Today's vehicles are fortified with the latest advances in technology to create eye-popping designs, state-of-the-art auto parts, revolutionary amenities and remarkably low emissions to meet the standards. In fact, the most promising vehicles of the present time are coming into the market place with the most-advanced and environment friendly fuels. These fuels, as a fact, offer a slice of the future and they are just under your nose.
Diesel It is, by far, the oldest technology in connection with auto fuel. Nonetheless, diesel has some important features that could serve as a bridge to the future. Diesel engines are said to be at least 30 percent more thermally efficient than gasoline engines. Modern day diesel engines are designed to blend well with the vehicle body parts to deliver a quiet and efficient operation. The BLUETEC technology which was initiated jointly by the Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen brands, is well-accepted by auto aficionados.
Biodiesel This fuel is domestic and renewable. Usually, biodiesel is derived from natural oils such as canola and soybean. Generally, the fuel is a mixture of natural oils and petroleum-based diesel fuel. It oftentimes uses two to five percent of petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel curbs foreign oil dependence and at the same time it reduces carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulates and sulfur dioxide that pose as a great hazard to the environment.
Ethanol Another renewable fuel is ethanol and this is derived from plant sources. The fuel is usually made from corn, sugar cane and saw grasses however it could be derived from other crops as well. The most common ethanol blend is the E85 which is composed of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. However, there are vehicles these days that are designed to run on 100 percent ethanol. According to statistics there are about two million 'flex-fuel' vehicles on the road that can run on ethanol.
Benefits of ethanol include extremely low emissions output because of its high oxygen content that make it emit no more than vapors.
Other Fuels Hydrogen, propane, methanol, and compressed natural gas are also some of the fuels that complement gasoline engines. These fuel applications are suited for some purposes that include but not limited to warehouse or closed-space operation and fleet usage.
Another technology is turbocharging. It increases thermal efficiency hence delivering more power from less displacement. Volkswagen, for one, delivers an impressive power output from its 1.4 liter engine by utilizing turbocharger and supercharger.
Fuel cell technology radiates incredible appeal. These fuels are environmentally clean having water vapor as its by-product. Audi, BMW, Daihatsu, Fiat, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Suzuki, Toyota and Volkswagen are some of brands that currently use fuel cell technology in their products.
Hybrids, a segment dominated by Toyota and Honda, are also hot items at the present milieu. They offer high fuel mileage, quiet operation and lower overall emissions.
About the Author
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Bio-Fuel Crops Producing Bio-Diesel by Misty
GreenEnergy Ltd, is Vietnam's first mover in the scientific cultivation of bio-fuel crops. The founder of Green Energy Mrs.Tang Thi Kim Phuong is an entrepreneur, wife and mother and has devoted the last three years of her life to the conception, incorporation and licensing of GreenEnergy Ltd; Vietnam (GEV).
A Healty and Viable Future in Vietnam
The company now boasts 22 employees, including scientists, farmers, international businessmen, industrial workers and of course family.
GreenEnergy`s corporate mission aims to bring large tracts of rural land under scientific but basic cultivation of bio-fuel feedstocks, bringing with it employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to potentially thousands of Vietnamese rural poor, while providing inputs for GreenEnergy`s core business, the refining and marketing of bio-diesel.
It is a win, win situation for everyone because not only does cultivation of this vegetable oil require only marginally arable, war damaged or barren land, this also means its activities do not compete with other food production which avoids putting upward pressure on food prices.
N.B (Vietnamese Government has identified seven million hectares as marginal, barren or war damaged land).
In addition GreenEnergy`s operations achieve a renewable and sustainable fuel source for Vietnam to continue its development with all the attendant social, economic and environmental benefits in producing clean energy.
Because of the scale and potential of the bio-diesel industry in Vietnam and indeed globally, where tens of millions of bio-fuel crops will have to be grown to substantially replace fossil fuels, a 'second green revolution' is possible, bringing with it true improvement in the lives of the rural poor and vegetable oils can play a significant role in helping to ameliorate global warming as a key aspect of climate change.
Global warming, a key aspect of climate change, now clearly recognized as a result of a concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere - has the worst impact on the climate.
Carbon dioxide, the most common of GHGs, is emitted during the burning of fossil fuels.
The Kyoto Protocol gazetted in February 2005 requires participating countries to cut carbon emissions.
Further to this, rising crude oil prices and the need to reduce dependence on imported oil has made it necessary for net oil importers to think of alternative energy sources. The precarious situation with fossil fuel supplies coupled with the ability of bio-fuels to lessen that risk, makes it feasible for the global economy to revert its focus towards agriculture and those traditionally engaged in it, thus offering a potential boon to Vietnam's rural sector.
Full bio-diesel use would reduce net CO2 by over 78% compared to petroleum diesel and up to 16% with the use of blends comprising 20% bio-diesel.
While both fuels are almost equally efficient at converting raw energy resources into fuels, bio-diesel has a larger part that is renewable .Similarly, bio-diesel is non-toxic and environmentally friendly as it produces substantially less CO2, ensuring sustainable environmental practices.
GreenEnergy has recognized this mammoth task and has adopted a dual strategy for attaining its goals in Vietnam.
1.Public - Aggressive initiatives to "jump-start" the production side of bio-fuel feedstocks by forming a partnership with Vietnams Central Government and People's Committees as well as aid agencies to help put large tracts of marginal land under bio-fuel crop cultivation quickly.
A memorandum of understanding and support was signed by the Peoples Committee of Binh Dinh Province and Green Energy Vietnam on the 8th of December 2006 and the 500 hectare Binh Dinh Research and Training Facility for the Cultivation of Biofuel Feedstocks has been established, known as BDF- FARMER ENERGY- a working laboratory devoted to developing the bio-fuel industry for the benefit of Vietnamese rural poor.
2.Private - Includes GEV investments to retain its 'First Mover' advantage by securing its proprietary feedstocks, expanding its physical plant refinery presence and continuing to build its integrated supply-chain, complete with forward contracted suppliers and customers.
It is in this first arena, Public Initiatives, that GreenEnergy sees co-operation with aid agencies.
Some of the substantial and sustainable benefits that the cultivation of bio-fuels crops can contribute to Vietnam are:
1. Real cash growth, raising the annual income of $820 to $1,300 U.S. for thousands of marginalized rural families.
2. Private homesteading for the rural poor.
3. Stress relief and barren or war damaged land reclamation.
4. Enfranchisement of poor, rural women.
5. Retention of scarce foreign currency reserves and
6. Independence from the uncertainties of global mineral oil markets.
The People`s Committee of the Province of Binh Dinh and GreenEnergy, Vietnam, in full realization of the enormous impact this Research and Training Facility will have for all of Vietnam`s rural communities, cordially invites any and all organizations seeking positive change in the livelihood of rural Vietnamese to form an active Partnership in the development of this Research and Training Facility.
The Binh Dinh Facility wants to be a catalyst in harnessing this opportunity for all stakeholders and delivering:
. A path for the rural poor to climb out of their deprivation rather than fall further behind.
. A renewable, sustainable and viable alternative to fossil fuel for Vietnam's surging economy. and an industry that rejuvenates, rather than degrades the environment.
Introduction to the oil plant Jatropha.
The oil plant Jatrophas curcas (L) (Jatropha) or physic nut, is multipurpose and drought resistant, growing to a height range of 2 to 7 metres for the Asian species and it not only flourishes in tropical and sub-tropical climate zones but even in areas absent of water.
Because its leaves and stems are toxic to animals it is often used as a protective hedge around farm houses, gardens and fields.
It also reduces soil damage caused by erosion from wind and water and traditionally the seeds were harvested by women for medical treatments and local soap production.
In Thailand, Jatropha normally flowers twice a year, in dry and rainy seasons with seed harvesting conducted approximately 60-90 days after flowering and the oil plant has a productive life of 20 years.
Because the market is probably not yet mature enough for the plant to generate enough income solely from oil extraction, a holistic rural development approach has to be taken into account in order to exploit all potential uses of the Jatropha plant. This approach is known as the Jatropha System.
The system focuses not only on the use of the source as a fuel, but rather as an element, to activate a system combining ecologic, economic and income generating activities.
Consequently, the Jatropha System offers four main aspects of development aiming to better the livelihoods in rural areas, especially for women and farmers:
. Renewable energy- bio-diesel
. Erosion control and soil improvement
. Promotion of women and
. Income generation.
About one-third of seeds can be extracted as oil that has a similar energy value to diesel fuel. The oil is extracted by hydraulic pressure and then filtered through an intensive sleeve that can then be readily used without any complicated refinery process, directly available for small diesel engines as a substitution for diesel oil, without engine modification.
This oil can power engines, such as water pumps, tractors, hand mowers, other farm machinery and rice milling machines and by using this domestically produced oil as a substitution for imported oil, significant cash savings can be made.
GreenEnergy Ltd have already committed a considerable amount of time, money and resources to this environmentally sound an economically sustainable project in Vietnam and welcome further input from other interested parties.
It is also their belief that at an international level, stakeholders involved should perform a three pronged approach, with mutual knowledge, technology transfer, genetic development of high oil content in the seeds and exchange of Jatropha species, together with investment and trade linkage.
About the Author
For further information on this renewable energy with great potential, please contact:.......
"The second Green Revolution For further information on this renewable energy with great potential. Please visit Green Energy. "The second Green Revolution with cellulose and jatropha, can give us two agro-routes toa world without gasoline."Mukesh Ambani India's Leading Industrialist
A Healty and Viable Future in Vietnam
The company now boasts 22 employees, including scientists, farmers, international businessmen, industrial workers and of course family.
GreenEnergy`s corporate mission aims to bring large tracts of rural land under scientific but basic cultivation of bio-fuel feedstocks, bringing with it employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to potentially thousands of Vietnamese rural poor, while providing inputs for GreenEnergy`s core business, the refining and marketing of bio-diesel.
It is a win, win situation for everyone because not only does cultivation of this vegetable oil require only marginally arable, war damaged or barren land, this also means its activities do not compete with other food production which avoids putting upward pressure on food prices.
N.B (Vietnamese Government has identified seven million hectares as marginal, barren or war damaged land).
In addition GreenEnergy`s operations achieve a renewable and sustainable fuel source for Vietnam to continue its development with all the attendant social, economic and environmental benefits in producing clean energy.
Because of the scale and potential of the bio-diesel industry in Vietnam and indeed globally, where tens of millions of bio-fuel crops will have to be grown to substantially replace fossil fuels, a 'second green revolution' is possible, bringing with it true improvement in the lives of the rural poor and vegetable oils can play a significant role in helping to ameliorate global warming as a key aspect of climate change.
Global warming, a key aspect of climate change, now clearly recognized as a result of a concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere - has the worst impact on the climate.
Carbon dioxide, the most common of GHGs, is emitted during the burning of fossil fuels.
The Kyoto Protocol gazetted in February 2005 requires participating countries to cut carbon emissions.
Further to this, rising crude oil prices and the need to reduce dependence on imported oil has made it necessary for net oil importers to think of alternative energy sources. The precarious situation with fossil fuel supplies coupled with the ability of bio-fuels to lessen that risk, makes it feasible for the global economy to revert its focus towards agriculture and those traditionally engaged in it, thus offering a potential boon to Vietnam's rural sector.
Full bio-diesel use would reduce net CO2 by over 78% compared to petroleum diesel and up to 16% with the use of blends comprising 20% bio-diesel.
While both fuels are almost equally efficient at converting raw energy resources into fuels, bio-diesel has a larger part that is renewable .Similarly, bio-diesel is non-toxic and environmentally friendly as it produces substantially less CO2, ensuring sustainable environmental practices.
GreenEnergy has recognized this mammoth task and has adopted a dual strategy for attaining its goals in Vietnam.
1.Public - Aggressive initiatives to "jump-start" the production side of bio-fuel feedstocks by forming a partnership with Vietnams Central Government and People's Committees as well as aid agencies to help put large tracts of marginal land under bio-fuel crop cultivation quickly.
A memorandum of understanding and support was signed by the Peoples Committee of Binh Dinh Province and Green Energy Vietnam on the 8th of December 2006 and the 500 hectare Binh Dinh Research and Training Facility for the Cultivation of Biofuel Feedstocks has been established, known as BDF- FARMER ENERGY- a working laboratory devoted to developing the bio-fuel industry for the benefit of Vietnamese rural poor.
2.Private - Includes GEV investments to retain its 'First Mover' advantage by securing its proprietary feedstocks, expanding its physical plant refinery presence and continuing to build its integrated supply-chain, complete with forward contracted suppliers and customers.
It is in this first arena, Public Initiatives, that GreenEnergy sees co-operation with aid agencies.
Some of the substantial and sustainable benefits that the cultivation of bio-fuels crops can contribute to Vietnam are:
1. Real cash growth, raising the annual income of $820 to $1,300 U.S. for thousands of marginalized rural families.
2. Private homesteading for the rural poor.
3. Stress relief and barren or war damaged land reclamation.
4. Enfranchisement of poor, rural women.
5. Retention of scarce foreign currency reserves and
6. Independence from the uncertainties of global mineral oil markets.
The People`s Committee of the Province of Binh Dinh and GreenEnergy, Vietnam, in full realization of the enormous impact this Research and Training Facility will have for all of Vietnam`s rural communities, cordially invites any and all organizations seeking positive change in the livelihood of rural Vietnamese to form an active Partnership in the development of this Research and Training Facility.
The Binh Dinh Facility wants to be a catalyst in harnessing this opportunity for all stakeholders and delivering:
. A path for the rural poor to climb out of their deprivation rather than fall further behind.
. A renewable, sustainable and viable alternative to fossil fuel for Vietnam's surging economy. and an industry that rejuvenates, rather than degrades the environment.
Introduction to the oil plant Jatropha.
The oil plant Jatrophas curcas (L) (Jatropha) or physic nut, is multipurpose and drought resistant, growing to a height range of 2 to 7 metres for the Asian species and it not only flourishes in tropical and sub-tropical climate zones but even in areas absent of water.
Because its leaves and stems are toxic to animals it is often used as a protective hedge around farm houses, gardens and fields.
It also reduces soil damage caused by erosion from wind and water and traditionally the seeds were harvested by women for medical treatments and local soap production.
In Thailand, Jatropha normally flowers twice a year, in dry and rainy seasons with seed harvesting conducted approximately 60-90 days after flowering and the oil plant has a productive life of 20 years.
Because the market is probably not yet mature enough for the plant to generate enough income solely from oil extraction, a holistic rural development approach has to be taken into account in order to exploit all potential uses of the Jatropha plant. This approach is known as the Jatropha System.
The system focuses not only on the use of the source as a fuel, but rather as an element, to activate a system combining ecologic, economic and income generating activities.
Consequently, the Jatropha System offers four main aspects of development aiming to better the livelihoods in rural areas, especially for women and farmers:
. Renewable energy- bio-diesel
. Erosion control and soil improvement
. Promotion of women and
. Income generation.
About one-third of seeds can be extracted as oil that has a similar energy value to diesel fuel. The oil is extracted by hydraulic pressure and then filtered through an intensive sleeve that can then be readily used without any complicated refinery process, directly available for small diesel engines as a substitution for diesel oil, without engine modification.
This oil can power engines, such as water pumps, tractors, hand mowers, other farm machinery and rice milling machines and by using this domestically produced oil as a substitution for imported oil, significant cash savings can be made.
GreenEnergy Ltd have already committed a considerable amount of time, money and resources to this environmentally sound an economically sustainable project in Vietnam and welcome further input from other interested parties.
It is also their belief that at an international level, stakeholders involved should perform a three pronged approach, with mutual knowledge, technology transfer, genetic development of high oil content in the seeds and exchange of Jatropha species, together with investment and trade linkage.
About the Author
For further information on this renewable energy with great potential, please contact:.......
"The second Green Revolution For further information on this renewable energy with great potential. Please visit Green Energy. "The second Green Revolution with cellulose and jatropha, can give us two agro-routes toa world without gasoline."Mukesh Ambani India's Leading Industrialist
Super Fuel Efficient Autos For The Carolinas by Anthony Fontanelle
The demand for fuel efficient vehicle is very strong that civic organizations are doing their best to promote the use of eco-friendly and fuel efficient vehicles. An example of this is the Plug-In Hybrid Coalition of the Carolinas which is slated to receive its first delivery of a plug-in hybrid car on the 23rd of this month.
The said plug-in hybrid vehicle is a prototype which, according to sources, has an astounding gas mileage rating of 100 miles per gallon. That figure is for city driving. The fuel efficiency of the said prototype is complemented by its environment friendliness. The car reduces emission by as much as 60 percent.
