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EPA annual trends report finds new vehicle fuel economy at record 24.1 mpg; new powertrain technologies rapidly gaining share

Green Car Congress

EPA released the latest edition of its annual report on trends in CO 2 emissions, fuel economy and powertrain technology for new personal vehicles in the US. Fuel economy has now increased in eight of the last nine years; average carbon dioxide emissions are also at a record low of 369 g/mile in model year 2013. Fuel economy.

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Commercial vehicle and engine manufacturers establish global secretariat to move more agressively on global harmonization of regulations

Green Car Congress

European, North American and Japanese heavy-duty vehicle and engine manufacturers will establish in 2012 a stronger administrative support for the activities of the annual Global Commercial Vehicle Industry Meeting and its objective of global harmonization of heavy-duty vehicle regulations. Global Fuel Specification.

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CCID Consulting estimates upsurge in aluminum for automobile bodies in China if technical breakthroughs in alloy performance and application technology are made

Green Car Congress

China-based and -focused CCID Consulting estimates that the China passenger vehicle market will need at least 1.802 million tons of aluminum sheets annually, assuming that aluminum replaces 15% of the steel used in automobile manufacturing by 2015. The sales volume is expected to reach 25.287 million by 2015.

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2014 Nissan Versa Note Tops Subcompact Gas Mileage; Clever Aero, Light Weight

Green Car Reports

As automobile manufacturers strive for greater fuel efficiency, it''s the low-hanging fruit proving most effective for immediate gains. That''s why Nissan''s new 2014 Versa Note--replacing the old 2012 Versa hatchback--has improved by a full 5 mpg on the old car''s combined economy.

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USDA awards $10M in grants to spur production of biofuels, bioenergy and biobased products

Green Car Congress

Fiscal year 2012 awards include: University of Arizona, $36,000. The ISU report, Biobased Automobile Parts Investigation, shows that “the history of biobased automobile parts begins early in the development of automobiles themselves. environmental implications of direct and indirect land use change.

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Tata Motors commits almost $50M to UK National Automotive Innovation Campus

Green Car Congress

Tata Motors Limited, India’s largest automobile manufacturer, has confirmed its long term commitment to advanced research and development in the UK through the participation of its subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC), in the UK’s National Automotive Innovation Campus (NAIC). billion in 2012-13.

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Audi opens power-to-gas facility in Werlte/Emsland; e-gas from water, green electricity and CO2

Green Car Congress

Audi has opened its e-gas plant in Werlte, making it the first automobile manufacturer to develop a chain of sustainable energy carriers. Ground was broken in September 2012, and the topping-out ceremony was celebrated in December. The e-gas project is part of Audi’s comprehensive e-fuels strategy. Audi’s e-gas plant.