LATEST NEWS
Colorado company readies next step for algae 'biocrude'
Solix Biofuels, of Fort Collins, said on Monday that it had raised $15.5 million in capital and would begin with a five-acre plot to produce “biocrude.’’  > more

Ethanol pipeline taking shape in Florida
A $40 million ethanol pipeline will push the fuel 106 miles from Tampa to Orlando and remove up to 40 trucks a day from local highways.  > more

GM begins testing FCVs in Japan
General Motors' Japan division will begin testing its hydrogen fuel cell version of the Chevrolet Equinox on Japanese roads, the Japan Times reports. > more

Range Fuels names Aldous CEO
A former Shell EVP has joined the Colorado-based cellulosic ethanol company. > more

Boston Globe examines Mascoma process
What does it take to brew a tank of biofuel? At the Mascoma Corp. lab, the recipe might include a dash of enzymes from termite guts, elephant stomach mixed with yeast, a load of pulverized switch grass or paper sludge, and a few days of fermentation. > more

New algae species looks promising for biodiesel
Researchers at Khon Kaen University (in Thailand) have discovered a small species of green algae with commerical potential for biodiesel production.  > more

Florida commuter train to run on biodiesel
Pompano Beach's Tri-Rail commuter trains will run on biodiesel fuel, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority announced. The goal is to operate the trains on a 99 percent biodiesel blend, when available. > more

Poet opens Marion, Ohio plant
With capacity of 65 million gallons a year, Poet Ethanol Products has opened a new plant in Marion, Ohio - the company's third in the state. > more

Feds: No loans for ethanol industry
The USDA has said there is no bail-out for ethanol. Instead, it said any rural business, including ethanol plants, are eligible to receive up to $25 million in loan guarantees as long as they meet certain financial requirements. > more

> more latest news
 
 
Cover Story
General Motors to build B-segment car in Michigan
by Sam Abuelsamid


General Motors announces that its Lake Orion Michigan assembly plant has been selected to build its new B-segment small car. Earlier this year the plant had been put on closure list following the decision to eliminate the Pontiac division in 2010. The decision will preserve 1,400 jobs in Michigan.
 

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Study says higher mileage would increase profits for Detroit automakers
by Sam Abuelsamid


A pair of researchers from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute have released a new study that concludes that automakers could actually become more profitable by improving fuel economy. This conclusion that runs counter to conventional wisdom is based on economic modeling that shows consumers would be willing to pay higher margins for more efficient vehicles in spite of the higher cost.
 

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Electric
Tesla to stick with laptop cells for Model S, slow Roadster sales a potential problem
by Sam Abuelsamid

Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors, got a significant boost this week with the approval of its application for low cost loans under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program. During a conference call following the announcement, Elon Musk, Tesla CEO indicated that he expects the automaker to be profitable within a month however, sales of its first product, the Roadster appear to be lagging with the poor economy. Tesla also plans to stick with the same laptop cell technology through at least the Model S program.
 

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Cover Story
Energy Secretary announces ATVM loans for Ford, Nissan Tesla
by Sam Abuelsamid

Ford Focus EV platform

US Energy Secretary Dr Steven Chu announces that the first applicants for the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program have been approved. Ford, Nissan and Tesla Motors will all get low interest loans from the US Department of Energy to help retool factories to build electric vehicles and advanced batteries.
 

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Electric
Renault and EDF agree on power line communications standard
by Sam Abuelsamid


Renault and French power utility EDF have reached an agreement on a power-line communications strategy for electric vehicles. Two way communications will be a necessary component of making widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles a viable alternative.
 

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Cover Story
V-Vehicle announces plan to build efficient cars in Louisiana
by Sam Abuelsamid


A new San Diego California based start up carmaker announces plans to build cars at a closed Louisiana parts factory. V-Vehicle Company publicly announced its intention to take over a Monroe, LA facility previously owned by Guide Corp. a former lighting systems division of General Motors.
 

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Hybrid
First Drive in the 2010 Lexus HS250h
by Sam Abuelsamid

2010 Lexus HS250h

For 2010 Lexus introduces what is billed as the "world's first dedicated luxury hybrid" in the form of the HS250h. Lexus hopes to build on the success of the iconic Toyota Prius by building a car that will be immediately recognized as a hybrid while providing all the refinement and ammenenities Lexus buyers expect.

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Electric
General Motors opens new Global battery test lab
by Sam Abuelsamid


General Motors this week officially inaugurated its new Global Battery Systems test lab. The new battery test facility is located at the automaker's Warren, MI tech center and is claimed to be the largest and most advanced facility in the United States.
 

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Diesel and Biodiesel
Driving the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen
by Sam Abuelsamid

2009 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen

In September 2008 Volkswagen introduced the first new diesel powered passenger car to comply with the latest Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations, the Jetta TDI. Green Fuels Forecast drove a 2009 Jetta TDI Sportwagen for several days recently found it to be a roomy car that was both engaging to drive and fuel efficient.

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Electric
Mitsubishi starts production of i-MiEV electric car
by Sam Abuelsamid

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

This week Mitsubishi became the first major automaker to launch series production of a new generation electric vehicle powered by a lithium ion battery pack. The automaker will begin deliveries of the i-MiEV to commercial and government fleets in July before starting retail sales in April 2010.
 

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