The proposed legislation would provide financial support for experimental vehicle research, including new types of hybrids, hydrogen cells and other batteries, and new environmentally friendly engine systems. The U.S. Department of Energy would administer the funds. The major auto manufacturers and the United Auto Workers union have voiced support for this bill, which would provide a further boost to the rebounding auto industry after the success of the CARS program.

Peters, accompanied by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, announced the proposal on September 3 in Troy, Michigan. The legislation is seen as a boon for Michigan’s economy, which heavily depends on the auto industry; it will also please environmentalists who praise its emphasis on alternative fuel sources rather than reliance on fossil fuels. If the bill is passed, funding might be available to auto manufacturers by the end of this year.

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Touted as a success by environmentalists and economists, the “Cash for Clunkers” program removed 690,114 older vehicles with poor gas mileage from the roads, replacing them with newer fuel-efficient cars. The beneficial effects of this government program have been obvious in the automotive industry, with both General Motors and Ford announcing increases in production for the latter half of this year. “Cash for Clunkers” provided an incentive for consumers to purchase new vehicles, and the increase in demand is creating more jobs in the previously struggling automotive sector. Toyota, General Motors, Ford, and Honda topped the list of auto makers with the most “Cash for Clunkers” transactions, together netting over 64 percent of total rebate applications.

The environmental impact of this program is equally impressive, with an estimated 58 percent improvement in fuel economy expected due to the trade-ins. Most “Cash for Clunkers” trade-ins were trucks or SUVs, while the new vehicles purchased were primarily passenger cars. The White House reported that the cars purchased under this program averaged fuel economy 19 percent higher than the average of all new cars currently produced, making the “Cash for Clunkers” program a big win for environmentalists as well.

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Cash for Clunkers Ends Monday

The highly successful “Cash for Clunkers” program will end Monday, according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Part of the overall stimulus package, this program offered up to $4500 in rebates to car buyers who traded in certain older vehicles with poor fuel economy. “Cash for Clunkers” was designed to have a twofold effect, both reducing harmful emissions and giving the cash-strapped automobile industry a much needed boost in sales. Consumer reaction to the program was far more enthusiastic than predicted, necessitating additional funds to cover the cost of the consumer rebates. Despite continuing consumer demand, Lahood announced that applications for rebates will no longer be accepted after Monday, August 21, 2009.

Lahood indicated that the Cash for Clunkers program had already processed over $1.9 billion dollars in rebates, with over 450,000 dealer transactions already recorded by the Federal government. “This program has been a lifeline to the automobile industry, jump starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work,” Lahood said. Auto manufacturers saw the greatest increase in sales in their fuel-efficient passenger vehicles, with the White Hosue estimating an increase in gas mileage of approximately sixty-one percent over the trade-in vehicles.

The Cash for Clunkers program, also known as CARS, was originally only funded for $1 billion, but after the unexpected consumer response to the program, $2 billion in additional funds was passed by Congress. It is expected that these funds will be essentially depleted by the end of the program. Auto manufacturers and consumers alike have seen the benefits of this program, with Ford Motor Company announcing plans to step up production in response to extremely brisk sales of fuel-efficient cars in the first two weeks of August.

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What makes the Chevy Volt desirable?

If Chevrolet’s claims regarding its new Chevy Volt are accurate, this new car stands to revolutionize the way we commute and think about fuel economy. According to their press release, if you drive less than 40 miles per day, the Chevy Volt will consume zero traditional fuel and create zero emissions. In other worlds, according to Chevy, the future of personal automobile has arrived, and it is rated at 230 mpg.

Click to Insure Your Chevy Volt

How can it be rated 230 mpg?

When considering the Chevy Volt’s rating of 230 miles per gallon, it is worth remembering the Environmental Protection Agency is still working out the kinks on how they will test new electric cars for fuel efficiency . As the procedure currently stands, a car is expected to be charged up once a day. Unlike most electric cars or hybrids, the Chevy Volt will be able to complete up to forty miles of completely gasoline free driving on that charge. This means that around three quarters of commuters would be able to do their daily driving without any gasoline at all. The Chevy Volt only begins using gasoline once its electric charge has run down, which is where the 230 mpg rating comes from.

Where can you find car insurance rates for this new car?

Of course, once you decide to make the plunge, it will be necessary to look into getting insurance rates for your new Chevy Volt. These days, there are a handful of websites that can serve as a one stop shop to get insurance rates. Autocareinsurance .com, for instance, provides you quotes on insurance rates from the top providers without the hassle of contacting each insurance provider and haggling with them on your own.

