Scratch Removal
56 minutes ago
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Turn Off the Lights on Your Way Out of Orlando.
Being from Seattle, I’m accustomed to conservation. After all, my cabin won the Smokey the Bear Conservation award the first day I was at camp Waskowitz, a tree hugging week away from regular school every kid in the 5th grade had to go to when I was 9 years old. Okay, to be fair it was a set up. All the little campers would win the stupid teddy bear over the course of the week. It seems the counselors felt the little kiddies self esteems were even more fragile than the environment.
As silly as the tie dyed lefty camp was, it really did make a lasting impression on me. Since then, I would never dream of leaving a room without turning off the lights, and I don’t mean just at home. When I leave the boys room at Starbucks, or walk out of a client’s office, I’m still compelled to flip the switch to the down position. I can’t help it. That stinky stuffed animal from thirty years ago has me by the short hairs.
It would seem however, that the rest of the country could use a little time at Camp Waskowitze. In every public restroom I’ve entered (I’m on a 9,000 mile road trip here folks, so that’s a lot of rest rooms) the lights have been on when I opened the door. No one anywhere else seems to care about conservation. Sure there have been a lot of Prius sold in America, but I gotta wonder if when their drivers make a pit stop, do they think to turn off the lights when they’re done?
I know the Green Human drivers have left no lights on anywhere. Get out of my head you damned dirty bear!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I LOVE TDI POWER
We just pulled off the road for the day in Lexington Kentucky to catch up on some work, and to get some rest for our next stop at Don Jacobs Volkswagen. After getting settled in at the hotel, I started to unwind. I popped the laptop open to check all my emails from friends and family. As I was doing this John, the producer of the Portland 2 Portland Green Test Drive comes into my room and askes Dane and myself if we could zip over to a Best Buy to pick up a USB cable for his computer. I said “Why not? We’re on it!”. I was stoked! For most of the time on this trip, John has been riding with me in the TDI, so this was my first chance to really check out its get up and go. We grab our things and head on out. As I starting the Jetta TDI, I knew that for once, I was really going to put this car throw its gears. I had already driven the Prius, and it had no power what so ever. The little 1.5 liter motor only produces 110 horsepower at 5000 rpm’s and 82 pounds of torque. I was like a little kid on his birthday in the TDI. We pulled up to a red light slapped the automatic transmission into dsg shift mode, and waited. The light turned red. Shift for shift from 0-60 was just amazing. The diesel motor has so much power that it lets out right off the bat, so you just can’t ignore its 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm’s ,and its 236 pounds of torque at 1,750 rpm‘s. There’s so much power out of a 2.0 liter turbocharged motor. Between these two green cars the mpg in some ways are close. Comparing the power between these twogreen cars is like comparing apples to oranges. With the Volkswagen Jetta TDI you get the best of both worlds. You get awesome gas milage any way you need to go weather driving in city or on the highway, and power and performance to get up and go when you need it.
Maybe we can just keep going and leave John in the hotel.
Maybe we can just keep going and leave John in the hotel.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
We’re thawing out!
We’ve seen some very cold temperatures on this trip from 12 below in Maine to the ten inches of snow falling on us in Chicago to the freezing rain in Pittsburg.
We’re now in South Carolina where we’re still seeing a little of the white stuff lingering, but the temperature has risen to up 40 degrees and may be even higher today. Hallelujah!
No matter how cold it’s been or how much it’s dumped on us, one thing has been very cool, and that’s how warm we’ve been treated by everyone we’ve encountered, especially the dealers we’ve stopped at.
Smiles, doughnuts, and coffee go along way to make a road weary crew of guys feel welcome, and I can’t believe how great the people have been. Peter at Morong VW in Maine had fresh bagels for us at 6 am. Charlotte at Don Jacobs VW in Lexington had Ale8, a local caffeinated ginger ale waiting to help us wake up for the trip, Sue at Congressional VW in Rochville Maryland set us up in one of the nicest hotels in the area, and there's been so much more. From schwag to tasty goodies, you guys have really taken care of us, and it’s really kept us warm.
Thanks!
We’re now in South Carolina where we’re still seeing a little of the white stuff lingering, but the temperature has risen to up 40 degrees and may be even higher today. Hallelujah!
No matter how cold it’s been or how much it’s dumped on us, one thing has been very cool, and that’s how warm we’ve been treated by everyone we’ve encountered, especially the dealers we’ve stopped at.
Smiles, doughnuts, and coffee go along way to make a road weary crew of guys feel welcome, and I can’t believe how great the people have been. Peter at Morong VW in Maine had fresh bagels for us at 6 am. Charlotte at Don Jacobs VW in Lexington had Ale8, a local caffeinated ginger ale waiting to help us wake up for the trip, Sue at Congressional VW in Rochville Maryland set us up in one of the nicest hotels in the area, and there's been so much more. From schwag to tasty goodies, you guys have really taken care of us, and it’s really kept us warm.
