Honk if you’re social.

I can’t think of any activity less social than driving – except maybe sleeping. I mean, you sit behind a wheel and other drivers sit behind their wheels in different cars. You can’t communicate unless you do so by hand signals and blinking lights. Unless you know their cell phone numbers.

And unless you have passengers in the car with you, you’re all alone. So much for being social.

But social media automobile website Honk has figured out a way to make car buying more social. The website recently underwent a maintenance check and enhanced some of its features.

(Source) The site’s new Dashboard now is meant to give potential buyers a central location to manage their entire vehicle-shopping process from discovery to purchase. As users identify their needs and track opinions on their Dashboard, Honk’s recommendation engine can sift through more than 300 vehicles and offer suggestions. These recommendations are based on personal lifestyle, tastes and needs plus reviews from like-minded users.

When you go to buy a car, don’t you ask your friends for recommendations, check auto reviews and test drive a few models to see what you like? That’s what Honk is designed to help you do more efficiently.

If making a decision on what to drive has you torqued and low on tread then maybe it’s time to make the decision-making process more social. Drive by Honk for a peak under the hood. And if you’re like me, you’ll wonder why they call their discussion features “streams” instead of “access lanes.”

Speaking of social, why not meet us on Facebook where we share the better topics from this blog about advertising, energy, technology, and more?

Tesla Motors has become a respectable name in eco-friendly vehicles, particularly the all-electric variety. Toyota not so much. Which makes this deal a rather unique one, and a rewarding one for both parties.

Toyota has had a respectable brand name since coming to U.S. shores in 1957. Its reputation really preceded it. By the mid-1960s, Toyota had entrenched its reputation as a great car manufacturer in the United States. While Toyota doesn’t exactly have the sales to prove its commitment to eco-friendly driving, it is recognized as the manufacturer of the most fuel efficient gasoline vehicle on the road – the Prius. But that’s just one vehicle.

Toyota’s success with the Prius coupled with its financial power and Tesla Motors’ commitment to alternative energy in automotive manufacturing make their partnership a very powerful one. The two companies made their finalization announcement last week.

The vehicle the two companies will partner on as a first effort is an electric version of the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 is a Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive, a compact SUV that really set the market for compact SUVs. Toyota is known for its innovations and that’s why partnering with Tesla Motors to make the RAV4 an all-electric vehicle makes sense.

The RAV4 is expected to hit the streets in 2012. It will feature a Tesla electric drivetrain inside the RAV4 body and integrated with other key components of Toyota manufacturing. The only question that seems to be unanswered regarding the all-electric RAV4 and Toyota’s marriage to Tesla Motors is “Is the market ready for it?” I’m banking that, by 2012, it will be.

Learn more about the 2010 Toyota Prius. Get the latest information on the Tesla Roadster by Tesla Motors.

Hybrid vehicles have been all the rage for some years now. OK, maybe not “all the rage”. But you can’t argue that there has been a (limited) market for them. A market nonetheless. Here’s the question: Will electric cars surpass the enthusiasm for hybrids?

To be true, that won’t be difficult. Hybrids have not really caught on with the mass market. But Tesla is banking on sports car enthusiasts to get excited about all-electric vehicles. Hence, the new website.

OK, so what’s so exciting about a website? For that matter, what’s so exciting about a sports car?

Good questions. Both of them. The Tesla Roadster looks like a sports car. There’s no doubt about it. And from what I’ve seen of the reviews, it drives like one too. But there’s just one niggling problem. You have to plug it in. That’s what you do with electric cars.

The Tesla website covers in pretty good detail the benefits of electric-powered vehicles, including what you need to keep your Roadster charged.

The Tesla Roadster isn’t the only all-electric vehicle on the market, but it is gaining some momentum from the initial excitement in the marketplace. Now, can the all-electric car movement gain the same momentum and become as mainstream as, say, Ford or Chevy?

From natural gas to hybrid cars to all-electric vehicles, or EVs, U.S. automakers have tried every way possible to create a vehicle that runs on alternative energy. Now may be the best time in history to actually get these vehicles up and running. Or get the drivers up and running – to the local ell-electric dealer.

There are, in fact, more automakers (and not all are U.S.-based) willing to offer vehicles powered by alternative energy than ever before, and it seems that the energy that they may settle on is all-electric. Or is this just false hope?

