Mobile Emissions Today articles from February 2007

Mobile Emissions Today archives from February 2007

EC proposes transport fuel emissions standard.(International Report)
February 1, 2007... The European Commission yesterday proposed new standards for transport fuels that would require suppliers to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production, transport and use of their fuels by 10% between 2011 and 2020. The...

German chancellor to fight EC vehicle emissions plan.(International Report)
February 1, 2007... German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she will fight plans for European Commission restrictions on vehicle emissions. Merkel said she "would certainly block" any binding regulation that did not differentiate between different car...

Honda backs civic IMA hybrid.(Industry Report)
February 1, 2007... Adrian Cole, managing director of Universal Honda said this week that the Honda Civic IMA Hybrid was the company's "preferred choice" in the move to lower exhaust emissions. The Civic IMA Hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 61.4 miles per...

Study indicates emissions may impact heart.(Editorials, Asides & Reviews)(Brief article)
February 2, 2007... Rats driven on the New York state thruway for six hours experienced drops in their heart rates, an indication that vehicle emissions may impact the heart as well as the respiratory system, according to Researchers at the University of...

Independent tests show fuel additive reduces truck emissions.(Industry Report)
February 2, 2007... Fuel conservation company EMTA Holdings Inc. announced this week that independent on-highway tests show that its XenTx diesel fuel treatment saves truck owners up to $1200 per vehicle annually while meeting California emissions standards. ...

Jakarta kiosks to offer emissions testing.(International Report)(Brief article)
February 2, 2007... Jakarta, Indonesia residents will soon have access to city-wide kiosks that offer auto emissions tests. Jakarta Environmental Management Agency head Budirama Natakusumah said the kiosks would save a percentage of vehicle owners from making...

California Attorney General seeks compromise on emissions lawsuit.(Editorials, Asides & Reviews)
February 5, 2007... California Attorney General Jerry Brown said last week he would like to reach a compromise in a legal battle between the state and automakers over how to curb global warming. Former Attorney General Bill Lockyer sued the automakers in Sept....

Reuters report says EU emissions legislation could cause 'double whammy' for auto industry.(International Report)
February 5, 2007... The cost of new CO2 emissions technology required by impending legislation from the EU and the reduction in sales from the resulting higher car prices "would provide a double whammy that analysts agree has not been priced into the market,"...

Chaoyang to build compressed natural gas stations in China.(International Report)
February 5, 2007... China's Chaoyang Liaohe Oilfield Natural Gas Co. plans to build compressed natural gas stations in Chengnan, Chengbei and Hedong. The company plans to invest $3.8 million in the stations, in a bid to meet the demand of up to 3,000 taxicabs....

Modified golf passes emissions tests.(Industry Report)
February 6, 2007... At the National Center for Vehicle Emissions Control and Safety, a 2002 Volkswagen Golf TDi modified to run on straight Canola oil produced emissions below standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Albuquerque Alternative...

ArvinMeritor sells Emissions Technologies business.(Industry Report)
February 6, 2007... ArvinMeritor has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Emissions Technologies business group to New York-based equity investment firm One Equity Partners for roughly $310 million. There's continuing demand in emissions systems,...

Tectane aims to reduce emissions.(Industry Report)(Brief article)
February 6, 2007... Environmental company Tectane has announced that its Tectane product increases vehicle mileage by between 20 and 40%, cutting emissions up to 60% while increasing the lifetime of the engine by 50%. According to Tectane Founder Nino De...

EU says carmakers must shoulder 'bulk of effort' to reduce vehicle emissions.(International Report)
February 7, 2007... The EU executive said Tuesday that car makers must take on the "bulk of effort" to cut carbon dioxide emissions from new cars as part of Europe's fight against climate change. EU spokesman Johannes Laitenberger said the European...

Canadian carmakers aims to reduce emissions.(International Report)
February 7, 2007... The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association announced this week it will call for an integrated plan of action to further reduce vehicle emissions through new vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, fleet strategies, consumer incentives, and...

Honda natural gas vehicle tops green cars list.(Industry Report)
February 7, 2007... Honda's Civic GX, a $25,000 natural gas vehicle sold in California and New York, ranked first on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's 2007 10 Greenest Cars list released this week. The council determined the ranking based...