"We are thrilled to show technology exists that will significantly improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases, and lessen our dependence on foreign oil," said Jim Poch, the Executive Director of the Plug-IN Hybrid Coalition of the Carolinas. Poch also pointed out that the use of alternative fuels will further enhance the eco-friendliness of the vehicle and its fuel efficiency as well.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are essentially hybrid vehicles which can be recharged by plugging it into an electrical socket. This capability of plug-in hybrid vehicles is made possible by an efficient battery pack which is powerful enough to store a large amount of power. This stored power should also be complemented by advanced electric motors which will be tasked to drive the vehicle.
By simply plugging in a PHEV into a household socket, its battery pack can be recharged. For car owners who do most of their driving around a city, the capability of the advanced battery pack and the electric motor would mean that consumption of petroleum fuel will be virtually eliminated.
The Coalition is a grassroots organization composed of civic, business, and environmental leaders. The coalition's aim is to urge automakers to push forward with the development of practical plug-in hybrid vehicles for mass production. Over 50 prototypes of PHEVs have already been built since 2004. Two of these are hybrid school buses used in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. In response to the coalition's urging, both Toyota and General Motors, the largest automakers in the world predicts that PHEVs may be mass produced by 2010.
Area utilities supporting the coalition include SCE&G, Progress Energy and Duke Energy. Bob Long, the general manger of corporate planning for SCE&G, has this to say about their involvement in the initiative: "Government studies have shown our nation has enough off-peak electricity to power 84 percent of the nation's passenger and light duty truck fleet. Since the vehicles reduce emissions and lower fuel costs, we think plug-ins present a winning combination for consumers, the environment, and the utility industry."
Meanwhile, Lloyd Yates, the president and Chief Executive Officer of Progress Energy Carolinas, has this to say: "Meeting the energy needs of the future requires a balanced solution, one that includes alternative projects like these plug-in hybrids. We are excited about the coalition's work and we look forward to learning more about the promise of these vehicles."
The delivery of the coalition's first PHEV signals a new era for vehicles such as this. With this, it seems that the advent of PHEVs could not be stopped even with highly efficient brake components from Active Brakes Direct.
The sentiment of the coalition is summed up by Dana Beach, the Coastal Conservation League Director, saying: "We are excited to help showcase this technology. Anything that improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gases is urgently needed."
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
The said plug-in hybrid vehicle is a prototype which, according to sources, has an astounding gas mileage rating of 100 miles per gallon. That figure is for city driving. The fuel efficiency of the said prototype is complemented by its environment friendliness. The car reduces emission by as much as 60 percent.
"We are thrilled to show technology exists that will significantly improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases, and lessen our dependence on foreign oil," said Jim Poch, the Executive Director of the Plug-IN Hybrid Coalition of the Carolinas. Poch also pointed out that the use of alternative fuels will further enhance the eco-friendliness of the vehicle and its fuel efficiency as well.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are essentially hybrid vehicles which can be recharged by plugging it into an electrical socket. This capability of plug-in hybrid vehicles is made possible by an efficient battery pack which is powerful enough to store a large amount of power. This stored power should also be complemented by advanced electric motors which will be tasked to drive the vehicle.
By simply plugging in a PHEV into a household socket, its battery pack can be recharged. For car owners who do most of their driving around a city, the capability of the advanced battery pack and the electric motor would mean that consumption of petroleum fuel will be virtually eliminated.
The Coalition is a grassroots organization composed of civic, business, and environmental leaders. The coalition's aim is to urge automakers to push forward with the development of practical plug-in hybrid vehicles for mass production. Over 50 prototypes of PHEVs have already been built since 2004. Two of these are hybrid school buses used in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. In response to the coalition's urging, both Toyota and General Motors, the largest automakers in the world predicts that PHEVs may be mass produced by 2010.
Area utilities supporting the coalition include SCE&G, Progress Energy and Duke Energy. Bob Long, the general manger of corporate planning for SCE&G, has this to say about their involvement in the initiative: "Government studies have shown our nation has enough off-peak electricity to power 84 percent of the nation's passenger and light duty truck fleet. Since the vehicles reduce emissions and lower fuel costs, we think plug-ins present a winning combination for consumers, the environment, and the utility industry."
Meanwhile, Lloyd Yates, the president and Chief Executive Officer of Progress Energy Carolinas, has this to say: "Meeting the energy needs of the future requires a balanced solution, one that includes alternative projects like these plug-in hybrids. We are excited about the coalition's work and we look forward to learning more about the promise of these vehicles."
The delivery of the coalition's first PHEV signals a new era for vehicles such as this. With this, it seems that the advent of PHEVs could not be stopped even with highly efficient brake components from Active Brakes Direct.
The sentiment of the coalition is summed up by Dana Beach, the Coastal Conservation League Director, saying: "We are excited to help showcase this technology. Anything that improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gases is urgently needed."
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
House-buying caution fuels remortgage boom by Paul McIndoe
The proportion of UK remortgages as a percentage of loans approved over the last six months has grown significantly as cautious homeowners are turning their back on buying houses in a period of perceived financial instability.
Figures produced by Hamptons International Mortgages show that the proportion of home loans used to purchase a property has fallen 12% since March 2007 and now stands at 32.09% of total loan approvals. Conversely, the amount of remortgages approved has grown by 9% since March and now stands at almost 28% of the entire market with almost all of that increase coming in the months of August and September.
It has become apparent that the housing market is entering a period of uncertainty and managing director at Hamptons, Jonathan Cornell believes it is further evidence of people heeding global warnings of an over-priced UK residential property market. He said: “The clear disparity in the directional change of remortgage and purchase lending over the month of September offers potential evidence that supports recent reports of the housing market slowing down, as less people are willing to commit to mortgages on house purchases. “
Two other significant findings were highlighted by the recent research. Firstly, the loan-to value (LTV) of remortgages fell significantly in the space of a month; August figures showed an average LTV of almost 66% which dropped to just under 50% a month later. Secondly, many remortgaging borrowers are opting for tracker mortgages, gambling on the Bank of England rate going down over the coming months or years, leading Cornell to comment: “Remortgaging has considerably increased since August 2007, yet borrowers are now borrowing at a lower LTV, choosing variable rate over fixed rate deals. This suggests that people are still unsure about where the market is going and as a consequence are making cautious decisions.â€
Despite the caution, people are still willing to take on new borrowing in the form of remortgages, so even though they might be unsure about the future of house prices they are not so wary about their own financial future.
Remortgages are also growing in popularity as homeowners with unsecured debt are trading it off against the equity in their property, to relieve some of the pressure on the household’s monthly outgoings. Some are taking this action in conjunction with the expiration of an existing fixed rate, tracker or discounted rate mortgage; although increasing numbers are remortgaging solely as a way of clearing their unsecured debt.
About the Author
Paul McIndoe is an online, freelance journalist and keen hillwalker. He lives in Edinburgh with his two dogs.
Figures produced by Hamptons International Mortgages show that the proportion of home loans used to purchase a property has fallen 12% since March 2007 and now stands at 32.09% of total loan approvals. Conversely, the amount of remortgages approved has grown by 9% since March and now stands at almost 28% of the entire market with almost all of that increase coming in the months of August and September.
It has become apparent that the housing market is entering a period of uncertainty and managing director at Hamptons, Jonathan Cornell believes it is further evidence of people heeding global warnings of an over-priced UK residential property market. He said: “The clear disparity in the directional change of remortgage and purchase lending over the month of September offers potential evidence that supports recent reports of the housing market slowing down, as less people are willing to commit to mortgages on house purchases. “
Two other significant findings were highlighted by the recent research. Firstly, the loan-to value (LTV) of remortgages fell significantly in the space of a month; August figures showed an average LTV of almost 66% which dropped to just under 50% a month later. Secondly, many remortgaging borrowers are opting for tracker mortgages, gambling on the Bank of England rate going down over the coming months or years, leading Cornell to comment: “Remortgaging has considerably increased since August 2007, yet borrowers are now borrowing at a lower LTV, choosing variable rate over fixed rate deals. This suggests that people are still unsure about where the market is going and as a consequence are making cautious decisions.â€
Despite the caution, people are still willing to take on new borrowing in the form of remortgages, so even though they might be unsure about the future of house prices they are not so wary about their own financial future.
Remortgages are also growing in popularity as homeowners with unsecured debt are trading it off against the equity in their property, to relieve some of the pressure on the household’s monthly outgoings. Some are taking this action in conjunction with the expiration of an existing fixed rate, tracker or discounted rate mortgage; although increasing numbers are remortgaging solely as a way of clearing their unsecured debt.
About the Author
Paul McIndoe is an online, freelance journalist and keen hillwalker. He lives in Edinburgh with his two dogs.
On The Horizon: Future Fuels by Levi Quinn
Between elevated gasoline prices (which show every indication of staying that way) and the current concern about the environmental impacts of vehicle emissions, you've probably been hearing a lot of discussion about the use of "alternative fuels." It sounds like a good idea, you think...but do you know what alternative fuels are actually in the running? Here's the shortlist of the alternative fuels to keep an eye on, and a major advantage and disadvantage for each:
Electric
Electricity is a source of power that we already produce, store, and use. To power an electric vehicle (EV), electricity is produced by a power plant or other standard means and is then stored in the battery that will operate the vehicle.
Pro: A vehicle powered solely by electricity produces no emissions. Con: In current models, batteries need to be recharged frequently.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a fuel that is made from vegetable oils and animal fats through a chemical process called esterification. When the oils and fats are mixed with alcohol, their molecules break down into methylesters, which are then used as fuel, and a waste product of glycerin. It can be used in some diesel vehicles with very little, if any, modification to the existing engine.
Pro: Potential fuel sources vary from grain crops to used cooking grease. Con: Biodiesel thickens and freezes at low temperatures.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is created through the fermentation of substances with high starch or sugar contents, such as corn or sugar cane. In this process, yeast bacteria consume the sugars and starches and produce carbon dioxide and ethanol as by-products. The use of chemical catalysts can be used to make the process faster and more productive.
Pro: Ethanol can be produced from renewable agricultural resources. Con: Contains less energy than the same amount of gasoline.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuels cells harness the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The bonding of hydrogen and oxygen atoms results in two products: energy, which is then stored as power in the cell, and--you guessed it: water.
Pro: Hydrogen engines are typically more efficient than gasoline engines. Con: Current vehicle designs can only store enough hydrogen for short-range travel.
At first, you'll most likely see these fuels used in combination with current gasoline-engine technology. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) utilize both a standard gasoline engine and a rechargeable battery, and are already offered by several car manufacturers. Hybrid vehicles with a gasoline engine and a hydrogen fuel cell are currently in development, and are estimated to hit the market in 2008 to 2009. Vehicles that are designed or modified to run on mixtures of gasoline and biodiesel or ethanol show promise, and are already in use.
While some types of alternative-fuel vehicles aren't yet readily available to the public, keep your eyes open--a combination of research, public encouragement, and lively market competition brings that day ever closer. Honda and Toyota, the first automotive manufacturers to market HEVs in the United States, have already been joined by a handful of others...and the rest are likely to follow suit.
About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap auto insurance rates from respected insurance companies.
Electric
Electricity is a source of power that we already produce, store, and use. To power an electric vehicle (EV), electricity is produced by a power plant or other standard means and is then stored in the battery that will operate the vehicle.
Pro: A vehicle powered solely by electricity produces no emissions. Con: In current models, batteries need to be recharged frequently.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a fuel that is made from vegetable oils and animal fats through a chemical process called esterification. When the oils and fats are mixed with alcohol, their molecules break down into methylesters, which are then used as fuel, and a waste product of glycerin. It can be used in some diesel vehicles with very little, if any, modification to the existing engine.
Pro: Potential fuel sources vary from grain crops to used cooking grease. Con: Biodiesel thickens and freezes at low temperatures.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is created through the fermentation of substances with high starch or sugar contents, such as corn or sugar cane. In this process, yeast bacteria consume the sugars and starches and produce carbon dioxide and ethanol as by-products. The use of chemical catalysts can be used to make the process faster and more productive.
Pro: Ethanol can be produced from renewable agricultural resources. Con: Contains less energy than the same amount of gasoline.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuels cells harness the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The bonding of hydrogen and oxygen atoms results in two products: energy, which is then stored as power in the cell, and--you guessed it: water.
Pro: Hydrogen engines are typically more efficient than gasoline engines. Con: Current vehicle designs can only store enough hydrogen for short-range travel.
At first, you'll most likely see these fuels used in combination with current gasoline-engine technology. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) utilize both a standard gasoline engine and a rechargeable battery, and are already offered by several car manufacturers. Hybrid vehicles with a gasoline engine and a hydrogen fuel cell are currently in development, and are estimated to hit the market in 2008 to 2009. Vehicles that are designed or modified to run on mixtures of gasoline and biodiesel or ethanol show promise, and are already in use.
While some types of alternative-fuel vehicles aren't yet readily available to the public, keep your eyes open--a combination of research, public encouragement, and lively market competition brings that day ever closer. Honda and Toyota, the first automotive manufacturers to market HEVs in the United States, have already been joined by a handful of others...and the rest are likely to follow suit.
About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap auto insurance rates from respected insurance companies.
Biodiesel Production Business Plans by M.C.
There are several steps that a biodiesel company must take so that they can produce and run efficiently. They must write out their own business plan, form a board or group of business people, solicit financing, hire an engineering company, develop their markets, and then finally build their plant and business.
For example the business plan for Clean Fuel of Future (CFF) a company based out of the Ukraine is goes as follows. The company has limited liability and offers 80% shares or outside investors. The other 20% is owned by the founder of the company who is Spivak Mykhaylo. Money allocated to the start-up costs that go a long with legal expenses, maintaining the office and facilities employees salaries, are by the direct owner Spivak Mykhaylo.
He expects the other investors to put money towards the purchase of machinery, equipment, chemicals and fuel. Their mission statement is "CFF is a manufacturing company dedicated to developing better energy solutions for benefit of a whole society. We bring innovative technologies and unlimited supply of energy sources without damaging and polluting environment."
Their product replaces conventional diesel and becomes the most perspective fuel of the twenty first century due to its environmental friendliness, renew ability and low costs. They intend to make lucrative profit to generate a fair return for their investors and to finance continued growth and continued development in a high quality product. They also maintain a friendly, fair, and creative work environment, which respects diversity, new ideas, and hard work.
They believe that it is important to have competitive prices because of the fact that people are not fully aware of it and do not fully understand they cannot sell it above market price. Their marketing strategy which should be the same marketing strategy of all biodiesel production companies is to have a strong emphasis on the quality and focus on their target markets.
Companies must differentiate biodiesel from other fuels that are on the market. They need to establish clearly why their product is better than others. Produce high quality fuel and offer it at a competitive price due to the fact that fuel is already expensive people will certainly not purchase it if they have it for a higher rate. Make sure that the way they distribute is stable because if consumers can not get to it or purchase it then they will purchase something else. They also must build long term relationships to ensure the companies survival and have loyal long term customers.
About the Author
If you need more FREE information on biodiesel production business plans, please visit our website: http://biodieselcorner.com
For example the business plan for Clean Fuel of Future (CFF) a company based out of the Ukraine is goes as follows. The company has limited liability and offers 80% shares or outside investors. The other 20% is owned by the founder of the company who is Spivak Mykhaylo. Money allocated to the start-up costs that go a long with legal expenses, maintaining the office and facilities employees salaries, are by the direct owner Spivak Mykhaylo.
He expects the other investors to put money towards the purchase of machinery, equipment, chemicals and fuel. Their mission statement is "CFF is a manufacturing company dedicated to developing better energy solutions for benefit of a whole society. We bring innovative technologies and unlimited supply of energy sources without damaging and polluting environment."
Their product replaces conventional diesel and becomes the most perspective fuel of the twenty first century due to its environmental friendliness, renew ability and low costs. They intend to make lucrative profit to generate a fair return for their investors and to finance continued growth and continued development in a high quality product. They also maintain a friendly, fair, and creative work environment, which respects diversity, new ideas, and hard work.
They believe that it is important to have competitive prices because of the fact that people are not fully aware of it and do not fully understand they cannot sell it above market price. Their marketing strategy which should be the same marketing strategy of all biodiesel production companies is to have a strong emphasis on the quality and focus on their target markets.
Companies must differentiate biodiesel from other fuels that are on the market. They need to establish clearly why their product is better than others. Produce high quality fuel and offer it at a competitive price due to the fact that fuel is already expensive people will certainly not purchase it if they have it for a higher rate. Make sure that the way they distribute is stable because if consumers can not get to it or purchase it then they will purchase something else. They also must build long term relationships to ensure the companies survival and have loyal long term customers.
About the Author
If you need more FREE information on biodiesel production business plans, please visit our website: http://biodieselcorner.com
BioDiesel Fuel of the Future by David Kenyon
What is Bio-diesel?
Well, Bio-diesel is the future. Because it is so clean burning and easy to use, bio-diesel is the fastest growing and most cost efficient fuel being created today.
