Two Mode Hybrid System Begins Production in the US

GM has begun its production of the two mode hybrid transmission for use in their upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon large SUV Hybrids. Over $118 million was spent to expand the transmission plant in Baltimore by 38,000 square feet in order to produced the new two mode hybrid transmission.

The two mode hybrid system was developed in partnership with BMW and DaimlerChrysler. All three companies will be coming out with their own two mode hybrid cars, but GM will be the first. The two mode hybrid system will increase fuel economy for GMs large SUVs by 30%.

Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md) were on hand for the first transmission produced to come off the line. Seventy eight percent of the components used in the production also come from the US.

The hybrid SUVs will start coming next week from an assembly plant in Arlington, Texas. GM is hoping to sell 10,000 units combined for the 2008 model year.

GM is planning on bringing the two mode system out for the Cadillac Escalade SUV, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The re-tooled transmission plant will also be supplying the two mode hybrid system for the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs. BMW is expected to follow-up with the X6 crossover.

Two Mode Hybrid System Begins Production in the US

GM has begun its production of the two mode hybrid transmission for use in their upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon large SUV Hybrids. Over $118 million was spent to expand the transmission plant in Baltimore by 38,000 square feet in order to produced the new two mode hybrid transmission.

The two mode hybrid system was developed in partnership with BMW and DaimlerChrysler. All three companies will be coming out with their own two mode hybrid cars, but GM will be the first. The two mode hybrid system will increase fuel economy for GMs large SUVs by 30%.

Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md) were on hand for the first transmission produced to come off the line. Seventy eight percent of the components used in the production also come from the US.

The hybrid SUVs will start coming next week from an assembly plant in Arlington, Texas. GM is hoping to sell 10,000 units combined for the 2008 model year.

GM is planning on bringing the two mode system out for the Cadillac Escalade SUV, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The re-tooled transmission plant will also be supplying the two mode hybrid system for the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs. BMW is expected to follow-up with the X6 crossover.

Finalists for the 2008 Green Car of the Year Are In

The five finalists for the Green Car of the Year Award, sponsored by Green Car Journal, are in and they are all hybrids. The nominees were selected for their "newness" and must "forward environmental performance in meaningful and quantifiable ways."

The five finalists are the 2008:

• Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid,
• Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid,
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid,
• Nissan Altima Hybrid, and
• Saturn Aura Hybrid.

Jay Leno will join the panel of five who will be selecting the Winner at the LA Auto Show.

"There has been significant movement in the auto industry toward making mainstream models 'greener' in recent years, with notable milestones in fuel efficiency and low emissions," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal. "This is especially evident with hybrids, where gasoline-electric hybrid technology is being applied to popular models in the most important vehicle classes where consumers are shopping."

"The fact that all five Green Car of the Year® nominees are hybrids this year is a clear indication that the auto industry's significant investment of time and resources into gasoline-electric hybrid technology is paying off," explains Cogan. "Hybrids were not a specific focus during our nomination process. There are many pathways to achieving efficiency and emissions goals, and hybrids, while popular, represent just one of these."

To be considered, each vehicle had to feature fuel efficiency gains and offer extremely low emissions. Otherwise, the nominees were also firsts for one reason or another. The Chevy Tahoe will be the first to production with the dual-mode hybrid system developed by BMW, GM and DaimlerChrysler. The Mazda Tribute and Nissan Altima are the first hybrid for Mazda and Nissan respectively. (It should be noted the Tribute is just a copy of the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner and the Altima uses the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive.) The Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura Hybrids are the newest affordable hybrid sedans.

Finalists for the 2008 Green Car of the Year Are In

The five finalists for the Green Car of the Year Award, sponsored by Green Car Journal, are in and they are all hybrids. The nominees were selected for their "newness" and must "forward environmental performance in meaningful and quantifiable ways."

The five finalists are the 2008:

• Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid,
• Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid,
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid,
• Nissan Altima Hybrid, and
• Saturn Aura Hybrid.

Jay Leno will join the panel of five who will be selecting the Winner at the LA Auto Show.

"There has been significant movement in the auto industry toward making mainstream models 'greener' in recent years, with notable milestones in fuel efficiency and low emissions," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal. "This is especially evident with hybrids, where gasoline-electric hybrid technology is being applied to popular models in the most important vehicle classes where consumers are shopping."

