Daily Dose of Links

Chicago 2008: It's here - 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2008-02-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupes, Dodge

click above for 89 high-res pics of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Just over two years after debuting as a concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Dodge Challenger is now ready to hit the streets for real. The Challenger is reviving a name last used in the late '70s and early '80s on a compact, four-cylinder Mitsubishi-built coupe. This time, though, Chrysler is going back to the roots of the brand with a big muscular rear-wheel-drive coupe, initially available exclusively with a 6.1L HEMI V8 that will power the new Challenger 60 mph in the low 5-second range, according to a very conservative Chrysler. It shares the automaker's LX platform with the Charger and Chrysler 300, and in final form, the car has changed remarkably little from the concept. The most noticeable differences are up front and include the loss of the cross-hair grille and a slim black air dam at the bottom of the bumper. Other changes are pretty subtle, such as some reshaping of the lower air intake.

Out back, the rear bumper is now more prominent and the detailing of the taillights has been revised. A flat black lip spoiler is now mounted on the trailing edge of the deck lid while the Challenger badges on the rear fenders have been dumped. The rear driver side fender now also features a prominent chrome fuel filler cap. The wheelbase of the LX platform has been shrunk from a gargantuan 120 inches for the sedans to a merely large 116 inches for the Challenger. That puts the span between the axles at 9 inches longer the Mustang, which aids interior volume. Read on after the jump for more.

[Source: Chrysler]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

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Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse makes it a Lambda superfecta

2008-02-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet

click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Traverse

Let's cut right to the chase. Everything about the 2009 Chevy Traverse that will be unveiled later today in Chicago is stuff we pretty much already know. As the fourth Lambda-platform crossover from General Motors, the basics have been introduced already in the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. The Traverse is a roomy seven (or eight)-passenger crossover with a well-organized cockpit, whose details differ only slightly from its platform sibs. That's been GM's M.O. thus far, so why should the Traverse be any different? Power, like the other Lambdas, comes from the 3.6L V6, which makes 281 or 286 horsepower in the Bowtie version depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with a single or dual exhaust. GM promises "best in class" fuel economy (final numbers are still TBD), but our experience with the other Lambdas has been that they average in the mid teens duing real-world driving.

The Traverse comes in third in the looks race behind the Enclave and Acadia and ahead of the Saturn Outlook. In front, the jumbo-sized Chevy grille is the dominant element, flanked by some rather angry-looking headlamps. In profile, the Traverse has a lot of Enclave to its looks, with pronounced but less-sculpted rear haunches and similarly-shaped glass. The rear end is highlighted by some very funky-looking taillights. Other than that, you feel like you've been here before, mostly because you have. GM hasn't announced pricing yet, but there'll be LS, LT and LTZ trim levels with both 2WD and AWD available. Given that the Chevy should be competitively priced and has a large dealer network, we wonder how many sales it's going to cannibalize from its siblings -- particularly the Outlook. We'll find out this Summer when it starts appearing in showrooms.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Continue reading Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse makes it a Lambda superfecta

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Chicago 2008: Ford introduces Work Solutions in-dash computer package for F-150 [w/VIDEO]

2008-02-05T14:01:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Gadgets, Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Tech, Videos, Ford

click above for more high-res images of the Ford Work Solutions package

Ford is not shy about reminding the world of the enormous number of full-size trucks that it sells every year. A large portion of those trucks get sold to people who use them to earn their living. Contractors, plumbers, electricians, installers, landscapers and more use their trucks and vans as mobile offices, workshops and tool cribs. With the market for this class of vehicles getting increasingly competitive, thanks to new models from Chrysler and entries from Toyota and to a lesser degree Nissan, Ford knows it needs to provide something that appeals to those core commercial customers. In mid-2006, the brand that Henry built talked to its customers and determined that owners would appreciate new features that would make their more productive in new ways. So they worked with partners like Master Lock, DeWalt and Sprint to create a package called Work Solutions that will be available on 2009 F-150 and Super-Duty pickups and E-Series vans. Basically a fully functional in-dash computer with lots of gadgetry built in, the Work Solutions package is a technological tour de force for commercial customers. Read more about it after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: Ford Work Solutions

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Ford introduces Work Solutions in-dash computer package for F-150 [w/VIDEO]

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Chicago 2008: Ford Transit Connect arrives in the States ready to work

2008-02-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivans/MPVs, Ford

click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Transit Connect

Lots of businesses and even regular folk have a need for a vehicle with plenty of space inside to carry stuff that isn't necessarily incredibly heavy. For those applications, something like a full-size van is just overkill and results in higher than necessary operating costs. Over the years, Chevy, Dodge and Ford have all offered cargo van versions of their mini-vans for plumbers, caterers and anyone else that didn't need the extra two rows of seats but wanted more storage space. With the demise of the Windstar/Freestar in late 2006, and new, stricter fuel economy regulations on the horizon, Ford found a new solution in its European lineup. Several years ago it launched the Transit Connect, a smaller, tall roofed front-wheel-drive van.

At 6'8" tall, the Transit Connect easily fits in a garage, but the low floor provides lots of room for racks of tools, parts or whatever else the owner might need to haul around. It will be available with either just the two front seats or with an additional second row bench seat for three. In two seater form, the Connect has 143 cubic ft. of storage space that is easily accessible from either of the two sliding doors or the 180^o fold out rear doors. The front wheels will be driven by a 2.0L four cylinder gas engine in the US version since Ford is trying to keep the Transit affordable and skipping the diesels for now. It's currently estimating 19/24 mpg city/highway, which is about 2 mpg better than the Chevy and Dodge cargo vans. Ford will start bringing the Transit Connect to the US in mid-2009 from an assembly plant in Turkey and pricing has yet to be announced.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect

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AutoblogGreen for 02.06.08

2008-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

So, just where is the line between hype and bluster and reality when we're talking about the Zotye electric SUV? That's something that will be made much more clear in the next two months, as that's when deliveries of this $20,000 highway-speed, all-electric SUV are supposed to start. In the near term, let's get busy with the Chicago Auto Show.

Zotye electric SUV: $20,000, highway speed, 100-mile range and just 60 DAYS AWAY!

Chicago 2008: Ford brings the Transit Connect to America

VW sells one millionth DSG, next million on the way

Airbus completes world first GTL-powered flight

GM invites you to talk about the environment on GMNext tomorrow

Video: Jim Dawson's 80-mile range electric Saturn DOE picks 2009 Solar Decathlon teams

Keene State College an EPA award finalist with waste oil project

General Motors to invest $69M in Ohio diesel engine plant for updated engine

University of Michigan starts engineering grad program for energy systems

Video: Ron Paul on ethanol subsidies "I don't think we should do that"

Guinea Bissau's excess military staff will grow crops, produce ethanol

Is Fiat's "Eco pack" greenwashing or the right direction for the car industry to go?

If successful, the Tata Nano will likely push up gas prices

VW Jetta TDI Cup registration almost done, driver selection in early April

Beetles killing Rocky Mountain trees, so why not use the wood to make ethanol?

i-Spec Q-100, a handheld biodiesel analyzer, coming from Paradigm Sensors

India gets its first hydrogen filling station

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F&M Antas V8 to star in Speed Racer

2008-02-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Maserati, Celebrities

Click on the images to view in our gigantic high-resolution gallery

Ever hear of the Faralli & Mazzati Antas V8 GT? Few have, but many will see it soon, as the unique coachbuilt sportscar is set to make its cinematic debut in the highly-anticipated Speed Racer movie.

The handcrafted Antas V8 GT is the creation of classic car restorers Walter Faralli and Luca Mazzanti, who designed the car by hand with retro touches culled from vintage Maseratis, Morgans and Bugattis. The Antas made its big debut in the presence of Prince Albert II at the 2006 Top Marques show in Monaco, and is powered by a 310hp 4.7-liter Maserati V8. Although we don't yet know in what capacity exactly, the F&M Antas V8 GT will star alongside such names as Susan Sarandon, John Goodman and Christina Ricci (the latter of which will have to compete with the Antas for curve factor) when Speed Racer hits the big screen on May 9, 2008. In the meantime, you can check out all the images in the huge gallery below.

