Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, announced the winners of the first Edmunds.com Consumers’ Top Rated(SM) Vehicle Awards. Consumers rate vehicles in eight different categories: performance, comfort, and fuel economy, fun to drive, interior design, exterior design, build quality and reliability. All 2008 vehicle models that received the required minimum number of consumer ratings as of April 30, 2008 were eligible.

"These awards are made possible by consumers who submit reviews on new or used vehicles they own," said Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Edmunds.com. "They are the result of real-world driving and ownership impressions."

Audi led the list with four awards while Toyota, Lexus and Chevrolet tied for second place with two awards each.

The 2008 winners are:

Convertible Under $35,000 - Smart Fortwo
Convertible Over $35,000 - Audi TT
Coupe Under $25,000 - Saturn Astra
Coupe $25K-$35K - Audi TT
Coupe $35K-$45K - Audi A5
Coupe Over $45,000 - Chevrolet Corvette
Sedan Under $15,000 - Scion XD
Sedan $15K-$25K - Hyundai Azera
Sedan $25K-$35K - Toyota Avalon
Sedan $35K-$45K - Audi A6
Sedan Over $45,000 - Lexus GS 460
Hybrid - Mercury Mariner Hybrid
SUV Under $25,000 - Jeep Patriot
SUV $25K-$35K - Buick Enclave
SUV $35K-$45K - Lincoln MKX
SUV Over $45,000 - Lexus LX 570
Compact Truck - Toyota Tacoma
Large Truck - Chevrolet Avalanche
Minivan/Van - Mazda Mazda5
Wagon Under $35,000 - Volkswagen Passat
Wagon Over $35,000  Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Details on all award winners are located at the Consumers Top Rated Awards

Source: Edmunds.com

Getting in a fuel-efficient vehicle a lot of issue of common logic, but it’s still not a ordinary habit. To raise knowledge of issues drivers can do to develop their vehicle’s fuel-efficiency an association of auto makers and personal companies are initiating a war centered on a website that tests citizens to drive smarter. The promotion will be formally starts on May 20 2008 in Washington, DC.

At time the website’s course is finish, clients can ‘challenge’ associates to visit the website, and in response, get a coupon for automotive maintenance items that can aid in the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, like the oxygen sensors.

According to the reports of Automotive News “The Wal-Mart Foundation and the Alliance to Save Energy are the leaders of the coalition, though Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota and six other, as yet unnamed manufacturers are also aligned with the group, many businesses, political action groups and politicians are also supporting the program”

Also in The EU’s, up to date mandate is to stop CO2 emissions by latest passenger vehicles as of 160 g/km towards 130g/km in year 2012 through progressing engine creation plus an additional 10 g/km decrease will be necessary from developments from some technologies such as tires and substitute fuels. Now car manufacturers wish that eco-friendly driving are also added on listing.

Mitsubishi Motor Company is maintaining to improve its cars (by electric means) sub-compact vehicle named iMiev for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, furthermore they are planning to start the sales to the general market in the later partial months of year 2009.

The iMiev is a sub-compact vehicle that is about the size of a "light car" in Japanese terms of "keijidousha" with an engine composes of up to 660cc. It has four seating capacity, but certainty, it’s sufficient for two medium-sized grown persons in the front seats and two petite kids, or god yet for a few luggage of groceries, in the rear seating.

A lot of the Eco-friendly or green cars at the “New York International Auto Show” were concept model only, planned to be in public sales coming "2011" or else, you know, it can be done. Not the Mitsubish’s iMiEV, a completely electric vehicle that the corporation brought from Japan for the first moment for journalists to test run. The vehicle’s run with gas (but efficient) cousin, known as i-minicar, is previously being sold in Japan, and the company preparing to launch the electric model to Japanese spectators in coming 2009.

Standard Specifications from netcarshow.com

• Overall length: 3,450 [mm]
• Overall width: 1,600 [mm]
• Overall height: 1,400 [mm]
• Wheelbase: 2,550 [mm]
• Track (F/R): 1,405/1,405 [mm]
• Seating capacity: 2 + 2
• Motors: Permanent magnetic synchronous motors
• Front: In-wheel motors
• Rear: Single motor
• Max. output: Front: 20kW; Rear: 47kW
• Max. torque: Front: 250 Nm; Rear: 180 Nm
• Max. Speed: 180km/h
• Range (10-15 Mode) : 200km
• Tires: 175/40R17