The four-cylinder Ford Fusion S is now certified at 34 mpg highway and 23 mpg in the city, topping the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. And what’s even more surprising is that the entry-level 2010 Ford Fusion S is powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec mated to a fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission. I didn’t expect it have a six speed automatic.

The Ford Fusion I-4 now joins the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid, which has been at the top of the mpg tables for some period of time now.

Ford has announced that the new four-cylinder Ford Fusion S has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city — beating both the gasoline-powered Camry and Honda Accord models. The news follows certification of the Ford Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

The 2010 Ford Fusion fuel economy certification was conducted at Ford’s testing laboratories in Allen Park, Michigan. The Ford Fusion S and the base-level Mercury Milan, both powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec 4-cylinder engine mated to a fuel efficient six-speed automatic transmission, will carry an EPA label of 34 mpg for highway driving and 23 mpg in the city when they go on sale this spring.

Ford has recently announced pricing for the new 2010 Fusion. The fuel-economy leading Fusion S with the six-speed automatic transmission features a base price of $20,870, plus destination and delivery charges.

Fusion also offers more engine choice than Camry and Accord, with two V-6 engine options — the 240-horsepower 3.0-liter flex-fuel V-6 and the 263-horsepower 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 engine. The 3.0-liter V-6 models start at $23,760.

The base price of the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is $27,270.

Here’s ten tips from Ford (NYSE:F) to help drivers conserve fuel and save money at the pump, while at the same time helping the environment and improving traffic safety.

1. Slow down and watch speed– Drive 55 miles per hour instead of 65 to save fuel. EPA estimates a 10-15 percent improvement in fuel economy by following this tip. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speeds and conserve fuel.

2. Accelerate and brake smoothly — Accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the car components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.

3. No idling — Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.

4. Check your tires — Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended tire pressure. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3-4 percent. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Check the vehicle’s door-post sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure.

5. Be kind to your vehicle — Maintain proper engine tune-up to keep vehicles running efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other waste fuel. Replace air filters as recommended. Use a fuel with good detergent additives to keep the vehicle engine clean and performing efficiently. Always consult the Owner’s Manual for proper maintenance.

6. Travel light — Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. The added frontal area reduces aerodynamics and will hurt fuel economy, reducing it by as much as 5 percent. Remove excess weight from the vehicle. Unnecessary weight, such as unneeded items in the trunk, makes the engine work harder and consumes more fuel.

7. Minimize use of heater and air conditioning — Use heating and air conditioning selectively to reduce the load on the engine. Decreasing your usage of the air conditioner when temperatures are above 80 degrees can help you save 10-15 percent of fuel. Use the vent setting as much as possible. Park in the shade to keep car cool and reduce the need for air conditioning.

8. Close windows at high speeds — Don’t drive with the windows open unless your keep your speed under 50 mph. Driving with the windows open at highways speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy.

9. Choose the right oil — Use good quality, energy-conserving EC oils with the viscosity grade recommended in the Owner’s Manual. Look for cans marked with the symbol ECII, which is the American Society of Testing Materials logo for fuel-efficient oils.

10. Consolidate trips — Plan ahead to consolidate your trips. This will enable you to bypass congested routes, lead to less idling, fewer start-ups and less stop-and-go traffic. Whenever feasible, share a ride and/or carpool.

For additional information on how to save on gas, Ford has assembled an “Eco-driving module.” To test your knowledge or learn more, visit the Driving Skills for Life web site and click on the “Eco-driving” module.

The simple answer is yes!!

Carbon Dioxide is the main greenhouse gas and the low carbon content of LPG compared with petrol helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being produced by vehicles which could have a huge benefit in the quality of air in built up urban areas throughout the UK. LPG fuel also burns a lot cleaner than petrol thus reducing the amount of pollution entering our environment. The table below from Autogasscotland.com shows the comparisons in the levels of pollution produced by petrol and diesel cars compared with LPG. Showing that converting to LPG can have a beneficial effect on the environment.

The Major of London has introduced congestion charge schemes in London and there are plans to introduce these zones across the UK in a bid to reduce pollution. By charging car owners a congestion charge to enter these zones the hope is to reduce the amount of vehicles on the road and thus reduce pollution. The major benefit of converting to LPG is that all LPG vehicles are immune from these charges which can create great savings for those who are entering these zones on a regular basis. LPG is the greener option and those people driving LPG cars will see benefits not only in fuel economy and savings but they will be helping the environment at the same time.

