Like GM, BMW agrees that hybrids aren't the only alternative.
The German luxury automaker doesn't presently have any hybrids in their fleet, but they are committed to total environmental responsibility nonetheless.
Lindsay Duffield, president and CEO of BMW Canada says "You'll see some diesel products available from us in 2008. Also, the BMW 1-Series is coming too." The 1-Series is a small, economical car from BMW which slots in under the 3 series in terms of size.
Duffield commented on the green diesel technology sold by BMW in Europe. "I was in Europe last month, and I drove a 5-Series BMW with a diesel engine. On $60 (CAD) in fuel, I went around 1,100 kilometres!"
He stressed the importance of a total environmental commitment across the company, as part of a larger picture. "Our manufacturing is efficient too. We now use 40 percent less power to build a car than even a few years ago. We use less solvents too, and even have a plant which is powered by methane from a nearby landfill site."
Company image and the demands of the consumer have plenty to do with the company's product portfolio, and perhaps the average performance-loving BMW driver isn't too interested in owning a hybrid.
But at Nissan, they're focusing on providing "maximum muscle per litre", according to Mark Perry, Nissan Canada's director of product planning.
"Our goal is maximum performance and maximum mileage" he said. One technology the Japanese automaker pioneered is the Continually Variable Transmission, or CVT.
Perry explains "Nissan backs CVT's strongly. They help with emissions, and they're smooth, with no shift shock. If you've ever driven one of our CVT cars, you'll understand the benefit. They give a great feeling of acceleration, and you really need to watch you aren't speeding. They provide better mileage than a conventional automatic too. "
CVT's are one of several technologies designed to increase performance and mileage being employed by Nissan.
But perhaps one of the most venerable carmakers when it comes to performance and mileage is Honda. They've built their reputation on fuel-efficient 4- and 6-cylinder engines, and don't have a V8 to speak of.
Honda will introduce a hybrid car that fits under the Civic in their model lineup, and has plans for diesel as well. But it's not easy, and Honda Canada VP Jim Miller says they are faced with the same challenges the other automakers identified.
"The fuel quality is not there. Engine, fuel, and emissions are stated as a single equation. But some manufacturers aren't even bringing their new diesels over this year yet. The fuel is just too dirty. You expect fuel is clean but, that's often not the case."
He stands by the other technologies which make Honda products so highly regarded, including cylinder deactivation and intelligent valve timing.
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| Lindsay Duffield, President and C.E.O., BMW Group Canada. |
Lindsay Duffield, president and CEO of BMW Canada says "You'll see some diesel products available from us in 2008. Also, the BMW 1-Series is coming too." The 1-Series is a small, economical car from BMW which slots in under the 3 series in terms of size.
Duffield commented on the green diesel technology sold by BMW in Europe. "I was in Europe last month, and I drove a 5-Series BMW with a diesel engine. On $60 (CAD) in fuel, I went around 1,100 kilometres!"
He stressed the importance of a total environmental commitment across the company, as part of a larger picture. "Our manufacturing is efficient too. We now use 40 percent less power to build a car than even a few years ago. We use less solvents too, and even have a plant which is powered by methane from a nearby landfill site."
Company image and the demands of the consumer have plenty to do with the company's product portfolio, and perhaps the average performance-loving BMW driver isn't too interested in owning a hybrid.
But at Nissan, they're focusing on providing "maximum muscle per litre", according to Mark Perry, Nissan Canada's director of product planning.
"Our goal is maximum performance and maximum mileage" he said. One technology the Japanese automaker pioneered is the Continually Variable Transmission, or CVT.
Perry explains "Nissan backs CVT's strongly. They help with emissions, and they're smooth, with no shift shock. If you've ever driven one of our CVT cars, you'll understand the benefit. They give a great feeling of acceleration, and you really need to watch you aren't speeding. They provide better mileage than a conventional automatic too. "
CVT's are one of several technologies designed to increase performance and mileage being employed by Nissan.
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| 2007 Nissan Murano's CVT Transmission. |
Honda will introduce a hybrid car that fits under the Civic in their model lineup, and has plans for diesel as well. But it's not easy, and Honda Canada VP Jim Miller says they are faced with the same challenges the other automakers identified.
"The fuel quality is not there. Engine, fuel, and emissions are stated as a single equation. But some manufacturers aren't even bringing their new diesels over this year yet. The fuel is just too dirty. You expect fuel is clean but, that's often not the case."
He stands by the other technologies which make Honda products so highly regarded, including cylinder deactivation and intelligent valve timing.