Thanks!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fun at Congressional Motors
A big thanks to Sue Saboda and the team at Congressional Motors in Rockville, Maryland for a great visit. As you can see, we had fun! Speaking of fun, I can't wait for the video of Sue starting the Prius. Hey, it took ME about 5 minutes to figure our where to put the key the first time I drove it, never mind actually starting the thing (hint: think appliance). But I can see the appeal, it's good little commuter car if you mostly drive stop and go in a city. But I'm pretty darn happy with my 06 TDI, as I've said before, the appeal of biofuels really works for me.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Toyota Prius is Great!
No really, the Prius really is a terrific automobile. With thousands of miles on this trip so far in all kinds of conditions, I have to say the Prius is comfortable, reliable, effortless to drive, and of course, gets great gas mileage.
What’s interesting is that despite having sold over half a million Prius in America over the last ten years, Toyota’s hybrid still only represents ten percent of their total light-duty vehicle sales. In fact hybrids in general only account for two and a half percent of total light duty car sales in the entire country, and are only projected to reach maybe eleven percent by 2015.
What the hell is going on? With all the pragmatic benefits of ownership, way are the Prius and its hybrid comrades falling down in the eyes of consumers?
I think the answer is that Americans just like cars, real cars with power and performance.
A car that is great at all the boring parts of driving like the Prius, just doesn’t cut it for many of us.
That doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with a Prius owner’s decision to buy one. In fact, I’m glad there are so many Prius, and I wish there were more of them on the road.
If we want to save the world however, we’re going to have to do better than 11 percent. If hybrids don’t have what it takes to move the meter faster, than America and the rest of the world needs an alternative that will. We need a car that can save the world and give us what we want.
I think the Jetta TDI is a step in that direction.
What’s interesting is that despite having sold over half a million Prius in America over the last ten years, Toyota’s hybrid still only represents ten percent of their total light-duty vehicle sales. In fact hybrids in general only account for two and a half percent of total light duty car sales in the entire country, and are only projected to reach maybe eleven percent by 2015.
What the hell is going on? With all the pragmatic benefits of ownership, way are the Prius and its hybrid comrades falling down in the eyes of consumers?
I think the answer is that Americans just like cars, real cars with power and performance.
A car that is great at all the boring parts of driving like the Prius, just doesn’t cut it for many of us.
That doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with a Prius owner’s decision to buy one. In fact, I’m glad there are so many Prius, and I wish there were more of them on the road.
If we want to save the world however, we’re going to have to do better than 11 percent. If hybrids don’t have what it takes to move the meter faster, than America and the rest of the world needs an alternative that will. We need a car that can save the world and give us what we want.
I think the Jetta TDI is a step in that direction.
Friday, February 20, 2009
9,000 Mile Green P2P Challenge in full swing with over 1,500 miles behind us. Next stops: Elmhurst, Illinois; Lexington, Kentucky; South Carolina.
What are we doing? A team from Seattle is driving both a Toyota Prius and a new clean burning diesel Jetta 9,000 miles cross country. The Green Human team is putting both cars to the test and evaluating their performance in all kinds of conditions, from the bitter cold of the Northeast winter, to the desert heat in the Southwest.
Why is what we’re doing newsworthy? One of the top mandates of the new administration is to move this country in the direction of green energy. Couple that with the bailouts being given to auto makers, and the need for more information and discussion about new and existing POV’s becomes an obvious topic. While hybrid electric is extremely viable for light duty passenger vehicles, particularly in urban environments, there needs to be other solutions for other types of transportation needs. Hybrid technology and clean burning diesel represent two of the most “work ready” solutions today. Many organizations agree with Green Human, that our energy future must come from multiple energy resources and the addition of true clean burning vehicle technology opens to doors to a much wider choice of fuel stock (including BioFuels) than hybrid gasoline engines alone.
So why is this news NOW? The new “clean burning” technology in use by the Jetta is 90% cleaner than the previous generation of technology producing less than 0.05 NOX gram per mile which NOW - FOR THE FIRST TIME - MEETS OR EXCEED ULEV STANDARDS IN ALL 50 STATES. This clean burning technology is now squarely on par with Hybrids and provides ANOTHER REAL alternative for consumers to consider. The goal of this test drive is to give consumers (both through a first hand look and interactive technology as we drive), a SIDE by SIDE look at the real benefits of each of these vehicles under a variety of conditions and criteria.
