Why Do We Avoid Certain Cars

J.D. Power and Associates most recent study (2008 Avoider Study(SM)) indicates consumers are looking for low prices and better gas mileage before they even consider a new car. This is the sixth year in a row J.D. Power and Associates has looked at what consumers are looking for and fuel economy is becoming a more important factor in decision buying.

These results don't seem surprising to me, but I wonder if it will hold true with gas prices dropping so much lately. The study ended in September, when gas prices were almost double what they are now.

It seems that 23 percent of new-vehicle buyers cited price as a reason to avoid certain models, while gas mileage climbed to 13 percent, up from 7 percent in 2004.

"In these tough economic times, a significant number of would-be new-vehicle buyers are postponing their purchases, but for those who are purchasing new vehicles, the market has shifted toward smaller, less expensive and more fuel-efficient models," said Jon Osborn, research director at J.D. Power and Associates in the press release. "Although we've recently seen a considerable decrease in the price of gasoline, consumers will not soon forget having had to pay in the range of $80 to $90 for a tank of gas earlier this year."

But, the study also indicates gas mileage is not about being environmentally conscious, since only 4 percent of buyers cited it for avoidance, down from 5 percent in 2007.

"With the recent trend in automotive marketing centered on 'green' vehicles for environmentally conscious buyers, it seems that now would be the time that environmental concerns would resonate strongly with new-vehicle buyers," said Osborn. "However, the reality is that environmental concerns are seldom mentioned as a reason to either avoid or purchase specific models. Gas mileage is now the primary factor in the new vehicle purchase decision, so it appears that buyers are looking for better gas mileage as a way to save money, rather than out of concern for the environment."

Styling is still the number one reason (43%), but long term reliability (22%), quality (14%) and resale value (16%) were also very important.

The 2008 Avoider Study is based on responses from more than 33,000 owners who registered a new vehicle in May 2008. The study was fielded August through September 2008.

Saturn Vue Hybrid Delayed

GM is delaying the launch of their new two-mode hybrid Saturn Vue. Built using the same technology as their other two-mode hybrids (Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade), the Vue hybrid launch is being pushed back into 2009.

It was originally scheduled to begin deliveries in December, 2008. Now it will start appearing in dealerships in 2009.  The Vue was rumored to be delayed earlier this month, but now Saturn has confirmed it.

"It will help save some costs, and it dominoes down the line," says Saturn spokesman Steve Janisse.

In addition to postponing costs for distribution to dealers and marketing, Janisse says, "We can put off the expense of dealer training, and the dealers can put off buying special equipment to service the vehicle. It helps everybody right now."

So, they are pushing off the costs from this quarter into next.  This sort of cost cutting is not affecting the development of the Chevy Volt, so far, but apparently every little bit helps GM push off their own bankruptcy.

The Vue has been the test-bed for all things hybrid and GM.  It has been a mild hybrid (once called the GreenLine), will be a full hybrid when it goes on sale in 2009, and GM also plans on delivering a plug-in version.

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Ford has introduced the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show and there are a slew of upgrades to the Milan model, as well as to the hybrid system you may be familiar with in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. By introducing the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford will be doubling the size of their hybrid models.

The new generation hybrid system has one feature that certainly makes it stand out. You can now drive up to 47 mph in electric mode, which is quite an upgrade. I'm guessing you can only travel a mile or three on all electric. But for those interested in hypermiling or just in saving gas, the upgrade in speed will give you more options.

The engine is a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine running the Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). It can produce 155 hp/136 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motor is powered by a smaller, lighter nickel metal hydride battery pack. The battery, despite being smaller, is producing 20 percent more power, while running at higher temperatures. It is cooled by using cabin air.

Ford has also upgraded the transition between the electric and gas modes, making it more seamless than before. The transition is governed by the Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT) The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions.

A new enhanced, electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns. That cuts down on fuel needed on restarts.

A smart climate control system only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin, while the A/C is run off an electric compressor.

The regenerative brake system recovers nearly 94 percent energy, followed by friction brakes during city driving. A simulator brake actuation system dictates brake actuation and delivers improved brake pedal feel compared to the previous generation braking system.

Ford has also updated the drivers interaction with the hybrid system with their new SmartGuage with EcoGuide. Two high resolution, full color liquid crystal displays (LCD) on both sides of the speedometer can be configured to show different levels of information. You can take a look at the fuel and battery levels or average and instant mpg. You can also keep track of how efficiently you're driving using Ford's leaves and vines system (the more leaves you have the better you are).

There are four different data screens to choose from:

• Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
• Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
• Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
• Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.

Several other elements help differentiate the Milan Hybrid from its gas-powered sibling, including unique hybrid “road and leaf” badging on both sides and the rear of the vehicle; unique 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels; eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials; and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

Other changes to the Milan include the fascia being pulled down, while the chin was pulled forward to give it a wider look.

