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Report: EPA says fuel economy test for hybrids is accurate

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Ford

EPA claims its hybrid vehicle tests remain accurate, but says Ford C-Max Hybrid exploited a loophole.

The EPA says it stands behind its fuel economy test for hybrid vehicles following controversy about the testing process after Ford C-Max Hybrid customers and automotive journalists alike struggled to achieve 47 miles per gallon, the advertised mpg number, Automotive News reports. Ford responded to the issue almost two weeks ago by claiming that a 1970s-era EPA general label rule was responsible for the inaccurate mileage numbers, rerating the C-Max Hybrid’s mpg numbers and offering customers rebates. Ford later said it didn’t overstate the C-Max Hybrid’s fuel economy and that it was surprised by the low numbers.

Ford technically didn’t do anything wrong because it was following the general label rule, but agency regulator Christopher Grundler says the automaker was exploiting a loophole when it came up with the hybrid C-Max numbers, and that the testing process remains accurate. The general label rule allows vehicles that use the same engine and transmission and are in the same weight class to share fuel economy numbers, but it doesn’t take into account other factors such as aerodynamic efficiency, which affects hybrids more drastically than non-hybrid vehicles. Ford originally used the Fusion Hybrid economy figures for the C-Max Hybrid and claimed the engineers didn’t realize that its aerodynamic efficiency would affect fuel economy as much as it did.

To address the increasingly commonplace practice of using the same powertrain in multiple applications, Grundler says, the EPA rules need to be changed so more car buyers are not mislead.

Toyota is standing with the EPA on this one after spurring a revision of test methods in 2006 after overstating Prius mileage numbers. Toyota said in a statement that it believes “the current labeling methodology established since 2006 provides appropriate fuel economy label values for customers, when automakers apply these rules with good common sense and engineering judgement.” And yes, that sounds like a well-aimed but somewhat ill-timed shot from Toyota to Ford to us, too…

EPA says fuel economy test for hybrids is accurate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Ford hybrids getting update to improve fuel economy

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ford has announced that it is introducing “calibration updates designed to improve on-road fuel economy for owners of the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.”

We can speculate that these changes are at least due in part to lawsuits over mileage claims of hybrid vehicles. The automaker is enhancing 2013 models starting in August by raising their electric cruising speed to 85 miles per hour from 62 mph, optimizing the use of active grille shutters and the climate control system, shortening the engine warm-up period by 50 percent and reducing electric fan speed to minimize the fan’s energy consumption.

It bears mentioning that Ford is doing pretty well in the US electrified vehicle market this year. The company claims to have grown its share in the segment by 12 points to 16 percent while taking a high number of Toyota Prius trade-ins in the process. Conversely, Toyota has experienced a five-percent drop in new-Prius sales over the same period. Additionally, Ford states that it has increased its share of the US vehicle market by one percent this year, more than any full-line automaker.

We’re sure Ford will be monitoring the fuel mileage of its hybrid fleet closely with the hopes of seeing significant improvements, though the automaker offers the expected ‘Your mileage will vary” disclaimer, which you can read all about in the press release below.

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Ford hybrids getting update to improve fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: Average new-car fuel economy figures continue record pace

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Electric

Manufacturers are making more efficient cars and trucks; we’ve known that to be true for some time. Nearly every new car has some sort of trick to eke a few extra miles out of every gallon of fuel. Whether that be turbocharging, active aerodynamics or hybrid technology/electrified powertrains, the fact is that our vehicles are more efficient than ever before.

Thanks to a recent study by TrueCar, we’ve got fresh quantitative data to support the above statements. For the fourth month in a row, we’ve seen an improvement in national fleet fuel economy. We Americans are 0.7 miles per gallon more efficient than we were last month, and our cars are 1.6-mpg better than at this time last year. That said, we’re still down on 2013’s high, which was set back in January at 24.5 mpg.

Not only does this reflect the improved technologies in our vehicles, but it demonstrates a changing mindset among consumers, who are purchasing more efficient vehicles despite the relative stabilization of fuel prices. Every fuel-efficient model sold drives its manufacturers fleet average up.

The top three brands among mainstream manufacturers aren’t a huge surprise. Hyundai, which offers 10 models with four-cylinder engines (including the excellent Elantra range) took the top spot, while the diesel and turbocharged models from Volkswagen finished just 0.8 mpg behind Hyundai’s 27-mpg average. Honda is further back in third, thanks to its remarkably efficient four-cylinder engines. American makes didn’t fare as well, with Ford, General Motors and Chrysler all finishing below the 23.7-mpg industry average. This isn’t a huge surprise, though, as the Detroit Three are responsible for the vast majority of eight-cylinder pickups and muscle cars sold in the US.

