Compressed natural gas has been rising in popularity lately as the U.S. searches for ways to reduce the usage of imported oil. Liquefied natural gas, aka propane, has been making a comeback according to a report from Argonne National Laboratory as more manufacturers develop engines that can run on propane and governments extend tax incentives.
Global platforms and new UAW deals have returned profitability to making cars in the U.S. Ford vowed to be successful with cars again and has achieved six straight profitable quarters.
Laws in 30 states, District of Columbia, and federal government ban texting while driving, but they are difficult to enforce. Software for smartphones disables texting, e-mailing and Web-browsing while the vehicle is moving, taking the driver out of the equation.
Some fleets have been concerned that California's requirement that all diesel engines on the road meet 2010 emission standards by 2023 could be a problem for current engines that meet lower standards but use credits. CARB announced they will not distinguish between the engines meeting the 0.20 gram per brake horsepower-hour and those meeting the 0.50 g/bhp-hr of NOx levels with credits.
Struts are important vehicle safety components as they affect steering, braking, stability, ride quality and road feel. They are difficult to inspect, but a road test will reveal suspension noises and observation will note fluid leaks and physical damage.