Hybrid, Electric, Plug-in, Clean Diesel Cars for the Responsible Consumers.

Mercedes-Benz is launching the E-Class Estate (or “wagon” for those speaking “American”). Like the Sedan and Coupé, the Estate combines unique design with leadership in safety, comfort, quality and practicality, plus a wide range of diesel and gasoline engine options to achieve high mileage performance.
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Trained drivers using hypermiling techniques achieved 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Driving in the Washington, D.C. area, the Fusion Hybrid achieved an average of 81.5 mpg. The Fusion Hybrid’s spec sheet says the car has a 17-gallon tank. This set the world record for gasoline-powered midsize sedan.
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Some cars’ combined mpg has magically increased or decreased over the weekend. So why is that important you ask? Well for those who thought their old cars qualify for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) or Cash For Clunkers program last week, they found out over the weekend that they now no longer qualify!
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Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood on the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS,) or “Cash for Clunkers” program. It’s all about moving cars out of the showrooms, and the net result will be to help stimulate jobs in the U.S.
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The CARS final rule has been published to set forth requirements and procedures for the voluntary vehicle trade-in and purchase/lease program under the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009. This program helps consumers pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or truck from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel efficient car or truck.
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The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS,) or “Cash For Clunkers” program is the federal program that helps consumers purchase a new, more efficient vehicle when an older, less efficient vehicle is traded in. Expect dealer showrooms to have increased traffic between now and November 1, and fewer polluting cars on the roads. But there are downsides as well.
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CNN test drives the Mini E electric car, but many viewers may get the wrong message from it. Personally I think it’s accurate in showing public confusion and lack of knowledge about electric and hybrid cars.

The Insight, set to go on sale March 24, 2009, is designed to combine functionality with style. Honda is not known for producing stylish cars, but the new Honda Insight looks pretty sharp. In any case, nothing beats Honda’s bucket seats in its price range, IMHO.

In the current state of development of the low/no emission and high miles-per-gallon (mpg) automobile industry, however, more technology and choices can cause adverse effects and reaction. Too many, and changing, choices together with new, unfamiliar technologies can create confusion.

A couple of novice hypermilers drove the Toyota iQ for 504.2 miles, achieving 70-72mpg compared to official 65.7mpg.
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