A Belgian study of almost 300 lung transplant patients tracked over a decade was just published in the journal Thorax. It found that recipients who lived near a main street faced twice the risk of organ rejection and death. Air pollution from cars was associated with nearly 30% of deaths. GR
Category: Automobiles
Hybrids vs. nonhybrids: The 5-year equation
The current Consumer Reports magazine compares the 5-year cost of various hybrid and non-hybrid car models. Winners depend on the price difference, tax breaks, the cost and mileage per gallon of fuel, and an intangible green factor. The Toyota Prius scores well, the Lexus RX hybrid doesn’t. GR
The people’s electric, ready to claim power
This New York Times article reviews the Nissan Leaf, America’s first mass-produced electric vehicle. Called a good car for commutes or errands, it costs $33,630, less $7,500 federal subsidy, and goes 50-100 miles between charges, which take 21 hours at home. Nissan plans a network of fast charging stations. GR
Toyota’s Prius to become Japan top seller ever
If you’ve put off buying a Prius, now might be the time to take the plunge. Not only is the Toyota Prius Japan’s best selling model this year, but it’s the best-selling model in Japan ever, ending the Corolla’s 20-year-old sales record. Local car sales are down 36% from 1990, making Prius’s mark even more
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Obama mandates rules to raise fuel standards
Last week President Obama ordered the EPA and the Transportation Department to develop tougher fuel standards for cars and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Auto and truck makers support the move, preferring one national standard to many different state standards. Environmentalists also cheered. For more information on climate change, be sure to visit our main page.
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