[Source: F&M Auto]

Gallery: Faralli & Mazzati Antas V8 GT

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The return of full-service? Gas pumping robot

2008-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Euro, Tech, Lifestyle

Dutch inventors might have ushered in the return of the full-service station. Yet like so many other things being taken out of the hands of flesh and blood people, the new full-service could be an all-robot affair. The robot -- called the Tankpitstop robot -- is affixed to the bowser, and if it recognizes the make and model of car, and your gas cap doesn't need a key, it will open everything up and start pumping.

The creation is the brainchild of a gas station operator who said he saw a robot milking a cow, and figured that a robot could fill a car. Heck, if robots can build cars and fill their fluids, we figure there's no reason why they can't fill a tank. The question now is how to let drivers know that the robot knows how to fill your car. What you don't want is to pull up in your freshly-waxed ride and hear the robotic equivalent of "Hmmm, let's try this..." As it stands, the robot costs €75,000. No telling what a station's liability insurance will cost.

[Source: Reuters]

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Will the motorcycle replace the car for performance-minded drivers?

2008-02-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Chevrolet, Motorcycles

We ran across an interesting question posed by Paul Crowe over at The Kneeslider and decided to see what our readers thought: Are motorcycles the future of performance? This question seemingly has some merit due to the tighter CAFE requirements that the government is forcing upon automakers. General Motors cannot afford to sell hundreds of thousands of Camaros at great prices, no matter how many consumers want them. Instead, it seems that the highest-performing Camaro could be a hybrid, which would undoubtedly cost more than an SS with a V8 engine. Rumors are circulating that the Corvette ZR1 will be the last one powered by a larger-displacement V8 engine. Motorcycles, on the other hand, have so far slipped under the radar. Although it is probably not necessary since most bikes get pretty good fuel economy anyway, CAFE does not exist in the motorcycle market. Is the performance car going to go down in smoke in the wake of increasing fuel mileage? If so, will speed junkies make the switch to motorcycles?

[Source: The Kneeslider]

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Elon Musk takes delivery of first production Tesla Roadster

2008-02-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Green

Last Friday, Tesla chairman Elon Musk took delivery of the first production Roadster, which carries the name P1 (Production vehicle 1). The black coupe was flown in from Hethel, England, where all Teslas are being built alongside the Roadster's cousin, the Lotus Elise. When the Roadster arrived at the start-up's R&D facility in San Carlos, California, it was pushed into the garage and had its Thailand-produced battery pack installed. After the battery was fitted and charged, Musk led a pack of four other Roadsters on a quick drive and AutoblogGreen was able to procure a video of the run. For those of you who wanted to hear how the Tesla Roadster sounds while accelerating, we've embedded the video after the jump.

[Source: Earth2Tech.com, Image: Stephanie Lawrence]

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

Continue reading Elon Musk takes delivery of first production Tesla Roadster

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U.S. insurer AIG buys stake in Chinese carmaker Lifan

2008-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Filed under: China, Safety, Motorcycles

One of the main concerns that Autoblog readers have about Chinese cars is their safety. We've seen some fairly horrific crash tests of Chinese-made cars recently, but some improvements, as well. You just gotta know American insurance companies are not looking forward to these things being on U.S. roads.

That's why we find it quite ironic that U.S. insurance company AIG has bought a sizable stake in Chinese car and motorcycle-maker Lifan. We haven't seen any Lifan crash tests, so their cars could beat even Volvo at the safety game for all we know. But so far, Chinese cars in general aren't exactly known for their safety.

While one report says AIG's piece of Lifan could be as big as 25%, Lifan's Chairman Yin Mingshan said last year his company would not sell more than 20% to any one investment company. The deal awaits approval from the Chinese government, which is expected to come later this month or in early March.

AIG apparently sees lots of potential in China having also announced in July that it had received permission to begin selling insurance in China.

[Source: Reuters and Market Watch via China Car Times]

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Next in Line: Renault developing dual-clutch transmission

2008-02-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Renault

Dual-clutch transmissions are washing over the automotive industry like a wave, and Renault could be the next to hang ten. The French automaker intends to use more efficient transmissions - specifically DCTs and CVTs - to help meet its emissions-reducing targets.

Although Renault could easily borrow the continuously-variable transmission from its corporate cousin Nissan, the speculation is that it could also develop its own dual-clutch gearbox. Although Nissan uses one in the new GT-R, it's outsourced from Borg-Warner. If Renault did develop its own DCT, it would likely employ lighter-weight dry clutches, and would join the growing list of carmakers with DCTs that will soon include Fiat, Volvo, BMW and, of course, Volkswagen.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

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Schumacher becomes a team owner

2008-02-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings, Celebrities

Michael Schumacher may have turned down the opportunity to take over the Scuderia, but that doesn't mean he's given up on ever running his own racing team. Schumacher is co-owner of the KSM karting team, based near his hometown of Kerpen, Germany. To drive the team's kart in the German championship this year, Schumacher, who is in charge of driver development (no kidding), signed Carlos Sainz, Jr., the son of the two-time world rally champion.

Since Schumacher's retirement, many aspiring racers have been proclaimed as the champ's natural successor: his brother Ralf, his protege Felipe, the drivers that Michael's longtime manager Wili Webber has been handling, even Schumi's nephew. But now the man himself has put his weight behind Carlos Sainz, Jr. Schumi was quick to point out that he, like countless other star drivers, got his start in karts, and that the deal could put Sainz on the path to Formula One. Not too shabby an endorsement, then.

[Source: F1-Live]

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GM bets $69 million on diesel plant in Ohio

2008-02-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

New emissions standards in 2010 will make things too stringent for GM's Duramax diesel, in its current form, to make the grade. To help its prize student pass the looming tests, GM is investing $69 million in its DMAX plant (a joint venture diesel engine factory in Moraine, Ohio) for plant renovations and new machinery and tooling.

While GM doesn't really rate the uptake of diesel in the American market in passenger cars, the Duramax is an engine that has powered its fair share of GM sales. Since its introduction in 2001, more than one million Duramax diesels have found their way on the road in Chevy Silverados, GMC Sierras, full-size vans and some medium duty trucks. The current 6.6-liter Duramax V8 has a diesel particulate filter to meet today's standards. For 2010, GM will add a selective catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system (along with the particulate filter) to meet the Tier 2 BIN and LEV 2 emissions standards. It will remain good to go in all 50 states.

[Source: GM]

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UK: Land Rover intros HST trim for Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport

2008-02-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Filed under: SUVs, Land Rover, UK

Click images for hi-res

UK customers who want a more muscled-up appearance for the Land Rover Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport are in luck. LR has unveiled the HST trim level, which adds a full body kit, new wheels, and updated grille, will serve as the range-topper for the Freelander 2 (that's LR2 for us Yanks).

Similarly, the Range Rover Sport also gets the HST treatment, with "Stormer" dubs in the wheel wells, updated bodywork, and some associated interior upgrades. There are no associated power upgrades, so think of HST as a "more show, same go" deal, much like the Ford Edge Sport that was unveiled for our market last night. Both vehicles go on sale this March. Press release pasted after the jump.

[Source: Land Rover]

Gallery: 2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 HST

Continue reading UK: Land Rover intros HST trim for Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport

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AutoblogGreen for 02.05.08

2008-02-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

So, you're Eli Manning, Super Bowl MVP, and GM has decided to give you your choice of Cadillacs. What do you choose? Why not a forthcoming Escalade hybrid? Mr. Manning has asked he be given the first one. And what's this about an electric car that can break the laws of physics? interesting.

Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning choses Escalade hybrid as his prize

Electric car that recharges its battery with only regenerative braking?

Chicago Auto Show 2008 videos: GMC Denali XT concept

Vectrix and Tesla together? It's not beyond the realm of possibility

Short video: five Tesla Roadsters driving by...

