Nissan's New Fuel-Economy Technology
Who cares if it's only in overseas autos right now? It's probably only a matter of time before it jumps to the states. Carwings is Nissan's telematics service in Japan, and it has a new element: providing average fuel-consumption data based on daily driving habits. It's part of Nissan's Green Program 2010. This function allows those who have the service to monitor their own behavior and mpg performance in order to become master of their domain (aka, get better mpg). They'll also receive tips on how to do better.
Got an Old Diesel?
VW Wants It
Volkswagen is doing a national search to draw attention to its 30th anniversary of diesel passenger-car production. The plan? To find the oldest-running VW diesel vehicle and the VW diesel with the highest accumulated mileage. "Oldest" is defined as registered, running vehicles, and the winner will be determined by its VIN. VW figures it's gonna be a Rabbit diesel (they say more than 12,000 were sold in 1977). Mileage will be subject to documentation and verification, and the odo better be accurate. Having service records or a logbook will sure help the chances of a win. And to be considered in either category, the original engine must be under the hood.
The search will last for a minimum of four months, and the winners will get to run around in an '07 Touareg V-10 TDI for six months. Everything you need to know can be found at www.vw.com.
Volkswagen has sold 813,476 diesel-powered vehicles in the United States during the past 30 years.
Diesel Bits Diesel Bits Diesel Bits
* Parkatmyhouse.com is based in the UK and allows people to find parking spaces from property owners who are renting out driveways, garages, and other land.
* AAA's TripTik travel planner provides locations and fuel prices for local gas stations.
* B&M has snapped up Hurst Shifter.
* ArvinMeritor and Wal-Mart Transportation are developing a dual-mode, diesel-electric drivetrain for a Class 8 tractor prototype, a first for North America. It'll be based on an International Class 8 tractor and a Cummins engine.
* The International Herald Tribune says China may have to put the kibosh on large-scale biofuel production because construction, pollution, and even natural disasters are limiting available land for food crops.
* "The gutting of car towing capacity should be a wake-up call that major ifestyle consequences could loom large as the nation contemplates the next wave of energy policy changes," said Sport Utility Owners of America president, Barry W. McCahill. Translation:He says cars have been losing their towing capacity since the '70s because the feds regulate fuel economy.
* McDonald's has opened its first drive-thru in Beijing.
India's Diesel Limo
The Indigo XL from Tata Motors is India's first stretch limousine, according to the company, thanks to an extended wheelbase. The extension? The XL is a whopping 103 inches-and that's up about 8 inches over the existing sedan. Fanciness comes in the form of European leather, six-way-power front seats, rear A/C with separate controls, one-touch power windows, and a three-link rear suspension. Oh yeah, there's also a cooler compartment in the glovebox, among other uptown features. Engine choices include a 70 PS DICOR common-rail diesel.