REVISED UPDATED SCHEDULE:
ELMHURST, CHICAGO: FEB 21, 11 AM
@ Larry Roesch Volkswagen, 313 West Grand Ave., Elmhurst, (Chicago) Il 60106
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY: FEB 23, 8:30 AM
@ Don Jacobs Volkswagen, 2689 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, Ky. 40503.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA: FEB 23, 5 PM
@ Steve White Volkswagen, 100 Duvall Drive, Greensville S.C. 29588
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA: FEB 26TH
@ East Coast Volkswagen, 8756 C Hwy 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Why is what we’re doing newsworthy? One of the top mandates of the new administration is to move this country in the direction of green energy. Couple that with the bailouts being given to auto makers, and the need for more information and discussion about new and existing POV’s becomes an obvious topic. While hybrid electric is extremely viable for light duty passenger vehicles, particularly in urban environments, there needs to be other solutions for other types of transportation needs. Hybrid technology and clean burning diesel represent two of the most “work ready” solutions today. Many organizations agree with Green Human, that our energy future must come from multiple energy resources and the addition of true clean burning vehicle technology opens to doors to a much wider choice of fuel stock (including BioFuels) than hybrid gasoline engines alone.
So why is this news NOW? The new “clean burning” technology in use by the Jetta is 90% cleaner than the previous generation of technology producing less than 0.05 NOX gram per mile which NOW - FOR THE FIRST TIME - MEETS OR EXCEED ULEV STANDARDS IN ALL 50 STATES. This clean burning technology is now squarely on par with Hybrids and provides ANOTHER REAL alternative for consumers to consider. The goal of this test drive is to give consumers (both through a first hand look and interactive technology as we drive), a SIDE by SIDE look at the real benefits of each of these vehicles under a variety of conditions and criteria.
REVISED UPDATED SCHEDULE:
ELMHURST, CHICAGO: FEB 21, 11 AM
@ Larry Roesch Volkswagen, 313 West Grand Ave., Elmhurst, (Chicago) Il 60106
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY: FEB 23, 8:30 AM
@ Don Jacobs Volkswagen, 2689 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, Ky. 40503.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA: FEB 23, 5 PM
@ Steve White Volkswagen, 100 Duvall Drive, Greensville S.C. 29588
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA: FEB 26TH
@ East Coast Volkswagen, 8756 C Hwy 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New York’s Finest Indeed!
So I was “that guy” last night when we were driving through Times Square in Manhattan. Like the rest of the wide eyed tourists, I was dazzled by all the bright shiny lights. So dazzled in fact that I failed to notice the most important light of all, the RED traffic light! After driving through the intersection there were suddenly even more light. These ones were red and blue and came with their own siren. I pull over and an officer walks up to me to say “I gotta tell you I’m totally dumfounded!” “Excuse me?” I reply. “Yeah, I’ve never seen anyone just run a red light right in front of me. That was dumb.” He would get no argument from me, and he let us go with a warning. New York’s finest indeed.
Dumb was kinda the theme for me that night. Earlier when I thought I was going uptown when I was doing the opposite. Not really a big a deal accept that when I went to turn around, I wound up going entering the Holland Tunnel. Oh well. I really wanted to see Jersey City and pay another couple a tolls to get back into the city.
After all this we still had a great time. Not much sleep, but a great time.
Dumb was kinda the theme for me that night. Earlier when I thought I was going uptown when I was doing the opposite. Not really a big a deal accept that when I went to turn around, I wound up going entering the Holland Tunnel. Oh well. I really wanted to see Jersey City and pay another couple a tolls to get back into the city.
After all this we still had a great time. Not much sleep, but a great time.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What are we doing here?
By now you've noticed that all our stops are at VW dealers. In the interest in transparency, yes, these dealers have graciously agreed to help cover costs. But there's more to it than that.
We're not here to rip on the Prius, we're here to fairly compare the "current industry standard" to the "new opportunity" the TDI presents. When a car is nominated the "Green Car of the Year" or awarded the Guiness Book of World Records for best fuel economy on a cross country trip, there IS a story here.
Personally, I've been driving an 06 TDI for a couple of years now, and blogging about it, long before the idea of the Green p2p even existed. Personally, my biggest "ah ha" moment was the day I filled it up with 100% Biodiesel and realized I was using ZERO fossil fuel, not one drop! And while VW doesn't support the use of anything more than B5(5% bio), the point of fact is that YOU HAVE OPTIONS. If you want to make your own fuel in your garage, or go get fry grease, or just fill up with diesel or bio, you have alternatives. And that's what this test drive is really about!
So me, and team of green humans doing this, welcome your questions, and comments.