On the inside, metallic finishes were applied to the instrument panel, center console, doors and steering wheel. A soft upper and lower skin was applied to the instrument panel to give it a softer look. A leather wrapped steering has form fitting palm swells, a new shifter and wrapped and padded armrests have been added.

Ford also added in their capless fuel filler system. As stated, there is no cap. Just remove the pump nozzle and the system automatically seals shut.

Hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, new carpet, revised ceiling baffles, additional sound deadening in the trunk, new interior material and new headliner material are among the improvements made to the sound insulation. Ford also worked on the body and door sealing to cut down on wind noise.

New technology features available on the 2010 Milan include:

• Blind Spot Information System (BLISTM) with Cross Traffic Alert, which can help provide extra confidence to drivers in parking lots by alerting drivers sooner of nearby traffic while backing out. It uses two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels. The radar detects moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding side-view mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching. An audible alert is sounded as well.
• SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.
• 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
• Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.
• Voice-Activated Navigation, which integrates several functions including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch-screen display. The navigation system’s text-to-speech function calls out street names while in route to a destination and reads incoming text messages when the system is linked to SYNC. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CDs, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). A music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours of music. The screen even can be customized with personal photos.
• SIRIUS Travel Link™, an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system will provide users with real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts, and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations. Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.
• Reverse Camera System, which mounts a small camera on the spoiler that is activated when Milan is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle.  The video image is displayed in the optional navigation screen on Milans equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror vehicles without navigation.

All Mercury Milan models will be built along side the Ford Fusion at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will be in dealer showrooms in spring 2009.

Fisker Chooses GM Ecotec Engine for the Karma

Fisker plans to bring the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) Karma to the US in the fourth quarter of 2009. The hybrid engine will have two engines, an electric motor and GM's Ecotec 2.0 direct injection, turbo-charged 4-cylinder gas engine.

The gas engine will produce 260 hp, and will charge the battery after the car exceeds the 50 mile all electric range. In case you aren't familiar, the Karma (and Chevy's Volt) will drive for a certain range on battery power. You can re-charge the battery pack by plugging the car in (most likely overnight). On a full charge, the Chevy Volt will travel 40 miles on all electric power. After that, the gas engine kicks in. Unlike the hybrids on the road today, however, the gas engine is just there to re-charge the battery. Only the electric motor will move the car.

Which is very exciting for most people until they find out about the price tag. The Volt will be available, according to the current reports, at about $40,000.

Fisker says they are open to purchasing other components from GM to 'enhance' the Karma. The Karma will be built in Finland by Valmet Automotive, which currently produces the Boxter and Cayman. But Porche cancelled future production, allowing Fisker to move into the available space. The Karma will start selling in the fourth quarter of 2009, with deliveries made in North America. Europe should see sales begin in 2010. Fisker is targeting 15,000 sales a year.

Some more details on the Fisker Karma: The original plan for the Karma and some more details on the Karma.

The New Honda Insight Will Come with Eco Assist

The new Honda Insight will be equipped with a fuel economy enhancement system named Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist(TM)). The new system is designed to give the driver real time feedback on how well they're driving, fuel economy-wise.

The system entails several different functions. A driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel. Then there's the feedback function on the speedometer, which changes the background to provide real-time guidance. And a 'scoring function' which gives feedback on current and long-term driving style.

"Hybrid drivers enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in a statement. "The visual nature of Eco Assist is intended to help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding."

The ECON button pushes the transmission, engine and others into a conservation mode. But it also adjusts the air conditioning, makes it more likely to engage the start/stop function and increases the battery charging during regenerative braking.

The speedometer will change colors to indicate how you are driving right now. A green color (surprising that it's green, right?) indicates you have a smooth acceleration and braking. Less smooth driving will push you into a blue-green glow, while aggressive driving will push you into a blue background (I would have gone for red!).

The scoring function has a nice graphical feature. Like Ford's new system, the better you drive, the more 'leaves' you get in your graphical interface. The better you drive (more economically), the bigger your tree. This interface is part of the Multi-Information Display, located in the center console.

When the ignition switch is on, the display scores driving practices in real time. When the ignition switch is turned off, the 'leaves' in the top line of the display score driving in the just completed cycle (startup to shutdown), while a horizontal bar in the lower part of the display scores cumulative lifetime performance.

The display can also be switched to show you the fuel economy figures for the last three trips (want to check out what your partner just did to your fuel economy?). It can also give you instantaneous readouts on your fuel economy statistics, as well as you overall performance.

The new Insight is not like the old one. With room for five (not two), the Insight is still a dedicated hybrid platform. It's supposed to sell at 'significantly less' than other hybrids, which may push it below $20K.

Honda was able to cut costs on its IMA system, which lets it push the price down on the new Insight.

