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I’ve noticed lately that I seem to save things that most people would simply throw out. I have software that dates back so far, it wouldn’t even install on any computers I currently own. Seriously – some of it is that old! I have cables and cords that won’t fit any plugs. I have clothing that went out of style more than a decade ago. It’s time to face it… I am a pack rat.

Read more on Are You a Pack Rat?…

As noted in an email to me this morning, GM has asked Congress for a short-term emergency aid package to help them survive the credit crunch and come out stronger on the other side. This has caused an intense public debate with media on both sides weighing in on the merits of federal aid for Detroit.

Read more on Is the American Auto Industry Dead?…

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Back around 1997, General Motors introduced the EV1. The EV1 was a marvel of engineering, absolutely the best electric vehicle anyone had ever seen. It held out the promise that soon electric cars, charged from the grid with wind and solar energy could replace the traditional internal-combustion vehicle. Battery technology at the time was nowhere near ready to replace the piston-powered engine. The early car’s lead-acid batteries couldn’t supply the range or durability required by the mass market. The car itself was a tiny, super-light two-seater, not exactly what American consumers were looking for. And the EV1 was hugely expensive to build, which was why GM’s execs terminated the program. This is how they became known as the company that “killed the electric car.”

Read more on GM Didn’t Kill It: The Future of the Electric Car…

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Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development, recently discussed different types of batteries and the forecast for each during a round table interview. Which is better? What is more cost-efficient? Let’s start by defining the two types of batteries in question.

Read more on Car Batteries: Acid-Lead vs. Lithium Ion…

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http://live.pirillo.com/ – While in Frankfurt recently, we had an amazing time. The food was great, the people were friendly, and the city was beautiful. However, Ponzi and I neither one speak a lick of German.

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GM unveiled their latest concept car: the GM Opel Flextreme. It’s a very eco-friendly car featuring the flexdoor, flexload, and e-flex systems.

The Corsa Hybrid concept car’s hybrid technology combines the functions of a starter motor and electric generator. Its highly efficient diesel engine is also switched off by the hybrid system when the car is stopped, and restarted when the brake pedal is released. When extra power is required, such as when accelerating or overtaking, the motor provides significantly higher torque. This combination of 1.3-liter diesel engine and electric generator reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The lithium-ion battery provides the necessary electrical power for the belt-alternator starter, and the battery itself is recharged by the concept car’s regenerative braking function: when decelerating, the fuel is shut off and the vehicle’s kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.

Read more on World’s Sexiest Car Unveiled…? :)…

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http://live.pirillo.com/ – GM’s Opel Flextreme concept revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show featured flexdoor, flexload, and e-flex systems.

Read more on General Motors Opel Flextreme Concept Car Reveal…

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http://live.pirillo.com/ – In a couple of weeks, my wife Ponzi and I are going to Germany. General Motors saw our live stream, and asked us if we would like to stream live from an auto show in Frankfort, Germany. Uhm.. DUH! Stay tuned in September, when we become an International show for awhile!

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