Here are some of mine-
1. Which car is the most efficient to operate on a daily basis?
2. Which one is more cost efficient over time? (Sorry the battery disposal thing on the Prius still bothers me no matter what anyone says).
3. Which one wins in the performance/fun to drive category?
4. Which one wins in the "creature comfort" category?
and finally,
5. Which one is kinder to the environment?
That's what we're here to find out.
I welcome an honest conversation, there are strong opinions on ALL sides, and that's what's going to make this fun!
Thanks for being a part of it, everyone! See you in DC!
Check us out on TV in Springfield
We were just interviewed by WSHM CBS3 and you can see us on the news tonight.
We start the Portland to Portland Green Test Drive right now.
Our next stop is Fathers and Sons VW in West Springfield where we’ll meet owner Damon Cartelli. He’s going to come with us to Manhattan tonight.
See you on the road!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday update
The boys just called from the Dulles airport in transit on their way to Hartford Conn to get the Jetta and Prius. So far, so good!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
9,000 Mile Test Drive To Decide "Greenest Car" in America
With both President Obama and Congress urging the auto industry to go green, and $1,300 in available tax credits for the purchase of a green vehicle, consumer interest is at an all time high. But which car to buy? A team from Seattle will drive both the leading hybrid car and one of the new clean burning diesel cars 9,000 miles across the country to settle the score as part of the Portland to Portland Green Test Drive.
"It's not just about finding out which car gets better fuel economy" says Ed Steenman, founder of Green Human and co-sponsor of the green P2P event "but which one is the better all around car to drive." His team of green humans will put both cars to the test in all kinds of conditions, from the bitter cold of the Northeast winter, to the desert heat in the Southwest.
They'll stop in places all over the country to talk about eco friendly cars, while interacting with local communities both in person and online with video, blogs, social networking. "We've got a team of cameras in the cars and we'll be uploading and interacting with anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of this as we go" says John Polnik, the lead driver and co-producer of the mobile event. "I think this could be the first 9,000 mile test drive in history, and everyone's invited along".
Green Human has always had an interest in automotive technology, and with all the new developments in bio-fuels, electric, hybrid and clean diesel, "we couldn't resist the opportunity to participate first hand in this unique event". No matter which car comes out on top, in the end both will be put through the green ringer.
The clean burning VW Jetta TDI and Toyota Prius are scheduled to leave Portland, Maine on Tuesday February 17th and arrive in Portland, Oregon around March 5th.
I'll be back to you with more and you can monitor our progress online at www.greenP2P.com
"It's not just about finding out which car gets better fuel economy" says Ed Steenman, founder of Green Human and co-sponsor of the green P2P event "but which one is the better all around car to drive." His team of green humans will put both cars to the test in all kinds of conditions, from the bitter cold of the Northeast winter, to the desert heat in the Southwest.
They'll stop in places all over the country to talk about eco friendly cars, while interacting with local communities both in person and online with video, blogs, social networking. "We've got a team of cameras in the cars and we'll be uploading and interacting with anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of this as we go" says John Polnik, the lead driver and co-producer of the mobile event. "I think this could be the first 9,000 mile test drive in history, and everyone's invited along".
Green Human has always had an interest in automotive technology, and with all the new developments in bio-fuels, electric, hybrid and clean diesel, "we couldn't resist the opportunity to participate first hand in this unique event". No matter which car comes out on top, in the end both will be put through the green ringer.
The clean burning VW Jetta TDI and Toyota Prius are scheduled to leave Portland, Maine on Tuesday February 17th and arrive in Portland, Oregon around March 5th.
I'll be back to you with more and you can monitor our progress online at www.greenP2P.com
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Portland to Portland Green Test Drive kicks off in Portland Maine, February 17th.
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI and the Toyota Prius are the most fuel efficient cars in America, but which one is better to drive 9,000 miles across the country? Beginning February 17 in Portland, Maine – the Green Human team will be traveling to the East Coast to settle the score once and for all as part of the Portland to Portland Green Test Drive.
“It’s not just about finding out not only which car gets better fuel economy” says Ed Steenman a producer of the green P2P event “but which one is the better all around car to drive?” They’ll find out in all kinds of conditions from the bitter cold of the Northeast winter to a desert heat in the Southwest.
Starting in Falmouth Maine (near Portland), the drivers from Green Human dot net will begin their journey of automotive discovery. We’ll stop in places all over the country to talk about eco friendly cars while interacting with communities online with video, blogs, social networking, and more. “Its seventeen days of green car fun!” says John Polnik, one of the producers of the mobile event. “I just hope we can all stand the smell in the car after a couple days on the road with these guys.”
No matter which car comes out on top, in the end both will be put through the green ringer.
We'll be back to you with more and you can monitor our progress online at www.greenP2P.com
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