Consumers Still More Interested in Gas Sippers than SUVs and Trucks

While gas prices continue their slow downward trend that's expected to persist, consumers are still more likely to buy smaller, fuel-efficient cars than they are to purchase an SUV or truck. According to Edmunds.com, car shoppers still have lingering doubt about economic recovery and the return of higher-than-average gas prices.

 

Orange County Taxi Co. Puts CNG Ford Transit Connect Vans Into Service

California Yellow Cab of Orange County has become the first in the state to put new compressed natural gas-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis into service. The taxis are based on the gasoline-powered version of the Transit Connect and are being retrofitted as natural gas vehicles certified by the California Air Resources Board. Taxi companies and other businesses like them because natural gas is less expensive and less polluting.

 

Evos Signals New Design Direction for Ford

Ford's new concept car, the Evos, on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is intended to signal the future design direction for Ford vehicles worldwide. The Evos styling cues will appear on all Fords around the world, in keeping with chief executive Alan Mulally's "one Ford" mission. The car was a group project with input from all eight of Ford's global design centers. Ford is on its way to positioning itself as a design leader.

 

Coda Opens First-Ever Storefront in Los Angeles

Electric car maker Coda Automotive opened its first-ever storefront in Los Angeles' Westfield Century City mall. The unassuming compact four-door Coda sedan is understated by design. Priced at $44,900, before applying federal and state incentives, the Coda can travel as far as 150 miles per charge and can recharge in about six hours with a 220-volt charger.

 

NETS, U.S. DOT Develop 2011 Drive Safely Work Week Kit

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop the 2011 Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) tool kit. The free comprehensive kit is designed to help companies address distracted driving and improve the driving safety of employees, employee family members and the members of the community in which the organization operates. A recent government survey indicates employee traffic crashes, both on and off the job, cost employers an estimated $60 billion annually.