Automotive and Travel News: Major Los Angeles Freeway Closure Set for Weekend of July 16-17, 2011

405 Freeway

Extended 53-Hour Closure of I-405 Freeway Between U.S. 101 and I-10 Planned in Mid-July for
Mulholland Bridge Demolition Work

Los Angeles, Calif. – Plan Ahead, Avoid The Area, Or Stay Home. That’s the message public safety officials are sending to the public in anticipation of a planned 10-mile, 53-hour closure of the I-405 freeway between the U.S. 101 and I-10 on the weekend of July 16-17, 2011 for planned demolition work on the Mulholland Bridge, part of a major I-405 improvement project.
The Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Metro and Caltrans are informing the public in advance that if they do not have a critical need to be in or near the vicinity of the closure, they are being asked to avoid the area.
The specific freeway closure boundaries are as follows:
 Northbound I-405: 10-mile closure between I-10 and U.S. 101
 Southbound I-405: 4-mile closure between U.S. 101 and Getty Center Drive Ramps
Motorists who must travel through the Los Angeles metropolitan area are advised to use alternate freeways within the region, including the 5, 15, 23, 55, 57, 101, 118, 126, 210, 605 and 710 freeways to bypass the impacted area. In addition, public transportation options are available such as the Metro Rail service within L.A. County and Metrolink servicing the five county Southern California region.

Additional alternate route information will be made available on the project web site at www.metro.net/405.
On Friday, July 15, ramps along the 10 mile closure will begin to be shut down as early as 7 p.m., and closure of freeway lanes will begin at 10 p.m. to ensure full freeway closure by midnight. The closure will continue until 5 a.m. Monday morning, July 18. Ramps and connectors will be reopened by 6 a.m. During this closure, the Mulholland Bridge, I-405 freeway and access ramps will be closed.
Sepulveda Boulevard is intended as an alternate route for local resident access only. Sepulveda Boulevardwill not have the capacity to accommodate both local and diverted freeway traffic. Those using Sepulveda Boulevard should expect extreme congestion and lengthy delays. Motorists should instead use alternate regional freeway routes to completely bypass the Sepulveda Pass.
Traffic conditions on local streets and freeways within the region of Los Angeles County and beyond are expected to be severe, with significant, multi-hour delays. Motorists who must travel during this weekend are advised to plan ahead, monitor real-time traffic conditions prior to beginning their trips, and follow alternate routes that are provided.

Motorists will be informed of the closure in advance by Caltrans-operated freeway message signs with coverage extending into neighboring counties and other metropolitan regions in the state.

Auto News: KBB.COM’S 2011 TOP 10 COOLEST NEW CARS UNDER $18,000

The Fiat 500 was named the Coolest New Car Under $18,000 for 2011 by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

IRVINE, Calif., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The expert editors from Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today name the 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. In a new twist on an annual list published by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, this year the editors ranked their top choices from 10 to one, naming the 2012 Fiat 500 as this year’s No. 1 affordable ‘Cool Car.’

Getting a bargain is special in good economic times, but in economic times like these — when the economy is teetering, home prices continue to fall and fuel prices inexplicably bounce up to near-record levels — getting a bargain is more special than ever.

Despite the rising specter of inflation, there are still plenty of new cars available for less than $18,000. Of course, all of them will accomplish the basic tasks that cars are engineered to accomplish – they go, they stop and they keep you out of the weather. But in the kbb.com editors’ vast experience with cars costing less than 18 grand, not all of them are cool, and certainly not all of them are fun. But then there are the select few, the cars that not only do everything one wants and needs a car to do, but those that also do it in an engaging and enjoyable manner.

“There are great deals to be had on many new cars under $18,000, but only a handful of them really possess that cool, difficult-to-describe ‘it’ factor,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Each year the competition keeps getting tougher in this affordable segment, with more personality-filled, amenity-laden, versatile vehicles entering the marketplace. In ranking our top picks this year, the 2012 Fiat 500 took the top prize as our No. 1 choice. After 28 years out of the U.S. market, Fiat is making huge waves with the new 500 and in our books, it is the leader of the ‘Cool Cars’ parade.”

