NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF
JUNE 29, 2006EPA Sets Final Rule for Federal TRI Reporting Requirements WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a final rule amending federal regulations to include the use of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for the toxics release inventory (TRI) reporting requirement. Under the new rule, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes will remain in the rules as a basis for identifying facilities subject to TRI requirements along with the new NAIC codes. However, in future years, NAICS codes will be the only economic classification codes that will be used for TRI reporting forms. The final rule will impact industries and federal facilities that have 10 or more full-time employees; that manufacture, process or otherwise use toxic TRI listed chemicals; and that are required under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the Pollution Prevention Act to report annually to EPA and states their environmental releases and other waste management quantities of chemicals. Facilities will be required to report NAICS codes beginning with TRI reporting forms that are due July 1, 2007, covering releases and other waste management quantities for the 2006 calendar year. The final rule also extends an exemption provided to owners of covered facilities who lease, with no other business interest in such facilities, to operators of establishments subject to TRI requirements. For more information on EPA's final rule, contact Judith Kendall in EPA's Toxics Release Program Division at 202-566-0750 or via e-mail. (Source: MEMA)CA 'Car Buyer's Bill Of Rights'
Goes Into Effect July 1 SACRAMENTO, CA (June 26, 2006) - Effective this coming July 1, consumers shopping for new and used cars in California will benefit from the first in the nation "Car Buyer's Bill of Rights." The California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA) joined a broad array of consumer groups in supporting the legislation, which was passed and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger last year. In addition, CMCDA sponsored compliance seminars for thousands of dealership employees, so that dealers are ready to implement this law beginning next month. Some of the consumer benefits among the new law include:* A side-by-side comparison of monthly payment terms with and without the inclusion of certain products and services such as service contracts, anti-theft devices, surface protection products, debt cancellation or "GAP," and insurance.* The right to purchase an optional two-day contract cancellation option on used vehicles priced below $40,000.* A copy of their credit score obtained from a credit bureau.* Standards for "certified" used cars, a first in the nation. To review the legislation, click here.(Source: CDMCA)B20 Biodiesel Blend Specs Announced CHICAGO (June 16, 2006) - "We cannot just assume that biodiesel is better. We have to know that a biodiesel blend fuel meets all engine requirements and its use results in equivalent performance and emissions," says Jed Mandel, president of the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). Today's diesel engines are 90 percent cleaner and also are more fuel efficient than those used just a decade ago, adds Mandel, and on-highway engines slated for introduction in 2007 will reduce particulate and hydrocarbon emissions by another 90 percent. Engine manufacturers need assurance that biodiesel blends are an acceptable fuel and that their use in state-of-the-art engines does not have a negative impact on performance, durability or the ability to meet near-zero emissions limit set by the U.S. Environemental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). To that end, EMA has published "Test Specifications For Biodiesel Fuel" to facilitate testing and evaluation of how blended biodiesel fuels perform in today's clean-burning diesel engines. The specifications were developed with an eye to the properties and characteristics that engine manufacturers believe are necessary to ensure good performance, as well as incorporating technical requirements that can be used to assess the effects on engine performance, durability and emissions. Copies of the
"Test Specifications for Biodiesel Fuel" can be found on the EMA Web site.The group also established a baseline B20 biodiesel blend (20 percent biodiesel) that can be used for further testing and evaluation. Although EMA specifications are not a nationally approved fuel standard and should not be considered as such, the specifications provide a first step toward that benchmark using diesel engine manufacturers' input. "Engine manufacturers recognize that federal and state policy makers are evaluating the potential energy and air quality benefits that may be associated with the expanded use of high-quality biodiesel fuel blends," says Mandell. "However, before the nation moves to increase the biodiesel content of the diesel fuel supply, engine manufacturers and biodiesel producers must fully evaluate biodiesel fuels. The development of a test specification for a blended fuel with 20 percent biodiesel content is intended to jump-start the testing and evaluation process." (Source: EMA)
GM Gives Brits Panoramic View
