Ethanol Faces Major Road Block as Washington Officials Vote on Subsidies
While corn ethanol has supporters and powerful farm lobbyists in Washington, the mood in the capitol, and in the auto industry, has been shifting away from the alternative fuel recently. The House could likely join the Senate in eliminating nearly $6 billion a year in subsidies for ethanol production. While automakers, especially GM, have been supportive of ethanol in recent years, that has started to turn.
Ford F-150 EcoBoost V-6 Success a ‘Pleasant Surprise’
Large pickup trucks are icons of a can-do America that works hard, conquers adversity and believes that bigger is better. Now, some pickup buyers are reconsidering the bigger is better part. Early this year Ford began offering Ford F-150 pickups, the best-selling vehicle line in the U.S. for more than 30 years, with V-6 engines instead of the V-8 motors that have dominated the segment for decades.
Environmental Concerns Over Drilling the Marcellus Shale
Natural gas is a big part of energy independence in the U.S. and an important alternative transportation fuel. Much of it is already here, with the Marcellus Shale formation being the largest reserve. There's an increasing amount of criticism and concern for what's called fracking - hydraulic fracturing - a process drillers are using to tap into deep reserves that can also cause environmental hazards.
KBB: Values for Fuel-Efficient Used Vehicles Have Peaked
Kelley Blue Book says values for fuel-efficient used vehicles are starting to fall after 20 weeks of consecutive gains. Experts cite sliding gas prices but say small cars and hybrids still represent a "smart purchase."
Oil Changes Based on Driving Habits
Jiffy Lube has changed its long-supported recommendation of changing oil every 3,000 miles and now is recommending oil changes based on individual driving habits. Kiosks installed in lube centers permit drivers to identify their driving style to determine oil change intervals.