As you might imagine, two criteria — fun-to-drive and fun-to-own — are critical in the roll-up to what the editors freely admit is a very subjective “cool factor,” the over-arching number-one criterion. Each of the cars on the list is available for purchase at $18,000 or less, using Kelley Blue Book’s exclusive Fair Purchase Price as the yardstick (Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price is the price consumers typically are paying for a car, based on actual new-vehicle transactions and updated weekly for changing market conditions). Paying less than sticker also is pretty cool, so here, counting down from numbers 10 to one, are kbb.com’s Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000:
Kbb.com’s 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

10: 2011 Hyundai Elantra
Who knew good value could be so cool? The all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra is an all-around package of slick design, convenient features and fuel-efficiency — every Elantra gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway…
 9: 2011 Nissan Cube
We agree with Huey Lewis: it is hip to be square, at least when it comes to a car like the Nissan Cube. The polarizing squares-meet-circles design theme gets a lot of attention, but the Cube’s attractiveness is more than skin deep, with features like a sliding and reclining second-row seat, an overabundance of head room and a headliner design that mimics the concentric circles created by a pebble dropped into a pond…
8. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
Germany! It’s a country practically brimming with freaky coolness, exemplified by Rammstein, Kraftwerk and, of course, Volkswagen. The latest rendition of VW’s Jetta captures much of Germany’s quirky-cool spirit while being expressly engineered for an American appetite…
7. 2012 Ford Focus
European automakers have long subscribed to the idea that a well-packaged car doesn’t need to be large in size. Ripping a page out of that playbook, Ford has brought the compact, Euro-sweetened 2012 Focus to America, offering head-turning looks, sporty handling and a healthy standard equipment list in an efficient and affordable package…
6. 2012 Honda Civic
Cool doesn’t always have to be in your face. Take the 2012 Honda Civic, for example. Its attributes read like a thought-out online dating profile: Good looking but not flashy, low maintenance and easygoing…but happy be your partner in crime for any adventure (insert winky face here)…
5. 2011 Kia Forte Koup
Having an attractive car that others haven’t seen – that’s cool. The 2011 Kia Forte Koup isn’t just the sportiest-looking car on our list, its standard-equipment list includes a satellite-ready audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and USB/iPod integration, so it looks cool and acts cool…
4. 2011 Honda Fit
Fun, flexible and funky, the Honda Fit remains an instantly unanimous choice for our annual cool cars list. Even the crisper, better-equipped Fit Sport comes in under our $18,000 ceiling…
3. 2011 Ford Fiesta
It’s on our list for the second year in a row and we have a feeling the Ford Fiesta is going to be another perennial favorite. Its European looks and well-crafted interior outclass everything else in the category, and its sharp driving dynamics and nimble handling still impress us every time we get behind the wheel…
2. 2011 Mazda3
At some point we’re going to have to give the Mazda3 a lifetime achievement award for its unequaled streak of appearances on our annual list of coolest cars. For the 8th year in a row – every year of the cars existence, in fact – the Mazda3 has earned a spot on our list for its standout sheet metal, excellent interior and exceptional driving dynamics…
1. 2012 Fiat 500
Regardless of what the Hello Kitty mafia would like to believe, cute isn’t cool. Not usually, anyway. But that’s because cute is rarely backed up by substance, as it is in the 2012 Fiat 500…

To see all of the information about this year’s ‘Cool Cars’ list, including full editorial commentary and reasoning behind each of the editors’ picks, visit the 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 story in kbb.com’s Latest News section at http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-coolest-cars-under-18000-_-2011-edition/

Source: Kelley Blue Book

Related Link:  http://www.kbb.com  

Holiday News; AAA Projects a 2.5 Percent Decrease in Independence Day Travel as Americans Fly More and Drive Less

ORLANDO, Fla., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — AAA forecasts 39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, a 2.5 percent decline from the 40 million people who traveled a year ago. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, June 30 to Monday, July 4.

