Polaris 12206119-000 on 2040-parts.com

California rules give push to 'green' vehicles in the near future

California regulators on Friday approved a plan that would require 15.4 percent of new vehicles sold in the state be electric, fuel-cell or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2025. The rule--supported by major automakers--is part of a broader package of regulations called the Advanced Clean Car program designed to cut vehicle greenhouse gas and smog-forming emissions. The sweeping new auto emission standards could mean 1.4 million electric, fuel cell and plug-in hybrid vehicles on California roads by 2025.

GM reveals new, highly modular Ecotec engine family

GM introduced its new modular family of Ecotec engines on Wednesday at its powertrain headquarters in Pontiac, Mich. The new, reduced-in-size three- and four-cylinder mills will replace three of GM's current engine families, eventually making their way into five of the company's brands. The Ecotec family will eventually spawn 11 engines in total, ranging in displacement from 1.0 liter to 1.5 liters.

GM to sell bifuel Chevrolet and GMC trucks

While gasoline hovers at about four bucks a gallon, natural gas is priced at the equivalent of $1.89 per gallon. Chevrolet and GMC are hoping to take advantage of that disparity by offering bi-fuel heavy-duty pickups for fleet and retail customers beginning on April 19, the day before Earth Day. The bi-fuel option will cost buyers $11,000, on top of the price of the pickups.