EU sets legally binding average CO2 emissions.(International Report)
February 8, 2007... The EU Commission has proposed a legally binding fleet-average CO2 emission of 130 grams per kilometer from 2012 for class M1 vehicles. Originally, the EU was planning to require an average of 120 grams per kilometer. To make up the...

UK Green Motorsport initiative issues call for projects.(International Report)(Brief article)
February 8, 2007... The UK organization Energy Efficient Motorsport initiative has issued a call for projects that have the potential to lead to significant efficiency and environmental improvements within motorsport. According to EEMS, the priorities of the...

Study looks at aluminum use to reduce emissions.(Industry Report)(Brief article)
February 8, 2007... According to a new study from the Institut fur Kraftfahrwesen Aachen in cooperation with the European Aluminum Association, an aluminum concept front section provides significant emission savings over the lifetime of vehicles. The...

MIT research investigates disposing of carbon dioxide.(Industry Report)
February 9, 2007... New analysis from a team led by MIT researchers has concluded that carbon dioxide injected into deep saline aquifers can be trapped as tiny bubbles and safely stored in the briny porous rock for centuries. The carbon dioxide eventually...

GM offers B-20 capability.(Industry Report)
February 9, 2007... GM is now offering a special equipment option on the 6.6L Duramax, allowing for B20 bio-diesel capability. The option is available to fleets on the GMC Savanna, Chevy Express Commercial Cutaway Van, Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty, and GM Sierra...

Switzerland reacts to EU emissions proposal.(International Report)(European Union European Commission)(Brief article)
February 9, 2007... Switzerland sees the latest European Union proposal to cut car emissions as an opportunity to give fresh impetus to its environmental policy, according to Michael Kaufmann, deputy director of the country's Federal Energy Office. After the...

Japan considers new emissions legislation.(International Report)
February 12, 2007... Japan's Environment Ministry is considering legislation to curb air pollution by regulating the construction of department stores, offices and other facilities that may generate heavy vehicle traffic in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, ministry sources...

Western Australia wants to try zero emissions vehicles.(International Report)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... The Western Australian government has approved a one-year trial of 50 small electric cars that produce zero emissions. Western Australia will try the vehicles, provided the federal government permits the cars to be imported into the...

Ted turner speaks on behalf of alternative fuels.
February 12, 2007... Billionaire media mogul Ted Turner is asked energy executives and policy leaders to reconsider the future of energy in the United States by urging them to embrace powerful alternative fuels. Speaking before the Houston World Affairs...

Michigan congressional delegation supports ethanol shipping bill.(Industry Report)
February 13, 2007... Michigan's congressional delegation supported a bill that aims to expedite the shipping of ethanol and other alternative fuels from the refinery to the gas pump. The bill, approved Thursday, asks the Environmental Protection Agency to...

EPA tightens emissions standards.(Industry Report)
February 13, 2007... Toxic emissions from cars must be cut by 20% from 1999 levels before 2030, the US Environmental Protection Agency said Friday. The mobile source air toxic regulation will impose stricter benzene content standards for gasoline, and set...

Czech automaker opposes EC emissions legislation.(International Report)
February 13, 2007... Czech carmaker Skoda Auto last week joined with European peers in strongly opposing European Commission plans to legislate for carbon dioxide emission reduction targets for cars. The EC plans to introduce the legislation by next year. ...

Natural gas vehicle association calls for aid to carmakers.(International Report)
February 14, 2007... The European Natural Gas Vehicle Association last week voiced its support for enhanced credits for car manufacturers, in order to meet the European Commission's newly proposed, mandated CO2 targeted reductions. "Auto manufacturers should...

Survey reveals young drivers interest in reducing emissions.(International Report)
February 14, 2007... More than one in 10 young drivers in the UK have teamed up with someone else to buy a car to save money and reduce vehicle emissions, according to a new survey from Direct Line Motor Insurance. More than one in five 18-29 year olds are...

New Zealand establishes biofuels requirements to reduce emissions.(International Report)
February 14, 2007... New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark Tuesday announced that an increasing proportion of cleaner-burning biofuels must be sold to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security. Associate Minister of Transport, Judith Tizard...

