We Win!

Uh, Of Course We Mean: America Wins! And the Environment Wins as President Obama Implements California's Auto Emissions' Standards Nationwide

BWC Has Been Working for Six Years to Get These Regs Approved State-by-State. Now with a Wave of a Pen They're Going to be Applied Nationwide.

OK, We'll Share the Credit...

President Obama has dramatically changed the rules for auto emissions standards, and put an end to seven years of debate.

On May 19, Obama unveiled new nationwide standards to regulate fuel economy and greenhouse-gas emissions from cars and light trucks. Present at the announcement were the nation's ten largest automakers, the UAW, and leading environmental groups.

Starting in 2012, fuel efficiency will be increased by more than 5% each year. In 2016, cars will be required to achieve 39 mpg and light trucks will be required to achieve 30 mpg (as compared to the 27.5 mpg and 24 mpg required today).

After years of lawsuits, threats, petitions, and tens of millions of dollars spent in legal fees, President Obama has finally put this issue to rest.

Now, we don't want to say that President Obama stole BWC's thunder on this issue, but let's be honest: he totally did. On occasions far too numerous to count (okay, ten times), BWC put the word out, organizing and encouraging members to lobby their representatives and the EPA on this very issue.

And then, out of nowhere, President "Johnny-Come-Lately" Obama decides to apply the standards nationwide! Who knew he was even paying attention to this issue? We're not saying that he stole the idea from us, but 'Kicking Asphalt' does have a subscriber with the email address "ArugulaLover@whitehouse.gov". Very suspicious.

Still, politics is about sharing credit, so we'll be big about it. Welcome aboard, Mr. President. Now, we think we can help you out on this cap-and-trade thing. How about giving us a call at 866-238-1137...

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Delay Processing Gas Rebate Coupons

We're Sorry About the Delay, but Think of How Much More Excited You'll Be When You Finally Receive Them!

On November 1st, 2008 the vendor that originally provided us with the gas rebate benefit went out of business. Since that date, all submissions received by that vendor have been forwarded to our customer service office for processing in-house. We receive the forwarded rebates about once a month and are sending out checks as quickly as possible. However, our designated check writer (she drew the short straw) is doing a job that once took an entire company to do. The process has been a slow one, but all valid submissions will be honored.

We appreciate your patience and hope to be fully caught up by the time summer arrives.

Because of the popularity of the program, we have decided not to discontinue it entirely. Premium members are still eligible to participate in the gas rebate program. Please check your renewal documents for details.

Questions? Click here to contact us.

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IS AAA THE HALLIBURTON OF MASSACHUSETTS?

Should AAA be Given Special Privileges to Offer License and Registration Renewal Services?

Let Us Know Your Opinion

Should the Commonwealth of Massachusetts grant AAA a Halliburton-style sweetheart deal to offer auto license and registration renewal services without any sort of competitive bidding process?

Gov. Deval Patrick says Yes: The Democratic governor has announced a state partnership with AAA to offer license and registration renewal services to AAA members. Currently the six month pilot plan is limited to 2 AAA locations in Newton and Worcester, but AAA is encouraging its 2.3 million Mass members to lobby their representatives to expand the program to its other 25 MA offices.

Labor says No: "We have two basic questions for the Inspector General that the RMV will not answer. First, where does the law allow a political appointee simply to hand public jobs to a private company? Second, show us the evidence that taxpayers benefit from this act," asked David Holway, president of the National Association of Government Employees.

Governor Patrick's fiscal 2010 budget includes language authorizing the Registrar to enter into such contracts "only with an existing entity that provides automobile-related services to the general public, or to its own members if an automobile-related association, and that maintains business offices that are open to the public during hours and at locations believed to be convenient for registry customers and in areas where a continuing need exists to provide registry services."

Citing this language, Holway cautioned against a "deal" intended to steer registry functions to AAA, noting that AAA's board includes a number of politically connected individuals.

Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents President Frank Mancini says No: "This activity is not something the state should be outsourcing to a third party." The concern is that the budget provision is worded in such a way that it could only apply to AAA, and thereby give it an unfair advantage over the roughly 1700 other Massachusetts insurance agents. Massagent.com, the website for the MAIA, offers a link to send emails to Beacon Hill leadership voicing opposition to the expansion of the plan. Dan Foley at massagent.com expects to know a bit more by July 1st when the new budget is due.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives says "No", striking the AAA/RMV provision from the 2010 budget.

However, the MA Senate left the provision in, so now its fate is to be decided in committee, where it could be kept as is, struck entirely, or rewritten as a compromise.

What do you think? Would removing AAA members from registry lines make it easier to register your vehicle?

Or, do you think it's unfair to single out one company to provide these services. No one asked Better World Club if we would like to register drivers. Does this give AAA an unfair advantage when it comes to auto club memberships? Auto insurance sales?

Email us to let us know. We'll report the results.

And Massachusetts readers should let their legislators know. It's easy. Senators Steven Panagiotakos (D-Lowell), Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) and Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) can be reached through www.mass.gov/legis/memmenus.htm. House members Charlie Murphy (D-Burlington), Barbara L'Italien (D-Andover) and Vincent Pedone (D-Watertown) can be reached through www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm.

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Instead of Tossing More Money at the Detroit 3, the Government Should Help You Trade in that '94 Mercury Sable

They Might Also Want to do Something About that '90s Hairdo of Yours

We opined in last month's 'Kicking Asphalt' that instead of dumping truckloads of money on the doorsteps of the Detroit automakers, the government should use the money to guarantee auto warranties for US consumers.

When the Obama Administration included this idea in its effort to help the U.S. auto industry, Obama's political opposition caricatured the idea as putting the government in the auto business. This is silly. As we argued, its real purpose is to facilitate bankruptcy, likely the only answer for the industry.

Sure enough, GM just announced that it was preparing itself for bankruptcy.

OK, Obama Administration, as you appear to be listening, here's another idea: incent consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling cars for new, more fuel-efficient models*.

This is not a new idea, but Americans have been slow to consider this progressive automotive policy (a far too common occurrence in the US). Similar policies have been enacted or are being considered in Germany, Japan, France, Italy, and South Korea. The program in Germany caused new car sales to immediately jump 21 percent.

There are several versions of this plan being considered by Congress. Here's how one representative plan would work: consumers would receive vouchers for vehicles at least nine years old. In this scenario, the vouchers could well be worth more than the current value of their vehicles. The consumer could then use a voucher worth $4,000-$5,000 as a down payment on a new car for $20,000.

It is estimated that this proposal could sell an additional 2.5 million new cars if only 2 percent of eligible vehicles were traded in. This could go a long way toward preserving jobs and keeping the US auto industry in the black.

Reviving the auto industry is a critical goal of this proposal, but it should accomplish much more: greater oil independence and lower carbon emissions. Of course, this assumes that the voucher is only available for new cars that attain a certain level of fuel efficiency.

The faster we can adapt to new technology, the faster we can make progress. The most fuel inefficient, most polluting cars tend to be older - and we will only make limited progress in fighting global warming and oil dependence while these cars remain on the road.

So, how about it, President Obama? BWC is not against federal assistance to the auto industry in principle, but the assistance has to be shaped to be as publicly interested as possible. The right kind of vouchers to get older cars off the road should be included.
_______________

*This idea can also work in other areas, though we don't recommend using it to trade in your old, inefficient spouse.

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Our Collective Addiction to Oil

By Jim Wilcox
Executive Director
BikeLane Coalition

Once again, sales of trucks and SUV's are out pacing car sales. Have we already forgotten $4 a gallon gas, plunging SUV values, and presidential warnings of oil addiction? Were last summer's gas prices a result of greedy foreign producers selling oil for whatever we would pay, or unscrupulous speculators after profit? No matter. Big vehicles are back. But are we driving down the road to renewed prosperity or further dependence?

