News Briefs
Honda develops cleaner engine
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. has developed a super-clean gasoline engine where the exhaust is sometimes cleaner than the air that entered the engine.
Carbon monoxide emissions from the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine were 0.17 grams per mile, compared with 1.7 grams allowed under California's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standard.
A car equipped with this engine could drive through a high-smog area and the smog-producing emissions coming out of the tailpipe would actually be lower than they are in the surrounding air, said Nobuhiko Kawamoto, Honda president.
Executives at Honda's research and development center said the new engine is readily buildable and could be in production in about two years, but no firm introduction date is set. It is based on the four-cylinder engine used in U.S. market Accord models.
Source: Reuters Limited
State Farm investigation requested
Super Software Systems Inc. (SUPERSHOP) has asked the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate State Farm Insurance Company for violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act and Fair Competition Laws as a result of the Service First Program. SUPERSHOP has asked State Farm to allow its estimating, imaging and communication system to be used in the Service First program, and State Farm has refused.
Technology forces shift in parts stores
Auto parts stores are shifting gears as backyard mechanics become increasingly baffled by the complexity of today's cars and trucks.
"It has created a tremendous burden on auto parts stores because people who used to be able to work on those vehicles can't now," says Al Gaspar, president of the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association.
As a result, stores catering to the $190 billion auto parts business are retooling to cope with the changes. Here's how:
- Helping decipher computer problems.Memphis-based AutoZone provides the tools consumers need to check the illuminated "check engine" light. A device pulled into an engine computer finds out what's wrong, and a clerk can print instructions showing how to make the repair.
- Adding more service bays. Chains that offer carry-out parts and professional service are seeing more customers opting for mechanics.
- Catering to professional mechanics. Increasingly, retail parts chains are making deliveries to service pros.
Source: USA Today
New self-study course on Asian engines
A new training program called "Troubleshooting Asian Engine Management Systems" is the latest release in a series of 15 self-study courses developed and introduced by the NAPA Institute of Automotive Technology (N.I.A.T.). Designed to help independent technicians diagnose and repair Asian carbureted and fuel injected engines, this course features troubleshooting techniques using tools typically found in most independent repair shops. The course can be purchased by calling (800) 292-NIAT or a NAPA Auto Parts store.
GM favors gas tax increase
William H. Noack, director of public policy communications for General Motors (GM), issued the following statement in response to wire story reports that GM supports a 50-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax increase.
"GM has long favored allowing the market to sort out the transportation needs of American consumers. To the extent, however, that environmental or other public policy considerations indicate that steps should be taken to reduce gasoline consumption, we believe increasing the cost of driving is preferable to regulatory mechanisms such as increased federal fuel economy standards."
Plug Power uses gasoline in fuel cell
Plug Power LLC, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, Arthur D. Little and the Energy Department's Los Alamos National Laboratory, announced the first successful conversion of gasoline to generate electricity through Plug Power's PEM fuel cell module.
"This breakthrough is a major step toward the advancement of zero emission vehicles," said Gary Mittleman, Plug Power president and chief executive officer. "The ability to use gasoline postpones the need to develop a new fueling infrastructure and accelerates the development of these vehicles."
Unlike traditional combustion engines, fuel cells generate electricity through an electro-chemical process. The system converts the chemical energy of hydrogen - and/or hydrocarbons - and oxygen into electrical energy. It produces negligible amounts of sulfur and nitrogen oxides and less than half the amount of carbon dioxide.
How's your business? || EGR systems: operation and diagnosis || Achieving pre-accident condition, avoiding diminished value || Tax reform: past, present, future || Coping with extended warranties || Value-added services build loyalty || Guest Editorial: It's time to role up our sleeves || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking The Hill || Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLV No. 12, December 1997