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Ownership costs of traditional versus alternative fuel vehicles

As gas prices remain high, and an increasing number of automakers roll out plug-in hybrid cars and full-electric vehicles, it's becoming easier to be tantalized with the idea of driving right past the gas station and simply "plugging in." The debate ensues when it comes to cost: These alternative fuel vehicles mean a larger outlay of cash at the onset, but the long-term fuel savings could make the purchase worthwhile. To help straighten out this numbers game, we use the Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare alternative fuel vehicles with their gasoline-only counterparts. For each scenario, we assumed that our hypothetical owner was able to get the full $7,500 federal tax credit and a $2,500 state tax credit, such as is available in California.

Mercedes ESF 2009 Concept

The Mercedes ESF 2009 Concept showcases a raft of new safety technology So Mercedes has unveiled the Mercedes ESF 2009 Concept, which is a test-bed to showcase the latest technology Mercedes sees as on its way to mainstream. Mercedes has based the ESF Concept on the latest addition to the Mercedes S-Class Range – the S400 Hybrid – and has packed it to the rafters with airbags. There’s one that pops up between front seat passengers; airbags actually in the seatbelts and one great big airbag under the car that inflates if a crash is imminent.

U.S. examining Mini Cooper steering

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating Mini Coopers for unexpected loss of power steering. NHTSA has launched an investigation of 2004-model Coopers after receiving 54 consumer complaints and a confidential number of field reports, the administration stated on its Web site. The reports state that it is hard to control the vehicle when the power steering fails.