Eco-Portal: An Information Gateway Empowering the Movement for Environmental Sustainability

November 21, 2008

• Ford Introduces 2010 Fusion/Mercury Milan and Hybrid Versions; Wireless Diagnostic Data Collection
  

  by Jack Rosebro

  Ford Fusion Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

  Ford introduced its new-generation mid-size sedans, the 2010 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan vehicles, with both conventional and hybrid powertrains, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The hybrid versions of the Fusion and Milan are Ford Motor Company’s first mid-size, traditionally styled hybrid sedans to enter the marketplace, following the late Honda Accord hybrid as well as the current Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, and Saturn Aura hybrids.

  Details on Ford’s new hybrid powertrain, elements of which are also used in the 2009-up Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner compact SUV hybrids, were initially revealed at the 2008 SAE Hybrid Symposium by Global Core Engineer Sherif Markaby (earlier post). Further details on both the hybrid and conventional Fusion and Milan powertrains were released by Ford last month (earlier post).

  The Fusion/Milan hybrid’s driver information display features eco-driving encouragements in the form of SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which uses two high-resolution color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of an analog speedometer, which can be configured to show four different levels of information: Inform, Enlighten, Engage, and Empower. The Smartgauge displays “efficiency leaves” and vines to reward customers for efficient driving. (Earlier post.)

  Ford also announced that the Fusion/Milan in-car SYNC communication and entertainment system, which was developed jointly by Ford and Microsoft, will periodically gather diagnostic information from the vehicle’s powertrain control modules and send the data to Ford in the form of a Vehicle Health Report (VHR) via an 800 number that is automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.

  Many automakers package software into their powertrain networks that allows technicians and engineers to query the network and run an automated health check of the system by connecting proprietary diagnostic devices. However, Ford’s new Vehicle Health Reports will, in theory, allow the company to develop powertrain software updates faster and more accurately, using data collected from a much larger vehicle population than is sampled today.

  The Fusion/Milan health reports represent a rare example of diagnostics-related telematics, which was once predicted to rapidly spread throughout the automotive industry. Most of today’s telematics applications are related to safety and convenience.

  During the vehicle introductions, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields announced that Ford would now update the styling of all of its vehicles every three years, and that “cars and crossovers” now represent the majority of Ford sales, as compared to being a minority sector a few years ago.

  Ford expects the new vehicles to be in showrooms by spring 2009.

  - about 2 hours
  source: (Green Car Congress)
• Report: EU Carmaking Nations in Agreement on CO2 Regulations
  

  Reuters reports that Europe’s four big automaking nations—Italy, Britain, France and Germany—have agreed to a proposed structure for regulations mandating reductions in CO₂ from cars.

  The EU has proposed an average limit of 130 g/km by 2012, with a further 10 g to come from other elements such as tires, fuels and air conditioning. The plan was opposed by several countries, led by Germany.

  Last month, Britain, France and Germany agreed to stick to the CO2 targets, phasing them in between 2012 and 2015, but there was no agreement on how much to fine manufacturers that fail to reach their goal after Rome fought hard for Italian manufacturers. Italy argued for modest fines for violators at the lower end of the scale.

  German government sources told Reuters on Thursday an agreement had been reached ahead of a meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Tuesday. The fines should be a maximum of 15 euros per gram for cars exceeding the limit by less than three grams, rising to 95 euros per gram for cars that far exceed the limits. An Italian government source said the fine would be 5 euros for the first gram of excess CO₂, 10 euros for the second, and 15 euros for the third, and the system would last indefinitely.

  Talks on the proposal between the European Parliament, European Commission and member states are scheduled for 24 November.

  - about 4 hours
  source: (Green Car Congress)
• Calif. Businesses Join Chorus of Support for Climate Laws
  
  

  A group of California businesses and trade associations on Thursday threw their support behind the state's climate change regulations, arguing the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions amount to an enormous economic opportunity.

  - about 4 hours
  source: (GreenBiz.com)
• New Guide Explains Why and How Businesses Should Partner with NGOs
  
  

  The Guide to Successful Corporate-NGO Partnerships shows the business, environmental and social benefits of partnerships between companies and non-governmental organizations.

  - about 4 hours
  source: (GreenBiz.com)
• Angola: Environment Awareness Among 2009 Ministry'priorities (AllAfrica.com)
  The Angolan Environment minister, Fátima Jardim, Thursday in Luanda mentioned, as her Ministry's priority for 2009, the increase of education and awareness with view to making 15 percent of the population aware of environmental issues in the country. - about 4 hours
  source: (Yahoo! News Search Results for environment)

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