That '70s auto show: Fuel economy is back

[HuckleB]

That '70s auto show: Fuel economy is back

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0111/p03s01-ussc.html?s=u

" In an era of rising gas prices and, perhaps more particularly, war in the Middle East, words not heard in decades are peppering Detroit. Words like "efficiency" and "responsibility."

Automakers from across the globe are bragging about fuel economy, rolling out a raft of new gas-electric hybrid vehicles, and touting future autos that run on hydrogen, diesel fuel - even soy beans.

...

Eight years after Toyota launched the first hybrid car in Japan, it's traditional Detroit automakers who are trumpeting their hybrid plans and technology in nearly every presentation.

"The auto industry has a responsibility to improve emissions and fuel consumption of its cars," Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors Corp., told a gathering here. "We want to take the automobile out of the environmental equation. This will revolutionize the industry."

..."

[B3Nut]

1. Good old Detroit...

A day late and a dollar short, as always...Japan is way ahead of the curve on this one. Hopefully they'll come up to speed. The hybrid Ford Escape looks promising, though...I'd like something efficient but with decent capacity for schlepping gear to gigs...after all, under Bush there's plenty of reason to play the blues! ;)

TP

[HuckleB]

2. Late on everything, indeed.

The problem with the Escape,isn't just the lack of space, but the lack of safety. The safety ratings on that rig are terrible. Might as well keep riding the old bike, if I'm going to face those risks.

[LeftyMom]

4. It's only rated for 31 mpg highway

according to Edmonds. The regular Escape gets 29.

The Subaru Forester is the safest small SUV out there and gets the same highway milage as the hybrid Escape (which used a Honda engine, BTW.)

[HuckleB]

3. But not at DU?