allow for communication among plug-in vehicles, their recharging hardware and the smart grid, but should also enable features such as automatic billing, EV roaming and more efficient energy management.

The new facility consists of four labs focused on vehicle energy efficiency; the interoperability of smart grids; electromagnetic compatibility; and battery testing.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/european-interoperability-centre-aims-to-harmonize-us-and-eu-ev-standards/

[Sigmetnow]

Tesla Motors (TSLA) Elon Reeve Musk on Q3 2015 Results - Earnings Call Transcript

We like looking at all of our critical path items ... with an eye towards Model 3 and making sure that Model 3 happens as soon as humanly possible....
...
...we changed the goal of the drive unit endurance from being approximately 200,000 miles to being 1 million miles. Just basically we want drive units that just never wear out. That's our goal. And I think we've made really good progress in that direction.
...
...it's worth noting that it's 2015. In 2010, Tesla was delivering 500 cars per year. We now deliver 500 cars in just over two days.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/3642146-tesla-motors-tsla-elon-reeve-musk-on-q3-2015-results-earnings-call-transcript

[Sigmetnow]

As noted in #648 above, EPA found an additional 800,000 higher-priced, V-6 VW cars with emission problems, making another $2.2 billion of risk.

VW's response evolves:
First, they denied that that any emission-related software in those engines had been used "in a forbidden manner."
But later:  "The Supervisory Board is deeply concerned by the discovery of irregularities found when determining CO2 levels for the type approval of Volkswagen Group vehicles."

More VW Emission 'Irregularities' As Investors Question Confrontation With EPA
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100756_more-vw-emission-irregularities-as-investors-question-confrontation-with-epa?fbfanpage

[ghoti]

I stumbled upon what might be the latest fleet average NOx numbers Environment Canada has. Several things stand out as unfortunate to me. First the numbers are so old. They were released in 2014 but are for the 2011 model year. Next the numbers are "as provided by the manufacturers" - like that makes them reliable. Also many of the numbers provided are very obviously fake. The Canadian standard was .07 grams/mile for light duty vehicles. Many of the reported numbers seem plausible. For example GM reports 0.0622566g/mile average. Others though are pretty obviously fabrications. For example VW reports  0.070000 (exactly the standard to 6 decimals)

This is the report:
http://ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=En&n=1470AC04-1

[Sigmetnow]

Tesla likely working on an autonomous ride-sharing scheme but hasn’t decided on implementation
http://electrek.co/2015/11/06/tesla-likely-working-on-an-autonomous-ride-sharing-scheme-but-hasnt-decided-on-implementation/

[Sigmetnow]

Why the Silicon Valley car company isn't much interested in the legacy Detroit auto press.

A Polite Note About Tesla To Media Colleagues (Especially In Detroit)
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100791_a-polite-note-about-tesla-to-media-colleagues-especially-in-detroit/page-2

[Sigmetnow]

Famed mutual fund manager Ron Baron of Baron Capital is known for his relatively conservative, long-term approach to stock picking.  But he says: We will all drive a Tesla in 25 years.

Baron thinks "all of us will likely be Tesla customers in 25 years" because its competitors are already being compelled to build and sell electric cars. "They do not want to build such cars," Baron wrote. "As a result, they are developing electric expertise so slowly that the lead Tesla has built up through its fast growing staff ... may soon become insurmountable."

He argues that between plant retrofits for engine parts that aren't easy, and union and dealer resistance based on potential loss of jobs and sales, the car companies are their own worse enemies. That he believes will be key to Tesla's continued success.

"Tesla's car culture is far different from that of other car companies," Baron wrote. At least, all car companies except for BMW. Baron noted that two of his analysts recently visited BMW in Germany and the BMW financial team believes that a "revolution in the drive train is underway. ... We believe that BMW will likely phase out internal combustion engines over the next 10 years," Baron wrote.

http://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/06/ative-fund-guru-ron-baron-loves-tesla.html

[Sigmetnow]

There’s One Thing Volkswagen Can Do to Stop the Bleeding:  Beat Tesla.