In their forthcoming book, The End of the Road, authors Joseph McKinney, President of Oregon Roads Vehicle Leasing Sales, and co-author Amy Isler Gibson write that these price fluctuations reflect the challenge of adjusting to a long term trend of decreasing oil supply, global warming, and increased pollution from the unbridled rise of gas guzzlers. They also question the Obama administration, which seeks to fund vast transportation infrastructure projects encouraging continued dependence on the car and, as a result, strategic dependence on foreign oil.

The authors argue that instead we must redesign our roads for cleaner, more efficient, humane passage, with complete streets designed as walking, biking, and public transportation boulevards. Central to their argument is the need to dethrone the car and replace it with neighborhood electric vehicles in order to reclaim our urban core, currently dominated by the infernal combustion engine.

But why now when prices are so low? Because they aren't. In 1998 an International Center for Technology assessment pegged the true cost of gas between $5 and $15 a gallon. Such external costs as government subsidies for oil companies, pollution related health care, infrastructure needs not funded by gas taxes, military expenditures to maintain oil supplies, and environmental protection and clean up were costs borne by society but not factored into the price at the pump. Add inflation over ten years plus two new wars and the current cost of a gallon of gas is even greater.

Because the price of oil does not include external costs, it is priced as a subsidized commodity, lower than what the free market would determine, perpetuating our addiction. As T. Boone Pickens notes, this has led to the largest transfer of wealth in the history of the world. In 2007, Lane County residents paid out $637 million to countries like the United Arab Emirates, which is currently building the tallest structure in the world. While we baked in gas lines last summer, Dubai residents skied an indoor winter playground. Our energy bill paid their E Ticket.

President Obama agrees that we are oil addicts, claiming that "...admitting to oil addiction without following a real plan for energy independence is like admitting alcoholism and then skipping out on the twelve-step program." And just like an addict, we don't worry about the next fix as long as we have the drug.

That demand will slacken with higher gas prices was proved last summer when people drove less, making beneficial changes like walking, riding bikes, carpooling, and trip chaining. But even as the need for public transportation grew, service was ironically cut due to higher fuel costs.

I am an educator by training, but I don't have faith that education can thwart addictions. Like an addict, we'll do what we can to get our fix, even if it means turning food into bioethanol, raising the cost for ourselves and threatening sources of sustenance for those with marginal incomes.

Blame evolution for our predicament. Psychologists tell us that our brains are hard wired to respond to threats that are nearby in space and time. We don't immediately see our mileage cut in half or twice the pollution for short distance trips with a cold engine. We don't see the person with pollution-caused lung cancer. It's just one more trip, like one more cigarette or one more drink. The last one didn't kill us, why should this one?

In 1980, when oil imports accounted for about 30% of our demand, presidential candidate John Anderson called for a 50 cent a gallon gas tax. Had we adopted that tax then, the resulting decrease in consumption could have cut pollution related health care expenses and reduced taxes that support military spending (now half the world's total and most of which is dedicated to protecting Middle East oil supplies). Additionally, we would have raised about $100 billion per year to fund increased mass transit, additional bike routes, alternative energy, and improved roads and bridges. But our addiction spoke, we rejected Anderson's proposal as well as his candidacy, and we now import over 60% of our oil.

So, we are left with the ever present problem of how to raise the price of the drug to discourage the addict's use. This will take an intervention from the top of our government to reverse an addiction to oil that threatens our nation's health, wealth, and security. And it will take our collective will and some inconvenience as we make personal changes necessary to achieve energy independence. But without this leadership and our acceptance, the addict will not change his ways.

BikeLane Coalition is a 501(c)(3) that works with companies, government agencies and nonprofits to increase cycling for short distance inner city travel. Jim Wilcox is the Executive Director, and has been an for cyclists for over 30 years. He is newly appointed to the Lane County Roads Advisory Committee.

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Save Up To 100% Off Your Next Renewal

By Encouraging Your Friends To Join Better World Club!

After All, You've Given Your Friends So Much. Isn't It Time They Gave Back?

(That's Right, Scott Zelenka of Portland, OR. We're Still Waiting for You to Return Our Hedge Trimmers)

Better World Club members are attractive, intelligent, extremely hygenic, model citizens. Isn't it a shame that more people can't be like them? It's not just a dream. You can make it happen! Here's how:

Each time a BWC member persuades a friend, family member, cellmate (Ed. note: we mean the phone, I think), to join, that member will receive 25% off his or her next renewal. Refer four new members, and you'll receive 100% off your next renewal!