"The fact that all five Green Car of the Year® nominees are hybrids this year is a clear indication that the auto industry's significant investment of time and resources into gasoline-electric hybrid technology is paying off," explains Cogan. "Hybrids were not a specific focus during our nomination process. There are many pathways to achieving efficiency and emissions goals, and hybrids, while popular, represent just one of these."

To be considered, each vehicle had to feature fuel efficiency gains and offer extremely low emissions. Otherwise, the nominees were also firsts for one reason or another. The Chevy Tahoe will be the first to production with the dual-mode hybrid system developed by BMW, GM and DaimlerChrysler. The Mazda Tribute and Nissan Altima are the first hybrid for Mazda and Nissan respectively. (It should be noted the Tribute is just a copy of the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner and the Altima uses the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive.) The Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura Hybrids are the newest affordable hybrid sedans.

The 82 Most Fuel Efficient Cars in 2008

Sometimes, it just isn't easy trying to figure out which car to buy. If fuel economy is one of your primary selling points, then you should head on over to the fueleconomy.gov website to get the latest fuel economy (and emissions) from the EPA.

Unfortunately the EPA assumes people come into the site looking to purchase a particular type of car, whether SUV, small car, family sedan or hatchback. Not everyone thinks that way. So I looked through and located every 2008 model year car that gets over 25 mpg and sorted them by their fuel economy.

Not surprisingly, the top five most fuel efficient vehicles on the list are hybrids.

UPDATE (May 30, 2008): I've gone back and updated the list. There are now 99 cars listed that get over 25 mpg combined. As you can see from the list, the MINI(s) has been added in, along with the Saturn Vue Hybrid and a few others.

This Table Represents the Most Fuel Efficient Cars for 2008.

			MPG
Ranking	Category	Vehicle	City	Highway	Combined
1	family sedans	Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	48	45	46.7
2	small cars	Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	40	45	42.3
3	Coupes	smart fortwo coupe 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (S5), Premium	33	41	36.6
3	Convertibles	smart fortwo convertible 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (S5), Premium	33	41	36.6
4	family sedans	Nissan Altima Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	35	33	34.1
5	family sedans	Toyota Camry Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	33	34	33.5
6	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid FWD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	34	30	32.2
6	SUV	Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	34	30	32.2
6	SUV	Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	34	30	32.2
7	small cars	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	29	36	32.2
7	small cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	29	36	32.2
7	Hatchback	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	29	36	32.2
8	small cars	MINI Clubman 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 6-spd, Premium	28	37	32.1
8	small cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	28	37	32.1
9	small cars	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(4), Regular	29	35	31.7
9	Hatchback	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(4), Regular	29	35	31.7
10	small cars	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	28	34	30.7
10	Hatchback	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	28	34	30.7
11	small cars	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(5), Regular	27	34	30.2
11	Hatchback	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(5), Regular	27	34	30.2
12	small cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	35	30.1
13	small cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(5), Regular	25	36	30.0
13	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt XFE 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	25	36	30.0
14	small cars	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	small cars	Nissan Versa 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	small cars	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(S5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	Hatchback	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	Hatchback	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(S5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	Station Wagons	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	27	33	29.7
15	small cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	26	34	29.6
15	small cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (S6), Premium	26	34	29.6
15	small cars	MINI Cooper S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 6-spd, Premium	26	34	29.6
15	small cars	MINI Clubman S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 6-spd, Premium	26	34	29.6
16	small cars	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	35	29.5
16	small cars	Pontiac G5 XFE 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	25	35	29.5
16	Coupes	Pontiac G5 XFE 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	25	35	29.5
17	small cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(5), RNG=170, Natural Gas	24	36	29.4
18	small cars	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	27	32	29.3
18	small cars	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	27	32	29.3
19	Station Wagons	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	26	33	29.2
19	Station Wagons	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	26	33	29.2
20	small cars	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	35	29.0
21	small cars	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	32	28.7
21	Hatchback	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	32	28.7
21	Station Wagons	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	32	28.7
22	small cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	25	33	28.6
22	family sedans	Hyundai Elantra 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	33	28.6
23	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
23	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
23	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
23	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
24	small cars	Nissan Versa 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(6), Regular	26	31	28.3
25	SUV	Saturn Vue Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	32	28.2
26	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	29	27	28.1
26	SUV	Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	29	27	28.1
26	SUV	Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	29	27	28.1
27	small cars	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	small cars	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	small cars	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	family sedans	Hyundai Elantra 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	Coupes	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
28	Station Wagons	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	31	27.7
28	Station Wagons	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	31	27.7
29	small cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	small cars	Nissan Versa 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	family sedans	Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	family sedans	Kia Spectra 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	family sedans	Saturn Aura Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 2DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	27.6
29	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 4DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	27.6
30	small cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(6), Regular	24	31	27.2
31	small cars	MINI Cooper S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (S6), Premium	23	32	27.1
31	small cars	MINI Clubman S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (S6), Premium	23	32	27.1
31	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	family sedans	Nissan Altima 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Man(6), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	luxury sedan	Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec 6 cyl, 3 L, Auto(L7), Diesel	23	32	27.1
31	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	Coupes	Nissan Altima Coupe 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Man(6), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	Convertibles	MINI Cooper Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Premium	23	32	27.1
32	small cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	24	30	26.7
32	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 2DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	24	30	26.7
32	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 4DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	24	30	26.7
33	small cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(S4), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	small cars	Suzuki SX4 Sedan 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	family sedans	Nissan Altima 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	Coupes	Audi TT Coupe 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(S6), Premium	23	31	26.6
33	Coupes	Nissan Altima Coupe 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	Sports/Sporty Cars	Audi TT Coupe 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(S6), Premium	23	31	26.6
34	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Man(5), Premium	22	32	26.5
34	small cars	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Man(5), Premium	22	32	26.5
35	Hatchback	Dodge Caliber 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	24	29	26.3
36	family sedans	Kia Spectra 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	23	30	26.2
37	SUV	Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	27	25	26.1
38	small cars	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Auto(4), Regular	22	31	26.1
38	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Auto(4), Regular	22	31	26.1
38	Coupes	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Auto(4), Regular	22	31	26.1

