Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine

2014 Audi Q5 Wins Most Earth Aware SUV of the Year

2014 Audi Q5 Named

2014 Earth, Wind & Power's

~ Most Earth Aware - SUV of the Year ~

sponsored by

Review by Martha Hindes | Press Release

We were smitten at first sight of the sassy, sporty 2014 Audi turbo-diesel when it showed up at our doorstep. Our test model was Glacier White Metallic and sported a large "TDI" on each front door for a sophisticated, no-nonsense announcement of its capabilities. So much for not blowing one's own horn.

A flared front end with sultry headlamp "eyes," anchored by those famed four interlocking grille hoops sniffing down the road balances the trim tush in the rear and announces in no uncertain terms this is a coveted Audi.

For those who need to transport five in luxurious comfort, the Q5 could be an ideal choice. The priciest of the fuel conscious versions (which seems like a no-brainer) is the hybrid Q5 that uses a 2.0-liter 245-horsepower inline four engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 245-horsepower and 254-lb. ft. of torque. It clocks in with a $51,300 base price, earning EPA ratings of 24 city/30 highway miles.

Those high ticket items point out what every wannabe Audi owner certainly knows—that no matter how environmentally conscious one might be in choosing a vehicle, when you're paying premium prices you expect to get premium perks out of the deal.

So what can the Q5 offer in the way of amenities, both in driving manners and the way it strokes the owner on the upmarket side?

Once inside, besides keyless start, there's leather (luscious Milano leather when fitted with comfort seats), aluminum and all-natural walnut trim and a heated/cooled cup holder to ensure drinks are kept at optimal temperature. Driving at night is a kick even if the only reason is to see the glow of red from all those buttons and controls that jump to life when activated.

The hybrid version gets Audi's Bang & Olufsen 505-watt premium Sound System with 14 speakers as standard equipment. "Audi connect" can mate with as many as eight wireless devices at one time.

And the TDI gets something that's becoming a vanishing breed in many vehicles as precious interior space is diverted for heavy battery storage and a bit more cargo space. That's an actual compact space saver spare tire, designed for temporary use.

A Q5 biggie is "quattro" drive on all versions. That's Audi talk for its permanent all-wheel-drive system, and a clear indication this is a go almost anywhere vehicle when driving conditions get tough, such as during a Northern midwinter blizzard or blazing through pools of water on rain slicked roads. All Q5 power plants mate to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic for smooth, supple handling and a stingier need for fuel in the process.

We can attest to the punch the diesel fuel-drinking TDI can deliver when rubber meets the road. It rates at an even feistier 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds.

Presenting the 2014 Most Earth Aware SUV of the Year award to Mark Del Rosso, EVP & COO, Audi America, are Courtney Caldwell, editor, Road & Travel Magazine; and Mike Martini, president Bridgestone OE Americas, and EWP award sponsor.

Audi calls the Q5 "sporty and sophisticated, spacious and functional." We agree. Its green attributes and the strength of its Audi character were pointed out by Mark Del Rosso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “In addition to its excellent fuel economy, the Audi Q5 combines the sportiness of a sedan with a variable interior and many practical solutions for everyday and recreational use. With 2013 year to date sales up 40.8% compared to 2012, it’s clear that consumers are continuing to respond positively to the Audi Q5’s sportiness and sophistication, spaciousness and functionality.”

“We are honored to accept the Earth, Wind & Power Award for Most Earth Aware SUV of the year, which recognizes the environmental friendliness and fuel economy of the Audi Q5.” said Del Rosso.

[Full story]

Why Now is the Best Time to Shop for a New Car

Why Now is the Best Time to Shop For & Buy a New Vehicle

People often ask when the best time is to buy a new car. There are many different answers. It all depends on your needs. Below are some of the factors to consider...

Winter
The colder, nastier months are typically the low point of the year for auto sales. Since business is slow, you may find some excellent deals. However, since customers are scarce, you may find some very hungry salespeople who could be a bit pushy. If you are in the market for a convertible, buy during the winter. 

Spring/Early Summer
The beginning of the season. President's day starts the real upswing in automotive salesafter the winter. Dealerships try and get the season started with the holiday sale, and you will find the industry is getting busy.

Late Summer/Fall
Late summer and early fall is when dealers push great deals and sales the hardest because they need to make room on the lot for the upcoming new-year models. Look for plenty of television commercials starting from July through October each year offering much lower prices, higher rebates, and other great deals. 

Click here to link to full story! 