The process is so simple, even a global warming denier can do it! For now, just call Customer Service when you're ready to renew your membership. (Soon, you won't even have to call Customer Service: the discount will be automatically applied when you renew on the Member Site.) New members who are referred by existing BWC members need simply to call or email us after they join and let us know who referred them. We'll take care of the rest.

We know what you're thinking: "Gosh, I'll refer all the guys from my court-ordered civics class and I'll have free renewals forever!" Sorry, these referrals don't apply "forever". Four referrals gets a member the maximum: 100% off their next renewal (although we are sure that our members aren't selfish enough to stop at four). The discount applies to the primary member's renewal fee. (What, your associates want to refer other associates? Sorry, it just makes the whole thing too complicated.)

So that's the referral program: 25% off your primary renewal fee for each referral, up to a free primary membership. Questions? Concerns? Just feel like chatting? Feel free to give us a call at 866-238-1137. (Ed. note: just learned that "cellmate" didn't refer to phones. Uh-oh.)

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fus•ion hy•brid [fyoo-zhuhn hahy-brid]

-noun

1. the act or process of fusing the hitherto-contradictory concepts of "Ford Motor Company" and "cutting-edge environmental technology".

Yes, Toyota and Honda have been producing mainstream hybrid electric vehicles for years now, and much has been written about GM's upcoming Volt. Now and seemingly out of nowhere, Ford has shown itself to be a high-mileage player with its upcoming Fusion Hybrid.

The Fusion Hybrid is labeled with a 2010 model year but will be available in showrooms in the spring of this year. It competes in the same class as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but beats the latter in mpg (41/36 versus 33/34) and aesthetics (the Camry Hybrid is just plain dowdy, like your aunt who collects egg cups and wears sweatshirts with photos of her Yorkshire terriers on them).

The Fusion Hybrid represents a solid first attempt at a mainstream hybrid sedan and should give Toyota a run for its money. Though, it's being marketed as a 2010 model, it will actually be available in showrooms in the spring of 2009.

Things People Like About The Fusion Hybrid:

- An American automaker has actually produced a mainstream hybrid-electric sedan for sale to Americans! What a concept!
- The best fuel efficiency in its class: 41/36 city/hwy mpg.
- An LCD dash display coaches drivers on how to conserve fuel while they drive.
- Acceleration up to 47 mph using the electric battery alone.

Things People Don't Like About The Fusion Hybrid:

- The rear end needs a redesign. (I hear you, Sister!)
- Interior styling could be updated.

Quick Stats:

MSRP: $27,270
Fuel Economy: 41/36 city/hwy
Basic Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles (average: 42 months/43,068 miles)
Torque: 136 lb-ft (average: 224.62 lb-ft)
Standard Engine: 2.5L I4

Hybrid Tax Credit Information:

The Fusion Hybrid qualifies for a hybrid tax credit of $3,400, subject to phase-out.

Recall Info:

None yet.

NHTSA Safety Info:

Frontal Driver Rating: Not Tested
Frontal Passenger Rating: Not Tested
Side Driver Rating: 5 Stars
Side Rear Passenger Rating: 4 Stars
Rollover 2 Wheel Drive Rating: 4 Stars
Rollover 4 Wheel Drive Rating: 5 Stars

[The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rates vehicles of all makes and models to determine their crash and rollover safety. Our ratings are created with data gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests. Vehicles with the highest ratings receive a 5-Star Rating.]

