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Consumer Reports survey shows high fuel costs cause downsizing, less driving; 73% would consider alt fuel vehicle

Green Car Congress

Two-thirds of owners surveyed said they expect their next vehicle to get better fuel mileage than the one they’re driving now, and fuel economy topped the list as the most important consideration when shopping for their next car, followed by quality and safety.

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BorgWarner suggests Valve-Event Modulated Boost system can offer 6-17% fuel economy benefit over already downsized and turbocharged engines

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In testing, BorgWarner observed fuel consumption improvements of 2% at low speeds to 12% at high speeds with VEMB, according to Thomas. to 2 ratio points and maintain the same knock limit for an additional 3-4% improvement in fuel economy. improvement in fuel economy on an E-class vehicle (e.g., Source: Borgwarner.

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DOE to Award $187M to 9 Projects to Improve Vehicle Efficiency for Heavy-Duty Trucks and Passenger Vehicles

Green Car Congress

The US Department of Energy (DOE) will award more than $187 million to nine projects to improve fuel efficiency for heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles. The remaining six projects totaling more than $71 million will support efforts to increase the fuel economy for passenger vehicle engines and powertrain systems. 38,831,115.

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Chrysler Disbands ENVI Electric Vehicle Group; Function Absorbed into Traditional Line Organization

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In April 2009, Chrysler unveiled four all-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivan concepts to the US Postal Service (USPS) in Washington, DC. In August, Chrysler took $70 million in grants from the US Department of Energy to develop a test fleet of 220 hybrid pickup trucks and minivans. Earlier post.). Earlier post.).

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Ford: boomers leading trend to compact utility vehicles

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Industry data supplied by Ford Motor Company and Del Webb, part of the multi-brand homebuilder PulteGroup, show that the baby boomer segment (ages 55 to 64), which comprised the growing market for large homes and made minivans and big SUVs vogue are now shifting to still lavish, but smaller homes and utility vehicles.

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National Research Council Study Finds That Available Technologies Can Result in Significant Fuel Savings for Passenger Vehicles Over the Next 15 Years, But at Higher Purchase Prices for Consumers

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Various combinations of commercially available technologies could greatly reduce fuel consumption in passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and other light-duty vehicles over the next 15 years without compromising vehicle performance or safety, according to a new report by the National Research Council.

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Achates OPGCI project targeting 50% fuel efficiency gains over downsized GDI engine at reduced cost

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The engine should yield fuel efficiency gains of more than 50% compared to a downsized, turbo-charged gasoline direct injection engine, while reducing the overall cost of the powertrain system, said Fabien Redon, Vice President, Technology Development at Achates Power. Earlier post.) displacements, said Redon. Chris Atkinson.