New CAFE Standard: 35mpg by 2016
05-19-09, 12:53 AM
#16
I find this an article for the President Obama.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008...esting-sh.html
Tests performed by Ford Motor Company and Pro Formance drivers found that 48 motorists coached by eco-driving experts saw results ranging from 6% fuel economy improvement to more than 50%, depending on their driving style and ability to master eco-driving behaviors. The average fuel economy improvement was 24%.
Eco-driving instructors coached drivers to employ smoother breaking and accelerating, monitor their RPMs and drive at a moderate speed. Over a four-day period, Ford and the Pro Formance drivers conducted validation tests using volunteers from Phoenix. The Sports Car Club of America verified the results.
The US consumes close to 150 billion gallons of gasoline annually, according to the US Energy Information Administration. If every American practiced eco-driving and got the EPA-estimated 15% benefit in fuel economy, more than 22 billion gallons of gas would be saved.
Eco-driving training was launched by Ford in Germany in the 1990s in cooperation with the German Road Safety Council. In the only industry-based drivers’ eco-training course, specially trained and certified instructors run programs for several target groups including fleet drivers and customers. Several of the master trainers recently traveled to Ford in Dearborn to teach the coaching techniques to drivers with the Pro Formance Group. They will now leverage Ford of Germany’s eco-driving expertise to develop a pilot program that would certify eco-driving instructors to train Ford’s fleet customers.
Hands-on instruction is critical for achieving full potential of eco-driving since instructions for eco-driving techniques must be customized after instructors have had the opportunity to observe individual driving habits and then provide coaching for more fuel efficient driving techniques, Ford says.
We are talking with fleet owners first, because they have large numbers of vehicles and drivers that could realize significant benefit from such training. Ultimately, all drivers can benefit from practicing eco-driving, and one day it may be considered mandatory as part of all new drivers training.
—Curt Magleby, director of Governmental Affairs, Ford Motor Company
Among the eco-driving practices that drivers can begin practicing on their own are driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph, keeping tires properly inflated at the recommended pressure, and eliminating prolonged idling.
Ford’s eco-driving initiative builds on the recent launch by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers of a comprehensive nationwide effort to promote eco-driving. (Earlier post.)
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008...esting-sh.html
Tests performed by Ford Motor Company and Pro Formance drivers found that 48 motorists coached by eco-driving experts saw results ranging from 6% fuel economy improvement to more than 50%, depending on their driving style and ability to master eco-driving behaviors. The average fuel economy improvement was 24%.
Eco-driving instructors coached drivers to employ smoother breaking and accelerating, monitor their RPMs and drive at a moderate speed. Over a four-day period, Ford and the Pro Formance drivers conducted validation tests using volunteers from Phoenix. The Sports Car Club of America verified the results.
The US consumes close to 150 billion gallons of gasoline annually, according to the US Energy Information Administration. If every American practiced eco-driving and got the EPA-estimated 15% benefit in fuel economy, more than 22 billion gallons of gas would be saved.
Eco-driving training was launched by Ford in Germany in the 1990s in cooperation with the German Road Safety Council. In the only industry-based drivers’ eco-training course, specially trained and certified instructors run programs for several target groups including fleet drivers and customers. Several of the master trainers recently traveled to Ford in Dearborn to teach the coaching techniques to drivers with the Pro Formance Group. They will now leverage Ford of Germany’s eco-driving expertise to develop a pilot program that would certify eco-driving instructors to train Ford’s fleet customers.
Hands-on instruction is critical for achieving full potential of eco-driving since instructions for eco-driving techniques must be customized after instructors have had the opportunity to observe individual driving habits and then provide coaching for more fuel efficient driving techniques, Ford says.
We are talking with fleet owners first, because they have large numbers of vehicles and drivers that could realize significant benefit from such training. Ultimately, all drivers can benefit from practicing eco-driving, and one day it may be considered mandatory as part of all new drivers training.
—Curt Magleby, director of Governmental Affairs, Ford Motor Company
Among the eco-driving practices that drivers can begin practicing on their own are driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph, keeping tires properly inflated at the recommended pressure, and eliminating prolonged idling.
