tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81689806128427413512024-03-12T19:24:20.949-07:00Shocking Car NewsA frugal New Jersey driver loyal to Toyota's gas-electric hybrids (we bought four in 2004-09) finally jumps ship to Tesla Motors after the Japanese automaker pulls the plug on developing an affordable all-electric car, and promotes a sedan powered by hard-to-find hydrogenVictor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-26592521748236187372017-03-27T13:05:00.001-07:002017-03-27T13:05:37.070-07:00Consumer Reports isn't giving all-electric cars and climate change a lot of attention<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Honda will be the next automaker to market an all-electric car as Toyota continues to sit on the sidelines.</span></b></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- HACKENSACK, N.J.</span></b></blockquote>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Consumer Reports seems to have a blind spot for all-electric cars.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The magazine's annual Auto Issue, just out, picks the 10 best new cars for 2017, but all of them use gasoline.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>For a full report, see:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://thesassonreport.blogspot.com/2017/03/in-shocking-omission-no-all-electric.html">Consumer Reports smells (of gasoline)</a></b></span><br />
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-20236931398102959872017-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:002017-01-24T10:02:22.098-08:00Shocking Car News, a blog written by an EV owner, is moving to The Sasson Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The all-electric 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is not expected to be in New Jersey and New York showrooms until March.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Shocking Car News</i>, a blog I started after I bought a Tesla Model S, has moved to <a href="http://thesassonreport.blogspot.com/"><i>The Sasson Report</i></a><i>, which also covers food, journalism and other issues.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>--VICTOR E. SASSON</i></b></span></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-9317652215207632142017-01-10T12:43:00.002-08:002017-01-12T08:59:23.240-08:00You can't buy 2017 North American Car of the Year outside of California and Oregon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The humble, all-electric 2017 Chevrolet Bolt on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (photo from Mark Brush/Michigan Radio).</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>By VICTOR E. SASSON</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Auto writers from the United States and Canada have crowned an EV you can buy in only two states as 2017 North American Car of the Year.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>At the international auto show in Detroit, GM's all-electric Chevy Bolt beat out the Genesis luxury sedan and a big Volvo, both powered by conventional internal-combustion engines.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I went online to find out whether I can buy a Bolt in New Jersey, and was told the EV is available in limited numbers only in California and Oregon.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here's the result of my live chat:</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; padding-left: 3px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="av-ch-un" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Benjamin</span>:</b></span><span class="av-chat-timestamp" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: red; float: right; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>3:00:38 PM</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; padding-left: 3px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thank you for your interest in the Bolt EV! The Bolt EV will be available nationally, but the vehicle is currently available in California and Oregon. The national roll-out begins in 2017, and a number of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States, including New York, Massachusetts and Virginia, will see first deliveries this winter. Bolt EVs will arrive to more dealerships in additional major metro markets throughout the first half of 2017. The Bolt EV will be available at Bolt EV-certified dealerships across the United States in mid-2017.</b></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>New Jersey connection</u></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Bolt EV-certified dealer nearest my home is in Paramus, which is also is where my Tesla dealer is located. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The front-wheel-drive Bolt has a range of 238 miles on a full charge, but GM is calling its first mass-produced EV an urban vehicle, because the auto giant isn't providing a Tesla-like network of free chargers.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The 5-door EV is available in two trim levels, LT with a starting MSRP of $36,620, and Premier, with a starting price of $40,905, according to Chevy's website.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Expect to pay another $2,000 to $2,500 for installation of a 240-volt outlet in your garage to achieve the fastest home charging.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">DC Fast Charging Capability is an option on both models, but the Driver Confidence II Package is available only on the Premier, with these features:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414042; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; zoom: 1;">
<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking</b></span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning</b></span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Forward Collision Alert</b></span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Following Distance Indicator</b></span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Front Pedestrian Braking</b></span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>IntelliBeam<span style="line-height: 0; margin-left: 0.25em; margin-right: 0.25em; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: nowrap;">®</span> headlamps</b></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414042; margin-top: 11px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Requires available Infotainment Package.</b></span></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-52883738846176937732017-01-01T05:18:00.001-08:002017-01-01T05:18:35.158-08:00When I'm driving my Tesla, I want everyone to just get the F out of the way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">On the way to the International Jazz Festival in Montreal last July, I stopped at a free Tesla charging station in a mall outside of Albany, N.Y., and found plenty of company.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Since I took delivery in April 2015, my Tesla Model S has given me more than 12,000 miles of effortless driving in a challenging environment -- northern New Jersey.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Affluent Bergen County, where I live, has a street network that hasn't been improved significantly since the 1950s, and some of the lousiest, most discourteous drivers in the nation.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>They will cut you off without mercy, roll through stop signs right in front of you and tailgate or stop inches behind you at lights.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>OK. I get that drivers of conventional cars haven't gotten the message about just how fast all-electric cars are, especially how they can leap away from a traffic light in suburban driving.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, please, stop trying to race me or cut me off before you get to that double-parked truck on Cedar Lane in Teaneck or the one-lane bridge to Hackensack.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Just get the F out of the way and let me enjoy the quiet of driving my beautiful red Tesla.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>A rare turn lane on Passaic Street. The narrow, two-lane street is a major thoroughfare connecting Hackensack and Paramus, but often is jammed by traffic inching toward Garden State Plaza, the biggest mall in New Jersey.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yf7uCcPKg9o/WGg4inCctJI/AAAAAAABR6E/JRAEY04XS98egXoo1Nwwptpo-i9ttKLlQCKgB/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yf7uCcPKg9o/WGg4inCctJI/AAAAAAABR6E/JRAEY04XS98egXoo1Nwwptpo-i9ttKLlQCKgB/s640/IMG_3508.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Drivers believe some intersections without turn lanes, such as Passaic Street and Summit Avenue in Hackensack, haven't been improved since the Revolutionary War.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-67379182267879447122016-11-28T16:10:00.000-08:002016-11-29T12:32:21.021-08:00Tesla's new free-charging policy will be many miles ahead of other EV
