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.

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/.

For the second month in a row, subcompact cars and hybrid vehicles are now at the top the list of vehicles that are experiencing the largest decline in the number of searches at the cars.com website.

“At this point, it seems like some of those searches are translating into sales, as most automakers reported a surge in truck and SUV sales,” said Patrick Olsen, the managing editor at Cars.com. “It will be interesting to see if SUV sales keep their momentum as we head into 2007.”

Vehicle Searches (October)
Models with the most searches performed on Cars.com.

Top New-Car Searches Top Used-Car Searches
1 Honda Civic 1 Honda Civic
2 Toyota Camry 2 Honda Accord
3 Honda Accord 3 Ford Mustang
4 Acura MDX 4 BMW 325
5 Honda CR-V 5 Toyota Camry
6 BMW 325 6 Ford F-150
7 Toyota Corolla 7 Toyota Tacoma
8 Toyota RAV4 8 Toyota Corolla
9 Chevrolet Silverado 9 Chevrolet Corvette
10 Ford Mustang 10 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Search Increases (September – October)
Models with the largest increase in the number of searches performed on
Cars.com.

Top New-Car Search Increases Top Used-Car Search Increases
1 Honda CR-V 72% 1 GMC 2500 25%
2 Jeep Wrangler 22% 2 Nissan Armada 24%
3 Chevrolet Silverado 15% 3 Jeep Commander 20%
4 Acura MDX 15% 4 Lincoln Aviator 18%
5 Acura TL 9% 5 Chrysler 300C 18%
6 Dodge Charger 8% 6 Infiniti QX56 18%
7 Jeep Grand Cherokee 7% 7 Acura MDX 17%
8 Infiniti G35 5% 8 Chevrolet 3500 17%
9 Dodge Ram 3% 9 Cadillac DTS 16%
10 Nissan 350Z 2% 10 Volkswagen Touareg 16%

Search Decreases (September – October)
Models with the largest decrease in the number of searches performed on
Cars.com.

Top New-Car Search Decreases Top Used-Car Search Decreases
1 Nissan Versa 28% 1 Honda Insight 26%
2 Toyota Yaris 24% 2 Toyota Echo 25%
3 Toyota Prius 22% 3 Toyota Yaris 19%
4 Honda Civic 16% 4 Geo Metro 18%
5 Volkswagen Jetta 16% 5 Nissan Versa 17%
6 Toyota Camry 16% 6 Volkswagen Cabrio 17%
7 Toyota Corolla 16% 7 Toyota Prius 16%
8 Chevrolet Cobalt 12% 8 Toyota Camry Solara 15%
9 Hyundai Sonata 11% 9 Jeep CJ-7 15%
10 Scion tC 11% 10 Cadillac Catera 14%

Top Dealer Email Inquiries (October)

New Cars Yielding the Used Cars Yielding the Most Dealer
Most Dealer Inquiries Inquiries
1 Honda Civic (2006) 1 Honda Accord (2003)
2 Toyota Camry (2006) 2 Honda Civic (2000)
3 Toyota RAV4 (2006) 3 Infiniti G35 (2003)
4 Honda Accord (2006) 4 Ford F-150 (2004)
5 Toyota Sienna (2006) 5 Honda Accord (2002)
6 Honda Odyssey (2006) 6 Ford Mustang (2003)
7 Toyota Corolla (2006) 7 Honda Civic (1999)
8 Honda CR-V (2006) 8 Ford Mustang (2004)
9 Toyota Tacoma (2006) 9 Honda Civic (2002)
10 Honda Pilot (2006) 10 Volkswagen Jetta (2003)

Top Cars Listed for Sale by Owner (October)

1 Honda Accord
2 Ford Mustang
3 Chevrolet Corvette
4 Ford F-150
5 Ford Explorer
6 Honda Civic
7 Jeep Grand Cherokee
8 Dodge Ram
9 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
10 Porsche 911

About the Cars.com Consumer Search Index
The Cars.com Consumer Search Index offers a comprehensive look at the internet search behavior of Cars.com visitors. The statistical information is compiled by tracking the more than 8.3 million unique visitors that log on to Cars.com each month and the vehicles that are most popular. The lists are based off a minimum of 10,000 searches for new cars and 15,000 searches for used cars. Dealer inquiries measure the volume of emails consumers send to dealers seeking information about a particular vehicle. The information is supported by expert analysis from the Cars.com editorial staff.

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.

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a random nationwide telephone survey. They conducted this phone survey from August 3rd to August 7th and talked to adults 18 and older who are considering a new vehicle purchase, most likely during the next twenty four months. Consumer Report reported that “when asked to identify the most important considerations, survey respondents were less influenced by incentives than product features, perhaps reflecting a blasé attitude shaped by perpetual promotions. Fuel economy (27 percent) led the list of considerations, followed by reliability (25 percent), purchase price (14 percent), and safety features (12 percent). Only five percent of car shoppers said that manufacturer or dealer incentives were the most important factor in their purchase decision”.

According to the Consumer Reports’ website, “Last summer, automakers’ employee pricing campaigns created a gold rush that drove significant sales volume, but the market is much different this year. Rising fuel costs have led to bloated inventories of large pickup trucks and SUVs, while small, thrifty vehicles have been in high demand.”

