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Automakers Show Off Fuel-Efficient Cars In Detroit

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Jan 15, 2008 8:16 am US/Central

Automakers Show Off Fuel-Efficient Cars In Detroit

Reporting
Frank Vascellaro
(WCCO) For more than 100 years, the Detroit Auto Show has given consumers a glimpse of their future cars and trucks.  Whether they are new models or concept vehicles, one of the main themes this year is fuel economy.

American manufacturers have long made big money from full-size trucks, but concern about fuel economy means even large vehicles, such as the Cadillac Escalade, are now available with hybrid gas-electric power.  

"We've never seen a hybrid in a vehicle like this that left no compromise," said Jean Jennings with Automobile Magazine.

Ford said its new ecoboost system, using turbocharging and direct injection will increase the economy of its gasoline engines by 20 percent.  

The new Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFÉ, standards, along with the cost of fuel, are driving carmakers to these innovations.

It comes down to dollars per gallon.  

"We've really looked at our overall product plan, assuming it would be three or higher," said Tom LaSorda, the CEO of Chrysler.

Minnesota and other farm states promote ethanol as the fuel of the future.  While carmakers produce engines that run on up to 85 percent ethanol, most fuel retailers do not sell it.  

"Right now we've got maybe 1,400 out of the 170,000 stations in the U.S. offer ethanol capability," said Rick Wagoner, the CEO of General Motors. "We have to increase that."

The Chevy Volt, which is not yet available, is a plug-in hybrid.  Its larger battery pack allows trips of up to 40 miles on battery power alone. 

Whatever the fuel, smaller cars use less of it.  The Detroit Auto Show featured a lot of smaller vehicles, like the two-passenger Smart and an even smaller version of the Hummer SUV.

If you're in the market for a hybrid car or truck, remember the fuel economy suffers in cold weather.  The gasoline engine has to run so the heater can work.


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