More realistic than MPGe window stickers: Discussions are going on at a few automakers on changing the window stickers on vehicles powered by alternative energy sources, according to a published report. While the miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) system used on plug-in vehicles made some sense 
when adopted a few years ago, it may not be that effective in answering questions for car shoppers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t have plans to make changes to the Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy Label, and no interviewed for the article had a clear vision implementing an improved comparison system for consumers looking at all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
“While in principle MPGe is a good way of conveying relative efficiency, I’m not sure that it’s actually meaningful to consumers, nor is energy efficiency in general for plug-in vehicles,” said Sam Abuelsamid, senior analyst at Navigant Research. “Much as most consumers focus on what their monthly payment is going to be, for EVs, I think they are mostly just interested in the electric range and, in the case of PHEVs, the gas/diesel efficiency.”
CNG/electric hybrid: Skoda Auto is presenting the first-ever vehicle that can run on natural gas, gasoline, and an electric drive during the Geneva Motor Show March 6-18. The Skoda Vision X sport utility vehicle features a newly configured hybrid system that can go into front, rear, or four-wheel drive as needed. The CNG/electric engine combination can offer low CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km. That comes from a combination of a natural gas and gasoline-powered drivetrain and two electric motors.
Industry group supports strong federal emissions rules: Automotive suppliers are concerned that if the federal government softens its fuel economy and emissions rules, the economic impact could be damaging to the industry. A new advocacy consortium has been started up, the Automotive Technology 
Leadership Group, which supports seeing continued progress on reducing emissions and oil consumption. Made up of Advanced Engine Systems Institute, the Aluminum Association, the Emission Control Technology Association, Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association, and Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, member companies want to have their voices heard as federal agencies prepare to finalize standards for phase two of the fuel economy rules. They’ve been making large investments to bring emissions-reducing technologies to the market and to meet domestic goals, and to make U.S.-built vehicles very competitive on the global stage. By the end of March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to announce whether it will keep the fuel economy and emissions standards in place, or begin work to modify them. The Automotive Technology Leadership Group would like to make sure that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the state of California, and other states that follow California’s emissions standards, will have their concerns heard and coordinated within the EPA’s ruling.
I used to be a fan of diesel engines for cars and even owned one. No more. Getting rid of all diesel engines and all coal fired power plants given economical alternatives can”t come soon enough for me. Exhaust treatment for diesel in heavy trucks is feasible in the short term because the expensive exhaust clean up systems can be amortized over the long lifespan of the truck. Small displacement diesel automotive engines IMHO are not cost effective over the long haul given the probability of expensive emissions system repairs over the lifespan of the vehicle. As a 66 year old, cancer free survivor of leaded gasoline emissions and untreated diesel emissions (mostly from trucks) I want to continue the environmental clean up that has progressed over the last 40 years. Let the crusher eat all of the diesels. Go ahead and flame away.