“AAA is projecting a slight decline in the number of Independence Day travelers mainly due to fuel prices being approximately one dollar per gallon higher than last year,” said Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. “Increased fuel costs are also responsible for a shift in the demographics of the typical Independence Day traveler as higher prices impact lower income households more significantly.”

The amount of money spent each month on gasoline is unlikely to vary much across household income groups, however as a share of total spending fuel is obviously going to consume a larger share of the budget for lower income households. As a result, the percentage of travelers with a household income of $50,000 or less is expected to decrease from 41 percent to 33 percent, while travelers with a household income of more than $100,000 are expected to increase to 35 percent from 26 percent.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2011 Independence Day Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

Automobile travel down three percent, but five out of six travelers will drive to destination
Approximately 32.8 million people plan to travel by automobile and that’s a decline of almost a million auto travelers from the 33.7 million who drove last year. Automobile travel remains the dominant mode of transportation (84 percent of holiday travelers) despite gasoline prices about a dollar per gallon more expensive than a year ago in many parts of the country. If current market conditions persist, AAA expects the national average price for regular gasoline to remain between $3.60 and $3.70 per gallon during the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
A survey of intended travelers found that 56 percent said rising gasoline prices would not impact their travel plans. For the remaining 44 percent who said rising gas prices would impact their travel plans, seven out of 10 will economize in other areas and three out of 10 are planning to take a shorter trip or travel by a different mode of transportation.

Travelers concerned about how fuel prices will impact their travel budget can use AAA’s free, GPS-based TripTik® Mobile application to compare prices for all grades of gasoline at nearby stations. TripTik Mobile is available for iPhone and Android devices. Travelers may also use TripTik Mobile to get maps and directions, AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotel and restaurant information complete with AAA inspector notes, plus details about attractions, events and Approved Auto Repair facilities.

Number of air travelers expected to increase by nine percent
A little more than three million leisure travelers (eight percent of holiday travelers) will fly during the holiday weekend, a nine percent increase from last year’s 2.75 million air travelers. This increase continues a rebound in air travel that began in 2010 following the lowest years for air travel in the past ten – 2009 and 2008. The rising cost of gasoline is a contributing factor to the increase in air travel, as the increasing cost of travel by car is making air travel a more viable option for some travelers despite recent increases in air fares. The remaining eight percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft.

Travelers to experience increases in airfares, hotel rates and car rental rates
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, Independence Day holiday airfares are expected to be 11 percent more than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $213 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase three percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $147 per night compared to $143 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay eight percent more at an average cost of $110 per night. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $56, a three percent increase over a year ago.

Average travel distance down seven percent; median spending up 25 percent from last year
According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Independence Day holiday weekend is expected to be 573 miles, which is seven percent less than last year’s average travel distance of 617 miles. Median spending is expected to be $807, an increase of 25 percent from $644 last year.

AAA offers mobile and digital travel planning resources
For Independence Day getaways and vacation planning, travelers may use AAA’s digital eTourBook guides for smartphones and ereader devices. Each new digital guide book highlights a top North American travel destination, complete with listings for AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants; AAA Editor’s Picks for attractions, events and nightlife; and other proprietary information available only through AAA. Members can download the 40 available titles at AAA.com/ebooks and sync them to their device for on-the-go use.

SOURCE AAA

Automotive News; Consumer Reports Names the Best New Cars for Fuel Economy

Best gas-sipping vehicles include Honda Fit, Volkswagen Golf TDI & Ford Escape Hybrid;

CR’s tips on how to save gas before and after you hit the road

YONKERS, N.Y., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — With high pump prices, Consumer Reports says that the most effective way to cut your gasoline use is to buy a more fuel-efficient car. CR named the best cars for fuel economy of those recently tested by the magazine in its own real-world fuel-economy tests. Also listed are the ones that got the lowest mpg in each class.

