Free Republic

WASHINGTON—Ushering in the largest decrease in auto fuel consumption since the 1970s, President Barack Obama and automobile manufacturers Friday announced a deal that will save drivers money at the pump and dramatically cut heat-trapping gases coming from tailpipes. The agreement pledges to double overall fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, bringing major under-the-hood changes for the nation's automobiles starting in model year 2017. Cars and trucks on the road today average 27 miles per gallon. "This agreement on fuel standards represents the single most important step we have taken as a nation to reduce our dependence on...

The Reva G-Wiz. The UK’s GoinGreen has introduced the first of the new, improved performance Reva G-Wiz AC drive electric cars. Launched at the British Motor Show in the summer, the G-Wiz AC replaces the current G-Wiz DC. Cost is the same (£8,299 inc VAT), but the AC offers enhanced features including an increased top speed of 45 mph and a range of up to 48 miles under UK test conditions (40 miles on mixed roads). GoinGreen introduced G-Wiz DC drive to London in 2004, and the car is still the only electric 2+2 seater available there. There are...

DaimlerChrysler's smart brand has, at long last, ripped the relatively small cover off its new fortwo minicar. The new smart, which will come to theU.S. next year as a 2008 model through the UnitedAutoGroup chain, has been revamped for more safety features and for a little more room. Styling has been updated as well, and the new smart offers either a three-cylinder engine with 61, 71, or 84 horsepower or a diesel with 45 hp. All engine variants come with a five-speed transmission. Smart says that the new version will earn four stars in the European safety tests and...