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Ford, GM Hope To Mainstream E85General Motors Debuts Two New Hybrids Nationwide Campaign for Plug-In Hybrids Launched President's Initiative Promotes Clean Energy New Hydrogen Technology Developed; Fueling Station Adds Generator 2006 Green Power Top 25 List Released Patent Awarded for Biodiesel Modular Production Unit The Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: EIA Forecast Predicts Ongoing Impact Iowa State Senate Proposes RFS Bill EPA Offers Grants for Diesel Emission Reduction Projects 
From the Office of the Executive Director Consortium Staff Update A Tribute to Dennis Weaver - 2004 Odyssey Spokesperson Gateway Community College Launches Hybrid Vehicle Familiarization Course Onondaga Community College Holds Pre-Odyssey Event New NAFTC Members Recognized Members Gather for Annual Business Meeting NAFTC Exhibits at WVU Day at the Legislature  
March 12-16 NHA Hydrogen Conference Long Beach, CA March 13-14 March 15-16 May 7-10 October 12, 2006 |
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General Motors Corp. (GM) introduced its two new gasoline-electric hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUVs) at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) held in Detroit in early January. GM unveiled the 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line and the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, which will become available in the United States in each of the next two model years. According to GM, the Saturn VUE Green Line features the automaker’s new hybrid system designed for small and midsize cars. This new system provides electric assist at all speeds; eliminates all fuel consumption when idle; features power assist during launch, passing, and other wide-open throttle maneuvers; uses no fuel during deceleration; and charges its battery with regenerative braking.
An electric motor, nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower power the VUE Green Line. Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak estimates the five-door, five-passenger–hybrid’s fuel economy to be 27 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 32 mpg for highway driving. The VUE Green Line will go on sale this summer with a starting price of less than $23,000. The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid is powered by GM’s two-mode hybrid system, which was co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group. In the system’s first mode, electric power is used to minimize or eliminate fuel consumption in low-speed city operation. In the second mode for higher speeds, the system combines electric assist with the SUV’s Vortec V8 technologies, including Active Fuel Management (a cylinder deactivation system), variable valve timing, late-intake valve closure, and a 12:1 compression ratio to reduce fuel consumption. The two-mode system is estimated to provide a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to base models. The Tahoe hybrid will go on sale in 2007, making it one of the largest hybrid vehicles on the market. Its starting price has not yet been announced.
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