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Carmakers ask Trump to revisit fuel efficiency rules

Car companies operating in the US are required to meet stringent fuel efficiency standards (a fleet average of 54.5MPG) through 2025, but they're hoping to loosen things now that President Trump is in town. Leaders from Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and VW have sent a letter to Trump asking him to rethink the Obama administration's choice to lock in efficiency guidelines for the next several years. The car makers want to revisit the midterm review for the 2025 commitment in hopes of loosening the demands. They claim that the tougher requirements raise costs, don't match public buying habits and will supposedly put "as many a million" jobs up in the air. The Trump administration hasn't specifically responded to the letter, although Environmental Protection Agency nominee Scott Pruitt had said he would return to the Obama-era decision. The automakers' argument doesn't entirely hold up. While the EPA did estimate that the US would fall short of efficiency goals due to a shift toward SUVs and trucks, the job claims are questionable. Why would making more fuel efficient vehicles necessarily cost jobs instead of pushing companies to do better? As it is, even a successful attempt to loosen guidelines may only have a limited effect. All of the brands mentioned here are pushing for greater mainstream adoption of electric vehicles within the next few years -- they may meet the Obama administration's expectations just by shifting more drivers away from gas power. This article by Jon Fingas originally appeared on Engadget, your guide to this connected life. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images Government/Legal Green Chrysler Fiat GM Honda Hyundai Nissan Toyota Volkswagen Fuel Efficiency CAFE standards Trump

Hyundai recalls 24k Genesis sedans over electrical issue

An electrical problem has prompted Hyundai and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall for the 2015 Genesis. The problem arises when water leaks into the taillight assembly, which – in a way that would only make sense to an electrician – could cause the incorrect gear to be displayed on the instrument panel or even a delay in switching from Park to Reverse or Drive. Needless to say, if the driver doesn't know into which position the transmission has shifted, that could increase the likelihood of a crash. The issue affects an estimated 24,400 units of the 2015 Genesis in the United States – specifically those manufactured between February 21, 2014, and January 24, 2015. Owners of those vehicles can expect to hear from their local dealer to arrange the installation of additional waterproofing pads to prevent the troublesome moisture from leaking in to the taillights. RECALL Subject : Water may Leak into Rear Combination Lamp Assembly Report Receipt Date: FEB 19, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V097000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , EXTERIOR LIGHTING , POWER TRAIN Potential Number of Units Affected: 24,400 Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America SUMMARY: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Genesis vehicles manufactured February 21, 2014, to January 24, 2015. Water may leak into the rear combination lamp assemblies and cause an incorrect gear display on the instrument panel or a delay in the engagement of the selected gear when the vehicle is shifted from Park to Reverse or Drive. CONSEQUENCE: If the incorrect gear is being displayed, the vehicle may move in an unintended direction, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply pads to prevent water intrusion into the combination lamp housing, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 128. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Hyundai delivers its first Tucson Fuel Cell to a California customer

With expected pomp and circumstance, but short of a marching band, Hyundai delivered its first Tucson Fuel Cell crossover to the Bush family in Southern California on Tuesday. Dave Zuchowski, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, was on hand to officiate along with an array of other government officials, including California Air Resources Board chairman Mary Nichols. The automaker is touting the emissions-free vehicle as the "world's only mass-produced fuel cell vehicle" as it travels down the same assembly line as the other Tucson models - its production is scalable, based on demand.
The Tucson Fuel Cell replaces the standard model's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, gasoline combustion engine with a 100-kW fuel cell stack, which sends power to a 100-kW (134 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque) electric motor driving the front wheels. A 24-kW battery pack, shared with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, is used for storage. The vehicle earns the customer a combined 50 MPGe, while earning the automaker up to $130,000 through California's ZEV credit system.
As the hydrogen refueling infrastructure is extremely underdeveloped, Hyundai will initially only offer the Tucson Fuel Cell on a lease program to customers in the Los Angeles/Orange County areas, where it has approved six stations with the 700-bar (WEH TK17 pistol-grip nozzle) pumps. The automaker has packaged the program with a $2,999 drive-off, with payments of $499 per month for 36 months. To nearly eliminate operating expenses, the automaker is throwing in "unlimited free hydrogen refueling" (keep in mind that the leasee is only contracted to 12,000 miles each year, so that will put a cap on how much free fuel flows from the pump) along with the company's At Your Service Valet Maintenance at no extra cost.