Not much is known about this option yet to say whether or not it’s going to be worth the investment, but I would say this may be an option where third-party options provide a better return on investment. (Though other enthusiasts have been calling that a negligible return.)

My favorite thing about technology is how one idea can lead to another … then another, then another. Solar power on the roof may not provide major benefits today, but by investing in it, are we encouraging advancements for tomorrow?

Post from: EveryJoe

Solar Power for the Prius

The 65-page report released by the National Labor Committee dishes out such allegations as taking passports of guest workers, forcing them to live  in cramped, over-priced company-owned apartments, working them 16 hr days, 7 days a week for less than half the minimum wage and no overtime pay … and deporting people who complained.

While much of the supposed abuse is committed by support companies, Toyota is under fire for hiring temp workers they pay less and refuse benefits, then putting them on the longest shifts and in the most dangerous working conditions. Regular employees are forced to work “volunteer” overtime (read: unpaid) … courts have ruled that Toyota has worked several employees “to death.”

Toyota is also coming under fire for the arms of their business operating in other countries. In the Philippines, the report claims once given the legal right to form a union, Toyota fired over 200 people who’d taken union positions and suspended over 60 employees who’d attended the meetings. The government has been unable to force the company to comply with workers’ rights. In Japan, the unions – according to employees interviewed by the NLC – exist solely to protect the company’s interests.

It does appear Toyota willfully and purposefully robs workers of their human rights, but you should read and decide for yourself.

Toyota is also linked to business in Burma, something it declared it would not be involved in way back in 2001. You can read more details on that situation – and Toyota’s response to the claims – at Trillium Asset Management.

How will this information affect the company? If it’s true, and if Toyota refuses to treat their workers with the respect they deserve, I believe it could be devastating for the company. Would you buy today, knowing about these things?

More will come on this topic, I’m sure.

Source: NLCNET.ORG
[Image: Newscom]

Post from: EveryJoe

Toyota’s Human Rights Violations

Where can you get a hybrid today … right now?

Short-term Lease/ Lease Transfers

Swap-a-Lease has just SIX hybrids available today. Right now. Payments range from $319 a month for an ‘07 Prius to $621 a month for an ‘07 Camry. Leasetrader also has a number of green vehicles available.

When you go through a lease trading company, you don’t have to pay a down payment so initially it can be cheaper. Just like anything though, pay attention to the rules of the leasing company. Do your due diligence and make sure you get a 3rd party inspection so you aren’t hit with any “excessive wear and tear” charges later.

Remember, too, that LeaseCompare.com can help you finance several different models.

Online Auctions

eBay has a number of hybrids listed, but if you go this route, pay particular attention to someone’s seller history! Hybrids are in high demand right now, and online auctions are rife with fraud, so I’m not sure I would be comfortable going this route right now unless a seller had great reviews And was comfortable giving me referrals.

Used Lots

One of our friends bought a used ‘99 Prius a few months ago, and about a week later he was having major problems. Be wary that used hybrids are just like any other car and can have problems. Have them thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic who knows hybrids. Our friend was stuck driving a loaner for months until he could afford to get repairs done.

The rise in gas prices may be pushing people toward hybrid alternatives but these aren’t the only cars that can get good gas mileage. If you find yourself without a car, or the time to wait/search for the model you would love to have, look to my Most Efficient & Most Affordable Non-hybrid Autos.

[Image: Toyota]

Post from: EveryJoe

Where can I buy or lease a Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, etc?

If you’re interested in the game, you might also be interested in these posts around b5media:

Playgirlz gives us a better glimpse at the GTA IV world map … with a little help from Google

At PS Monger it’s GTA 4 vs GTA fans

Cellphone9’s letting gamers in on some cellphone codes you can enter In the Game (how detailed is that? almost creepy, right?) with GTAIV Cellphone Number Cheats

Post from: EveryJoe

Prius in Grand Theft Auto IV

Guess it’s back to the solar paneling (which seriously, is just as cool).

Post from: EveryJoe

Prius sunroof UPDATE

For more information on cost, availability, and other companies performing plug-in conversions, read here

Post from: EveryJoe

Double Your Prius Mileage with BREEZ

A big Thanks! to velvet for pointing out the error.

