Light is Right: Nissan Is On An Automotive Diet
by Andrew Posner, Providence, Rhode Island on 01. 7.08
We recently covered the Competitive Enterprise Institute's claim that the new CAFE standards will lead to more highway fatalities as a result of lighter cars being built. That post spurred some animated discussion as to whether or not lighter cars are less safe, with the majority of commenters agreeing that safety is largely a question of design, not weight. As one commenter aptly pointed out, Formula 1 cars are extremely light AND extremely safe, thanks to their unique design. Now Autoblog.com is reporting that Nissan has plans to "lower the average weight of its vehicles by 15-percent in the next seven years when compared to its 2005 lineup."
Doing so will not only increase efficiency, it will also make for some "compelling driving dynamics" as the power-to-weight ratios are improved. Clearly, Nissan's car will still be required to pass government safety standards, rendering even more moot the argument that a light car is dangerous. Furthermore, as all automakers strive to wring more miles out of a gallon of dino-juice, they will be forced to incorporate innovative, strong, lightweight and aerodynamic materials into their cars and trucks. As Nissan purchases more of these materials, they will steadily drive down their cost. Lastly, Nissan's goal is to "get suppliers in on the action by setting efficiency targets for the parts they produce."
Taken together, these targets represent real initiatives with the potential to change the way cars are made and how they perform on the road.
Via: ::Autoblog and ::AutoblogGreen
See Also: ::The Car the Automakers Can-and Should-Be Making, ::60 mpg Ford F-150 Hydraulic Hybrid: Could it Be True? and ::Vermont's Big Win Over Automakers
Most Huggable: Radiohead's Green Tour, Green Building for Dummies, NPR on Greenwashing + More
|
Voltaic Systems Unveils "Generator" Laptop Charging Solar Bag at CES
|
nice article about Nissan Is On An Automotive Diet.
Nice! I have a Nissan and love it - I just wish it was "greener". Since I bought it before I was into renewable energy, I'll just have wait until this one wears out before buying a green car.
Would be interesting to see how much weight they've added over the years.
15% below 2005 levels might take you back to....maybe 1996 levels?
My 1991 Honda Civic wagon, 40mpg, is around 1900-2100 pounds.
"As Nissan purchases more of these materials, they will steadily drive down their cost."
I'm afraid it doesn't work that way. Materials are commodities subject the the effects of supply and demand. As demand increases, so does price. Aluminum and carbon fiber prices are already sky rocketing due to increased consumption.