Almost a half trillion dollars worth of goods are imported in the US through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach every year. Almost all the containers that arrive at those ports are hauled relatively short distances to freight distribution facilities located inland by special purpose drayage trucks designed specifically for such short-haul work. At those freight terminals, … [Read more...] about CNG Trucks are Hauling Without Emissions
Emissions
Mazda Denies Emissions Cheat Allegations
When news broke that Mazda might have been caught cheating on emissions tests, the press moved quickly to report it. I didn't, because I didn't believe Mazda had it in them. Today, Mazda released more details about the "suspect" tests and their testing methods that seems to effectively refute those cheating allegations recently leveled at Mazda (and, it should be said, … [Read more...] about Mazda Denies Emissions Cheat Allegations
US Appeals Court: $10 Billion VW Settlement Stands
Any hope VW had of avoiding a $10.03 billion payout to owners of its emissions-cheating diesel cars were dashed Monday, when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a number of the company's objections to the settlement. The settlement, originally reached in 2016, is meant to appease the owners of nearly 500,000 polluting diesel vehicles. In their judgement, the … [Read more...] about US Appeals Court: $10 Billion VW Settlement Stands
Ford Hits CO2 Emissions Targets — 8 Years Early!
Earlier this week, Ford announced that it had achieved its stated goal to reduce the CO2 emissions of its manufacturing facilities to more sustainable levels. The kicker, though, is that it didn't just meet its 2017 goal. The Blue Oval has met its 2025 goal. (!) I will freely admit that I've been a bit hard on Ford lately forever, but stuff like committing its EV development … [Read more...] about Ford Hits CO2 Emissions Targets — 8 Years Early!
Death of Diesel: Volvo Says No to New Diesel S60
Volvo has been leading the way recently with a carbon neutral engine factory in Ghent, Belgium and a commitment to electrify its entire model range from 2019 on. So, Volvo is committed to doing good stuff- but it's also going stop doing bad stuff. In that spirit, Volvo Cars have announced that they will not be offering a diesel version of their mainstream S60 sedan when that … [Read more...] about Death of Diesel: Volvo Says No to New Diesel S60
Mazda Skactiv-X Gets Gold at Edison Awards for Innovation
Mazda may be alone in their belief that the internal combustion engine has plenty of life left, but their Syactiv-X HCCI engine definitely seems like the real deal. To recap: Mazda believes their tech will both increase horsepower and improve fuel economy and vehicle emissions without the added weight and cost of a battery and charging system. It seems to work- well enough, … [Read more...] about Mazda Skactiv-X Gets Gold at Edison Awards for Innovation
Mazda SkyActive X Engine — More Power, Less Fuel, Lower Emissions
Mazda has always been the outlier in the auto industry when it comes to internal combustion engines. It built its reputation on the quirky Wankel rotary engine that NSU never could get right. Mazda's amazing rotary was half the size and half the weight of a conventional piston engine, which made it the ideal choice for Mazda's first sports car, the iconic RX-7. The one … [Read more...] about Mazda SkyActive X Engine — More Power, Less Fuel, Lower Emissions
Marchionne Believes Too Many Electric Cars Could Endanger The Planet
Sergio Marchionne, the head honcho at Fiat Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari, is a man who has his finger on the pulse of the automotive industry. So you would think he would know a thing or two. But during remarks to the press while receiving an honorary degree from the University of Trento last week, he made it clear he knows almost nothing. Echoing sentiments often … [Read more...] about Marchionne Believes Too Many Electric Cars Could Endanger The Planet
Diesel Greenwashing Campaign In Europe Doesn’t Add Up
The diesel engine is like a religion in Europe. It was first promoted by governments as a way to fight back against the OPEC oil embargoes of the 1970's. Since then, taxes on diesel fuel have been lower than those on gasoline. Coupled with other economic incentives, the lower cost of driving means that 70% of all diesel powered cars manufactured each year are sold in … [Read more...] about Diesel Greenwashing Campaign In Europe Doesn’t Add Up
France Plans To Ban Sale Of Cars With Internal Combustion Engines By 2040
Nicholas Hulot, the new environmental minister for France, has announced a 5-year plan that will lead to that country becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The plan is part of France's commitment to the Paris climate accords. One feature of the proposal would prohibit the sale of all cars with internal combustion engines by the year 2040. Au Revoir To Internal Combustion … [Read more...] about France Plans To Ban Sale Of Cars With Internal Combustion Engines By 2040