The new Insight will be available in the Spring, and people are already putting their name in to buy one.

Honda is targeting sales of 200,000 units per year, half of which should come in North America.

KBB Says Hybrids Have Great Resale Value in 2009

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) announced the best resale value models for 2009 and, not surprising given the high gas price crisis in 2008, hybrids were some of the best models at retaining their value.

Using information gained from Kelley Blue Book's extensive analysis of new- and used-vehicle values, the company determined one vehicle brand as having the best projected overall resale value among its 2009 fleet, named resale value leaders in 15 major vehicle segments and honors the top 10 for 2009 model-year vehicles with the best projected resale value.

The top 10 models in 2009 for best resale value were (in alphabetical order):

• Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
• Honda Fit
• MINI Cooper
• Scion xB
• Scion xD
• Scion tC
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Rabbit

I see a pretty good trend for gas sippers. The worst for re-sale value according to KBB include the 2009 Ford Expedition V-8, Mercury Mountaineer V-8, Dodge Durango V-8, Lincoln Town Car V-8 and the GMC Savannah Van V-8. These 2009 model- year gas misers, with their V-8 engines and older body styles, will only maintain 20 percent of their original value after five years of ownership.

Add in Honda winning the best in resale value for brand and you complete the picture.

The Honda Civic Hybrid beat out the Toyota Prius in the Hybrid Car Category. In the Hybrid Crossover Category, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid won, while in the Hybrid SUV category, the Chevy Tahoe came in first.

As far as hybrids are concerned, KBB believes fuel economy beats out luxury any day.

The values that hybrids saw in the market during 2008 confirmed for Kelley Blue Book that the premium these vehicles garner will hold even at five years of ownership. While hybrids saw an overall increase in residual values, the luxury or performance hybrids like the Lexus LS400h and the Lexus GS400h saw significant declines.

"The hybrid vehicles with the highest fuel efficiencies, which are generally the smaller, more compact hybrids will hold their value well over the next five years," said Ibara. "The luxury or performance hybrids do not offer a significant improvement in fuel economy, especially when compared to the price premium over their non-hybrid sibling. Customers attracted to these models are not necessarily looking for a fuel-efficient alternative, and so far this attraction has not held up well in the used-car market."

More Details Available on the CNG Toyota Camry at the LA Auto Show

Toyota is bringing the compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid Concept vehicle to the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Toyota hybrid engine is powered by electricity (battery) and natural gas, rather than the normal gasoline electric hybrid Camry.

According to Toyota, natural gas is a clean and safe alternative transport fuel. It can potentially reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil and reduce vehicle operating costs. Currently more than 99 percent of natural gas used in the U.S. comes from domestic & other North American sources. Proven worldwide natural gas reserves are estimated to last until 2100 and have the potential to last until 2200 through improved advanced production methods.

Natural gas also produces lower particulate emissions, nitrous oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-methane organic gases (NMOG), and less CO2 per unit of energy when compared with gasoline. In addition, it has a higher flash point (ignition temperature) than gasoline, can run at a higher compression ratio and is quickly dispersed into the atmosphere, should a leak occur.

The 'fuel tanks' for the CNG Hybrid Camry are two tanks installed in the spare tire well area. The tires have been replaced with run-flat tires from Bridgeston (19 x 7.5 alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza 225/35ZR19) since there's no spare tire.

The custom front fascia and front bumper cover eliminate the grill opening, while the custom rear bumper covers the tail pipe and visible exhaust system. The ride height has been lowered and new side body skirts and very visible "Compressed Natural Gas Hybrid" graphics adorn the vehicle.

In 1999, Toyota marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in Calfornia, but customers were not attracted to the specialized vehicle. Special refueling techniques and limited re-fueling points make for limited interest. There are still less than 1,000 CNHG refueling stations nationwide, with less than half open to the public.

"Toyota believes CNG has huge potential, both in the U.S. and globally," said Hostetter, "but CNG is just one of the many alternative fuels we're exploring in our ongoing advanced technology research and development."

TOYOTA CNG CAMRY HYBRID CONCEPT
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive(R)
Gasoline fuel system replaced with CNG system

ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY (mpg)
City/Highway/Combined = 32/34/33
(Gasoline Camry Hybrid = 33/34/34)

NET HORSEPOWER (Engine + Electric Motor + Generator + Power Storage)
170 hp

CNG SYSTEM
-- Two (2) Lincoln composite Type 4 tanks -- plastic liner with carbon
fiber wrapped exterior
-- Tanks installed in spare tire well area
-- Maximum 3,600 psi


CAPACITY
Proposed 8 gallon gasoline equivalent

RANGE
250+ miles

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 191.2
Overall Width: 71.7
Overall Height: 57.5
Wheelbase: 109.3
Wheel Size: 19 x 7.5 alloy wheels