Go Go Green Cars

Due to the current turmoil in the auto industry it is complicated and confusing to know where the vehicle market is headed. In 2008 new vehicle sales barely hit the 13 million mark. Sales were 3 million less than in 2007 and the lowest since 1993. The automakers in the US were the hardest hit. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have all experienced dramatic losses in share prices and huge layoffs.

However, there is good news for the consumers in all of this turmoil. The auto industry is making fuel economy their top priority. The automakers have been spurred on by the high gas prices and the need to compete with the Japanese and European auto manufacturers. This has also led to the availability of a wider range of green vehicles to choose from.

Hybrid and small fuel efficient cars are being mass produced. The automakers are also starting to design efficiency technologies into most all of the new vehicles and redesigned models. This year consumers were introduced to the first “clean diesels.” Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and BMW released diesel SUVs and cars that are lower in emissions.

Due to all of the latest technology and innovations, new vehicles produced today contribute less harmful emissions into the environment. The auto manufacturers have introduced a variety of innovative designs to the engines and transmissions. They have also tweaked the body design and are using lighter materials to improve the fuel economy of their vehicles.

Even makers of high performance sports cars, such as Porsche are making improvements in their vehicles to lower fuel consumption. The Porsche 911, which has a direct injection gasoline engine, has reduced fuel consumption by 13%. The auto industry is trying to make vehicles that combine fuel economy with better performance. This is good news for consumers who are in the market for a new vehicle.

Today everyone is becoming more aware of the effects driving has on our environment. This has led to a surge in greener vehicles and there are a variety of types and models available. The green car and the choices available are still in the preliminary stages. Everyday new technology and advancements are being made. It is sometimes confusing if you are looking to buy a eco-friendly car. There are different types of vehicles to choose from and there are also alternative fuel options available.

The hybrid vehicle is the most well know name in eco-friendly cars. The number of choices in types and brands of hybrid vehicles has increased substantially. Most auto manufacturers have recognized the popularity of hybrid vehicles and most of them have started producing a least one line of hybrid cars or SUV’s. The reason for their popularity is that most of them offer great mileage and emit less harmful emissions. They look the same as a conventional vehicle and run on gasoline.

There have also been advancements in alternative fuels besides traditional gasoline. Biodiesel is blend of traditional diesel and vegetable oil. Bio-diesel gives off lower emissions and most every existing diesel engine has the capability of using bio-diesel. It is also possible to switch back and forth between biodiesel and regular diesel. When you are using biodiesel you have to change your oil filter more often.

Ethanol is another fuel choice and is a corn and wheat based fuel additive. Ethanol increases the octane in your fuel while decreasing the emissions. It is also cheaper than traditional gasoline. However, the gas stations that offer ethanol are limited. There has been an increase in the number of places you can find this fuel. As this fuel option catches on it will be more readily available.

Eco-friendly technology and choices are improving every day. The hybrid technology is making it better for our environment and allowing use to save fuel at the same time.