Honda Civic GX: Part Of 'Greenest Vehicles Of 2008' List For The Fifth Straight Year

Honda’s continuing effort in enhancing environmental-friendly and fuel efficient vehicles had paid off by earning top honors from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as the "greenest vehicles of 2008". This award recognizes the company’s dedication in the application of efficient alternative fuel technologies. According to the Auto Channel, the Civic GX natural gas vehicle took the crown of being one of the greenest vehicles with a rising thermostat for the fifth straight year.

The 11th annual ACEEE's "Green Book(R) Online" results were announced by the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. a few days ago. The Civic GX topped the list along with the gasoline Civic, Fit and Civic Hybrid. In addition to this, this is the eighth consecutive year that a Honda car achieved the top ranking and the seventh successive year that Honda vehicles seized a minimum of four spots in the top 12.

"The ACEEE awards speak to the commitment Honda has made to lead the industry in lowering emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dependence on oil. Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally-responsible automotive products and our commitment to alternative fuels will further expand with the zero emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle coming to market this summer," says John Mendel, the executive vice president of American Honda.

The company holds a long and glorious history of environmental leadership that includes the unveiling of the America's first hybrid, the Honda Insight.

The first vehicles to meet stricter emissions standards, includes:

• The first gasoline Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV), the 1996 Honda Civic.
  
• The first gasoline Ultra-Low Emissions vehicle (ULEV), the 1998 Honda Accord.
  
• The first gasoline Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV), the 2000 Honda Accord.
  
• The first Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), the 2001 Civic GX natural gas vehicle.

Toyota Unveils Green Sporty Car

Japanese auto making juggernaut Toyota has been the face of the green revolution in the automotive industry. Although the automaker is not the first to offer a hybrid to consumers especially in the United States, its Prius is what caught the attention of many. But Toyota is not just about green cars.

Recently, the automaker launched a sports car. When you hear the word sports car, you might think that it is one of those fast machines that guzzle gas as it rack up the miles. But this one has a Toyota badge on it so we can safely assume that this is a green car.

The automaker announced that the Future Toyota Hybrid Sports or FT-HS concept will give consumers the best of two worlds. If you want a fast car, this is the one for you. And if you want a car which produces very little emission then, this is for you too.

Doug Soden, manager of product development at Toyota said: "There is a stronger need for hybrid vehicles to be on the market, or much more fuel efficient vehicles. Whichever way you look at it, whether it is a petrol-electric or hydrogen-electric, there needs to be that hybrid interface."

I just hope that this is not a hybrid just for the sake of it being a hybrid. I mean, the FT-HS should be a hybrid not because it's what people with money want. It should be a hybrid because there is a need for vehicles to reduce their greenhouse gas emission. And if the second case is true for this sports car, then Toyota should have designed it to be fast and really "green". Also, it should be as an Acura valve cover gasket.

Museum Of Modern Arts To Feature Mercedes-Benz Bionic Car

I never knew some automakers can make great philosophers too. Not until, I came across Daimler Chrysler’s philosophy. As we all know, Daimler Chrysler is the leading automobile manufacturer in terms of technological advancements. And it lives by these philosophies: Thinking the unthinkable. Looking beyond the horizon. Leaving familiar paths and giving new ideas a chance.

Daimler Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Technology Center’s commitment to safety, comfort and most importantly to environmental compatibility complemented by its engineer’s creative minds paved the way for the Mercedes-Benz bionic car -- a concept vehicle inspired by nature but utilizes the diesel engine technology for practical use. According to daimlerchrysler.com, this bionic car features qualities similar to a fish -- with streamlined contours and outstanding aerodynamics. Biologists, bionics scientists and automotive researchers took the challenge of finding the ideal creature that suits their concept of a car transformed from nature to technology. Finally, they found all the qualities they’ve been looking for in Ostracion Cubicus better known as the boxfish -- agile and streamlined at first sight but is a good swimmer.

By finding homes in the coral reefs, lagoons and seaweeds of the tropical seas, the boxfish has developed good maneuverability -- great characteristics that is common with Daimler Chrysler’s ideal car.

