NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 19, 2006

Eco Drive Indicator
(Graphic: Toyota) Based on a comprehensive determination that takes into consideration such factors as accelerator use, engine and transmission efficiency and speed and rate of acceleration, the EDI, located on the instrument panel, lights up when the vehicle is being operated in a fuel-efficient manner. The company believes this will raise driver awareness toward environmentally sound driving practices and contribute to increased fuel economy. Although results are dependent on the level of traffic and conditions, such as the frequency of starts from stop, acceleration and distances driven, TMC says the EDI unit can help drivers improve their vehicle's fuel efficiency by approximately 4 percent.(Source: Toyota)Honeywell Unveils New 
Dual-Stage Turbo System PARIS (Sept. 28, 2006) - Honeywell debuted the world's first diesel parallel sequential dual-stage turbo system at the 2006 Paris Auto Show. The company says the system will enter the market on four-cylinder engines for PSA Peugeot Citroe[um]n (PSA). The development of the new dual-stage turbo system with PSA began in 2003. Rather than opting for a serial sequential turbocharging configuration - where a smaller high-pressure turbo works in advance of a much larger turbo - PSA and Honeywell selected the parallel sequential arrangement for this engine platform, where two small turbos work side-by-side at high rpm, but only one turbo delivers the torque at low rpm. What makes the parallel sequential dual-stage turbo technology so effective, says Honeywell, is the specially designed progressive control valve that accelerates the second turbo, even when it is idling during the first engine phase. Pressurized air from the first turbo is used to avoid any likelihood of oil leakage. The system also includes a position feedback sensor, which is controlled by the engine control unit. Honeywell says this advance represents a new step in two-stage turbo technology, delivering up to 30 percent more torque over baseline 2.2-liter (L) diesel engines, and improving third-gear acceleration in the 30- to 60-kph range by up to 50 percent. For example, the 2.2L Peugeot HDi diesel engine equipped with the new technology now delivers full torque of 330 Nm at 1,300 rpm and 370 Nm at 1,500 rpm. Honeywell is also developing a serial sequential dual-stage turbo system that it says will provide both parallel sequential and serial sequential solutions. The company expects to introduce this technology in 2007 to provide solutions for OEM needs over all engine types, displacements, performance and emission targets.(Source: Honeywell) Dodge Offers Details on 
New Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine DETROIT (Oct. 13, 2006) - After its launch at theTexas State Fair, Dodge revealed more details regarding the new 6.7L Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine, which will be available this January on 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 models. The 6.7L engine's features include: * Improved performance, reduced emissions and 350 horsepower and 650 ft.-lb. of torque at 1,500 rpm. An electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), which precisely matches boost pressure with the engine's needs, enhances diesel-powered performance and provides lag-free throttle response, says Dodge. The VGT uses an electric valve, 16 fixed vanes and a sliding yoke, providing variable geometry The life-to-major engine overhaul interval is 350,000 miles. * A six-speed 68RFE automatic transmission with Electronic Range Select (ERS) allows customers to select desired gears that match driving conditions. The transmission features a gear ratio spread of 5.16:1, and sixth gear, also known as the second overdrive gear, provides a low rpm at highway speeds to enhance fuel economy. In addition, an added compounder and two clutches provide optimal shift quality, improved quietness and durability, says Dodge. * A factory-installed integrated exhaust brake is designed to improve control when towing heavy applications and provide added control and brake savings by transforming horsepower into braking power. The engine's VGT is capable of creating the maximum exhaust restriction through a wide range of operating speeds, says Dodge, improving braking performance at low and high engine speeds. * The engine is B5 biodiesel-compatible and reduces particulates and nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels to comply with the 50-state 2007 heavy-duty emission standards. A next-generation water-cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system decreases NOx emissions: Air is reintroduced into the intake system, keeping turbo and intercooler components clean, which increases the engine's durability. The exhaust system reduces particulate matter using a self-cleaning Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The muffler is also isolated from the emissions control system - allowing customers to remove the muffler without violating emissions compliance. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles.  * A 50 percent engine noise reduction, and there's a 3 acoustic decibel (dBA) reduction in cabin sound levels. New engine mounts, a constrained-layered oil pan, an intake silencer and an engine-block shield create the quiet cabin environment, says Dodge. In addition, an over-running alternator pulley eliminates sounds generated from the diesel-engine shutdown process, and machined crankshaft counterweights contribute to quiet acceleration. * Standard and optional towing/hauling capabilities include a Class IV hitch receiver with a seven-circuit wiring harness, a 750-amp battery, heavy-duty engine cooling, an auxiliary transmission oil cooler, and trailer-tow mirrors that provide close-up and wide-out views on both sides. Towing capability is 16,400 pounds; payload is 5,020 pounds; and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are 23,000 pounds and 12,200 pounds, respectively. (Source: DaimlerChrysler)DOL Debuts Health Benefits Law Site WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor has established a one-stop Web site, www.dol.gov/elaws/ebsa/health, to assist companies and their workers in better understanding federal health benefit laws that govern private sector health plans. The site guides employers and employees through helpful tools and facts about the laws governing private health plans, which cover an estimated 134 million Americans. The health Web site is part of a larger DOL site, www.dol.gov/ebsa, with comprehensive information about retirement and health benefits. In addition, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has compiled its own small business resource page. The site contains links on legislative and regulatory issues of daily relevance, including taxes, antitrust enforcement, warranties, employment issues, government procurement, environment and small-business financing mechanisms. (Source: SEMA)Europe Outlines Steps to a 
Hydrogen Infrastructure BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (Sept. 29, 2006) - Energy companies Shell Hydrogen B.V. and Total France, along with the vehicle manufacturers BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler AG, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Europe AG, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG and Volkswagen AG announced their joint approach to advance hydrogen as a fuel for road transport in Europe.  Hydrogen and fuel cell technology will bring significant change in the way Europe produces and uses energy. While the public and private sectors have already agreed that "Lighthouse Projects" - integrating all aspects of hydrogen production, distribution and use - are the necessary next step, this group of energy companies and vehicle manufacturers believe that now is the time to move forward. In a common position paper, the companies defined a near- and mid-term action plan to pave the way for hydrogen-based mobility across Europe.  The companies agreed that a joint approach between energy companies and vehicle manufacturers is the means to bridge the gap between the present individual efforts and the future of commercially available hydrogen vehicles, including the required refueling infrastructure. While each company is pursuing its own specific timelines, the group has commonly identified key points over the next decade, comprising continuous technology development and cost reduction, precommercial technology refinement and market preparation, with the commercialization of hydrogen-powered vehicles potentially starting around 2015.  The companies also identified the criteria for implementing these Lighthouse Projects in Europe. A key priority is to concentrate efforts on a focused region for passenger cars, leveraging all resources in order to maximize education. Based on these requirements, the group sees these projects initially rolling out in Berlin for cars and city buses and in additional selected cities and regions for city buses. All lessons learned will be shared across all regions, as will continuing education and outreach. (Source: Shell, DaimlerChrysler)
USPS Expands HFCV Testing IRVINE, CA (Oct. 11, 2006) - With the anticipation of cleaner air, improved energy efficiency and no reliance on imported oil, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has signed an agreement with General Motors to extend for another year hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) testing in the Washington, DC area and to expand the program to the West Coast.  The USPS has more than 37,000 alternative-fuel vehicles in its fleet - the largest in the nation. The agency is currently evaluating other kinds of alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, electricity and a formulation of compressed natural gas and ethanol. For the past two years, the Postal Service has been collecting and analyzing data from GM's hydrogen fuel cell minivan, which has been delivering mail three days a week. Though the technology is still being refined, USPS engineers say that the minivan has held up well to the rigors of stop-and-go driving and cold weather.  (Source: U.S. Postal Service)BP, Shell Agree to Pay $1.5 Million 