Ford’s eco-driving initiative builds on the recent launch by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers of a comprehensive nationwide effort to promote eco-driving. (Earlier post.)
05-19-09, 12:59 AM
#17
http://www.active.com/lifestylevehic...riving_101.htm
In the mid-1970s Congress and President Nixon lowered the national speed limit to 55 miles-per-hour, in an effort to conserve oil. The legislation met with resistance from the start, and was finally repealed in the mid-1990s.
Today automotive manufacturers are trying a different tactic, with more promising results. Eco-driving is an initiative that helps car owners improve gas mileage on their existing vehicles. But it's not just about slowing down.
By increasing situational awareness, drivers can anticipate traffic patterns in order to move more smoothly. Riding the “green wave,” as eco-driving advocates call it, saves time, and yields significant fuel economy gains.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which sponsors the eco-driving initiative, is a consortium of automakers representing eighty percent of the world's manufacturing power. Their idea is to educate American drivers about practices already popular in Europe, in order to save consumers money, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Ford Motor Company, an alliance member, recently sponsored a series of eco-driving classes in Phoenix, Arizona, to see if an American program could produce fuel economy gains similar to Europe.
“American drivers use 150 billion gallons of gas annually,” said Curt Magleby, director of state relations for Ford Motor Company. Two hundred thirty million vehicles on the road today need to be optimized in terms of driving behavior.”
German Prototype
Ten years ago, the German road safety council approached Ford about putting together an eco-driving curriculum. In Europe, gasoline has traditionally been more expensive than it is here in the states; hence the proliferation of smaller cars in that market.
Eco-driving became an integral part of driver's license training in Germany: the program was so popular that the UK and other European nations followed suit.
When the price of fuel peaked at over $4 per gallon this past summer, it made sense to bring a similar program to America.
Finding an Audience Stateside
“When gas hit four dollars per gallon, people became concerned about the financial impact,” said Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. ”We saw the largest decrease in vehicle miles traveled in history... People had to conserve.”
McCurdy explained that eco-driving is a complimentary initiative to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007: legislation mandating a forty percent increase in federal fuel economy standards and thirty percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over the coming decades.
By getting high-profile politicians such as governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and governor Bill Ritter of Colorado on board, the Alliance can integrate eco-driving instruction into existing driver's education programs.
Eco-driving Principles
Eco-driving is one part maintenance, one part vehicle options, and one part driver behavior. Routine maintenance procedures such as tire pressure checks, tune-ups, air filter and oil changes keep vehicles running at maximum efficiency.
New car buyers can opt for convenience features, such as navigation systems and satellite radio with traffic updates, to help them find the quickest, least congested routes to their destinations. Existing car owners can tap into aftermarket GPS products that offer similar benefits.
The final, and most important part of the equation has to do with driver behavior. Readers can find a list of eco-driving tips at http://www.ecodrivingusa.com.
Putting It All Together
The best way to learn how to put these tips into practice is to get behind the wheel with an eco-driving instructor riding shotgun: something I had the opportunity to do at the recent Ford program in Phoenix.
Ford brought eco-driving instructors from Germany to work with instructors at Phoenix-based Pro Formance Group. For the media program, journalists chose from a group of Ford vehicles on hand, driving two, six-mile loops. For the first loop, we maintained our normal driving habits. Then Pro Formance instructors showed us how eco-driving could improve average fuel economy, with minimal impact on trip time.
“Eco-driving isn't hyper-miling,” explained Curt Magleby. “Hyper-miling is fuel economy above all else... Drivers going way below the speed limit and taking other measures to save gas. It can be dangerous, and we want people to be safe.”
I chose to drive a Ford Focus: a small sedan with EPA fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Our six mile loop was divided equally between city streets in suburban Phoenix, and a three-mile stretch of the Interstate 10 freeway.
Knowing the objective was a slight disadvantage, since I modified my behavior on the first loop in favor of fuel economy. By avoiding jackrabbit starts and keeping my overall speed down, I averaged 26.3 miles-per-gallon on the loop.
The second time around, my driving instructor had me put some eco-driving tips into practice: the most important of which is to keep the engine revving below 2000 rpm. By feathering the throttle, I was able to accelerate to normal driving speeds while improving my average fuel economy.