Video: GMC's Superbowl ad for Yukon hybrid

Former Shell boss says we need to use less energy and cut carbon output

The Kneeslider: Are motorcycles the future of performance?

Not gonna happen: Bush budget leaves ethanol tariff alone

Instructable of the day: making sandals from used tires

Hey look, a warning sticker for low sulfur diesel

Chinese electric scooter now available in Ann Arbor

Honda's new TV ad features fuel cell-powered FCX Clarity

PACCAR to use urea injection and EGR to clean up emissions

Nova's Car of the Future documentary coming this Earth Day

Hybrid Camaro? Maybe

CT Biodiesel plant not exactly popular with area residents

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Chicago 2008: Ford Edge Sport rocks factory dubs

2008-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford

Click on the Edge Sport for a high-res gallery

Ford has been desperately short of hit products in recent years, one of the exceptions being the Edge. With that in mind, Ford is keen on capitalizing on that popularity in much the same way as they have with the Mustang: variants. Ford is adding the Edge Sport to the roster, which incorporates a package of visual enhancements that don't really do too much to improve the sport factor. It does, however, look pretty cool and it gives Dearborn the opportunity to cash in on some of the potential profit margin that presently goes straight to dealers and third-party tuners.

Edge Sport gets the big-wheel look, with painted 20-inchers coming as standard equipment and polished 22" units being an extra-cost option. The obligatory body kit includes sill extensions and lower valences front and rear. The headlights and taillights also get a factory dress-up via smoked gray lenses. Inside, the seat materials are upgraded. One odd note centers around the trim adorning the vents in the instrument panel. The ones in the center stack have chrome trim while those at the outer ends of the dash have a matte grey finish. The bodywork of the Edge Sport will be available in blue, red, silver or black. The look is clean and attractive, and the blue photo car's visual accoutrements remind us of of the Mercury Milan VOGA that was shown in Miami back in '06. That's no bad thing, though we'd love to see this exact car with an EcoBoost V6 underhood, to give that "Sport" moniker some real teeth. The Ford press release is pasted after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2009 Ford Edge Sport

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Ford Edge Sport rocks factory dubs

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The Stig: Some say he's Lewis Hamilton

2008-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: UK, Celebrities

The producers of Top Gear have kept the identity of "The Stig" a closely-guarded secret. With such a wide audience and fan base, that's led to endless speculation over the true identity of the show's phantom test driver, and one British celebrity is now claiming he knows who it is.

Guests on the show's "a star in a reasonably-priced car" segment work with The Stig to perfect their hot lap on Top Gear's test track, but none have ever revealed his identity. Comedian Omid Djalili, however, is insistent that The Stig is actually McLaren's star pilot Lewis Hamilton. Djalili's revelation is based on speculation garnered from speaking with The Stig, who purportedly revealed his age to the comedian, and with the show's producers, who insisted two years ago that the true Stig would become famous by now. Die-hard fans, however, will point to evidence to the contrary. Think Djalili's on to something, or is he just grabbing at gasoline-soaked straws? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for the tip, Dwight!

[Source: Digital Spy]

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Mercedes launching AMG awareness campaign

2008-02-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes Benz, AMG

Stand anywhere near where an AMG Mercedes is driving and you'd have to be deaf not to hear it. But Mercedes-Benz is convinced that too few potential customers have heard of its performance range, so it's launching an awareness campaign around the United States that seeks to raise the profile of its top shelf performance models.

The project involves the establishment of AMG Performance Centers, a focused advertising campaign and a product-demonstration road show. An initial pilot project will involve seven dealers in California, Florida and New York, but by the end of the year, Mercedes expects that its top 30 dealerships - representing 80% of AMG sales in the US - will sign on to the program. Mercedes will subsidize dealerships on the cost of setting up separate AMG areas within their dealerships and training service personnel, as well as bringing the road show to town, which will demonstrate limited edition AMG models - we're thinking Black Series here - to select customers.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Gallery: AMG CLK63 "Black Edition"

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iMagicLab opening dealer megaplex in Second Life

2008-02-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Lifestyle

On March 1, 2008, Second Life will host the grand opening of the Automobile Dealer Relations Center (ARDC) called AutoLand. While that sounds like the kind of place where you'll have to run for your life from a cyborg Yul Brenner, it will actually be home to a multi-brand showroom in the virtual life sim that was created by customer relationship management software maker iMagic. What's more, you'll be able to chat with up to 50 dealers nationwide about pricing, availability and service issues.

We have to admit that we find the idea of a virtual car showroom kind of funky (disclaimer: this blogger has never been in or on or at Second Life before today). After all, Second Life's graphics aren't cutting edge, so at best you'll only be able to look at chunky representations of the car you're interested in buying. As for chatting with dealers, virtual sales don't affect the brick-and-mortar bottom line much, and if the chatroom becomes a forum to gripe about service issues, we can see things getting testy pretty quickly. If nothing else, it's a neat experiment, and we'll see what happens. And when you get tired of kicking digital tires, you can head on over to Peugeot island and see what the hubbub is about: that company leads all 11 automotive brands in Second Life with more than 9 million accounts.

[Source: AOL Money & Finance]

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The Taj Ma Garaj: A Porsche lover's Xanadu

2008-02-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Porsche, Volkswagen

It's amazing the adventures a broken tie rod in an unfamiliar town can lead to. Hokey Ass Message Board member Hotrodladycrusr was traveling from Michigan to Tennessee when her "cop car," a 1997 Grand Marque, suffered the suspension malady. She called a friend she knew only from the Internet who gave her a place to stay the night, and the next day they got the big car back on the road.

But before she left town, Ms. Crusr got an invite to check out the Taj Ma Garaj in Dayton, Ohio. Autoblog readers in that town will surely know it, the rest of us get to be amazed.

The Taj Ma Garaj is 20,000 square feet of mostly Porsches and VWs, the likes of which are astounding. There are so many German-engineered cars, they're literally coming out of the walls. The men's bathroom features Porsche engine covers as stall dividers, and we're loving that door with the Porsche logo carved into it. The Speedster turned wagon, the Kreuzer, however, we can do without.

The cars are John Dixon's personal collection, but he rents the warehouse out for private events, and it can hold 600 people. We hope one day we'll be invited to one of those parties. Until then, enjoy the photos at the Garaj's site as well as those posted at Jalopy Journal by Hotrodladycrusr. That's who took these three, by the way.

[Source: Taj Ma Garaj via Jalopy Journal via Garage Journal]

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Robby Gordon switches to Dodge

2008-02-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings, Dodge

Robby Gordon is regarded as one of the most versatile drivers in NASCAR. After racing in Champ Cars, IndyCars, Trans-Am, IMSA, IROC and the Dakar Rally, Robby (no relation to Jeff Gordon) moved to NASCAR, competing in the Craftsman Truck series and then the Busch series before moving up to the premier Sprint Cup, where he runs his own single-car team. He's won three cup races and is ranked as the most successful owner/driver on the grid.

Now, after having run Chevy engines from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Ford engines last season, Gordon has announced his switch to Dodge for 2008. The deal, considered a coup for Dodge, was struck with Gillett Evernham Motorsports, which also fields cars for Kasey Kahne, Elliot Sadler and open-wheel defector Patrick Carpentier. We hope the Dodge engines meet Gordon's approval, or Toyota may be getting a call soon.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty]

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Cheap cars in India = expensive gas in the States

2008-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Filed under: China, India, Tata

click above to view more images of the Tata Nano

A report at CNN kinda states the obvious, that if the $2,500 Tata Nano proves as popular in India as most people think it will be, there will be a huge increase in demand for gasoline there. And if worldwide demand for oil goes up, the price of gasoline here will go up. Basic economics, right? Well, CNN looks a little deeper, and gets into why we're likely to see higher pump prices soon.

