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Followup: GM responds to Nissan Leaf “Gas Powered Everything” ad [w/video]

Nissan’s “Gas Powered Everything” ad – Click above to watch video after the jump

Nissan’s latest Leaf-related ad asks: “What would the world be like if gas powered everything?”

Well, according to the spot, a middle-aged man would wake up for work to the burning whistle of his gas-powered alarm clock, and with a few fierce tugs at his coffee maker’s rip cord, he’d manage to fire up the gas-gulping machine. That same man, while at the office, would walk up to a miniature gas pump to refuel his laptop computer.

Oh, and the owner of a Chevrolet Volt, while standing at the gas pump refueling his plug-in hybrid, would watch in envy as another man across the street unplugs his Nissan Leaf and drives off.

Well, as you may have guessed, some General Motors execs aren’t too thrilled that Nissan has taken a public shot at the Volt. Autoevolution says that in a “rare, but delicious unofficial reply on Twitter,” GM’s Executive Director of Product and Technology Communications, Jason Laird, tweeted:

“A carmaker poking gentle fun at our product ignores tow trucks they need and rental cars they recommend as backup to their product.“

On the other hand, GM spokesman Rob Peterson, called the commercial “cute,” but says that it’s “misleading and damaging to the electric vehicle movement,” according to Autoevolution.

Hit the jump to watch Nissan’s now-controversial “Gas Powered Everything” clip.

Continue reading GM responds to Nissan Leaf “Gas Powered Everything” ad [w/video]

GM responds to Nissan Leaf “Gas Powered Everything” ad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Italian beauty and absurdity extend to gas stations in Cuneo, Italy

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Design/Style

Italian gas station by Damilano Studio Architects – Click above for high-res image gallery

When luxury becomes a commodity, there’s little left but to make commodities luxurious. This is a newly constructed gas station in Cuneo, Piemonte, Italy, designed by Damilano Studio Architects, and it’s rather pleasant to look at if modern architecture is your thing. Reinforced concrete enclosing a glass wall creates staggered, latitudinal forms that are sliced by aluminum canopies front and back, with blood red fuel pumps.

We have no idea if a beautiful station sells more fuel or makes the Skittles taste better, but a little more pulchritude in one’s day never hurt, did it? As to that absurdity, around back is a red steel block bearing a work of art that looks like a long armed, dog-headed man on a toilet. It is actually “a wolf howling, illuminated at night, draw[ing] attention to the urgent needs.” Now that will definitely make the Skittles taste better. Thanks for the tip, John!

Italian beauty and absurdity extend to gas stations in Cuneo, Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Renault, Electric

Nissan gas-powered everything

Nissan’s “Gas Powered Everything” ad – Click above to watch the videos after the jump

What would the world be like if everything were powered by gasoline?

Renault-Nissan has kicked off a massive advertising campaign intended to highlight the advanced technology of electric vehicles with the debut of a pair of videos that bang home the point that consumers depend upon electricity to power items used everyday and that using gasoline is, in some instances, utterly ridiculous.

In one spot, a middle-aged man wakes up for work to the burning whistle of his gas-powered alarm clock and with a few fierce tugs at his coffee maker’s rip cord, manages to fire up the gas-gulping machine. That same man, while at the office, walks up to a miniature gas pump to refuel his laptop computer.

Oh, and the owner of a Chevrolet Volt, while standing at the gas pump refueling his plug-in hybrid, watches in envy as another man across the street unplugs his Nissan Leaf and drives off as onlookers watch in amazement. Yep, that’s how Nissan sees the world if “Gas Powered Everything.”

Since the videos are, in our humble opinion, absolutely hilarious, we’ll refrain from revealing too much. Hit the jump to view the clips clip. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Continue reading Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything

Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: Are gas prices changing home buying habits?

Filed under: Etc., Earnings/Financials

gas station

Rising gas prices have an affect over many aspects of our lives. Besides increasing the cost of operating automobiles, more expensive fuel leads to an increase in the cost of shipped goods, food and airline tickets. Can gas prices also create changing attitudes amongst home shoppers?

Coldwell Bankers Real Estate recently conducted a survey of real estate professionals, and it found that 75 percent reported clients reevaluating where they search for homes. Home shoppers are looking to reduce commuting distance in order to reduce fuel consumption. The survey found that 77 percent of real estate professionals saw an increase in the number of folks looking for home offices and 68 percent of that pool believe the surge is attributable to rising fuel costs.

The folks at Nielsen have a different take on the matter, however, and believe U.S. consumers have adjusted to a new “spending reality.” Folks are adjusting their spending habits to conserve where possible, but Nielsen doesn’t believe it’s on the level of the 2008 economic freakout.

So now we’re going to turn to you, dear Autoblog reader. If you’re in the market for a house, have rising gas prices shaped your search in any way? Sound off in Comments.

Are gas prices changing home buying habits? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Computer glitch causes gas station to sell 8,000 gallons at $1.10

When residents of Wilmington – a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California – got word that a local Valero fueling station was selling gas for the bargain price of $1.10 per gallon, almost immediately, vehicles lined up ’round the corner. This wasn’t one of those promo deals on fuel, though. It was a computer glitch that lead to the station dispensing some 8,000 gallons of gas at just $1.10 each.

According to KCAL 9, it took hours for the on-duty gas station attendant to notice the glitch (didn’t the line-up of cars give it away?). In the meantime, police arrived on the scene to direct traffic around the overcrowded station.