Bio-diesel is a form of Bio-fuel made by ripping apart the fat molecule to release three free fatty acid esters, and a sugar called glycerol. Bio-diesel is produced from the fatty acid molecules found in numerous feedstock oils such as plant, animal, and recycled cooking oils. The fundamental chemical reaction process that produces bio-diesel is relatively simple and has the potential to be adopted worldwide.
Bio-diesel is described as mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, conforming to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Bio-diesel is a processed fuel derived from biological sources that can be used in diesel vehicles with little or no modification. It is a renewable fuel that can be used instead of diesel fuel, that is made from petroleum.
Bio-diesel is most often blended with petroleum diesel in ratios of 2 percent (B2), 5 percent (B5), or 20 percent (B20). A naturally grown, alternative fuel source it is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestically grown, renewable resources. Bio-diesel is simple to use, biodegradable, non-toxic, and basically free of sulfur compounds and aromatics.
Bio-diesel is the only alternative fuel for motor vehicles to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. And is one of the most rigorously tested alternative fuels on the market.
The CO2 released into the atmosphere when bio-diesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuel. Tests and demonstrations, have shown that bio-diesel is no different from petroleum diesel in terms of engine performance and wear.
Bio-diesel is being used across the U.S. in fleets of snowplows, garbage trucks, mail trucks, and military vehicles. In Hawaii all bio-diesel is made from used cooking oil collected from restaurants, making it a 100% recycled fuel, and keeping it out of landfills. Bio-diesel is also extensively used in Europe, especially Germany and France.
Diesel vehicles are generally the most long lasting reliable vehicles on the road, with most engines lasting over 400,000 miles. The best part of running Bio Diesel is that no wars need to be fought over it, it's entirely domestic, supports farming, it's totally renewable, often recycled, and it cuts almost all aspects of a diesel vehicle's emissions by more than 50 to 75%.
In a quest to help keep our air, rivers, streams, lakes and oceans cleaner, not to mention help stop Global Warming, we are attempting to free ourselves from dependency on fossil fuels, and trying to make our planet a better place to live.
Now you know what bio-diesel is, and why so many are making the switch to a cheaper less polluting and more efficient way to power our future.
About the Author
David Kenyon publishes free advice on controlling finances and Child-Birth at his web sites http://www.controllingfinances.com and http://www.childbirthmadeeasy.com
Well, Bio-diesel is the future. Because it is so clean burning and easy to use, bio-diesel is the fastest growing and most cost efficient fuel being created today.
Bio-diesel is a form of Bio-fuel made by ripping apart the fat molecule to release three free fatty acid esters, and a sugar called glycerol. Bio-diesel is produced from the fatty acid molecules found in numerous feedstock oils such as plant, animal, and recycled cooking oils. The fundamental chemical reaction process that produces bio-diesel is relatively simple and has the potential to be adopted worldwide.
Bio-diesel is described as mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, conforming to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Bio-diesel is a processed fuel derived from biological sources that can be used in diesel vehicles with little or no modification. It is a renewable fuel that can be used instead of diesel fuel, that is made from petroleum.
Bio-diesel is most often blended with petroleum diesel in ratios of 2 percent (B2), 5 percent (B5), or 20 percent (B20). A naturally grown, alternative fuel source it is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestically grown, renewable resources. Bio-diesel is simple to use, biodegradable, non-toxic, and basically free of sulfur compounds and aromatics.
Bio-diesel is the only alternative fuel for motor vehicles to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. And is one of the most rigorously tested alternative fuels on the market.
The CO2 released into the atmosphere when bio-diesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuel. Tests and demonstrations, have shown that bio-diesel is no different from petroleum diesel in terms of engine performance and wear.
Bio-diesel is being used across the U.S. in fleets of snowplows, garbage trucks, mail trucks, and military vehicles. In Hawaii all bio-diesel is made from used cooking oil collected from restaurants, making it a 100% recycled fuel, and keeping it out of landfills. Bio-diesel is also extensively used in Europe, especially Germany and France.
Diesel vehicles are generally the most long lasting reliable vehicles on the road, with most engines lasting over 400,000 miles. The best part of running Bio Diesel is that no wars need to be fought over it, it's entirely domestic, supports farming, it's totally renewable, often recycled, and it cuts almost all aspects of a diesel vehicle's emissions by more than 50 to 75%.
In a quest to help keep our air, rivers, streams, lakes and oceans cleaner, not to mention help stop Global Warming, we are attempting to free ourselves from dependency on fossil fuels, and trying to make our planet a better place to live.
Now you know what bio-diesel is, and why so many are making the switch to a cheaper less polluting and more efficient way to power our future.
About the Author
David Kenyon publishes free advice on controlling finances and Child-Birth at his web sites http://www.controllingfinances.com and http://www.childbirthmadeeasy.com
Which is Better - Hybrid or Diesel? by Glady Reign
Thinking of car shopping?
You might be torn between a hybrid and a diesel. But when you start weighing the factors behind these vehicles, you would definitely end up with a high-quality choice.
Performance, safety, pricing, mileage, comfort and style are the factors that customers should consider when purchasing vehicles. Lately, demands for hybrids soar. This event is attributed to the increase of gasoline prices and the concern for a cleaner environment.
When fuel economy is put into perspective, studies show that the average driver gets about 75 per cent of the mileage figures on the sticker. And one significant thing about the study is that it did not use gasoline in the testing. On the other side of the scenario, hybrid owners expressed their disappointment regarding the disparity between their mileage and those displayed on window stickers. However, it also looks like tax credits are also reduced. This is the main reason why automakers are requesting the government to at least retain the tax benefits of hybrid owners.
Hybrids are remarkably new. The technology combines electric motor to a gasoline engine. This technology reduces greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment. Aside from that, hybrid technology also optimizes the use of gasoline. The advanced combination of power is hard to achieve but customers could opt to hire the services of a car expert who has received specialized training on the matter.
Hybrids store electric energy on board in large battery packs. These packs are warranted for 8 to 10 years depending on the manufacturer. According to analysts, when hybrids prompt greater production, prices will eventually drop. Some customers have complained that the battery packs of hybrid are toxic thus hard to dispose. But automakers say that current nickel-metal hydride batteries are recyclable. In regard to pricing, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are costly compared to their non-hybrid counterparts. The difference ranges from a couple thousand dollars to several thousand dollars.
Diesel vehicle is also a fuel-efficient choice. They are famed for having extra mileage out of every gallon of fuel. They offer better torque than gasoline engines. However, its availability is limited because of emission restrictions in some states.
Another concern about diesel-powered vehicles is the limited urban filling station. There are instances when the driver ventures farther just to locate a filling station. Aside from that, diesel vehicles are noisier than their gasoline counterparts.
Diesel vehicles existence could be traced back in 1936 when Mercedes introduced them to the industry. The automaker stopped selling diesels in America in 1999 but it resumed sales in 2004 to pave way for the E320 CDI. According to statistics, there are about 200,000 diesel-powered Mercedes cars on American roads these days.
Hybrids are trendy. From the stylish Toyota upholstery, classy interior of Mercury, stunning curves of Ford to the upgraded Volvo thermostat and other auto parts of various manufacturers, hybrids could be exceptional. More hybrids are expected to be unveiled in the future and most of them will be entertaining alternative fuels as well.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
You might be torn between a hybrid and a diesel. But when you start weighing the factors behind these vehicles, you would definitely end up with a high-quality choice.
Performance, safety, pricing, mileage, comfort and style are the factors that customers should consider when purchasing vehicles. Lately, demands for hybrids soar. This event is attributed to the increase of gasoline prices and the concern for a cleaner environment.
When fuel economy is put into perspective, studies show that the average driver gets about 75 per cent of the mileage figures on the sticker. And one significant thing about the study is that it did not use gasoline in the testing. On the other side of the scenario, hybrid owners expressed their disappointment regarding the disparity between their mileage and those displayed on window stickers. However, it also looks like tax credits are also reduced. This is the main reason why automakers are requesting the government to at least retain the tax benefits of hybrid owners.
Hybrids are remarkably new. The technology combines electric motor to a gasoline engine. This technology reduces greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment. Aside from that, hybrid technology also optimizes the use of gasoline. The advanced combination of power is hard to achieve but customers could opt to hire the services of a car expert who has received specialized training on the matter.
Hybrids store electric energy on board in large battery packs. These packs are warranted for 8 to 10 years depending on the manufacturer. According to analysts, when hybrids prompt greater production, prices will eventually drop. Some customers have complained that the battery packs of hybrid are toxic thus hard to dispose. But automakers say that current nickel-metal hydride batteries are recyclable. In regard to pricing, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are costly compared to their non-hybrid counterparts. The difference ranges from a couple thousand dollars to several thousand dollars.
Diesel vehicle is also a fuel-efficient choice. They are famed for having extra mileage out of every gallon of fuel. They offer better torque than gasoline engines. However, its availability is limited because of emission restrictions in some states.
Another concern about diesel-powered vehicles is the limited urban filling station. There are instances when the driver ventures farther just to locate a filling station. Aside from that, diesel vehicles are noisier than their gasoline counterparts.
Diesel vehicles existence could be traced back in 1936 when Mercedes introduced them to the industry. The automaker stopped selling diesels in America in 1999 but it resumed sales in 2004 to pave way for the E320 CDI. According to statistics, there are about 200,000 diesel-powered Mercedes cars on American roads these days.
Hybrids are trendy. From the stylish Toyota upholstery, classy interior of Mercury, stunning curves of Ford to the upgraded Volvo thermostat and other auto parts of various manufacturers, hybrids could be exceptional. More hybrids are expected to be unveiled in the future and most of them will be entertaining alternative fuels as well.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Volvo's Multi-Fuel Car Run on 5 Different Fuels by Glady Reign
The Volvo Multi-Fuel is a five-cylinder, 2.0 liter prototype car that runs on five different fuels namely: hythane which is 10% hydrogen and 90% methane, biomethane, natural gas (CNG), bioethanol E85 (85% bioethanol and 15% petrol) and petrol. This concept car was first introduced at the Michelin Challenge Bibedum 2006 and considered to be the only one of its kind.
According to Mats Morén, Project leader Engine at Volvo Car Corporation, the whole car is equipped with top-of-the-line Volvo accessories designed for high performance and perfect for driving on any of the five different fuels. The Multi-Fuel is just as safe as all the other Volvo vehicles plus it is exceptionally clean. He also said that the Multi-Fuel car is the first step towards a hydrogen powered society.
Volvo Car Corporation believes that the road to the future is not one but many and no renewable fuel type can alone replace the fossil fuels of today. And since local conditions vary, different markets need engines for different alternative fuels coupled with cleaner conventional ones. These are the very same considerations of Volvo Car Corporation when it has developed the Multi-Fuel car. The main idea of the Multi-Fuel car is to make use of the locally produced fuels thus reducing the need to import fuel from other countries.
The Multi-Fuel car is equipped with one large and two smaller tanks containing 98 liters of gaseous fuels (hythane, biomethane and CNG), and one 29 liter tank for liquid fuels (bioethanol E85 and petrol). The small gaseous fuel tanks are made of steel while the large tank has a durable, gas tight aluminum liner, reinforced with high performance carbon fiber composite and an exterior layer of hardened fiber-glass composite, according to Morén.
The fuel tanks are placed under the luggage compartment floor thus preserving the full loading capacity of the Multi-Fuel car. The two fuel fillers are used to fill up all five fuel types, one for gaseous and one for liquid fuels. In order to switch between fuel types the driver would simply have to push a button.
The Multi-Fuel car, its engine, tanks, transmission and the fuel system is designed to function on the five different fuels. This means that it can be started directly on gas which is said to be unique for this system. The Multi-Fuel is remarkably clean and meets the emission standards for Euro 4 and the proposed levels for Euro 5. It also has an alternative catalyst system that is developed to meet the tough demands on extremely low tailpipe emissions for PZEV/SULEV on the US market.
The vehicle has two catalysts, one close coupled to the engine that lowers initial start emissions while the one under the floor reduces high-speed emissions. The double catalysts and advanced engine control system lead to very low emissions. High temperature materials in the exhaust and turbo allow extremely high exhaust gas temperatures of up to 1050 °C. This enables the car to run cleaner, accelerate quicker and operate smoother at higher speed.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
According to Mats Morén, Project leader Engine at Volvo Car Corporation, the whole car is equipped with top-of-the-line Volvo accessories designed for high performance and perfect for driving on any of the five different fuels. The Multi-Fuel is just as safe as all the other Volvo vehicles plus it is exceptionally clean. He also said that the Multi-Fuel car is the first step towards a hydrogen powered society.
Volvo Car Corporation believes that the road to the future is not one but many and no renewable fuel type can alone replace the fossil fuels of today. And since local conditions vary, different markets need engines for different alternative fuels coupled with cleaner conventional ones. These are the very same considerations of Volvo Car Corporation when it has developed the Multi-Fuel car. The main idea of the Multi-Fuel car is to make use of the locally produced fuels thus reducing the need to import fuel from other countries.
The Multi-Fuel car is equipped with one large and two smaller tanks containing 98 liters of gaseous fuels (hythane, biomethane and CNG), and one 29 liter tank for liquid fuels (bioethanol E85 and petrol). The small gaseous fuel tanks are made of steel while the large tank has a durable, gas tight aluminum liner, reinforced with high performance carbon fiber composite and an exterior layer of hardened fiber-glass composite, according to Morén.
The fuel tanks are placed under the luggage compartment floor thus preserving the full loading capacity of the Multi-Fuel car. The two fuel fillers are used to fill up all five fuel types, one for gaseous and one for liquid fuels. In order to switch between fuel types the driver would simply have to push a button.
The Multi-Fuel car, its engine, tanks, transmission and the fuel system is designed to function on the five different fuels. This means that it can be started directly on gas which is said to be unique for this system. The Multi-Fuel is remarkably clean and meets the emission standards for Euro 4 and the proposed levels for Euro 5. It also has an alternative catalyst system that is developed to meet the tough demands on extremely low tailpipe emissions for PZEV/SULEV on the US market.
The vehicle has two catalysts, one close coupled to the engine that lowers initial start emissions while the one under the floor reduces high-speed emissions. The double catalysts and advanced engine control system lead to very low emissions. High temperature materials in the exhaust and turbo allow extremely high exhaust gas temperatures of up to 1050 °C. This enables the car to run cleaner, accelerate quicker and operate smoother at higher speed.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Alternative Fuels Snatch Auto Industry's Limelight by Glady Reign
With the alarming environmental concerns and the aim of preserving a greener tomorrow, automakers are triggered to build more environment-friendly automobiles. In fact, part of the fast-rising vehicles today is powered by alternative fuels. In a short span of time, these vehicles have swiftly stolen the limelight of the industry.
Alternative fuel, also known as non-conventional fuels, is any material or substance that can be used as a fuel, other than fossil fuels, or conventional fuels of petroleum, coal, propane, and natural gas. The term usually refers to a source of which energy is renewable. Its main function is to store energy in a form that is stable and can be easily transported from the place of production to the end user. Alternative fuels include biodiesel, butanol, ethanol, chemically stored electricity like batteries and fuel cells, hydrogen, methane, natural gas, biomass, wood, wood gas, vegetable oil, and peanut oil.
One of the vehicles using such alternative fuels is the Volvo Multi-Fuel. Said vehicle is optimized to run on five different fuels so there is a need to upgrade on Volvo performance parts. The Volvo Multi-Fuel, based on the Volvo V70, is powered by a 2.0-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that will run on hythane (10 per cent hydrogen and 90 per cent methane), biomethane, natural gas (CNG), bioethanol E85 (85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent gasoline) and gasoline.
Aside from the fact that it runs on 5 different engines, another notable facet of the Volvo Multi-Fuel is its relatively consistent performance not considering the fuel used. Volvo claims that the turbocharged engine of the vehicle is producing about 200 horsepower. It is sufficient to power up the wagon. The vehicle runs exceptionally clean. In fact, when pure renewable fuels such as hyrdrogen, biomethane or bioethanol are used, very little fossil carbon dioxide is emitted.
Hythane, E85 bioethanol and CNG biomethane are extra-clean fuels. This is main reason why the vehicle has surpassed all existing emissions regulations imposed in any market at the present time. Furthermore, it would also qualify for the upcoming EuroV emissions regulations. The mentioned fuels also have the advantage of being carbon neutral. It means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.
When changing between fuels, the driver only has to choose between gaseous or liquid fuel and the engine management system will adjust to optimize performance for the fuel. The Multi-Fuel has separate fuel tanks for gaseous fuels that include hythane, biomethane and CNG; and liquid fuel like E85 and gasoline.
"The whole car is optimized for high performance, driving on any of the five different fuels," said Mats Moren, project leader engine at Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a step towards a hydrogen-powered society. Perhaps we can develop the system even further, to run on a higher blend in the future."