automakers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A free Tesla Supercharger on Route 300 in Newburgh, N.Y., is conveniently located in a strip mall with an Italian-American restaurant and pizzeria, and a frozen yogurt store.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>By VICTOR E. SASSON</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Who doesn't like "free"? </b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the last four years, owners of the all-electric Tesla Model S four-door hatchback and the Model X SUV have enjoyed free juice at a growing network of Superchargers across the continental U.S.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And if they have solar panels at home, all of the electricity they've used has been free.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Now, for Teslas ordered after Jan. 1, 2017, owners will receive 400 kWh hours of free Supercharging credits annually (roughly 1,000 miles) so that they can continue to enjoy free fast charging during travel.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>"All cars will continue to come standard with the onboard hardware required for Supercharging," according to Tesla.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>That hardware was a $2,000 option when I ordered my Model S 60 in early 2015.</b></span><br><br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Costs less than gas</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Beyond the roughly 1,000 miles of free Supercharging credits, "there will be a small fee to Supercharge which will be charged incrementally and cost less than the price of filling up a comparable gas car," the Tesla Blog says.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>"As we approach the launch of the Model 3, this update will enable us to greatly expand our Supercharger Network, providing customers with the best possible user experience and bringing sustainable transport to even more people," the company says.</b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Tesla is unique</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Still, Tesla is the only carmaker to provide a network of free fast chargers, and after the changeover, is expected to remain the only one to provide annual charging credits.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chevrolet has already announced purchasers of the Bolt EV won't get </b><b>free charging on road trips.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>You've also heard nothing from BMW and Nissan about free charging for their EVs.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Free for life</u></b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Since I took delivery in April 2015, I've driven my Tesla twice to the International Jazz Festival in Montreal in late June, a round trip of about 800 miles.</span></b><br>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And since my car came with free charging for life, I'd still be able to make that road trip and others at no extra cost as long as I own it.</span></b><br>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had planned to trade in my Model S on the smaller Model 3 in a year or so, but may reconsider and keep two Teslas in our garage.</span></b><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>"Just as you charge your cell phone, we believe the best way to charge your car is either at home or at work, during the hours you're not using it," Tesla says.</b></span></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-29476892380412063552016-10-22T16:20:00.001-07:002018-11-12T07:58:34.280-08:00As the leaves turned in the Catskills, greenery and green cars were hard to find<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">On a visit to Monticello, N.Y., an open top, manual transmission, deserted two-lane roads and a gorgeous fall day are an unbeatable combination.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">MONTICELLO, N.Y. -- Quiet has returned to the two-lane roads that wind past clusters of homes framed by fall colors.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>This week saw the annual invasion of the International Motor Press Association, whose members were unleashed at the wheels of performance and super cars with incredibly loud mufflers.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>IMPA, the country's oldest organization of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, set up camp at the Monticello Motor Club, a 4.1-mile race circuit and playground for the wealthy nestled in the Catskill Mountains.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Many sponsors</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sponsors of the so-called Test Days included Detroit and foreign automakers, manufacturers of tires and automobile sound equipment, PR Newswire and the private club where the event was held.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Previous Test Days took place at Pocono Raceway and Lime Rock Park.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>On Wednesday, writers and publicists had access to a parking lot filled with some of the fastest cars in the world, many of which could be driven on the track.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Others were meant to be driven only on quiet public roads in Monticello and nearby villages, set amidst lakes and wooded hills. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>On Tuesday, the first day of the event, all driving was restricted to public roads except for IMPA members who signed up for drives or rides with instructors on the challenging race circuit.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I did hot laps in a Fiat 500 Abarth and a Lexus GS sedan with 467 horsepower, but actually enjoyed driving several other cars over nearly deserted public roads that were a breath of fresh air compared to the congestion of northern New Jersey.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Among them were the FIAT 124 Spider, Infiniti Q60, Jaguar F-Type, a luxury sports car with loud snap, crackle and pop exhausts; and Volvo S90 AWD Inscription, a comfortable sedan that is the biggest Volvo I have ever seen.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Being confined to public roads didn't lessen the excitement for some IMPA members.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>For example, a writer for the Chicago Tribune syndicate who gave me a ride in a McLaren GT shouted, "That's 90 [mph]," as he paddle shifted up through the gears on Route 42 toward Montcello's economically depressed downtown.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of the few green cars at the event was the highly anticipated Acura NSX, an all-wheel-drive supercar bristling with 573 horsepower from a twin-turbo V-6 and three electric motors, above and below.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A pro racecar driver at the wheel of the Acura NSX took me on the fastest lap I have ever experienced at the Monticello Motor Club.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Green cars</span></u></b><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><br /></u></b>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sadly, there were no purely electric cars at the event.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chevy didn't bring the Bolt, the first $40,000 EV with more than 200 miles of range, even though the four-door hatchback is expected to go on sale at the end of the year.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And as usual, Nissan had IMPA members lining up to drive the fearsome GT-R, but disappointed me and others by not supplying an updated all-electric Leaf with a longer range. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Typically, most of the writers and publicists who attend Test Days are gear heads, speed freaks and lead foots who are wined and dined by the automakers, and loaned new models for a weekend or a week.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>They willingly engage in a conspiracy of silence about climate change, the 53,000 deaths every year from auto emissions, and the environmental benefits of hybrids and EVs.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I heard one IMPA member boast of driving a Fiat 500 Abarth at 107 mph on a Nevada highway, complaining he was the only one of 10 writers in a caravan of speeding Fiats pulled over by the police. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Toyota Mirai, Prius</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Toyota brought the Mirai, powered by electricity from a hydrogen fuel cell; as well as the Prius Prime, a plug-in gas-electric hybrid that has an EV range of 25 miles.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I got behind the wheel of both, and found the Mirai far quieter and more refined than the pre-production model I drove in Manhattan last April at the New York Auto Show.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Prius Prime only went a few all-electric miles before the gasoline engine kicked in, because its handlers from Event Solutions International (ESI) forgot to plug it in overnight.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Both the Mirai and Prius Prime approached the quiet of a Tesla Model S.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Two more photos of the mid-engine Acura NSX, above and below. </span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Toyota's Prius Prime, a gas-electric hybrid, wasn't plugged in overnight, and yielded only a few miles in all-electric mode on Wednesday, above and below.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Toyota Mirai is a car in search of hydrogen fueling stations, above and below.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen in the air and produces electricity to power the vehicle.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This McLaren GT, which cost more than $200,000, didn't match the excitement of the Acura NSX.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Alfa-Romeo 4C Spider with paddle shifters was a hoot to drive on the racetrack.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A Ford Fusion gas-electric hybrid.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A driver returning to the pits at Monticello Motor Club.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tuesday's lunch at the Monticello Motor Club included veggie burgers, coleslaw, and potato salad. I didn't attend that night's banquet at Honor's Haven Resort & Spa in Ellenville, N.Y., but was told no fish was available for IMPA members who don't eat meat.