in Penalties  WASHINGTON (Oct. 5, 2006) - As part of ongoing efforts to protect public health by improving compliance with the motor vehicle fuels provisions of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reached settlements in September with BP Products North America Inc. and with Motiva Enterprises, LLC and Equilon Enterprises, LLC, doing business as Shell Oil Products U.S. EPA maintains these companies produced and distributed gasoline that failed to meet regulatory requirements under the CAA to reduce air pollutants.  The settlements resolve alleged violations of various fuel standards that occurred from 1999 through 2004 at retail outlets, terminals and refineries located throughout the United States. Some of the violations were self-reported by BP and Shell, while others were discovered through EPA's inspection and compliance programs. BP agreed to pay a civil penalty of $900,000 and Shell agreed to pay a civil penalty of $600,000. The fuel producers also agree to perform extensive remedial efforts - including quality assurance programs and technical changes in processes and equipment - to correct the alleged violations and to prevent the recurrence of similar violations.(Source: EPA)Toyota Hybrid Tax Credits 
Begin Phase Out WASHINGTON (Oct. 13, 2006) - The Internal Revenue Service has announced that Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) has reached the 60,000-vehicle limit for cumulative sales of hybrids. The disclosure follows TMC's quarterly reports up to and including June 2006.  Under the current tax law, the credit for buying a hybrid vehicle begins to phase out during the second calendar quarter after the quarter in which the company sells its 60,000th hybrid or lean-burn technology vehicle. Qualifying Toyota vehicles purchased before Oct. 1, 2006 receive the full credit. The phase-out for credits began on Oct. 1, 2006. For Toyota hybrid vehicles purchased on or after Oct. 1, 2006, and on or before March 31, 2007, the credit is 50 percent of the otherwise allowable credit amount. Taxpayers buying vehicles on or after April 1, 2007, and on or before Sept. 30, 2007, will receive 25 percent of the credit. As of Oct. 1, 2007, no credits will be available. (Source: IRS)Survey: Americans Want 
Alternative Fuel Vehicles  ARLINGTON, VA (Oct. 12, 2006) - The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) survey indicates Americans personally believe that developing alternative fuel sources for cars, trucks, SUVs and buses is very important to them.  "More work needs to be done to give consumers the information they need to make an informed decision the next time they prepare to purchase a new vehicle," says Al Ebron, executive director for the NAFTC. "Our research shows that while 93 percent of Americans believe that developing alternative fuel sources for cars, trucks, buses and SUVs is very important to them, there are still major barriers to overcome for consumers."  These barriers include the number of fueling stations available, the higher cost of the vehicles and the lack of information and knowledge about alternative fuel and advanced-technology vehicles. NAFTC's national survey, conducted by R.L. Repass & Partners, Inc., polled adults age 18 or older regarding their behaviors and views on alternative fuel vehicles. Results show: * Approximately 55 percent said their next vehicle purchase would very likely (16 percent) or somewhat likely (39 percent) be an alternative fuel/advanced technology car, truck or SUV. * Consumers most likely to purchase an alternative fuel/advanced technology vehicle are between the ages of 25 and 34 or 45 and 59. * Respondents would be willing to pay more for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles if they provided the following benefits: better fuel efficiency (89 percent); tax breaks (83 percent); less dependence on foreign oil (80 percent); and less pollution and better health for those around them (80 percent). * About 27 percent said hybrid vehicles are most likely to be a significant alternative to petroleum-based fuel for cars, trucks, SUVs and buses within 20 years. In addition, 22 percent said hydrogen and fuel-cell technology is most likely to be a significant alternative by 2026.(Source: NAFTC)German Automakers Adopting 
BlueTec Technology DETROIT (Oct. 12, 2006) - While DaimlerChrysler will introduce BlueTec emissions technology in the form of the Mercedes-Benz E320, other German automakers will soon follow. The technology is aimed at helping carmakers meet new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards for diesel engines that take effect Jan. 1, 2007. In order to minimize nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, unburned hydrocarbons and fuel consumption, all engines (gas and diesel) have been moving toward leaner fuel-air mixtures. One side effect of this process is extra NOx production. One way to get around that is to expose the exhaust to ammonia, which reduces NOx to water vapor and nitrogen gas.  BlueTec, developed by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch, uses urea injection. Injecting an aqueous urea solution, known as AdBlue, provides the necessary ammonia. The only drawback with the AdBlue solution is the need to replenish the supply periodically. DaimlerChrylser is sharing this technology and recently signed an agreement with Volkswagen and Audi. Currently, BMW is also in discussions to acquire the technology. The three carmakers are all planning to show BlueTec-equipped diesel vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show this December. VW will debut its new Tiguan compact SUV, and Audi will showcase its Q7. BMW will have the diesel version of the new X5, and Mercedes will have the R, ML and GL Class diesels.(Source: GreenCarCongress.com)