Commercial Auto Dealers

The folks at Cars.com are putting hybrids to the test. Earlier this month, they started a Hybrid Mileage Challenge in which they take some of the more popular hybrid models on the road and see if they live up to the claims that the automakers make.

One of those vehicles was a GMC model – the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid – which is available at your local GMC truck dealer.

The testers took the vehicles on a long drive through the roads of Chicago and surrounding areas. Despite the bad roads and plethora of potholes, the drivers spent a total of nine hours behind the wheel to make sure they got an accurate idea of the gas mileage. But it wasn’t all driving, either. A Chicago Cubs game created a traffic situation in which the drivers couldn’t go very fast. In addition, the weather wasn’t the best. When all was said and done, the average speed they went was about 20 mph.

Here are some of the guidelines the testers followed to ensure accurate results:
• Proper tire inflation
• Keep the windows rolled up
• Drive like normal
• Avoid cruise control
• No air conditioning

They found out that the hybrid model of the Tahoe did exactly what the GMC claims. It averaged about 20 miles to the gallon and even more during some legs of the trip. For stop-and-go driving, those are impressive numbers especially for an SUV! As a result, you can feel confident that you’re getting the most from your fuel dollars without giving up your large SUV.

Limousines are not generally known for their fuel efficiency or environmental friendliness. The ultimate symbol of luxury, the limo is primarily used in ritual events from proms to weddings to funerals. In these uses, it seems reasonable to worry less about the environmental impact that the vehicles may have. However, for some parts of society the limo is used in regular daily life, shuttling executives from one meeting to the next and spending a large portion of each day idling outside.

Over time, the aggregate exhaust output from the thousands of limos on New York City streets becomes significant. An estimated 272,000 tons of gases are released by New York limos each year, according to a recent article in the New York Times. The aggregate fuel waste is also significant.

Consequently, New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg recently announced a plan to require the city’s estimated 10,000 limos to meet new green standards. Under the terms of the plan, which must still go before the Taxi and Limousine Commission for approval, limousines in the city will be required to achieve 25 miles per gallon by 2009 and 30 miles per gallon by 2010.

Currently, the only types of vehicles capable of meeting that demand are hybrids. Hybrid vehicles will also cut down dramatically on the amount of exhaust gas that is emitted, since the cars will switch into battery mode when idling.

A number of new incentives have been introduced to help limo owners cope with the new requirements. Hybrid vehicles are typically more expensive to purchase than traditional gas powered cars, but over time can result in significant cost savings. Time will tell how the new hybrid limousines fare on the busy streets of New York.