Live from New York: Day 2
3/20/08
Reports From the Auto Show Floor
Mercedes M-Class Bluetec and Yellow Make Green
Mercedes’ big news at this year’s New York auto show is the debut of “The World’s Cleanest Diesel.” The M-Class, a perennial favorite here at Mother Proof, is leading the lineup of Mercedes’ new Bluetec SUVs sporting this earth-friendly technology.
An exhaust after-treatment system uses what Mercedes refers to as AdBlue. Really, it should be called AdYellow, since it’s made out of liquid urea. You know, urea … as in … well, pee. If you’re going to get all crunchy on us, Mercedes, you might as well go all the way. A tank under the M-Class’ cargo floor holds 10 gallons of AdBlue, which keeps the diesel’s emissions 50-state compliant for 10,000 miles. It can be refilled during your standard oil change/maintenance appointment.
AdBlue cleans the diesel exhaust, getting rid of all those nasty particulates (i.e. the dirty smoke that we associate with most diesels). These cars are the first diesels to meet or exceed emissions standards in all 50 states. The M-Class Bluetec is estimated to get between 20 and 40 percent better fuel economy than its gasoline sister. Simply put, this SUV just makes sense. Who would’ve thunk that the nasty diesels of yesterday could be the green solution of tomorrow?
Warriors in Pink Mustang Fights Breast Cancer
Fact: 62% of buyers of the V-6 automatic Ford Mustang are women.
Fact: In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes.
Fact: Jackie DiMarco, Mustang business manager, is a breast cancer survivor.
Given all that, doesn’t it make perfect sense that Ford chose to make the Warriors in Pink Mustang?
For 2009, Ford will double its contribution to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for every Warriors in Pink Mustang sold, guaranteeing at least half a million dollars in donations to the breast cancer foundation. A Warriors in Pink Mustang is created with the addition of an $850 package ($500 of which goes directly to the cause) to a black, white or silver Mustang. It adds “understated yet recognizable” pink striping, pink ribbon/Mustang badging, pink stitching on the leather seats and steering wheel, and the Mustang’s newly introduced glass roof.
According to Paul Randle, the car’s chief engineer, “The Mustang is a feel-good car, and this is a feel-good cause for us to be involved with.”
Comments
I'm a guy, and I have no problem driving a car with pink stripes. (I'm 6'2", who's gonna argue with me?)
Posted by: Infosaur | Mar 23, 2008 11:05:31 AM
Rock on, masculine Infosaur! The world needs more men like you…
Posted by: Chief Mama | Mar 24, 2008 5:38:28 PM
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Love the new M-class all green, or, Blue (or Yellow?) I guess I should say. And kudos to Ford for it's partnership with the Komen Foundation.
Posted by: Courtney | Mar 20, 2008 2:21:38 PM