The target market for the Nano in India is people who do not currently own cars. That means droves of fuel-efficient scooter drivers will trade two wheels for four. And even though the Nano gets 54 mpg, that's still not as good as most of the scooters sold there.

And the second reason is that Tata sees the Nano as a "gateway" car. Get 'em addicted to the cheap stuff, then move 'em up to bigger, more profitable, less fuel-efficient cars later.

Combine these two reasons with the fact that the Nano will likely be sold in China as well, and you potentially have hundreds of millions of newly licensed drivers in line at the pump. The CNN story quotes one oil analyst who says we're likely to see gas prices near $4 or $5 well before 2015.

[Source: CNN]

Gallery: Tata Nano

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China, where the streets are paved with Robbie Williams

2008-02-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: China, Earnings/Financials, Celebrities

Whether you like his music or not, Robbie Williams is a highly successful recording artist. After selling 25 million records as part of Take That, he went solo in 1995 and has sold 70 million records worldwide since. His latest album, Rudebox, didn't do so well, and his cash-strapped recording label EMI was left with millions of unsold CDs. The solution: use them to pave roads in China.

EMI, headed by the appropriately-named Terry Firma, announced that it is shipping over one million silicon copies of Rudebox to China for use in street-lighting and road-surfacing projects. This isn't the first time Williams (no relation to F1 team owner Sir Frank) has popped up in the automotive media, having shot the innovative Love Supreme video that splices himself into vintage grand prix racing footage alongside Jackie Stewart, which, we've placed after the jump for your viewing pleasure.

[Source: contactmusic.com via Carscoop]

Continue reading China, where the streets are paved with Robbie Williams

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VIDEO: Ford spins F-150 at six Gs... for real

2008-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

You were watching the Super Bowl yesterday, right? If for no other reason than to see the commercials, of course. Ford ran an ad that demonstrated the "Built Ford Tough" ethos by hooking up an F-150 pickup to a centrifuge by its front tow hooks and spinning it around in a circle like your favorite uncle used to do when you were a kid. When we saw the ad last night, we instantly wondered if Ford really did it or the power of computer graphics was at play. As it turns out, the automaker employed no camera tricks, no computer enhancements, and just used a giant centrifuge that spun the truck at six Gs. At those forces, the hooks, which Ford points out are looped instead of hooked, were subjected to the equivalent of six times the vehicle's weight as it swung around at over 60 mph.

If you missed it, or just want to see the hoonage again, we've got the video for you after the jump, and if you follow this link, Ford's got a "Behind the Scenes" video of how the commercial was made. Just don't try this at home... with your giant centrifuge.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford spins F-150 at six Gs... for real

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Lancia's own version of 8C Competizione to spearhead rejuvenation

2008-02-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Euro

click above for more high-res images of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Reports are emanating from Holland on Lancia's upcoming product-led rejuvenation, and for the niche Italian automaker, the future looks bright. At the Geneva Auto Show next month, Lancia is expected to unveil the production version of the new Delta, previewed by the Delta HPE show car (pictured above) from the 2006 Paris auto salon. Expected to begin production this summer, the Delta will be built on a stretched Fiat Bravo platform with unique bodywork and a more luxurious interior swathed in leather and Alcantara trim. Lancia executives are said to be considering hardtop-convertible and crossover variants, but that's only the start of Lancia's product-led rejuvenation.

A replacement for the miniscule Ypsilon hatchback is expected to be unveiled next year, while a replacement for the Musa minivan is anticipated to follow, unfortunately based on the outdated platform of the Fiat Idea MPV. The flagship Thesis sedan, which never seemed to have won the hearts of more conservative buyers, is tipped to be cancelled altogether. But fret not, for Lancia is said to have an even better trick up its sleeve for a new flagship of a different sort. If the reports from AutoVisie are to be believed, Lancia is working on an exotic sportscar of its own based closely on the knee-bucklingly sumptuous Alfa 8C Competizione and expected to revive the Aurelia nameplate. Lancia's sister company Alfa Romeo has already sold out its limited run of 500 coupes, and should have no problem finding lucky owners for the upcoming edition of 500 roadsters, either. That leaves the highly acclaimed chassis, developed by Ferrari and built by Maserati, up for grabs in the Fiat Group parts bin, and Lancia is reportedly the one doing the grabbing.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

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Pics Aplenty: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder

2008-02-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Mitsubishi

click either image for more shots of the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Mitsubishi has seen fit to bestow upon us a whole slew of new high-res images showing the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder doing their groove thing on the road. As we mentioned last week when we previewed the vehicle, the styling changes are evolutionary and include a new front end housing a blacked-out trapezoidal grille that mimics the maw of the Lancer Evolution, as well as a blacked out rear apron where a new dual exhaust system peeks out that provides the car's V6 with another 2 horsepower and 2 ft-lbs. of torque for a grand total of 265 and 262, respectively. We actually dig the new grille and think it works well with the already established body style of the Eclipse, and more power is more power (i.e. a good thing). But it's tough to overlook the fundamental flaws of the Eclipse, which include being a heavy front-wheel-drive coupe that shares a lineage with a certain much-missed all-wheel-drive, turbo-four pocket rocket.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

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Doh! The Simpsons shill for the Renault Kangoo

2008-02-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Celebrities

click above to enlarge and see more Simpsons ads

Starting this coming Saturday (Feb 9), Renault will kick off a new international ad campaign in which The Simpsons shill for the new Kangoo minivan. Three new print ads have been revealed, showing Homer & Co. making the most out of the vehicle's features. The fully-reclining seats are perfect for stealing the Christmas tree off the City Hall lawn; the seating arrangement is comfortable enough to replace the couch as the primary tv-watching location; and the overhead storage bins are ideal for hiding Homer's secret fast-food stash. The Roger Rabbit-esque campaign puts the Simpsons in our world, instead of creating an animated Kangoo for them to drive. Since we're not a Renault market, we won't be seeing these ads in our next round of buff books. No matter. You can check them out in the gallery below.

[Source: Renault]

Gallery: The Simpsons love the Renault Kangoo

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Saab 9-3 Aero investigated for loss of braking power

2008-02-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Saab

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Saab's 9-3 Aero after five complaints were filed claiming that the Swedish sedan suddenly lost braking power. No injuries have been attributed to the defect, however, a low-speed crash might be the first recorded incident involving the 9-3.

The affected Saabs include the 2006 and 2007 9-3 Aeros equipped with the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6, some 49,932 vehicles. Alan Adler, a GM spokesperson, said that the automaker is cooperating with the federal agency, but at this point an official recall has not been filed.

[Source: Detroit News]

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Japanese can now buy Mitsuoka Orochi for less

2008-02-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Japan

click above for plenty more images of the Mitsuoka Orochi

This is for all of our Japanese readers out there. We know that the only thing holding you back from running right out and buying the Mitsuoka Orochi is its hefty price tag of ¥11,945,000 ($111,572 USD). The car's exuberant styling is a fusion of inspirations that combines elements of the mighty Humpback Whale (see grille) with the attention-grabbing power of Britney... being Britney on any given day of her life. Yes, the Orochi is a peerless car (we won't call it a supercar, you can't make us), and now Mitsuoka is making the hand-built monument to bad taste less expensive for the average Japanese consumer. By using less metal-plated parts and artificial leather for 25% of the interior, the oddest Japanese automaker of them all has slashed 2.6 million yen from the car's starting price, which now begins at ¥9,345,000 ($87,287 USD). That's a big drop in the Orochi's cost of entry, which should mean you'll soon be seeing it on every street in Tokyo. Any day now...

[Source: japancorp.net]

Gallery: Mitsuoka Orochi

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Chrysler idles four plants after supplier goes bankrupt

2008-02-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

UPDATE: Automotive News is reporting that all 14 of Chrysler's manufacturing plants could be shut down to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of ex-supplier Plastech.

Plastech supplied components like interior trim, engine covers, moldings, door panels, and floor consoles to Chrysler, Ford, GM, and Toyota. The company employed 7,600 people in the US and Canada, and had 2007 sales of $1.4 billion -- including a contract with Chrysler alone that was worth $200 million. Yet due to the rise in the cost of raw materials and lower consumer demand, the company, along with others like it in the past few years, was forced to declare bankruptcy last week.