When station owner Kenny Nguyen got wind of his unintended act of kindness, he immediately shut down all of the pumps. All told, Nguyen estimates that he lost nearly $21,000 due to the glitch. Ouch.

Computer glitch causes gas station to sell 8,000 gallons at $1.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic: Gas is still cheap

Filed under: Etc.

Gas prices compared to other common items

See? Gas really is cheaper than you think… Click above to enlarge

Nationwide, motorists are shelling out an average of $3.55 per gallon of petrol. That’s a lot more cash than you were paying last year at this time, but – stop us if you’ve heard this one before – an interesting graphic from Good shows that gas is a real bargain compared to other liquids we consume every day.

For example, a gallon of freshly brewed coffee from Starbucks will set you back $32. Move up from coffee to Guinness and you’re looking at doubling your tally to $64 for every 128 ounces consumed. We know you won’t be shocked that Dom Perignon is $755 per gallon, but did you know that nail polish is $1,015 for the same portion size? If you want a consumable with comparable per-gallon pricing, you’ll have to pick up some Coca-Cola, which retails for $3.84 per gallon.

Okay, so you probably don’t feel any better about gas prices (we sure don’t), but you click on the image above to see how other items you use every day compare to the price of a gallon of gas.

[Source: Good via Kicking Tires]

Continue reading Infographic: Gas is still cheap

Infographic: Gas is still cheap originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With rising gas prices, how much can you save using mass transit?

Filed under: Etc., Earnings/Financials

LA Subway

According to the American Public Transportation Association, gas prices have jumped by 28 cents per gallon in the last 10 days, bringing the national average up to a staggering $3.47/gallon. The new hike in prices means commuters can save an average of $9,904 annually – $825 per month – by switching from personal to public transportation. That figure includes the national average rate for unreserved parking.

The numbers are the highest they’ve been in two years, due to global unrest and continuing economic problems. Savings were highest in big cities, where public transportation is more readily available, with New York topping the list. The APTA estimates that commuters in the Big Apple could save $1,198 per month or $14,376 a year by switching to public transportation.

[Source: American Public Transportation Association]

With rising gas prices, how much can you save using mass transit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler SUVs spitting up gas?

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Jeep, Off-Road

2007 Jeep Wrangler

Some Jeep Wrangler owners say they’ve been getting a nasty surprise from their 2007-2008 Wranglers. According to 600 complaints and 900 warranty claims, the Jeep off-roaders have been spitting gas at their owners during fill ups.

According to owners, the Jeeps have a tendency to spit fuel back out of their filler lines if you aren’t paying close attention at the pump. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the claims in November 2010, but closed it in February after finding that the fuel leaks don’t pose any significant safety hazard.

NHTSA also said that internet forums had played a role in the number of complaints they received, after forum members posted messages telling other owners to file complaints with NHTSA. Despite the number of complaints, NHTSA says many of them were unfounded and based solely on the urging of message boards.

Jeep owners who experienced the problem aren’t convinced, however, saying that the problem is dangerous, and carries a repair valued at about $600, though Chrysler warranties cover most of the repair.

[Source: CFNews13]

Are 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler SUVs spitting up gas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AP looks into what factors determine gas prices

Filed under: Etc., Earnings/Financials

High Gas Prices

With summer just a few precious months away, most Americans are already bracing for some of the steepest fuel prices in years. According to the Associated Press, unrest in places like Libya has seen the average price tag on a gallon of gasoline rocket skyward by 38 cents per gallon, or around 15 percent, since February 15. In fact, the price per a barrel of crude oil has been on a steady trek upward, and in kind, drivers have seen the numbers tick north at their local pumps. So why is it that when the price per barrel drops, as it did earlier this week, gas prices stay high?

The answer, it turns out, is due to a mix of factors. According to the AP, most gas stations set their prices not according to how much it costs them to replace the fuel, but in correlation with their closest competitors in the area. If one station ups their price per gallon, the rest will follow suit and vice-versa. That’s because station owners typically only make two or three cents on every gallon of gasoline sold. Instead, they make their money off of the snacks and drinks inside.

Since stations may buy their fuel in long-term contracts to lock in a price for a set period of time, lowering the price per gallon too quickly could cause them to actually lose money on the fuel sold. Head over to Yahoo News for a full breakdown of the factors influencing fuel prices.

[Source: Yahoo News | Image: Paul Sakuma/AP]

AP looks into what factors determine gas prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford unveils gas-fueled F-650

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford

2011 Ford F-650 Gas Engine

Medium-duty truck buyers looking to purchase a Ford F-650 can currently expect to pay at least $57,000. A big reason for the high price of entry is the effective but expensive 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. According to PickupTrucks.com, a new lower-cost solution is apparently on the way. The website reports that Ford plans to offer a 362-horsepower, 457 pound-feet of torque 6.8-liter V10. The engine, which used to be available in the Super Duty, will reportedly drop the base price by up to $8,000 while offering fuel economy within about 10 percent of the diesel. Ford is hoping to hit that lofty figure with the help of the 6R140 six-speed transmission that currently changes gears for the 6.7-liter diesel.

A cost savings of $8,000 is significant, but what good is a medium-duty truck if you can’t tow? That won’t be a problem for the gas-powered F-650, as Ford promises a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 30,000 pounds and a Max Gross Combined Rating of 33,000 lbs. The 6.8-liter V10-packing F-650 will be available early in 2012.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Ford unveils gas-fueled F-650 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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