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The guys at TruckTrend.com have written an excellent article on the new Chevy Silverado Hybrid (from a truck fans point of view), but how does this attempt to change the gas guzzling image of the pickup truck really work out - in green terms? Well, the new Chevy is available in a short-box, crew-cab format so for starters it is aimed squarely at the ‘family’ truck market. Plenty room for the kids but with a full-size presence and still with the ability to show off to the neighbours by helping them move home. Read more

Nearly $6bn USD is a lot of money by any automakers standards - but this time its not Ford or GM asking for it, it’s the giant Eastern manufacturing group Hyundai Kia who are spending this sum. Research and Development may have been one of the first areas to see cutbacks for many auto manufacturers (and manufacturing in general) but not so for the Korean HKA Group. They are looking to seriously step up their research on fuel efficient, ‘green’ vehicles as well as investing in diversified manufacturing facilities and state of the art production technology. According to their PR, Hyundai Kia are commited to overcoming (ignoring?) the current Worldwide economic crisis and continuing to develop their brand and business. Whether this policy and tactics pay off or (depending largely on how the ‘crisis’ plays out) actually serve to bring trouble to the brand further down the line remains to be seen. So, what is this bold $2bn investment (in green car technology, specifically) likely to do for the consumer. Read more

You might think that ‘driving green’ is all about slowing down, braking less or even just not making those short, walkable journeys - but it’s definitely not. Making an efficient, greener journey begins before you even get into the drivers seat and there are several easy things you can do to make your trip more efficient - for the benefit of both your wallet and the environment. So where to start? Lets go from the ground up… Read more

Ok, so I thought it would be interesting to get a quick perspective on what people are thinking at the start of 2009!

Small, stylish, economical and fun - the Fiat 500 has not only been acclaimed by many in the industry as a car of the year, it is fast becoming a popular choice for the mpg and economy-minded motorist. Particularly around town, the little Fiat excels when it comes to reducing the headaches of heavy traffic and heavy costs at the pump. More than just a new model, the new 500 is the comeback-kid of the Italian brand and so much rests on its shoulders. Competent and stylish this car certainly is, but if you’re interested in this car then don’t just take my word for it: I’ve selected the 10 best (objective) reviews which I have seen of the 500. Get the real low down from these top commentators.. Read more

This little car is proving to be incredibly popular amongst mpg conscious consumers in its price range - on this blog and in the market in general. This car is generating a stir way in excess of its diminutive size so I thought why not bring together the 10 best reviews of the BMW 118d that I have read to date - because a well informed consumer is a happy consumer, right? See the list after the jump… Read more

Today I’d like to have a think about the current ‘green car’ marketplace and in particular weigh up where we stand with regards to economical, conventionally fueled cars (taking the BMW 116d as a good example) versus hybrid cars (such as the latest version of the Toyota Prius).

Gas powered cars have, to a certain extent, become overlooked by the Green Media as hybrids like the Toyota Prius and combination-fueled motors made all the headlines. Until recently that is, as manufacturers have begun to wake up to the possibility of producing more traditional vehicles that can actually compete with these new technologies - on emissions, fuel efficiency and (most importantly for some) green credibility and style. Enter the BMW 116d, a car that not only posts 60mpg plus Read more

So the press is now full of the statistics - that hybrid sales fell by a staggering 43% during the month of December 2008. But what does this figure really mean, and to what can we attribute this big, catchy headline number? Well, as you might expect the gas lobby are quick to suggest that the previously untenable trend in prices at the pumps was just that (a short term trend) and that those who would previously populated the hybrid marketplace are now coming to their senses. Low gasoline prices are of course an issue in any setback to demand for more efficient models and sectors of the auto marketplace, but solely? It seems unlikely, given that all but the most naive consumers realize that such low prices and any suggestion of price stability at low levels is guaranteed to be short term. Read more

The success of the ultra-efficient BMW 118d seems to have spurred the German car giants to even greater lengths to capture the attention of the increasingly lucrative small-diesel market. The 118d promised style, efficiency, performance and (most importantly for many) green credibility. The efficiency of the new 116d comes close to that of a Toyota Prius with an even higher mpg than its predecessor at just over 64mpg. Emissions are down too, with the result of great headline figures for the new model and that extra cache which BMW will no doubt use to great effect backed by multi-million $ advertising. But, is the new car really better? Coming onto UK markets and European forecourts at only a marginally reduced price from the more powerful 118d, isn’t BMW taking a gamble on the power of ‘green’?
Read more

If the first actions (literally) of the new president elect Barack Obama are anything to go by, America’s snowball of greed, over consumption and grey-technology could begin its slow melt in 2009. The President made no bones about his favoritism for green technology (and hybrid cars being a favourite) during his campaign and if the rumors are true and he really does make his first post-inauguration journey in a GM HYBRID LIMO… isn’t he already putting his money where his mouth is?
Read more

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