Chrysler terminated its contract with Plastech last Friday, and is now forced to idle four plants and eliminate an entire shift at another plant while it secures a new supplier. The move sends 10,500 Chrysler employees home. Chrysler hasn't said when it expects those plants to be open again, but workers will find out from plant managers or notices in local media when it happens. So far, no other company supplied by Plastech has indicated it will be slowing down operations.

[Source: USA Today]

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Another million-mile vehicle: '97 Ford E-250 set to roll its odo over

2008-02-04T04:31:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Ford

It's been a good run for million-plus-mile vehicles recently. In September, it was the gent with a million-mile 1989 Saab SPG, then in October it was another gent with a Volvo P1800 cruising past 2.6 million miles. The domestics opened up the 2008 race to a million three days ago with a Wisconsin man 1,200 miles away from the 6-zero mark in his 1991 Chevy Silverado. Now it's Ford's turn, with a deliveryman based in Toledo just 147 miles (at time of writing) from the magic million.

Like the Silverado owner, Doug Schell bought his 1997 Ford E-250 van used with 40,000 miles on it. The van still has its original engine and transmission, neither of which has been rebuilt. Schell said he puts 80,000 to 100,000 miles a year on the workhorse, delivering parts and "single envelopes" all over the country. Unlike the Silverado owner, Schell only changes the oil every 10,000 miles, and the van is missing certain features like working air conditioning. Even so, with severe understatement, Schell concedes "It's a really good van." What does he plan to do to celebrate the feat? "I'm thinking of throwing it a party," he said, "but I don't know if that's too weird." No reason to party is weird, Doug. Thanks for the tip, Tina!

[Source: Toledo Blade, Photo by Andy Morrison]

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Jesse James working on custom chopper for Airstream

2008-02-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Motorcycles, Celebrities

click above to see more images of Radial Hell

If somebody told us that a custom chopper was being built for Airstream, we would have assumed that the Orange County Chopper boys were behind it. Not so, it seems. According to the press release pasted after the jump, Jesse James of West Coast Choppers fame and his crew are hammering, riveting and welding together thin sheets of aluminum to construct a custom motorcycle and sidecar combo that will debut at the 2008 Legend of the Motorcycle show on May 3rd. This is the second time that James has released a new bike at the show, the first being back in '06 with his Radial Hell bike (shown above) that is powered by a Rotec 7-cylinder radial engine normally reserved for powering aircraft. We're always up for a new take on motorcycle design, and the idea of strapping the Monster bike to an old Airstream trailer has us wondering just what Jesse's bike will look like.

[Source: Legend of the Motorcycle]

Gallery: Radial Hell

Continue reading Jesse James working on custom chopper for Airstream

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Buick prices Lucerne Super at $39,395

2008-02-04T03:33:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Buick

click above for more high-res pics of the Buick Lucerne Super

We generally liked the Buick Lucerne CXS model we reviewed in 2006, and we genuinely liked the Buick LaCrosse Super that we tested last year. Unfortunately, we're not big fans of the Lucerne Super that takes Buick's slightly above average large sedan and marries it with a 4.6L Northstar V8 producing 292 horsepower. Our main gripe is that the less expensive, smaller and lighter LaCrosse Super is powered by a more powerful 5.3L small-block V8 making 300 horsepower (both are unfortunately front-wheel-drive, and will remain that way). What's more, the Super version of the Lucerne's baby brother stickered for $33,750. General Motors announced today that the 2008 Buick Lucerne Super, however, will start at $39,995 (including $765 for destination). For over $6,000 more, you're getting a less powerful but larger sedan than you would if you bought the LaCrosse Super.

That said, for $40k you get one loaded Lucerne. Standard features include the aforementioned Northstar V8, Magnetic Ride Control (also seen on cars such as the Corvette and Ferrari 5999), new steering mechanicals, heated and cooled front seats, remote start, rear parking sensors and much more. The exterior is augmented with a new waterfall grille, though we don't think it looks as nice as the standard one. There's also new rocker panels and dual chromed exhaust tips out back. The interior is upgraded with a leather-wrapped console, suede trim, a heated walnut wood steering wheel and shifter, 280-watt Harman Kardon stereo and more. The only options are chrome wheels, a touchscreen nav system, sunroof and an Ultra Confidence package with Side Blind Zone and Lane Departure Warning systems. Yes, you get nearly every standard option for your forty large, but we'd rather have a LaCrosse Super if it's all the same to you.

[Source: Buick]

Gallery: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

Gallery: 2008 Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne Super

Continue reading Buick prices Lucerne Super at $39,395

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Volvo unveils C30 R-Design in limited quantities

2008-02-04T03:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Hatchbacks, Volvo

click above for more pics of the 2008 Volvo C30 R-Design

Volvo has just announced a the C30 R-Design trim for its newest model. The package is comprised of only exterior and interior mods, so no additional go fast parts have been added to either the turbocharged 5-cylinder engine or suspension. What buyers will get is a few matte-silver finished pieces on the outside, including the side view mirrors, grille surround and Volvo's trademark grille "strap", as well as an R-Design badge on the grille. The C30 R-Design also gets the sport body kit, a tailgate spoiler, 18-inch Atreus wheels, larger diameter exhaust tips and your choice of Black Sapphire, Titanium Grey, Orinoco Blue or Passion Red paint.

The interior is gussied up with a new finish for the center console, seats upholstered in off-black Flex-tech and creme-colored leather, blue-face gauges, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminum inlays that bear the R-Design logo.

Though it will be the top-of-the-line C30, the R-Design model is still a C30 and will therefore still have plenty of options to push its yet-to-be-determined price even higher. These include a 5-speed Geartronic transmission, DVD-based navigation system, even better Serapis alloy wheels and plenty else. What's more, only 400 R-Design models will be sold in the U.S., which is just about one for every Volvo dealer in the country. Considering that C-30 sales have cooled off considerably since Volvo moved 811 units of its new hatch last September (it's first full month on sale), it will probably take at least two months for the limited edition C30 R-Design to sell out, if not more.

[Source: Volvo]

Gallery: 2008 Volvo C30 R-Design

Continue reading Volvo unveils C30 R-Design in limited quantities

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"Hummers are greener than Prius" study makes it into an episode of ABC's Boston Legal

2008-01-29T09:19:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Hybrid, HUMMER, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

Boston Legal is an ABC TV series about a law firm. In the episode Green Christmas (first aired Dec. 18, 2007), the law firm, Crane Poole and Schmidt, is sued by a group called "Green People" for fraud because they said they were green but actually were not. In the court case, a board member of Green People is asked which car he drives? He says a hybrid, to which the Boston Legal firm's lawyer Katie responds saying a Hummer is greener because of the way batteries are made. On top of that, she says hybrids reduce the cost of driving which encourages more driving and in the end more pollution. You can watch the video above. Here's exactly what Katie says:

Hybrid batteries contain nickel that is mined and smelted in a plant in Sudbury, Ontario. A plant that has caused so much environmental damage and acid rain that NASA uses the so-called dead zone around the plant to test its moon rovers. ... That nickel then has to be shipped via massive containers to a refinery in Europe. Then off to China to be made into nickel foam, then to Japan to be manufactured, then finally all the way back to America. All that, just to put a single hybrid battery into a car. When you combine all the energy it takes to built and drive a hybrid it adds up to almost fifty percent more that it does to build and drive a Hummer.

A few comments to my posts on the hybrid in the Knight Rider TV movie, said things like like "spare me." Yes, the Knight Rider TV movie is a remake of a cheesy '80s TV show, but it might inspire Ford to make a hybrid Mustang. Boston Legal's 10 million viewers probably believed the statements about hybrid batteries. My point is: Culture matters. It's probably more important than things like politics, technology, brand or anything. It really does not matter that the hybrid Hummer/Prius study has been discredited (many, many times) or that this argument is just stupid for the simple reason that batteries are recycled by law. If it's repeated on shows like Boston Legal, it's "fact."

