Green Driving Tips

For a ten tips on how to driver 'greener' and also to save money, have a look at this site courtesy of The National Automobile Dealers Association.

http://www.greendrivingusa.com/greencheckup.html

Ford to launch all new Ford Fiesta in Cologne plant using renewable electricity

Ford have just begun today began production of the all-new Ford Fiesta, the first in a portfolio of global small cars, at their Cologne plant in Germany.

The new small car represents the blueprint for future global product development efforts at Ford and will be tailored to meet customer preferences for interior features, exterior colors, body styles and other options in each region of the world. It will go on sale progressively between now and 2010, starting in Europe.

The Cologne plant is the first Ford assembly facility in the world to build the new global car. Production will start at Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain in January 2009.

In North America, the models will be produced at the company's Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico in 2010. Retooling the plant from its current production of F-Series trucks to small car production will begin in December.

Fiesta production for the Asian market begins later this year in Nanjing, China and Rayong, Thailand.

Within five years, Ford expects to build about 1 million vehicles worldwide off the new global B-car platform along with nearly 2 million vehicles off the global C-car unit.

"The Fiesta is special to us in Ford of Europe and to our customers," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "Over the past 32 years it has consistently been at the top of the list of Europe's best-selling cars."

Since the first Fiesta was launched in 1976, more 12 million have been sold, with over 400,000 customers in 2007 proving the enduring popularity of the model.

Earlier this year, the Cologne plant began using renewable electricity generated by three hydro-power plants in Norway and Sweden, reducing the plant's CO2 emissions by 190,000 tons a year. This initiative is part of the company's overall commitment to further reduce the environmental footprint of its vehicles through their life cycle.

Environmentally Friendly Vehicles to Appear at Inaugural NextCruise(TM)

The US public will be able to get a different take on cruising at the 2008 Inaugural NextCruise(TM) which takes place on August 15-16, when more than 30 of the latest environmentally friendly and future-looking vehicles from nine auto manufacturers will be available for viewing and, in many cases, riding in or driving. In addition, two "Green" race series will provide rides, driving simulators and autograph opportunities with a star driver.

Staged in the City of Pleasant Ridge, NextCruise(TM) will demonstrate that many of today's and tomorrow's "Green Machines" challenge the stereotype that environmentally friendly automobiles require customers to make significant sacrifices: in size, features, comfort and, especially, performance. Today's environmentally friendly vehicles are roomy, well-equipped and, in keeping with the spirit of the Dream Cruise, able to deliver surprising performance and fun.

"Auto manufacturers have been remarkably receptive to the chance to participate in an event that brings an environmentally friendly and future-looking dimension to the Woodward Dream Cruise," said Paul Eisenstein, NextCruise(TM) Chairman. "The public will have an unprecedented opportunity to engage the manufacturers in a dialog on the latest green technologies and to take a short ride or drive in Pleasant Ridge's beautiful streets."

Nine of the world's largest car prpducers have confirmed their attendance and highlights of the list of the super-high-mileage and ultra-low-emission vehicles, technologies and displays include:

New Technologies

-- Hydrogen-powered BMW 7-Series
-- Hydrogen-powered Ford shuttle buses (for transportation between the
NextCruise site and parking on the east side of Pleasant Ridge)
-- Fuel Cell-powered Chevrolet Equinox


Hybrids

-- Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
-- Ford Escape E85/Hybrid
-- Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
-- Toyota Prius Hybrid
-- Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (Two-mode)
-- Nissan Altima Hybrid
-- Toyota Camry Hybrid
-- Saturn Vue Hybrid (Two-mode)
-- Dodge Durango Hybrid
-- Toyota Highlander Hybrid


Clean Diesels

-- Audi Q7 TDI
-- Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec
-- VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI
-- Jeep Grand Cherokee
-- Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec
-- Bosch Clean Diesel Classic Corvette
-- VW Jetta TDI


Other

-- VW Tiguan
-- Chrysler GEM
-- Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car E85 Z06
-- Two-seater IndyCar Demonstrator
-- IndyCar Show Vehicle
-- IndyCar Series racing simulators (where attendees can climb in the
cockpit of an Indy car and test their driving skills on the various
race tracks where the IndyCar Series competes)


Displays

-- GM Two-mode hybrid engines and transmissions
-- GM LNF engines (used in Saturn Vue Red Line, Pontiac Solstice GXP and
Chevrolet HHR SS)
-- Bridgestone Green Initiative


NextCruise(TM) also will include a look at the next generation of "green" motorsports, including the ethanol-fueled IndyCar Series, and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), which features a unique Green Racing Challenge this season. The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix -- which takes place on Labor Day weekend -- includes both IndyCar and ALMS races in the booth it shares with Firestone. The motorsport display will include race cars and a special autograph appearances by star IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal.

For information go to www.nextcruise2008.com