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Record Increase in Sales of Alternative Fuel Autos Continues

Washington, DC – Newly released sales figures from R.L. Polk reveal that an increased number of alternative fuel automobiles rolled off dealer lots in the second quarter of 2007.

Between April and June of this year, nearly 490,000 AFAs were sold nationwide, an increase of 27 percent over the same period last year, bringing the total number of AFAs to nearly 11.5 million on American roads.

Sales of E-85 capable vehicles were up almost two percent from 266,859 from the first quarter of 2007 to 272,109, while sales of hybrid vehicles showed a significant increase, up about 48 percent from 74,056 to 109,716. Sales of clean diesel vehicles also grew from 93,012 to 108,044—more than a 16 percent increase.

“We are seeing the trend in increased sales of AFAs not only in comparison to the first quarter of 2007, but also in comparison to the first two quarters of 2006. The 2007 second quarter sales figures show an increase of 31 percent in sales of AFAs over the first half of 2006.

Higher gas prices and an increasing availability of a variety of models of AFAs for sale are likely drivers of this upward trend,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “Yet, even though more AFAs are being sold, we still need more gas stations to offer biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.”

Sixty models of AFAs are currently available and more are in development, including hybrid-electric, clean diesel, ethanol capable and others. Advanced vehicles need advanced fuels, including ultra low sulfur diesel, E85 ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and electricity, all of which will play increasingly important roles as AFA sales continue to increase.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 11:06 AM to Alternative fuels | Permalink | Comments 0

What's taking so long? High-stakes health plan

While leaders of the UAW and General Motors Corp. may essentially agree on the solution to long-term health costs, a contract agreement remained elusive through Monday evening, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Analysts and workers say the reasons are threefold:

• It's extremely complicated.

• The stakes are fantastically high.

• It is going to be difficult to get rank-and-file members to ratify it.

People briefed on the matter indicate the two sides are down to the final multibillion-dollar decisions on matters such as establishing a retiree health care trust -- known as a voluntary employee beneficiary association, or VEBA -- and job-security issues, including commitments for plant investments in the United States.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:24 AM to GM , Unions | Permalink | Comments 0

Dream Machines in Frankfurt

Check out these fabulous concept cars currently on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany!

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:21 AM to Shows | Permalink | Comments 0

Global warming suit against carmakers tossed

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge on Monday tossed out a lawsuit filed by California that sought to hold the world's six largest automakers accountable for their contribution to global warming, according to USA Today.

In its lawsuit filed last year, California blamed the auto industry for millions of dollars it expects to spend on repairing damage from global-warming induced floods and other natural disasters.

But District Judge Martin Jenkins in San Francisco handed California Attorney General Jerry Brown's environmental crusade a stinging rebuke when he ruled that it impossible to determine to what extent automakers are responsible for global warming damages in California. Many culprits, including other industries and even natural sources, are responsible for emitting carbon dioxide.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:07 AM to Environment | Permalink | Comments 0

Alternative power sources for autos drive into spotlight

FRANKFURT - Suddenly, alternative auto power seems close, according to USA Today.
The big Frankfurt auto show in Germany, home of the speed-limitless autobahn, bristles with vehicles aimed more at saving petroleum than gulping it. Here in the USA, General Motors (GM) is about to put the largest hydrogen fuel-cell test fleet into consumer hands, and Honda (HMC) is gearing up to launch fuel-cell, diesel and hybrid models.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:04 AM to Alternative fuels | Permalink | Comments 0

GM-UAW back at bargaining table; auto stocks rise

DETROIT — As General Motors and the United Auto Workers returned to the bargaining table Monday, auto shares rose on optimism the two sides were closer to a critical agreement that could take billions in retiree health costs off GM's books, according to USA Today.

At the plants, workers were less certain as they spent a third day without a contract.

Negotiations resumed around 11 a.m., GM spokesman Tom Wickham said. Negotiators were making progress but still had a lot of work to do, according to a person who was briefed on the talks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are private.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:59 AM to GM , Unions | Permalink | Comments 0

Increase in Oil, Gas Drilling Projected

BILLINGS, Mont. -- Oil and gas drilling on federal lands across the Rocky Mountain West could increase by more than 160 percent over the next two decades due in part to pro-industry regulations enacted by the Bush administration, according to a report by an environmental group, according to the Associated Press.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:56 AM to Crude oil market | Permalink | Comments 0

Oil hits new high above $81

LONDON - Oil struck an all-time high above $81 a barrel on Tuesday, fuelled by concerns of a winter supply squeeze in top consumer the United States, where an anticipated interest rate cut was calming recession fears, according to Reuters.

Hurricane and other supply risks, tightening U.S. fuel inventories and fund flows into energy from poorly performing equity markets have driven a rally that has taken U.S. crude to new record highs for five straight trading sessions.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:40 AM to Crude oil market | Permalink | Comments 0