California Air Resource Board accepting $25 million in funding.(Industry Report)
February 15, 2007... The California Air Resources Board is now accepting grant proposals of $25 million in available funding for encouraging biofuels and high efficiency, low-emitting vehicle technology. The funds, available from the Alternative Fuels...

Canadian province to set new emissions targets.(International Report)
February 15, 2007... British Columbia, Canada, Premier Gordon Campbell this week announced plans for new targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. "The science is clear," Campbell's government said. "It leaves no room for procrastination. Global...

New programs to encourage Canadians to buy environmentally-friendly vehicles.(International Report)(Brief article)
February 15, 2007... The Canadian government this week announced programs to help Canadians choose more environmentally-friendly vehicles. Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and John Baird, Minister of the Environment,...

Canadian transit commission wants hybrid buses.(International Report)
February 16, 2007... The Transit Commission in St. Catharine's, Canada, has asked the City Council to consider the purchase of five diesel-electric hybrid buses. The commission has proposed a 25 cent increase in its basic transportation fare to help pay for...

Clean cars measure moves forward in Maryland.(Industry Report)
February 16, 2007... Proposed "clean car" legislation for Maryland moved forward Tuesday as the House Environmental Matters Committee approved the measure in a 17-4 vote. The bill would require the state to adopt the car emissions program in place in...

Union Pacific and GE collaborate on Green Locomotive Tour.(Industry Report)
February 16, 2007... Union Pacific and General Electric are preparing a Green Locomotive Technology Tour to showcase current and experimental technologies to reduce locomotive emissions. The tour will move through California Feb. 20-28, with planned stops in...

Legal group wants emissions lawsuit dropped.(Industry Report)
February 19, 2007... Public interest legal group Pacific Legal Foundation last week asked California Attorney General Jerry Brown to drop predecessor Bill Lockyer's lawsuit against major automakers over greenhouse gas emissions. The lawsuit, filed last...

Long Beach and LA ports issue request for proposals for LNG truck fleet.(Industry Report)
February 19, 2007... The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach-the US's two leading container ports-have issued a joint Request for Proposals for a new liquefied natural gas truck program. The effort is a component of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action...

Israel tightens standards on emissions test.(International Report)(Israel Knesset Interior and Environment Committee)(Brief article)
February 19, 2007... Israel's Knesset Interior and Environment Committee last week approved an amendment to the Abatement of Nuisances Regulations. The amendment will see a lowering of the maximum permitted level of smoke emissions from diesel-powered vehicles...

North Shore, New Zealand ranked best on fuel efficiency.(International Report)
February 20, 2007... North Shore, New Zealand, has been ranked best in the country in a study of fuel-efficient city vehicle fleets conducted by the Green Party. The survey analyzed 4569 cars, vans and SUVs operated by 82 city, district and regional councils...

Sweden voices support for emissions limits.(International Report)
February 20, 2007... Sweden wants an average emissions limit on private cars of 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, Environment Minister Anders Carlgren said last week. Carlgren added that the limit should vary dependent on the size of the car. The...

Winston-Salem to purchase electric vehicles.(Editorials, Asides & Reviews)
February 20, 2007... Winston-Salem, North Carolina city officials have received a $28,800 state grant to help buy four electric vehicles for use by parking-meter readers. The carts will be the first all-electric vehicles in the city's growing fleet of...

SUV association criticizes California emissions law.(Industry Report)
February 21, 2007... The SUV Owners of America last week launched an advertising campaign criticizing California's law that orders the slashing of greenhouse-gas emissions from cars and trucks. The organization called the law misguided, costly and impractical....

Germany to base car taxation on emissions.(International Report)
February 21, 2007... Germany will introduce car taxation based on emissions as in the UK, Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee said last weekend. Currently Germany bases car taxation on engine size. Contact: http://www.eemsonline.co.uk/news/19-02-07_1 ...

Canada car-share group wants government aid.(Communauto)(Brief article)
February 21, 2007... Car-sharing advocates in Canada say they could greatly reduce traffic jams, car accidents and unhealthy gas emissions if only municipal and provincial governments would lend a hand. "We're just asking for their collaboration," Benoit...