Rankings for the Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2008

The rankings for this list of the most fuel efficient cars in 2008 was based on the combined fuel economy (45% highway, 55% city). Since fuel economy is so dependent on the engine type, the EPA breaks down the vehicle by engine type. So, even though the list seems to be repeating itself, it's not.

The numbers shown are based on the new EPA MPG testing. The old ratings were not very realistic, leading to many complaints about not getting the fuel economy they were promised. And although many predicted that hybrids would be affected more than others, they are still there at the top.

UPDATE (May 30, 2008): The following paragraph is no longer true since I've gone back to update the list. But I would still like to hear from you if you see a car that's not on the list.

All cars on this list are 2008 model year. Notice that the 2008 Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid is not on the list. For some reason it's not up on the fueleconomy.gov website, yet. If it was, in would be right up there with the top ranked vehicles. But since it's not there, I decided to keep it off the list.

You may notice other vehicles that are not on the list. If you do, please let me know in the comments below. When I come back to update the list, I'd like to get it right.

Update (August, 2008): I have lists up on the most fuel efficient cars of 2006 and the most fuel efficient cars of 2005.

The 82 Most Fuel Efficient Cars in 2008

Sometimes, it just isn't easy trying to figure out which car to buy. If fuel economy is one of your primary selling points, then you should head on over to the fueleconomy.gov website to get the latest fuel economy (and emissions) from the EPA.

Unfortunately the EPA assumes people come into the site looking to purchase a particular type of car, whether SUV, small car, family sedan or hatchback. Not everyone thinks that way. So I looked through and located every 2008 model year car that gets over 25 mpg and sorted them by their fuel economy.

Not surprisingly, the top five most fuel efficient vehicles on the list are hybrids.

UPDATE (May 30, 2008): I've gone back and updated the list. There are now 99 cars listed that get over 25 mpg combined. As you can see from the list, the MINI(s) has been added in, along with the Saturn Vue Hybrid and a few others.

This Table Represents the Most Fuel Efficient Cars for 2008.