 

Ford Motor Company Named Most Earth Friendly Automaker

Ford Motor Company Receives
5th Annual EARTH ANGEL AWARD
as Most Earth Friendy Automaker

by Martha Hindes

Going green has become a way of life at Ford Motor Company. From company President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally to those who tend to company property and grounds, protecting the environment is a primary responsibility on a daily basis.

Those familiar with buildings near company headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan can see some of that commitment first hand, where fields of air purifying flowers bloom during summer months and a nearby production facility wears a "green" roof of plants to help purify and recycle runoff water used there.

Ford was one of the earliest companies to recognize the need for an environmentally sustainable way of doing business and to begin that transformation to achieve it. That commitment has become reflected in every Ford facility, in the materials used in production and in the atmosphere it encourages throughout the company.

In the 12th annual Ford Sustainability Report Ford put out last June, it cited progress in improving fuel economy and safety and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and water use among its sustainable operations.

"Since 2000, our manufacturing facilities worldwide have reduced overall energy use by 40 percent, decreased CO2 emissions by 49 percent and cut water use by 62 percent," said Mulally in presenting the report. Full story.

Back Issues Available of EWP & RTM

 

Did you know that our partner Road & Travel Magazine has been publishing since 1989? Among the hundreds of issues and thousands of articles published many have been dedicated strictly to environmental topics. There, in RTM's back issue section, articles have been archived back as far as 2001. Please feel free to search our back issue archives to find additional resources and articles on earth-friendly topics.

Did you know that Road & Travel Magazine was the first publication to give an award for the most environmental friendly car of the year? In 1997, RTM produced and hosted an auto awards show in Detroit which honored the GM - EV1 as the vehicle that was 'Most Likely to Change the World.'

The Earth-Friendly Award continued for several years but sadly there were so few competitors back then that we discontinued the award until more automakers joined the party. By 2009, most car companies had introduced various forms of eco-friendly vehicles from hybrid to diesel to now electric. As a result of their progress, we launched the Earth, Wind & Power Awards, which are dedicated to clean car technology. Stay tuned as we continue to expand the EWP Awards down the road.

Also visit the RTM Blog!

Please feel free to share EWP and RTM content with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We welcome and appreciate your support.

KBB.com Highlights Top 10 Green Cars for 2010

In an all-new story posted to KBB^® Green on Earth Day 2010, the kbb.com editors listed a variety of fuel-efficient vehicles worthy of buyers’ consideration. The coverage includes detailed EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers and editorial commentary on why each particular model made this Earth Day’s top Green Car List.
 
To be considered for the Top 10 Green Cars of 2010 list, each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and CO2 emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class, and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own.

Buying a green, environmentally friendly vehicle is one way for car shoppers to deal with the ever-rising costs of fuel in the midst of a slowly recovering economy.  Saving gasoline doesn’t just save the planet; it also saves money.

“Whether car shoppers’ top motivations are to save the planet or just save some greenbacks, there are many enjoyable green vehicle options available in the marketplace now, with more exciting models coming down automakers’ product pipelines in the near future,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.  “From conventional gasoline-powered fuel sippers to hybrids to diesels, we think car shoppers will be impressed with the variety in vehicle types and sizes, as well as the vast array of various technologies, available on the market for the green-minded consumer today, as showcased in our Top 10 Green Cars of 2010 list.” 

Select Choices from kbb.com’s Top 10 Green Cars for 2010 List

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI | 34 mpg (30 city, 42 highway)

2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid | 22 mpg (21 city, 22 highway)

2010 Honda Fit | 31 mpg (28 city, 35 highway)

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 39 mpg (41 city, 36 highway)

2010 BMW 335d | 27 mpg (23 city, 36 highway)

For the remaining five vehicles on the Top 10 list, including full editorial commentary and reasoning behind each of the editors’ picks, visit the Top 10 Green Cars for 2010 on the KBB website.

For more information on top honors for most environmentally progressive vehicles, visit Earth, Wind & Power’s^® Car of the Year Award’s section.

2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car & Truck

Winners for the 2010 Earth, Wind & Power (EWP) car and truck of the year were officially revealed last night at the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown. Sponsored by Bridgestone, the event was held on the eve of press week for the Los Angeles Auto Show.  There, a VIP reception and press conference was host to a pantheon of media and industry echelon.  Opening remarks were provided by Linda Adams, Secretary for the California Environmental Protection Agency. Christine Karbowiak, Executive Vice President, Community and Corporate Relations at Bridgestone Americas Inc., also provided remarks on Bridgestone's progressive environmental programs and initiatives.