“Hybrid and diesel vehicles provide better fuel economy than conventional cars, but they usually cost more to buy, and as gas prices rise, the pay-back time gets shorter,” said David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. “All-wheel drive usually reduces gas mileage by about 2 mpg while a manual transmission can improve fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg.”

The article also features a list of the best used cars for fuel economy.

Below are recommended models in six categories that provide the best fuel economy. To be recommended, they met Consumer Reports’ stringent requirements for test performance, reliability, and safety. So, not only do they provide excellent fuel economy for their class, but they’re solid overall choices. The full list of vehicles is available in the magazine’s July issue on sale June 7th. All the reports are also available to subscribers of http://www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, it’s the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.
Best Subcompact car for fuel economy: Honda Fit $16,020, 30 mpg

Worst in class: Chevrolet Aveo LT: 25 mpg

Best Small Wagons and Hatchbacks: Volkswagen Golf TDI (Diesel, manual), $24,764, 38 mpg

Worst in class: Scion xB, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport (AWD):23 mpg

Best Small Sedans: Toyota Corolla LE, $18,404, 32 mpg

Worst in class: Subaru Impreza 2.5i, 24 mpg

Best Family Car: Toyota Prius IV (Hybrid), $24,750, 44 mpg

Worst in class: Ford Fusion SEL (V6, AWD), Chevrolet Impala LTZ (V6), Mazda6 V6: 20 mpg

Best Upscale/ Sports Sedan: Lexus HS 250 h (Hybrid), $38,939, 31 mpg

Worst in class: Lincoln MKZ: 20 mpg

Best Small SUV: Ford Escape Hybrid, $32,575, 26 mpg

Worst in class: Dodge Nitro SLT (3.7 liters), Jeep Liberty Sport 16 mpg

Some of the Best ways to save gas

Before you leave:
Check your tires. Underinflated tires require more energy to roll along, which eats up more fuel. Make sure your tires’ air pressure is set to the automaker’s recommended level (see the owner’s manual, not the maximum pressure printed on the tires’ side.
Get the right rental. If you plan on renting a car, try to reserve one with good gas mileage. For about the same rate, for example, you could get a 26-mpg Nissan Altima instead of a 20-mpg Chevrolet Impala. Or you could get a 32-mpg Toyota Corolla instead of a 24-mpg Chevy Cobalt.

On the road:
Watch your speed. The faster you drive on the highway, the worse your gas mileage will be. CR’s tested Toyota Camry dropped 5 mpg when testers increased cruising speed from 55 mpg to 65. Driving at 75 mph cut it by an additional 5 mpg.
Drive smoothly. Avoid hard acceleration and braking when possible. In the Camry, frequent bursts of acceleration and braking reduced fuel economy by 2 to 3 mpg.
Don’t be a drag. Don’t add to your car’s aerodynamic drag by carrying things on top of the roof if you don’t have to. When CR’s testers installed a large car-top carrier on the Camry, gas mileage dropped by a notable 6 mpg when driving at 65 mph.
Skip the gas-saving gadgets. After testing several devices that claimed to improve fuel efficiency, CR’s testers have yet to find one that provides a significant difference in gas mileage or acceleration.

SOURCE Consumer Reports
RELATED LINKS
http://www.ConsumerReports.org

Economic News: Half of Americans Have Cut Back on Products and Services Because of High Gas Prices

Industry profits, world oil crude prices and Mideast instability greatest influences on rising gas prices

NEW YORK, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — With Memorial Day comes various events that signify the start of summer. These range from the first cook-out to opening the swimming pool to planning summer vacations. It also means the beginning of the summer driving season and higher gas prices are having an impact. Half of Americans who own a vehicle (51%) say they have cut back on products and/or services in order to pay the increased price of gasoline. As might be expected, those with lower household income are more impacted. Almost two-thirds (65%) of those with a household income of less than $35,000 a year have cut back on products or services because of higher gas prices compared to 38% of those who have household income of $100,000 or more.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,184 adults surveyed online between May 9 and 16, 2011 by Harris Interactive.