Continue reading Average new-car fuel economy figures continue record pace

Average new-car fuel economy figures continue record pace originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Jul 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: VW Passat TDI sets 77.9 mpg fuel economy record through Lower 48 states

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel

Volkswagen Passat TDI Mileage Record holders - award ceremony

Volkswagen has announced the company’s Passat TDI has set a new world record for the category of “lowest fuel consumption-48 US states for a non-hybrid car.” Drivers Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger managed an impressive 77.99 miles per gallon over 8,122 miles, trouncing the previous record of 67.9 mpg. The duo also sailed past the hybrid record of 64.5 mpg, another record set by Gerdes. As the founder of CleanMPG.com, Gerdes spends his time squeezing the best fuel economy possible out of passenger cars and trucks, and he’s personally set records in over 100 vehicles.

For this particular world record, Gerdes and Winger visited all 48 contiguous states in 17 days, and Guinness World Records has certified the endeavor. You can read the full press release below for more information, including a few tips to pull the best fuel economy possible out of your personal vehicle.

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VW Passat TDI sets 77.9 mpg fuel economy record through Lower 48 states originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: Consumer Reports: Car buyers will pay for higher fuel economy, won’t compromise safety

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Safety

Toyota Prius models at a dealership

According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, new car buyers are factoring fuel economy as a larger concern in their purchases. That’s no real surprise given that prices at the pump remain high, but the study also revealed that those same consumers are unwilling to sacrifice safety just to net a few additional miles per gallon.

The research revealed that 62 percent of buyers say they are planning to buy a vehicle with much better or significantly better fuel economy than their current ride. On average, that translates to fuel economy of 29 mpg or better. Surprisingly enough, 10 percent of those questioned said that they expected 40 mpg or better from their next purchase. That means that buyers will need to be willing to make all sorts of concessions, including making compromises on purchase price, vehicle size and the number of options.

One factor those surveyed evidently won’t give up on, however, is safety. Only 11 percent of the total respondents said they would be willing to compromise safety for greater fuel economy. Read the complete summary over at Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports: Car buyers will pay for higher fuel economy, won’t compromise safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Subaru shows off 2012 Impreza with lighter figure, impressive fuel economy

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hatchback, Subaru

2012 Subaru Impreza Five-Door

2012 Subaru Impreza five-door hatchback – Click above for high-res image gallery

We just gave you a deep dive look at the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Now, we get to see the fourth-generation Subaru in its four and five-door flesh on the floor of the 2011 New York Auto Show. The new car is lighter and more fuel efficient, boasting a very impressive 36 mile per gallon highway fuel-economy rating. How is the new 2012 Impreza able to claim the title of most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive car in the United States? Dropping a few pounds doesn’t hurt but there’s a bit more to it than that.

Beneath the hood lies a brand-new 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, which produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. When paired with Subaru’s new CVT, the Impreza achieves the aforementioned 36 mile per gallon highway fuel-economy rating, and also returns 27 mpg in the city. And though the 2012 Impreza occupies the same footprint as the model it replaces, the wheelbase has been pushed out an extra inch, which allows for more interior space yet no trunk room was compromised.

The lightened-up Subaru Impreza sedan and five-door hatchback are scheduled to arrive at your local dealership later this summer. Follow the jump to read the full official press release from Subaru and check out our galleries of high-res live images from the show floor below.

Gallery: 2012 Subaru Impreza Five-Door: New York 2011

2012 Subaru Impreza Five-Door: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Subaru Impreza: New York 2011

2012 Subaru Impreza: New York 2011

Continue reading New York 2011: Subaru shows off 2012 Impreza with lighter figure, impressive fuel economy

New York 2011: Subaru shows off 2012 Impreza with lighter figure, impressive fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Brabus CLS

2012 Brabus CLS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Brabus has released its tuning package for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS range ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. As with all things Brabus, the package for the CLS leaves no stone unturned, from an aero and appearance package to the suspension and, finally, the engine.

Outside, the car gets a revised front bumper with bigger air intakes, new LED daytime running lights and a front splitter. There’s also a set of gilled fenders sporting the Brabus logo and side skirts that give the car the appearance of an even lower stance and helpful entry lights so you don’t bash a shin at night.

Keeping things stuck to the ground is a Bilstein suspension supporting your choice of six styles of Brabus rollers, ranging from 8.5x17s to monster 10.5×20-inch trash-can lids. In a bid for the eco vote, Brabus has focused its tuning efforts on the Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency diesel engines. The CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency gets a 31-horsepower bump and an astonishing 413 pound feet of torque.