In addition, there are a lot of discussions about road charging schemes that would incorporate car emissions.

This Article was written by Daniel Muir for Fuelture Ltd. Fuelture Ltd is a UK based alternative fuel company with a national LPG conversion service. Fuelture Ltd aspires to build a unique network of state-of-the-art LPG Stations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Muir
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-LPG-Better-For-The-Enviroment?&id=497269

Improving your car’s fuel economy can save you about $200 up to $1,500 in fuel costs every year, according to fueleconomy.gov. Not only that, improving fuel economy or just by saving gas contributes to reduce the carbon monoxide and other harmful exhaust emissions entering the air, conserve the country’s resources on non-renewable fuel, and can also extend your car’s gas mileage. In regards with this, vehicle owners should follow these effective guides on how to improve their fuel economy.

Firstly, you should buy the lowest grade of gasoline that is appropriate for your car, unless you own a vehicle that requires premium gasoline on its fuel tank. Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil for your vehicle model also improve gas mileage by about 1 to 2 percent. In addition, you can also improve fuel economy by keeping your tires inflated by following the required tire pressure by the manufacturer. Furthermore, one simple way to improve gas mileage is to tighten up your fuel gas cap or replace it if it is damaged. Because fuel like gasoline is a volatile substance, it can evaporate from your vehicle’s fuel tank and gradually waste a large amount of fuel. Always make sure to tighten your vehicle’s gas cap like Jeep fuel tank cap when refueling before leaving the station.

When driving, make sure to drive more efficiently and consistently by avoiding speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking. These actions lower your gas mileage and pose more risk for vehicle accidents. Remove excess weight on your car by leaving unnecessary stuff that you wont be needing when heading on the road. Research shows that every 100 lbs of excess weight in your car can lower your mileage by about 2 percent. Avoiding excessive idling is also an effective way to increase fuel economy as well as using cruise control when driving on highways if your car is equipped with one. The use of cruise control can help you maintain your speed and improve fuel economy.

Keeping your car healthy is indeed one of the best ways to improve fuel economy. Checking your car for maintenance not only improves fuel economy but it also ensures your driving safety when hitting the road for a nice drift. You should keep an eye on your engine’s air filters regularly. The air filter functions to trap dirt particles that can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, and pistons. Driving with a clogged or dirty air filter restricts the air to enter the engine and reduces fuel economy as well as vehicle performance. You should replace the air filter at once when it gets dirty.

Another way to improve your fuel economy and gas mileage is by carefully planning your trips and errands. This will not only save fuel but also save time and money. Lastly, if you are planning to purchase a new vehicle, it is recommended that you get a more fuel efficient vehicle model that gets better miles per gallon (mpg) rating.

For more about your Jeep parts needs like Jeep fuel tank cap visit your trusted online source.

Lisa Ziegler is a 29-year old native of Waldport, Oregon and is currently working as a senior research analyst in a top Automotive Research Consultancy firm.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Ziegler
http://EzineArticles.com/?Guides-For-Improving-Fuel-Economy&id=499878

Currently manufacturers are offering 60 models of Alternative Fuel Automobiles for sale including hybrid electric, ethanol- capable E-85, and clean diesel, up from just 12 models for sale in 2000. A complete list of available autos can be found at the Discover Alternatives website.

Automakers kicked off National Alternative Fuel Autos Week. The R.L. Polk sales figures also reveal that 1.5 million Alternative Fuel Autos were sold in 2006, surpassing automakers’ sales expectations by 50 percent.

In addition to the 60 Alternative Fuel Autos currently being offered, auto engineers are working to include a diverse range of highly fuel-efficient technologies in new vehicles. Today, every model for sale is available with some kind of fuel-efficient technology, such as fuel injectors, four-cylinder engines, variable valve timing, continuously variable transmissions, cylinder deactivation and more.

Automakers are also working with the energy industry to develop a range of alternative fuels capable of sustaining mobility while ensuring more secure energy sources. In fact, Alliance members have forged more than 25 partnerships, joint ventures or research and development projects with energy producers to expand the fueling infrastructure for fuels such as ethanol, biomass and hydrogen. Automakers are also working with the government, fuel providers and fuel retailers to help grow the E-85 ethanol fueling infrastructure. Since mid-2005, the industry has helped add 200 fueling stations in 13 states.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 9 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information on advanced fuel-savings technology, visit the Alliance website at http://www.autoalliance.org/.