			MPG
Ranking	Category	Vehicle	City	Highway	Combined
1	family sedans	Toyota Prius 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	48	45	46.7
2	small cars	Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	40	45	42.3
3	Coupes	smart fortwo coupe 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (S5), Premium	33	41	36.6
3	Convertibles	smart fortwo convertible 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic (S5), Premium	33	41	36.6
4	family sedans	Nissan Altima Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	35	33	34.1
5	family sedans	Toyota Camry Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	33	34	33.5
6	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid FWD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	34	30	32.2
6	SUV	Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	34	30	32.2
6	SUV	Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	34	30	32.2
7	small cars	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	29	36	32.2
7	small cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	29	36	32.2
7	Hatchback	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	29	36	32.2
8	small cars	MINI Clubman 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 6-spd, Premium	28	37	32.1
8	small cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	28	37	32.1
9	small cars	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(4), Regular	29	35	31.7
9	Hatchback	Toyota Yaris 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(4), Regular	29	35	31.7
10	small cars	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	28	34	30.7
10	Hatchback	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Man(5), Regular	28	34	30.7
11	small cars	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(5), Regular	27	34	30.2
11	Hatchback	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(5), Regular	27	34	30.2
12	small cars	Toyota Corolla 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	35	30.1
13	small cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(5), Regular	25	36	30.0
13	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt XFE 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	25	36	30.0
14	small cars	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	small cars	Nissan Versa 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	small cars	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(S5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	Hatchback	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	Hatchback	Honda Fit 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Auto(S5), Regular	27	33	29.7
14	Station Wagons	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	27	33	29.7
15	small cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	26	34	29.6
15	small cars	MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (S6), Premium	26	34	29.6
15	small cars	MINI Cooper S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 6-spd, Premium	26	34	29.6
15	small cars	MINI Clubman S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual 6-spd, Premium	26	34	29.6
16	small cars	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	35	29.5
16	small cars	Pontiac G5 XFE 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	25	35	29.5
16	Coupes	Pontiac G5 XFE 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	25	35	29.5
17	small cars	Honda Civic 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(5), RNG=170, Natural Gas	24	36	29.4
18	small cars	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	27	32	29.3
18	small cars	Kia Rio 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	27	32	29.3
19	Station Wagons	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	26	33	29.2
19	Station Wagons	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	26	33	29.2
20	small cars	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	35	29.0
21	small cars	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	32	28.7
21	Hatchback	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	32	28.7
21	Station Wagons	Scion xD 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	26	32	28.7
22	small cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	25	33	28.6
22	family sedans	Hyundai Elantra 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	33	28.6
23	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
23	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
23	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
23	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Regular	24	34	28.5
24	small cars	Nissan Versa 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(6), Regular	26	31	28.3
25	SUV	Saturn Vue Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	25	32	28.2
26	SUV	Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	29	27	28.1
26	SUV	Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	29	27	28.1
26	SUV	Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	29	27	28.1
27	small cars	Ford Focus 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	small cars	Hyundai Accent 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	small cars	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	family sedans	Hyundai Elantra 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
27	Coupes	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	33	28.1
28	Station Wagons	Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	31	27.7
28	Station Wagons	Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	25	31	27.7
29	small cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	small cars	Nissan Versa 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	family sedans	Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	family sedans	Kia Spectra 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	family sedans	Saturn Aura Hybrid 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Auto(4), Regular	24	32	27.6
29	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 2DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	27.6
29	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 4DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular	24	32	27.6
30	small cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(6), Regular	24	31	27.2
31	small cars	MINI Cooper S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (S6), Premium	23	32	27.1
31	small cars	MINI Clubman S 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (S6), Premium	23	32	27.1
31	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	small cars	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	family sedans	Nissan Altima 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Man(6), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	luxury sedan	Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec 6 cyl, 3 L, Auto(L7), Diesel	23	32	27.1
31	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 5 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	Hatchback	Chevrolet Aveo 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	Coupes	Nissan Altima Coupe 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Man(6), Regular	23	32	27.1
31	Convertibles	MINI Cooper Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Man(5), Premium	23	32	27.1
32	small cars	Nissan Sentra 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	24	30	26.7
32	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 2DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	24	30	26.7
32	Hatchback	Saturn Astra 4DR Hatchback 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular	24	30	26.7
33	small cars	Mazda 3 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(S4), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	small cars	Suzuki SX4 Sedan 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(4), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	family sedans	Nissan Altima 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	Coupes	Audi TT Coupe 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(S6), Premium	23	31	26.6
33	Coupes	Nissan Altima Coupe 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (CVT), Regular	23	31	26.6
33	Sports/Sporty Cars	Audi TT Coupe 4 cyl, 2 L, Auto(S6), Premium	23	31	26.6
34	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Man(5), Premium	22	32	26.5
34	small cars	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Man(5), Premium	22	32	26.5
35	Hatchback	Dodge Caliber 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Man(5), Regular	24	29	26.3
36	family sedans	Kia Spectra 4 cyl, 2 L, Man(5), Regular	23	30	26.2
37	SUV	Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Automatic (CVT), HEV, Regular	27	25	26.1
38	small cars	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Auto(4), Regular	22	31	26.1
38	small cars	Chevrolet Cobalt 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Auto(4), Regular	22	31	26.1
38	Coupes	Pontiac G5/Pursuit 4 cyl, 2.2 L, Auto(4), Regular	22	31	26.1

