CleanMPG
Nov
09
Are you ready for snow?
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November, 9 2018
Blasting through the snow in a 121 hp sleigh, oh what fun it is to ride and sing a driving song tonight!
Chicago, IL. -- The season’s first measurable snowfall arrived almost a month early as inch of snow fell in the Chicago area beginning just after midnight causing extremely slick road conditions and lowered visibility during the morning commute.
O’Hare International Airport experienced an inch
Midway International Airport saw half an inch
Ottawa, IL, approximately 50-miles WSW of Chicago experienced 2 inches
Libertyville, IL, approximately 40 miles North of Chicago received 1.8 inches
Later this evening, wind gusts up to 35 mph could drive wind chills into the teens.
With the first snow in...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November, 9 2018
2019 Toyota Prius
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33977/full)
Blasting through the snow in a 121 hp sleigh, oh what fun it is to ride and sing a driving song tonight!
Chicago, IL. -- The season’s first measurable snowfall arrived almost a month early as inch of snow fell in the Chicago area beginning just after midnight causing extremely slick road conditions and lowered visibility during the morning commute.
O’Hare International Airport experienced an inch
Midway International Airport saw half an inch
Ottawa, IL, approximately 50-miles WSW of Chicago experienced 2 inches
Libertyville, IL, approximately 40 miles North of Chicago received 1.8 inches
Later this evening, wind gusts up to 35 mph could drive wind chills into the teens.
With the first snow in...
Nov
09
New full size Palisade SUV, Kona EV, and NEXO FCV will soon be added.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 8, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33976/full)
Hyundai continues its new or refreshed portfolio push with ten all-new or refreshed models.
Heading into 2019, the Hyundai fleet has been entirely refreshed. Highlights from this portfolio make over include the all-new Kona compact crossover; three new eco-friendly options with Kona EV and NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicle joining the refreshed Sonata Hybrid/PHEV; and a fresh new look for all of Hyundai’s volume leaders – Sonata, Elantra, Tucson and Santa Fe. The 10 new or significantly enhanced models gives Hyundai one of the freshest looks in the industry heading into the new year, with additional models on their way early in the calendar year.
Hyundai retail sales were up three percent in...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 8, 2018
Hyundai continues its new or refreshed portfolio push with ten all-new or refreshed models.
Heading into 2019, the Hyundai fleet has been entirely refreshed. Highlights from this portfolio make over include the all-new Kona compact crossover; three new eco-friendly options with Kona EV and NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicle joining the refreshed Sonata Hybrid/PHEV; and a fresh new look for all of Hyundai’s volume leaders – Sonata, Elantra, Tucson and Santa Fe. The 10 new or significantly enhanced models gives Hyundai one of the freshest looks in the industry heading into the new year, with additional models on their way early in the calendar year.
Hyundai retail sales were up three percent in...
Nov
05
The German automaker is slowly catching up to Pre-TDI sales months but not without a struggle.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 1, 2018
VW reported U.S. sales of 29,000 vehicles in October, up 4.6 percent over the 27,732 sold in October 2017. YTD sales of 295,228 vehicles is up a very healthy 5.4 percent over the 280,188 sold through the same period of 2017.
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33970/full)
SUVs made up 43 percent of VW’s October sales results. By far the best seller in the VW U.S> lineup is the all-new Tiguan – and older Tiguan Limited – with 87,413 vehicles sold year to date, up 173.4 percent over the 31,975 sold through the same period of 2017.
On the sedan side, Jetta once again lead the brand with October...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 1, 2018
2019 VW Jetta
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33967/full)
VW reported U.S. sales of 29,000 vehicles in October, up 4.6 percent over the 27,732 sold in October 2017. YTD sales of 295,228 vehicles is up a very healthy 5.4 percent over the 280,188 sold through the same period of 2017.
SUVs made up 43 percent of VW’s October sales results. By far the best seller in the VW U.S> lineup is the all-new Tiguan – and older Tiguan Limited – with 87,413 vehicles sold year to date, up 173.4 percent over the 31,975 sold through the same period of 2017.
