Consumer Reports is known for ranking the quality, value and reliability of products ranging from vacuums to televisions and refrigerators to automobiles. The organization has released the results from its 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey and nine hybrid models rated above average. The results will appear both on the Consumer Reports website and in the December issue of the magazine that will be available on November 4, 2008.

The following hybrid vehicles all scored above average in the “predicted reliability” ratings: Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Lexus GS 450h Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape/Mercury Marine Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid. In addition to the above average rankings for these popular hybrid models, several vehicles with above average fuel-efficiency scored well including the Honda Fit, Scion xD, Smart ForTwo and Toyota Yaris.

“Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey is used in determining which makes and models are recommended to consumers by CR. Consumer Reports recommends only models that have performed well in tests conducted at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, and that have average or better predicted reliability based on its annual survey. In addition, vehicles must perform well in government or insurance-industry crash and rollover tests, if tested, in order to be recommended.” (Source: PR Newswire)

Subscribe

3 Comments »

Filed Under: Chrysler, Lexus, Luxury Hybrids, Mazda, chevy, honda, toyota

Drivers in Norway may just find themselves next to one of 30 Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE (rotary engine) vehicles next time they take a trek on the roadways. This project marks the first time that hydrogen rotary engine vehicles are being used on public roadways outside of Japan.

“Up to now, real world use of Mazda’s hydrogen rotary vehicles has been limited to Japan. Participation in the HyNor project marks our advancement to the next stage,” says Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda Program Manager in charge of hydrogen RE development. “After we validate the first vehicle on Norwegian roads, we intend to deliver 30 more units under commercial lease contracts. We are pleased to be a part of the establishment of a society based on hydrogen energy in Norway. Mazda plans to use the wealth of data and experience that will result from this project for the further development of hydrogen vehicles.” (Source: Newspress)

The RX-8 Hydrogen REs are part of the HyNor project that will provide hydrogen energy stations along a 580km route between Oslo and Stavanger. I think this is a fantastic step towards increasing the recognition of hydrogen vehicles as a valid alternative to today’s gasoline engines. Although there are already hydrogen vehicles on the road in the United States, including the Honda FCX Clarity, there currently isn’t much of a hydrogen energy infrastructure available to support future hydrogen expansion.

Subscribe

1 Comment »

Filed Under: Europe, Mazda, hydrogen