Post from: EveryJoe

NO Prius for Green Home :<

China represents the 2nd largest auto interest in the world, and with the introduction of the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Buick Lacrosse Eco-Hybrid, major automakers are making a move to take advantage of China’s new environmental trends. In fact, Toyota began producing the Prius there, partnering with China FAW Group Corp. while GM’s move into the Chinese market represents an even bigger push.

In a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. – Shanghai GM – the companies have put into action a program they call “Drive to Green.” Beginning in mid-2008, Shanghai GM will begin releasing a slew of environmentally friendly automobiles into the Chinese market, including the new Buick Lacross Eco-Hybrid, and a line of fuel cell vehicles starting in 2010. The company plans to cut overall fuel consumption by 10% across the board.

Sources:
Marketwatch
Reuters
Shanghai Daily

Post from: EveryJoe

Hybrids Clearing new Paths in China: GM’s Buick LaCross, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius Hybrids

“It is a huge slap in the face, calculated I believe, just to demonstrate their complete disregard for the domestic auto industry,” said Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich.

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., called it a “slap in the face of every American auto worker.”…

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., they argued, could have provided the same symbolism by sending the bill Wednesday in a U.S.-built hybrid made by Ford Motor Co. or General Motors Corp. )

Give me a break! The bill calls for increased mileage average of 35 mpg by 2020. What Ford or GM hybrid is currently getting 35 mpg?? That’s what I thought.

Critics of the Congress members say they are trying to draw attention away from the energy bill, but it seems all they’ve done is draw attention to the short-coming of Ford and GM.

It’s one thing to applaud a company for cutting back on damaged wreaked by large SUVs. It’s another to applaud and support the move to substantially eco-friendlier vehicles. Both Ford and GM have the means for designing those kinds of cars. GM is on track, but Ford’s dip into the hybrid market caps out at 31 mpg.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mr. Prius Goes to Washington

Prius in Spectra Blue Mica -
with a redesigned Prius hitting markets next year, consumers may save a bundle by waiting to purchase 2008s until then.

Top Five Family Sedans for 2007 & 2008

There’s a little more variation between 2007 and 2008 family sedans. We see the addition of a new hybrid (the Malibu, now in limited availability) and better mileage by the Kia Spectra.

2007 Models

Toyota Prius
4 cylinder, 1.5 L engine, Automatic
48 mpg city/ 45 mpg hwy

Nissan Altima Hybrid
4 cylinder, 2.5 L engine, Automatic
35 mpg city/ 33 mpg hwy

Toyota Camry Hybrid
4 cylinder, 2.4 L engine, Automatic
33 mpg city/ 34 mpg hwy

Hyundai Elantra
4 cylinder, 2 L engine, Automatic 4-speed
25 mpg city/ 33 mpg hwy

Honda Accord Hybrid**
6 cylinder, 3 L engine, Automatic 5-speed
24 mpg city/ 32 mpg hwy

Saturn Aura Hybrid**
4 cylinder, 2.4 L engine, Automatic 4-speed
24 mpg city/ 32 mpg hwy

2008 Models

Toyota Prius
4 cylinder, 1.5 L engine, Automatic
48 mpg city/ 45 mpg hwy

Nissan Altima Hybrid
4 cylinder, 2.5 L engine, Automatic
35 mpg city/ 33 mpg hwy

Toyota Camry Hybrid
4 cylinder, 2.4 L engine, Automatic
33 mpg city/ 34 mpg hwy

Hyundai Elantra
4 cylinder, 2 L engine, Automatic 4-speed
25 mpg city/ 33 mpg hwy

Chevy Malibu Hybrid**
4 cylinder, 2 L engine, Automatic 4-speed
24 mpg city/ 32 mpg hwy

Kia Spectra**
4 cylinder, 2 L engine, Automatic 4-speed
24 mpg city/ 32 mpg hwy

Saturn Aura Hybrid**
4 cylinder, 2.4 L engine, Automatic 4-speed
24 mpg city/ 32 mpg hwy

* All figures taken from FuelEconomy.gov and focus on models with automatic transmissions, although sometimes, manuals can get better gas mileage

** Share gas mileage statistics

Post from: EveryJoe

Best Family Sedans for 2007 & 2008: Prius, Altima & Camry hybrids, Elantra