Volvo is known for its commitment to lead automotive milestones. As a fact, it has been associated with remarkable safety and ninety-degree bodywork. At this point in time, the automaker has already established a name that embodies style, quality, cutting-edge design - and superb green technology.
Aside from Volvo, renowned automakers like Daimler Chrysler are producing entry vehicles that use alternative fuels. The latest entry so far is the E320 CDI BlUETEC that runs on a biomass-to-liquid (BtL) fuel known as SunDiesel. Said fuel can be used as the lone fuel or as an additive. "We believe BtL fuels can make an important contribution to our energy supply," explained Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, vice president of the Research Body and Powertrain and also chief environmental officer of DaimlerChrysler AG. "They can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and with their good carbon dioxide audit they can also help make mobility more environmentally compatible."
The Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT and the smart four two cng were also entered, both running on CNG. The E 200 NGT reduces CO2 emissions by over 20 per cent and with a power output of 163 horsepower from the 1.8-liter engine. It is the most powerful CNG passenger car currently in production. The driver can decide whether to use CNG or gasoline using buttons on the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit ensures a smooth transition from one power source to the other. Fuel consumption is 39 mpg with CNG and 26 mpg with premium unleaded.
Ford's green vehicles include Focus C-MAX H2 ICE is powered by a prototype hydrogen internal combustion engine. The engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 110 horsepower. According to Ford the Focus C-MAX H2 ICE has a driving range of about 120 miles with the fuel capacity of 2.75 kg of hydrogen.
General Motors newest entry is Saab 9-5 BioPower, which runs on either bioethanol or gasoline. The BioPower is not only environment-friendly; it also but delivers more power and performance than the gasoline-only version. The vehicle can switch between bioethanol and gasoline without any adjustment by the driver.
The Q7 TDI, powered by 3.0-liter direct-injection with impressive fuel economy of 22 mpg, is Audi's latest green SUV pride. For the recently held Challenge Bibendum, the Q7 TDI was fueled with Synfuel produced by Shell. It is manufactured from natural gas, biomass or coal to decrease the environmental impact by reducing exhaust emissions.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Alternative fuel, also known as non-conventional fuels, is any material or substance that can be used as a fuel, other than fossil fuels, or conventional fuels of petroleum, coal, propane, and natural gas. The term usually refers to a source of which energy is renewable. Its main function is to store energy in a form that is stable and can be easily transported from the place of production to the end user. Alternative fuels include biodiesel, butanol, ethanol, chemically stored electricity like batteries and fuel cells, hydrogen, methane, natural gas, biomass, wood, wood gas, vegetable oil, and peanut oil.
One of the vehicles using such alternative fuels is the Volvo Multi-Fuel. Said vehicle is optimized to run on five different fuels so there is a need to upgrade on Volvo performance parts. The Volvo Multi-Fuel, based on the Volvo V70, is powered by a 2.0-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that will run on hythane (10 per cent hydrogen and 90 per cent methane), biomethane, natural gas (CNG), bioethanol E85 (85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent gasoline) and gasoline.
Aside from the fact that it runs on 5 different engines, another notable facet of the Volvo Multi-Fuel is its relatively consistent performance not considering the fuel used. Volvo claims that the turbocharged engine of the vehicle is producing about 200 horsepower. It is sufficient to power up the wagon. The vehicle runs exceptionally clean. In fact, when pure renewable fuels such as hyrdrogen, biomethane or bioethanol are used, very little fossil carbon dioxide is emitted.
Hythane, E85 bioethanol and CNG biomethane are extra-clean fuels. This is main reason why the vehicle has surpassed all existing emissions regulations imposed in any market at the present time. Furthermore, it would also qualify for the upcoming EuroV emissions regulations. The mentioned fuels also have the advantage of being carbon neutral. It means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.
When changing between fuels, the driver only has to choose between gaseous or liquid fuel and the engine management system will adjust to optimize performance for the fuel. The Multi-Fuel has separate fuel tanks for gaseous fuels that include hythane, biomethane and CNG; and liquid fuel like E85 and gasoline.
"The whole car is optimized for high performance, driving on any of the five different fuels," said Mats Moren, project leader engine at Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a step towards a hydrogen-powered society. Perhaps we can develop the system even further, to run on a higher blend in the future."
Volvo is known for its commitment to lead automotive milestones. As a fact, it has been associated with remarkable safety and ninety-degree bodywork. At this point in time, the automaker has already established a name that embodies style, quality, cutting-edge design - and superb green technology.
Aside from Volvo, renowned automakers like Daimler Chrysler are producing entry vehicles that use alternative fuels. The latest entry so far is the E320 CDI BlUETEC that runs on a biomass-to-liquid (BtL) fuel known as SunDiesel. Said fuel can be used as the lone fuel or as an additive. "We believe BtL fuels can make an important contribution to our energy supply," explained Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, vice president of the Research Body and Powertrain and also chief environmental officer of DaimlerChrysler AG. "They can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and with their good carbon dioxide audit they can also help make mobility more environmentally compatible."
The Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT and the smart four two cng were also entered, both running on CNG. The E 200 NGT reduces CO2 emissions by over 20 per cent and with a power output of 163 horsepower from the 1.8-liter engine. It is the most powerful CNG passenger car currently in production. The driver can decide whether to use CNG or gasoline using buttons on the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit ensures a smooth transition from one power source to the other. Fuel consumption is 39 mpg with CNG and 26 mpg with premium unleaded.
Ford's green vehicles include Focus C-MAX H2 ICE is powered by a prototype hydrogen internal combustion engine. The engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 110 horsepower. According to Ford the Focus C-MAX H2 ICE has a driving range of about 120 miles with the fuel capacity of 2.75 kg of hydrogen.
General Motors newest entry is Saab 9-5 BioPower, which runs on either bioethanol or gasoline. The BioPower is not only environment-friendly; it also but delivers more power and performance than the gasoline-only version. The vehicle can switch between bioethanol and gasoline without any adjustment by the driver.
The Q7 TDI, powered by 3.0-liter direct-injection with impressive fuel economy of 22 mpg, is Audi's latest green SUV pride. For the recently held Challenge Bibendum, the Q7 TDI was fueled with Synfuel produced by Shell. It is manufactured from natural gas, biomass or coal to decrease the environmental impact by reducing exhaust emissions.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Biofuel to Play a Major Role In The Future by Anthony Fontanelle
With the fast depletion of our fossil fuel reserves, different industries are experimenting and developing ways to provide better alternative to petroleum based fuels. The automotive industry is one of the major components in the campaign to develop cleaner burning fuel that comes from renewable source of energy.
Volvo is one car manufacturer that has come to help answer the call for the use of alternative fuels. Their recent investment on Chemrec has shown their dedication to the development of process to extract fuels that can be used on vehicles from biomass. This move on the part of the Swedish company is being mirrored not only by other car manufacturers but also of different countries around the globe. The recently released comprehensive study by the Emerging Markets Online group entitled "Biodiesel 2020: A Global Market Study" shows that different countries are exerting effort in thee development of alternative fuels specifically biodiesel. The efforts put into the development of the alternative fuel coupled with the ever increasing demand for such fuels in the market shows that there is great hope for long-term development in the biofuels segment. The market for the biodiesel around the world is expected to grow exponentially in the next ten years as stated in the case study conducted by the energy intelligence agency. The expected surge on the demand for biofuel is in consonance with the current effort of car manufacturers to produce cars that will run on alternative fuels.
Currently, Europe is the largest consumer and producer of biodiesel, but thanks to the improving reputation of diesel engines in the US, the country is now producing biodiesel at a faster rate than the European Union and is poised to overtake Europe in the next few years.
But the strongest potential in the production and consumption of biodiesel is Brazil which is expected to overtake both the US and the European Union by the year 2015. Other countries like India and Chine also posses great potential in the biofuel segment, thanks to their government's drive to pose new alternative fuel policies to help in the preservation of the environment. Another reason for these countries potential to be great producers of biofuels is that diesel engines are far more popular in those regions as it is in the US.
But trend shows that US is now the fastest growing consumer of biodiesel, thanks to the efforts put in by car manufacturers to make their diesel engine produce significantly lesser noise and emissions than the previously employed diesel engines which gave diesel engines a bad reputation in the US. Today, seventy major biodiesel plants are supplying the country its biofuel demand but these plants are barely keeping up with the need hence over fifty more of such plants are being constructed, and these newer plants will produce biodiesel in a much larger quantity. Last year alone, the number of retail sites for biodiesel jumped to 950 from 2005's 300 retail sites. The more than 300 per cent increase in the number of such retail sites shows the increasing appetite of the American car industry for such fuels.
If the current trend in the development of facilities that will produce large quantities of biodiesel does not change, Brazil will become the largest producer of such alternative fuels. Another country that will gain in the production of biodiesel is China. If the country meets their projected target, they will surely become the world's largest consumer of biofuels, as sure as you can find high performance brake parts at Active Brakes Direct. This expected rise of Brazil and China in the biofuel segment is projected through 2020.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Volvo is one car manufacturer that has come to help answer the call for the use of alternative fuels. Their recent investment on Chemrec has shown their dedication to the development of process to extract fuels that can be used on vehicles from biomass. This move on the part of the Swedish company is being mirrored not only by other car manufacturers but also of different countries around the globe. The recently released comprehensive study by the Emerging Markets Online group entitled "Biodiesel 2020: A Global Market Study" shows that different countries are exerting effort in thee development of alternative fuels specifically biodiesel. The efforts put into the development of the alternative fuel coupled with the ever increasing demand for such fuels in the market shows that there is great hope for long-term development in the biofuels segment. The market for the biodiesel around the world is expected to grow exponentially in the next ten years as stated in the case study conducted by the energy intelligence agency. The expected surge on the demand for biofuel is in consonance with the current effort of car manufacturers to produce cars that will run on alternative fuels.
Currently, Europe is the largest consumer and producer of biodiesel, but thanks to the improving reputation of diesel engines in the US, the country is now producing biodiesel at a faster rate than the European Union and is poised to overtake Europe in the next few years.
But the strongest potential in the production and consumption of biodiesel is Brazil which is expected to overtake both the US and the European Union by the year 2015. Other countries like India and Chine also posses great potential in the biofuel segment, thanks to their government's drive to pose new alternative fuel policies to help in the preservation of the environment. Another reason for these countries potential to be great producers of biofuels is that diesel engines are far more popular in those regions as it is in the US.
But trend shows that US is now the fastest growing consumer of biodiesel, thanks to the efforts put in by car manufacturers to make their diesel engine produce significantly lesser noise and emissions than the previously employed diesel engines which gave diesel engines a bad reputation in the US. Today, seventy major biodiesel plants are supplying the country its biofuel demand but these plants are barely keeping up with the need hence over fifty more of such plants are being constructed, and these newer plants will produce biodiesel in a much larger quantity. Last year alone, the number of retail sites for biodiesel jumped to 950 from 2005's 300 retail sites. The more than 300 per cent increase in the number of such retail sites shows the increasing appetite of the American car industry for such fuels.
If the current trend in the development of facilities that will produce large quantities of biodiesel does not change, Brazil will become the largest producer of such alternative fuels. Another country that will gain in the production of biodiesel is China. If the country meets their projected target, they will surely become the world's largest consumer of biofuels, as sure as you can find high performance brake parts at Active Brakes Direct. This expected rise of Brazil and China in the biofuel segment is projected through 2020.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Renewable Fuel Source for Volvo Vehicles by Glady Reign
Environment consciousness has been growing steadily all over the world and different industries are taking steps to decrease their dependency on the fast-depleting fossil fuel reserves. Steps are also taken to decrease the harmful emissions especially those from cars.
Automotive companies are also developing ways to further clean the emissions produced by their cars and not only to comply with government standards but to also help protect the environment. Different alternative sources of energy or fuel is being studied. Volvo is one of these companies which have taken steps to help in saving the environment from destruction. Their FlexiFuel system that is already used in three of their car models and such a system allows a vehicle to use bio ethanol for fuel. This is indeed showing their dedication not only in producing safe cars but clean cars as well.
Volvo's studies on renewable and cleaner fuels do not start and end with their development and subsequent employment of their FlexiFuel system. The company announced that they are investing in Chemrec AB. This Swedish company has developed a technology in producing synthesis gas which is an important component in the production of various types of alternative fuels. The technology that Chemrec has developed is the first step in extracting alternative fuels from biomass. This renewable source of energy if further developed will help not only the company but the whole industry to lower its dependency on fossil fuels. The study in this field has been underway for more than fifteen years and this breakthrough brings the company closer to producing alternative fuels that will have less damaging effects on the environment compared to currently employed fossil fuel based products.
With the development of the technology to extract synthesis gases from biomass, Chemrec has shown that there is an efficient process in converting biomass into renewable fuels. Their chosen biomass is black liquor which is a residual product from the pulp industry. The common practice to recover the chemicals from this waste is to burn it up on soda furnaces. However, a disadvantage of this is that the recovered chemicals have a low efficiency rating.
But Chemrec has developed a technology that instead gasifies the black liquor from which comes out different by-products including synthesis gas which has a higher efficiency rating. From this, alternative fuels can be extracted with already developed techniques to get vehicle fuels such as bio-diesel, hydrogen gas, synthetic diesel and DME which are all cleaner burning fuels compared to pure gasoline or diesel.
The investment of Volvo on the Swedish company does not mean though that the company has a plan to become a fuel supplier, but they are working on ways to utilize the technology in the development of newer and cleaner engines. This move on the part of the Volvo group shows its dedication to not only protect its consumers via their safe cars but also help to protect the environment through the development of cleaner and renewable vehicle fuels. While this development cannot wipe away the world's dependency on fossil fuels like a Volvo wiper blade can efficiently wipe raindrops from a windshield, but this is certainly a step forward in the right direction.
Whether this technology will be employed in the near future to replace the pure gasoline fuel employed by cars still remains to be seen. But with the dedication of Volvo to help in the development of new processes for the production of alternative fuels and companies such as Chemrec, a cleaner future is quite possible. A future that would see us not totally dependent on fossil fuels for our energy demand, while this may seem far off, the automotive industry is making a good step forward.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Automotive companies are also developing ways to further clean the emissions produced by their cars and not only to comply with government standards but to also help protect the environment. Different alternative sources of energy or fuel is being studied. Volvo is one of these companies which have taken steps to help in saving the environment from destruction. Their FlexiFuel system that is already used in three of their car models and such a system allows a vehicle to use bio ethanol for fuel. This is indeed showing their dedication not only in producing safe cars but clean cars as well.
Volvo's studies on renewable and cleaner fuels do not start and end with their development and subsequent employment of their FlexiFuel system. The company announced that they are investing in Chemrec AB. This Swedish company has developed a technology in producing synthesis gas which is an important component in the production of various types of alternative fuels. The technology that Chemrec has developed is the first step in extracting alternative fuels from biomass. This renewable source of energy if further developed will help not only the company but the whole industry to lower its dependency on fossil fuels. The study in this field has been underway for more than fifteen years and this breakthrough brings the company closer to producing alternative fuels that will have less damaging effects on the environment compared to currently employed fossil fuel based products.
With the development of the technology to extract synthesis gases from biomass, Chemrec has shown that there is an efficient process in converting biomass into renewable fuels. Their chosen biomass is black liquor which is a residual product from the pulp industry. The common practice to recover the chemicals from this waste is to burn it up on soda furnaces. However, a disadvantage of this is that the recovered chemicals have a low efficiency rating.
But Chemrec has developed a technology that instead gasifies the black liquor from which comes out different by-products including synthesis gas which has a higher efficiency rating. From this, alternative fuels can be extracted with already developed techniques to get vehicle fuels such as bio-diesel, hydrogen gas, synthetic diesel and DME which are all cleaner burning fuels compared to pure gasoline or diesel.
The investment of Volvo on the Swedish company does not mean though that the company has a plan to become a fuel supplier, but they are working on ways to utilize the technology in the development of newer and cleaner engines. This move on the part of the Volvo group shows its dedication to not only protect its consumers via their safe cars but also help to protect the environment through the development of cleaner and renewable vehicle fuels. While this development cannot wipe away the world's dependency on fossil fuels like a Volvo wiper blade can efficiently wipe raindrops from a windshield, but this is certainly a step forward in the right direction.
Whether this technology will be employed in the near future to replace the pure gasoline fuel employed by cars still remains to be seen. But with the dedication of Volvo to help in the development of new processes for the production of alternative fuels and companies such as Chemrec, a cleaner future is quite possible. A future that would see us not totally dependent on fossil fuels for our energy demand, while this may seem far off, the automotive industry is making a good step forward.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Alternative Fuel Conference Scheduled in April by Anthony Fontanelle
Vehicles play a major role in the current drive of the global community to decrease the dependency on fossil fuels in an effort to protect the environment much like an EBC Pad affects the stopping power of a car. Automotive vehicles running on gasoline or diesel is one of the major sources of harmful gases released into the atmosphere. Currently, different governments are addressing the problem that has become a major thereat to the environment. In connection to this, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute will be hosting the thirteenth annual Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference + Expo which will be held on April 1to 4 this year in Anaheim, California. The conference will be an event that will be attended by different sectors which are dedicated to the promotion of alternative fuels.
