DETROIT, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen’s technologically advanced 2.0 Liter turbodiesel was recognized as a 2009 10 Best Engine by Ward’s Automotive Group. The all-new 2.0L clean diesel TDI engine features common rail injection and is the first of a new generation of dynamic and efficient diesel engines from Volkswagen.

“We’re pleased that Ward’s has recognized our advanced 2.0-liter clean diesel engine as one of their 2009 10 Best Engines,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The all-new 2.0L turbodiesel engine is not only the first of its kind to be emissions-compliant in all 50 states, but perhaps the most technically refined powerplant of its kind in the world.” (more…)

Purchase to save utility 6,500 gallons of gas in 2009, reduce CO2 emissions

Chicago, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — One of the nation’s largest private fleets of alternative-fuel vehicles just got greener. ComEd has added 50 new Toyota Prius hybrids and plug-in electric hybrids to a fleet that now numbers more than 2,100 green vehicles.

ComEd meter readers in Chicago and the company’s Maywood office will drive the 50 new Priuses, including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. The plug-in conversion is expected to significantly increase fuel-efficiency by providing greater electric-drive capability. (more…)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jungle Motors, Orange County’s largest electric vehicle conversion facility, is now offering a new Plug-In Hybrid conversion for the Toyota Prius.

Jungle Motors, which has been converting gasoline-powered Porsche 911s and Chrysler PT Cruisers into clean, green commuter cars, is now offering its latest conversion: a Plug-In Hybrid modification for the Toyota Prius. (more…)

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the automotive industry, 2008 will be a year to forget. Due to the collapse of the financial industry, car sales plummeted to levels not seen since the early 1990s, when the country’s population was 50 million people fewer.

Edmunds.com, the premier resource for automotive information, also noted the following trends during 2008*:

Used Cars Fared Better Than New Cars – Used car sales were down only 8 percent compared to 2007, and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales were flat. During the same period, new car sales fell by more than 16 percent. (more…)