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Eggplant Rollatini, Potato-Crusted Cod and Caesar Salad were on Wednesday's lunch menu at MMC.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I had dinner on Tuesday night at Crust Italian Eatery in Rock Hill, N.Y., a restaurant next to my hotel. Steamed Clams were $10. A glass of red wine was $6.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also had a Caprese Salad with Fig Balsamic Glaze ($12), but the only off note were the roasted tomatoes, which had been refrigerated and were much too cold.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Crust Italian Eatery bakes 24-inch pizzas. Bottles of wine are $20.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">On the way home, I stopped to charge my Tesla Model S 60 on Route 300 in Newburgh, N.Y., where six free Superchargers were available in the parking lot of a strip mall, above and below.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Customers were dining outdoors at Cosimo's on Union Ristorante & Bar, which serves wood-fired pizzas. I had a yogurt next door at Hoopla Frozen Yogurt (51 cents per ounce).</span></b></td></tr>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-14609871947893511342016-09-22T17:38:00.000-07:002016-09-23T05:44:23.346-07:00Chevrolet Bolt -- GM's first pure EV -- is looking a lot like a $40,000-plus econobox<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The 2017 Chevrolet Volt is expected to go on sale late this year, but will be available only in limited numbers, according to the automaker.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The good news for consumers is that the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will have a starting MSRP of $37,495.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>But such options as front collision braking, forward pedestrian alert and OnStar automatic crash response is expected to push that past $40,000.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In an email this week, Chevrolet delivered the bad news the Bolt will be available only in limited numbers this year.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, greedy Chevrolet dealers likely will sell each Bolt they can get their hands on for list, then pile on "added dealer profit," making the Bolt a lot less "affordable" than the company claims.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>There will be two versions of the Bolt -- GM's first purely electric production vehicle -- LT and Premier, but Chevrolet hasn't released the starting MSRP for the Premier trim level.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Chevrolet Bolt will have a 10.2-inch touch screen.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>238-mile range</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Bolt also is the first $40,000 EV to achieve an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles on a full charge.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>But Chevrolet is calling the Bolt an urban vehicle, and owners will have to pay to recharge the car when they are on long trips.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>At home, using a 240-volt outlet, a full charge takes 9.5 hours, according to Chevrolet.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chevrolet's 240-volt charging unit requires the services of an electrician, and the price tag for installation is expected to be about $2,000.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The four-door hatchback certainly is stylish, but it also reminds you of any number of econoboxes.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>This is no Tesla Model 3, which is expected to go into production in late 2017.</b></span><br />
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-68951230388980607972016-09-12T14:29:00.001-07:002016-09-12T14:29:32.437-07:00If you pay to park in a municipal garage and get free charging, is it a good deal?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In downtown Englewood, a municipal parking garage offers five free PSE&G charging stations. Today, a Tesla Model S 90D, two Smart EVs, and a Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid hooked up to four of them.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Volt driver thought nothing of running the charge cable across the hood of the new car and possibly scratching it.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>I've owned a Tesla Model S since April 2015, and have never had to pay to charge the car on trips away from northern New Jersey.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>I either charge the car at my home, where solar panels generate the electricity I use, or take advantage of Tesla's extensive network of free Superchargers or destination chargers at hotels and resorts.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, what do you do when you have a non-Tesla EV or a plug-in hybrid without free charging?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Today, I saw the owners of four cars using free charging stations at the municipal garage in Englewood, where the first two hours of parking cost $1.50.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>It's likely that no matter what the rate of charge, owners of EVs and </b><b>plug-in hybrids are getting a break on the cost of electricity, even after the parking fee is figured in. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The garage uses pay stations that accept paper currency, coins and credit cards.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>But the machine won't make change of, say, a $5 bill, as one woman I encountered today found out too late.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Charging your car is free, but not parking in the garage. The rates are 50 cents for the first half hour and $1 for each hour after that. I don't know how fast these chargers are.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWyLVlk87rU/V9cPWKZL0HI/AAAAAAABOQo/CIX9RU_gjUkoSScoW5PDSuIVS0SXuML7gCKgB/s1600/IMG_2393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWyLVlk87rU/V9cPWKZL0HI/AAAAAAABOQo/CIX9RU_gjUkoSScoW5PDSuIVS0SXuML7gCKgB/s400/IMG_2393.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My last electric bill said 1 kWh hour of electricity cost a total of 17 cents to 18 cents, including delivery to my home. You can travel on electricity more cheaply than on gasoline.</span></b></td></tr>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-56050261227932066032016-09-08T14:44:00.001-07:002016-09-08T15:02:39.355-07:00Nissan hedging its bets with new Leaf EV, new Armada and other gas-guzzling trucks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NBmy5-kooY/V9HJstGjTTI/AAAAAAABODo/gN-8_9QrLnE7brvYpRWq8AcZFw-0L-kZgCLcB/s1600/NewLEAF.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NBmy5-kooY/V9HJstGjTTI/AAAAAAABODo/gN-8_9QrLnE7brvYpRWq8AcZFw-0L-kZgCLcB/s400/NewLEAF.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The homely Nissan Leaf EV is available with a bigger battery in the 2016 model year and added range -- up to 107 miles on a full charge. You can still get a Leaf that goes a maximum of 84 miles before you need more juice.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, delivered good news and bad news to consumers worried about climate change and the 53,000 deaths blamed on auto emissions every year.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Speaking to members of the International Motor Press Association in Manhattan, Munoz said Nissan is "close" to launching a new-generation all-electric Leaf with a redesigned body.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>There was no indication whether the second-generation Leaf will have more range than the 107 miles available with a 30kWh battery in the 2016 model.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Leaf lags behind Tesla</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The homely Leaf, introduced in December 2010, once led electric-vehicle sales in the United States, but it has changed little and has been eclipsed by Tesla, which cost more than twice as much.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Meanwhile, Munoz -- also executive vice president of Nissan Motor Co., Japan's No. 2 automaker -- had plenty of bad news for environmentalists.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>To take advantage of the low price of gasoline, Nissan is launching the "Year of Trucks."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>He promised a new Armada and Pathfinder, and a "brand new" Rogue, a crossover.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And if the price of gas rises again, Munoz said, Nissan will market its herd of gas-guzzlers as the most efficient on the market.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In answer to a question from the audience, Munoz delivered more bad news regarding Manhattan's traffic congestion and pollution.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The automaker has no plans to add a gas-electric hybrid version of the Nissan NV200, the so-called Taxi of Tomorrow.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, the Nissan NV200 instantly becomes the Taxi of Yesterday.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nwi-Lye7nDA/V9HU8haHk_I/AAAAAAABOEQ/-3jhDvu8f0scTRCiJ8ectRDoTu1zeZY0QCLcB/s1600/1412889707158059809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nwi-Lye7nDA/V9HU8haHk_I/AAAAAAABOEQ/-3jhDvu8f0scTRCiJ8ectRDoTu1zeZY0QCLcB/s400/1412889707158059809.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The roomy Nissan NV200 taxi.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Autonomous driving</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Nissan executive did say the company is rolling out autonomous driving features, starting this year, to prevent accidents.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>By 2020, he said, Nissan will sell cars that will be fully autonomous in a city environment.