Driving instructors recommend that drivers take well-known routes, so that they are more familiar with traffic light timing and terrain. Driving at a speed that allows the driver to pass through a series of green lights saves on gas wasted by repeated stops and starts.
By accelerating slightly on downhills, drivers can reduce the amount of acceleration and fuel wasted on uphill grades. This should be second nature to anyone who runs or cycles long distances: conserving energy allows the body to go further.
When cornering, try to take a path that minimizes the amount of braking. Typically, this means apexing early to create a wide, smooth arc through the corner.
If there are multiple lanes, try to be the first car in line at the stop sign or traffic light. This eliminates multiple starts and stops as drivers up ahead move through the intersection.
Avoid the outside lanes on roads with lots of feeder streets, since drivers entering the road from either side can interrupt traffic.
Cutting off the engine at a long traffic light saves significant amounts of fuel. Before doing so, shift into a neutral gear and apply the brakes. Keeping the ignition to the “on” (but not engine running) position allows air conditioning and other accessories to keep running.
Using cruise control helped me to achieve my greatest fuel economy gains. This is something that most drivers won't be able to do in thick traffic, unless they have adaptive radar-based systems. But it's fairly easy to do in lighter traffic, even in urban areas.
On the second loop, I had improved my overall fuel economy to 28.2 miles-per-gallon, and finished the distance eleven seconds faster.
Focus Group
My results weren't as dramatic as a random group of consumers Ford brought in for the same program. Ford solicited drivers on Craig's list. Respondents thought they were being brought in to evaluate new Ford product.
Out of over a hundred respondents, Ford chose forty eight car owners: they divided the owners into groups of twelve drivers, who underwent three hours of instruction.
Because the drivers didn't know the purpose of the program going into it, their average fuel economy ratings on the first loop were poorer. The drivers had three loops of eco-driving to try to improve their fuel economy. On average, drivers improved their gas mileage by twenty-four percent: a figure comparable to similar groups in Europe.
Ford estimates that eco-driving could save up to 22 billion gallons of gas annually, based on a fifteen percent improvement in overall fuel economy.
For more information, log onto www.drivingskillsforlife.com.
In the mid-1970s Congress and President Nixon lowered the national speed limit to 55 miles-per-hour, in an effort to conserve oil. The legislation met with resistance from the start, and was finally repealed in the mid-1990s.
Today automotive manufacturers are trying a different tactic, with more promising results. Eco-driving is an initiative that helps car owners improve gas mileage on their existing vehicles. But it's not just about slowing down.
By increasing situational awareness, drivers can anticipate traffic patterns in order to move more smoothly. Riding the “green wave,” as eco-driving advocates call it, saves time, and yields significant fuel economy gains.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which sponsors the eco-driving initiative, is a consortium of automakers representing eighty percent of the world's manufacturing power. Their idea is to educate American drivers about practices already popular in Europe, in order to save consumers money, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Ford Motor Company, an alliance member, recently sponsored a series of eco-driving classes in Phoenix, Arizona, to see if an American program could produce fuel economy gains similar to Europe.
“American drivers use 150 billion gallons of gas annually,” said Curt Magleby, director of state relations for Ford Motor Company. Two hundred thirty million vehicles on the road today need to be optimized in terms of driving behavior.”
German Prototype
Ten years ago, the German road safety council approached Ford about putting together an eco-driving curriculum. In Europe, gasoline has traditionally been more expensive than it is here in the states; hence the proliferation of smaller cars in that market.
Eco-driving became an integral part of driver's license training in Germany: the program was so popular that the UK and other European nations followed suit.
When the price of fuel peaked at over $4 per gallon this past summer, it made sense to bring a similar program to America.
Finding an Audience Stateside
“When gas hit four dollars per gallon, people became concerned about the financial impact,” said Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. ”We saw the largest decrease in vehicle miles traveled in history... People had to conserve.”
McCurdy explained that eco-driving is a complimentary initiative to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007: legislation mandating a forty percent increase in federal fuel economy standards and thirty percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over the coming decades.