JUNE 29, 2006EPA Sets Final Rule for Federal TRI Reporting Requirements WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a final rule amending federal regulations to include the use of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for the toxics release inventory (TRI) reporting requirement. Under the new rule, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes will remain in the rules as a basis for identifying facilities subject to TRI requirements along with the new NAIC codes. However, in future years, NAICS codes will be the only economic classification codes that will be used for TRI reporting forms. The final rule will impact industries and federal facilities that have 10 or more full-time employees; that manufacture, process or otherwise use toxic TRI listed chemicals; and that are required under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the Pollution Prevention Act to report annually to EPA and states their environmental releases and other waste management quantities of chemicals. Facilities will be required to report NAICS codes beginning with TRI reporting forms that are due July 1, 2007, covering releases and other waste management quantities for the 2006 calendar year. The final rule also extends an exemption provided to owners of covered facilities who lease, with no other business interest in such facilities, to operators of establishments subject to TRI requirements. For more information on EPA's final rule, contact Judith Kendall in EPA's Toxics Release Program Division at 202-566-0750 or via e-mail. (Source: MEMA)CA 'Car Buyer's Bill Of Rights'
Goes Into Effect July 1 SACRAMENTO, CA (June 26, 2006) - Effective this coming July 1, consumers shopping for new and used cars in California will benefit from the first in the nation "Car Buyer's Bill of Rights." The California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA) joined a broad array of consumer groups in supporting the legislation, which was passed and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger last year. In addition, CMCDA sponsored compliance seminars for thousands of dealership employees, so that dealers are ready to implement this law beginning next month. Some of the consumer benefits among the new law include:* A side-by-side comparison of monthly payment terms with and without the inclusion of certain products and services such as service contracts, anti-theft devices, surface protection products, debt cancellation or "GAP," and insurance.* The right to purchase an optional two-day contract cancellation option on used vehicles priced below $40,000.* A copy of their credit score obtained from a credit bureau.* Standards for "certified" used cars, a first in the nation. To review the legislation, click here.(Source: CDMCA)B20 Biodiesel Blend Specs Announced CHICAGO (June 16, 2006) - "We cannot just assume that biodiesel is better. We have to know that a biodiesel blend fuel meets all engine requirements and its use results in equivalent performance and emissions," says Jed Mandel, president of the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). Today's diesel engines are 90 percent cleaner and also are more fuel efficient than those used just a decade ago, adds Mandel, and on-highway engines slated for introduction in 2007 will reduce particulate and hydrocarbon emissions by another 90 percent. Engine manufacturers need assurance that biodiesel blends are an acceptable fuel and that their use in state-of-the-art engines does not have a negative impact on performance, durability or the ability to meet near-zero emissions limit set by the U.S. Environemental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). To that end, EMA has published "Test Specifications For Biodiesel Fuel" to facilitate testing and evaluation of how blended biodiesel fuels perform in today's clean-burning diesel engines. The specifications were developed with an eye to the properties and characteristics that engine manufacturers believe are necessary to ensure good performance, as well as incorporating technical requirements that can be used to assess the effects on engine performance, durability and emissions. Copies of the
"Test Specifications for Biodiesel Fuel" can be found on the EMA Web site.The group also established a baseline B20 biodiesel blend (20 percent biodiesel) that can be used for further testing and evaluation. Although EMA specifications are not a nationally approved fuel standard and should not be considered as such, the specifications provide a first step toward that benchmark using diesel engine manufacturers' input. "Engine manufacturers recognize that federal and state policy makers are evaluating the potential energy and air quality benefits that may be associated with the expanded use of high-quality biodiesel fuel blends," says Mandell. "However, before the nation moves to increase the biodiesel content of the diesel fuel supply, engine manufacturers and biodiesel producers must fully evaluate biodiesel fuels. The development of a test specification for a blended fuel with 20 percent biodiesel content is intended to jump-start the testing and evaluation process." (Source: EMA)
GM Gives Brits Panoramic View
The GM 2007 Vauxhall Astra with its panoramic
roof.
(Photo: GM Europe) DETROIT (June 25, 2006) - General Motors (GM) has introduced an innovative vehicle option on its British Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch: the Panoramic Windshield. The windshield/roof concept promotes a completely new driving experience, says GM, but provides the same structural stiffness as the base car. Made of heat-absorbing glass, the windshield extends over and backwards past the driver's head and features a non-parallel guided sun-shading system with integrated sun visors. When more shade is desired, a power blind slides forward. The windshield is offered as a $1,600 option. GM says it plans to make the option available to other models in the future. (Source: GM)Audi Diesel Triumphs At Le Mans LE MANS, FRANCE (June 18, 2005) - Audi AG's R10 TDI turbodiesel has parlayed its win at the Sebring 12-hour race with a convincing triumph in the Le Mans 24-Hour race. The R10 TDI became the first diesel car to win this tough endurance car race; it also was Audi's sixth Le Mans win in seven years.
Le Mans-winning Audi R10 TDI.