Under this contract, Quantum will utilize its OEM system engineering and vehicle integration methodologies to develop a plug-in hybrid version of the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The PHEV system will be based on integrating a lithium ion battery pack and management system from Advanced Lithium Power Inc. (ALP), a partner of Quantum. ALP’s plug-in hybrid battery system will be designed to achieve a target of 35-40 miles of battery-only range.

Extensive analysis and testing, including vehicle crash testing as well as fuel mileage and emissions performance, will be completed on the Ford Escape PHEV prior to the field demonstration to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of the vehicles.

The AQMD has been a leader in developing and demonstrating plug-in hybrid technologies. Plug-in hybrid technologies overall have potential for lower criteria pollutant emissions and zero local emissions during portions of the commute when vehicles are operating on battery only. This can provide substantial benefits to communities, neighborhoods, and schools where these vehicles operate. AQMD’s draft 2007 Air Quality Management Plan calls for 100,000 PHEVs by 2014 in the South Coast Air Basin and up to one million PHEVs by 2020.

This is one of the measures needed to meet the aggressive air quality goals and deadlines required by U.S. EPA. The AQMD also believes that PHEVs can be an enabling technology for all types of alternative fuels, such as CNG and hydrogen, by reducing the size of the most costly components (e.g., gaseous storage tanks and the fuel cell stack) and relying more heavily on the battery system.

Quantum and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, are leaders in powertrain engineering, system integration, and manufacturing of packaged fuel systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories. Quantum also designs and manufactures hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

Quantum has product commercialization alliances with General Motors, AM General, and Sumitomo. Quantum’s customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, AeroVironment, and the U.S. Army.

More information can be found about Quantum’s products and services at www.qtww.com.

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. This area of 12,000 square miles is home to more than 16.5 million people. It is the second most populous urban area in the United States. AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions from stationary sources of air pollution and has transportation-related programs aimed primarily at reducing the number of cars on the road and promoting the use of cleaner fuels and vehicles.

In June 2006, VERTEX Inc. began its quest to deliver the first warranty-friendly, mileage improving retrofit that possessed the necessary quality and functionality to satisfy both consumer need and market skepticism. The quest, now a tangible reality known as the ECONOmizerâ„¢, safely improves mileage and reduces harmful emissions by re-circulating unburned fuel (gas or diesel) escaping from crank case ventilation back into the combustion chamber reducing vehicle operating cost.

According to the actual Certified EPA Test, the ECONOmizerâ„¢ “Effectively closes the engine’s crank case, capturing 100% of blow-by emissions, separating out harmful contaminants and re-routs any unburned fuel back into the engine”. The EPA Test goes on to certify that; “Even running 45 hours under extreme testing conditions with a Cummins N-14 turbo diesel engine, increased fuel economy was achieved”.

An unprecedented mileage improving retrofit, the ECONOmizerâ„¢ offers consumer’s genuine savings at the pump by recovering combustible fuel currently being lost through blow-by ventilation. What is even more impressive is the easy, do-it-yourself installation process and warranty-friendly application. With a few common tools and about 30 minutes, the average person can easily install the ECONOmizerâ„¢ and transform their expensive gas guzzler into a fuel efficient dream machine.

Though compelling as the product is, the company’s inaugural push into the market was met with a certain level of skepticism. When asked why, Allan Shepard, President/CEO said, “With all the crazy potions and pills out there falsely promising mileage improvements, I can’t blame folks for being a bit skeptical.” Shepard went on to point out that when properly installed the ECONOmizerâ„¢ works 100% of the time at improving mileage and reducing harmful emissions. More importantly He says…”It is the only product today backed by EPA Certified Tests that substantiate these noteworthy claims.”

In what appears to be a genuine effort to earn consumer trust, the ECONOmizerâ„¢ is backed with an unrivaled 100day/100% buy back Guarantee and limited lifetime warranty. The product is even transferable from engine to like engine, making it likely to be a one time purchase for the consumer. While the EPA and field test results are impressive, when talking with actual ECONOmizerâ„¢ customers, the enthusiastic sentiments were simply…”IT WORKS!”