VW could be a Tesla killer (or at least a respected rival) if it really put its mind to it. It has two big advantages: money and scale. Tesla is spending about $1.7 billion this year to build its business, and Wall Street hates it. Not an earnings call goes by that analysts don’t fume over how much cash the company is burning. But by VW standards, that’s a small price to pay. Volkswagen spent almost 8 times that much on research and development alone last year and has about $30 billion in cash.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-06/volkswagen-can-only-save-itself-by-beating-tesla

[folke_kelm]

That will not be easy for VW, because this company has a very strong conservatism in the companys way of thinking. i spoke recently with a member of VW´s engine development staff about this issue an he said, that electric cars are sort of no go for the company. Tesla is never named in any meeting.
That is like putting your head in the sand. There is no place for creative thinking in these companies and therefore it will be very difficult to leave the old ways of building cars.

[Sigmetnow]

Today's "Indianapolis 500" are electric car drivers.   

Over 500 people signed up for BlueIndy, Indianapolis’ all-electric car sharing program
http://electrek.co/2015/11/11/over-500-people-signed-up-for-blueindy-indianapolis-all-electric-car-sharing-program/

More details on the program:
Indianapolis’ all-electric car sharing program, BlueIndy, officially launches today
http://electrek.co/2015/09/02/indianapolis-all-electric-car-sharing-program-blueindy-officially-launches-today/

[Sigmetnow]

Proterra electric buses to add Mobileye collision avoidance system
https://chargedevs.com/newswire/proterra-electric-buses-to-add-mobileye-collision-avoidance-system/

[ghoti]

And yet another independent report showing electric vehicles much more carbon efficient compared to fossil fueled vehicles.

https://transportevolved.com/2015/11/12/union-of-concerned-scientists-proves-cradle-to-grave-emissions-better-for-evs-than-gasoline-in-every-u-s-state/

[Sigmetnow]

Did you know:  of the global CO2 emissions from the transport sector, over half are from urban passengers and freight?  All that obsessing about "non-walkable suburbs" being the problem apparently misses the mark. 
   Another factor is that big transportation systems (such as subways) are built for up to 100-year life-spans, whereas car life-spans are more like 10 years, so new technology can be introduced more quickly (in developed countries).

The transport sector represents around 30 percent of global CO2 emissions, with urban transportation comprising more than half of this amount. This is the type of greenhouse gas emissions “that is expected to grow the fastest in business-as-usual scenarios, increasing at an annual rate of 2–3 percent”....

...the additional time needed for a well-established technology in developed countries to penetrate the market in developing countries is around 10 years. Consequently, according to some estimates a new “green” car, launched today in the developed world, will take 40 to 45 years to reach a significant share of the market in poor countries....

http://uccrn.org/files/2014/02/ARC3-Chapter-6.pdf

[Sigmetnow]

@TeslaOwnerBlog: Somewhat reasonable article about slower charging stations getting busy https://t.co/teMxcVBcyn

https://twitter.com/teslaownerblog/status/664821302075625472

Need an EV battery fill-up? At many charging stations, get in line.
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_29082989/need-an-ev-battery-fill-up-at-many


 

@heronlinedk: @TeslaOwnerBlog todays smile [photo:]  https://t.co/Wi7hALEIXE

https://twitter.com/heronlinedk/status/665251177991421952

[wili]

"over half are from urban passengers and freight"

I'm pretty sure they don't exclude suburban trips here. This is 'urban' as opposed to rural.

[Sigmetnow]

"over half are from urban passengers and freight"

I'm pretty sure they don't exclude suburban trips here. This is 'urban' as opposed to rural.

Good thought.  I don't see anything that specifically describes what they mean by "urban."  But they do refer to "cities," and they differentiate "suburban" areas once or twice:

Stone et al. (2007, p. 404) “found the densification of urban zones to be more than twice as effective in reducing vehicle miles of travel emissions as the densification of suburban zones, suggesting compact growth to be better for air quality” in the United States. The study finds densification of urban zones to be more than twice as effective in reducing vehicle miles of travel and emissions as the densification of suburban zones, suggesting compact growth to be better for air quality than historical patterns of growth in most cities of the United States.

I guess I don't see how rural transport, alone, could account for almost as much transport emissions as urban and suburban combined.... 

[wili]

I agree that this terminology is vague. I hadn't seen the specific references to 'suburban' travel. But that might just be referring to the terminology in that one study. Who knows?

Anyway, what you have to remember about 'rural' or perhaps better 'extra-urban' travel is that it includes all the stuff being transported on the interstate 24/7. I imagine that is quite a good chunk of total CO2 produced from travel in the US, especially given the numbers of semis and other large trucks involved.

