CleanMPG
May
31
The sharp looking luxury marque receives a new larger platform, new infotainment, and the most advanced safety capability available.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 30, 2018
The all-new 7th gen Lexus ES comes on the heels of the current offering which I have lauded about its full-size comfort and luxury appointments. The all-new ES builds on its predecessor’s strengths with an all-new chassis and more modern exterior design.
The all-new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before attempting to attract a new generation of buyers with higher straight-line performance, better ride while also offering better road holding and driving feel, and the very latest active safety technology.
2019 Lexus ES Exterior Design
Built on the all-new Global GA-K platform...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 30, 2018
2019 Lexus ES
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33865/full)
The all-new 7th gen Lexus ES comes on the heels of the current offering which I have lauded about its full-size comfort and luxury appointments. The all-new ES builds on its predecessor’s strengths with an all-new chassis and more modern exterior design.
The all-new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before attempting to attract a new generation of buyers with higher straight-line performance, better ride while also offering better road holding and driving feel, and the very latest active safety technology.
2019 Lexus ES Exterior Design
Built on the all-new Global GA-K platform...
May
30
Capital investment of $388 million set for Montgomery Manufacturing Facility.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 30, 2018
Hyundai announced that it is investing $388 million to construct an engine plant dedicated to manufacturing cylinder heads and enhance existing operations to support production of new models of Sonata and Elantra sedans to come in the future. The investment will create 50 new jobs.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) is preparing for the next-generation Hyundai engine, which requires new technologies and components as a part of its assembly process. The capital investment will be spent on equipment for the engine head machining plant and updating...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 30, 2018
2018 Hyundai Ioniq “Kappa” design 1.6L I4
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33864/full)
Atkinsonized and direct injected 104 hp and 109 lb.-ft. of torque 1.6L GDi I4.
Atkinsonized and direct injected 104 hp and 109 lb.-ft. of torque 1.6L GDi I4.
Hyundai announced that it is investing $388 million to construct an engine plant dedicated to manufacturing cylinder heads and enhance existing operations to support production of new models of Sonata and Elantra sedans to come in the future. The investment will create 50 new jobs.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) is preparing for the next-generation Hyundai engine, which requires new technologies and components as a part of its assembly process. The capital investment will be spent on equipment for the engine head machining plant and updating...
May
22
A short trip to attend the best vehicle rally in existance. 
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 22, 2018
Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI -- This is the beginning of a story, a simple placeholder until I can create the full story. However, the trip from San Diego to the IL/WI border, the first step, looked like this...
I am making my way to the #MAMA18SR at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI via way of the 5, CA 78, 15, 70, 76, 80, 94, 43 ...
If only I had a brighter LED flashlight to light my car and sign properly during this 15-sec exposure from the Sony a6300 with a 19 mm Sigma Prime attached.
Which do you like best?
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 22, 2018
Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI -- This is the beginning of a story, a simple placeholder until I can create the full story. However, the trip from San Diego to the IL/WI border, the first step, looked like this...
I am making my way to the #MAMA18SR at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI via way of the 5, CA 78, 15, 70, 76, 80, 94, 43 ...
If only I had a brighter LED flashlight to light my car and sign properly during this 15-sec exposure from the Sony a6300 with a 19 mm Sigma Prime attached.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33842/full)
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33843/full)
At the AZ/UT border on the 15 east bound.
At the AZ/UT border on the 15 east bound.
Which do you like best?
2018 Hyundai...
May
18
Finally GM is getting the message!!!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May , 2018
8 trims and six engine/transmission combinations in the upcoming 2019 Silverado 1500 fit the needs of just about any truck buyer given the wide range performance, efficiency, and technology.
The all-new 2019 Silverado 1500 propulsion lineup includes:
Over half of the models will be equipped with the most advanced V8s in the brand’s history: updated versions of Chevrolet’s 5.3L and 6.2L engines equipped with industry-first Dynamic Fuel Management featuring 17 different modes of cylinder deactivation.