On the sedan side, Jetta once again lead the brand with October...
Nov
02
Sales were off but the all-new 19 Altima will keep Nissan in the hunt for a large percentage of midsize sedan U.S. sales.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 1, 2018
2019 Nissan Altima - $24,6450 to start including the $895 D&H charge. With the std. 2.5L I4 in the S, SV and SL trims, an EPA rating of 28/39 mpg city/highway does not quite measure up to its main competitors latest. The SR and Platinum trims with the 2.5L offer a 27/37 mpg city/highway rating. The SR and Platinum with the all-new 2.0L VC Turbo offers owners a 25/34 mpg city/highway rating.
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33961/full)
Nissan announced it sold 109,962 vehicles in October, down 10.6 percent below the 123,012 sold during the same period, October of 2017. On a Daily Selling Rate basis, 26 selling days in October of 2018 vs 25 selling days in October of...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 1, 2018
2019 Nissan Altima - $24,6450 to start including the $895 D&H charge. With the std. 2.5L I4 in the S, SV and SL trims, an EPA rating of 28/39 mpg city/highway does not quite measure up to its main competitors latest. The SR and Platinum trims with the 2.5L offer a 27/37 mpg city/highway rating. The SR and Platinum with the all-new 2.0L VC Turbo offers owners a 25/34 mpg city/highway rating.
Nissan announced it sold 109,962 vehicles in October, down 10.6 percent below the 123,012 sold during the same period, October of 2017. On a Daily Selling Rate basis, 26 selling days in October of 2018 vs 25 selling days in October of...
Nov
01
Great October results plus a treat in the form of an All-Electric we would all love to drive. 
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 1, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33956/full)
2019 Jaguar I-Pace AWD BEV -- $69,500 to start with a 90 kW traction battery and 234 miles of all-electric and only electric range.
Jaguar/Land Rover today reported October 2018 US sales: Land Rover had its best October sales month in history with 7,846 vehicles sold, up 43.3 percent over 5,477 sold in October 2017.
Jaguar sales of 2,648 vehicles was down 8.4 percent below the 2,891 vehicles sold in October 2017.
Jaguar/Land Rover total October US sales of 10,494 vehicles is up 25.4 percent over the combined total of 8,368 vehicles in October 2017.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace First Look
If there were an auto maker that was going to make a full electric car exciting to own and drive, who...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 1, 2018
2019 Jaguar I-Pace AWD BEV -- $69,500 to start with a 90 kW traction battery and 234 miles of all-electric and only electric range.
Jaguar/Land Rover today reported October 2018 US sales: Land Rover had its best October sales month in history with 7,846 vehicles sold, up 43.3 percent over 5,477 sold in October 2017.
Jaguar sales of 2,648 vehicles was down 8.4 percent below the 2,891 vehicles sold in October 2017.
Jaguar/Land Rover total October US sales of 10,494 vehicles is up 25.4 percent over the combined total of 8,368 vehicles in October 2017.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace First Look
If there were an auto maker that was going to make a full electric car exciting to own and drive, who...
Oct
31
More profitable – read higher cost – vehicle sales lead to positive earnings and a very healthy 10.1 percent margin in North America!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – October 31, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/32510/full)
GM profited heavily in the Q3 of 2018 with net income of $2.5 billion, compared with a loss of $2.98 billion a year earlier due to the sale of PSA in Europe. Operating income rose $600 million to an eye opening $3.2 billion in the quarter.
Despite an 11.4 percent reduction in U.S. retail sales volumes - 695,000 from 781,000 in the Q3 of 2017, the automaker reported net revenue of $35.79 billion, up 6 percent from $33.62 billion achieved during the Q3 of 2017.
International sales fell 18% to $4.58 billion leading to a slim .1 billion USD profit.
