Focus Electric Launch Delayed
In a surprise move, Ford has decided to delay the planned roll-out of its first battery-electric passenger car, the Focus Electric. The original plan was to market the vehicle in 19 locations before the end of 2011, but now only dealerships in California and New York will get the car before the end of this year. Potential buyers must wait until next spring in the remaining launch markets. Ford officials have declined to discuss the revised Focus Electric launch plans.
NHTSA Exploring Ways to Prevent Child Fatalities in Hot Cars
Research conducted by the Department of Geosciences at San Francisco State University indicates 38 children, ages 14 and under, die on average each year in the United States as a result of excessive heat after being left in vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is exploring ways to prevent child fatalities in hot cars. A study by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will evaluate available technologies designed to prevent children from being left in enclosed vehicles by examining how effectively the technology detects the child, alerts the caregiver and influences the caregiver's behavior.
Debunking Myths of Fuel-Saving Devices
Higher gas prices mean business is thriving for companies that manufacture "fuel-saving" devices. One such product is a magnetized device that wraps around the fuel line just prior to the fuel inlet and claims to increase fuel economy from 5% to 20%. However, the EPA tested several such products and said there is absolutely no improvement in fuel economy. Air swirling technology installed in the air intake prior to the engine throttle has not lived up to its claims of increasing fuel economy from 7% to 28%. The EPA has tested fuel additives and found they do not result in fuel mileage savings. Drivers should keep their engines tuned and their tires properly inflated to achieve better miles per gallon.
U.K. Companies Look for Ways to Cut Fuel Costs
Fleets in the U.K. are saving fuel by using fuel cards, increasing the number of lower CO2/high-mpg vehicles, encouraging drivers to fill up at supermarket pumps, checking tire pressures and providing drivers with tips on driving more fuel efficiently. Some U.K. fleet operators are taking a more proactive approach than others. Choosing vehicles with improved fuel efficiency is the easiest step. Fuel cards monitor the figures drivers are achieving and highlight which might be costing the company more money while also helping to prevent fuel fraud. Drivers are encouraged to check their tire pressure as under-inflated tires increase fuel consumption by 4%.
Ford Recalling 1.1M Pickups for Fuel Tank Hazard
Ford has agreed to recall 1.1 million pickups because metal straps holding the gas tank could rust, allowing the tank to drag. That's less than half the total vehicles investigated by NHTSA because Ford has only agreed to a geographic recall of vehicles from states with heavy use of road salt. Vehicles affected include 1997-2003 F-150, 1997-99 F-250, among others. Safety and consumer advocates aren't pleased that the option of geographic recalls exists.