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The caravan offers the public an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with hydrogen fuel cell technology as a viable energy source for passenger vehicles and buses, as well as off-road and portable power supplies. The nine day road rally invites the public to learn about hydrogen technology and test drive participating fuel cell vehicles. The participating vehicles will stop at 28 locations along the I-5 corridor.

Daimler 'F-Cell' FCV

Daimler
The 2007 Daimler “F-Cell” FCV can comfortably seat four passengers. Hidden underneath the under floor of the vehicle is the entire fuel cell system and accompanying 2.8 kg hydrogen tanks. Unlike other bulky alternative-energy vehicles, there is no lost space in the passenger or luggage areas.

Reaching maximum speeds of 90 miles per hour, this vehicle has a 167 mile range. It boasts 89 horsepower, 10,000 PSI and 145 ft – lb torque.

General Motors Equinox Fuel Cell

General Motors
General Motors’ fully functional crossover fuel cell vehicle, the 2007 Chevy Equinox, offers 100 mph maximum speeds. It also boasts an ability to start and operate reliably in sub-freezing temperatures. It has 94 kW of maximum power, and a maximum torque of 236 lb – ft.

However, due to its engineering, the Equinox is not expected to last for more than 50,000 miles of use. Its range is 150 miles on 4.2 kg of hydrogen.

Honda FCX Clarity

Honda
One of the world’s most loved automakers, Honda has a long history of environmental technology advancement. This dedication was manifested in late 2002, when Honda leased the first government certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for daily commercial operation. The City of Los Angeles proudly used the first five FCX’s in daily City Government business. Honda holds another important first, having supplied the first fuel cell vehicle leased to an individual.

Honda’s award-winning 2009 FCX Clarity combines typical Honda efficiency with an advanced design and fuel cell power system. The hydrogen tanks hold 3.9 kg. A compact, high torque drive motor enables the vehicle to quickly accelerate with 189 lb – ft. torque and maximum speeds of 100 miles per gallon. It can start in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit and is one of the few fuel cell vehicles practical for real-world use.

It has a 240 mile range, maximum power of 100 kW and a fuel economy of 60 city / 60 highway.

Hyundai Tucson FCEV

Hyundai
The Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicle Development Program has yielded success in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson FCEV. Having overcome challenges in range, efficiency and climate, the Tucson is the result of immense research and development at Hyundai’s Eco-Technology Research Institute in Korea.

Considered one of the most commercially viable fuel cell prototypes, the 2009 Tucson FCEV has a 221 mile range and a maximum speed of 97 mph. The tank holds 3.6 kg. Power tops at 100 kW and torque leads out with a top limit of 300 Nm.

KIA Borrego FCEV

Kia
The 2009 Kia Borrego FCEV is still in the development process. With a design based on the current gasoline Borrego model, the FCEVs are undergoing testing in the US and Korea. This automobile marks a major advancement for Kia’s fuel cell vehicle development.

The Borrego boasts an impressive range of 426 miles and max speeds of 100 miles per hour. Torque is measured at 300 Nm and power peaks at 110 kW. The tank holds 7.9 kg.

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan
Nissan is very concerned about the current state of the environment and has taken many steps to protect the world and its resources. The 2005 Nissan X-Trail offers a 310 mile range with max speeds of 93 miles per hour. 280 Nm of torque combines with 90 kW of power to get the X-Trail up and moving. A sporty design adds to the Nissan’s appeal.

TOYOTA FCHV

Toyota
The 2008 Toyota FCHV is the culmination of 80,000 miles and 18 months of testing on the streets of California and Japan. The FCHV has been leased limitedly in the US and Japan since early December 2002. This luxury style automobile offers the smooth, quiet ride so desired by commuters.

A consumer could expect to travel the FCHV’s 491 mile range at speeds up to 96 miles per hour with a tank capacity of approximately 6 kg. Power and torque max out at 90 kW and 192 lb – ft respectively.

Volkswagen Tiguan HyMotion

Volkswagen
Drive fully emissions-free in the super-silent 2008 Tiguan Hymotion. Offering 134 horsepower and top speeds of 93 miles per hour. Accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes only 14 seconds.

Installed in the trunk space, the battery does not affect the available interior space of the automobile. The 700 bar hydrogen tank is beneath the floor of the rear bench seat and cargo area, and holds up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen.

Read more about Fuel Cell Vehicles

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General Motors Embraces Fuel Standard

General Motors has given its support for President Obama’s strict fuel standards, and plans on following suit to manufacturer vehicles with better mileage. From Kansascity.com:

General Motors, in a statement, said it was fully committed to the approach, which will set a uniform standard in the United States for fuel economy and greenhouse-gas reduction. Fritz Henderson, the company’s chief executive officer, said delivering innovation and solutions is “a central part of GM’s re-invention.”

