Americans Buying Greener Cars

Just ran into a neat post from Popular Mechanics (In February, Americans Bought Greener Cars than Ever Before), talking about how many more "green" cars Americans bought in the month of February 2014.

There's no real definition of what a "green" car is, but the first paragraph does say "more efficient cars" so I guess that's what this is referring to. The combined EPA city/highway mpg rating for these cars was 25.2 mpg.

Check the article out for two cool charts.

EPA's Greenest List

MSN Autos just posted an article about the EPA's Greenest Cars list (EPA Designates Most Energy-Efficient Cars by Claire Martin).

The article's first paragraph elicited a chuckle with its subtle leger a main: it names three of the cars (Honda Civic Hybrid w 44 mpge, Toyota Prius w 51 mpge city, Chevy Volt w 62 mpge highway) I would definitely think would be at the top of the EPA list, and announces that they're actually located towards the bottom of the list!

Good reading to get better acquainted with the brands and vehicles that are making the most mileage conscious vehicles out there, right now.

Full-Size Fuel Sippers

MSN Autos has a great photo gallery today of full-size cars that are also fuel sippers, excellent news for those of us looking for some room to stretch, while we schlep our groceries and other passengers.

It's no surprise that most of the manufacturers on the list are Asian.

Your MPG is Fibbing

According to Edmunds, your fuel economy gauge is overestimating what your actual MPG is.

I've always know this since back in my Jeep days, I realized the Liberty gave way less MPG than they claimed. I kept refilling the gas tank twice a week in some instances. It was insane.

But back to Edmunds, "Across two tests in seven different vehicles, the gauges were 5.5 percent inaccurate on average, according to data gathered."

"Fuel economy gauges, which show both average and current fuel economy, are standard equipment in 92 percent of 2011 vehicles. By resetting the gauge when refueling, a driver sees what kind of fuel economy the vehicle delivers. Drivers can change their driving style and see if this improves fuel economy."

Fisker Automotive

Henrik Fisker. Photo borrowed from Rosendahl

I've heard of Fisker. They're one of the automotive startups (like Tesla) competing for a narrow but growing slice of automotive market pie. Who knew that hybrid/alternative energy sportscars could be feasible.

Wired published an interview in their July 2010 issue, titled "Driven: How Henrik Fisker Aims to Floor the Auto Industry," with Fisker founder Henrik Fisker.

The Fisker Karma. Photo borrowed from Jalopnik

This article is a great introspective look into Fisker, both the car and owner, but also, sheds light on how these innovative, alternative fuel automotive companies are taking a bite out of the market.

Gas Prices

I was absolutely shocked. As I finished filling up my car with unleaded this evening, the total was under $40!!!!! This hasn't happened in at least a year if not more. It came to a grand total of $37.19

Mark my words, this is one for the books!

GM CEO and His Volt Ride, Cars in My Life

So yes, the American automotive industry is very much in the media lately. *yawn*

So as a publicity stunt that you can see miles away, GM CEO Rick Wagoner is planning on driving from Detroit to Washington DC in a Chevy Volt. Once in DC, Mr. Wagoner will put a cushion under his knees right next to the Ford and Chrysler CEOs, and kneeling in front of Capitol Hill will request bail money to supposedly save the automotive industry.

Michael Moore launched a campaign this week (Saving the Big 3 For You and Me) on the automotive industry. After reading the message of his campaign both in an email I received, and on his Facebook page, I can't honestly say what exactly his point is. Is he for or against throwing the money (and the towel apparently) in?

Just as an FYI/side note, personally, I've only driven American-made cars ever since I learned how to drive in '93:

• a Chrysler wood-panel wagon during my driving class -- can you say it with me? eww
  
• a white Pontiac Bonneville, which was dad's leased car at the time I was learning to drive,
  
• a navy Chevrolet Caprice which was our family car, and the first almost-accident I was ever in as the two cars behind me hit each other and projected forward to lightly tap my rear bumper
  
• a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo which totally stoked me, I miss it profoundly as Jeeps aren't that good 'nymore, and the first car I got rear-ended in which was scary but no one thankfully got hurt
  
• a Jeep Liberty, which carried me through a life change, though the quality was far inferior to the prior Cherokee Laredo
  
• and now, my AWD Mercury Milan, which is too light-colored in a sandy hue with cream interior...but we're getting along.
  

The driving of only American cars wasn't planned, it's just the way it turned out. But as the quality and style is not improving, lack of gas-savvy offerings, and with all this nasty financial trouble...I'm totally moving on to European imports for my next purchase, which is a few years away. My mom used to drive BMWs (in Italian: bi-emme-vu) in Italy, so I probably should go back to our, er...roots.

On my more immediate automotive to-do list is figuring out what kind of a personalized license plate I want. Very tricky because it should be unconventional, kind of like me. ;o)

Top Gear America Does It! FTW!

Rock on dudes. This is totally awesome. It CAN be done. Yes WE CAN!

For the background story, see here.