(Photo: Audi) The Audi R10 TDI is a technical tour de force - a Honeywell twin-turbo, direct-injection, all-aluminum V12 displacing a modest 5.5 liters. While the engine's 650 horsepower is impressive, the torque output is astronomical at 811 lb.-ft. During the race, one of the R10 cars held the lead for the entire 24-hour race. In addition to achieving the fastest lap time, the R10 also set a new total distance record, the mark for most laps on one tank of fuel. In addition, many fans noted that the racecar operated much more quietly than the gasoline-powered vehicles. The next challenge for the diesel racecar will from Team Audi Sport North America, which will employ a pair of R10s while vying for the championship title in the American Le Mans Series.(Source: Audi)'Tag And Track' Trumps
High-Speed Pursuits VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (June 26, 2006) - Law enforcement experts estimate that more than 100,000 high-speed police pursuits occur in the United States each year; however, no federal agency tracks these statistics, making the actual number unknown. Of those pursuits known, more than 70 percent end within 10 minutes, but the safety risks to policemen, other drivers and pedestrians are extremely dangerous in any case. In addition, should the chase need to be called off, tracking down a suspect driver or vehicle can be next to impossible. New technology available today is providing a much safer option, as high-speed pursuits yield to interdiction. The Starchase LLC "Tagging and Tracking" system provides police with real-time technology that vastly reduces risks, the company says, while increasing the chances of tracking down and capturing the offending drivers in a safer manner. The system is comprised of a tracking projectile with a miniaturized golf ball-sized GPS receiver, radio transmitter, power supply and a launcher which can be handheld or mounted on a police car. Using the launcher, suspect vehicles can be tagged when pulled over or early in chases at lower speeds. Once the fleeing suspect's car has been tagged, its exact position is transmitted via wireless modem, allowing the dispatch center and equipped police cars to track the suspect vehicle in real-time. This system is a heavily encrypted, scalable Web-based interface that requires no special hardware, says StarChase. It is also compatible with existing CAD and AVL systems, has proven admissible in courts as evidence and preserves the chain of evidence, adds the company. In addition, it provides the law enforcement communityan alternative pursuit method this is effective, efficient and reduces a municipality's exposure to liability. In short, it saves time, money and, most importantly, lives. A video demonstration of the new interdiction tool can be viewed online by clicking here.
(Source: Starchase) Chrysler Introduces
New V6 Diesel Engine
(Photo: Audi) The Audi R10 TDI is a technical tour de force - a Honeywell twin-turbo, direct-injection, all-aluminum V12 displacing a modest 5.5 liters. While the engine's 650 horsepower is impressive, the torque output is astronomical at 811 lb.-ft. During the race, one of the R10 cars held the lead for the entire 24-hour race. In addition to achieving the fastest lap time, the R10 also set a new total distance record, the mark for most laps on one tank of fuel. In addition, many fans noted that the racecar operated much more quietly than the gasoline-powered vehicles. The next challenge for the diesel racecar will from Team Audi Sport North America, which will employ a pair of R10s while vying for the championship title in the American Le Mans Series.(Source: Audi)'Tag And Track' Trumps
High-Speed Pursuits VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (June 26, 2006) - Law enforcement experts estimate that more than 100,000 high-speed police pursuits occur in the United States each year; however, no federal agency tracks these statistics, making the actual number unknown. Of those pursuits known, more than 70 percent end within 10 minutes, but the safety risks to policemen, other drivers and pedestrians are extremely dangerous in any case. In addition, should the chase need to be called off, tracking down a suspect driver or vehicle can be next to impossible. New technology available today is providing a much safer option, as high-speed pursuits yield to interdiction. The Starchase LLC "Tagging and Tracking" system provides police with real-time technology that vastly reduces risks, the company says, while increasing the chances of tracking down and capturing the offending drivers in a safer manner. The system is comprised of a tracking projectile with a miniaturized golf ball-sized GPS receiver, radio transmitter, power supply and a launcher which can be handheld or mounted on a police car. Using the launcher, suspect vehicles can be tagged when pulled over or early in chases at lower speeds. Once the fleeing suspect's car has been tagged, its exact position is transmitted via wireless modem, allowing the dispatch center and equipped police cars to track the suspect vehicle in real-time. This system is a heavily encrypted, scalable Web-based interface that requires no special hardware, says StarChase. It is also compatible with existing CAD and AVL systems, has proven admissible in courts as evidence and preserves the chain of evidence, adds the company. In addition, it provides the law enforcement communityan alternative pursuit method this is effective, efficient and reduces a municipality's exposure to liability. In short, it saves time, money and, most importantly, lives. A video demonstration of the new interdiction tool can be viewed online by clicking here.
