Green Auto Concepts Essay -- The Automobile Industry

With stringent federal fuel efficiency laws looming on the horizon, combined with growing technology that is becoming increasingly affordable, every major automaker is currently selling or developing an eco-friendly vehicle. The 2012 environmental flagship models are not just electric vehicles (EV), hybrids and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). In fact, great strides are being made to improve the performance and productivity of diesel, gasoline and natural gas vehicles as well. In saluting its five finalists in the 2012 Green Car of the Year, the Green Car Journal [http://www.laautoshow.com/PRNewsWire.html?news=201110240915pr_news_uspr_____mm91539.xml] notes that each manufacturer has taken a different approach to creating green vehicles. "This year's finalists underscore there is no single solution to our transportation challenges," notes Editor Ron Cogan. "We have five exceptional answers to the question of how we are going to increase efficiencies, reduce tailpipe and CO2 emissions and decrease petroleum use. These unique approaches provide diverse choices as cars intelligently evolve toward a more environmentally compatible motoring future." Most efforts focus on increasing gas mileage, reducing emissions and assisting vehicles in driving more efficiently. Industry experts are touting 2012 as the year for auto technology thanks to some of these vehicular innovations: 1. Urban Electric Vehicle Revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the futuristic looking BMW electric i3 [http://www.bmw-i-usa.com/en_us/bmw-i3/] and the hybrid-electric i8 are being billed as the first urban cars to produce zero emissions. The electric powertrain achieves 112 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent) and can run for 62 miles on a single c... ...as solar energy companies, are investing in charging station infrastructures in an effort to encourage consumers to purchase EVs. Critics say the biggest concern for EV owners is not having refueling stations during long-distance trips. In early 2012, Nissan expects to expand its offerings of quick charge stations to the U.S., while Tesla Motors is offering free charging stations to loyal customers traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Ford, General Motors, Daimler, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Porsche are collectively supporting a universal fast charge infrastructure [http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/13/business/la-fi-autos-electric-vehicles-20111013] that will work with any brand’s EV. The federal government is continuing its $7,500 tax incentive through 2012 for EV purchases, while California residents also benefit from a $1,500 state rebate.