The big news however is the all-new, advanced 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque 2.7L I4 Turbo that will replace the 4.3L V6 as the standard engine...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May , 2018
2019 Chevrolet Silverado RST
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33840/full)
An efficient I4 turbo in a full size pickup!
An efficient I4 turbo in a full size pickup!
8 trims and six engine/transmission combinations in the upcoming 2019 Silverado 1500 fit the needs of just about any truck buyer given the wide range performance, efficiency, and technology.
The all-new 2019 Silverado 1500 propulsion lineup includes:
Over half of the models will be equipped with the most advanced V8s in the brand’s history: updated versions of Chevrolet’s 5.3L and 6.2L engines equipped with industry-first Dynamic Fuel Management featuring 17 different modes of cylinder deactivation.
The big news however is the all-new, advanced 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque 2.7L I4 Turbo that will replace the 4.3L V6 as the standard engine...
May
16
Red ink was freely flowing at U.S. Nissan dealerships in April.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 1, 2018
Nissan reported it sold 87,764 vehicles in April, down a harsh 28.1 percent below the 121,998 sold in April of 2017. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis with 2 less selling days, sales were still down a steep 22.1 percent.
The Versa, Altima, Maxima, Murano, and Titan all had their @$$ handed to them and I can offer no reasonable explanation?
YTD sales of 503,767 were down 6.5 percent below the 538,889 sold through the same period of 2017.
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33769/full)
While there was red ink up and down the model lineup, Rogue continued to lead the...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 1, 2018
2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33751/full)
33/35 mpg city/highway is not bad for a small CUV.
33/35 mpg city/highway is not bad for a small CUV.
Nissan reported it sold 87,764 vehicles in April, down a harsh 28.1 percent below the 121,998 sold in April of 2017. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis with 2 less selling days, sales were still down a steep 22.1 percent.
The Versa, Altima, Maxima, Murano, and Titan all had their @$$ handed to them and I can offer no reasonable explanation?
YTD sales of 503,767 were down 6.5 percent below the 538,889 sold through the same period of 2017.
While there was red ink up and down the model lineup, Rogue continued to lead the...
May
16
The next gen Golf will be equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system. A new 2.0L TDI will be the first VW turbo diesel with a mild hybrid system.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 15, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33830/full)
48-V belt-integrated starter generator, 48-V battery and DC/DC converter.
Vienna, Austria – At a European drivetrain symposium, Volkswagen announced it will be updating its model lineup with completely new electrified drive systems. These include affordable mild hybrid drives with 48V technology and a new high-tech hybridized turbo diesel.
One of the most important is a 48V mild hybrid system scheduled for the next generation Golf. With the new 48V system, VW aims to make hybrid drives more affordable. The drive systems reduce consumption and emissions. Volkswagen will gradually extend the electrification of...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 15, 2018
48-V belt-integrated starter generator, 48-V battery and DC/DC converter.
Vienna, Austria – At a European drivetrain symposium, Volkswagen announced it will be updating its model lineup with completely new electrified drive systems. These include affordable mild hybrid drives with 48V technology and a new high-tech hybridized turbo diesel.
One of the most important is a 48V mild hybrid system scheduled for the next generation Golf. With the new 48V system, VW aims to make hybrid drives more affordable. The drive systems reduce consumption and emissions. Volkswagen will gradually extend the electrification of...
May
15
Strong sales of Pilot and Odyssey in April were noteworthy.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 1, 2018
Honda reported it sold 125,701 vehicles in April, down 9.2 percent below the 138,386 sold in April of 2017. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis with 2 less selling days, sales were down 1.6 percent.
Henio Arcangeli Jr., Senior VP of the Automobile Division & GM of Honda Sales:
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 1, 2018
2018 Honda Pilot
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33829/full)
Honda has a number of top sellers. The Pilot imho is their flagship.
Honda has a number of top sellers. The Pilot imho is their flagship.
Honda reported it sold 125,701 vehicles in April, down 9.2 percent below the 138,386 sold in April of 2017. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis with 2 less selling days, sales were down 1.6 percent.