Did you happen to see anything on air transport in there?

[Sigmetnow]

Apparently air travel is not considered an Urban Transportation System.
This is all I find:

Further, transportation is expressed in terms of modes of travel, which are categorized broadly as occurring by land, air, and water. Within that broad categoriza- tion, transportation modes may also be classified in terms of the physical infrastructure that is used and include those that use rail, road, ships, and airplanes, each of which can be subdivided further. Land-based transportation systems are generally those with the highest usage in urban regions, and can be divided into rail- and road-based systems. According to Kahn-Ribeiro et al. (2007, p. 328), “road vehicles account for more than three-quarters” of total transport energy use and thus associated greenhouse gas emissions.

The other references are to the risks of airport infrastructure damage by flooding and such.  Really nothing on air travel in this chapter.

[Sigmetnow]

This time, it's engines powered by gasoline, not diesel.  Includes Jetta and Passat.

VW Finds More Gas-Powered Engines Cheated on CO2 Emissions
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/vw-finds-more-gas-powered-engines-cheated-co2-emissions-n464351

[Sigmetnow]

Pollution from a non-stop transatlantic round trip averages around one tonne of CO2 per passenger, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) research found – the same as would be clocked up in a year by commuting 22 miles to work daily in a Toyota Prius.

Large variation found in airlines' CO2 emissions
Lufthansa and BA two thirds as fuel efficient as Norwegian Air Shuttle, says report by group that exposed VW emissions-rigging scandal.
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/nov/16/large-variation-found-in-airlines-co2-emissions

[Sigmetnow]

When Will We Start To See 'Tailpipes' On Cars As Morally Wrong?
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101015_when-will-we-start-to-see-tailpipes-on-cars-as-morally-wrong

[Sigmetnow]

The electric driving revolution isn’t impossible or likely, it’s inevitable – Audi President of America

Yesterday, Audi of America President Scott Keogh held a presentation at the LA Auto Show and he made some interesting comments about the brand’s effort in the electric vehicle space and the future of EVs in general.

Keogh said he expects Audi’s e-tron models, all-electric and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, will represent 25% of all the company’s sales over the next decade.
...
Keogh reiterated Audi’s commitment to developing a nationwide 150 kW charging network with ‘Charging Interface Initiative’ under the Combined Charging Systems (CCS) standard.
...
Audi aims at bringing the [Audi etron] to production in “early 2018” with a massive 95 kWh battery pack [and a range of up to 300 miles].

http://electrek.co/2015/11/19/the-electric-driving-revolution-isnt-impossible-or-likely-its-inevitable-audi-president-of-america/

The CCS system uses a charging plug different from the CHAdeMO used by Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.  The global standard is yet to be determined.

[Sigmetnow]

Jaguar!   

Jaguar is reportedly planning to launch a 300-mile all-electric SUV in 2017
http://electrek.co/2015/11/16/jaguar-is-reportedly-planning-to-launch-a-300-mile-all-electric-suv-in-2017/

[Sigmetnow]

BMW will install 500 DC fast charging stations across 25 U.S. markets in partnership with EVgo
http://electrek.co/2015/11/18/bmw-will-install-500-dc-fast-charging-stations-across-25-u-s-markets-in-partnership-with-evgo/

It should be noted that as BMW is a CCS (Combo) partner, this unit uses a SAE Combo 1 Inlet.  This new unit should go a long way in aided the newer standard make a dent in the CHAdeMO dominated landscape.  GM, Ford, Chrysler, Daimler, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have also signed on to the new standard.

http://insideevs.com/bmw-launches-new-low-cost-dc-fast-chargers-6458/

[Neven]

Wow, I just watched a video showing how the Tesla Model S is constructed. On the one hand very cool, of course, but what complexity. I'm not sure I want an EV anymore.

God, give me the strength to live without a car. 

[Sigmetnow]

Wow, I just watched a video showing how the Tesla Model S is constructed. On the one hand very cool, of course, but what complexity. I'm not sure I want an EV anymore.

God, give me the strength to live without a car. 

Good luck with that! 

Maybe greater complexity leads to the ultimate simplicity?  You won't need to own a car; just summon an on-demand vehicle, get in, and tell it where to go.  Looks like this will happen much sooner than the pundits were saying only a few months ago.  (Elon Musk has been unusually cagey about discussing it on the last couple Tesla Quarterly Report conference calls.)

