Japanese Lead Eco-Car Race

While presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama speak of the need for less reliance on foreign fuel, and for some odd reason even talking of off shore drilling that won't even help us for another 20 years, the Japanese automakers are producing cars that rely on alternative fuel already. The Detroit automakers are on the other hand acting as if someone needs to hit them on the head with a paella pan to wake up as they are trailing by miles in the development and manufacturing of Eco-friendly alternative fuel vehicles in the world market.

According to Newsweek, Japanese automakers are now going to the next level, entering the green-car mass market, in many cases years before their competitors.

Nissan plans to introduce an electric vehicle to the United States and Japan by 2010, with a global rollout in 2012. Toyota is road-testing a plug-in hybrid and plans to launch it in 2009. Honda is preparing for the launch of a new car highly anticipated for its innovative green technologies, including its state-of-the-art battery. Mazda will offer the world's first hydrogen-gasoline hybrid in Japan by next March. "Globally, Japanese companies are definitely at the top right now, and I expect them to remain No. 1 in the future," says Mike Omotoso, an auto analyst for J.D. Power and Associates. "It's definitely having a positive impact on the Japanese economy."

Nitrogen Tire Inflation Saves Gas

People are always looking for deals, or to use the most cost effective way to get things done. Be it by just buying term life insurance over whole life, or finding cheap ways to reduce the amount of gas they use in their cars.

GoNitroTire, a member of environmental advocacy organization Global Green USA, is helping drivers transform their vehicles into safer, cost-effective modes of transportation in time for Earth Day 2008. Previously available only to major industries such as NASCAR and the U.S. Military, GoNitroTire now provides nitrogen tire inflation to consumers and business fleets through advanced technology products UltraFill99+ and TireXtender, available at www.GoNitroTire.com.

“The day has come for Nitrogen Tire Inflation to be embraced in the public domain… tried and tested by large industry and professional motor sports for decades,” said GoNitroTire Founder and Managing Partner Ken Lawton. “It is the best piece of green technology to emerge in many years… Our other Nitrogen products will further revolutionize the way people maintain their tires and for GoNitroTire, simply another platform for growth.”

With gas prices reaching their highest national average cost since 2005, it’s no surprise consumers are looking for an effective way to reduce their dependency on gas. But do they know it’s as easy as changing the type of air that’s in their tires? A recent study by the Ford Motor Company found that the average truck driver saves 8% yearly on gas by injecting nitrogen in their tires, providing extended, even tire wear over time.

Check out the GoNitroTire's website for more in depth information on Nitrogen Tire Inflation uses.

California clean-vehicle goals may be cut

All those tree huggers that spend more money on luxury watches than you probably do on your food may be in for some bad news.

Samantha Young writing for the AP reported that California air regulators on Thursday were considering a major cutback to the state's clean-vehicle program, a move that would delay a large deployment of battery-powdered and hydrogen vehicles.

The decision also will affect efforts to promote zero-emission vehicles in 12 other states.

Tree huggers unite.

2008 Sedans, 2007 Sedans That Get 30+ MPG Combined City/Highway

It can give you a migraine trying to figure out how to save a bit more money on gas other than just giving up and not driving anywhere. This report on sedans will help a bit in your search for a car that is a bit less of a gas guzzler if you insist on not looking into hybrids. They also list some ways to help you rank cars based on the specs important to you with a handy guide at the end of the article in the links.

BP Correcting Misinterpretation of Facts

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune about a BP Factory in Whiting, Indiana was released that claims that the massive BP oil refinery in Whiting, Ind., is planning to dump significantly more ammonia and industrial sludge into Lake Michigan, running counter to years of efforts to clean up the Great Lakes.

To debunk the reports, BP has went on a campaign to clear their name and make sure that everyone has the real facts of this case. Quite a difficult project I would guess based on the average auto owner's opinion of gas companies.

To be fair and accurate though it is important to make sure that the correct information is out there so that as many people as possible get the right idea.

A few of the main points of fact from the BP website are listed below with the explanations. To find more in depth coverage of this visit the BP Whiting Refinery Fact Sheet.

Only treated water into Lake Michigan:

What is released from our refinery is treated water that is more than 99.9% water - not sludge. All sludge is treated separately, according to state and federal requirements, and never discharged into Lake Michigan.

Well within legal limits

A new water discharge permit allows the refinery's average ammonia discharge to increase, but at levels that will still be less than half of those that federal environmental guidelines could allow.

No harm to people or the environment

We follow state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines that protect aquatic and human life.

ExxonMobil Introduces Next Generation Natural Gas Engine Oil

Mobil Pegasus 1005 was introduced today as their new next generation high performance lubricants. The writing pens are out to push this press release into the fold. The new fuel is formulated with the highest quality basestocks and advanced additive technology, Mobil Pegasus 1005 is designed to provide today’s high output, low-emissions four cycle gas engines with exceptional levels of protection while also delivering superior performance for older model engines.

“To stay ahead of the competition in today’s global industrial marketplace, companies need to invest in products that are designed specifically to help enhance the productivity and durability of their most critical equipment,” said Jeff Biamonte, ExxonMobil's global industrial advisor. “Mobil Pegasus 1005 was developed through extensive laboratory and engine bench testing, as well as comprehensive field tests with major OEMs around the world, to ensure its exceptional performance capabilities over the long haul.”

“This testing showed that Mobil Pegasus 1005 can provide double the oil life, compared with previous mineral oil based Mobil Pegasus formulations, thus helping companies reduce their oil consumption, oil disposal and maintenance costs.”