Different experts on their fields will be present to tackle the future of the alternative fuels. Representatives from different sectors like truck manufacturers, fuel suppliers, government agencies, and parts manufacturers will be present at the said conference. The topics that will be discussed during the gathering are focused on different areas but all pertains in the development of the alternative fuel. Legislation regarding the use of alternative fuels will be tackled as well as EPA engine standards. Climate change, plug-in hybrids, ports, biofuels updates, and electric drive advances are some of the issues that will be addressed during the said conference. One of the objectives of the gathering is to provide knowledge to the different sectors how to make the transition to alternative fuels of different fleets more cost efficient.
During the alternative fuel summit, former CIA Director James Woosley and environmental policy expert Dr. Terry Tamminen will deliver the keynote addresses. Jim Kenzie, the chief auto reviewer for the Toronto Star will also grace the event. The event will be the place for decision-makers to have a feel for where the alternative fuel industry is going. The topics that will be tackled during the summit will give them a great view of what is in store for this blossoming industry. The information they may gather from the said event will be a great help in formulating new strategies in the production and development of new cars.
The event will also feature an Expo Hall where a wide range of vehicles, parts, and services which is connected to alternative fuels will be shown. A "Funding Pavilion" will also be featured to help agencies find the right tools in order to bring down the costs of transition to alternative fuels. The conference will also let the attendees have the chance to drive some of the vehicles shown at the Expo Hall to give them a feel how an alternative fuel powered vehicle performs. The final day of the event will be dedicated to showing the public what are the advances being made in the alternative fuel industry. This is an effort to get the public involved in the development of a better alternative for fossil fuels.
The organizer of the said event is an entrepreneurial organization that works as a bridge between the people who are looking for ways to incorporate transportation technologies to their products and those that can provide the said technology. The organization is backed by different companies in the hosting of the annual event. Among their prominent sponsors are Toyota, Honda, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, and Ford Motor Company. The dedication of these car makers in the development of alternative fuels is further shown in their lineup of cars that are now starting to acknowledge the importance of using alternative fuels.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
Different experts on their fields will be present to tackle the future of the alternative fuels. Representatives from different sectors like truck manufacturers, fuel suppliers, government agencies, and parts manufacturers will be present at the said conference. The topics that will be discussed during the gathering are focused on different areas but all pertains in the development of the alternative fuel. Legislation regarding the use of alternative fuels will be tackled as well as EPA engine standards. Climate change, plug-in hybrids, ports, biofuels updates, and electric drive advances are some of the issues that will be addressed during the said conference. One of the objectives of the gathering is to provide knowledge to the different sectors how to make the transition to alternative fuels of different fleets more cost efficient.
During the alternative fuel summit, former CIA Director James Woosley and environmental policy expert Dr. Terry Tamminen will deliver the keynote addresses. Jim Kenzie, the chief auto reviewer for the Toronto Star will also grace the event. The event will be the place for decision-makers to have a feel for where the alternative fuel industry is going. The topics that will be tackled during the summit will give them a great view of what is in store for this blossoming industry. The information they may gather from the said event will be a great help in formulating new strategies in the production and development of new cars.
The event will also feature an Expo Hall where a wide range of vehicles, parts, and services which is connected to alternative fuels will be shown. A "Funding Pavilion" will also be featured to help agencies find the right tools in order to bring down the costs of transition to alternative fuels. The conference will also let the attendees have the chance to drive some of the vehicles shown at the Expo Hall to give them a feel how an alternative fuel powered vehicle performs. The final day of the event will be dedicated to showing the public what are the advances being made in the alternative fuel industry. This is an effort to get the public involved in the development of a better alternative for fossil fuels.
The organizer of the said event is an entrepreneurial organization that works as a bridge between the people who are looking for ways to incorporate transportation technologies to their products and those that can provide the said technology. The organization is backed by different companies in the hosting of the annual event. Among their prominent sponsors are Toyota, Honda, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, and Ford Motor Company. The dedication of these car makers in the development of alternative fuels is further shown in their lineup of cars that are now starting to acknowledge the importance of using alternative fuels.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
DaimlerChrysler's Commitment to Alternative Fuels Outlined by Anthony Fontanelle
Joining the throng of car makers dedicated to help ease the world's dependence on fossil fuels is DaimlerChrysler, the largest truck manufacturer in the world. At the National Biodiesel Board Annual Conference, Deb Morrissett, the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the said company, persuades the growing biodiesel industry to carry on their commitment to develop a natural standard for B20 as car makers are focusing their attention on developing and producing vehicles that will use run on alternative fuels.
The challenge to create a national specification for biodiesel is issued by Morrissett while stating that doing so would speed up the adoption of biodiesel. He further added that doing so would also help in the harnessing and directing the diverse research and investment efforts put into the development of such alternative fuel. He said that biodiesel should have a national fuel specification just like other fuels. "I'm looking forward to the time when anyone can fuel up with B20, but we're not there yet," he also added.
Morrissett also encouraged the industry to stay tuned for the company is intending to build on their diesel engine leadership for the coming future. They would do this with help from their partners like Cummins. As a sign of the company's dedication to produce vehicles that will run on more environment friendly fuel, they have unveiled their Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles which come equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. This engine can run on B5 and B20 biodiesel. The said vehicles will become available in the market in March this year. The two trucks already meet emission standards that will be implemented in 2010 and this simply shows the company's dedication to make their trucks not only to be high performance vehicles but are also safe just like EBC brake pads.
The company's dedication to lessen the dependence on fossil fuel does not end in their use of efficient and clean diesel engines but they are also one of the car manufacturers which are developing the use of alternative fuels on their vehicles. A concrete example of this is the usage of B5 fuel of their Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee models. Both vehicles are approved for regular use of the B5 biodiesel fuel. Furthermore, their 2007 Dodge Ram can run on B20 biodiesel fuel and can be used for commercial, government, and military fleets.
Their support for the alternative fuel industry does not end there either. The company is planning to develop and produce cars that would be equipped with efficient gasoline engines, hybrid cars, flex-fuel vehicles which can run on gasoline as well as alternative fuel like bio-ethanol, electric vehicles and a test fleet of more than 100 fuel cell powered vehicles.
Their commitment to produce flexi-fuel vehicles will see them producing 250,000 units of the said vehicle which can run on E85 fuel - a fuel that is a mixture of gasoline and bio-ethanol. The 85 in the E85 stands for the percentage of bio-ethanol in the fuel which means that the E85 is 85 percent bio-ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The flexi-fuel vehicles that DaimlerChrysler will produce can also run on conventional gasoline efficiently. The company aims to double the production of their FFV fleet to 500,000 units in 2008.
During the conference, Loren Beard, manager of Fuel Legislation, Regulation and Policy, along with Scott Schramm, Manager of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, also tackled engine warranty issues, OEM experience with alternative fuels and how to deal with new regulations. The National Biodiesel Board Conference was held last February 5 in San Antonio, Texas.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
The challenge to create a national specification for biodiesel is issued by Morrissett while stating that doing so would speed up the adoption of biodiesel. He further added that doing so would also help in the harnessing and directing the diverse research and investment efforts put into the development of such alternative fuel. He said that biodiesel should have a national fuel specification just like other fuels. "I'm looking forward to the time when anyone can fuel up with B20, but we're not there yet," he also added.
Morrissett also encouraged the industry to stay tuned for the company is intending to build on their diesel engine leadership for the coming future. They would do this with help from their partners like Cummins. As a sign of the company's dedication to produce vehicles that will run on more environment friendly fuel, they have unveiled their Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles which come equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. This engine can run on B5 and B20 biodiesel. The said vehicles will become available in the market in March this year. The two trucks already meet emission standards that will be implemented in 2010 and this simply shows the company's dedication to make their trucks not only to be high performance vehicles but are also safe just like EBC brake pads.
The company's dedication to lessen the dependence on fossil fuel does not end in their use of efficient and clean diesel engines but they are also one of the car manufacturers which are developing the use of alternative fuels on their vehicles. A concrete example of this is the usage of B5 fuel of their Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee models. Both vehicles are approved for regular use of the B5 biodiesel fuel. Furthermore, their 2007 Dodge Ram can run on B20 biodiesel fuel and can be used for commercial, government, and military fleets.
Their support for the alternative fuel industry does not end there either. The company is planning to develop and produce cars that would be equipped with efficient gasoline engines, hybrid cars, flex-fuel vehicles which can run on gasoline as well as alternative fuel like bio-ethanol, electric vehicles and a test fleet of more than 100 fuel cell powered vehicles.
Their commitment to produce flexi-fuel vehicles will see them producing 250,000 units of the said vehicle which can run on E85 fuel - a fuel that is a mixture of gasoline and bio-ethanol. The 85 in the E85 stands for the percentage of bio-ethanol in the fuel which means that the E85 is 85 percent bio-ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The flexi-fuel vehicles that DaimlerChrysler will produce can also run on conventional gasoline efficiently. The company aims to double the production of their FFV fleet to 500,000 units in 2008.
During the conference, Loren Beard, manager of Fuel Legislation, Regulation and Policy, along with Scott Schramm, Manager of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, also tackled engine warranty issues, OEM experience with alternative fuels and how to deal with new regulations. The National Biodiesel Board Conference was held last February 5 in San Antonio, Texas.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Alternative Fuel Industry Receives Boost from Government by Lauren Woods
With the recent global warming problem facing the world, different agencies and sectors of the communities are doing their share to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Different industries are making great leaps in the production of alternative fuel which is projected to replace fossil fuels in the near future. After all, the latter is not only a non-renewable source of energy but it is also a source of greenhouse gases.
Car manufacturers are also doing their share by investing in the development of new technologies which will allow the use of alternative fuels on vehicles. These car makers have tied up with other companies to further expand the research and development in terms of perfecting alternative fuel use for vehicles. Even private individuals are helping this cause by donating substantial amount of funds and other means of help to facilities that conduct study on the use of alternative fuels in the future. Governments all over the world are also joining the battle to save the Earth. Recently the Bush administration awards a cost-share grant to Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) through the Department of Energy.
The grants will be used by BIO in the construction of new commercial biorefineries. Experts in the field view the construction of the said facilities as a major step in the commercialization of alternative fuels. The refineries will produce ethanol, chemicals, and other bio-based products from cellulose.
Jim Greenwood, the President of BIO, thanked Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and the Bush administration in his statement: "Skeptics have been saying that commercialization of cellulosic technologies for ethanol production is years away, but the technology for production of ethanol from cellulosic crop residues is ready now. The grants announced today by Secretary Bodman will help bring more ethanol motor fuel to the pump within the next few years, helping to reduce both our reliance on imported oil and our emission of greenhouse gases. The Bush administration's actions today underscore how public policies such as grants and incentives can accelerate the development of new biofuels technologies and the production of large volumes of alternative fuels. We are grateful for the President's decisive leadership in this important issue. This is a win for the consumer, for our rural economies and for our environment."
The grants will help the widespread use of alternative fuels on flex-fuel vehicles. This will make vehicles in the nation's roads cleaner and safer to the environment and to people. The consumers will benefit greatly from this endeavor since the use of alternative fuel will also mean lower cost of fuel, and their car's fuel efficiency will be much greater, especially if fitted with aftermarket parts like a Toyota cold air intake system.
The award is the implementation of Section 932 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The policy is aimed to the funding of facilities that produce alternative fuels from biomass. The grants will be used not only to create new facilities but also to expand existing facilities which will enable them to produce larger amounts of ethanol for commercial use.
"The construction of large-scale biorefineries to convert cellulosic biomass to ethanol and other useful consumer products is a critical step toward bringing recent industrial biotech breakthroughs top the market," says Brent Erickson, the Executive Vice President of BIO's Industrial and Environmental Section. "The demonstration biorefineries built with today's announced grants will help rapidly advance the learning curve, reduce the costs, and increase the efficiency of producing ethanol from cellulose," Erickson further added.
With the grants, the administration shows that they are indeed serious in the development of alternative fuels. This also shows that they are committed to bring this technology to the public as soon as possible.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Car manufacturers are also doing their share by investing in the development of new technologies which will allow the use of alternative fuels on vehicles. These car makers have tied up with other companies to further expand the research and development in terms of perfecting alternative fuel use for vehicles. Even private individuals are helping this cause by donating substantial amount of funds and other means of help to facilities that conduct study on the use of alternative fuels in the future. Governments all over the world are also joining the battle to save the Earth. Recently the Bush administration awards a cost-share grant to Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) through the Department of Energy.
The grants will be used by BIO in the construction of new commercial biorefineries. Experts in the field view the construction of the said facilities as a major step in the commercialization of alternative fuels. The refineries will produce ethanol, chemicals, and other bio-based products from cellulose.
Jim Greenwood, the President of BIO, thanked Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and the Bush administration in his statement: "Skeptics have been saying that commercialization of cellulosic technologies for ethanol production is years away, but the technology for production of ethanol from cellulosic crop residues is ready now. The grants announced today by Secretary Bodman will help bring more ethanol motor fuel to the pump within the next few years, helping to reduce both our reliance on imported oil and our emission of greenhouse gases. The Bush administration's actions today underscore how public policies such as grants and incentives can accelerate the development of new biofuels technologies and the production of large volumes of alternative fuels. We are grateful for the President's decisive leadership in this important issue. This is a win for the consumer, for our rural economies and for our environment."
The grants will help the widespread use of alternative fuels on flex-fuel vehicles. This will make vehicles in the nation's roads cleaner and safer to the environment and to people. The consumers will benefit greatly from this endeavor since the use of alternative fuel will also mean lower cost of fuel, and their car's fuel efficiency will be much greater, especially if fitted with aftermarket parts like a Toyota cold air intake system.
The award is the implementation of Section 932 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The policy is aimed to the funding of facilities that produce alternative fuels from biomass. The grants will be used not only to create new facilities but also to expand existing facilities which will enable them to produce larger amounts of ethanol for commercial use.
"The construction of large-scale biorefineries to convert cellulosic biomass to ethanol and other useful consumer products is a critical step toward bringing recent industrial biotech breakthroughs top the market," says Brent Erickson, the Executive Vice President of BIO's Industrial and Environmental Section. "The demonstration biorefineries built with today's announced grants will help rapidly advance the learning curve, reduce the costs, and increase the efficiency of producing ethanol from cellulose," Erickson further added.
With the grants, the administration shows that they are indeed serious in the development of alternative fuels. This also shows that they are committed to bring this technology to the public as soon as possible.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Danforth Center Received $25 Million For Renewable Fuel Research by Anthony Fontanelle
The call for better fuel alternatives is being held and heard all around the global community. Different sectors are already making their contributions in the development of alternative fuels that will reduce the dependency of the human race on non-renewable fossil fuel supply. Governments and private sectors across the globe have been making steps in researching and developing better fuel alternatives. Private individuals have also joined in the cause of developing better sources of energy and fuel.
Recently, Jack and Susan Taylor gave the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center $25 million to create the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels. As the name suggests, the institute will be doing works related to the identification and development of better alternative fuels. The institute is named after the Enterprise Rent-A-Car which is car rental service that was founded by Jack Taylor back in 1957.
The gift made by the Taylors will increase the speed at which the development in the alternative fuel industry is being made. The development and subsequent use of these alternative fuels will significantly decrease the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. This is because they will be developing fuels that will burn cleaner than fossil fuels. These fuels will be a good step in addressing the threat posed by global warming to the entire human populace.
Dr. William H. Danforth, the chairman of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, has this to say about the $25 million gift: "We are very grateful to jack and Susan Taylor for their generous gift to expand the Danforth Center's basic research in plant science and address the growing need for biofuels. This gift establishes a truly unique partnership to address an important issue for future generations by utilizing the latest advances in plant science."
Danforth Center's team of researchers will use the $25 million gift to further expand the center's capability in the research for better renewable sources of energy. Aside from the $25 million given to the Danforth Center, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car has also pledged to fund the planting of 50 million trees in the country's national forests over the next 50 years. Converted to current monetary value, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car will be spending another $50 million.
After the donation of the $25 million by Jack and Susan Taylor, Andrew Taylor, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Rent-A-Car has this to say: "For 50 years, this company that my father built from the ground up has relied on the availability of vehicles and fuel. Today, more than ever, it is essential that we pursue new energy sources that will sustain not only our business, but also the environment around us for future generations. The creation of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels sends a clear message that my family and our company are committed to help address this critical public need."