Related:

Study commissioned by Land Rover finds small cars are bad for the environment

Should we ban the catalytic converter?

Paris Hilton: "I'm buying a hybrid car right now"

Chevy describes its car as "vegetarian" in TV ad

[Source: ABC]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Two Corporate Express truck fleets in Colorado and Kansas now drinking B20

2008-01-29T08:42:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Biodiesel

It was just last week that Corporate Express announced it would test Isuzu's hybrid trucks in its delivery fleet. Now the Dutch-based company has said that the majority of its trucks in Kansas and Colorado are being filled up with B20. The biofuel is Fusion B20 made by Colorado's Blue Sun Biodiesel, which Corporate Express says is "an ultra-low sulfur fuel comprising 20% virgin oilseed-based biodiesel, from renewable US-grown crops, and 80% petroleum diesel." All that veggie oil in the trucks means a reduction (compared to using standard diesel) of carbon monoxide emissions by 24 percent, hydrocarbon emissions by 29 percent, particulate emissions by 18 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 4 percent.

Related:

Corporate Express will test Isuzu hybrid truck for delivery

[Source: Corporate Express US Inc.]

Corporate Express Converts Two Truck Fleets to B20 Biodiesel

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporate Express US Inc., part of the Dutch-based Corporate Express NV (NYSE:CXP) , announced today that it is now fueling the majority of its delivery truck fleets in Colorado and Kansas with Blue Sun's Fusion B20 biodiesel -- an ultra-low sulfur fuel comprising 20% virgin oilseed-based biodiesel, from renewable US-grown crops, and 80% petroleum diesel.

This strategic step will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the Company's Colorado and Kansas fleets -- a total of 45 trucks. The use of B20 fuel, as compared to using regular petroleum diesel, reduces carbon monoxide by 24%, hydrocarbons by 29%, particulates by 18% and nitrogen oxides by 4%, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado.

"We already have an extremely efficient US distribution model with advanced technology such as systems to map out highly streamlined driver routes," said Jay Mutschler, President of Corporate Express US. "Using biodiesel in our trucks will advance our distribution while decreasing emissions and further reducing our Company's carbon footprint."

This move is part of Corporate Express' plans to reduce environmental impact through goals for facilities, distribution operations, sustainable forestry, environmentally sustainable products and social responsibility. These plans are outlined in the Company's US Sustainability Policy.

"Because Fusion B20 is a cleaner fuel, we expect that it will help reduce truck engine wear and also improve miles per gallon," said Tim Beauchamp, Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Distribution Operations.

Blue Sun's Fusion B20 biodiesel can be used in conventional compression-ignition engines that were designed to be operated on diesel fuel, making it a direct substitute for traditional petroleum diesel. The Company will use the fuel in its trucks that were built after 2004.

"As cost and availability of this high-quality biofuel increase, we will look to transition additional trucks that are able to run on this fuel, to help further reduce emissions from our US fleet," said Beauchamp.

The use of US-produced Fusion B20 biodiesel helps to reduce dependence on foreign oil imports. Colorado-based Blue Sun Biodiesel, LLC produces their Fusion B20 product from crops grown in the US specifically to be used as fuel. According to the US Department of Energy, the US currently imports more than 60% of its petroleum. As use of Fusion B20 increases, it will contribute positively to our economy by keeping more fuel dollars in the country and by creating more jobs for US farmers to grow crops for Blue Sun's products.

"We're pleased Corporate Express has chosen to partner with Blue Sun in support of this sustainability initiative. The added performance and economic benefits they'll enjoy will ensure a long-term relationship for both companies," said Jeff Probst, Blue Sun's President and CEO.

About Corporate Express

Corporate Express provides customers with a single source of business products and services, so that they can focus their resources, energy and time on their core business. Corporate Express helps organizations to save time and maximize their productivity.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corporate Express NV generated 2006 annual sales of EUR 6.3 billion. The Company has a widespread global distribution network spanning North America, Europe and Australia, has close to 19,000 employees, and operations in 20 countries. Corporate Express NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (Euronext: CXP) and in New York (NYSE:CXP) . For more information, please visit http://www.corporateexpress.com/. A copy of the Company's US Sustainability Policy can be found at http://www.corporateexpress.com/sustainability.html.

About Blue Sun Biodiesel

Blue Sun Biodiesel, LLC is a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of premium agricultural and renewable fuels products. Blue Sun's exclusive distribution network features specially-appointed and trained distributors and proprietary high-volume, state-of-the-art ratio blending terminals, which ensure Blue Sun Fusion(TM) is blended and supplied according to its industry-leading quality specifications. For more information, please visit http://www.gobluesun.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements included in this press release, which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Corporate Express and therefore involve a number of uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to industry conditions, changes in product supply, pricing and customer demand, competition, risks in integrating new businesses, currency fluctuations, and the other risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2007. As a result, the actual results of operations or financial conditions of the Company could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.

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GM could very easily make a two-mode hybrid H2

2008-01-29T08:02:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Hybrid, GM, HUMMER, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

Paris Hilton just might get her wish for a hybrid Hummer. The H2 is based on the same platform as the Yukon and Tahoe, which are both hybrids now. It's really not a problem at all for GM to release a two-mode hybrid H2 to the market. The work on the platform is already finished and it's just a decision by the corporate heads right now.

GM could easily turn lots of its other brands into hybrids as well. For example, the Aura is a hybrid and it shares the same platform with the Cadillac BLS and Pontiac G6. GM probably won't flood the market with hybrids that look exactly the same. They are launching the Buick LaCrosse hybrid in China this August at the Olympics. So that's very likely coming to America soon.

Recently, I told you about a rumor of a hybrid GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. For now, GM is denying these rumors. GM has said they would offer 8 hybrids by the end of 2008. By my count, they still have a few to go. If it's the Buick LaCrosse, the H2, Lambda platform vehicle or a totally new hybrid only brand, we will tell you about it.

What GM brands would you like to see hybridized?

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So whats the downside to the Tesla Roadster? The range!

2008-01-29T07:16:00.001-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Green Daily

Click on the Tesla Roadster for a high-res gallery

As much as I love driving the Tesla Roadster, it's far from perfect. I discussed most of the flaws during the big review. However, there is one very important topic that I left out, range. When Tesla publicly launched the Roadster in mid-2006 the big number was the 250 mile range claim. Over the past nine months the range number has fluctuated several times from a low of just over 200 miles to about 240 with the current average falling in at 220 miles for the city/highway combined cycles. The problem is that all those numbers are based on the EPA test cycles. Those cycles are set up for all vehicles to follow and generally don't include any wide open acceleration.

Therein lies the rub. Driven sedately, the Tesla Roadster very likely could achieve somewhere around 220 miles or more. Perhaps even as much 250 miles in city driving with lots of regenerative braking. The problem is that this little demon doesn't really want to be driven in that manner. It begs to be flung from curve to curve. It wants to be thrashed. During our drive, we accumulated somewhere between 80 and 90 miles based on plotting the route on Google maps. Unfortunately I forgot to check the mileage at the beginning. When we left San Carlos the car had a full charge. Update: I got a clarification from Aaron Platshon at Tesla about the indicator gauge. The gauge actually reads miles to discharge rather than percentage charge. So that would put the range with the driving I did at somewhere between 105 and 120 miles. Once the indicator gets to zero, there is actually an emergency reserve that consists of about a 15% charge on the battery. Depending on your driving, that could take you another 15-30 miles. However, it's not recomended to do that very often as such deep discharges are bad for battery durability. ~~When we returned it was at about 22 percent which would put the range in the ballpark of 120 miles~~. The weather and road conditions didn't permit really exploring the limits of the Roadster's performance envelope. According to some of the print magazine reviews, they got significantly less. Autoweek only managed 93 miles. For now, drivers of the Roadster will have to choose, exceptional performance or exceptional range, but probably not both. Eventually that will surely change, but not today.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

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Sharing Winding Road's eBay find of the day

2008-01-29T06:31:00.001-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, SMART, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), China, USA

In a stunning example of e-sharing, we've decided to share Winding Road's eBay find of the day with our readers. Listen up: it's not stealing, it's meta... that's what's so cool about the Internet. Speaking of stealing *cough, ahem* sharing, our aforementioned find is a Chinese Smart ForTwo clone. Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so all of you legitimate Smart purchasers should be very proud of your chosen auto.