The Mercedes-Benz bionic car, a four-seater compact car with two doors, windscreen, glass roof and a tailgate, 4.24 meters long, 1.82 meters wide and 1.59 meters high. It also incorporates cameras as substitute for exterior mirrors and rear wheels covered with sheets of plastic flush-fitted door handles.

The bionic car is equipped with a 103 kW per 140 horsepower direct-injection diesel engine, consumes 4.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and has a top speed of 190 kilometers per hour. Hopefully, it comes with high-quality oil filters as well though it promises about 80 percent lower nitrogen oxide emissions using its selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology.

Starting on February 24 up to May 12, this bionic car from Mercedes-Benz will be displayed in the “Design and Elastic Mind” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, which honors and recognizes the powerful innovations and latest developments in science, research and design.

Indeed, by exploring the beauty of one's philosophy, anyone can turn simple things into amazing achievements.

Volvo Launches Its 15 Millionth Car

Indeed, life in the car industry (as in all other fields of business) is such an unpredictable game. Nothing manifests it best than Ford’s luxury brand Volvo which has produced its 15 millionth car -- an all-new convertible Volvo C70, as reported by the AutoChannel yesterday.

According to Wikipedia, Volvo founder Asaar Gabrielsson, upon losing his wife in a car accident, promised to uphold the production of safe cars. On April 14, 1927, the first Volvo car, called Volvo ÖV 4, was introduced in the Swedish market. Continuing its production had been a struggle for Volvo particularly during World War II. It took the company 23 years before it produced its first 100,000 cars. At present, that is equivalent to only three months of production. See the difference?

Autounleashed.com reported that the new convertible Volvo C70, like the Volvo ÖV 4 that signifies “Open Car” with four cylinders, is also an open car -- a sports car, noted for its functionality and spaciousness. Also, it boasts of its two cars-in-one capacity, which is its ability to transform from coupe to convertible at the touch of a button via its three-piece retractable top. Hmm, it must be equipped with high-quality performance pulleys, musn't it?

However, reviews from edmunds.com said that although the new Volvo C70 has qualities that are proven to be user-friendly with its comfortable interior and safety features, it also comes with a middling acceleration and braking performance as well as an average steering feedback. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine which is capable of producing 227 horsepower. Other important characteristics of the convertible Volvo C70 include a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob plus revamped air vents.

The convertible Volvo C70, produced in Volvo’s factory at Uddevalla, Sweden, was launched yesterday as Volvo celebrated its 8oth anniversary -- marking another milestone in Volvo history.

Teens Unite To Prevent Car Crashes

Car crashes is among the primary cause of several fatalities for teen drivers in the past years. It’s sad to know that they pay a major price for being too neglectful and aggressive behind the wheel whereas control arms won’t even save their precious lives. As a result, dedicated teenagers in the U.S., students from 25 different schools, came together and compete to generate a significant and convincing safe driving communication campaigns. According to the Auto Channel, the program is intended to encourage their friends and classmates of the hazards of perilous behavior while driving.

Project Ignition sponsored by State Farm(R) and organized by the National Youth Leadership Council(R), announced the ten finalist schools for this year. Here are the finalists in the fourth year of the program:

• Ada High School - Ada, Okla.
• Bergen County Technical School - Paramus, N.J.
• Bishop McNamara High School - Forestville, Md.
• Harry D. Jacobs High School - Algonquin, Ill.
• Howenstine High Magnet School - Tucson, Ariz.
• Louisburg High School - Louisburg, Kan.
• Medina Valley High School - Castroville, Texas
• Nease High School - Ponte Vedra, Fla.
• Owen Valley High School - Spencer, Ind.
• Upper Arlington High School - Columbus, Ohio

"Project Ignition embodies the true meaning of service-learning and how teens can have a direct impact not only on the lives of their peers, but also on the community. Teen driving behavior and habits are a major factor in teen driving accidents. Project Ignition uses service-learning as a tool for young people to educate themselves and their neighbors on the risks they face every time they get behind the wheel," says Dr. James Kielsmeier, the president of NYLC.