The newly created institute will be headed by a distinguished scientific leader in the renewable biofuel field. Though the center has yet to name the said scientist, they are positive that under his or her leadership, the institute will be making great advances in the alternative fuel field. To support the expansion of the center's research capability, an additional 12 new scientists will be hired over the next three years. They will join the 18 scientists currently employed by the center.
From the dedication that every sector is showing in the development of alternative fuels, it seems that the global community is finally addressing the global warming issue. These steps are done in hope that they would act like EBC Greenstuff brake parts in putting a stop to the deterioration of the environment.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Recently, Jack and Susan Taylor gave the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center $25 million to create the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels. As the name suggests, the institute will be doing works related to the identification and development of better alternative fuels. The institute is named after the Enterprise Rent-A-Car which is car rental service that was founded by Jack Taylor back in 1957.
The gift made by the Taylors will increase the speed at which the development in the alternative fuel industry is being made. The development and subsequent use of these alternative fuels will significantly decrease the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. This is because they will be developing fuels that will burn cleaner than fossil fuels. These fuels will be a good step in addressing the threat posed by global warming to the entire human populace.
Dr. William H. Danforth, the chairman of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, has this to say about the $25 million gift: "We are very grateful to jack and Susan Taylor for their generous gift to expand the Danforth Center's basic research in plant science and address the growing need for biofuels. This gift establishes a truly unique partnership to address an important issue for future generations by utilizing the latest advances in plant science."
Danforth Center's team of researchers will use the $25 million gift to further expand the center's capability in the research for better renewable sources of energy. Aside from the $25 million given to the Danforth Center, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car has also pledged to fund the planting of 50 million trees in the country's national forests over the next 50 years. Converted to current monetary value, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car will be spending another $50 million.
After the donation of the $25 million by Jack and Susan Taylor, Andrew Taylor, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Rent-A-Car has this to say: "For 50 years, this company that my father built from the ground up has relied on the availability of vehicles and fuel. Today, more than ever, it is essential that we pursue new energy sources that will sustain not only our business, but also the environment around us for future generations. The creation of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels sends a clear message that my family and our company are committed to help address this critical public need."
The newly created institute will be headed by a distinguished scientific leader in the renewable biofuel field. Though the center has yet to name the said scientist, they are positive that under his or her leadership, the institute will be making great advances in the alternative fuel field. To support the expansion of the center's research capability, an additional 12 new scientists will be hired over the next three years. They will join the 18 scientists currently employed by the center.
From the dedication that every sector is showing in the development of alternative fuels, it seems that the global community is finally addressing the global warming issue. These steps are done in hope that they would act like EBC Greenstuff brake parts in putting a stop to the deterioration of the environment.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Bush Continues Crusade for Alternative Fuel by Glady Reign
Last January 31, 2006, President George W. Bush outlined his plan for the widespread use of alternative fuels in the country. In his State of the Union Address last month, he announced a proposed mandate that 35 billion gallons of ethanol be produced until the year 2017. He also proposed to reduce the amount of emissions of greenhouse gasses by as much as 20 percent by the year 2017. Out of the 35 billion gallons mandated to be produced, 15 billion gallons of ethanol will come from starch while the 20 billion gallons will be from cellulose or cellulosic ethanol.
Cellulosic ethanol is a type of ethanol which comes from cellulose. This is different from the normal ethanol which comes from sugars and starches. This kind of ethanol is what Novozymes are helping to develop. The company has developed an enzyme cocktail that makes the mass production of cellulose ethanol possible. This technology is a better alternative to normal ethanol since the production of the latter causes the increase in the price of corn. This is because cellulosic ethanol comes from biomass including wastes from urban, agricultural, and forestry sources. In the production of this type of ethanol, no toxic emissions are generated which makes it a better alternative than other fuels.
Novozymes recently received a very distinguished guest - the President himself. Bush toured the facility's laboratories and he also did pose for pictures with the workers of the company. The visit of the President at the facility is a part of his effort to boost the morale of those working in the alternative fuel industry. Aside from the financial support of the administration in the form of $2 billion aid in the funding of cellulosic ethanol plants, he also provides moral support though his visits to those plants such as that one in Novozymes.
The use of ethanol as fuel for cars in the United States is a part of the administration's effort to address the problem of global warming. Ethanol is a good substitute to gasoline since it burns cleaner than gasoline. The only thing to consider about the use of ethanol as fuel is its corrosive nature. Without fortification, engine parts like Volvo 240 parts will be corroded. To combat this corrosive nature of ethanol, car manufacturers and engine designers fortify different components of the car to take on the corrosive nature of ethanol.
With the increasing awareness of the global community towards addressing the global warming issue, the United States is on its track towards making a difference. The country has been criticized in the past for being one of the major causes of the destruction of the environment. With the steps being taken by the government and the private sector, alternative fuels like ethanol will one day be the most commonly used fuel by the majority on US roads. Aside from the development of ethanol as the fuel of the future, US agencies are also developing biodiesel for use of vehicles equipped with a diesel engine. Aside from these two alternative fuels, the US market is also being flooded with hybrid cars which also reduce the dependency of the country on imported oil fossil fuels.
President Bush's commitment to the development of alternative fuel is a great boost for the industry. With the government's backing, more and more alternative fuels can be produced which will result to cleaner emission by vehicles. The development of these alternative fuels can also increase the number of employed person in the country. It would also decrease the dependency of the country on other countries which produce oil and then later on export them to the US.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Cellulosic ethanol is a type of ethanol which comes from cellulose. This is different from the normal ethanol which comes from sugars and starches. This kind of ethanol is what Novozymes are helping to develop. The company has developed an enzyme cocktail that makes the mass production of cellulose ethanol possible. This technology is a better alternative to normal ethanol since the production of the latter causes the increase in the price of corn. This is because cellulosic ethanol comes from biomass including wastes from urban, agricultural, and forestry sources. In the production of this type of ethanol, no toxic emissions are generated which makes it a better alternative than other fuels.
Novozymes recently received a very distinguished guest - the President himself. Bush toured the facility's laboratories and he also did pose for pictures with the workers of the company. The visit of the President at the facility is a part of his effort to boost the morale of those working in the alternative fuel industry. Aside from the financial support of the administration in the form of $2 billion aid in the funding of cellulosic ethanol plants, he also provides moral support though his visits to those plants such as that one in Novozymes.
The use of ethanol as fuel for cars in the United States is a part of the administration's effort to address the problem of global warming. Ethanol is a good substitute to gasoline since it burns cleaner than gasoline. The only thing to consider about the use of ethanol as fuel is its corrosive nature. Without fortification, engine parts like Volvo 240 parts will be corroded. To combat this corrosive nature of ethanol, car manufacturers and engine designers fortify different components of the car to take on the corrosive nature of ethanol.
With the increasing awareness of the global community towards addressing the global warming issue, the United States is on its track towards making a difference. The country has been criticized in the past for being one of the major causes of the destruction of the environment. With the steps being taken by the government and the private sector, alternative fuels like ethanol will one day be the most commonly used fuel by the majority on US roads. Aside from the development of ethanol as the fuel of the future, US agencies are also developing biodiesel for use of vehicles equipped with a diesel engine. Aside from these two alternative fuels, the US market is also being flooded with hybrid cars which also reduce the dependency of the country on imported oil fossil fuels.
President Bush's commitment to the development of alternative fuel is a great boost for the industry. With the government's backing, more and more alternative fuels can be produced which will result to cleaner emission by vehicles. The development of these alternative fuels can also increase the number of employed person in the country. It would also decrease the dependency of the country on other countries which produce oil and then later on export them to the US.
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Hybrid or Diesel: Making the Right Choice by Mike Bartley
Recent spikes in fuel prices have forced American car buyers to turn away from the traditional gas-guzzling vehicles. Newer vehicles received better attention due to their fuel efficiency. One of the most popular fuel misers are hybrid vehicles.
These vehicles are equipped with a small internal combustion engine and an electric motor which supplies the added power to the vehicle. Another form of fuel being looked into by car buyers are diesel engined vehicles. The diesel engine in the past received a bad reputation because of its noise and soot emission although it consumes less fuel and diesel is cheaper than gasoline.
Recent improvements on the auto industry have made diesel engines better than its ancestors. New generation diesel engines operate with less noise almost the same to that of a gasoline engine. Particulate filters also reduce the soot produced by diesel engines.
Due to these developments, car buyers are given the choice of either opting for a hybrid vehicle or a vehicle equipped with a diesel engine. In choosing which of the two is going to be the right one for car buyers, they need to consider what kind of driving they impose on their cars.
Hybrid vehicles are recommended for those who do more city than highway driving. This is because hybrid vehicles are designed for low speed driving. The engine of a hybrid electric vehicle is a small one and it is assisted by an electric motor. When the vehicle stops, the engine shuts off thus saving fuel. This is favorable for city driving where frequent stops on stop lights are needed. On highway driving and uphill climbs, the small engine will be subjected to an increased load which means that it will consume more fuel than you would actually want it to.
Diesel engines on the other hand are more efficient on high speed driving. Since it provides a lot of torque, a vehicle is given good acceleration and that is why it now popular on the European sports car. The lower price of diesel compared to gasoline also makes it a much better choice than hybrid vehicles in highway driving.
New development like particulate filters and other emission controlling parts are integrated to today's diesel engines so emissions are not a problem anymore. In addition to that, diesel engines are just experiencing the start of its development which means that in the near future, car buyers can have a diesel engine vehicle that performs even better than a gasoline one at a fraction of the cost on the pump.
Diesel engines can also run on alternative fuels like biodiesel without configuration - an attribute that will make the engine popular among environment conscious car buyers.
In choosing a fuel efficient car, motorists should consider different areas of the automobile. Both the hybrid vehicle and diesel engine are good alternatives to conventional gasoline engines but choosing between the two is a task just like when one is looking for a {a href=" http://www.shopnisparts.com/nissan-fog-light"}Nissan fog light.
About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike. mikebartley@yahoo.com Irvine, CA 92602 http://www.speedyperformanceparts.com
These vehicles are equipped with a small internal combustion engine and an electric motor which supplies the added power to the vehicle. Another form of fuel being looked into by car buyers are diesel engined vehicles. The diesel engine in the past received a bad reputation because of its noise and soot emission although it consumes less fuel and diesel is cheaper than gasoline.
Recent improvements on the auto industry have made diesel engines better than its ancestors. New generation diesel engines operate with less noise almost the same to that of a gasoline engine. Particulate filters also reduce the soot produced by diesel engines.
Due to these developments, car buyers are given the choice of either opting for a hybrid vehicle or a vehicle equipped with a diesel engine. In choosing which of the two is going to be the right one for car buyers, they need to consider what kind of driving they impose on their cars.
Hybrid vehicles are recommended for those who do more city than highway driving. This is because hybrid vehicles are designed for low speed driving. The engine of a hybrid electric vehicle is a small one and it is assisted by an electric motor. When the vehicle stops, the engine shuts off thus saving fuel. This is favorable for city driving where frequent stops on stop lights are needed. On highway driving and uphill climbs, the small engine will be subjected to an increased load which means that it will consume more fuel than you would actually want it to.
Diesel engines on the other hand are more efficient on high speed driving. Since it provides a lot of torque, a vehicle is given good acceleration and that is why it now popular on the European sports car. The lower price of diesel compared to gasoline also makes it a much better choice than hybrid vehicles in highway driving.
New development like particulate filters and other emission controlling parts are integrated to today's diesel engines so emissions are not a problem anymore. In addition to that, diesel engines are just experiencing the start of its development which means that in the near future, car buyers can have a diesel engine vehicle that performs even better than a gasoline one at a fraction of the cost on the pump.
Diesel engines can also run on alternative fuels like biodiesel without configuration - an attribute that will make the engine popular among environment conscious car buyers.
In choosing a fuel efficient car, motorists should consider different areas of the automobile. Both the hybrid vehicle and diesel engine are good alternatives to conventional gasoline engines but choosing between the two is a task just like when one is looking for a {a href=" http://www.shopnisparts.com/nissan-fog-light"}Nissan fog light.
About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike. mikebartley@yahoo.com Irvine, CA 92602 http://www.speedyperformanceparts.com
Hydrogen Fuel Gains Momentum by Lauren Woods
The auto industry has been forced to take drastic steps to combat the recent spikes in the price of petroleum products. Different frontiers in the alternative fuel field have been put under scrutiny hoping that these fuels will one day eliminate the world's dependence on petroleum products. Biodiesel and electricity are some of the ways viewed as clean substitutes for gasoline and diesel as fuel and power sources.
Another alternative fuel under development is hydrogen. The use of hydrogen is seen as the future of zero emission vehicles since this element when used as fuel produces only water instead of the harmful gas that are emitted by burned petroleum products.
Recently, the use of hydrogen as fuel gained momentum as Linde Gas announced that they will be the sole provider of hydrogen fuel for the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) conference being held in San Antonio, Texas. The company is part of the Linde Group and is the only company with the technology to provide hydrogen fuel to any hydrogen fueled vehicle.
The company has the technology to produce and provide hydrogen in liquid or gaseous form for fuel-cell vehicles. Among the auto makers that Linde Gas will be supplying include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen. These automakers are known for their current research and developmental studies in the use of hydrogen as fuel for their future vehicles.
Joachim Wolf, the Executive Director for Hydrogen Solutions of the Linde Group, has this to say about their technology: "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event."
As of today, the company has already equipped more than sixty hydrogen refueling stations all over the world according to Wolf. He also maintained that the company is expected to meet the future demands for hydrogen as fuel.
The efficiency of hydrogen as fuel has already been tested on the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series. The said concept vehicle have been tested to travel significantly more miles before refueling compared to other prototypes using hydrogen as fuel. At the conference, spokespersons from the Linde Group will talk about the safety of hydrogen when used as fuel which is one of the main concerns of the public given the fact that hydrogen is highly flammable in nature.
Another issue to be addressed at the conference is the material that will be used in storing the fuel. With more and more car makers putting in effort to produce a hydrogen-powered zero emission vehicles like General Motors, it will only be a matter of time before fuel efficient vehicles equipped with Chevy cold air intake to increase fuel efficiency are replaced by zero emission vehicles burning hydrogen as fuel.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Another alternative fuel under development is hydrogen. The use of hydrogen is seen as the future of zero emission vehicles since this element when used as fuel produces only water instead of the harmful gas that are emitted by burned petroleum products.
Recently, the use of hydrogen as fuel gained momentum as Linde Gas announced that they will be the sole provider of hydrogen fuel for the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) conference being held in San Antonio, Texas. The company is part of the Linde Group and is the only company with the technology to provide hydrogen fuel to any hydrogen fueled vehicle.
The company has the technology to produce and provide hydrogen in liquid or gaseous form for fuel-cell vehicles. Among the auto makers that Linde Gas will be supplying include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen. These automakers are known for their current research and developmental studies in the use of hydrogen as fuel for their future vehicles.
Joachim Wolf, the Executive Director for Hydrogen Solutions of the Linde Group, has this to say about their technology: "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event."
As of today, the company has already equipped more than sixty hydrogen refueling stations all over the world according to Wolf. He also maintained that the company is expected to meet the future demands for hydrogen as fuel.
The efficiency of hydrogen as fuel has already been tested on the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series. The said concept vehicle have been tested to travel significantly more miles before refueling compared to other prototypes using hydrogen as fuel. At the conference, spokespersons from the Linde Group will talk about the safety of hydrogen when used as fuel which is one of the main concerns of the public given the fact that hydrogen is highly flammable in nature.
Another issue to be addressed at the conference is the material that will be used in storing the fuel. With more and more car makers putting in effort to produce a hydrogen-powered zero emission vehicles like General Motors, it will only be a matter of time before fuel efficient vehicles equipped with Chevy cold air intake to increase fuel efficiency are replaced by zero emission vehicles burning hydrogen as fuel.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
New Fuel-Efficient Engine to be Unveiled at SAE World Congress by Lauren Woods
The drive to develop cleaner burning engines is steadily increasing as the threat of global warming increases. Car manufacturers are partnering with engine manufacturer to develop gasoline engines with the fuel-efficiency similar to that of diesel engines.
Diesel engines uses direct injection technology and engine developers at present are using the same technology for gasoline engines. The FEV Engine Technology Inc. is at the forefront of developing fuel efficient gasoline engines. The company recently announced that they will be unveiling a developmental gasoline/E85 turbocharged direct injection engine at the forthcoming 2007 SAE World Congress which will be held from April 16 to 19.
The said engine promises to produce the same power produced by a larger engine while consuming considerably less fuel. The engine will also address the problem with using alternative fuels such as bio-ethanol which has a lower energy density as compared to gasoline.
The cleaner engine will be featuring a variable compression ratio which will optimize the use of alternative fuel E85. The engine can get the best out of the E85 fuel by adjusting its compression ratio when E85 is used. With the technology being used by this engine, it can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent according to FEV.