Tesla is looking for “hardcore” software engineers to bring the Autopilot to full autonomy
http://electrek.co/2015/11/19/tesla-is-looking-for-hardcore-software-engineers-to-bring-the-autopilot-to-full-autonomy/

[wili]

Yes, there are complex elements to a high end EV.

But there are still many fewer moving parts. No carburetor, pistons, fuel injection, spark plugs...

Let's not forget the ICE cars, even cheap ones, are pretty darn complex pieces of machinery with plenty of points to go wrong.

[Sigmetnow]

Microsoft, Volvo Strike Deal to Make Driverless Cars

Like many auto companies, Volvo is keen to develop autonomous vehicles. This week, the automaker unveiled Concept 26, a model of a driverless car's interior.

"Autonomous driving is at the center of Volvo' strategy and future," Annwall said.

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/microsoft-volvo-strike-deal-make-driverless-cars-n466946

[Sigmetnow]

Yes, there are complex elements to a high end EV.

But there are still many fewer moving parts. No carburetor, pistons, fuel injection, spark plugs...

Let's not forget the ICE cars, even cheap ones, are pretty darn complex pieces of machinery with plenty of points to go wrong.

Excellent points!  EVs simplify the main function of a vehicle -- changing energy into motion.  The rest of it is smart phone vs. flip phone arguments. (Although I must admit, in reading the Nissan LEAF owners' forum, that trouble with its run-of-the-mill 12-volt battery can lead to a surprising number and kind of problems.   Gotta work on that.)

EVs have fewer moving parts
Electric vehicles are very simplistic. The propulsion system in an ICE vehicle has hundreds of moving parts. An electric vehicle's propulsion system has but one: the electric motor. In addition to reducing maintenance costs and saving on lubricants and oils, the reduction in friction losses contributes to the energy efficiency of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles are very energy efficient. For every 100 units of fuel that are expended in an ICE vehicle, only 16 actually result in propulsion. An electric vehicle, however, will use almost 85 units out of 100 for driving the vehicle.

http://www.utc.edu/college-engineering-computer-science/research-centers/cete/electric.php

[Sigmetnow]

Back in the slow lane....

Tesla Motors Autopilot Hits Turbulence As Hong Kong Officials Order Driver Assistance Software Removed From Model S
http://www.ibtimes.com/tesla-motors-autopilot-hits-turbulence-hong-kong-officials-order-driver-assistance-2192392

[Sigmetnow]

EPA Proposes To Cut Ethanol Requirement For Gasoline

The Renewable Fuel Standard was originally seen as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil and cut carbon emissions, by encouraging use of a fuel that could be produced domestically from renewable sources.

But setting requirements for fixed amounts of ethanol to be blended with gasoline did not account for changes in overall fuel consumption.

The fuel efficiency of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. has increased appreciably since 2007--meaning drivers are using less fuel--largely due to increasingly stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards starting in 2012.

The deep economic recession that started in 2008 and lasted several years also reduced work-related commuting as jobs were lost.

Yet the ethanol requirement didn't change to reflect this, because the rule only considers ethanol in terms of volume, not as a percentage of overall fuel consumed.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101082_epa-proposes-to-cut-ethanol-requirement-for-gasoline?fbfanpage

[Neven]

Yes, there are complex elements to a high end EV.

But there are still many fewer moving parts. No carburetor, pistons, fuel injection, spark plugs...

Let's not forget the ICE cars, even cheap ones, are pretty darn complex pieces of machinery with plenty of points to go wrong.

EV engines are definitely better than ICE. This really sank in when I had my electric lawnmower repaired (which is ultra-simple) and saw what a mess gasoline lawnmower engines were in the repair shop, so dirty and so many moving parts.

I figured it'd be the same for cars, but I'm in doubt now after watching that Tesla How It's Made video. Such a thing can simply never be sustainable. Not only the car (which looks more like a laptop on wheels than a car to me), but also the production process is incredibly vulnerable and non-resilient.

I hope to buy 1-2 electric bikes soon (much simpler and more repairable), and then hopefully we can keep our CNG-powered car and only use it for large distances (saving a lot of money on insurance etc).

[Sigmetnow]

I found a (small-screen) copy of the How It's Made - Tesla Model S on YouTube:


Fascinating -- although I know that show explains the manufacturing of pencils and flashlights in similarly detailed fashion!