Though fuel prices are currently fluctuating lower than 2006 summer prices, experts predict the overall trend for the next several years is higher fuel costs at the pump. With that in mind, the ECONOmizerâ„¢ appears to be a notable investment, as it will improve fuel economy and/or consumption for gas and diesel powered passenger vehicles, commercial semi’s and even farming and heavy equipment by 15% to 25%.

With many factors such as, continued instability in many oil producing nations, ultra low sulfur fuel mandates rapidly approaching and increased global fuel demand, it is as safe a bet the ECONOmizer™ will help consumers save at the pump as it is that fuel prices will continue to go up in the future…

Check out www.mpg4me.com.

“Everyone can improve gas mileage and save money at the pump if they just try a few things differently,” said Bob Nelson, General Sales Manager. “At Continental Warranty, we want the best for your car and your wallet. Little things like cleaning out the trunk to eliminate extra weight or turning off the AC when you don’t need it can really add up to money saved and smarter traveling.”

More travel tips ranging from winter travel to simple vehicle maintenance will be added to Continental Warranty’s website, growing the resource center “Tips & Ideas” section into a vast informational resource containing smart suggestions for improved travel. Whether the holidays take you just down the street or across several states, conserving any amount of gas can help the environment and cut travel costs. Practicing fuel saving methods daily can create good lifelong habits that make every long-term vacation or common trip to the supermarket a smart one.

Continental Warranty has long been a source for smarter travel by offering extended auto warranties at wholesale prices. An extended auto warranty takes over after a manufacturer warranty — only good for the first few years of the car’s life — expires. An extended auto warranty from Continental Warranty provides coverage for parts, labor and other repair-related expenses for the remaining years of the car’s life. This can save hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars on unforeseen repair costs which inevitably affect every car owner at some point in time.

Buying a consumer-direct extended auto warranty from Continental Warranty eliminates costs associated with buying one from a car manufacturer. Straight from a network of reputable insurance companies, Continental Warranty sells extended warranties without the 25-80 percent markup inevitably found on dealership extended warranties. An extended auto warranty also adds to the resale value of the car because it is transferable when the car is sold. For protection on the valuable investment made on any car, an extended auto warranty from Continental Warranty adds up to a lot of money saved and protection for the life of the car.

For more information on Continental Warranty’s extended auto warranties and to take advantage of “Fuel Saving Tips” visit www.continentalwarranty.com.

About Continental Warranty
Continental Warranty is a leading consumer-direct warranty company that offers comprehensive warranty coverage by established and reputable insurance providers at wholesale prices. For almost twenty years, Continental Warranty has been helping consumers all across the country save money and gain peace-of-mind with affordable extended auto warranties by cutting out the middleman and selling directly to the consumer. Continental Warranty provides broad coverage for most makes, models or budget with value bonuses such as free roadside assistance, car rental and trip interruption benefits.

About Transducer Technology, Inc.
Transducer Technology, Inc. was founded in 1999 to provide novel and uniquely engineered ultra low power and low cost chemical sensor products using cutting edge nano- and micro-scale materials and MEMS processing. TTI seeks to protect human health and ensure environmental safety as well as improve processing with high performance solution-driven sensor products. For more information, please visit www.transducertech.com or Web search “Pocket CO”

About Chevron Technology Ventures
Chevron Technology Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, identifies, develops and commercializes emerging technologies and new energy systems including hydrogen-related technologies, advanced energy storage technologies, renewable energy and nanotechnology.

“Customers are opting more for vehicles with environmentally friendly hybrid or alternative fuel engines and that trend is expected to continue because of high gas prices and a growing number of hybrid models,” said Frank Soldano, Kansas State Executive Director. “We are happy to offer drivers who are concerned about the environment a discount,” added Soldano.

“In order to make our air clean in Kansas, it’s going to take everyone working together. That means not just individuals, but government and business as well,” said Kansas Commissioner of Insurance Sandy Praeger. “We are proud that Farmers is taking the lead in encouraging the citizens of Kansas to drive environmentally sensitive cars.”

The discount, effective September 1, 2006, is for all customers who own a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle. All new business customers will receive the discount as of the new business date and existing customers will receive the discount upon renewal.

The Farmers Insurance Group(R) companies comprise the nation’s third-largest personal lines property & casualty insurance group – helping to restore the lives of over 15 million customers when the unexpected happens. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, these companies provide homeowners, auto, business, recreational products, life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers. For an agent near you, call 1-800-FARMERS or visit www.farmers.com.