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Of course, if Nissan introduces a fully autonomous NV200 taxi, there's no telling how many drivers will be thrown onto the unemployment lines.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80CdLEvlEPs/V9HSnjoC_DI/AAAAAAABOEE/Uk45PWRQZY4Z-r07cI_24mF0o6JFrQDAgCKgB/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80CdLEvlEPs/V9HSnjoC_DI/AAAAAAABOEE/Uk45PWRQZY4Z-r07cI_24mF0o6JFrQDAgCKgB/s640/IMG_2599.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The free lunch is alive and well in Manhattan, thanks to Nissan North America, one of the automotive companies that play host at meetings of the International Motor Press Association, described as the nation's oldest organization of automotive journalists and public relations professionals.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXMbL1qxlx8/V9HSnrnWMlI/AAAAAAABOEE/enPvP51m9pUm_FsS8McmI7W8Rcwl_rWLgCKgB/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXMbL1qxlx8/V9HSnrnWMlI/AAAAAAABOEE/enPvP51m9pUm_FsS8McmI7W8Rcwl_rWLgCKgB/s400/IMG_2602.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I enjoyed a plate full of salad, roasted vegetables, smoked salmon and tomatoes with bite-size mozzarella balls.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ux2_yCscXg4/V9HSntLjKuI/AAAAAAABOEE/eo5PWemHsjQHVkZgQ3SAaW0WWEKZe9-xACKgB/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ux2_yCscXg4/V9HSntLjKuI/AAAAAAABOEE/eo5PWemHsjQHVkZgQ3SAaW0WWEKZe9-xACKgB/s400/IMG_2604.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also was able to get two crisp-skin fillets of branzino instead of the same fish prepared in a butter-cream sauce for the buffet. I drank red wine and had fresh fruit for dessert.</span></b></td></tr>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-59015859002173870422016-09-05T11:40:00.000-07:002016-09-08T13:17:58.554-07:00315-mile range of new Tesla leaves plans of German luxury carmakers in shambles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQDMAUdFEkM/V82wf8CdIkI/AAAAAAABN6U/Tas2xoB-dsgCztPpOp-ZgBhj-tI3KxvGQCLcB/s1600/porsche-mission-e-8-e1469532721134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQDMAUdFEkM/V82wf8CdIkI/AAAAAAABN6U/Tas2xoB-dsgCztPpOp-ZgBhj-tI3KxvGQCLcB/s400/porsche-mission-e-8-e1469532721134.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>In this image from Elektrec.co, Porsche's Mission E all-electric concept with suicide rear doors bears a strong family resemblance to the German automaker's sports cars. </b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>When the Porsche Mission E -- the first all-electric car from the German automaker -- appears at the end of the decade, it will have less range than a Tesla you can buy today.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The story is the same at Audi and Mercedes-Benz, two more German carmakers who are loudly talking up their plans for purely electric luxury vehicles.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3sDrugvRQ34/V82z0C_XrZI/AAAAAAABN6g/9-xv05gnr9A7Zue866EJ7JbErUBn_ouhwCLcB/s1600/Tesla%2BModel%2BS%2BP100D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3sDrugvRQ34/V82z0C_XrZI/AAAAAAABN6g/9-xv05gnr9A7Zue866EJ7JbErUBn_ouhwCLcB/s400/Tesla%2BModel%2BS%2BP100D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tesla says its Model S P100D has a range of 315 miles on a full charge and accelerates from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">P100D</span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla Motors has unveiled the first all-electric car with a 100kWh battery, which is available in the Model S four-door hatchback and the seven-seat Model X SUV.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The California-built <a href="https://www.tesla.com/">Model S P100D</a> has an MSRP of $134,500, including a $1,200 destination charge, before a $7,500 federal tax credit.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In New Jersey, buyers don't have to pay the 7% sales tax, a savings of $9,415.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>You get performance all-wheel drive, 315 miles of range, a top speed of 155 mph, and 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ludicrous Speed Upgrade and Smart Air Suspension are included, according to the company website.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Mercedes-Benz</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>You can't escape those annoying Mercedes-Benz TV commercials for the cramped CLA and the AMG performance line of gas-guzzling sedans and sports cars.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What's especially galling is that the Mercedes B-Class, the automaker's lone electric car, uses a Tesla power train and gets only 87 miles of range on a full charge.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>"The best or nothing" -- a motto you hear repeated in Mercedes commercials -- turns out to be "nothing" when it comes to EVs that can challenge Tesla.</b></span></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-84747999899958644892016-08-22T11:08:00.000-07:002016-11-28T10:29:13.113-08:00With no humans or batteries, self-driving cars will hurt both economy, environment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>No. That isn't the biggest, roof-mounted boom box you've ever seen. That's an autonomous Ford Fusion with a human back-up driver Uber will use to pick up passengers in Pittsburgh. Once the self-driving car is perfected, Uber likely will fire tens of thousands of drivers. This photo is from The Associated Press.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>By VICTOR E. SASSON</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">GM, Ford, Volvo, Uber, Google and other companies are investing billions of dollars in the race to develop self-driving cars.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But I've seen little discussion of whether they will be gasoline powered, hybrids or all-electric.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Only an all-electric self-driving car makes sense, given climate change and the 53,000 deaths each year from auto emissions.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And when Uber perfects a self-driving car, you can bet the unemployment lines will swell with tens of thousands of drivers let go by the anti-labor, ride-hailing monstrosity.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Only Google has said its self-driving cars will be "mainly electric."</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>BMW, Nissan lag</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The media have been spending so much time reporting on the development of autonomous cars they've neglected to ask BMW and Nissan when they are going to market EVs with a range of at least 200 miles.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Only California-based Tesla Motors has achieved the magic combination of a minimum of 200 miles of range and free juice at the automaker's nationwide network of free Superchargers.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>That's why Tesla outsells other EVs, even those that cost half the price.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Model S and Model X SUV already have Autopilot and Autosteer for highway cruising, and the luxury four-door hatchbacks also park themselves and back out of your garage.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chevrolet is expected to start selling the Bolt late this year with an MSRP of $37,500 and a range of 200 miles on a full charge, but has refused to say whether free charging will be available to owners on road trips.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And the Bolt will take a full 9 hours to charge at home with a 240-volt outlet, compared to less than 7 hours for a Tesla.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Maybach 6 all-electric concept from Mercedes-Benz will have a range of only 200 miles on a full charge and an MSRP I'm guessing will easily top $200,000, if and when it is produced in four to five years. </span></b></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-37802280184389337912016-08-14T09:53:00.000-07:002016-08-14T14:43:37.945-07:00Automakers who can't compete with Tesla hone the art of blowing smoke at buyers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The BMW i8 has been called "jaw dropping," but if you're a woman, don't try getting in or out of the plug-in hybrid in a skirt. MSRP starts at $147,700.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>By VICTOR E. SASSON</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Olympics in Rio continue and so do all of those idiotic car ads.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>As BMW struggles to build a car that can match the speed or 200-mile-plus range of a Tesla Model S, the German automaker tries to deceive consumers into settling for second-best gas-electric hybrids.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The i8 with "scissor doors" is the most advanced BMW ever built, the company's TV ad boasts.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of course, it's also one of the noisiest. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A car that uses gasoline isn't advanced at all. You'll still be poisoning the environment with almost every mile you drive.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You also can buy gas-electric hybrid sedans and SUVs from BMW. Big deal.</span></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You want fancy-schmancy doors? Tesla's Model X has them and zero emissions, too. BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Porsche can't say that.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />Tesla lowers prices</span></u></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, Tesla now offers the purely electric Model S with a range of 210 miles from a 60kWh battery, starting at $66,000, a lower price than before.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Model X SUV, which has falcon rear doors, starts at $74,000 with the 60kWh battery, a range of 200 miles and all-wheel drive.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can buy his and her Teslas for the price of a single BMW i8.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And if you buy a Tesla, charging your car on the road is free for life, something no other automaker offers.</span></b><br />
