Justice Department launches criminal probe of FCA diesels: report

2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFEIt's been a busy week for U.S. agencies as they release information on their final actions before a new administration takes office. Yesterday the U.S. Department of Justice reportedly opened a criminal probe into the actions of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles over the emission certification of its diesel engines. The investigation follows an...

EPA finalizes emission rules through 2025; no change from existing levels

Chrome exhaust pipeSeven days before the advent of a new presidential administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has locked in planned auto-emission standards through 2025. The emission limits tie directly to fuel-efficiency rules issued by the NHTSA, effectively requiring those rules to stay the same as well. Announcing its final determination this...

When will you buy your first fully autonomous car? Poll results

Tesla Model S Autopilot engaged during cross-country record attemptWhile electric cars received a disproportionate amount of media attention over the last five years, the focus is now turning. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show and Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, cynical journalists were moved to propose a drinking game. Participants would have to take a drink every time an automaker used the words...

Honda hybrid minivan, SUV, or pickup coming; dedicated hybrid in 2018 too

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Sedan GrilleIn recent years, Honda has announced that it planned to release advanced-technology green cars in the future—without mentioning even their names, let alone any details or specifications. That's what happened two years ago with a pair of unnamed battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that later proved to be two new variants of the Honda...

Toyota Prius Prime buyers misled by dealers; more education needed

2017 Toyota Prius Prime PremiumThe Toyota Prius Prime is a far better car than its plug-in hybrid predecessor, and it seems likely to become one of the higher-volume plug-in electric cars on the U.S. market. If, that is, Toyota's own dealers prove willing to sell it—or even find out that it exists. After three separate complaints by readers in different areas of the U.S...