February 8th, 2012
A recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) from 16 scientists and engineers has gotten a lot of attention on our blog and elsewhere. The scientists and engineers basically urged candidates for public office to ignore the growing problem of climate change. But they are far from representative of the scientific and engineering communities. Read More
January 24th, 2012
When I was growing up, we called vehicles like the Honda CRV, the Toyota Rav4, and the Ford Escape “station wagons.” But that’s not very cool today, so instead they are called “crossover” vehicles—a mix between an SUV and a car. Read More
January 20th, 2012
I’m in Philadelphia today, testifying at a public hearing on the recently proposed model year 2017-2025 vehicle greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards. Read More
January 9th, 2012
I’m off by a week, but…Happy New Year! I hope everyone resolved to buy a higher fuel economy or electric car or to find alternatives to driving all the time, because it looks like it could be yet another year of oil and gasoline price spikes, thanks yet again to Middle East security issues. Read More
December 5th, 2011
Fishing is great sport. My dad and I used to go fishing for skipjacks (baby bluefish) off Rocky Point in Rhode Island. It is great for relaxing, for bonding with family and friends, and, if you are both patient and lucky, it can put some good food on the table. Read More
November 16th, 2011
Yes, it is worth repeating. Today is one incredible day for the future of the automobile, public health, America’s oil addiction, and global warming. Read More
October 18th, 2011
BMW of North America recently announced that it is launching a new “all-natural” hand sanitizer and moisturizer called Purif-i. In their press release, the company says that, “The unique collaboration between a natural cosmetics manufacturer and the BMW i mobility brand is an example of how nature and technology can work together and effectively enhance each other.” It goes on to note that, “Purif-i was created for the BMW i generation, a generation always in search of products that not only make life in megacities easier, but also minimize environmental impact. ”
As a parent of a toddler, I’ve got no beef with hand sanitizer, and I know I’m not in BMW’s marketing niche (my wife and I own ten-year-old cars and bike to work about half the time), but come on, seriously? Read More
October 11th, 2011
A number of pieces in the media, including a recent column by long-time Automotive News number-cruncher John K. Teahen Jr., have wrongly claimed that the upcoming 2017-2025 vehicle standards will force consumers into small cars. Read More
October 7th, 2011
Quick question: Which saves more fuel, a 2 mpg increase or a 16 mpg increase? While most people would logically choose the latter, the correct answer is, in fact, “it depends.” Read More
October 6th, 2011
If UCS‘s Hybrid Scorecard is any predictor of the future, then it was only a matter of time for the BMW X6 hybrid to meet its maker. Read More
© 2013
