Car Blog

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is America’s most fuel-efficient sedan and may be the highest-quality hybrid based on hundreds of millions of worry-free miles its owners have traveled.

Ford’s hybrid taxi fleet has logged more than 80 million miles in California alone during the past decade – more than quadruple the number of miles logged by Toyota’s Prius lineup. Yet, among the nearly 43 million battery cells Ford has tested or seen put to work in customer vehicles, only five issues have been documented.

This impressive quality record has surprised taxi operators who expected to experience more issues as they led the adoption of Ford’s patented hybrid technology. The Fusion Hybrid, which a leading consumer magazine rated America’s most reliable sedan of any hybrid or conventional model, also has taken hold with customers who give it a 91 percent “overall vehicle quality” score compared to 80 and 71 percent for the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids, respectively.

The Fusion Hybrid’s success is affirmed by the 2010 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) report that tracks initial quality and was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Read the rest of this entry »

The newest entrant in a growing Prius family of hybrid vehicles, the Prius v delivers an unparalleled blend of versatility and fuel efficiency in a comfortable, mid-size package.  A new evolution in hybrid vehicles with excellent cargo space and Prius’ heritage of environmental performance and fuel economy, the 2012 Prius v will go on sale in Fall 2011.

The new Prius v, with “v” expressing the vehicle’s versatility, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA.  Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Prius v will deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined.

“The Prius v brings leading-edge hybrid technology to customers who need more room and provides more cargo space than 80 percent of all small SUVs,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. “And because it’s a Prius, it produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle and will have the best mileage ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon sold in America.  We think that’s a win-win for everybody.”

The Prius v will be utilizing the same proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the third-generation Prius, with the advantages of high mileage, low emissions, and never needing to be recharged.

A product of the same culture of innovation that spawned the original Prius 14 years and two-million units ago, the Prius v follows family tradition with new technologies and equipment advances that continues to raise the bar on the cutting edge automotive science. Read the rest of this entry »

With a stunning design, roomy interior, class-leading fuel efficiency and a starting price of $26,500, the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) first hybrid vehicle in the U.S. – will attract those looking for a stylish and well-appointed sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency.  Set to hit showrooms in June(5), the Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations, including advanced lithium polymer batteries from LG Chem, to deliver up to 35 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

“Since arriving in showrooms in late 2010, the all-new Optima’s combination of stylish design, upscale features and remarkable safety have attracted new customers to the Kia brand, and with gas prices continuing to rise the arrival of our first hybrid model will continue our unprecedented growth and momentum,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.  ”With a starting price under $27,000, the Optima Hybrid provides fuel-conscious shoppers with an outstanding value proposition by being priced below nearly all midsize hybrid competitors and delivering class-leading fuel economy along with head-turning style and advanced technologies.”

The 2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

In addition to offering consumers class-leading fuel economy, the 2011 Optima Hybrid also delivers high levels of style, comfort and refinement.  Available in two configurations, all Optima Hybrids offer several unique features, including front grille design, 16-inch alloy wheel design, headlamp design, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills and LED tail lamp design.

Priced at $26,500, the Optima Hybrid adds to the extensive list of standard convenience features and stylish appointments found on the well-equipped Optima LX A/T trim with features such as:  eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, one-touch automatic up/down on front windows, chrome interior door handles, glove box illumination, rear reading lamps, and fixed rear seats with ski pass-through.  The Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), standard on the Optima Hybrid, plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.

The Optima Hybrid is the first Kia vehicle to offer the company’s proprietary UVO powered by Microsoft® hands-free, voice-activated infotainment and communications system which is paired with the AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system and features a rear-view camera, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(6), auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players(7) and Bluetooth®(8) wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls.  Based on Windows Embedded Auto Software, UVO is an easy-to-use hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

Consumers who select the Optima Hybrid with the available Hybrid Premium Technology Package, priced at $5,000, will enjoy additional comfort and convenience features, including:  panoramic sunroof, unique 17-inch alloy wheel design, four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink™ and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and SIRIUS Traffic™(9), and an eight-speaker Infinity®(10) audio system (these available features replace the UVO system).

Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Optima Hybrid is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including six airbags(11) (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

The 2011 Optima Hybrid is covered by KMA’s warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

(1) Based on preliminary test results of 35/40 MPG (city/highway) by Kia Motors Corporation.  Actual mileage may vary.
(2) Starting price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for lowest trim level.  MSRPs exclude $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges.  Actual prices set by dealer may vary.
(3) MPG claim for 2011 Optima Hybrid.  Class-leading MPG claim based on comparisons to 2011 midsize hybrids as of May 2011 and available 2011 EPA city/hwy MPG estimates for midsize hybrid competitors.  Actual mileage may vary.
(4) Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
(5) Initially only available in certain states with limited availability.
(6) SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio requires a subscription, sold separately Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).
(7) Optional Kia accessory cable required for iPod® mobile digital device connectivity; both sold separately.
(8) A compatible Bluetooth® wireless technology-enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners
(9) SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Traffic requires a subscription, sold separately after three-month trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).
(10) Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
(11) For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt.