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-51436850506031979082016-07-24T14:45:00.000-07:002016-07-29T12:17:57.928-07:00On an electric road trip to the Jersey shore to sample sea scallops and
salt water taffy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">ELECTRIC ROAD TRIP: A rare all-electric Tesla Roadster in the parking lot of the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, below, where the automaker hosted a reception on Friday afternoon to thank owners for their loyalty. Tesla sold about 2,450 Roadsters in more than 30 countries from 2008-12.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">JERSEY STYLE: Tesla Motors served shore specialties, including hero sandwiches with sausage and peppers, pizza and salt water taffy.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A MEETING ROOM WITH A VIEW: Tesla owners met with company employees to discuss the Model S and Model X, and any concerns, including Autopilot and Autosteer, two self-driving features.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">STOPPING FOR JUICE AND COFFEE: In the morning, I drove about 114 miles to have lunch in Barnegat Light, a fishing port on the Atlantic Ocean. O</span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">n the way back to Red Bank, I stopped to add range to my Tesla Model S at a free Supercharger in an outlet mall in Tinton Falls. Me and my wife had coffee while adding about 130 miles of range in about 30 minutes.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>IN FOCUS: This photo of the northbound Garden State Parkway was taken with an iPhone while my Model S was on Autopilot and Autosteer, below.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">SEA SCALLOPS: My box lunch of fried sea scallops, which were greaseless, at Viking Fresh Off the Hook, a seafood takeout shack in Barnegat Light, photos below.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">SCALLOPS REPLACE LOBSTERS: The takeout shack is part of historic Viking Village, which began as a lobster fishing co-op founded in the 1920s by Norwegians.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">SHORE TRAFFIC: An accident backed up traffic on Route 72 as we were heading for the bridge to Long Beach Island and Barnegat Light.</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>-- VICTOR E. SASSON</b></span></i></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-35981181287020585192016-07-10T15:03:00.000-07:002016-07-16T04:05:55.161-07:00Treating your Tesla to TLC in Montreal, then taking a straight shot
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">DEBUGGED: My 2015 Tesla Model S after a mini detailing at Auto Bella, a hand car wash in the garage under the Hyatt Regency hotel and the Complexe Desjardins mall in Montreal, below.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>MONTREAL -- Chinatown, Old Montreal and other attractions are an easy walk from my hotel, and the city has a great subway and bus system to cover longer distances.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, this year, as in the past, I parked my Tesla Model S in the garage under the Hyatt Regency, where I stayed for nine nights during the International Jazz Festival. </b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>That gave me a chance to have my car washed and waxed, and the interior deodorized at Auto Bella on level P3 of the parking garage (a mini detailing cost $65 Canadian or about $45.50 U.S., plus a gratuity).</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Though employees speak English, the menu of services is in French.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Auto Bella is open Mondays to Fridays (<a dir="ltr" href="tel:1-514-889-6225" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">1-514-889-6225</a>).</b></span><br>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">CHARGE IT: On July 4, we shopped at two Costco Wholesale warehouses in Montreal and then drove over to the Tesla dealer to charge my Model S for the trip home last Thursday, below.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>FRUIT SMOOTHIES AND MORE: You'll find a pleasant cafe called Java U across the street from Tesla Montreal, which is at 5350 Rue Ferrier (<a dir="ltr" href="tel:1-514-908-3827" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">1-514-908-3827</a>).</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>VIVE LA AMERICA: Traffic in Montreal was more horrendous than usual on July 4, when Americans are said to flood across the U.S.-Canadian border to visit the French-speaking city. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Driving home</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>On the way to Montreal, we detoured into Vermont to use the free Tesla Superchargers in South Burlington, where we had something to eat at <a href="http://shockingcarnews.blogspot.com/2016/06/using-supercharger-in-scenic-vermont.html">Healthy Living</a>, an independently owned organic and natural foods market.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>On the way home, we decided to try newly installed Superchargers in a Plattsburgh, N.Y., shopping center.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>This is travel in the slow lane:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>We spent about 1 hour and 15 minutes at each of the two stops to and from Montreal in order to get a full charge of about 200 miles.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>A related benefit is that Tesla Superchargers often are located near slow food, such as you'd find in Whole Foods, Healthy Living and Starbucks.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">PLATTSBURGH SUPERCHARGER: Eight Tesla Superchargers are behind the Target in the Champlain Centre mall in Plattsburgh, N.Y., photos below. For slow food, the only option is a Starbucks Cafe in the Target store. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">STORMY THURSDAY: The straight-shot drive to northern New Jersey from Montreal takes you through the scenic Adirondack Mountains in New York State. Last Thursday, we encountered thunderstorms, and saw an accident that ended with a new Honda sedan T-boned by a tractor-trailer.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">FIVE TESLAS: Our second stop on the way home was a shopping center in Colonie, N.Y., outside Albany.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">BIG DEAL ON WILD FISH: By the time I got to the Whole Foods Market in the Colonie Center mall late Thursday afternoon, the wild salmon at less than half the usual price had run out, and I was offered a rain check. In New Jersey on Friday, my wife found fresh wild sockeye fillets for $9.99 a pound at the Costco Wholesale in Teterboro.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">SLOW FOOD: I was tempted by these Sweet Potato Quinoa Cranberry Cakes on the Whole Foods salad bar ($8.99 a pound), but had a 16-ounce container of Vegetarian Pea Soup ($5.99) and coffee instead.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">GRASS-FED BEEF: My wife paid $11 for a grass-fed hamburger with a side of sweet potato fries at Whole Foods. </span></b></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-15384158433138777092016-06-29T16:18:00.000-07:002016-06-30T04:48:04.466-07:00Using Supercharger in scenic Vermont, Montreal is hop, skip and jump
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you own a Tesla Model S, live in New Jersey and are going to Montreal, one of the benefits of detouring to use a Supercharger in South Burlington, Vt., is driving over lightly traveled two-lane roads through farmland and small towns, with the state's Green Mountains in the distance.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Four Model S luxury hatchbacks stopped for big gulps of free juice on Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of Healthy Living Market in South Burlington, Vt.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">By</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>MONTREAL -- The opening of a Tesla Supercharger in Plattsburgh, N.Y., this month allows Model S owners in the New Jersey-New York metro area to reach Montreal in two relatively quick stops.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>That's two stops without a detour into Vermont, which boasts winding roads through farmland, and Superchargers in the parking lot of a natural foods market.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Our destination was Montreal's International Jazz Festival, which began today and runs through July 9.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>On Tuesday, we drove from northern New Jersey to a shopping center in Colonie, N.Y., where we charged our 2015 Tesla Model S 60 for free not far from a Whole Foods Market.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>We spent about 40 minutes there, enjoying a bowl of Whole Foods soup and a cup of coffee, and sandwiches we brought from home.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>We then set our navigation system for South Burlington, Vt., and the parking lot of Healthy Living, which like Whole Foods sells natural and organic food, and has a cafe offering prepared food, soup and coffee.