Globally, YTD sales of 6,141,000 are off 12.4 percent from the 7,007,000...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – October 31, 2018
GM profited heavily in the Q3 of 2018 with net income of $2.5 billion, compared with a loss of $2.98 billion a year earlier due to the sale of PSA in Europe. Operating income rose $600 million to an eye opening $3.2 billion in the quarter.
Despite an 11.4 percent reduction in U.S. retail sales volumes - 695,000 from 781,000 in the Q3 of 2017, the automaker reported net revenue of $35.79 billion, up 6 percent from $33.62 billion achieved during the Q3 of 2017.
International sales fell 18% to $4.58 billion leading to a slim .1 billion USD profit.
Globally, YTD sales of 6,141,000 are off 12.4 percent from the 7,007,000...
Oct
30
The future will arrive... Someday. Eventually. Maybe?
Sherif Marakby, CEO – Ford Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC – October 22, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33938/full)
Just like guiding a bill through Congress, establishing a self-driving vehicle business requires a lot of coordination. Not only do self-driving vehicles need to operate safely and reliably, but they also need to work in concert with the businesses, people and cities they serve. On top of all this, they must operate within an ecosystem that supports their operation and maintenance.
As Ford’s work in all those areas continues in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Miami, we are expanding to become the first company to test autonomous vehicles in Washington, D.C., according to the district, by establishing a self-driving vehicle business — a business that will be responsive to the...
Sherif Marakby, CEO – Ford Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC – October 22, 2018
Just like guiding a bill through Congress, establishing a self-driving vehicle business requires a lot of coordination. Not only do self-driving vehicles need to operate safely and reliably, but they also need to work in concert with the businesses, people and cities they serve. On top of all this, they must operate within an ecosystem that supports their operation and maintenance.
As Ford’s work in all those areas continues in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Miami, we are expanding to become the first company to test autonomous vehicles in Washington, D.C., according to the district, by establishing a self-driving vehicle business — a business that will be responsive to the...
Oct
29
Unusually wild Texas weather created challenges while the very latest Trucks and SUV/CUVs provided highlights.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – October 13 and 14, 2018
Austin Texas – This year’s Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo was to be held at the Longhorn River Ranch in Dripping Springs, TX just outside Austin. Massive rains and flooding were day ones story as the most amount of rain the area has experienced since 1939 was in full swing. Despite the weather, 57 trucks and SUV/CUVs from 19 manufacturers continued to roll – sort of - with 69 eager journalists taking the wheel and voting on their favorites creating winners across a range of categories.
The morning of day one at the beautiful Longhorn River Ranch had to be...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – October 13 and 14, 2018
2019 RAM 1500 is the new “Truck of Texas”
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33920/full)
Austin Texas – This year’s Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo was to be held at the Longhorn River Ranch in Dripping Springs, TX just outside Austin. Massive rains and flooding were day ones story as the most amount of rain the area has experienced since 1939 was in full swing. Despite the weather, 57 trucks and SUV/CUVs from 19 manufacturers continued to roll – sort of - with 69 eager journalists taking the wheel and voting on their favorites creating winners across a range of categories.
The morning of day one at the beautiful Longhorn River Ranch had to be...
Oct
26
Could add more than 7 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Oct. 26, 2018
GM today is filing comments to the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. GM proposes the establishment of a National Zero Emissions Vehicle (NZEV) program to support a 50-state solution, promote the success of the U.S. automotive industry and preserve U.S. industrial leadership for years to come.
GM anticipates the NZEV program has the potential to place more than 7 million long-range EVs on the road by 2030, yielding a cumulative incremental reduction of 375 million tons of CO2 emissions between 2021 and 2030 over the existing ZEV program.
NZEV Program Elements
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Oct. 26, 2018
The Chevrolet Bolt BEV
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33889/full)
GM today is filing comments to the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. GM proposes the establishment of a National Zero Emissions Vehicle (NZEV) program to support a 50-state solution, promote the success of the U.S. automotive industry and preserve U.S. industrial leadership for years to come.
