Goodyear is developing a new concept it calls Air Maintenance Technology that could all but eliminate the need for spare tires on any vehicle. AMT uses a miniaturized pump contained within the tire itself to maintain the optimal pressure. The system would effectively overcome all but a major leak or blow-out. Drivers using run-flat tires must eventually find a garage or other source for a repair or replacement tire. That need would be eliminated almost entirely with Goodyear's AMT. Tires could stay inflated under normal conditions, making it unnecessary for motorists to check their tires.
Since its introduction last December, Chevrolet has sold about 3,200 Volt plug-in hybrids through the end of July. A new CNW marketing study suggests that potential Volt buyers are rapidly losing interest. CNW's data indicates Volt's $41,000 sticker price is the big problem although it qualifies for $7500 tax credit. The 2012 price for Volt will drop to $39,995. GM officials remain convinced Volt will meet their sales expectations which are projected to grow to 40,000 in 2012.
Bigger is not always better, and this is true for large heavy-duty pickup trucks. These monster trucks are the supercars of the truck world and have more power than drivers are likely ever to need, while presenting day-to-day challenges that go beyond lower fuel economy. One example is Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 with 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. The base engine in a Peterbilt 348 dump truck offers a mere 260 horsepower and 660 pound feet.
During a presentation at the recent 2011 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference, fleet managers discussed their experience with putting medium-duty diesel-electric hybrid trucks into full-time day-to-day work. Better fuel economy and significant downturn in engine idling time were reported by Duke Energy on their 2009 model year hybrids. Service work for hybrids takes longer than expected because of the need to find experienced support. Pacific Gas & Electric, with 3500 pickup trucks, is re-evaluating the business case for hybrids. PG&E uses an electric-vehicle research center to validate different alternative technologies. Florida Power & Light has 21 hybrid line trucks and a total of 364 hybrid vehicles, trimming total fuel use by 10% from 2006 to 2010.
Consumers often question why gas prices at the pump are slow to drop when the price of oil declines and rise quickly when oil prices are up. Station owners may have paid a much higher price for their existing gasoline and slowly sell through it, knowing their next tank load will cost less. Competition is a key factor as stations resist dropping prices until someone else does. Supply and demand also impact the pump price with current gasoline inventories lower than last year.