(Source: Starchase) Chrysler Introduces
New V6 Diesel Engine
Chrysler's 3.0L V6 diesel engine (top) will
debut in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
(Photos: DaimlerChrysler) AUBURN HILLS, MI (June 25, 2006) - Chrysler has announced that it will debut a new 3.0-liter turbo common rail diesel (CRD) in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. With more torque than most eight-cylinder engines, equal acceleration and the fuel economy of a small six-cylinder gasoline engine, the Mercedes-built 3L CRD is designed to provide up to 30 percent improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance, says the automaker. The engine produces 215 hp (160 kw) at 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, and 376 lb.-ft. of torque (510 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. Built in Berlin, the new engine includes enhancements to the mechanical system and airflow dynamics, as well as to the electronic engine management and emissions control. The common rail direct-injection system has been refined, achieving greater progress in fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and combustion noise, adds Chrysler. Newly developed piezo injectors operate more rapidly than the previous solenoid injectors, ensuring a precisely metered fuel supply to the cylinders. Piezo injectors are controlled for load and engine speed. Five injections per power stroke are now possible at a peak pressure of up to 24,000 psi. Electrically actuated intake-port swirl valves modifies the turbulence of the intake air as it enters the cylinders, optimizing the combustion process with the aim of further reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The new electronic control unit (ECU) manages all the engine functions - from the quick-start glow system and automatic start function to control of the high-pressure fuel pump. The turbocharger, a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT) with electrically adjustable blades, acts like a small turbocharger under launch conditions, but has the desirable characteristics of a larger turbocharger at higher engine speeds. "The 3.0-liter CRD is an efficient, smooth-running, clean engine that delivers performance and fuel efficiency," said Bob Lee, vice president, Powertrain Product Team, Chrysler Group. "Advanced diesel technology has improved over the last several years; engines are quieter and cleaner due to electronic controls, higher fuel pressures and improved after-treatment systems."(Source: DaimlerChrysler)College Offers Free Hybrid Training To First Responders
(Photos: DaimlerChrysler) AUBURN HILLS, MI (June 25, 2006) - Chrysler has announced that it will debut a new 3.0-liter turbo common rail diesel (CRD) in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. With more torque than most eight-cylinder engines, equal acceleration and the fuel economy of a small six-cylinder gasoline engine, the Mercedes-built 3L CRD is designed to provide up to 30 percent improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance, says the automaker. The engine produces 215 hp (160 kw) at 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, and 376 lb.-ft. of torque (510 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. Built in Berlin, the new engine includes enhancements to the mechanical system and airflow dynamics, as well as to the electronic engine management and emissions control. The common rail direct-injection system has been refined, achieving greater progress in fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and combustion noise, adds Chrysler. Newly developed piezo injectors operate more rapidly than the previous solenoid injectors, ensuring a precisely metered fuel supply to the cylinders. Piezo injectors are controlled for load and engine speed. Five injections per power stroke are now possible at a peak pressure of up to 24,000 psi. Electrically actuated intake-port swirl valves modifies the turbulence of the intake air as it enters the cylinders, optimizing the combustion process with the aim of further reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The new electronic control unit (ECU) manages all the engine functions - from the quick-start glow system and automatic start function to control of the high-pressure fuel pump. The turbocharger, a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT) with electrically adjustable blades, acts like a small turbocharger under launch conditions, but has the desirable characteristics of a larger turbocharger at higher engine speeds. "The 3.0-liter CRD is an efficient, smooth-running, clean engine that delivers performance and fuel efficiency," said Bob Lee, vice president, Powertrain Product Team, Chrysler Group. "Advanced diesel technology has improved over the last several years; engines are quieter and cleaner due to electronic controls, higher fuel pressures and improved after-treatment systems."(Source: DaimlerChrysler)College Offers Free Hybrid Training To First Responders
Shown working with one of Camden County College's (NJ) Automotive Technology Program's demonstration vehicles are, from left, CCC instructor Mike Capelli of Woodbury, NJ; CCC program director Tony Marchetti of Clementon, NJ; and Toyota TMS instructor Vince Luppino of Warrington, PA.
(Photo: Camden County College)
(Photo: Camden County College)
BLACKWOOD, NJ - Camden County College's (NJ) Automotive Technology Program announced it will offer area emergency services personnel free specialized training in dealing with hybrid automobiles.
Because of possible electrocution hazards, firefighters and other first responders must learn special techniques to handle accident scenes involving electric/gasoline hybrid cars and trucks. The college says it has already has trained numerous personnel from throughout the county and is extending the offer to personnel in Gloucester County, NJ. For more information, contact the program's director Tony Marchetti at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4317, or
via e-mail.
(Source: Camden County
College)
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