Nearly 7,000 teens, ranging from 16 to 20 years old, were involved in deadly car accidents in the United States last year. The death rate for drivers’ age 16 to 19 years, based on miles driven, is four times that of drivers' aged 25 to 69 years according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Today's young people are faced with hazards both inside and outside the vehicle. Through service-learning, the Project Ignition program empowers teens to influence their peers and make a positive impact on driving behaviors and attitudes. State Farm's goal is to make the roads safer for all drivers and help save lives," says Kellie Clapper, Assistant Vice President of Community Relations for State Farm.

New York International Auto Show Features First-Ever Virtual Garage

“I’m a new lover of cars. I found my favorite car (the Shadow Grey Aston Martin Vanquish) was discontinued and I think my heart died a little. So I’ve begun to dedicate myself to finding my own car, one that I could tune to my personality and style and ride it into the sunset. Can you help me?”

Those were words posted by 19-year-old car enthusiast Kitsune of New Jersey at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) Virtual Garage, accessible at autoshowny.com.

For the first time in auto show history, the NYIAS now features a Virtual Garage, an online publication of car enthusiasts’ personal garages to promote communication and friendship among present and future generation of car lovers. How? It’s simple. By logging in to the NYIAS’ Virtual Garage section, members get the chance to upload photos and videos of their cars, provide some personal information, become a “fan” of other members and discover other members’ garages while non-members can register to avail of the same privileges. Like maybe you have an Acura car that’s so much dear to you. So you go and show the world why. It may be because of the outstanding quality of its MDX bug shield. Surely, you’ll learn more from others who have mutual sentiments as yours.

At edmunds.com, Show Director Candida Romanelli said that the virtual garage is a great opportunity for all car enthusiasts around the world to keep in touch with each other and share personal stories about their cars.

Online community group was initiated by facebook.com and myspace.com. The NYIAS is the first auto show to adopt the same practical and technological system.

According to AutoChannel, this year’s NYIAS will unveil more or less 1,000 collections of innovative and top-of the-line vehicles including impressive concept cars. The NYIAS, North America’s oldest auto show, will be held at the Javits Center next month starting from March 21 to 30.

GEMA Plant, Noted For Operational Excellence By Shingo

Focus. Practice. Commitment to outstanding results. These highly-regarded “virtues” in business processes make a Shingo Awardee - considered as the “Nobel Prize of Manufacturing.”

Based from a report in Autochannel, on the 20th Annual Shingo prize for Operational Excellence Conference in Dallas, Texas scheduled this coming March 31 to April 3, the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan that holds facilities in producing fuel-efficient engines for Chrysler will be receiving the 2008 Shingo Silver Medallion for Operational Excellence. Last year, it also bagged the same award making it as the sole automotive manufacturer to receive such recognition.

According to Vice President for Chrysler Limited Liability Company (LLC) Manufacturing and also a member of the GEMA Board of Directors, Richard Chow-Wah, it is a pleasure to be receiving such recognition which he considers a confirmation that they accomplished their mission of setting a revolutionary pace in engine manufacturing by maximizing manpower, processes, technologies and systems. Meanwhile, Global Engine Manufaturing Alliance LLC President Bruce Coventry dedicates the success to the committed and hardworking members of the GEMA team. According to him, the 330 GEMA employees including the 265 partner employees who keep the facility going just the way an Acura Legend tie rod enables your Acura car wheels to turn deserve the applaud and the honor.

He pointed out, “At the same time, in the spirit of continuous improvement we recognize there are many opportunities in our processes. We understand that manufacturing excellence is a never-ending journey, not a final destination.”

GEMA is known as a producer of 1.8-, 2.0-, and 2.4-liter engines used for Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible, Dodge Caliber, Avenger and other vehicles using what are considered as the “World Engines,” these units developed by the joint efforts of Chrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

According to shingoprize.org, the GEMA plant in Michigan, which has been operating for three years now, was also a recipient of the Top Plant Award given by the Plant Engineering Magazine in 2007 while in 2006, it was given the Environmental Achievement Award from the Environmental Management Association.