Henio Arcangeli Jr., Senior VP of the Automobile Division & GM of Honda Sales:
May
15
Jeep achieves record April sales with Wrangler monthly sales the highest in history.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 1, 2018
FCA reported it sold 184,149 vehicles in April, up 4.5 percent over the 176,176 sold in April of 2017. Even more impressive was the fact that this was a sales day short month. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, sales were up a healthy 13.2 percent.
Jeep sales rose to 82,641 vehicles in April, eclipsing the previous record of 82,537 vehicles sold in April of 2017.
Fleet sales accounted for 22 percent of total FCA sales totals.
YTD sales of 698,918 was up 1.7 percent over the 686,974 sold through the same period of 2017....
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 1, 2018
2018 Jeep Wrangler
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33828/full)
In a locale where the Wrangler feels the most comfortable.
In a locale where the Wrangler feels the most comfortable.
FCA reported it sold 184,149 vehicles in April, up 4.5 percent over the 176,176 sold in April of 2017. Even more impressive was the fact that this was a sales day short month. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, sales were up a healthy 13.2 percent.
Jeep sales rose to 82,641 vehicles in April, eclipsing the previous record of 82,537 vehicles sold in April of 2017.
Fleet sales accounted for 22 percent of total FCA sales totals.
YTD sales of 698,918 was up 1.7 percent over the 686,974 sold through the same period of 2017....
May
14
Finally a hybrid moniker worthy Subaru!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 14, 2018
Subaru just announed that it is going to offer its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV. The new Crosstrek Hybrid maintains all the capability of the traditional Subaru Crosstrek but with a large yet to be announce increase in efficiency. It can be driven as a normal Hybrid, using both gas and electric power, or driven on pure electric drive for local commuting while drawing down from a yet to be disclosed Li-Ion pack size.
The Crosstrek PHEV is a more advanced version of the compact Crosstrek SUV that has become the brand’s third best-selling model in America. The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid uniquely integrates the Toyota Hybrid...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 14, 2018
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33826/full)
Limited non-PHEV shown.
Limited non-PHEV shown.
Subaru just announed that it is going to offer its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV. The new Crosstrek Hybrid maintains all the capability of the traditional Subaru Crosstrek but with a large yet to be announce increase in efficiency. It can be driven as a normal Hybrid, using both gas and electric power, or driven on pure electric drive for local commuting while drawing down from a yet to be disclosed Li-Ion pack size.
The Crosstrek PHEV is a more advanced version of the compact Crosstrek SUV that has become the brand’s third best-selling model in America. The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid uniquely integrates the Toyota Hybrid...
May
13
Toyota’s flagship is uniquely designed, equipped, and over the top efficient!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 13, 2018
From the Detroit 2019 Toyota Avalon Reveal in Detroit to the 2019 Toyota Avalon Tech and Marketing Presentation in Del Mar last month, let me add a few impressions.
The TNGA based all-new 5th gen 2019 Avalon is longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor. Like the 18 Camry, the Avalon’s height was lowered by an inch to 56.5 in., the aluminum hood (down by 1.2 in.),...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 13, 2018
2019 Toyota XSE Hybrid
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33712/full)
The 43/44 and 43/43 mpgUS city/highway ratings, XLE and XSE/Touring trims respectively, from a large midsize is UBER impressive!!!
The 43/44 and 43/43 mpgUS city/highway ratings, XLE and XSE/Touring trims respectively, from a large midsize is UBER impressive!!!
From the Detroit 2019 Toyota Avalon Reveal in Detroit to the 2019 Toyota Avalon Tech and Marketing Presentation in Del Mar last month, let me add a few impressions.
The TNGA based all-new 5th gen 2019 Avalon is longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor. Like the 18 Camry, the Avalon’s height was lowered by an inch to 56.5 in., the aluminum hood (down by 1.2 in.),...
May
11
The U.S. strategy trial front and center but being played out in Europe.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 10, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33816/full)
Cities offer significant challenges to moving people and delivering goods. Ford is working on it with a PHEV already being driven in London and is now being tested in Valencia, Spain.