Rankings for the Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2008

The rankings for this list of the most fuel efficient cars in 2008 was based on the combined fuel economy (45% highway, 55% city). Since fuel economy is so dependent on the engine type, the EPA breaks down the vehicle by engine type. So, even though the list seems to be repeating itself, it's not.

The numbers shown are based on the new EPA MPG testing. The old ratings were not very realistic, leading to many complaints about not getting the fuel economy they were promised. And although many predicted that hybrids would be affected more than others, they are still there at the top.

UPDATE (May 30, 2008): The following paragraph is no longer true since I've gone back to update the list. But I would still like to hear from you if you see a car that's not on the list.

All cars on this list are 2008 model year. Notice that the 2008 Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid is not on the list. For some reason it's not up on the fueleconomy.gov website, yet. If it was, in would be right up there with the top ranked vehicles. But since it's not there, I decided to keep it off the list.

You may notice other vehicles that are not on the list. If you do, please let me know in the comments below. When I come back to update the list, I'd like to get it right.

Update (August, 2008): I have lists up on the most fuel efficient cars of 2006 and the most fuel efficient cars of 2005.

What does Green Mountain, Timberlake, Bank of America and Google Have in Common?

Green Mountain Power joins the likes of Google, Bank of America, and Timberlake by offering a cash incentive to employees who purchase hybrids. The company is offering $1,500 for a new car or $750 for a used hybrid vehicle included in the EPA's Smart Way Elite category. That list includes the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

"We have worked very hard to reduce Green Mountain Power's impact on the environment by converting our fleet to biodiesel, purchasing hybrid vehicles where possible for company use, and using the most efficient vehicles available for the required work," said Mary Powell, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Offering our employees an incentive for purchasing fuel efficient vehicles is the next logical step for ensuring that all of us at Green Mountain Power make positive changes to help the environment."

Green Mountain Power (www.greenmountainpower.biz) is an electric utility owned by Northern New England Energy Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gaz Métro, a leading Québec energy company with a long history of investment in Vermont. Green Mountain Power transmits, distributes and sells electricity and utility construction services in the State of Vermont in a service territory with approximately one quarter of Vermont's population. It serves approximately 92,000 customers.

What does Green Mountain, Timberlake, Bank of America and Google Have in Common?

Green Mountain Power joins the likes of Google, Bank of America, and Timberlake by offering a cash incentive to employees who purchase hybrids. The company is offering $1,500 for a new car or $750 for a used hybrid vehicle included in the EPA's Smart Way Elite category. That list includes the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

"We have worked very hard to reduce Green Mountain Power's impact on the environment by converting our fleet to biodiesel, purchasing hybrid vehicles where possible for company use, and using the most efficient vehicles available for the required work," said Mary Powell, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Offering our employees an incentive for purchasing fuel efficient vehicles is the next logical step for ensuring that all of us at Green Mountain Power make positive changes to help the environment."

Green Mountain Power (www.greenmountainpower.biz) is an electric utility owned by Northern New England Energy Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gaz Métro, a leading Québec energy company with a long history of investment in Vermont. Green Mountain Power transmits, distributes and sells electricity and utility construction services in the State of Vermont in a service territory with approximately one quarter of Vermont's population. It serves approximately 92,000 customers.