GM anticipates the NZEV program has the potential to place more than 7 million long-range EVs on the road by 2030, yielding a cumulative incremental reduction of 375 million tons of CO2 emissions between 2021 and 2030 over the existing ZEV program.
NZEV Program Elements
- ...
Oct
26
Declining sales and new tariffs cost billions.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Oct. 24, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33888/full)
2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty
Ford released its third quarter 2018 financial results with mixed to lower results. Ford's Q3 revenue was up 3 percent year over year - $37.6 billion vs. $36.5 billion, with net income of $1 billion, down .6 billion. Company adjusted EBIT reached $1.7B, down .6 billion and was driven by challenges in China.
High end trimmed SUVs and trucks in North America is where the bread was buttered while overall global losses continued. In the U.S., Ford trucks and SUV sales totaled 482,512 vehicles, a 2.8 percent gain over the third quarter of 2017. F-Series average transaction prices of $46,224 were up $858 per truck compared to a year ago.
Other negatives include the fact that Ford lost...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Oct. 24, 2018
2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty
Ford released its third quarter 2018 financial results with mixed to lower results. Ford's Q3 revenue was up 3 percent year over year - $37.6 billion vs. $36.5 billion, with net income of $1 billion, down .6 billion. Company adjusted EBIT reached $1.7B, down .6 billion and was driven by challenges in China.
High end trimmed SUVs and trucks in North America is where the bread was buttered while overall global losses continued. In the U.S., Ford trucks and SUV sales totaled 482,512 vehicles, a 2.8 percent gain over the third quarter of 2017. F-Series average transaction prices of $46,224 were up $858 per truck compared to a year ago.
Other negatives include the fact that Ford lost...
Oct
26
Luxurious, tight given the segment, and all Lexus for an attractive price.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 12, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33881/full)
Austin, TX -- At this years annual Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo, Lexus brought something I am sure many here will find intriguing. Here is a quick overview of the all-New 2019 Lexus UX 250h - $34,000 and $36,000 for AWD. Although the full EPA has not yet been released, Lexus promised it will have the best MPG ratings of any CUV without a plug in the U.S. market. In other words, TBA. D&H will run you $1,025 in addition to the vehicle price.
The new entry level Lexus is slated to reach dealership showrooms this December and is the first Lexus constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. A super-rigid high strength steel ladened structure with a...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 12, 2018
Austin, TX -- At this years annual Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo, Lexus brought something I am sure many here will find intriguing. Here is a quick overview of the all-New 2019 Lexus UX 250h - $34,000 and $36,000 for AWD. Although the full EPA has not yet been released, Lexus promised it will have the best MPG ratings of any CUV without a plug in the U.S. market. In other words, TBA. D&H will run you $1,025 in addition to the vehicle price.
The new entry level Lexus is slated to reach dealership showrooms this December and is the first Lexus constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. A super-rigid high strength steel ladened structure with a...
Jul
25
Slow selling base Sonata PHEV receives a lower starting MSRP.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 19, 2018
![[IMG]](http://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/33876/full)
The refreshed 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) adopts the same distinctive design of the recently released Sonata gasoline and Hybrid models while delivering 28 miles of all-electric range, feature enhancements and a lower starting price. The starting price for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid Plug-In is $33,250, a $1,350 reduction from the 2017 model, furthering the value-added benefits of Hyundai eco-friendly vehicles. The price of Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited model increases by $250, but now comes with all these new features:
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 19, 2018
The refreshed 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) adopts the same distinctive design of the recently released Sonata gasoline and Hybrid models while delivering 28 miles of all-electric range, feature enhancements and a lower starting price. The starting price for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid Plug-In is $33,250, a $1,350 reduction from the 2017 model, furthering the value-added benefits of Hyundai eco-friendly vehicles. The price of Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited model increases by $250, but now comes with all these new features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection
- LED Headlights with Dynamic Bending Light
- Lane Keep Assist
- Driver Attention Alert
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless charging...
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...
XenPorta
© Jason Axelrod from 8WAYRUN.COM