The collaboration between Ford Smart Mobility, the regional government of Valencia and the Valencia City leadership, is designed to see how Transit Custom PHEV fleets could contribute to cleaner air targets and enhanced productivity.
I am not sure what there is to test here? It does and a collaboration means little in the bigger scheme of things. Make it, the cities will mandate it, and the environment could win.
Ford’s partnerships with the Generalitat Valenciana and the city of Valencia, not only...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 10, 2018
Cities offer significant challenges to moving people and delivering goods. Ford is working on it with a PHEV already being driven in London and is now being tested in Valencia, Spain.
The collaboration between Ford Smart Mobility, the regional government of Valencia and the Valencia City leadership, is designed to see how Transit Custom PHEV fleets could contribute to cleaner air targets and enhanced productivity.
I am not sure what there is to test here? It does and a collaboration means little in the bigger scheme of things. Make it, the cities will mandate it, and the environment could win.
Ford’s partnerships with the Generalitat Valenciana and the city of Valencia, not only...
May
10
Imagine the possibilities…
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 9, 2018
Audi of America announced the expansion of Traffic Light Information to two more cities across the U.S. – Phoenix and areas of Kansas City, Kansas.
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33811/full)
An Audi with light timing onboard in Washington DC
In 2016, Audi worked with with Traffic Technology Services (TTS) to launch its Traffic Light Information system in Las Vegas. With the addition of Phoenix and Kansas City, 10 cities and more than 2,250 intersections across the U.S. are now using the service. These cities include Dallas and Houston, Palo Alto and Arcadia, California; Portland, Oregon and Denver, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C.
Time-to-Green
Traffic Light Information, an Audi connect PRIME feature available on some 2017 and 2018 models, enables the car to...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 9, 2018
Audi of America announced the expansion of Traffic Light Information to two more cities across the U.S. – Phoenix and areas of Kansas City, Kansas.
An Audi with light timing onboard in Washington DC
In 2016, Audi worked with with Traffic Technology Services (TTS) to launch its Traffic Light Information system in Las Vegas. With the addition of Phoenix and Kansas City, 10 cities and more than 2,250 intersections across the U.S. are now using the service. These cities include Dallas and Houston, Palo Alto and Arcadia, California; Portland, Oregon and Denver, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C.
Time-to-Green
Traffic Light Information, an Audi connect PRIME feature available on some 2017 and 2018 models, enables the car to...
May
09
Great pricing and outstanding efficiency are just weeks away!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 8, 2018
Last November at the 2017 LA Auto Show Press Days, I was fortunate to see the 2018 Nissan Kicks in person. From the show floor, some of my impressions as linked included the following:
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 8, 2018
2018 Nissan Kicks
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33807/full)
Last November at the 2017 LA Auto Show Press Days, I was fortunate to see the 2018 Nissan Kicks in person. From the show floor, some of my impressions as linked included the following:
May
08
Paris to Dakar in the world’s premiere PHEV called Prime.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 7, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33797/full)
The Team: Team ACP was formed in 1979 by a group of Japanese driving enthusiasts who prepped for the Dakar Rally. They got hooked and participated in subsequent rallies, driving from Paris to Dakar annually for the next 12 years. From their experiences driving through the desert, the team members developed an appreciation for different cultures, as well as increased concern for the global environment.
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33798/full)
After the Prius was launched in 1997, Team ACP was presented with the opportunity to drive the Prius on expeditions in 5 different continents from North America to Africa over a decade of driving. This allowed...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 7, 2018
The Team: Team ACP was formed in 1979 by a group of Japanese driving enthusiasts who prepped for the Dakar Rally. They got hooked and participated in subsequent rallies, driving from Paris to Dakar annually for the next 12 years. From their experiences driving through the desert, the team members developed an appreciation for different cultures, as well as increased concern for the global environment.
After the Prius was launched in 1997, Team ACP was presented with the opportunity to drive the Prius on expeditions in 5 different continents from North America to Africa over a decade of driving. This allowed...
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