Fight The Cold

With this cold weather we are having, it is not surprising that there have been a lot of vehicles breaking down on the road. Thus, it is always important to check your car before driving out there. There are simple things you can do and some of them do not even include using auto parts such as thermostats.

AAA Chicago published their tips thanks to The Auto Channel. Since everyone driving around in this weather should be armed with information, here are those tips:

• Check your battery strength. Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor. At 0 degrees, a good battery has 35 percent less starting power.
• Park your car in the garage. If you have no garage, put a tarp over the hood or park protected from prevailing winds. To keep doors from freezing shut, place a plastic trash bag between the door and the frame.
• Keep the fuel tank at least half-full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.
• To avoid frozen door locks, buy a lubricant available in most auto supply stores. If your lock freezes, heat your key with a pocket lighter but remember to wear gloves or hold the key with pliers. Or, fill a plastic jug with hot water. Hold it against the door panel or lock area. Do not throw hot water on the car. It may freeze and run the risk of cracking glass.
• If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. It provides excellent shelter from the cold and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. If you can start your engine, run it only enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free. Keep emergency supplies in the car, such as a cell phone, boots, hats, gloves, blankets, a "coffee can heater", flashlight and reflective triangle.

I hope that these tips will help you keep safe this season.

Who’s To Define 2008 Global Auto Sales?

“How quickly does it improve and where does it go to, that remains to be seen.”

I agree with the words of General Motors’ North American Operations Head Troy Clarke. Indeed, who’s to define the fate of the auto industry for us?

Despite many auto analysts’ predictions that this year would mark the worst US sales in a decade, expecting a 17 million drop as compared to that of 2005, auto manufacturers remain hopeful.

Auto executives told the Associated Press about the possibility of federal stimulus package and lower interest rates to boost consumer confidence.

“We’re beginning to see, after six quarters of declines, the beginnings of some pent-up demand. You could make a case that the second half of the year could be significantly better,” Clarke said to AP.

Meanwhile, Ford Americas President expressed the same sentiment pointing out the importance of interest rates cut in stimulating sales.

“We do see opportunity in the second half,” he said.

Based from reports in Reuters, auto industry sales for the last six months of 2008 is forecasted to range from 16 million to 16.5 million vehicles. Would that be enough to hood research firm Global Insight’s calculation that vehicle sales will decrease by 15.5 million units this year?

Well, as Clarke puts it succinctly, that remains to be seen.

Best January for MNAO

Mazda North American Operations had a promising start this year with its record-breaking 10.2 sales increase for January 2008 - the first after 14 years.

Mazda had sold about 21, 212 vehicles in 2008’s first 31 days! Whoa! Whatta great start, isn’t it? These cars must have the same quality like Acura cars with great fender flares.

Mazda3, or Mazda Axela, a compact car, led the volume of record sales with 6, 579 units sold. On the other hand, Mazda6 or Mazda Atenza, a midsize car, got the best January sales since its launch last 2002 with 6,333 units sold up 27 percent than last year while the Mazda5 also known as the Mazda Premacy, a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was redesigned for 2008, garnered a 28.4 sales increase with 1,699 units sold. Also, Mazda CX-9, a full-size crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) described as a “modern station wagon” and was recently named North American truck of the Year, declared sales of 1,850 while CX-7, a mid-size crossover SUV, had 2,555 units sold.

Overwhelmed by the public’s demand for Mazda cars, MNAO President and Chief Executive Officer Jim O’Sullivan said, “After closing 2007 as the fastest-growing major car company in the US, we kicked off 2008 signaling our intention for another strong year.”

Mazda North American operation is the largest foreign component of Mazda Motor Corporation. It has two headquarters - one in Irvine, California and another in Flat Rock, Michigan.

According to bloomberg.com, Mazda’s 10 percent gain was the lone increase among Asian brands like Nissan and Hyundai whose combined market share declined by 0.2 to 41.9 percent.