Petrol-powered company cars could almost be obsolete in 10 years, according to a new study by Lex Autolease with 300 finance chiefs and company car drivers.

Two exclusive surveys, conducted for the UK’s largest leasing company, reveal that early adopters of hybrid and electric vehicles could sound the death knell for petrol.

Less than 5% of both groups polled believe that petrol cars, once the staple choice of business drivers, will outsell other fuel types in a decade’s time. In contrast, 8 out of 10 business drivers (78%) and two thirds of FDs (65%) are confident that hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs) will become the most popular company car choice.

Chris Chandler, principle consultant at Lex Autolease, says: “Diesel has already overtaken petrol as the fuel of choice in the fleet sector, which is renowned for being an early adopter of new vehicle technologies. But, clearly, there is an expectation that the move away from petrol will accelerate as hybrids and EVs now begin to attract greater market share.

“10 years is less than three company cars away for most business drivers, so these options are being looked at by finance chiefs and drivers with a greater degree of seriousness than many believed, even within the industry. Employees are readied for change and the business benefits are becoming more and more apparent to financial stakeholders too.” Read the rest of this entry »

Lincoln’s new MKZ Hybrid – the most fuel-efficient luxury car in America – will be a standout in the marketplace for another unique distinction when it goes on sale this fall: It will be priced the same as its conventional gas sibling.

“Lincoln is about delivering luxury standard,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford and Lincoln Marketing. “Whether it’s our new MKX with standard MyLincoln Touch(TM) technology or the no-cost choice of a gas or hybrid powertrain with the Lincoln MKZ, we want to give customers premium amenities with unexpected value.”

When the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid goes on sale this fall, it will have an MSRP starting at $35,180, including destination and delivery. The pricing is identical to the 2011 Lincoln MKZ gas model and below the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, the MKZ Hybrid’s nearest competitor.

Lincoln is the first automaker to offer luxury customers a premium hybrid vehicle with an MSRP that matches its conventional gas sibling.

The decision to offer the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and gas models at the same price point is another example of the Lincoln brand’s philosophy of bringing luxury standard to customers. From standout product design, and class-leading technology and powertrains that deliver top performance and fuel efficiency, Lincoln is changing the game in the luxury market. Read the rest of this entry »

World’s Only Hybrid Pickup Provides Unique Environmental Solution for Fleet Customers

As part of the greening of its fleet, Verizon has purchased 576 Chevrolet Silverado Two-Mode Hybrid full-size pickups that deliver the city fuel economy of a four-cylinder sedan.

The unique two-mode Silverado blends an internal combustion engine with battery-powered electric motors to offer customers the advanced technology needed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent over a conventional full-size pickup — an EPA estimated 21 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, best of any full-size pickup.

“When Verizon first approached us about environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles for their urban drivers, we knew the Silverado Hybrid was the perfect fit because of its outstanding city and highway MPG ratings,” said Brian Small, GM Fleet and Commercial Operation general manager. “Immediately the team went to work to meet Verizon’s ambitious July delivery deadline.”

GM’s two-mode system enables the Silverado to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, and allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods. This technology is the only hybrid system capable of being used in full-size trucks, which further emphasizes Chevrolet’s full-size truck leadership.

“A major part of our sustainability strategy is to make smart use of lower-carbon alternatives to power our fleet and the operation of our high-IQ broadband networks,” said James Gowen, chief sustainability officer for Verizon. “By adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to our fleet this year we’re conserving fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in communities across the country.”

Committed to finding practical and innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its global operations, Verizon launched a comprehensive sustainability program earlier this year. The program expanded the number of alternative energy vehicles in their fleet – one part of a multi-pronged approach. Additionally, in their commitment to doing business with diverse suppliers, the company placed the order for the 576 hybrid pickups, with Fairway Motors, a woman-owned Chevrolet dealership in Hazelton, Penn.

The pickups, to be deployed in urban areas in various Verizon’s markets, is powered by the standard Vortec 6.0L V8 engine delivering 332 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft of torque, it has a payload of 6,100 lbs. (2WD) or 5,900 lbs. (4×4). The vehicle also comes with an eight-year/100,000 mile limited warranty on hybrid components and a five-year/100,000 transferable powertrain limited warranty.

To further capitalize on the Silverado Hybrid’s fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Verizon collaborated with BrandFX Body Company and GM to develop the light-weight fiberglass insert to be installed in the truck’s bed. The composite insert, the lightest weatherproof container on the market, will house Verizon’s service equipment, such as ladders, wiring, connectors and television set boxes.

“We have a long history with Verizon and it’s always our pleasure to work with OEMs to provide the most fuel-efficient composite products for automotive applications,” said Lee Finley, BrandFX Body Company co-owner.

For more information on the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, and to see the full lineup of GM Fleet and Commercial vehicles, visit gmfleet.com.