There are many things people are cutting back on because of high gas prices. Almost three in ten of those cutting back (28%) have cut back on dining out while one-quarter have cut back on groceries (24%). One in five say they have cut back on entertainment (18%), while others have reduced driving or are staying home more (11%) and cut back on clothing purchases (10%). Some other things people have cut back on include personal grooming such as hair cuts or manicures (6%), auto repairs and upkeep (5%) and movies (5%) while 5% say they have cut back on everything to pay for the increased price of gasoline.

Who can stop rising gas prices?

In looking at who to blame for the rising cost of gasoline, three things seem to stand out as having the most influence on price. Just under one-quarter of Americans (24%) say U.S. oil and natural gas industry profits have had the greatest influence on rising gasoline prices while 22% believe it is the world crude oil prices and 21% believe it’s due to instability in oil producing areas.

So, who can best stop rising gas prices? One-third of Americans (34%) say the oil and gas industry while three in ten (28%) believe the federal government can best stop rising gasoline prices. One in five (19%) believe consumers can stop rising gas prices while 4% say state and local governments, 3% say the automotive industry and 12% are not sure.

Looking specifically at the automotive industry, half of U.S. adults (53%) say American automotive companies are not moving as quickly as they should to build cars that consume less gasoline, while 22% believe that are and 23% say they are not at all sure. This is a large change from 2006 when three-quarters of U.S. adults (74%) said American car companies weren’t moving fast enough and only 9% thought they were.

So What?

In May of 1979, one-third of Americans (35%) felt the U.S. auto companies were moving as quickly as they could to build cars that consume less gasoline while 60% felt they were not. Fast forward 31 years, and the situation hasn’t improved much as Americans still don’t feel car companies are moving fast enough. But, with three in five adults (62%) expecting that gas prices on Labor Day will be higher than they are now, it just may be that nothing is fast enough to help ease the pain at the pump.

SOURCE Harris Interactive

RELATED LINKS
http://www.harrisinteractive.com

Consumer Reports Survey: Car Buyers Want Better Fuel Economy and Are Willing to Pay for It

YONKERS, N.Y., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The tough economy and high gas prices are driving consumers to prioritize fuel economy with their next car purchase according to a new survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. And to save at the pump, they are willing to compromise on purchase price, amenities, and size  but not safety.

Taking the pulse of American motorists on car buying and fuel economy issues, the Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted 1,764 random, nationwide telephone interviews of adult car owners from April 28-May 2, 2011.

The results of the survey are available at http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/.  Updated daily, Consumer Reports is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.

The economy has caused a significant drop in annual car sales over recent years, and the age of the average car driven by respondents has increased to eight years. This trend was consistent across most demographics, though household income was a key factor. In households earning $50,000 or more a year, the average age of their cars was six years, whereas lower-income households drove 10-year-old vehicles on average. A significant 23 percent of surveyed motorists are driving cars from the 1990s, many of which must be at the tail end of their reliable service life and certainly well behind current safety standards.

What will they buy?

For their next car, nearly twice as many consumers expect to choose a model with much better or somewhat better fuel economy (62 percent) relative to those who are targeting about the same fuel economy (32 percent). Just 5 percent say their next car will have worse fuel economy, likely driven by changing needs, such as a growing family (minivan) or launching a small business (pickup truck).

Survey respondents expect their next car to deliver an average of 29 mpg. Older drivers, women, and those from lower-income households expect even greater fuel economy. These demographic groups favor small cars and sedans – car types that can deliver that desired mileage. More than 10 percent said they expect 40 mpg or better in their next car.

To get significant fuel-economy gains, more than half of respondents are willing to pay extra for a more efficient vehicle, playing right into the strategy of several automakers who offer special-edition models for a premium. Often the gains for such models are slight, just 1-2 mpg, and the return on that investment – even when just a few hundred dollars – may be much longer than consumers anticipate.