Warranty Info:

Basic (mo.): 36
Basic (mi.): 36,000
Powertrain (mo.): 60
Powertrain (mi.): 60,000
Rust (mo.): 60
Rust (mi.): Unlimited

Really Long List of Standard Features:

- Power Door Locks
- Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
- Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm, SecuriLock(TM) Engine Immobilizer and Exterior Monitoring
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution
- Traction Control Controlled By ABS
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
- AdvanceTrac(TM) Vehicle Stability Control System
- Regenerative Braking System
- Front Power Vented Disc and Rear Power Solid Disc Brakes
- Battery Saver
- 275-Volt Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery
- 2 Front Power Outlets, 1 With 110-Volt Inverter
- Audio and Navigation Pre-Wiring
- EasyFuel(TM) Capless Fuel Filler
- SULEV Emissions, AT-PZEV Emissions
- Hybrid 2.5-Liter Atkinson Cycle, I4, 16-Valve, DOHC, Sefi Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 156@6000, Torque Of 136@2250, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Head; Permanent Magnet Electric Motor With Horsepower Of 106@6500 (Hybrid System Net Horsepower Of 191)
- SYNC(R) Telematics Includes Automatic Collision Notification, 911 Assist(TM) Emergency Response, Vehicle Diagnostics and Vehicle Service Reminders (Requires Paired Wireless Enabled Phone)
- SYNC(TM) Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
- Radio Antenna
- Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
- AM/FM Radio With 6 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player; Sirius(R) Satellite Radio (Includes 6 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii and Alaska)
- Perimeter Lighting Located On Exterior Mirrors
- Front Foglights
- Quad Halogen Headlights
- Automatic Headlights
- Front Air Dam
- Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
- Metallic Paint (If Selected)
- Chrome Located On Exhaust Pipes
- Chrome Grille
- Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls
- Automatic Climate Control
- Interior Air Filter
- Digital Clock
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio and Cruise Control
- Compass
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Maintenance Interval Indicator
- SYNC(TM) Voice Activated Controls For Phone, Audio and Bluetooth(R) Wireless Enabled Devices
- Trip Computer With Average Fuel Consumption, Miles To Empty, Instantaneous Fuel Consumption and Trip Odometer
- Cruise Control
- Tachometer
- Ambient Lighting
- Illuminated Entry
- Front and Rear Map Lights
- Rear Carpeted Floor Mats
- Unique Color-Keyed Trim Located On Center Floor Console and Instrument Panel
- Leather Located On Shift Knob
- Front Carpeted Floor Mats
- Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob and SecuriCode(TM) Door Pad
- Remote Trunk Release Located Inside Vehicle and On Multi-Function Remote
- Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock, Illuminated Entry, Trunk and Perimeter Lighting
- Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
- Front and Rear Pretensioners With Force Limiters
- Rear Electronic Parking Aid With Ultrasonic Sensors
- Trunk Anti-Trap Device
- Side Guard Door Beams
- Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
- Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
- Front Side Airbags
- Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
- Crumple Zones
- SYNC(R) Crash Sensor Sends GPS Signal (Requires Paired Wireless Enabled Phone)
- Personal Safety System(TM) Includes Pretensioners With Load Limiters, Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Front Passenger Seat Position Sensor and Crash Sensor
- Front and Rear Outboard 3-Point Seatbelts
- Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors
- Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Seatbelt Engagement or Weight
- Driver Manual Lumbar Support
- Front Dual Reclining Folding Bucket Seats With Driver Adjustable Seat Height and Headrests
- Front Passenger Power Seat Adjusts 6 Ways Total
- Cloth Seats
- Rear 60/40 Split Bench Seat With Manually Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down Armrest
- Driver Power Seat Adjusts 8 Ways Total
- Power Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Tilt Steering Column
- Glovebox
- Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
- Front Dual Seatback Storage Pockets
- 4 Front and 2 Rear; 6 Cupholders Total
- Independent Wishbone Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers
- Front Stabilizer Bar
- Rear Stabilizer Bar
- Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers
- Aisin Continuously Variable Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission With Overdrive
- Alloy Wheels, 17-In. X 7.5-In.
- SBRP225/50VR17 BSW All-Season Tires
- Compact Spare Tire
- Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
- Vehicle Speed Sensitive Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
- Rear Window Defroster
- Tinted Glass
- Dual Body Color Folding Power Adjustable Heated Exterior Rearview Mirrors
- Front Dual Sunvisors
- Power Window Lockout
- Power Windows With Driver One-Touch Up and One-Touch Down

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