Filed under: Ford

General Motors may be raking in the awards with its Chevrolet Volt right now, but Ford isn’t exactly going unnoticed for its efforts on the green front. The Green Blue Oval has won Nielsen’s first Automotive Green Marketer of the Year award. The honor is given to brands that help shape consumer awareness of environmental themes, and Ford beat out Chevrolet, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota for this year’s pick in the automotive category. According to Nielsen, the campaigns for both the Fiesta and Fusion Hybrid helped tip the scales in the Ford direction. Additionally, Nielsen says that FoMoCo’s decision to sponsor this year’s hybrid-oriented American Idol helped out quite a bit as well.

This isn’t just some popularity contest, though. Nielsen dug through three research studies to determine each manufacturer’s effectiveness in green advertising. All told, over 7,000 participants were involved in the research. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Nielsen]

Continue reading Ford wins first-ever Nielsen automotive ‘Green Marketer of the Year’ award

Ford wins first-ever Nielsen automotive ‘Green Marketer of the Year’ award originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford wins first-ever Nielsen automotive ‘Green Marketer of the Year’ award

	LA 2010: Chevy Volt wins 2011 Green Car of the Year title Another sign the electric car era is here.		LA 2010: Elon Musk says Tesla-powered Toyota RAV4 EV is good for Model S Partnership with big OEMs will pay off in Tesla’s important second model.
	LA 2010: all-electric Mitsubishi i takes the stage It’s not an i-MiEV.	Other news: Analyst: Sales of micro-hybrids to eclipse 34 million worldwide by 2015 A look into the politics of plug-in vehicles EPA: Average fuel economy hit 22.4 mpg, a new record, in 2009

AutoblogGreen for 11.19.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.19.10

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Specialty

The people behind Lotus never cease to amaze. Case in point: Roger Becker. The former vehicle engineer ended his 44-year run with the automaker this past February after being instrumental in some of Lotus’ most influential cars. After proving to be a superior engineer and driver, Lotus founder Colin Chapman plucked Becker from the Elan assembly line in the late 1960s and he went on to help create everything from the Esprit to the Elise. His most recent and final masterpiece was the 2+2(ish) Evora, which Becker described as his “finest hour at Lotus.”

To commemorate Becker’s tenure, the automaker is releasing the 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition adorned with the engineer’s signature, the required plaque and packing the 257-horsepower supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine from the SC260 – the last time the Toyota-sourced 2ZZ will be used in the Elise and Exige. The RGB will be available in either Elise or Exige guise, with the convertible coming in under $58,000 and the Exige commanding $70,750.

Oh, and if you need another reason to be impressed with Becker: When they were filming the chase scenes in The Spy Who Loved Me, Becker was behind the wheel – he was apparently better at manhandling the Esprit than Bond’s stunt man.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

LA 2010: 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Scion, Toyota

Just as the sun always sets in the west, we can always count on a limited-edition Scion xB to pop up at a North American auto show. This year, that honor falls on the 2010 LA Auto Show and the Scion in question is the 2011 xB Release Series 8.0. Surprise!

Standing out on the show floor thanks to its brilliant VooDoo Blue paint job, the 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 is the latest in a line of low-run examples of the boxy, compact wagon. Scion is producing just 2,000 units of the xB RS 8.0, and all of them feature an aggressive front fascia, TRD wheels and RS 8.0 logos throughout the interior.

Pricing is set at $18,405 for the manual transmission-equipped xB or $19,355 for the auto gearbox. That price also features a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, which, along with the VooDoo Blue paint, is not available on the standard xB. Check out our high-res image gallery of live shots below and the full set of details after the break.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 dabbles in Voodoo

LA 2010: 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 dabbles in Voodoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 dabbles in Voodoo

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Scion, Toyota

Just as the sun always sets in the west, we can always count on a limited-edition Scion xB to pop up at a North American auto show. This year, that honor falls on the 2010 LA Auto Show and the Scion in question is the 2011 xB Release Series 8.0. Surprise!

Standing out on the show floor thanks to its brilliant VooDoo Blue paint job, the 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 is the latest in a line of low-run examples of the boxy, compact wagon. Scion is producing just 2,000 units of the xB RS 8.0, and all of them feature an aggressive front fascia, TRD wheels and RS 8.0 logos throughout the interior.