EU will raise emissions targets if US does.(International Report)
February 22, 2007... European Union ministers pledged Tuesday to raise their own emissions targets if industrialized countries like the United States made similar efforts. European governments would be ready to cut emissions 30% below 1990 levels by 2020, from...

Spain considers higher taxes for more polluting vehicles.(International Report)
February 22, 2007... Spain's Environment Minister Christina Narbona this week said the country is preparing to increase taxes on more polluting cars. The move would combat emissions of climate warming gases, Narbona said. Contact:...

Researchers develop new methane storage system from corncob waste.(Industry Report)
February 22, 2007... Using corncob waste, US researchers have created carbon briquettes capable of storing natural gas at a density of 180 times their own volume and at one seventh the pressure of conventional natural gas tanks. Announced Tuesday by...

EPA releases draft greenhouse gas inventory.(Industry Report)
February 23, 2007... The US Environmental Protection Agency has released its Draft 2007 Greenhouse Gas Inventory. According to the draft, the transportation sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation accounts for approximately...

Vice president of GM seeks help from NASCAR to promote alternative fuels.(Industry Report)
February 23, 2007... Brent Dewar, vice president of field sales for General Motors, is soliciting NASCAR to help encourage the switch from gasoline to ethanol across the nation. "We would embrace it," said Dewar. "We think it would be great on a lot of fronts,...

UVM using compressed natural gas-fueled buses.(Industry Report)
February 23, 2007... Students at the University of Vermont's campus have been riding since Feb. 16 on two new buses that run on compressed natural gas. The CNG fleet, which will grow to six vehicles by fall 2008, is the result of a partnership between UVM, the...

California senators seek stricter rules on emissions.(Editorials, Asides & Reviews)(greenhouse gas emissions rule)(Brief article)
February 26, 2007... California Senate Democrats last week introduced legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions beyond the global warming law that took effect this year. The package of bills would ban methane releases from garbage dumps, reduce exhaust...

Environmentalists encourage auto center to drop out of emissions lawsuit.(Editorials, Asides & Reviews)
February 26, 2007... Environmental activists in California, including members of the Union of Concerned Scientists, last week delivered dozens of letters to Madera Auto Center, urging it to pull out of a lawsuit that seeks to stop California from enacting new...

German cardinal encourages 'car fast'.(International Report)
February 26, 2007... The head of the Catholic church in Germany last week called on colleagues to give up their cars for Lent to make a personal contribution to preventing climate change. Cardinal Karl Lehmann said in the newspaper Bild that the period of 40...

Scunderi touts air-hybrid technology to meet proposed emissions standards.(Industry Report)(Brief article)
February 27, 2007... In response to the European Union's proposed auto emissions laws, the Scuderi Group is urging European automakers to use its air-hybrid technology that would allow engine manufacturers to comply with the new laws. The Scuderi air-hybrid...

Arizona gets hydrogen fuel cell, zero-emissions bus.(Industry Report)
February 27, 2007... Technology provider ECOtality, Inc. introduced the first hydrogen fuel cell bus to Arizona this week. The ECObus is the result of a partnership with the Arizona Public Service company and will tour the state of Arizona as a "zero-emissions...

Delphi introduces ammonia sensor.(Industry Report)
February 27, 2007... Delphi has developed the world's first automotive ammonia sensor. The new technology will allow direct closed-loop control of the selective catalytic reduction systems used by many diesel vehicles to reduce NOx. By directly measuring...

Delphi injection technologies to support biofuels.(Industry Report)
February 27, 2007... Delphi Corporation has announced plans to make its fuel-handling and injection technologies meet the requirements of vehicle manufacturers for compatibility with high biofuel ratios ahead of market and legislative demand. The company has...

California considers greenhouse gas labels for vehicles.(Industry Report)
February 27, 2007... California is considering labels on new autos to show annual emissions of greenhouse gases including carbon dixoide. The stickers, the first in the nation, are expected to be approved by the California Air Resources Board by June and should...

Thailand eliminates taxes on natural gas vehicles.(International Report)
February 27, 2007... Thailand's government has eliminated taxes on new natural gas vehicles. Exemptions now apply to dedicated natural gas vehicle and engine imports to the country. Imports fueled by natural gas will have the current 30% tariffs...