VW Jetta diesel on sale this summer

Volkswagen unveiled the 2009 Jetta Blue TDI. It is turbo diesel that will go on sale this summer. The new engine debuted in the Tiguan last year in Europe. For U.S. sales, the engine receives a NOx trap to reduce emissions. The Blue TDI system will meet the Bin 5 / Tier 2 emissions in California and can do up to 60 mpg on the highway. The 2.0 liter four cylinder diesel will make 138 horsepower and 236 pound feet of torque.

Source Edmunds

Hybrid sales up 38 percent

R.L. Polk & Co reports that registrations of hybrid vehicles rose 38 percent in 2007 to 350,289. Hybrids make up 2.2 percent of the market but are growing steadily. High gas prices are not the only driver of sales. Consumers have more hybrid choices than ever. In 2007, many brand new hybrids came to market, including the Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, Lexus LS600h, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Mazda Tribute.

Source MSNBC

Diesels can capture 20 percent of U.S. market by 2020

A panel of auto executives predicts that diesel market share can hit 20 percent in the United States by 2020. They also expect hybrids to be 10 percent of the market. The diesel prediction is based on their rapid growth in Europe.

Source AutoWeek

GM targets November 2010 for Chevy Volt sales

GM is aiming to have the Chevy Volt in showrooms by November 2010. The Volt is an electric car with a backup gasoline engine. The gasoline engine will not power the vehicle; it will be a generator that charges the batteries. The Volt can be plugged in to charge the batteries. On a full charge, the Volt will be able to go 40 miles on electric power alone.

Battery testing is continuing around the clock. The testing is designed to simulate 10 years and 150,000 miles of use. The Volt is the top priority project in all of GM. The batteries will be located down the center of the car and under the rear seats. The Volt will be a four seat car with enough headroom for a 6 foot 2 inch male to sit in the front and back.

Source Edmunds

10 gas saving tips

1. Go easy on the accelerator and brakes. Driving like there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal is the best way to improve your fuel economy.
2. Do not accelerate much at high speeds. The engine has to work much harder when you are going more than 55 mph.
3. Use the correct motor oil. Consult the owner’s manual for the proper viscosity for your car.
4. Clean out your trunk and back seat. Any extra weight will hurt your gas mileage.
5. Buy a Scan Gauge. It displays your fuel usage and other information from your car’s computer.
6. Improve your car’s aerodynamics. Removing your roof rack could increase your mileage 2% to 3%.
7. Check your engine air filter. If it is dirty, your engine will work harder and use more fuel.
8. Get your wheels aligned. Your car will roll easier.
9. Keep your tires properly inflated. Under inflated tires can drastically reduce your fuel economy.
10. Keep your engine maintained. A regular tune up will ensure your engine is running efficiently.

Source Forbes