Emission debate in Europe: should new EU agency test, or each nation?

Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) on a Peugeot 308The Volkswagen diesel scandal has brought increased scrutiny on how new cars are tested for emissions and fuel economy. VW's use of "defeat device" software to cheat on laboratory emissions tests could cause regulators to put greater emphasis on on-road emissions testing. But, in Europe at least, there is some debate about which entity will...

Germany ‘reassured’ after worries on Chinese electric-car mandates

2017 BMW i3Electric-car mandates can be a powerful tool for reducing transportation-related emissions. California first proposed its current zero-emission vehicle mandate in December 2011, but similar mandates are only now being widely adopted elsewhere. One such policy in China is creating friction, however. DON'T MISS: Quebec passes Canada's first...

VW ends contract of historian researching its WW2 past; questions remain

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDIMore than a year after it was revealed that Volkswagen used illegal "defeat device" software in diesel cars to cheat on emissions tests, the company is still working to rebuild its reputation. Another crisis and ensuing public criticism is the last thing VW needs right now. But opaque statements and the effect of German labor laws may have...

China to regulate, rein in low-speed electric cars used in rural areas

Kandi electric car (Image: Kandi Technologies Group)China overtook the U.S. last year to become the world's largest market for electric cars. But a large portion of the vehicles included in Chinese new-car sales tallies are low-speed electric vehicles that would not meet U.S. standards for highway-capable cars. Now Chinese regulators are paying more attention to these vehicles. CHECK OUT: China To...

Ford Mustang is unlikely winner of UK gas-mileage marathon

Ford Mustang GT at 2016 MPG Marathon, U.K.The Ford Mustang isn't usually the first vehicle that comes to mind when thinking about fuel-efficient cars. But a new Mustang recently won the title of most-improved fuel economy in a U.K. gas-mileage marathon. It wasn't a Mustang EcoBoost, the 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder model introduced to provide at least somewhat more-efficient...

India’s new four-door Mahindra Reva e2o electric car to be exported

Mahindra e2o PlusIndian automaker Mahindra is little known in the U.S., but it is one of the larger players in its home market. Mahindra's Indian-market lineup is mostly made up of trucks and SUVs, but it also sells the tiny Reva e2o electric car. It recently unveiled a new four-door hatchback version, called the e2o Plus, that will be sold alongside the existing...