Ford Fusion Paces NASCAR at Homestead-Miami Speedway
The first of two 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrids sporting camouflaged graphics will pace the drivers at the start of the NASCAR race at Florida’s Homestead-Miami track this Sunday. The other, a 263hp sport model of the Fusion, will lead during race cautions…Ford is overtly proud of the Fusion and is excited about showing off the car to race fans at the track and those in the television audience…Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, will wave the green flag at the start of Sunday’s Ford 400. Says Fields, “…pacing the Ford 400 showcases exactly what our customers want, fuel economy and fun - and we’re pleased to be able to offer racing fans a glimpse of what’s to come at Sunday’s race.”
Chevy Volt Receives Preliminary Electric Rating, May Mean 100 mpg
The Chevrolet Volt will use electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds and so General Motors is asking the EPA to certify the Volt as an electric vehicle. But the volt has a 1.4 liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine as well as a plug-in battery pack, and is therefore a hybrid.
CARB, the California Air Resources Board, has already given the Volt preliminary certification as an electric. The reason it matters is that the Volt would become the first vehicle rated at 100 mpg, a huge marketing edge for GM.
Hybrid Car Owners Show Manufacturer Loyalty
Owners of hybrid cars are a loyal bunch according to a recent report from Experian Automotive. Consumers having previously purchased a hybrid often choose another. In fact, 47 percent of consumers choose another hybrid car from the same manufacturer, while 18 percent choose the same hybrid make and model they previously owned…Of all hybrid car brands, Toyota Prius owners are most loyal, says Experian. One in four replaces a Prius with another Prius. There was slightly less loyalty among hybrid truck owners where 37 percent choose to buy another hybrid truck of the same make.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Lightened Using Aluminum
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is the perfect example of a vehicle boasting a weight savings as a result of an expansive use of a lightweight material - aluminum. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), aluminum weighs about one-third as much as steel or copper; is malleable, ductile, and easily machined and cast; and has excellent corrosion resistance and durability. It’s use in auto manufacturing improves safety for occupants; performance, drivability and longevity of cars; and is easier on the environment.