Interesting auto site: 40mpg.org

40mpg or die
The Internet truly is a remarkable tool. Information on practically anything is there - right at your fingertips. Today, I was fortunate to have seen a Google ad for 40mpg.org, which is a remarkable "grassroots" site in the USA aimed at forcing (or convincing) the Big 3 automakers (GM, Ford, Chrysler) to produce more energy-efficient cars. Their Aug 22-2006 update really caught my attention as it provided tons of info (see a copy below) on who's succeeding and failing on this competitive front. Once again, the Japanese automakers are destryoing the Big 3 right in their own back yard. How embarassing. Oh, don't forget to take a peek at this article: Brazil's Road to Energy Independence. It was also mentioned on the 40mpg website. These are truly interesting times as oil companies enjoy record profits hovering in the billions of dollars per quarter.

August 22, 2006: As Ford makes painful production cuts, there is more bad news for Detroit from California: Automotive News quotes data from R.L. Polk in concluding: "The Detroit 3 may be nearing the point of no return in California." Why the concern? For January-July 2006, Detroit carmakers made up less than a third (31.4 percent) of California vehicle registrations - down from last year. As Automotive News notes: "Toyota's brands now generate more retail sales in California than the North American brands of GM and Ford combined." ... Fuel-efficient vehicles are getting good reviews. Check out this coverage for the Fit and YarisAveo is getting attention for its good marks on fuel consumption and there is even a 40mpg minivan, but (naturally!) you can't buy it in the U.S. ... Could clean diesels account for 12 percent of U.S. auto sales by 2015? ... Some people are sighing with relief as oil prices ease, but there remains the Iranian nuclear power plant "X factor" out there to continue delivering unpleasant jolts to the world's energy markets ... Who says it can't be done? Brazil has 180 million people spread out over only about half a million fewer square kilometers than the United States. Nonetheless, it is on the road to energy independence thanks to ... sugar cane?!