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>After 40 minutes there, we had enough range to easily reach Montreal about 90 miles away.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The French-Canadian island city boasts the biggest Tesla dealer in North America.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Besides Superchargers, the dealer offers Tesla merchandise that apparently costs less because of the U.S. dollar's favorable exchange rate.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Last year, I enjoyed an espresso in the customer lounge while charging my Model S for the trip home. </b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Contrast all of this with travel on gasoline -- tearing into a highway service area, racing to the bathroom with a bursting bladder, downing crappy food and running back to the car to set another record for vacation travel.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>And traveling to Canada in our Toyota Prius two years ago meant having to stop before the border to fill our tank so we could avoid the high price of gas in Montreal.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>That final stop was in Plattsburgh, N.Y.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>On Tuesday afternoon, customers were lining up inside Healthy Living Market in South Burlington, Vt., for the privilege of buying Heady Topper Beer, described as an American Double India Pale Ale that gives you "wave after wave of hoppy goodness on your palate."</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Four pint cans of Heady Topper Beer were $12.99 plus tax.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>One of the prepared dishes available for $9.75 a pound was Duck & White Bean Cassoulet, front.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppNVAAF6CLA/V3McFGHuztI/AAAAAAABKu8/TpNVQLFxMgEHPsRFxf5C5c2JH2s0e2gOACKgB/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppNVAAF6CLA/V3McFGHuztI/AAAAAAABKu8/TpNVQLFxMgEHPsRFxf5C5c2JH2s0e2gOACKgB/s400/IMG_1771.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Healthy Living Market is at 222 Dorset St. in South Burlington, Vt.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SsC6Ezo-vo/V3RRoM1erTI/AAAAAAABKzU/fCGTV7FMbaQQ0Uw-_FBT8E7l2S_4OKG1QCKgB/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SsC6Ezo-vo/V3RRoM1erTI/AAAAAAABKzU/fCGTV7FMbaQQ0Uw-_FBT8E7l2S_4OKG1QCKgB/s400/IMG_1776.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Even a veteran of New Jersey and New York City congestion like me found late Tuesday afternoon rush-hour traffic in South Burlington, Vt., a trying experience, despite the politeness shown by other drivers and the absence of angry horn blowing.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">That's kilometers, not miles per hour, after we crossed the Canadian boarder.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Two lanes merging into one on a freeway near Montreal.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">No waiting for a Tesla Supercharger at the Colonie Center mall in Colonie, N.Y.</span></b></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-5337972553587087642016-06-25T11:21:00.002-07:002016-06-26T11:30:48.664-07:00What's old is new as Tesla Motors brings back the Model S 60 and cuts price, too<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The new version of Model S 60 has a revised nose and grille, and a longer range than the version that was replaced in April 2015 by the Model S 70.</span></b></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Editor's note: I've revised the ranges of the Model S with 60kWh, 75kWh and 90kWh batteries, having relied on conflicting information from the Tesla Motors website and in an email to owners.</i></b></span></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla Motors has brought back the Model S 60 at a lower price that includes free Supercharging, which was a $2,000 option in April 2015.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The base price of $66,000 is $3,900 less than the previous version.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The new base model comes standard with a 60kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, and has a range of 210 miles at 65 mph, compared to 208 miles for the original.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Upgrade to a 75kWh battery with a range of 249 miles for $8,000.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Model S four-door luxury hatchback also is available with all-wheel drive, as well as bigger 75 kWh and 90kWh batteries with a range of 249 miles and 294 miles, respectively.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The 70kWh and 85kWh batteries have been dropped.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The P90D, an all-wheel-drive performance version, has a range of 270 miles.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the Model S 60, Autopilot, Autosteer and Summon -- autonomous driving and parking functions -- are a $2,500 option with free over-the-air updates. </b></span><br />
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-37630192608001503822016-06-14T13:48:00.001-07:002016-06-14T15:09:36.193-07:00EV owners in N.J. would pay $150 more annually, if governor OKs higher
gas tax<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">How this for tortured reasoning? If New Jersey raises the gas tax about 23 cents a gallon to fund the state's transportation network, owners of the Tesla Model S, BMW i3, Nissan Leaf and other EVs would be hit for an extra $150 each year "to offset lost gas-tax revenue," according to news reports.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>New Jersey officials have been sending mixed messages to owners of all-electric cars.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>As an incentive, the state waives the 7% sales tax on EV purchases. That's a $5,600 savings on an $80,000 Tesla Model S 60.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And last year, Governor Christie signed a bill that allows Tesla to sell its revolutionary cars directly to consumers.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Now, Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature are trying to convince the governor to approve a higher gas tax to save the Transportation Trust Fund, which is expected to run out of money in about two weeks.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>As part of the deal, the legislative leaders have offered to phase out the state's estate tax in three years, and boost to $75,000 the amount a retiree may exclude from income taxes.</b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>$150 fee on EVs</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And EV owners would be required to pay $150 extra every time they renew their registrations "to offset lost gas-tax revenue," The Record of Woodland Park reports today.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>New Jersey car</b><b> owners are required to register annually.</b></span><br>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There are about 2,500 EVs among the 5.7 million registered vehicles in New Jersey -- far fewer than in New York State (12,000), Massachusetts (5,500) and even Connecticut (3,000).</span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The $150 penalty doesn't make sense, given how zero-emission EVs benefit the environment.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In unveiling the Model 3 on March 31, Tesla CEO Elon Musk noted record high carbon-dioxide levels, and said 53,000 people are killed every year by auto emissions.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, maybe the $150 fee should be levied on any car using gasoline -- not on EVs.</b></span><br>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-83755272758863204402016-06-04T09:47:00.001-07:002016-06-04T12:48:50.752-07:00Will all those Model 3 owners overwhelm Tesla's nationwide Supercharger
network?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Au0Mu8UeXXM/V1L9HbreTiI/AAAAAAABJ2c/NFWXXcdKfjA5OVXm64-u7E0uXJ8F__V-gCKgB/s1600/IMG_7660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Au0Mu8UeXXM/V1L9HbreTiI/AAAAAAABJ2c/NFWXXcdKfjA5OVXm64-u7E0uXJ8F__V-gCKgB/s640/IMG_7660.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've never had to wait to charge my Tesla Model S at one of the six Superchargers in a Hamilton, N.J., shopping center, above, but what will happen when thousands of Model 3s hit the road and compete for the same charging stations? </span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>On the day news broke that owners of the affordable Model 3 won't be gulping free juice at Tesla Superchargers, two Model S owners were speculating about the future.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Even if Tesla CEO Elon Musk doubles the number of Superchargers, as he promised at the unveiling of the Model 3, will there be room for owners of both models to charge without waiting?</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Model 3, which Tesla hopes to begin delivering in late 2017, is expected to have a $35,000 base price, compared to $75,000 for the Model S 70D, an all-wheel-drive, four-door luxury hatchback.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Model S and more expensive Model X SUV now include free use of the company's extensive Supercharging network.</b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>A $2,000 option</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Musk said on Thursday Tesla can't afford to include free charging at the $35,000 base price, but that owners could purchase an option or package.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In April 2015, when I took delivery of my Tesla Model S 60, Supercharging was a $2,000 option, and I gladly paid it.