 

Produced and hosted by Courtney Caldwell, publisher of Earth, Wind & Power Media, with co-hosts Kevin Smith, editorial director of Edmunds.com, and Howard Walker, auto editor for Palm Beach Illustrated, the three announced the winners for the most environmentally progressive car and truck of the year.  Recipients were selected by The EWP jury, a group of 19 nationally-renowned automotive editors and journalists. Honors went to: 
   

earth, Wind & Power - Car of the Year

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

 

EARTH, WIND & POWER - TRUCK OF THE YEAR

2010 Audi Q7 TDI Clean Diesel

 

Accepting the award for EWP Car of the Year on behalf of Ford Motor Company was Mr. Moray Callum, executive director, North American Design.  The award for EWP Truck of the Year was accepted by the Chief Audi Designer, Mr. Jae Min.  

  

"With global warming and foreign oil dependence a mainstream concern, people are turning to fuel-efficient vehicles," says Courtney Caldwell, EWP creator and producer. "It's become of vital interest to consumers, automakers, and the future of our planet to produce vehicles that are compatible with our environment."

 

About the EWP Awards:
The mission of the EWP Awards is to recognize vehicles that are driven by a power source that help reduce global warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment and support the mission to achieve energy independence through alternative sources.

 

Find more about our EWP awards here.

 

Media Contact: Liz Kaadou

Interviews available

ph: 248.546.4646   e: [email protected]

 

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Inaugural Earth, Wind & Power Winners Announced

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wins Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year

The mission of the Earth, Wind & Power (EWP) Awards is to recognize vehicles driven by a power source that help reduce global warming, is conducive to promoting a cleaner environment and support the mission to achieve energy independence through alternative sources. The inaugural EWP Awards honored the Most Environmentally-Friendly Car and Truck of the Year.

Ford Escape Hybrid Wins Earth, Wind & Power Truck of the Year

“With global warming and foreign oil dependence a mainstream concern today, more people are turning to fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles,” said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY creator and producer. “It’s become of vital interest to consumers, automakers, and the future of our planet to produce vehicles that are compatible with our environment.” 

Visit EWP Winners’ Page for more information on these eco-friendly vehicles.

Honda Motor Company Honored as Earth Angel

In response to the growing concern for global warming and the fluctuation of gas prices, the 2009 International Car of the Year Awards awarded Honda Motor Company with the second annual EARTH ANGEL Award as the automaker demonstrating the most significant progress with environmental initiatives and partnerships on a worldwide basis.

"At Honda, we are working to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations with the same passion and purpose as our commitment to develop new technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of our products," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

 

Michigan Congressman Gary Peters provided opening remarks for the award citing the importance of recognizing the automotive industry for the remarkable strides being taken within the environmental arena.

 

Visit Earth Angel to read more about Honda’s win.

Top Three Nominees for Inaugural Earth, Wind & Power Awards

The 2009 International Car of the Year Awards ceremony will debut the Earth, Wind & Power(EWP) Awards, which will honor the Most Environmentally-Friendly Car and Truck of the Year. The mission of the EWP Awards is to recognize vehicles that are driven by a power source that help reduce global warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment and support the mission to achieve energy independence through alternative sources.

As the awards transition into a more environmental theme, the ICOTY jury is proud to recognize the top vehicles helping drive our planet back to its organic state. Here is a look at the 2009 EWP nominees:

Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year
BMW 335d
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI

Earth, Wind & Power Truck of the Year
BMW X5 xDrive35d
Ford Escape Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC

More about the Earth, Wind & Power Award Nominees.

 

Check back Saturday, January 10 for inaugural EWP winners.

Earth, Wind & Power Awards to Honor Most Eco-Friendly Car and Truck

In response to the increased demand for eco-friendly transportation, the EARTH, WIND & POWER Awards will honor the most environmentally-friendly car and truck of the year during its debut at the 13^th annual International Car of the Year Awards(ICOTY) on January 10, 2009.

 

Hosted by Edmunds.comEditorial Director Kevin Smith, and ICOTY Producer Courtney Caldwell, the inaugural awards will be presented at the black-tie gala being held at the MGM Grand Detroit.

 

The recipients of the EWP awards are selected by ICOTY’s jury of 16 respected automotive journalists and editors, whose opinions and publications are highly regarded among automakers. 

 

To be eligible for the award, vehicles must be driven by a power source that contributes to the reduction of global warming, is conducive to promoting a cleaner environment, and subsequently supports the mission to reach energy independence through alternative sources.

 

Check back Saturday, January 10 when the inaugural winners are announced.

 

Learn more about the mission of the Earth, Wind & Power Awards.