Robert Last, the Vice President of Operations and Communications for FEV, extolled the advantages of their new engine. Last has this to say: "This engine is a look at the future evolution of spark ignition engines as manufacturers seek to set a new standard for power and fuel efficiency, yet face increasingly stiffer emissions requirements. And by mating the GTDI with variable compression ratio capability, it will allow customization of the engine control strategy to adjust for the use of alternative fuels such as E85 that tolerate combustion without knocking at higher compression ratios."
The variable compression ratio feature of the engine uses a sensor to detect the content of alcohol and the fuel. This information is then passed to an onboard computer which will then adjust the compression ratio in the combustion chamber. The engine though is still in the developmental stage. But according to Last: "While it's still a developmental tool, we believe that we can achieve diesel-like fuel efficiency with a gasoline engine. The GTDI/VCR engine is just one example of advanced technologies that FEV is developing together with its customers that could ultimately reduce our dependence on imported oil."
Developments such as this are a huge step towards the reduction of energy dependence of the country on foreign oil. The global community needs more advancement in technology such as this to battle the threat of global warming. But for those with common gasoline engines, reducing fuel consumption and increasing performance can be achieved with the help of aftermarket parts such as the K&N cold air intake systems.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Diesel engines uses direct injection technology and engine developers at present are using the same technology for gasoline engines. The FEV Engine Technology Inc. is at the forefront of developing fuel efficient gasoline engines. The company recently announced that they will be unveiling a developmental gasoline/E85 turbocharged direct injection engine at the forthcoming 2007 SAE World Congress which will be held from April 16 to 19.
The said engine promises to produce the same power produced by a larger engine while consuming considerably less fuel. The engine will also address the problem with using alternative fuels such as bio-ethanol which has a lower energy density as compared to gasoline.
The cleaner engine will be featuring a variable compression ratio which will optimize the use of alternative fuel E85. The engine can get the best out of the E85 fuel by adjusting its compression ratio when E85 is used. With the technology being used by this engine, it can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent according to FEV.
Robert Last, the Vice President of Operations and Communications for FEV, extolled the advantages of their new engine. Last has this to say: "This engine is a look at the future evolution of spark ignition engines as manufacturers seek to set a new standard for power and fuel efficiency, yet face increasingly stiffer emissions requirements. And by mating the GTDI with variable compression ratio capability, it will allow customization of the engine control strategy to adjust for the use of alternative fuels such as E85 that tolerate combustion without knocking at higher compression ratios."
The variable compression ratio feature of the engine uses a sensor to detect the content of alcohol and the fuel. This information is then passed to an onboard computer which will then adjust the compression ratio in the combustion chamber. The engine though is still in the developmental stage. But according to Last: "While it's still a developmental tool, we believe that we can achieve diesel-like fuel efficiency with a gasoline engine. The GTDI/VCR engine is just one example of advanced technologies that FEV is developing together with its customers that could ultimately reduce our dependence on imported oil."
Developments such as this are a huge step towards the reduction of energy dependence of the country on foreign oil. The global community needs more advancement in technology such as this to battle the threat of global warming. But for those with common gasoline engines, reducing fuel consumption and increasing performance can be achieved with the help of aftermarket parts such as the K&N cold air intake systems.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
A Review of Beyond Oil, The View From Hubbert's Peak by Herbert Young
It has long been known by geologists that the world's oil supply is finite. Oil is not a renewable resource and it is found in relatively limited geological environments around the world. This is the subject of Beyond Oil, The View from Hubbert's Peak, by Kenneth S. Deffeyes, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University published in 2005, (202 pages, hardcover, Hill & Wang).
In general oil is found in a zone called the oil horizon located between 7,500 feet and 15,000 feet below the surface in organic rich sedimentary formations. Deeper than that, the temperature of the rock is too hot for oil molecules to stay together, and above that the hydrocarbons are not heated enough to separate into crude oil. Sandstone, dolomite and limestone form virtually all the host rock for oil production in the world and comprise only about 1% of the world's rock formations. In addition, specific geologic structures are required to trap the oil. According to Professor Deffeyes, seven specific criteria are required for oil to be present in a particular location. Without any one of these criteria, oil is not present, period.
While Saudi Arabia has the largest annual production of oil, the United States and Russia are second and third place according to Deffeyes. Saudi Arabia has 1,560 producing wells, Russia 41,192 wells and the United States has 521,070. The United States is one of the most drilled and explored places in the world.
Between 1901 and 2005, oil use and production consistently increased, first in the United States and then in the world. In 1956, M. King Hubbert, American geologist and geophysicist, predicted the United States oil production would peak and then start to decline by the early 1970s. When his predictions came true, Hubbert became an instant folk hero among energy conservationists. This became known as Peak Oil or the point when annual production of oil reaches a maximum and then starts to decline. It can be diagrammed as a bell shaped curve with a peak at the top.
Hubbert then turned his calculations on world oil production and supply. His methods worked the same way predicting the world oil supply as they did with the United States supply. Essentially, world oil production peaked early in the 21st century according to Hubbert.
Professor Deffeyes worked with M. King Hubbert, and explains in detail the process that Hubbert used to make these predictions. He discusses both oil and natural gas and the implications of being on the downward side of Hubbert's Peak. While Hubbert used some very complex mathematics in his initial calculations, Professor Deffeyes explains Hubbert's calculations using relatively simple mathematics. In fact, simple algebra forms the basis of his analysis and it is understandable to many with a basis in high school mathematics.
There is a lot of information and disinformation about renewable energy. This book discusses many of today's energy sources and those of the foreseeable future. It dispels many of the myths and disinformation about energy so glibly passed around by a largely uninformed public, self serving political leaders and a media hungry for ratings.
Because oil has played such a large part of the world's economy, it is in everyone's best interest to become informed about energy supplies and sources. Energy fuels such as coal, geothermal, uranium and many of the so-called alternative energy sources all will be impacted by the declining amount of oil available on the downward side of the peak oil curve. This book is a must read for anyone interested in learning more than the common platitudes about energy and, in particular, oil.
About the Author
H. Court Young is a writer, author, publisher and a geologist interested in water and terrorism issues. His books about water and terrorism can be found at Waterconflicts , Understanding Water and Terrorism & BurgYoung Publishing
In general oil is found in a zone called the oil horizon located between 7,500 feet and 15,000 feet below the surface in organic rich sedimentary formations. Deeper than that, the temperature of the rock is too hot for oil molecules to stay together, and above that the hydrocarbons are not heated enough to separate into crude oil. Sandstone, dolomite and limestone form virtually all the host rock for oil production in the world and comprise only about 1% of the world's rock formations. In addition, specific geologic structures are required to trap the oil. According to Professor Deffeyes, seven specific criteria are required for oil to be present in a particular location. Without any one of these criteria, oil is not present, period.
While Saudi Arabia has the largest annual production of oil, the United States and Russia are second and third place according to Deffeyes. Saudi Arabia has 1,560 producing wells, Russia 41,192 wells and the United States has 521,070. The United States is one of the most drilled and explored places in the world.
Between 1901 and 2005, oil use and production consistently increased, first in the United States and then in the world. In 1956, M. King Hubbert, American geologist and geophysicist, predicted the United States oil production would peak and then start to decline by the early 1970s. When his predictions came true, Hubbert became an instant folk hero among energy conservationists. This became known as Peak Oil or the point when annual production of oil reaches a maximum and then starts to decline. It can be diagrammed as a bell shaped curve with a peak at the top.
Hubbert then turned his calculations on world oil production and supply. His methods worked the same way predicting the world oil supply as they did with the United States supply. Essentially, world oil production peaked early in the 21st century according to Hubbert.
Professor Deffeyes worked with M. King Hubbert, and explains in detail the process that Hubbert used to make these predictions. He discusses both oil and natural gas and the implications of being on the downward side of Hubbert's Peak. While Hubbert used some very complex mathematics in his initial calculations, Professor Deffeyes explains Hubbert's calculations using relatively simple mathematics. In fact, simple algebra forms the basis of his analysis and it is understandable to many with a basis in high school mathematics.
There is a lot of information and disinformation about renewable energy. This book discusses many of today's energy sources and those of the foreseeable future. It dispels many of the myths and disinformation about energy so glibly passed around by a largely uninformed public, self serving political leaders and a media hungry for ratings.
Because oil has played such a large part of the world's economy, it is in everyone's best interest to become informed about energy supplies and sources. Energy fuels such as coal, geothermal, uranium and many of the so-called alternative energy sources all will be impacted by the declining amount of oil available on the downward side of the peak oil curve. This book is a must read for anyone interested in learning more than the common platitudes about energy and, in particular, oil.
About the Author
H. Court Young is a writer, author, publisher and a geologist interested in water and terrorism issues. His books about water and terrorism can be found at Waterconflicts , Understanding Water and Terrorism & BurgYoung Publishing
Bush Mandates New Fuel Rules By End Of Term by Lauren Woods
President George W. Bush issued an executive order last Monday directing three agencies to come up with regulations by the end of his term. The president's order is aimed at improving fuel economy standards for cars and at the same time slashing tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases.
"We have now reached a pivotal moment where advances in technology are creating new ways to improve energy security, strengthen national security and protect the environment," Bush said in an announcement in the Rose Garden. The president made his a six-minute announcement one day after the nation's gas prices hit at all time average high of $3.07 per gallon, $3.26 in Michigan, and increasing clamor in Congress to force auto manufacturers to do more to boost efficiency of vehicles.
Bush has called for an end to the nation's "addiction" to oil and mapped out a plan called "20-in-10" to limit gas consumption by 20 percent in a decade. But his announcement also mirrored the realities of the building clout of advocates of higher CAFÉ standards in the Democratic Congress and a Supreme Court ruling last month on tailpipe emissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson said in a teleconference with reporters that the "20-in-10" plan will be a guide. He added, "We have not reached any conclusions about what the final regulation will look like." Johnson said they would issue a preliminary proposal by fall.
David Friedman, the clean vehicles program research director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the president's goals would require the fleet of cars and light trucks to reach 34 miles per gallon by 2017. "If the president delivers what he's promised, his proposal would take the nation a long way toward reducing its dependence on oil and cutting global warming pollution. But, given that the Supreme Court had to force the Bush administration to regulate greenhouse gases, Congress is going to have to enact guaranteed fuel economy improvements and low carbon fuel standards," Friedman noted.
In a news conference, Bush said that a mix of increased use of alternative fuels and higher economy standards "would save billions of gallons of fuel and reduce net greenhouse gas emission without compromising jobs or safety."
Bush's "20-in-10" plan has come under harsh scrutiny from automakers, but has been embraced by many, including Democrats on Capitol Hill, who desire auto companies to do more to enhance fuel efficiency. It would require automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles by an average of 4 percent yearly, to save 8.5 billion gallons of gasoline each year by 2017.
A Bush Administration analysis said that four percent increases would cost automakers $114 billion between 2010 and 2017, including $85 billion for domestic automakers. General Motors, it figured, would have to pay $40 billion - a figure the largest American automaker calls "probably low."
Last week, a Senate panel approved a plan to raise corporate average fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon, about 40 percent hike, by 2020. Unfortunately, the proposal was called "unattainable" by many automakers. Indeed, the proposal needs enhancement of auto parts like engines, the Neuspeed cold air intake, radiators and more. It also necessitates in-depth studies and testing.
Dave McCurdy, the head of the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, the trade group that represents the General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler AG and the Toyota Motor Corp. among others, offered a lackadaisical response. "Automakers support reforming and raising car fuel economy standards, consistent with the need to preserve jobs and consumer choice. Determining the right level for the future will require sound science and engineering, in an open process that involves everyone," McCurdy said.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
"We have now reached a pivotal moment where advances in technology are creating new ways to improve energy security, strengthen national security and protect the environment," Bush said in an announcement in the Rose Garden. The president made his a six-minute announcement one day after the nation's gas prices hit at all time average high of $3.07 per gallon, $3.26 in Michigan, and increasing clamor in Congress to force auto manufacturers to do more to boost efficiency of vehicles.
Bush has called for an end to the nation's "addiction" to oil and mapped out a plan called "20-in-10" to limit gas consumption by 20 percent in a decade. But his announcement also mirrored the realities of the building clout of advocates of higher CAFÉ standards in the Democratic Congress and a Supreme Court ruling last month on tailpipe emissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson said in a teleconference with reporters that the "20-in-10" plan will be a guide. He added, "We have not reached any conclusions about what the final regulation will look like." Johnson said they would issue a preliminary proposal by fall.
David Friedman, the clean vehicles program research director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the president's goals would require the fleet of cars and light trucks to reach 34 miles per gallon by 2017. "If the president delivers what he's promised, his proposal would take the nation a long way toward reducing its dependence on oil and cutting global warming pollution. But, given that the Supreme Court had to force the Bush administration to regulate greenhouse gases, Congress is going to have to enact guaranteed fuel economy improvements and low carbon fuel standards," Friedman noted.
In a news conference, Bush said that a mix of increased use of alternative fuels and higher economy standards "would save billions of gallons of fuel and reduce net greenhouse gas emission without compromising jobs or safety."
Bush's "20-in-10" plan has come under harsh scrutiny from automakers, but has been embraced by many, including Democrats on Capitol Hill, who desire auto companies to do more to enhance fuel efficiency. It would require automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles by an average of 4 percent yearly, to save 8.5 billion gallons of gasoline each year by 2017.
A Bush Administration analysis said that four percent increases would cost automakers $114 billion between 2010 and 2017, including $85 billion for domestic automakers. General Motors, it figured, would have to pay $40 billion - a figure the largest American automaker calls "probably low."
Last week, a Senate panel approved a plan to raise corporate average fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon, about 40 percent hike, by 2020. Unfortunately, the proposal was called "unattainable" by many automakers. Indeed, the proposal needs enhancement of auto parts like engines, the Neuspeed cold air intake, radiators and more. It also necessitates in-depth studies and testing.
Dave McCurdy, the head of the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, the trade group that represents the General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler AG and the Toyota Motor Corp. among others, offered a lackadaisical response. "Automakers support reforming and raising car fuel economy standards, consistent with the need to preserve jobs and consumer choice. Determining the right level for the future will require sound science and engineering, in an open process that involves everyone," McCurdy said.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Fuel Economy's Puzzling Tug Of War by Lauren Woods
Just after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official called on automakers and oil companies to cooperate in order to lessen emissions and bolster fuel economy, representatives from both worlds widely disagreed on the means to reach those goals. Moreover, the industry is now more baffled than before. Which side would triumph in the industry's current tug of war?
"The most effective way to lower carbon levels is to take a system approach... improvement can be made to both the fuel and the engine," said Margo Oge, the director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. She spoke today at a panel discussion regarding the policies and issues surrounding future fuel choices at the SAE World Congress held at Cobo Center.
Considering the increases in vehicle traffic, to reduce carbon emissions to those seen in 1990, either the auto industry would have to more than double its average fleet gas mileage to 56 mpg or fuel companies would have to produce 15 times as much renewable fuel as they do today, Oge said. Additionally, Oge suggested that by working together, the industries could achieve the overall goal of pollution reduction, but also lower their industry targets to more realistic levels of fuel efficiency and renewable production.
But four representatives from the auto and fuel industries seemed worlds apart on whether to use ethanol, gasoline or hydrogen in the future vehicle repertoire. They are divided on how future fuels would be regulated and taxed. BMW AG's Christoph Huss shook his head while Samantha Slater of the Renewable Fuels Association said that the nation's ethanol producers would "blow away" government mandated production levels.
Huss, the BMW senior vice president for science and traffic policy, said the BMW still sees hydrogen as the long-term answer to the energy and pollution challenges of the automobile. He acknowledged that hydrogen appears to be losing ground to the biodiesel and ethanol in the minds of many Americas. He added hydrogen has the advantage of containing more energy than gasoline and that it can be created from a wide variety of energy sources which is known to be ranging from natural gas to solar power.
Critics in both industries point out that hydrogen is highly volatile and would require a complete replacement of the existing fueling infrastructure. Renewable fuels like ethanol are already dispensed through standard gas pumps.
The Shell Oil Vice President for Fuel Development Darran Messem said while he expects production of renewable fuels to grow, fossil fuels will still be the primary power for automobiles in 2030. Messem noted the infrastructure problems with hydrogen and the high cost of ethanol. Even considering near-record high oil prices, ethanol costs 70 cents more a gallon than gasoline, he said.
The fact is for environment-friendly fuels to be viable, they must be reasonably priced and they must be compatible to vital auto parts like the Weapon R cold air intake. "The challenge we face is that a vast majority of our customers choose fuel based on cost and convenience... even over concerns such as green house gases," Messem said.
