Hyundai’s Kia brand was considered an also-ran automaker just a few years ago, but the Korean automaker has really been stepping up its efforts as of late. Kia will continue that push with a host of new technologies in the coming years, with the first showing up in European markets later this year.
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CAFE has recently released it’s findings for the 2008 model year of vehicles.

According to the organization, cars and trucks sold in the United States will average 26.8mpg, up from 26.6mpg for 2007 model years.

The standard CAFÉ standard sits at a very healthy 27.5mpg. That means that if a manufacturer produces vehicles that do not meet the standard, it must either buy CAFE credits, or pay fines.

Several luxury sports car makers such as Porsche and Lamborghini have agreed, they will not be able to meet these standards, therefore they will just take the fines.

This is where the new California startup Tesla Motors comes in. Tesla has a fuel economy rating of 244mpg. It’s CEO Darryl Siry is awaiting to receive the CAFE credits for the 2008 model year, as the company plans on making a profit from selling such credits to other auto manufacturers.

As of recently, oil prices have hit $130 per barrel.  This is especially important to you if you drive to work.  Or if you drive anywhere for that matter. Gas prices have been in the neighbourhood of $1.30 per liter in the Toronto area.  This is for regular, so it’s not even premium or supreme.

CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy.  It’s set in the United States in order to curb gas guzzling vehicles. When you see the popular term gas guzzler tax, thats what it is.  The manufacturer is kind enough to pass it onto the end consumer, who in turn says… darn government surcharges.

In fact, it’s not even the government, that charges you for these things. It’s the inefficiency of the car manufacturer of your choice that makes you pay in the end.  Not only by producing vehicles that are above the CAFE standards, but by passing on the CAFE fines to you.

CAFE fines the manufacturer $5.5 for every 0.1mpg that the vehicle fails it’s specific class for.  This is what adds up to those thousands of dollars on the Hummers.  By 2011 all vehicles must have a fuel efficiency rating of 30mpg or more in order not to be fined in the states.

When you buy a Porsche or Ferrari, you don’t care if the car is a couple of grand extra.  But when you grab a Ford Taurus or a Dodge Charger and they tack a few grand extra onto your invoice you start caring.

It’s now up to the car manufacturers to clean up their act and recognize their shortcomings with all these high performance, high horsepower vehicles that they’ve been spewing out.  I am shocked myself when I say this, but it’s about time they start worrying about the environment.

Still can’t believe I said that…