1996 Mitsubishi Galant S Sedan 4-door 2.4l Not Running on 2040-cars

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Mitsubishi hopes you'll trade driving data for a cheaper oil change

Companies and cities love it when you supply driving data, but how do they convince you to hand it over? In Mitsubishi's case, it's simple: shower people with gifts. The automaker has launched a mobile app that asks American commuters to share data on their driving habits with insurance companies in return for badges they can exchange for rewards. Mind your road manners (such as staying within the speed limit or avoiding sudden braking) and you can get discounts on oil changes and car accessories. You should also receive free coffee and gift cards by the end of 2018. Insurers and local governments have tried similar strategies, but this is the first of its kind directly from a car company. Mitsubishi's Bryan Arnett described this to the Wall Street Journal as a way to "stabilize the business" with alternate sources of income if car sales slip. The catch, as you may have guessed, is that insurers will have your data. The Mitsubishi project will help insurers understand driving patterns and adjust their risk profiles, potentially lowering your rates if you drive safely. However, you're potentially subjecting yourself to scrutiny for every little decision you make on the road, often without context. If you push past the speed limit to get out of a big rig's blind spot, will Mitsubishi know the difference between that and genuinely reckless driving? Probably not. Simultaneously, there's a concern that insurance companies may try to make this kind of data collection mandatory if you want to avoid stiff premiums, rather than a bonus. If they did, you wouldn't have much choice but to sacrifice privacy if you wanted to drive. The move draws attention to the practices of the car makers themselves, for that matter. Many of them are aware that car ownership might not last forever, and they may increasingly turn to data harvesting strategies like this to offset any potential sales drops.This story originally appeared on Engadget, your guide to this connected life.Related Video:

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV faces longer delays, might not arrive until 2016

It seems every time the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the news the information concerns a delay, and the reason always centers on its batteries. Four months ago the culprit was restricted battery supply from Lithium Energy Japan, pushing the arrival to 2015. This time it's no different, with Automotive News reporting that a battery-related request made by California state regulators will push the Outlander PHEV arrival back to "late 2015 or early 2016."
CA authorities want all plug-in hybrids to be fitted with a monitor for the lithium-ion batteries that will be on the lookout for degradation, the concern being that diminished batteries could change the vehicle's emissions. Getting the technology fitted and tested means something like a 16- to 22-month delay.
The extra time, however, should let Mitsubishi figure out what it's going to do about its battery supply since the current level of 4,000 per month isn't enough to support a US launch; the Automotive News article says Mitsubishi expects a volume of 63,000 plug-ins for 2016. The company hasn't said how it plans to make up the balance.

Recharge Wrap-up: vehicle electrification future, Indonesia biodiesel growth

Navigant Research expects electrified vehicles (including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles) to reach 6 million sales in 2024. That's up from 2.6 million sales in 2015. About half of those sales will be plug-in vehicles in 2024, up from 19 percent in 2015. To make its predictions, Navigant took into account automaker strategies, concept vehicles, regulations and incentives, electricity and oil prices, and charging infrastructure expectations over the 10-year timetable. Navigant also says that despite the massive changes in the last five years, the next five years will be "even more impactful to the global automotive and energy industries." Read more from Navigant Research, or at Green Car Congress. Indonesia's biodiesel consumption is expected to rise dramatically over the next year. While the nation used 291 to 317 million gallons in 2015, consumption levels for 2016 could surpass 2 billion gallons, depending on blending regulation enforcement. Indonesia raised the minimum biodiesel content in diesel fuel from 10 to 15 percent in 2015 while increasing biofuel subsidies. It will raise the blend minimum to 20 percent for 2016, and plans to increase it to 30 percent in 2020. Read more at Business Recorder. Scotland's national newspaper, The Scotsman, has awarded the title of Plug-In Vehicle of the Year to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The paper praised the car for its ability to live up to its "ecocredentials," as well as its all-around practicality. During its long-term test, Scotsman staff enjoyed using the 32.5 miles of electric driving range to commute to and from work. The Scotsman's Steven Chisholm called the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, "an exciting prospect for anyone looking for an SUV that's easy on the wallet as well as the environment." Read more at Inside EVs. Featured Gallery Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S: Paris 2014 View 12 Photos News Source: Navigant Research, Green Car Congress, Business Recorder, Inside EVsImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Government/Legal Green Mitsubishi Alternative Fuels Biodiesel Electric recharge wrapup