Stronger government regulation, however, could help push oil companies and automakers to innovate, said Steve Plotkin, the transportation energy analyst at Argonne National Laboratory. In today's environment, he added, the automaker that opts to improve fuel economy at the expense of performance takes a big risk because competitors may invest in performance improving technology - and "Americans have chosen performance over efficiency for years."
Plotkin concluded, "Increased government mandated fuel efficiency standards would push all the car companies to come up with emissions-reducing and gas-conserving technologies."
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
"The most effective way to lower carbon levels is to take a system approach... improvement can be made to both the fuel and the engine," said Margo Oge, the director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. She spoke today at a panel discussion regarding the policies and issues surrounding future fuel choices at the SAE World Congress held at Cobo Center.
Considering the increases in vehicle traffic, to reduce carbon emissions to those seen in 1990, either the auto industry would have to more than double its average fleet gas mileage to 56 mpg or fuel companies would have to produce 15 times as much renewable fuel as they do today, Oge said. Additionally, Oge suggested that by working together, the industries could achieve the overall goal of pollution reduction, but also lower their industry targets to more realistic levels of fuel efficiency and renewable production.
But four representatives from the auto and fuel industries seemed worlds apart on whether to use ethanol, gasoline or hydrogen in the future vehicle repertoire. They are divided on how future fuels would be regulated and taxed. BMW AG's Christoph Huss shook his head while Samantha Slater of the Renewable Fuels Association said that the nation's ethanol producers would "blow away" government mandated production levels.
Huss, the BMW senior vice president for science and traffic policy, said the BMW still sees hydrogen as the long-term answer to the energy and pollution challenges of the automobile. He acknowledged that hydrogen appears to be losing ground to the biodiesel and ethanol in the minds of many Americas. He added hydrogen has the advantage of containing more energy than gasoline and that it can be created from a wide variety of energy sources which is known to be ranging from natural gas to solar power.
Critics in both industries point out that hydrogen is highly volatile and would require a complete replacement of the existing fueling infrastructure. Renewable fuels like ethanol are already dispensed through standard gas pumps.
The Shell Oil Vice President for Fuel Development Darran Messem said while he expects production of renewable fuels to grow, fossil fuels will still be the primary power for automobiles in 2030. Messem noted the infrastructure problems with hydrogen and the high cost of ethanol. Even considering near-record high oil prices, ethanol costs 70 cents more a gallon than gasoline, he said.
The fact is for environment-friendly fuels to be viable, they must be reasonably priced and they must be compatible to vital auto parts like the Weapon R cold air intake. "The challenge we face is that a vast majority of our customers choose fuel based on cost and convenience... even over concerns such as green house gases," Messem said.
Stronger government regulation, however, could help push oil companies and automakers to innovate, said Steve Plotkin, the transportation energy analyst at Argonne National Laboratory. In today's environment, he added, the automaker that opts to improve fuel economy at the expense of performance takes a big risk because competitors may invest in performance improving technology - and "Americans have chosen performance over efficiency for years."
Plotkin concluded, "Increased government mandated fuel efficiency standards would push all the car companies to come up with emissions-reducing and gas-conserving technologies."
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
Oil Companies versus the Kyoto Protocol by Ringo Bonsubre
Oil Companies versus the Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is seen as Bolshevism by most of the existing petroleum companies who don't have the fiscal incentive to find an effective and low cost method of storing the carbon dioxide by-products of oil and gas extraction process. The emphasis here is on the effective method of carbon dioxide storage/sequestration since future legislation might impose stiff fines on the companies who aren't in line with the Kyoto Protocol.
Natural gas is by far the cleanest fossil fuel in current use, but it contains up to 10% carbon dioxide as it is extracted from the well/mine. Today, only a handful of environmentally conscious petroleum companies extract this carbon dioxide that's mixed with the natural gas and return the carbon dioxide back to the mine in sandstone formations underground so that it won't contribute to global warming.
The Insala Gas Plant in Nigeria has been doing carbon dioxide capture and storing them back underground since 2004. That's way before precedents are agreed upon by the Kyoto Protocol. Although petroleum companies that does this on a voluntary basis are still the exception rather than the rule. Norway's STATOIL also practices carbon dioxide capture/sequestration of their petroleum extraction by products and they posses the most sophisticated underground carbon dioxide storage facility to date as recognized by the IPCC, the inter government panel on climate change.
Help fight global warming, use Alternative Fuels.
About the Author
Ringo Bonsubre is a Computer Engineering Graduate with Degree in Education. Learn More About How To Save Our Environment and Healthy Drinks. Save Our Planet, Save Gas. Use Hybrid Cars.
The Kyoto Protocol is seen as Bolshevism by most of the existing petroleum companies who don't have the fiscal incentive to find an effective and low cost method of storing the carbon dioxide by-products of oil and gas extraction process. The emphasis here is on the effective method of carbon dioxide storage/sequestration since future legislation might impose stiff fines on the companies who aren't in line with the Kyoto Protocol.
Natural gas is by far the cleanest fossil fuel in current use, but it contains up to 10% carbon dioxide as it is extracted from the well/mine. Today, only a handful of environmentally conscious petroleum companies extract this carbon dioxide that's mixed with the natural gas and return the carbon dioxide back to the mine in sandstone formations underground so that it won't contribute to global warming.
The Insala Gas Plant in Nigeria has been doing carbon dioxide capture and storing them back underground since 2004. That's way before precedents are agreed upon by the Kyoto Protocol. Although petroleum companies that does this on a voluntary basis are still the exception rather than the rule. Norway's STATOIL also practices carbon dioxide capture/sequestration of their petroleum extraction by products and they posses the most sophisticated underground carbon dioxide storage facility to date as recognized by the IPCC, the inter government panel on climate change.
Help fight global warming, use Alternative Fuels.
About the Author
Ringo Bonsubre is a Computer Engineering Graduate with Degree in Education. Learn More About How To Save Our Environment and Healthy Drinks. Save Our Planet, Save Gas. Use Hybrid Cars.
Reasons to Not Invest in Crude Oil Futures Prices by Mayoor Patel
Many people are of the opinion that investing in crude oil futures prices is a very sound financial decision. However, there are also a number of reasons why investing in something else may be a better fit for you and your situation. Here are some thoughts that may help you decide if oil is where you really want to invest.
One of the major points to consider when making an investment is what type of impact that investment may have on the future of your family and your community. From that perspective, you may feel that your money would be better invested in some other commodity that will have a lasting benefit to future generations. This may be something along the lines of a local business or something within the community that will generate revenue for the investors but perhaps benefit students or another sector of the community. These types of investments often have the advantage of seeing your money make a difference in the places where you live in a very short period of time.
There is also the need to address your feelings on environmental issues. For persons who have strong feelings about the need to develop alternative fuel and energy resources, the idea of dealing with crude oil futures prices may not be all that appealing to their sense of working to make the world a better place. In this scenario, investing in some sort of biofuel development project or perhaps even a company that is developing vehicles that will run on alternate fuels may be a much better option. Along with making an impact on energy consumption today, you also have the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts are going to pay off big dividends for your children at some point in the future.
Perhaps your main concern has nothing to do with the environment at all. It may be simple economics. There may not be enough extra funds on hand to allow you to take advantage of current crude oil futures prices. If that is the case, then find some safe investments that will return a modest and consistent return. With a little luck, the prices on oil stock will remain somewhat static and you will eventually be in a position to take advantage of attractive futures prices. Of course, when that day comes, you may find there are other places you would prefer to invest your money.
About the Author
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://crude-oil.oil-universe.com. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Crude Oil Futures Prices
One of the major points to consider when making an investment is what type of impact that investment may have on the future of your family and your community. From that perspective, you may feel that your money would be better invested in some other commodity that will have a lasting benefit to future generations. This may be something along the lines of a local business or something within the community that will generate revenue for the investors but perhaps benefit students or another sector of the community. These types of investments often have the advantage of seeing your money make a difference in the places where you live in a very short period of time.
There is also the need to address your feelings on environmental issues. For persons who have strong feelings about the need to develop alternative fuel and energy resources, the idea of dealing with crude oil futures prices may not be all that appealing to their sense of working to make the world a better place. In this scenario, investing in some sort of biofuel development project or perhaps even a company that is developing vehicles that will run on alternate fuels may be a much better option. Along with making an impact on energy consumption today, you also have the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts are going to pay off big dividends for your children at some point in the future.
Perhaps your main concern has nothing to do with the environment at all. It may be simple economics. There may not be enough extra funds on hand to allow you to take advantage of current crude oil futures prices. If that is the case, then find some safe investments that will return a modest and consistent return. With a little luck, the prices on oil stock will remain somewhat static and you will eventually be in a position to take advantage of attractive futures prices. Of course, when that day comes, you may find there are other places you would prefer to invest your money.
About the Author
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://crude-oil.oil-universe.com. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Crude Oil Futures Prices
Why We Can Learn from Crude Oil Prices History by Mayoor Patel
Just as it is a good idea to learn from the past, we can glean some lessons from looking at crude oil prices history. Here one key example of how understanding the trends involved with this history can help us to be prepared for future situations as oil prices rise and fall periodically.
Many of us lived through the oil crisis of the early 1970s. Few of us were prepared for the sudden leap in oil prices that prompted some major changes in the way we looked at oil consumption and how dependent our society was on that consumption. Because there had never been a crisis to match what was happening, more people were driving larger and heavier vehicles. Some people who were just barely getting by had to choose between paying their utilities or getting gas for travel back and forth to work. Others had to deal with gas rationing, and would have periods when they had to find alternate forms of transportation.
By being aware of the circumstances that led up to that oil crisis and using crude oil prices history as an indicator, we are in a better position today to prepare. We can make plans that will allow us to weather a situation where access to petroleum and other oil products are in short supply to the consumer. Even if the reason is not an embargo, noticing the rising cost and dwindling availability will help us to plan to stock up on non-perishables, use public transportation and maybe even shop closer to home so we can use a bike to get around. We may even find that resorting the using our own two legs to make some short trips not only helps keep our consumption of crude oil projects in check, it also helps us to regain some of the physical fitness that we seem to be losing. That in and of itself would mean less consumption of fossil fuels used to keep medical facilities ready to receive stroke and heart attack victims quite as often.
While we are probably doing a better job with recycling oil products than we have ever done, reality is that most of us still depend heavily on the production of fresh petroleum and other oils. Crude oil prices history has taught us that having a backup plan in case there is a temporary increase in price, which certainly comes hand in hand with less available product, is absolutely necessary if we are to continue to function effectively in our daily lives.
About the Author
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://crude-oil-prices.oil-universe.com. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Crude Oil Prices History
Many of us lived through the oil crisis of the early 1970s. Few of us were prepared for the sudden leap in oil prices that prompted some major changes in the way we looked at oil consumption and how dependent our society was on that consumption. Because there had never been a crisis to match what was happening, more people were driving larger and heavier vehicles. Some people who were just barely getting by had to choose between paying their utilities or getting gas for travel back and forth to work. Others had to deal with gas rationing, and would have periods when they had to find alternate forms of transportation.
By being aware of the circumstances that led up to that oil crisis and using crude oil prices history as an indicator, we are in a better position today to prepare. We can make plans that will allow us to weather a situation where access to petroleum and other oil products are in short supply to the consumer. Even if the reason is not an embargo, noticing the rising cost and dwindling availability will help us to plan to stock up on non-perishables, use public transportation and maybe even shop closer to home so we can use a bike to get around. We may even find that resorting the using our own two legs to make some short trips not only helps keep our consumption of crude oil projects in check, it also helps us to regain some of the physical fitness that we seem to be losing. That in and of itself would mean less consumption of fossil fuels used to keep medical facilities ready to receive stroke and heart attack victims quite as often.
While we are probably doing a better job with recycling oil products than we have ever done, reality is that most of us still depend heavily on the production of fresh petroleum and other oils. Crude oil prices history has taught us that having a backup plan in case there is a temporary increase in price, which certainly comes hand in hand with less available product, is absolutely necessary if we are to continue to function effectively in our daily lives.
About the Author
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://crude-oil-prices.oil-universe.com. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Crude Oil Prices History
Volvo Introduces Five-Fuel Car by Glady Reign
Car manufacturers believe that a single alternative fuel cannot wipe away the dependency of the global community on petroleum products. Volvo Cars is one of the many carmakers adhering to this philosophy. The company has even developed a vehicle that not only runs on one or two alternative fuel but five alternative fuels.
A prototype of this car was recently unveiled by the Swedish car manufacturer. Called the Volvo Multi-Fuel, the vehicle is capable of running on hythane, a combination of hydrogen and methane; biomethane; compressed natural gas or CNG; bioethanol E85; and conventional gasoline. Switching between these fuels can be achieved by simply pushing a button.
The engine of the prototype is a five-cylinder 2.0-liter engine which is capable of producing 200 horsepower. It was first unveiled as a concept at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2006. The prototype though was just unveiled more recently.
"The whole car is optimized for high performance, driving on any of the five different fuels," says Mats Moren, the Project Leader Engine at Volvo Car Corporation. And since the vehicle is a Volvo, it is loaded with safety features. Its wide choice of alternative fuel also makes the vehicle more environment-friendly. This will allow consumers to choose which fuel will be more practical to use on the vehicle if Volvo lowers the cost of production enough for the vehicle to be mass produced and be made available to the public and the market. "It is a first step towards a hydrogen powered society. Perhaps we can develop the system even further, to run on a higher blend in the future," says Moren.
The vehicle is equipped with four tanks to hold the different fuels. One large and two smaller tanks hold the gaseous fuels which are the hythane, biomethane, and CNG. The three tanks have a total volume of 98 liters. Another tank holds the liquid fuels which are the E85 and the conventional gasoline. "The small gaseous fuel tanks are made of steel, whereas the large tank has a durable, gas tight aluminum liner, reinforced with high performance carbon fiber composite and an exterior layer of hardened fiber-glass composite," says Moren.
Apart from the necessary changes made to the vehicle's construction regarding the storage of the different fuels, the design of the engine is similar to a conventional gasoline engine. Volvo spark plug wires and other similar components can be already found under the hood of the prototype.
The tanks used by the vehicle are placed under the luggage compartment floor which means that it does not reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle. Since there are gaseous and liquid fuels available for the engine, there are also two fuel fillers available - one for gaseous fuels and one for the E85 and gasoline.
"The Multi-Fuel is turbo charged to achieve high performance on any of the five different fuel types. That makes it great fun to drive and we are very proud of its performance," says Moren of the vehicle. In conclusion, he added that: "I love this concept, a turbo charged engine with high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions. On top of that it has a brilliant tank installation and can be run on a multitude of fuels - all wrapped in one beautiful car."
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
A prototype of this car was recently unveiled by the Swedish car manufacturer. Called the Volvo Multi-Fuel, the vehicle is capable of running on hythane, a combination of hydrogen and methane; biomethane; compressed natural gas or CNG; bioethanol E85; and conventional gasoline. Switching between these fuels can be achieved by simply pushing a button.
The engine of the prototype is a five-cylinder 2.0-liter engine which is capable of producing 200 horsepower. It was first unveiled as a concept at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2006. The prototype though was just unveiled more recently.
"The whole car is optimized for high performance, driving on any of the five different fuels," says Mats Moren, the Project Leader Engine at Volvo Car Corporation. And since the vehicle is a Volvo, it is loaded with safety features. Its wide choice of alternative fuel also makes the vehicle more environment-friendly. This will allow consumers to choose which fuel will be more practical to use on the vehicle if Volvo lowers the cost of production enough for the vehicle to be mass produced and be made available to the public and the market. "It is a first step towards a hydrogen powered society. Perhaps we can develop the system even further, to run on a higher blend in the future," says Moren.
The vehicle is equipped with four tanks to hold the different fuels. One large and two smaller tanks hold the gaseous fuels which are the hythane, biomethane, and CNG. The three tanks have a total volume of 98 liters. Another tank holds the liquid fuels which are the E85 and the conventional gasoline. "The small gaseous fuel tanks are made of steel, whereas the large tank has a durable, gas tight aluminum liner, reinforced with high performance carbon fiber composite and an exterior layer of hardened fiber-glass composite," says Moren.
Apart from the necessary changes made to the vehicle's construction regarding the storage of the different fuels, the design of the engine is similar to a conventional gasoline engine. Volvo spark plug wires and other similar components can be already found under the hood of the prototype.
The tanks used by the vehicle are placed under the luggage compartment floor which means that it does not reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle. Since there are gaseous and liquid fuels available for the engine, there are also two fuel fillers available - one for gaseous fuels and one for the E85 and gasoline.
"The Multi-Fuel is turbo charged to achieve high performance on any of the five different fuel types. That makes it great fun to drive and we are very proud of its performance," says Moren of the vehicle. In conclusion, he added that: "I love this concept, a turbo charged engine with high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions. On top of that it has a brilliant tank installation and can be run on a multitude of fuels - all wrapped in one beautiful car."
About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
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