Read the entire article here: Fuel standards are one more task on GM’s plate

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Ford Supports Obama's Plan

From Businessweek.com:

Ford Motor Co. Chairman Bill Ford Jr. says his company is well positioned to meet fuel economy standards proposed by President Barack Obama.

Speaking Friday during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual policy conference on Mackinac Island, Ford said his company intends to be the fuel economy leader in every automotive segment.

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Fuel Cell Technology for Autos

UPDATE: Read about Fuel Cell Vehicles on the Hydrogen Road Tour

Serious challenges face our planet. Air pollution, noise pollution and a general conflict over limited resources top the list for most people. What if changing our approach to one aspect of our economy could significantly help with all of these problems? Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and you reduce the severity of all of these issues. Fortunately, there is a way to do just that. Fuel cell technology provides a practical alternative. It is easy to see why it looks promising when you look at the benefits.

Fuel cell technology works through an electrochemical process to turn fuel to energy rather than through combustion. This means that, unlike gasoline, fuel cells provide an energy that is clean. The technology is also quiet and far more efficient than burning fuel. When burning fossil fuels for energy we are constantly using up resources that are limited in supply. One day they will be gone. Fuel cell technology, however, provides energy in a way that does not deplete our access to it. It also allows for more than one kind of fuel. This fuel can be harvested and turned into energy in many different places, unlike fossil fuels. So fuel cell technology allows us, in effect, to grow more energy rather than look with trepidation at the rapidly approaching point where usable energy will be exhausted.

Fuel cell technology offers realistic solutions to some of the most daunting challenges facing our planet. It is easy to see why it looks so promising. It offers a very clean, quiet, highly efficient energy source that is reliable, flexible and easy to maintain. At some point in the future people will look back at us and shake their heads, unable to comprehend why we put up with our dependence on fossil fuels for so long.

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Buying American?

It is common to debate the pros and cons of buying an American made car today, mainly because people are looking for vehicles that are affordable and reliable. Purchasing a car can be an overwhelmingly stressful decision and one that could carry serious consequences should the wrong decision be made. Yet many American consumers want to support the American vehicle market and economy by purchasing a car that is homemade. So, what are the pros and cons of buying an American made car today?

First are the pros of buying a new American car. In most cases, buying from such American makes as Chrysler, GM or Ford is going to save money. With these companies struggling in the tough economy, and with Japanese cars surging forward competitively, American companies must lower prices and give better deals to stay afloat. When it comes to quality, Consumer Reports and research is showing that American cars are being built to meet higher standards today. Payment protection plans are being offered now at most American car manufacturers. Finally, some consumers still prefer the masculine or muscular look to the American-designed vehicle. Many are standing by their domestic vehicle or choosing to take the plunge and try one out themselves.

On the other hand, there are cons to buying American versus foreign. Foreign built cars are considered to be superior in design, engine size, power and endurance. While these characteristics vary depending on the models of the vehicles, and the opinions of those driving them, these are the main reasons consumers often choose to go foreign when car shopping. Also, with the economic trouble of these times, many consumers have lost faith and trust in American vehicle manufacturers and are weary about buying domestic.

No one can say concretely if it is better to buy domestic or foreign vehicle. The pros and cons of buying an American made car today may change as the economy evolves over the next couple years.

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The value of their investment portfolio is down: An insurance company is in the business of limiting their losses to increase their profits. Since the global financial crisis began their investment portfolio has been down dramatically. Under current accounting rules, the insurance company has to do what is known as mark to market, where they will write down the loss in their investment portfolio on their books. For most corporations and individuals they would have to absorb the loss and wait for the investment portfolio to turn around. However, with insurance companies they can increase everyone’s car insurance premiums to make up for this loss, just one way that the economy affects car insurance rates.

Credit history: Another way that can dramatically affect your car insurance rates is your credit rating. With many consumers having trouble keeping up with their bills, this inevitably means that you could be late or have some write offs as a result of tough economic conditions. This means that your credit rating could be lower because you were late or had write offs leading to higher insurance rates, yet another way that the economy can affect car insurance rates.

Everything has become more expensive: Even with commodity prices down, in comparison to just ten years ago the prices of all goods and services has increased dramatically. This increase is passed onto you in the form of higher car insurance rates.

Clearly the economy affects car insurance rates in many different ways. Some of the more common economic reasons for increasing your car insurance rates include: the insurance company is seeing lower values of their investment portfolio, your credit history and the cost of everything has become more expensive. These are the common reasons why many are seeing increases in their car insurance rates during these challenging economic times.

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