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>On Friday, at the Tesla showroom in Paramus, N.J., one Model S owner suggested the company could sell Model 3s with an adapter that would allow them to use only some -- but not all of -- the Superchargers at each shopping center or service area.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>That would leave other Superchargers exclusively for the smaller number of Model S owners.</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>When I've used free Superchargers at shopping centers in Hamilton Township, N.J., or outside Albany, N.Y., I've been able to add 100 miles of range in about 15 minutes.</b></span><br>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-7742319732033193522016-05-21T10:11:00.002-07:002016-06-03T14:34:46.330-07:00Driving a bland second-gen Chevy Volt, cramped Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The International Motor Press Association's annual cruise-and-schmooze shatters the silence of Bear Mountain State Park with performance cars such as this 485-horsepower Dodge Challenger with a Hemi V-8 engine and Shaker Hood.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The first-generation Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid bombed, selling only 100,000 units in five model years.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>On Thursday, I drove a second-generation Volt with a longer electric range than the original, and thought this is the car to buy while you're saving up for the ultimate EV, Tesla's Model S, or the upcoming Model 3.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Volt and a 2016 Toyota Prius were the only green cars available at the Spring Break event at Bear Mountain State Park in Harriman, N.Y.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Writers, publicists and other members of the International Motor Press Association got to drive about 70 new models over the winding roads of the park under the watchful eyes of police, who have been known to issue $450 speeding tickets. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>One of the most disappointing cars I drove was a Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class Coupe that was too small to accommodate four adults comfortably.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I thought this flashy but cramped car -- with an MSRP of around $58,000 -- would be faster, having been souped up by the German automaker's in-house speed shop, AMG.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>But when I hit the gas pedal, not much happened.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>One car I didn't get to drive is the 50th anniversary edition of the Ford Shelby Hertz GT350 "rent a racer."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>But a friend who rode shotgun with another writer said the highly modified V-8 powered Mustang was the most impressive of the day.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This breathtaking view includes the Hudson River in the distance.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The 2017 Chevrolet Volt is quiet and bland.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mazda's new Miata sports a grille with a shit-eating grin -- just like the one on the driver's face after he throws the sports car around on the park's winding two-lane roads.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The loud snap, crackle and pop of the dual exhausts on Jaguar's F-Type certainly entertain the driver, above and below, but probably annoy the hell out of bicyclists and other park users.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3q8UHbn5d5o/Vz5gOqJTbiI/AAAAAAABIm8/SFvPk3gyAUEkHje19gz4hGRYxmgTfAGVwCKgB/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3q8UHbn5d5o/Vz5gOqJTbiI/AAAAAAABIm8/SFvPk3gyAUEkHje19gz4hGRYxmgTfAGVwCKgB/s400/IMG_1324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">As someone who has owned four Toyota Priuses and now owns a Tesla Model S, I loved the opportunity to drive the new generation of the world's best-selling gas-electric hybrid. The 2016 Prius seems peppier and handles beautifully on two-lane roads. The interior was free of the squeaks and rattles that developed in our 2010 Prius.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The center console's wireless charging pad for cellphones is a terrific feature.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">For decades, Toyotas have been known for easy to see and use controls -- a marked contrast to the notoriously unfriendly interiors of more expensive models from Mercedes, BMW and other manufacturers.</span></b></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-72869189183028381612016-05-12T08:14:00.002-07:002016-05-14T07:02:32.490-07:00Tesla appeals to the next EV generation with battery powered Model S for Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Radio Flyer, the company that makes the Little Red Wagon, and Tesla are offering a battery powered Model S for kids.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla Motors is pinning its future on a smaller, more affordable EV -- the Model 3.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Now, with hundreds of thousands of Model 3 orders in hand, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is trying to persuade the younger set to adopt their parents' EV lifestyle.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla is collaborating with Radio Flyer on a Model S for Kids that allows them to choose the paint color, performance and accessories, and to personalize their EVs.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Model S for Kids starts at $499, and is intended for ages 3-8 (maximum weight of 81 pounds).</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The kids' Model S has a top speed of 6 mph, and the lithium-ion battery can be recharged in 3 hours. (It plugs in just like the big Model S.)</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Model S for Kids has a Frunk (trunk in front) like the real Model S.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOMeluNrRxQ/VzSZuT-QHYI/AAAAAAABIY8/-YqRvm0XViEy3-bmqhMSEcXv1P6H-nxxACLcB/s1600/Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOMeluNrRxQ/VzSZuT-QHYI/AAAAAAABIY8/-YqRvm0XViEy3-bmqhMSEcXv1P6H-nxxACLcB/s400/Lights.jpg" width="400" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Working headlights.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Sound system.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Mini-test drive track</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The children of Tesla owners are invited to experience Radio Flyer's eco friendly Model S at a mini-test drive track set up in the parking lot of Tesla Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, N.J., on May 21.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>See a video of the Model S for Kids on the Radio Flyer Web site:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://tesla.radioflyer.com/build.html">Pre-order Model S for Kids</a></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">May shipments are already sold out.</span></b><br />
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-28050388439373902412016-05-10T13:59:00.000-07:002016-05-10T13:59:08.389-07:00Revisions to the Tesla Model S include full LED headlamps, medical-grade air filter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tesla's Model S with a revised front bumper and grille on display at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey's biggest mall.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhvVxa0fW_4/Vy5CcsgCKzI/AAAAAAABIO4/-0I1V_9adjIkZbQ1WLlWHEOmnn69K1UogCLcB/s1600/Crouching%2Btiger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhvVxa0fW_4/Vy5CcsgCKzI/AAAAAAABIO4/-0I1V_9adjIkZbQ1WLlWHEOmnn69K1UogCLcB/s200/Crouching%2Btiger.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My 2015 Tesla Model S with the original grille, which is reminiscent of a 1950s Ferrari.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Changes to the front of Tesla's all-electric Model S are more than cosmetic.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla's Web site says Model S now features full LED adaptive headlamps and a medical-grade HEPA air-filtration system.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Fourteen three-position dynamic turning lights improve visibility at night, especially on winding roads."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The HEPA air-filtration system "removes [from cabin air] at least 99.97% of particulate exhaust pollution and effectively all allergens, bacteria and other contaminants."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said 53,000 people die every year from auto emissions.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>"The bioweapon defense mode creates positive pressure inside the cabin to protect occupants," according to Tesla Motors.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>And Model S now comes standard with Autopilot, Autosteer and Autopark.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The new "Summon" feature lets you call your car from your phone "so it comes and greets you at your front door in the morning." </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Features are enabled with software updates.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-15365907295021166212016-04-28T16:51:00.002-07:002016-04-30T05:41:58.026-07:00My savings with a 2015 Tesla Model S now top $11,000 in state and