You can find more information about the recent Consumer Reports Survey by going to their website at www.consumerreports.org.

According to fueleconomy.gov (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml), the Honda Insight is the most fuel efficient vehicle, with a whopping 60 miles per gallon in the city and an estimated 66 miles per gallon on the highway. Other fuel efficient vehicles include:

Most Efficient Overall
Honda Insight 60mpg city 66mpg hwy

Most Efficient Two Seaters
Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Manual(5) 60mpg city 66mpg hwy
Honda Insight 3 cyl, 1 L, Automatic(variable) 57mpg city 56mpg hwy

Most Efficient Minicompact Cars
MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Manual(5), Premium 28mpg city 36mpg hwy
MINI Cooper 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic(variable), Premium 26mpg city 34mpg hwy

Most Efficient Subcompact Cars
VW New Beetle (Diesel) 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual(5) 37mpg city 44mpg hwy
VW New Beetle (Diesel) 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Automatic(6) 35mpg city 42mpg hwy

Most Efficient Compact Cars
Honda Civic Hybrid 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Automatic(variable) 49mpg city 51mpg hwy
VW Golf (Diesel) 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Manual(5) 37mpg city 44mpg hwy

Most Efficient Midsize Cars
Toyota Prius (Hybrid) 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic(Variable), Regular 60mpg city 51mpg hwy
Hyundai Elantra 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual(5), Regular 27mpg city 34mpg hwy

Most Efficient Large Cars
Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Manual(5), Regular 24mpg city 34mpg hwy
Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic(4), Regular 24mpg city 33mpg hwy

Most Efficient Small Station Wagons
Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual(5), Regular 30mpg city 36mpg hwy
Toyota Matrix 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Manual(5), Regular 30mpg city 36mpg hwy
Scion xB 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic(4), Regular 30mpg city 34mpg hwy

Most Efficient Midsize Station Wagons
Ford Focus Station Wagon 4 cyl, 2 L, Manual(5), Regular 26mpg city 34mpg hwy
Ford Focus Station Wagon 4 cyl, 2 L, Automatic(4), Regular 26mpg city 32mpg hwy

Proper and timely maintenance of your car will conserve energy and reduce emissions. Maintain your vehicle in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

* Keep your car engine well-maintained to lower exhaust emissions.
* Keep your tires properly inflated.
* Regularly change filters and service air conditioning.
* Seal your gas cap tightly, refuel during late afternoon or evening, and don’t top off the tank.
* Have your car regularly inspected and emissions tested.

Driving Less
Reducing the number of vehicles on the road, especially during peak periods (rush hour), means less traffic and less exhaust.

* Combine your errands into only one trip.
* Carpool, vanpool, or use park-and-ride.
* Ride public transit systems; take advantage of employer transit pass programs.
* Work an alternative/flex-time work schedule so you don’t have to drive in congestion. Become a telecommuter or start a telecommuting program.
* Take a bicycle or walk when at all possible; it is good for your health.

Buying a Cleaner Vehicle
You can make the air healthier for yourself and others by purchasing low emissions vehicles such as new, hybrid-electric vehicles. The federal government provides tax credits and deductions for the purchase of hybrid-electric vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles. The Texas Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division will pay $1500 to private individuals or fleets for the purchase of a certified propane original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle or after-market conversion. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is offering incentives to businesses to promote the purchase of low emitting vehicles.

Slow Down and Drive Slower
Drive within the speed limit. At high speeds you’ll burn more fuel for each mile you drive, thus creating more harmful pollutants in the air. It is safer to drive the speed limit too.

* Accelerate and decelerate slowly and smoothly.
* Anticipate stops and coast to a stop gradually.

Reduce Your Idling Time
Idling wastes gas, damages pollution control equipment on your vehicle, and produces carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas. In fact, turning off the car and starting it again uses less gas and produces less carbon monoxide than idling for half a minute or more.

* Park and go inside rather than using the drive-through.
* If you have to drive through, shut off your engine while waiting.
* Anticipate delays and take an alternative route to avoid stop-and-go or stand-still traffic… or travel earlier or later when congestion is less.
* After starting the engine, do not warm it up; modern engines do not need it.

1. Avoid Aggressive Driving – can save 5% to 33%
2. Stay Under 60MPH or 96km/hr – each 5 mph over is like 20¢/gallon more fuel cost (9km/hr over is 5¢/ltr.)
3. Remove Excess Weight and extra 100 lbs, or 50 kg, can affect fuel efficiency by 2%.
4. Avoid excess idling as it gets 0 mpg or 0 km/ltr.
5. Use cruise control on the highway as it maintains a constant speed and will more times than not save fuel
6. Use overdrive gear as it reduces engine speed saving fuel as well as reducing wear.
7. Keep your engine properly tuned can save you 4%
8. Make sure to regularly change your air filter, it can save you up to 10%
9. Keeping tires inflated properly to vehicle specifications can save you up to 3%
10. Use the recommended grade of motor oil, it can save you 1% to 2%