Toyota, Honda and GM Look to Provide Relief to Those Affected by the Southern California Fires

Toyota, Honda, Ford and GM are all donating money to the Red Cross (Disaster Relief Fund) in an effort to provide shelter, relief and recovery to those affected by the wildfires in Southern California.

• Toyota donated $2 million to the American Red Cross.
• Toyota will also donate lift trucks and palette jacks that will be used to unload and distribute relief supplies.
• Honda donated $250,000 to Red Cross.
  
• Honda is also matching at 100% any funds donated by employees of American Honda and its subsidiaries.
• Ford is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross
  
• GM Foundation donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross.
• In the past, GM donated a fleet of HUMMER vehicles to assist in providing relief.
• The GM Foundation will also match any contributions to the relief efforts by their employees through November 30, 2007.

"It's our hope that aid may quickly reach those who fell victim to the California wildfires," said Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Sales, USA. "We owe a debt of gratitude to courageous firefighters and disaster relief organizations like the American Red Cross."

The Red Cross is providing residents, firefighters and first responders with shelter, food, water, clean up and comfort kits, and medical and mental health services. The Red Cross has nearly 3,000 workers on site in Southern California, including volunteers from all 50 states. To date, the Red Cross has provided the following services:

- Opened 24 shelters providing displaced residents with a safe place to stay
- Mobilized tens of thousands of cots, blankets, comfort kits, and clean-up supplies
- Volunteers are staffing 75 Emergency Response Vehicles, providing hot meals and snacks to residents, firefighters and first responders
- Red Cross mental health counselors are available to help residents and emergency workers in the affected areas manage the stress and fear that accompanies all disasters

In Addition
Honda is working with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services to assess and identify its need for emergency assistance materials and resources such as Honda-made vehicles, generators, and other products, and will donate these materials as requested.

Ford is encouraging employees to volunteer in relief of those affeected. Ford is also offering to defer two payments on their vehicles for those affected. They are also donating 11 F-250 and F-359 trucks, as well as 9 Expeditions to the fire and rescue teams.

GM Onstar activated their Crisis Assist program which allows any subscriber to use any service at no additional charge. Routing assistance, hotel reservations, phone calls, etc... will be available to any subscriber, regardless of their service plan. OnStar is also partnered with the Red Cross to provide shelter information.

GM Goodwrench is offering to replace air filters free of charge at local GM dealerships. GMAC Auto Financing established a specialized call center for assistance those who need help including payment extensions. Insurance adjusters from GMAC Insurance are already out in the field to assist with property claims. GMAC ResCap will offer mortgage relief counseling.

GMAC customers are encouraged to contact these customer service locations: GMAC Insurance 800-468-3466; GMAC Mortgage 866-262-5363; GMAC Auto Financing 800-200-4622 or their branch offices where possible.

Toyota, Honda and GM Look to Provide Relief to Those Affected by the Southern California Fires

Toyota, Honda, Ford and GM are all donating money to the Red Cross (Disaster Relief Fund) in an effort to provide shelter, relief and recovery to those affected by the wildfires in Southern California.

• Toyota donated $2 million to the American Red Cross.
• Toyota will also donate lift trucks and palette jacks that will be used to unload and distribute relief supplies.
• Honda donated $250,000 to Red Cross.
  
• Honda is also matching at 100% any funds donated by employees of American Honda and its subsidiaries.
• Ford is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross
  
• GM Foundation donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross.
• In the past, GM donated a fleet of HUMMER vehicles to assist in providing relief.
• The GM Foundation will also match any contributions to the relief efforts by their employees through November 30, 2007.

"It's our hope that aid may quickly reach those who fell victim to the California wildfires," said Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Sales, USA. "We owe a debt of gratitude to courageous firefighters and disaster relief organizations like the American Red Cross."

The Red Cross is providing residents, firefighters and first responders with shelter, food, water, clean up and comfort kits, and medical and mental health services. The Red Cross has nearly 3,000 workers on site in Southern California, including volunteers from all 50 states. To date, the Red Cross has provided the following services:

- Opened 24 shelters providing displaced residents with a safe place to stay
- Mobilized tens of thousands of cots, blankets, comfort kits, and clean-up supplies
- Volunteers are staffing 75 Emergency Response Vehicles, providing hot meals and snacks to residents, firefighters and first responders
- Red Cross mental health counselors are available to help residents and emergency workers in the affected areas manage the stress and fear that accompanies all disasters

In Addition
Honda is working with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services to assess and identify its need for emergency assistance materials and resources such as Honda-made vehicles, generators, and other products, and will donate these materials as requested.