federal taxes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My 2015 Model S 60 backing out of my garage on its own after I hit the "Summon" function on my smart phone's Tesla app.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>By VICTOR E. SASSON</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Let's clear the air on why just over a year ago I used $30,000 from my retirement fund to put down a deposit on the purchase of a Tesla Model S 60.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I didn't do it to save money on gas, for crying out loud; I owned Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrids for 11 years, and hardly noticed my spending on gas.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Yet, the media continue to report that sales of EVs and hybrids have been negatively affected by low gas prices.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>That's because they refuse to recognize there are consumers like me who want to slow climate change by driving hybrids, having solar panels installed on their homes and putting an all-electric car in their garages.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Of course, the media aren't in the least bit interested in making the world a better place.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>They're beholden to the oil companies, GM and other traditional automakers, and greedy auto dealers, who keep their publications or Web sites afloat by buying advertising -- lots of advertising to deceive consumers on just how harmful their products are.</b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In unveiling the Model 3, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said auto emissions kill 53,000 people a year, but any reporter who dared quote him risked being sacked. </b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>My Tesla Model S says good night, buenas noches and bonne nuit.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Plugged in for the night.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Tax savings</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>My purchase of a Tesla did take advantage of government green-car incentives, saving me more than $11,000 in state and federal taxes in the first year.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>My Model S 60, the base model at the time, cost about $81,000 with such options as a tech package that enabled software downloads of autonomous-driving functions.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Immediately, I saved $5,670, because I didn't have to pay the 7% New Jersey sales tax when I took delivery in mid-April 2015.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And this month, an accountant filed my federal tax return, and took more than $5,700 of the $7,500 federal tax credit that came with the car.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Although I'm retired, the $30,000 I put down on the Tesla and other withdrawals from my IRA were taxable, but the Tesla tax credit helped reduce my federal taxes to zero.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84FQy57hGx0/VyKewBTwVXI/AAAAAAABH5M/0MGOPDbdWqgj65XBGnjeFSZcuphMSfnQQCKgB/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84FQy57hGx0/VyKewBTwVXI/AAAAAAABH5M/0MGOPDbdWqgj65XBGnjeFSZcuphMSfnQQCKgB/s640/IMG_1135.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Why wait for Tesla's Model 3? If you buy my Tesla Model S 60, you will save $4,550 in New Jersey sales tax. I plan to lease my next Model S.</span></b></td></tr>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-29013265451522382992016-04-24T11:37:00.000-07:002016-05-03T09:26:32.693-07:00Environment isn't getting much of a break in a city where the good times still roll<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The oil industry dominates New Orleans, where a few concessions to the environment include</span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> small solar panels atop parking meters, above, and a growing network of electric streetcars, including this one on Canal Street, below.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CT7z8jxZt4/VxoCEDOJ1kI/AAAAAAABHok/9D6KlxzoIyoJPRGeXOovIEUCS36k_YgGQCKgB/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CT7z8jxZt4/VxoCEDOJ1kI/AAAAAAABHok/9D6KlxzoIyoJPRGeXOovIEUCS36k_YgGQCKgB/s640/IMG_0713.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>By VICTOR E. SASSON</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>NEW ORLEANS -- On a six-day visit to the Big Easy, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Downtown streets were filled with an unusually large number of big SUVs and pickup trucks, and only a small number of gas-electric hybrids.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I rode plenty of electric streetcars, but saw not a single all-electric car from Tesla, Nissan, BMW or other manufacturer.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And solar panels seemed more common on parking meters than on buildings and homes.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUx1bSSOxmA/Vxv4_MD0p3I/AAAAAAABHr4/NLw9AhNnitwQxRPa6ooGQNHoVfuKemlIACKgB/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUx1bSSOxmA/Vxv4_MD0p3I/AAAAAAABHr4/NLw9AhNnitwQxRPa6ooGQNHoVfuKemlIACKgB/s400/IMG_0947.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>In the city's Garden District, I saw a rare Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid in a neighborhood filled with SUVs.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oil, music and fish</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>A visitor soon learns how important the petroleum industry is to New Orleans and Louisiana, despite the Deepwater Horizon spill six years ago that nearly destroyed the fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Oil companies are the major sponsors of two major music and food festivals in April -- the French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which began Friday.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Louisiana is the primary source of the nation's crude oil, and the second-largest refiner of petroleum for gasoline and plastic, according to the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corp.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Meanwhile, the Louisiana fishing industry has bounced back, "accounting for 26 percent of all seafood landed in the country, and 40 percent of all seafood consumed by Americans each year," the city's marketing group says. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Tesla New Orleans</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla Motors has promised a service center in New Orleans beginning in 2014, but Model S owners are still waiting.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>A friend who lives in the city says he has seen a few Teslas.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The company Web site lists a New Orleans service center as "coming soon."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tesla has installed free Superchargers and destination chargers across Louisiana for Tesla owners.</b></span></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-51780469006370573122016-04-23T09:40:00.001-07:002016-04-23T09:43:34.255-07:00SNL unveils 'Double AA Class' Mercedes, lampooning lame efforts to catch Tesla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Saturday Night Live demonstrating how the all-electric Mercedes-Benz Double AA Class luxury sedan can dump all of its 9,648 batteries at once.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The TV skit last Saturday night may have been aimed at the German automaker's pathetic efforts to catch the all-electric Tesla Model S, which this year outsold Mercedes' big gas-guzzler, the S-Class luxury sedan.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By VICTOR E. SASSON</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>EDITOR</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Batteries not included."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>That was the final punch line in a Saturday Night Live send-up of Mercedes-Benz -- the German automaker that has spent more time churning out annoying TV commercials than developing an all-electric Tesla fighter.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Host Julia Louis-Dreyfus unveiled the Mercedes Double AA Class luxury sedan.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>"No more plugs, no more charging stations, just 9,648 Double AA batteries," she said on SNL's show last Saturday night.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Top speed: 52 mph.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Click here to see the entire video:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/new-mercedes/3021121">Batteries not included</a></b></span><br />
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8168980612842741351.post-7157149721796618302016-04-13T06:36:00.000-07:002016-04-13T15:14:38.720-07:00Tesla freshens front of Model S hatchback so it looks more like Model X and Model 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>A Tesla Model S with a freshened front bumper and grille, giving it a family resemblance to the new Model X. The image appears on <a href="https://www.teslamotors.com/models">Tesla.com</a>, the company Web site.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b06yFcJo9wE/Vw5Hc-Wrb9I/AAAAAAABHKs/3TA7M8coodoJPapZiHNhbk53jiOlsBpww/s1600/Crouching%2Btiger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b06yFcJo9wE/Vw5Hc-Wrb9I/AAAAAAABHKs/3TA7M8coodoJPapZiHNhbk53jiOlsBpww/s200/Crouching%2Btiger.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The front bumper and oval grille on a 2015 Model S.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Model X is billed as the safest SUV on the road.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiling his $35,000 Model 3 on March 31 in California. This smaller Tesla could use the same slit grille as Model X and the freshened Model S.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>-- VICTOR E. SASSON</i></b></span></div>
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Victor E. Sassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07920237909721053423noreply@blogger.com0