[Zythryn]

Yes, there are complex elements to a high end EV.

But there are still many fewer moving parts. No carburetor, pistons, fuel injection, spark plugs...

Let's not forget the ICE cars, even cheap ones, are pretty darn complex pieces of machinery with plenty of points to go wrong.

EV engines are definitely better than ICE. This really sank in when I had my electric lawnmower repaired (which is ultra-simple) and saw what a mess gasoline lawnmower engines were in the repair shop, so dirty and so many moving parts.

I figured it'd be the same for cars, but I'm in doubt now after watching that Tesla How It's Made video. Such a thing can simply never be sustainable. Not only the car (which looks more like a laptop on wheels than a car to me), but also the production process is incredibly vulnerable and non-resilient.

I hope to buy 1-2 electric bikes soon (much simpler and more repairable), and then hopefully we can keep our CNG-powered car and only use it for large distances (saving a lot of money on insurance etc).

The motor is far simpler.
Many things that make up an ICE, or CNG, or electric vehicle are the same.
Safety equipment, suspension, brakes, doors, etc.

We will stick with our EV for long ranges.  We will not have any CO emitting devices in our attached garage or house.
I really do need to bike more though, I'll work on that next year

[OrganicSu]

Cars, Trucks and let's not forget … Motorbikes

Intro: 6 weeks ago I had stones delivered. The tractor left a blob of dirty oil behind. I scooped up the earth, in disgust. I know it goes to landfill but not on my land. Please excuse me. I saw another blob and said I leave it until I sort out my own combustion engines. It grated on my eyes for a week and then I jumped. I changed a 150cc petrol motorbike for a 50cc equivalent electric scooter.  I have it a month.

It had been a plan to go EV for 2 main reasons:
– The climate
- Use some of the surplus power from my off-grid solar system.

I will not go back to combustion engine for different reasons (in priority):
- The silence. I can hear the birds while accelerating out of a corner. How soon before we find the noise of combustion engines morally wrong, not just their tailpipes?
- The acceleration. Scary at first and remains truly pleasurable (even though I went from 150cc to 50cc equivalent).
- The running cost. It costs me 2.24€ for 1000km (3,82$ per 1000 miles) using household electricity (our household electricity is 0.263 €/kWh). The  sample driving was 50% with 2 passengers, 30% up and down steep hills and I was not trying to drive particularly efficiently.

EV are much simpler machines. They will be cheaper to make than combustion engines; It's just a matter of scale and desire. Car, truck and motorbike makers of the world watch out – China is making EV's with superior spec's bar a few notable exceptions. If only they would sell to Greece and elsewhere.

[Sigmetnow]

This bike lane in Korea is topped with 20 miles of solar panels
http://inhabitat.com/could-this-solar-powered-bike-lane-in-korea-inspire-other-countries-to-add-one/

[Tor Bejnar]

I wonder how a bicyclist exits from that road?  I wonder if the stretch is lighted at night?

[wili]

Don't know for sure, but from some pictures I've found on line, it looks like, where there are overpasses and bridges, there are stairways going down from the side of the bike way.

[Sigmetnow]

VW's Emissions Fixes Approved for 90% of Cars in Europe

Mueller, who was appointed in the wake of the scandal, said he plans to present an interim report on the status of the investigation in mid-December as the final results will still take several months. Ultimately, he plans to present a new strategy by mid-2016. The goal is to shake up the company’s autocratic structure and re-focus on three topics: digitalization, sustainability and integrity.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-23/volkswagen-s-emissions-fixes-approved-for-90-of-cars-in-europe

[Sigmetnow]

Switzerland will have all-electric and fully autonomous buses as soon as next year [Gallery – Video]

The city of Sion in Switzerland approved a pilot project with two all-electric and fully autonomous buses which will hit the road as soon as spring 2016. The project could become the first fully autonomous public transportation system in operation.

http://electrek.co/2015/11/24/switzerland-will-have-all-electric-and-fully-autonomous-buses-as-soon-as-next-year-gallery-video/

[Sigmetnow]

On beyond Tesla?  Faraday Future is a secretive car company in California with a notable pedigree.

The California-based EV startup Faraday Future (FF) has presented innovative ideas and assembled a talented team, raiding the ranks of such companies as Tesla, BMW, Audi, Apple, SpaceX, and Hulu. So far however, it has offered few details about its organization or its strategy.