On the higher-spec CLS 350 CDI, the engine mods are dual-mode. In eco mode, the car gets pushed to 509 lb-ft from 457, while horsepower stays the same. Hit the sport mode button, and you’re looking at climbing to 309 hp from 261. That translates into a 5.9-second 0-60 sprint and the inevitable 155 mile per hour top speed. Want more? See the complete press release after the break and be sure to peruse our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Brabus CLS

2012 Brabus CLS front three quarter 2012 Brabus CLS rear three quarter 2012 Brabus CLS profile 2012 Brabus CLS front close 2012 Brabus CLS fender

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy

Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official 2012 Fiat 500 fuel economy numbers fall short of 40 mpg

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Fiat

2012 Fiat 500

2012 Fiat 500 – Click above for high-res image gallery

2011 marks the official return of Fiat here in the United States, with the adorable little 500 hitting dealerships in the coming weeks. With Fiat’s MultiAir 1.4-liter engine under the hood, you’d be right to expect top-notch fuel economy numbers. And while the 500’s EPA ratings of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway aren’t bad, it’s not exactly what we were hoping for.

For comparison, consider the fact that much larger C-segment entries like the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze are all capable of achieving 40 mpg or higher (granted, you have to spec certain transmissions and option packages on the latter two in order to achieve it). What’s more, the 30/38 mpg rating on the Fiat 500 is only with the five-speed manual transmission. Cars equipped with the six-speed self-shifter will only achieve 27/34 mpg. Ouch.

Still, with prices starting at $15,995 for the entry-level Pop model, we don’t think Fiat will have too much trouble moving 500s out of showrooms. Besides, the majority of people purchasing the Fiat 500 will be doing so because of its style rather than its frugality.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500

2012 Fiat 500

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Official 2012 Fiat 500 fuel economy numbers fall short of 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA: U.S. average fuel economy hit new record in 2009

Filed under: Government/Legal

window sticker shopping

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, which first started keeping track of such things way back in 1975 around the time of the first fuel crisis in America, the average fuel economy of all vehicles sold in the U.S. hit a record high in 2009. For those favoring hard data, that equals 22.4 miles per gallon. Not surprisingly, average fuel economy has been on an upward path over the last several years (minus a small dip in 2008).

These mileage increases are being achieved through all sorts of electronic gadgetry, despite significant gains in both horsepower and overall vehicle weight. It’s also interesting to note that the percentage of trucks sold dropped from 47 percent to just 40 percent.

It should be pointed out that the way the EPA figures fuel mileage varies greatly from the numbers used to determine an automaker’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE. The EPA’s numbers, which are about 20 percent lower than those use for CAFE reporting, are said to be more realistic representations of everyday usage.

For what it’s worth, the EPA is currently predicting that a new, slightly higher record will again be set in 2010: 22.5 mpg. Yes, that’s just a tenth of a mile per gallon higher than ’09, but let’s take what we can get, shall we?

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Tim Boyle/Getty]

EPA: U.S. average fuel economy hit new record in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Farmer Knows Best: Pickup sales boosted by booming agrarian economy?

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Dodge, Ford, GM, Toyota

2011 Ford F-150

2011 Ford F-150 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Through the first nine months of 2010, the auto industry is on pace to increase sales by 10 percent versus 2009, and pickup trucks are leading the charge. Bloomberg reports that bedded haulers are up 14 percent on the year, led by increased demand from the farming industry. Farmers have seen their revenues increase by $9 billion over last year, with both prices and demand rising in part because of droughts in Russia and Canada. Farmers are using their new-found dollars to invest in their businesses, and trucks are among the biggest and best tools in the ~~box~~ barn.

Automakers are beneficiaries of this investment, as truck sales climb and profits soar. Analyst Joe Barker of IHS Automotive claims that automakers can make up to $15,000 on each pickup sold, a figure that holds firmest when incentives are down. And with sales up, incentives have dipped. Edmunds shows that trucks have an average MSRP of $34,235, or about $2,000 higher than in 2009. Supply and demand really does work.

The biggest recipient of the increased demand for pickups has so far been Ford, which has seen its F-Series pickups jump by 31 percent. Chevy Silverado sales are up 17 percent as well. Even the Toyota Tundra, which has struggled in the U.S. market, is up 21 percent. The Ram appears to be the only truck suffering through the pickup truck boom, with sales down one percent year-over-year.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150: First Drive

2011 Ford F-150

[Source: Bloomberg]

Farmer Knows Best: Pickup sales boosted by booming agrarian economy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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