Unfortunately for the Revolution EV, it appears that the quality of the copy is a bit less than stellar. You know... when making a copy of a copy it never turns out quite as good as the original, right? We're not so sure that the safety cell of the Smart was copied over intact. In fact, we're pretty sure that it was not. At least you're not likely to get into too much trouble at just 25 miles per hour. If you do make the 60 miles until your next recharge, just wait about ten hours or so for your recharge. The cost? Just under ten grand. A bargain!

Gallery: Revolution EV

[Source: eBay via Winding Road]

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Study: green cars to outsell gas guzzlers this year in the UK

2008-01-29T05:44:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, UK, USA

Vehicles in the UK are grouped into tax bands from A to G, depending on how much CO₂ they emit. Cars ranked A and B are the greenest (and least taxed) while cars ranked G are the ones that emit the most CO₂ (and drivers have to pay more). Since the tax bands were instituted, sales of A, B band cars have gone up while sales of G band cars have gone down. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders studied the trend in sales and predicts A and B will outsell G cars this year for the first time ever.

You don't have to worry about SUV tax turning up in your tax returns (if you live in the U.S.). If we get a carbon law at all, there won't be any taxes on cars according to a House white paper on the topic. Most of the American presidential candidate's energy policies call for tax incentives, but not penalties. If if could be implemented, how much of a tax would it take to change sales of SUVs? Canadians, for example, are taxed $4,000 for driving an un-green car. Would that stop you from buying an SUV?

Related:

Gas guzzler tax coming to the Netherlands

Israeli government passes "green tax" on cars

[Source: This is London]

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CO₂ offset milestone: 100,000 TerraPasses sold

2008-01-29T05:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Green Culture, Carbon Offset, Green Daily

If I can't buy a hybrid or get an EV for 'round town needs, then perhaps a carbon offset sticker is the right move. That's what at least 100,000 people have decided, according to the leading consumer/driver carbon offset vendor, TerraPass. Earlier this month, TerraPass sold its 100,000th TerraPass to one Heraldo Botelho of Palo Alto, CA. It was Botelho's first TerraPass and it offset a flight he took to visit his family. Like so many other TerraPassers, he said he wanted to do something for the environment, and carbon offset was his solution.

[Source: TerraBlog]

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Fiat going the dual clutch route in 2009

2008-01-29T04:16:00.000-08:00

Filed under: MPG, Fiat

Fiat is joining the race to dual clutch gearboxes with a range of new transmissions that will be debuting in June 2009. The lineup of six-speed gearboxes will kick off with a manual transmission followed by a dual clutch unit in September of 2009. In 2010 they will round out the range with an automated manual version.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies will have a capacity of 800,000 units of the new C635 transmissions by 2010. Unlike the first-generation DSG gearboxes from Volkswagen which use wet clutches, the Fiat transmission uses dry clutch plates. The dry clutch version is less expensive to manufacture and more efficient. Fiat is planning to install the new transmissions in the small to mid-size cars like the Punto and Bravo, and similar Lancia and Alfa Romeo models.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

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Welch's food processing leftovers entering hydrogen-from-waste cycle

2008-01-29T03:27:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hydrogen

Back in September, a company called NanoLogix announced it had been able to make hydrogen from the waste stream at a Welch Foods juice plant in Pennsylvania. Now, the radio show "The Allegheny Front," an environmental radio program, has taken a closer look at this technology and aired a report last week. You can hear it here (look for "Microbes Turn Waste to Power" and "Welch's Grape Juice Converted into Electricity") or read the transcript of the report here.

The process works like this: during the cleaning process at the plant, a lot of waste water is generated that has a bit of sugar in it. This easy-to-digest liquid is then fed to millions of microorganisms that produce hydrogen. Currently, the NanoLogix tests can get a liter of hydrogen from one gallon of wastewater that contains .3 percent sugar. The goal, though, is to use 16 percent sugar wastewater and get 55 liters of hydrogen from each gallon. Once perfected, the NanoLogix logic goes, this system could be installed at bottlers and beverage makers across the country, and we'll be one step closer to the hydrogen economy.

Related:

Grape-flavored energy? Welch's, NanoLogix have generated hydrogen from bioreactor

[Source: NanoLogix, Inc.]

NanoLogix's Hydrogen-From-Waste Technology at Welch's Foods Featured on Environmental Radio Program

HUBBARD, Ohio, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NanoLogix, Inc. a nano-biotechnology company is pleased to announce that its hydrogen-from-waste extraction technology currently under development at a Welch's juice plant in Pennsylvania has been the focus of a broadcast article by "The Allegheny Front" - Environmental Radio for Western Pennsylvania". The broadcast was produced by Lisa Ann Pinkerton and aired January 23rd on WYEP- FM, a listener-supported public radio station in Pittsburgh. The archived broadcast can be accessed at: http://alleghenyfront.org/index.html and is titled as both "Microbes Turn Waste to Power" and "Welch's Grape Juice Converted into Electricity".

About NanoLogix, Inc.

NanoLogix is a leading innovator in the research, development, and commercialization of nano-biotechnologies, applications and processes. The Company has 31 granted Patents and 30 Patents Pending for bioreactor-based Hydrogen Production, revolutionary rapid medical testing technologies, potential treatments for sepsis and cancer (via apoptosis), and bioremediation. Information on NanoLogix is available at www.nanologixinc.com.

This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of NanoLogix, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.

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Tesla gets a waiver on airbag rules for the Roadster

2008-01-29T02:41:00.000-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Green Daily

Amongst the announcements that Tesla made last week about the getting all the necessary regulatory approvals to begin selling the Roadster in the U.S. was one about a waiver on an airbag rule. This does not mean that the Roadster doesn't have airbags. In fact, it has inflatable pillows for both the driver and passenger. What the Roadster (and the Lotus Elise from which it was derived) lacks are new two-stage airbags. The latest generation of airbags include sensors in the front seats that adjust the inflation rate of the bags based on passenger weight and position. Since the safety systems for the Roadster are carried over from the Elise on this first-generation model, Tesla requested the waiver. Tesla is already planning a revamped interior for the car in the next few years and the passive restraints will likely be part of the update. The first item on the agenda, however, is to generate some cash flow by actually delivering cars to customers.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

[Source: Tesla]

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Find your mileage from your mobile

2008-01-29T01:54:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., MPG, Legislation and Policy, USA

Perhaps this story has more to do with the proliferation of the Internet than it does about green car trends, but here we go anyway. We all know that you can check fueleconomy.gov to find out what the fuel mileage of current and past cars is or was. Anybody who carries an internet-capable cell phone in their pockets also knows that navigating sites which are not optimized for mobile browsers is rather difficult from the average phone or internet tablet without a full browser. With that in mind, the government has seen fit to introduce a new mobile version of their fuel economy site, fueleconomy.gov/m. Easy enough, right? From the mobile site you will be able to see the mileage ratings from vehicles from 1985 through today.

We think that this service should prove rather useful as a tool for checking the mileage of used cars on dealers lots that don't have window stickers on them. Whatever works, we say. Also present on the mobile site are calculations for figuring how much you'll spend on gas each year and your resultant carbon footprint. Yay, technology!