What would you do to save on fuel?

	New car	Used car
Pay more for fuel-efficient car	58%	49%
Compromise amenities or comfort	44	54
Compromise size or capacity	47	48
Compromise performance	27	35
Compromise safety	11	14

Despite consumers craving relief from operating costs, and owning older cars, just 17 percent plan to purchase a car in the coming year. Younger consumers (aged 18-34 years) are three times as likely to buy a car this year as older consumers (aged 55 and over).

Among those who plan to purchase, about four in 10 will buy a new car, led by older, more affluent consumers. Most car shoppers (55 percent) will likely buy used, thereby avoiding the initial depreciation hit experienced with new cars and giving them more vehicle for the money.

Car type planned to purchase in next year

	New car	Used car
Sedan	21%	18%
Small car	18	19
Midsized SUV	16	11
Small SUV	12	10
Pickup truck	8	13
Minivan	7	9
Sporty car	6	5
Large SUV	5	5
Convertible	2	2
Wagon	1	1

Compared against their current cars, shoppers are moving away from both new and used sedans, despite that many sedans provide a good balance of fuel economy and safety. The number of respondents who expect to buy a new or used sedan is 5 and 8 percentage points lower, respectively, than the number who currently own a sedan. Pickup truck interest is also down, but that is less surprising given economic conditions.

The car-type shift sees shoppers gravitating toward new small and midsized SUVs – traditionally versatile vehicles, though often not the thriftiest choices. There is only a 1 percentage point shift from large SUV ownership (6 percent) to purchase intent (5 percent), giving this expensive, gas-guzzling category surprising market resiliency. The best balance of dynamics, flexibility, and ownership costs is often a wagon, yet wagons rate at the absolute bottom for purchase intent.

More older consumers intend to get a sedan or small car than others. Men prefer pickup trucks by a wide margin, while women lead small SUV interest.

While America’s passenger-car fleet continues to age, less than a fifth of car owners will be looking to replace their ride in the coming year. When it does come time to buy, fuel economy will be a primary factor, driven by operating costs. To reach their fuel-economy goals, most shoppers will need to compromise on size and even consider paying more for a diesel or hybrid – something many consumers claim they are willing to do.

Consumer Reports will dig deeper into the survey’s findings on attitudes toward car buying in upcoming blogs at www.ConsumerReports.org.

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted telephone surveys of 2,033 random adults comprising 1,018 men and 1,015 women 18 years of age and older. Respondents were screened for ownership by the household of one or more vehicles. The analysis is based on the 1,764 adults who said that their household owns a vehicle. Interviewing took place over April 28-May 2, 2011. The sampling error is +/- 2.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

RELATED LINKS
http://www.consumerreports.org

Sweet Ride! Jelly Belly and Mitsubishi’s Electric Car Turn Heads at the Candy Industry’s Biggest Trade Show

Jelly Belly "sweetened" Mitsubishi EV's take to the streets of Chicago. (PRNewsFoto/Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.)

Jelly Belly “sweetened” Mitsubishi EV’s take to the streets of Chicago

CHICAGO, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has teamed up with one of America’s leading confectionaries, the Jelly Belly Candy Company, in a novel promotion to show Chicagoans the sweeter side of sustainable transportation.

Dressed in brightly-colored custom Jelly Belly graphics, four Mitsubishi i vehicles (along with a pair of Mitsubishi Outlander crossovers) will be meandering the streets of the Windy City on Monday May 23 and Tuesday May 24 to mark the opening of the 2011 Sweets & Snacks Expo, the premier trade show of the candy industry showcasing nearly 500 companies and over 15,000 confectionary and snack industry professionals from around the world.

While the Sweets & Snacks Expo is not open to the public, anyone spotting one of the Jelly Belly/Mitsubishi cars will have the opportunity to learn more about these vehicles – and score some tasty Jelly Belly treats.