By getting high-profile politicians such as governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and governor Bill Ritter of Colorado on board, the Alliance can integrate eco-driving instruction into existing driver's education programs.
Eco-driving Principles
Eco-driving is one part maintenance, one part vehicle options, and one part driver behavior. Routine maintenance procedures such as tire pressure checks, tune-ups, air filter and oil changes keep vehicles running at maximum efficiency.
New car buyers can opt for convenience features, such as navigation systems and satellite radio with traffic updates, to help them find the quickest, least congested routes to their destinations. Existing car owners can tap into aftermarket GPS products that offer similar benefits.
The final, and most important part of the equation has to do with driver behavior. Readers can find a list of eco-driving tips at http://www.ecodrivingusa.com.
Putting It All Together
The best way to learn how to put these tips into practice is to get behind the wheel with an eco-driving instructor riding shotgun: something I had the opportunity to do at the recent Ford program in Phoenix.
Ford brought eco-driving instructors from Germany to work with instructors at Phoenix-based Pro Formance Group. For the media program, journalists chose from a group of Ford vehicles on hand, driving two, six-mile loops. For the first loop, we maintained our normal driving habits. Then Pro Formance instructors showed us how eco-driving could improve average fuel economy, with minimal impact on trip time.
“Eco-driving isn't hyper-miling,” explained Curt Magleby. “Hyper-miling is fuel economy above all else... Drivers going way below the speed limit and taking other measures to save gas. It can be dangerous, and we want people to be safe.”
I chose to drive a Ford Focus: a small sedan with EPA fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Our six mile loop was divided equally between city streets in suburban Phoenix, and a three-mile stretch of the Interstate 10 freeway.
Knowing the objective was a slight disadvantage, since I modified my behavior on the first loop in favor of fuel economy. By avoiding jackrabbit starts and keeping my overall speed down, I averaged 26.3 miles-per-gallon on the loop.
The second time around, my driving instructor had me put some eco-driving tips into practice: the most important of which is to keep the engine revving below 2000 rpm. By feathering the throttle, I was able to accelerate to normal driving speeds while improving my average fuel economy.
Driving instructors recommend that drivers take well-known routes, so that they are more familiar with traffic light timing and terrain. Driving at a speed that allows the driver to pass through a series of green lights saves on gas wasted by repeated stops and starts.
By accelerating slightly on downhills, drivers can reduce the amount of acceleration and fuel wasted on uphill grades. This should be second nature to anyone who runs or cycles long distances: conserving energy allows the body to go further.
When cornering, try to take a path that minimizes the amount of braking. Typically, this means apexing early to create a wide, smooth arc through the corner.
If there are multiple lanes, try to be the first car in line at the stop sign or traffic light. This eliminates multiple starts and stops as drivers up ahead move through the intersection.
Avoid the outside lanes on roads with lots of feeder streets, since drivers entering the road from either side can interrupt traffic.
Cutting off the engine at a long traffic light saves significant amounts of fuel. Before doing so, shift into a neutral gear and apply the brakes. Keeping the ignition to the “on” (but not engine running) position allows air conditioning and other accessories to keep running.
Using cruise control helped me to achieve my greatest fuel economy gains. This is something that most drivers won't be able to do in thick traffic, unless they have adaptive radar-based systems. But it's fairly easy to do in lighter traffic, even in urban areas.
On the second loop, I had improved my overall fuel economy to 28.2 miles-per-gallon, and finished the distance eleven seconds faster.
Focus Group
My results weren't as dramatic as a random group of consumers Ford brought in for the same program. Ford solicited drivers on Craig's list. Respondents thought they were being brought in to evaluate new Ford product.
Out of over a hundred respondents, Ford chose forty eight car owners: they divided the owners into groups of twelve drivers, who underwent three hours of instruction.
Because the drivers didn't know the purpose of the program going into it, their average fuel economy ratings on the first loop were poorer. The drivers had three loops of eco-driving to try to improve their fuel economy. On average, drivers improved their gas mileage by twenty-four percent: a figure comparable to similar groups in Europe.
Ford estimates that eco-driving could save up to 22 billion gallons of gas annually, based on a fifteen percent improvement in overall fuel economy.