Pricing is set at $18,405 for the manual transmission-equipped xB or $19,355 for the auto gearbox. That price also features a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, which, along with the VooDoo Blue paint, is not available on the standard xB. Check out our high-res image gallery of live shots below and the full set of details after the break.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 dabbles in Voodoo

LA 2010: 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 dabbles in Voodoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0 dabbles in Voodoo

	Chevy Volts ready to ship Just waiting on the EPA’s MPG stickers.		Indian minister calls use of “gas guzzling” SUVs “criminal” German automakers object.
	LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 EV hits the stage Proudly powered by Tesla.	Other news: LA 2010: Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby now likes electric cars, because he’s driven one Chip Yates cries foul after rule change, won’t compete in 2011 TTXGP Amp to electrify three Saturn Vues for DTE Energy fleet

AutoblogGreen for 11.18.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.18.10

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia

Kia is just now beginning to roll out its sexy new 2011 Optima, with the 2.4-liter GDI version priced from only $18,995. Much like its sister car, the Hyundai Sonata, the Optima will be offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in EX and SX trims, and here at the LA Auto Show, the Kia has unveiled its third member of the Optima family – the Hybrid.

Much like the Sonata Hybrid, the gas/electric Optima uses the same 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four, mated to an electric motor. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Optima Hybrid will yield 40 miles per gallon on the highway – besting its eco-minded competitors, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date early next year, and you can read the full details in Kia’s press release, after the jump. Check out our high-res galleries of live and stock shots, as well.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin’, green-drivin’

LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin’, green-drivin’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin’, green-drivin’

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Toyota, Electric

Proudly “Powered by Tesla,” the brand-new Toyota RAV4 EV made its debut at the LA Auto Show today, and it’s pretty much what you’d expect: a current-generation RAV4 with the heart of a Tesla Roadster. Or maybe a Model S. In any case, one of Silicon Valley’s electric cars. As we’ve known, Tesla’s role in the partnership is to develop the powertrain – including the battery, power electronics module, electric motor, gearbox and software – for Toyota’s popular CUV.

The RAV4 EV has a long history, as long-time plug-in vehicle fans are well aware. The first-gen version arrived in 1997 and was available for six years. Toyota said today that it sold or leased 1,484 units during that time – and that nearly 750 of them are still in operation – but could never make them a mainstream hit like the Prius. Making these alternative-power vehicles isn’t that difficult, said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales’ president and chief operating officer, the hard part is bringing them to mainstream customers.

This is the goal of the RAV4 EV, which is scheduled to hit the market in 2012. The initial batch of test vehicles, the so-called Phase Zero machines, are already achieving 100 miles of range, but Toyota engineers are working hard to make sure that the Phase One vehicles (i.e., the next batch) will be able to reach that number no matter what the climate or outside condition is – or, in the words of the press release, “in a wide range of climates and conditions.” The engineering team is also focused on drivability and making the electric CUV feel, “as close to a conventional RAV4 as possible.” We’ll have a more complete post about the RAV4 EV later, but for now you can find plenty more information on Toyota’s dedicated RAV4 EV website and check it out from every angle in the gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Sebastian Blanco / AOL

Continue reading LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 EV, powered by Tesla, hits the stage

LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 EV, powered by Tesla, hits the stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 EV, powered by Tesla, hits the stage

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Nissan

Keeping up with the Joneses is a tough game to play, and Nissan’s third-generation Quest was getting jealous of the new Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Los Angeles can change you, and that’s why we are staring at the all-new fourth generation 2011 Nissan Quest.

Arriving in dealerships in the beginning of next year, the 2011 Nissan Quest will be offered in four trims: S, SV, SL and LE. All four are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 253 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and it’s paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT unit. Each trim is also fairly well-equipped, with even the base Quest S receiving push-button ignition and a six-disc CD audio system. The top-level Quest LE goes all out with such features as a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, a blind-spot warning system and HID headlights.

Besides the tech amenities, the Quest also offers a plethora of what-you-would-expect minivan features. The 2nd and 3rd rows of seating both fold flat to the floor, and a deep rear storage well adds even more cargo space if you are traveling with items other than passengers. See the whole shebang in our high-res image gallery below, and hit the jump for the complete press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading LA 2010: Nissan unveils fourth generation Quest; swagger-wagon wars heat up

LA 2010: Nissan unveils fourth generation Quest; swagger-wagon wars heat up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Nissan unveils fourth generation Quest; swagger-wagon wars heat up

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

The first batch of production Chevy Volts are ready to ship, they’re just waiting on the EPA to issue an official mileage label. General Motors global product chief Tom Stephens told Automotive News that the required sticker certifying the Volt’s miles per gallon rating is expected “any day,” and that’s a requirement before the vehicles can head out the door.

As we reported a few weeks ago, when the 2011 Fuel Economy Guide was released by the EPA and DOE, the Volt just missed being included in the publication because, as the EPA stated, “no 2011 model year electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have completed testing as of publication of this list.” The Toyota Prius was again listed as the most fuel efficient available in the U.S., but we’ll soon be able to see where the Volt stands in terms of official fuel economy.

The Volt, named the Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, can run 25 to 50 miles on battery only and an additional 310 miles when assisted by the gasoline engine. GM is pushing through with its plans of producing 10,000 Volts through 2011 and 45,000 in 2012.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Chevy Volts ready to ship, just need official EPA mileage stickers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volts ready to ship, just need official EPA mileage stickers