More is sure to be revealed soon. The company will participate in the Consumer Electronics Show in January, and has announced plans to invest a billion bucks in a US factory.

The Verge’s Tamara Warren recently scored a tour of FF’s Los Angeles facility and interviews with senior execs, adding a few brushstrokes to the sketch of this secretive startup.
...
“If I plan my journey, the car should know the places I want to visit along the way, because it knows my preferences,” he continued. “The car should begin to learn my desires, and not just me as owner or user, but the people who are with me. It should be a much more social event to be in the car.”

“Uber is a new way of getting about,” said Sampson. “Some people are considering not even having a car. The cars of the future have got to meet those needs.” He envisions specialized vehicles that can be rented as needed. “I don’t have to buy one compromise vehicle, I can just have use of the perfect model when I need it, like a subscription service.”

Faraday has spoken of building a vehicle by 2017. “We already have a test vehicle running, testing the electrical system, the battery, powertrain. We’re well through the design process for production. We’re already releasing data and information to start having parts made for real vehicles in the future.”

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/faraday-future-offers-a-peak-under-its-veil/

[Neven]

I really don't want to be the anti-EV guy over here, but this...

“If I plan my journey, the car should know the places I want to visit along the way, because it knows my preferences,” he continued. “The car should begin to learn my desires, and not just me as owner or user, but the people who are with me. It should be a much more social event to be in the car.”

...it simply makes me nauseous.

The car needs to drive us from A to B as efficiently as possible. It doesn't need to learn our desires! We cannot consume ourselves out of this predicament!

And what's with the names? Tesla... Faraday... What's next? Edison EV? Franklin Fourwheeldrives? NASCAR Newton? 

I want an EV that's as simple as my electric lawnmower, but I think the best thing to do, is try to make my Opel Combo CNG last as long as possible by driving it as little as possible.

[Zythryn]

I really don't want to be the anti-EV guy over here, but this...

“If I plan my journey, the car should know the places I want to visit along the way, because it knows my preferences,” he continued. “The car should begin to learn my desires, and not just me as owner or user, but the people who are with me. It should be a much more social event to be in the car.”

...it simply makes me nauseous.

That isn't anti EV.  That is anti tech interface.
Frankly, it makes me a bit nauseous as well.

However, if it gets people in efficient cars that wouldn't otherwise get in efficient cars, more power to the marketing speak.

[Sigmetnow]

Volkswagen Proposes 2.0-Liter Diesel Fixes As Crisis Continues

The fixes for the German diesels, however, will be far less challenging because EU emission standards are far less stringent than those in effect in the U.S. since 2008.

In a Monday speech at VW headquarters in Wolfsburg, Müller said "the solutions are confirmed" for most of the technical details of the three fixes. He called the costs of the German changes "technically, physically, and financially manageable."

The 2.0-liter engines in Germany will get a software update, while the 1.6-liter TDI four-cylinders will receive not only a software update but a new grille and cartridge for their air-filter system. The 1.2-liter engines are thought to require only a software update.

The challenge in North America, however, is far greater than that of getting EU-market diesels to meet far more lax Euro 5 standards for cars sold through 2014.

It's possible that 325,000 of the 482,000 affected 2.0-liter diesels in the U.S. would need to have a Selective Catalytic Reduction system fitted, which comprises a new catalytic converter, a tank of urea liquid, and associated plumbing to inject the urea into the exhaust aftertreatment system.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100974_volkswagen-proposes-2-0-liter-diesel-fixes-as-crisis-continues

[Sigmetnow]

U.S. Ethanol mandate update.

Final 2016 Ethanol Rule: Fuel Blenders, Biofuels Interests Unhappy With EPA Numbers
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101222_final-2016-ethanol-rule-fuel-blenders-biofuels-interests-unhappy-with-epa-numbers

[Sigmetnow]

VW Diesel NOx Problem: So Tough Angela Merkel Complained About It (In 2010)
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101223_vw-diesel-nox-problem-so-tough-angela-merkel-complained-about-it-in-2010

[Sleepy]

TUNE IT! SAFE! Chevrolet Corvette unveiled at Essen.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/1151130101569/tune-it-safe-chevrolet-corvette-unveiled-at-essen/

Sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and the Association of Automobile Tuners

Power is provided by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that develops 459 bhp (466 PS / 343 kW) and 464 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.

Safe? That has different meanings, to different people.