Energy

Wolfsburg, 27 June 2008 -- Volkswagen has won the international competition "Golden Drop of Oil 2008" for its innovative engine-gearbox combination, the powerful 90 kW TSI engine and the new 7-speed DSG gearbox. The energy and environment prize is awarded annually by the German automobile club "Kraftfahrer-Schutz e. V. (KS)". The club awards this prize for technical developments in passenger cars which make a significant contribution towards reducing fuel consumption and safeguarding the environment.

The jurors honoured the two new technical developments from Volkswagen as an intelligent combination which, together, achieve noticeable savings in fuel and emissions. It was emphasised that this technology is used in numerous models from the compact class through the small car segment.

26-Story (264-foot) meteorological test tower sited at Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds

Chelsea, Michigan, Mar 18, 2008 - The winds in western Washtenaw County will be tested for clean energy production over the next year, beginning with construction of a 26-story meteorological tower at Chrysler LLC’s Chelsea Proving Grounds this week.

Over the next 12-18 months, energy experts from the county, the University of Michigan, and the consulting firm North Coast Wind and Power will monitor high-level winds at the site to determine if they are suitable for generating electricity.

A study by Washtenaw County found that the area around Chrysler’s Proving Grounds has the greatest potential for developing wind energy in the county.

Jan 27, 2008 -- A systematic drive for green electricity is the latest measure adopted by Volvo Cars on its path to reach a climate-neutral production in Europe. The company now relies solely on hydropower from the electricity suppliers for its facilities in Sweden and Belgium.

"We aim to use renewable energy to the greatest possible extent and hydropower is the best alternative that our suppliers can offer at present," says Magnus Hellsten, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing at Volvo Cars.

Lexus heralds a new era of eco-luxury with America's fashion innovators

January 25, 2008 - New York - Proving luxury and eco-consciousness go hand in hand, Lexus Hybrid Living presents two of New York's most exciting 2008 fall fashion events. Starting January 31st, thirty of the world's top designers will come together to present cutting edge, eco-friendly fashions at Manhattan's Gotham Hall.

Everything from renewable to reusable will be transformed by fashion's most groundbreaking designers into couture for the exceptional FutureFashion event by Earth Pledge.

Lexus Hybrid Living's fashion presence continues on February 5th with the sponsorship of one of fashion's most anticipated ready-to-wear collections-Rodarte.

Auburn Hills, Mich., Dec 18, 2007 - “We commend the Congress for passing an energy bill today and we fully support it being signed into law.

Chrysler is committed to meeting the fuel economy standards of the bill – and doing our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our country’s reliance on foreign oil.

We continue to devote significant resources to develop quality, fuel efficient products that our customers expect.

This year alone, we offer six vehicles that get 28 miles per gallon or better, and more are on the way.”

Source: Chrysler LLC

2007-12-18 -- Statement From Rick Wagoner, Chairman and CEO, General Motors Regarding House Passage of Energy Bill:

"GM commends the Congress and President for passage of an energy bill. The new fuel economy standards within the bill set a tough, national target that GM will strive to meet. We will focus our engineering and technical resources to attain these standards and we remain hard at work applying the innovation and developing the advanced technologies that will power tomorrow's cars and trucks. Addressing the nation's energy security challenges, however, will require all of us working together and we hope to see continued progress on infrastructure and market-driven mechanisms that can augment the auto industry's efforts.

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WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 2007 -- The following is a statement from Ford Motor Company on the final passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by Congress:

"Ford has worked with lawmakers to enact nationwide requirements that provide a significant increase in fuel economy while protecting consumers’ choices of cars, SUVs and light trucks. We are working to do our part to help reduce greenhouse gases and U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

This legislation will provide one clear requirement for increasing fuel economy and provide greater certainty for our product planning. Ford is committed to providing safer, more fuel efficient, quality products – in high volume – that customers want and value."

Source: Ford Motor Company

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will hold a Fuel Cell Pre-Solicitation Workshop on January 23-24, 2008 at the DOE Golden Field Office in Golden, CO. DOE invites the fuel cell research community and other stakeholders to participate in a discussion of the most relevant fuel cell technology research, development, and demonstration topics appropriate for government funding in automotive, stationary, portable power, and early market applications. Input from workshop participants and from the DOE Request for Information will be used to assist in the development of a planned Fuel Cell Funding Opportunity Announcement with awards anticipated in FY 2009.

DOE Announces over $1 Billion in Biofuels R&D Projects this Year

December 4, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, DC – DOE Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced the selection of four biofuels projects in which DOE plans to invest up to $7.7 million. These projects will demonstrate the thermochemical conversion process of turning grasses, stover, the non-edible portion of crops and other materials into biofuel. Combined with today’s announcement, just this calendar year, DOE has announced over $1 billion in funding for biofuels research and development (multi-year funding) projects.

2007-12-03 -- Rick Wagoner, Chairman and CEO, General Motors:

"There are tough, new CAFE standards contained in the energy bill before Congress that pose a significant technical and economic challenge to the industry. But, it's a challenge that GM is prepared to put forth its best effort to meet with an array of engineering, research and development resources. We will continue our aggressive pursuit of advance technologies that will deliver more products with more energy solutions to our customers."

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