For more information, log onto www.drivingskillsforlife.com.
05-19-09, 05:30 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
how would that affect the upper class....? it won't...they don't care if gas is $1 or $5 a gallon
05-19-09, 06:04 AM
#19
What are these car companies gonna do say no to their biggest market on the planet? They have no other choice.
they grow nowhere near as fast as the US car market does. US market has a hell of a lot more freedoms in design and economic viability. Europe wouldn't have some of the cars and tech if it wasn't for the US market existing.
Luxury market wont collapse the cars will just get crappier. Keep your old car the value of your pre 2016 vehicle will hold. Buy a 2014-2015 car and keep it forever. Every car is going to increase in price to try to be compliant. More govt control BS.
Uhhh, Europe/Asia have much more stringent guidelines in regards to emmissions/fuel economy and higher gas prices and have so for decades. We are spoiled here and car companies know this. That is why Germans, Italy, Japan etc make most of their profits here and value sales here. We buy big guzzlers. The car markets in Europe/Asia continue to grow, even with tons of taxes.
The luxury market WILL NOT collapse, it will evolve. Europe's luxury market is fine and continues to grow, they just sell much more smaller cars and smaller engine cars and diesels.
The luxury market WILL NOT collapse, it will evolve. Europe's luxury market is fine and continues to grow, they just sell much more smaller cars and smaller engine cars and diesels.
Luxury market wont collapse the cars will just get crappier. Keep your old car the value of your pre 2016 vehicle will hold. Buy a 2014-2015 car and keep it forever. Every car is going to increase in price to try to be compliant. More govt control BS.
05-19-09, 06:14 AM
#20
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some eco coaching wouldn't hurt. How many people don't bother to check their tires? And I know a few people who drive around in "3" instead of "D". Why? I don't know. That wastes a ton of fuel.
05-19-09, 06:30 AM
#21
05-19-09, 06:33 AM
#22
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
05-19-09, 06:39 AM
#23
Lexus Champion
Prius
Insight
Smart
Civic-H
Fusion-H
and what's so bad about the Fusion-H drivetrain anyway??????????????????????? its a mid-size car that gets great mileage and decent acceleration times....as I said the technology is already there!!
Last edited by bagwell; 05-19-09 at 06:43 AM.
05-19-09, 06:44 AM
#24
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm surprised we haven't seen more mild hybrids popping up. The Malibu hybrid may be the weakest and least fuel efficient of hybrid sedans, but supposedly it is the best value costwise.
05-19-09, 07:42 AM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Exactly, there is not the political will to make this happen. But much of the fuel efficiency in Europe results from this type of pricing/taxation which does have certain benefits for the transportation system(s).
05-19-09, 07:45 AM
#26
Lexus Fanatic
Then when gas spikes to $4/gallon we have to listen to them whine as to how it's cutting into their beer and fast food budget.
05-19-09, 07:57 AM
#27
Rookie
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: FL
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You know the warranties on hybrid batteries are longer for Calif cars because of the stricter standards (150,000 miles/ 10 years vs 100,000 / 8 years). I wonder if this will increase the warranties for all hybrids in the U.S.
05-19-09, 01:55 PM
#28
Seems reasonable. I mean all the taxes in Europe and the (formerly) cheaper diesel forced people to buy diesels. A petrol car costs too much to own in Europe. You think 0-60 in 10 secs is slow, they have plenty of cars that do that closer to 15 secs.
How 'bout a 1.0 litre Yaris or a 1.5 litre Corolla? A 105hp diesel Nissan Rogue with 7 passenger capability. Can you imagine how hard that engine will have to work?
How would you like your IS to come in 2.5 litre V6 or 2.2 litre diesel only? No IS350.
We're spoiled here with cars that have plenty of power and cheap fuel and cheap car insurance (US only).
How 'bout a 1.0 litre Yaris or a 1.5 litre Corolla? A 105hp diesel Nissan Rogue with 7 passenger capability. Can you imagine how hard that engine will have to work?
How would you like your IS to come in 2.5 litre V6 or 2.2 litre diesel only? No IS350.
We're spoiled here with cars that have plenty of power and cheap fuel and cheap car insurance (US only).