The all-new Mitsubishi i will be available for test drives at Mitsubishi dealers beginning this November offering a starting MSRP of $27,990 (before Federal or State incentive) that hopes to make EV ownership more attainable. Visit i.mitsubishicars.com for more information about the most affordable mass-produced production electric vehicle in America including vehicle specifications, tax incentives and how consumers can reserve their own vehicle. For more information on the Jelly Belly Candy Company and their exciting new flavors featured at 2011 Sweets & Snacks please check out http://www.jellybelly.com.

SOURCE Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.jellybelly.com
http://www.mitsubishicars.com

News You Can Use; AAA Reminds Motorists of the Hazards of Running Out of Gas

As fuel prices continue to climb, drivers pushing gas tanks to their limits could end up with costly repair bills in addition to putting themselves in potentially dangerous situations

ORLANDO, Fla., April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — With gas prices nearing record levels, motorists who attempt to stretch a tank of gas too far could end up stranded at the roadside. AAA cautions drivers that allowing their car to run out of fuel can not only put them in a potentially dangerous situation, but also could result in costly repair bills.

“We realize some motorists are trying to be resourceful and delay fuel expenditures by driving their car until the gas tank is nearly empty, but this can sometimes do more harm than good,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair, Buying Services and Consumer Information.

Potential Costly Repairs from Running on Empty

Running a vehicle extremely low on fuel may cause sediment in the bottom of the tank to clog the fuel pump pickup, the fuel filter or even the fuel injectors. In addition, when a minimum level of fuel is not maintained it could cause the electric fuel pump inside the tank to overheat. The cost to replace that one component alone can be $500 or more in parts and labor.

Dangers of Running Out of Gas

Running out of gas also can put the personal safety of a motorist and their passengers in jeopardy should the vehicle suddenly become immobilized on the roadway. “Power steering and brakes can be lost when the engine dies, and drivers can end up stranded in the middle of a busy highway without the ability to move their vehicle. Fortunately, out-of-gas situations are completely avoidable just by keeping an eye on the fuel gauge,” noted Nielsen.

Finding the Lowest Priced Gas before Hitting E

AAA recommends drivers always maintain at least a quarter tank of fuel. “We understand everyone today is looking to save money by finding the lowest priced gas before they fill up. AAA can help in that quest with several free tools drivers can use to plan their fill ups in advance so they both save money and avoid running out of gas,” explained Nielsen.

Both the TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com and the free AAA TripTik Mobile iPhone app can help drivers plan efficient routes for errands and locate the best places to stop for gas along the way. And on the go, AAA TripTik Mobile provides motorists with turn-by-turn navigation and audible directions. Both tools allow drivers to compare frequently updated fuel costs at gas stations near their location.

Safe, Smart Ways to Save on Gas

Rather than stretching their fuel supply too far, AAA urges motorists to make a few simple changes in their driving habits that can greatly improve fuel economy.

“Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, accelerate gently rather than making a ‘jack rabbit’ start,” said Nielsen.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can reduce a car’s fuel economy up to 33 percent.

Speed also is a key factor in conserving fuel. The fuel efficiency of most vehicles decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. “Every additional 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Take it easy on the road and you’ll see a tremendous savings at the pump,” added Nielsen.

AAA offers more than 40 ways motorists can reduce the amount of fuel they consume in its “Gas Watchers Guide” available online at AAA.com/PublicAffairs.

SOURCE AAA

ASTONISHING 2,564 MILES PER GALLON ACHIEVED AT SHELL ECO-MARATHON® AMERICAS 2011

The winning Prototype vehicle built by the team from Université Laval in Quebec, Canada on the track. The car achieved an astonishing 2,564.8 mpg at Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2011.

Quebec’s Université Laval Defends Title Winning Shell Eco-marathon Americas for Third Consecutive Year

Houston , April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Going the farthest distance might sound like a foot race. But this past weekend, it meant stretching the boundaries of fuel efficiency as student teams competed in the fifth annual Shell Eco-marathon® Americas, a challenge for students to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of energy. High school and university students from Canada and the United States competed in the two-day street course challenge in downtown Houston.

