A step in the right direction for the UK?

In the early portions of World War II,  the U.S. government instituted whats now known as the Manhattan Project to combat the increasing threat of nuclear fission in the hands of Adolf Hitler.  So the question remains, how dire is our need to eliminate our dependence on foreign oils, and is it as crucial as the Manhattan Project? Some would argue, climate change is more dangerous than the threat of one crazed lunatic.

As the cost of oil and its impact on the environment and global economics becomes more evident and mainstream, we have watched private development and government initiatives come to light, and sometimes at the same time. So is this case with the “Low Carbon Vehicle Integrated Delivery Programme“, managed by The Technology Strategy Board as a 5 year program.  Funding begins in April of 2009, and will cover a variety of areas, including university based research and trialing and development options for low carbon vehicles.   As we watch countries like the U.K. invest over £100 Million in collaboration with private businesses, in what seems to be a near immediate source of funding, we can only hope that our U.S. government would at least MATCH the action the Brits have taken.

So (a little competition never hurt anyone) if we used the GDP as a guideline (the U.S. had a $13 trillion GDP in 2006, while UK was $1.93 Trillion), that would mean with a near 7:1 ratio, the U.S. should have… ohhh around $700 million dollars immediately available for research in lowering carbon emissions in the U.S, starting in APRIL. [click to continue…]

Toyota iQ coming to the UK in January

The highly anticipated Toyota iQ is coming to the UK in January, and for a price of only a mere £9,495 it can be yours.  If you haven’t put your name on the list yet, you may not be able to.  Rumor has it, the list is long and it could take Toyota some time to fill these orders.  Maybe its because the iQ boasts a solid 65.7 mpg, and is loaded with many standard safety and luxury features that you would not expect for such a bargain.

The iQ comes in two different trims, the iQ for the price listed above, and the iQ2 with a multidrive CVT transmission.  Each iQ comes with 15-inch alloy rims, heated electrically adjustable mirrors, air conditioning and a six speaker audio system with an auxillary socket.  The iQ2 will be fitted with high-gloss alloys, front fog lamps, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers.  Oh, did we mention it had a smart entry and start system WITH climate control?  Like I said earlier, its equipped with many standard safety features like ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control. Nine airbags, including a rear window airbag (really.)

If you order before March 1st, 2009 it will come with a free metallic paint upgrade.

Other options include £700 leather seats and £950 for satellite navigation.   It’s too bad we may not see the iQ in the U.S. for sometime.