Honda has sold more than one million hybrid vehicles in the 12 years since it released the first generation Honda Insight Hybrid in Japan in 1999. It was the most fuel efficient car on the road at the time, with a fuel economy rating of 35km/liter -- the equivalent of approx 80 miles per gallon if my math is correct. When the Honda Insight began sales in U.S. in 1999 with the 2000 model, it … [Read more...]
Lexus Eco Challenge for students to win $500,000 in scholarships
Young people committed to making a difference in the world can win educational grants and scholarships in the sixth annual Lexus Eco Challenge, which has a total of $500,000 to give away. The program already has inspired and empowered more than 22,000 middle and high school students to learn about the environment and take action to improve it. For their efforts, Lexus has awarded more than $3.5 … [Read more...]
Best cars under $25,000: 2012 Honda Civic
Nearly nine million US customers have purchased a Honda Civic since it was launched as a 1973 model, making it one of the most popular vehicles in recent history, for its affordable price, dependable handling, and gas-sipping fuel efficiency that earned it the "Green Car of the Year" award at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, although that was for the top-rated GX natural gas model. There's also a … [Read more...]
2012 Detroit Auto Show: hits and misses among new model intros
The North American International Auto Show -- better known as the Detroit Auto Show -- is underway now, with more new model introductions, including concept vehicles, than the public has seen in years. The auto industry is bouncing back, but even so, not everything is a hit. There are some misses. Here's what the industry trade newspaper Automotive News gives a thumbs up, and a thumbs down, … [Read more...]
More than 50 new vehicle intros at 2011 LA Auto Show
The upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show is the biggest in years, with more than 50 North American and world debuts of new cars, SUVs and trucks. The intros show that the auto industry continues to be a surprise bright spot in the overall economy. Green cars, including electric cars, diesel cars and extended range hybrids are the big news, along with improved performance and design and … [Read more...]
2011 best car buys for price, fuel efficiency, value and safety
Price, fuel efficiency, US government safety ratings, depreciation and residual value, and warranty coverage all determine whether a vehicle is a good buy. NADA Guides, a top provider of vehicle information and pricing, scores hundreds of vehicles each model year to determine the Best Car Buys. Here’s the 2011 list for the most popular car categories -- Hybrid -- 2011 Toyota Prius Five … [Read more...]
Green B&Bs use solar energy and offer electric car charging stations
California B&Bs have gone green with a variety of innovative and eco-friendly practices, including using solar power and geothermal energy systems to reduce electric costs, and providing electric car charging stations for guests arriving in plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Mini E. In Santa Cruz, The Adobe on Green Street lives up to its … [Read more...]
Best 2011 Cars Under $20,000: 2011 Kia Optima Mid-Size Sedan
The all-new 2011 Kia Optima has been collecting notable awards that would be impressive even for a sedan that costs a good bit more than this class-leading, family friendly, fuel efficient sedan with a starting price of $18,995. Most important for my money is that the 2011 Kia Optima is the first Korean-built vehicle to achieve the top safety rating under new, more stringent government … [Read more...]
2011 Honda Models Get Top Ratings for Green, Fuel Efficient Cars
For the eleventh year in a row, Honda is the most green, most fuel efficient car company in the world. That's the word from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), which rates five Honda models as among the "greenest vehicles of 2011" . The greenest, most fuel efficient of them all is the Honda Civic GX natural gas-powered model, which earns the title of America's … [Read more...]
Ford Tops the List for Car Buyer Loyalty, Kia Close Behind
More car buyers are loyal to Ford products than cars or trucks from any other manufacturer. That's good news for the venerable Detroit company, which has been in fifth gear lately with profits, awards and new product news. Ford took top honors in the 15th annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, presented recently in Detroit. And Ford won in nearly every category -- overall loyalty to … [Read more...]