For the third year in a row and beating last year’s mileage by 77 mpg, the student team from Université Laval in Quebec, Canada took home the Internal Combustion First Prize with an astonishing best run of 2,564.8 miles per gallon in the Prototype class. And in the UrbanConcept class, the team from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. took First Prize by achieving a best run of 646.7 mpg. For the complete list of all Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2011 winners for both on-track and off-track awards, please visit http://www.shell.com/ecomarathon.

“Every year, the competition at Shell Eco-marathon Americas gets a little tougher,” said Anthony Bernier of Université Laval. “With more teams participating this year, there are a lot of really smart and innovative fuel-efficient ideas to be seen on and off the track. We put a lot of time and hard work into our vehicle this year and are very proud of how we did. We are excited to be Shell Eco-marathon Americas champions for the third year in a row and to have beat our mileage achieved last year!”

Bruce Culpepper, Shell Oil Company Executive Vice President Americas Operations, kicked off the challenge on Saturday, April 16, by waving the green start flag and asking the teams to “Start your fuel-efficient engines!” The competition was steep with a record number of 62 student teams and their 68 vehicles competing.

Shell Eco-marathon continues to grow and challenge students to push the boundaries with their innovative fuel efficiency solutions. In that spirit, an e-mobility category was added to the 2011 competitions. This category includes both Prototype and UrbanConcept vehicles powered by electric motors using hydrogen, solar or, for the first time, ‘Plug-in’ battery energy sources. Other fuels in the internal combustion powered vehicles include gasoline, diesel, GTL, biodiesel or ethanol.

Shell Eco-marathon is an inspiring part of Shell’s “Smarter Mobility” program, which is aimed at meeting the needs of today’s drivers as society faces an increasing demand on energy for transport. While alternative energies such as hydrogen and advanced biofuels have real potential, there will not be enough of these energy sources to make a measureable difference for another decade or more. With an eye on the future of transportation, the students and their innovative designs at Shell Eco-marathon are competitively focused on smarter use.

The 62 teams who participated in Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2011 entered 56 Prototype entries and 12 UrbanConcept entries (Note: some teams have multiple vehicle entries in different categories).
The Prototype entries consisted of 39 vehicles powered by Internal Combustion engines included 32 by gasoline, three by ethanol, three by diesel fuel and one by biodiesel.
The 17 Prototype vehicles powered by e-mobility included nine by ‘Plug-in’ electricity, three by fuel cell/hydrogen technology and five by solar.
The UrbanConcept entries consisted of nine vehicles powered by Internal Combustion engines including seven by gasoline and two by diesel fuel.
The three UrbanConcept vehicles powered by e-mobility included one by ‘Plug-in’ electricity, one by fuel cell/hydrogen and one by solar.

For more information on the Prototype and UrbanConcept classes and energy categories as well as complete results, please visit www.shell.com/ecomarathon.

Source: Shell Oil Company

Nissan LEAF™ NISMO RC (Racing Competition) Takes Zero Emission Strategy to a New Dimension — the Race Track

Purpose-Built Prototype Wraps Production Nissan LEAF Components and Technology in a Dramatic

Photo Credit, PRNewsFoto/Nissan North America

Ready-To-Go-Racing Carbon Fiber Body

FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAF™. The powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world’s first affordable mass market electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities between the production Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC end. As indicted by the “RC” – for Racing Competition – this new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th, is purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term “Racing Green.”

Already a world leader in zero emission production vehicles with the late 2010 launch of the Nissan LEAF passenger vehicle in the United States, Europe and Japan, Nissan is now looking the racing world as a way to draw attention to the seemingly untapped potential of electric vehicles.

“Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan’s world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas, speaking at the New York International Auto Show.

The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011, with the company exploring pioneer zero emission competition spec series in future years.
SOURCE Nissan North America

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