Ford is encouraging employees to volunteer in relief of those affeected. Ford is also offering to defer two payments on their vehicles for those affected. They are also donating 11 F-250 and F-359 trucks, as well as 9 Expeditions to the fire and rescue teams.

GM Onstar activated their Crisis Assist program which allows any subscriber to use any service at no additional charge. Routing assistance, hotel reservations, phone calls, etc... will be available to any subscriber, regardless of their service plan. OnStar is also partnered with the Red Cross to provide shelter information.

GM Goodwrench is offering to replace air filters free of charge at local GM dealerships. GMAC Auto Financing established a specialized call center for assistance those who need help including payment extensions. Insurance adjusters from GMAC Insurance are already out in the field to assist with property claims. GMAC ResCap will offer mortgage relief counseling.

GMAC customers are encouraged to contact these customer service locations: GMAC Insurance 800-468-3466; GMAC Mortgage 866-262-5363; GMAC Auto Financing 800-200-4622 or their branch offices where possible.

Toyota Prius Will Continue to Use NiMH Battery Packs, For Now

Toyota confirms the next generation Prius will come with a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH), just as the previous generation does now. But the next generation will cut the price and size of the hybrid system in half.

"When we went from the first-generation Prius to the second-generation, we did the same thing," Executive Vice President Kazuo Okamoto, in charge of Toyota's research and development, told reporters in Tokyo. "... Lithium-ion is going to take some time."

Toyota has had issues with developing Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries for their next generation hybrids. In previous reports, they have noted that Li-Ion "just aren't ready."

Those problems have led to delays in producing the next generation Prius, which was expected to come with the new battery type. Instead, Toyota has reportedly gone back to NiMH. Toyota has said all along the launch date has not been delayed since they never had a launch date to begin with.

Other news: Toyota is looking to design all future hybrids with some instantly recognizable detail which would announce this car is a hybrid. One possibility: a unique front grille.

Okamoto noted that while diesel engines are popular in Europe "There's really no reason to bring diesel cars (to the Japanese market)." Okamoto believes the next generation hybrids will be just as good, if not better than today's diesels even on the highway. Although he did concede that diesels were "inherently better suited" for long distance cruising.

Honda and Nissan are betting otherwise when it comes to diesels, but both sides of the issue may be biased by the domination Toyota has had so far in the hybrid vehicle marketplace.

Source: Toyota to halve hybrid price, size for next Prius | News | Market News | Reuters

Toyota Prius Will Continue to Use NiMH Battery Packs, For Now

Toyota confirms the next generation Prius will come with a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH), just as the previous generation does now. But the next generation will cut the price and size of the hybrid system in half.

"When we went from the first-generation Prius to the second-generation, we did the same thing," Executive Vice President Kazuo Okamoto, in charge of Toyota's research and development, told reporters in Tokyo. "... Lithium-ion is going to take some time."

Toyota has had issues with developing Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries for their next generation hybrids. In previous reports, they have noted that Li-Ion "just aren't ready."

Those problems have led to delays in producing the next generation Prius, which was expected to come with the new battery type. Instead, Toyota has reportedly gone back to NiMH. Toyota has said all along the launch date has not been delayed since they never had a launch date to begin with.

Other news: Toyota is looking to design all future hybrids with some instantly recognizable detail which would announce this car is a hybrid. One possibility: a unique front grille.

Okamoto noted that while diesel engines are popular in Europe "There's really no reason to bring diesel cars (to the Japanese market)." Okamoto believes the next generation hybrids will be just as good, if not better than today's diesels even on the highway. Although he did concede that diesels were "inherently better suited" for long distance cruising.

Honda and Nissan are betting otherwise when it comes to diesels, but both sides of the issue may be biased by the domination Toyota has had so far in the hybrid vehicle marketplace.

Source: Toyota to halve hybrid price, size for next Prius | News | Market News | Reuters