[Source: Detroit News]

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Big GM Crossovers not going hybrid anytime soon

2008-01-29T01:08:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Hybrid, Buick, GM, GMC, Saturn

After a report here on ABG yesterday that General Motors was set to introduce hybrid versions of their full-size Lambda crossovers, I decided to call up Brian Corbett GM's spokesman for hybrid programs. The Lambdas include the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. According to Corbett, there are no immediate plans to hybridize the Lambdas. During a conversation with GM Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November he indicated that the shape of the engine compartment of the big CUVs was too narrow for the two-mode transmission to fit. Corbett said that a second-generation version was being designed but it was still at least 3-4 years away. The current mild hybrid system also isn't suitable for the bigger vehicles although the second-generation version of that might be adapted. That, too, is still three years away. So if you like the Lambdas but want better mileage, you'll be waiting a while . As for the GMC Sierra hybrid, Chevrolet announced the identical Chevy Silverado hybrid in LA and the Sierra will no doubt be announced soon.

[Source: General Motors]

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Video: President Bush says continue investing in advanced battery, renewable fuels in his last SOTU

2008-01-29T00:25:00.000-08:00

Filed under: AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Legislation and Policy

Last night, in his last State of the Union address, President George Bush said "let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future." You can see for yourself in the video above. We will have more on this later but from what he said and previews in the press, it looks like Bush won't have any major initiatives for cars in '08.

This is very different from last year when Bush not only talked up battery-powered cars and renewable fuels in the state of the Union but also hybrids, plug-ins, clean diesel, biodiesel and even CAFE. You can watch that video below the fold. President Bush got most of what he asked for in the energy bill that past late December. Do you think any more laws need to be written?

[Source: CSPAN2]

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Honda F1 livery gets rid of the earth-only look

2008-01-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Honda, Green Daily

Remember Honda's F1 "Earth" paint job from last year? It's gone, replaced with a new "earthdreams" look. The new paint job on the new RA108 was unveiled today at the Honda F1 operational headquarters in Brackley, UK. The racing teams want to move "the focus from raising environmental awareness to action," which I at first thought meant action on the race track. Instead, Honda means actions like $1.2 million committed to supporting earthdreams-supported projects. Earthdreams is a global-cause marketing program that grew out of last year's myearthdream.com. The Honda F1 Network says that the new Earthdreams website will be up and running later today (there's nothing there as I write this).

As for the non-paint-job parts of the RA108, they have been modified from previous Honda F1 racers to be more areodynamic (the exhaust geometry and the air box have been changed); also, the vehicle can accept the FIA-mandated 5.75 percent biofuel mix.

Gallery: 2008 Honda F1 paint job

Honda F1 team to promote "Green" with their 2007 livery?

Honda F1 confirms plan to promote environmental awareness with 2007 livery

EU wants Formula One to get more environmentally relevant

[Source: Honda]

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Audi to mimic Efficient Dynamics to reduce fuel consumption and emissions

2008-01-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Audi

Following on the heels of BMW and their Efficient Dynamics initiative, Audi seems ready to mimic their Bavarian rival. With some sort of mandatory European CO₂ limits almost certain to be passed, almost all manufacturers who do business on the continent will have to do something. Audi has already shown their hybrid system on the A4 drivetrain at the Detroit Auto Show, in addition to the Q7 hybrid that is coming. On top of that, they are developing simpler automatic start-stop systems and working on weight reduction. They are also working on a system of thermostatically-controlled flaps behind the grille that would cut air-flow through the engine compartment when cooling isn't needed. This is a similar system to what Cadillac showed on their Provoq concept to reduce drag under light load conditions.

[Source: What Car?]

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Review: Deadly Brew, the Human Toll of Ethanol

2008-01-28T22:16:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, South/Latin America

I saw the Bloomberg documentary Deadly Brew, the Human Toll of Ethanol, which aired last Thursday and I have to agree with some of the criticisms that UNICA levels at the film. The documentary, which focused on the working conditions of cane cutters in Brazil, gave both sides but seemed to favor the workers a little more than the owners. As you can see in the video above, they do that close up thing to one of the owners, a technique that makes anyone look evil. In the end, whatever they got wrong or one-sided, I am not too concerned with labor conditions of Brazilian ethanol worker. Let me explain.

The documentary starts out by saying most sugar cane in Brazil is cut by hand. At the end however, the documentary says industry projects that will change very soon, up to 80 percent replaced by machines and the remaining 20 percent will run the machines. So, even if there is a problem, cutting by hand is going away. The documentary also mentions there are laws in place, enforcement groups, fines and even unions. The laws are ignored, says the documentary, enforcement lax, fines too low and unions (while numerous) weak on the national level. I don't mean to seem flippant but that's about as good as it gets in the world.

For countries like China, which wants to be a major ethanol exporter, you won't have to use the term virtual slavery when talking about working conditions: It will be slavery! If this were a perfect world, I would agree with EU's interest in trying to change the working conditions around the world. In reality, the best I hope for is some kind of label on the country of origin for ethanol in hopes of shining a light on the problem. We don't know where our food comes from, so I won't hold my breath. What do you think readers: am I wrong to think weak unions and low fines is not a major problem?

Related:

Brazilian sugarcane industry not happy with "Deadly Brew" documentary

Bloomberg to air documentary about Brazilian ethanol worker labor conditions

[Source: Bloomberg]

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Cool inventions

2007-09-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

Some cool inventions. Click image to see all.

Daily Dose of Links

Chicago 2008: It's here - 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse makes it a Lambda superfecta

Chicago 2008: Ford introduces Work Solutions in-dash computer package for F-150 [w/VIDEO]

Chicago 2008: Ford Transit Connect arrives in the States ready to work

AutoblogGreen for 02.06.08

F&M Antas V8 to star in Speed Racer

The return of full-service? Gas pumping robot

Will the motorcycle replace the car for performance-minded drivers?

Elon Musk takes delivery of first production Tesla Roadster

U.S. insurer AIG buys stake in Chinese carmaker Lifan

Next in Line: Renault developing dual-clutch transmission

Schumacher becomes a team owner

GM bets $69 million on diesel plant in Ohio

UK: Land Rover intros HST trim for Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport

AutoblogGreen for 02.05.08

Chicago 2008: Ford Edge Sport rocks factory dubs

The Stig: Some say he's Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes launching AMG awareness campaign

iMagicLab opening dealer megaplex in Second Life

The Taj Ma Garaj: A Porsche lover's Xanadu

Robby Gordon switches to Dodge

Cheap cars in India = expensive gas in the States

China, where the streets are paved with Robbie Williams

VIDEO: Ford spins F-150 at six Gs... for real

Lancia's own version of 8C Competizione to spearhead rejuvenation

Pics Aplenty: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder

Doh! The Simpsons shill for the Renault Kangoo

Saab 9-3 Aero investigated for loss of braking power

Japanese can now buy Mitsuoka Orochi for less

Chrysler idles four plants after supplier goes bankrupt

Another million-mile vehicle: '97 Ford E-250 set to roll its odo over

Jesse James working on custom chopper for Airstream

Buick prices Lucerne Super at $39,395

Volvo unveils C30 R-Design in limited quantities

"Hummers are greener than Prius" study makes it into an episode of ABC's Boston Legal

Two Corporate Express truck fleets in Colorado and Kansas now drinking B20

GM could very easily make a two-mode hybrid H2

So whats the downside to the Tesla Roadster? The range!

Sharing Winding Road's eBay find of the day

Study: green cars to outsell gas guzzlers this year in the UK

CO2 offset milestone: 100,000 TerraPasses sold

Fiat going the dual clutch route in 2009

Welch's food processing leftovers entering hydrogen-from-waste cycle

Tesla gets a waiver on airbag rules for the Roadster

Find your mileage from your mobile

Big GM Crossovers not going hybrid anytime soon

Video: President Bush says continue investing in advanced battery, renewable fuels in his last SOTU

Honda F1 livery gets rid of the earth-only look

Audi to mimic Efficient Dynamics to reduce fuel consumption and emissions

Review: Deadly Brew, the Human Toll of Ethanol

Cool inventions

CO₂ offset milestone: 100,000 TerraPasses sold