Here’s a list of some of the manufacturers who have rolled out all-electric vehicles in just the past couple of years:

• General Motors – The 2011 Chevy Volt comes with an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
• Liberty – The manufacturer got its start in 2007, but introduced the all-electric Range Rover SUV in 2010. However, they’ve improved on it in 2011.
• Mitsubishi - The i-MiEV isn’t the most attractive vehicle on the road, but it is one of the less expensive all-electric vehicle options.
• Tesla – You just have to see the Tesla Roadster. You’d be surprised it’s all electric.
• Toyota – Toyota has not done well selling its hybrids so it has partnered up with Tesla to produce all-electric vehicles. None have hit the market yet, but the company plans to introduce all-electric vehicles outside its Tesla partnership in 2012.
• Nissan – Nissan got in on the all-electric market early with the LEAF.
• Smart – You know those funny-looking European cars? They now have a scooter equivalent that will be powered by all-electric energy.
• Citroen – The French automaker has its own sports car powered electrically.
• Luxgen – Even Taiwan automaker Luxgen is going electric with the Luxgen 7 all-electric MPV.
• Volkswagen - Look for it in 2013.
• Th!nk – A Norwegian company with an American division. Think Ox will hit the streets soon.
• Electric City Motors - Manufactures the all-electric vehicle the Current.
• Chrysler – Chrysler created an entire division for all-electric production: ENVI.

With so many traditional automakers introducing all-electric vehicles, you’d think this was a big market to tap. The current political and social landscape in the U.S. makes me think it is. Al Gore preached about the evils of the internal combustion engine and he was laughed off the planet, but now it seems that all the auto manufacturers that are worth a darn are singing his praises. Maybe not literally, but figuratively in the act of rolling out their all-electric creations.

General Electric has manufactured a charger for the vehicles. Nissan and Chevrolet are fighting over a passing gear. And Nissan offers further encouragement by offering to plant a tree on your behalf.

Clearly fuel and energy alternatives are here and making their footprint. Like the days of Cable vs. DSL, the alternatives are battling things out for a shot at mainstream.

American drivers may not be quite ready to commit to alternative energy automobiles such as 100% electric and hybrids.

(Source) When it comes to improving fuel economy, consumers are more likely to be interested in technologies that help the gas-powered engines become more fuel-efficient — which typically costs less initially — than they are in alternative-fuel engines, which are typically more expensive, according to Harris Interactive.

Consumers are practical on one level, fickle on another. Concerns over ongoing maintenance of newer vehicles with disparate technologies make sense as does the concern that alternative fueling points are not widely available. To some extent, concern over retail price of new vehicles carrying alternative fuel technology is somewhat practical, but it lacks the foresight of measuring ongoing fuel costs against each other.

It seems that hybrid vehicles should be more popular than 100% electric, but that’s not so.

Further down the spectrum of consumer interest are the fuel-efficient engines that are “newer, more costly, and/or fully developed,” like fuel-cell engines, hybrid-electric engines and plug-in engines.

This is where the fickle part comes in. Hybrid vehicles are at least partly fueled by gasoline so some of the concerns that consumers have are not as big a problem with hybrids as with 100% electric vehicles.

I agree with David Pulaski.

“To raise mass market appeal automakers and government agencies must educate consumers on the benefits they offer, while reducing infrastructure issues,” he added. “Education must not only address what is being done, but connect with the emotional elements of the concerns.

Unless consumers are educated on the benefits of alternative fuel technology and its benefits, we will never get past gasoline fueled drives, the status quo and fear of change. But it is not just government’s and automakers’ responsibility to provide that education. Mass media and public schools also need to provide that education so that future generations of drivers are more aware of the eco-realities of driving gasoline-powered vehicles.

The BP oil spill, rising gasoline prices in recent years and global terrorism are causing American political leaders to seek out alternative sources of energy and to create a more energy independent nation. One of the potential sources of alternative energy for automobiles seems to be natural gas. In fact, GM will roll out two vehicles for 2011 powered by natural gas.

The question is, is that a good bet?

Consumers don’t seem to be all that interested in all electric or hybrid cars. Maybe they’ll be interested in natural gas. The problem is, there aren’t that many fueling centers for natural gas. Here’s the dilemma:

“It’s a chicken-and-egg thing,” Hill explained. “If there were a lot of delivery points, [automakers] would make the vehicles. And fuel providers say that if there were more vehicles, they would provide the fuel. You probably needed some sort of government intervention to subsidize more fuel stations.”

Perhaps GM is testing the market. If the automaker can create a demand for natural gas vehicles then perhaps more service stations will begin offering natural gas filling centers. Then, if more service stations begin providing natural gas more automakers will start making these vehicles to fill the demand. Or, maybe it’s all just a pipe dream.

But you do have to hand it to GM for making the move. For decades, automakers have been fixated on body style design and technological innovations. This is a welcome change.

There are two ways to pump up demand for natural gas vehicles and cars powered by other alternative energy sources. One is a free market solution and the other involves government grants, or investments.

1. The free market solution so far has not worked too well. Automakers have been building eco-friendly vehicles for years. Drivers just haven’t been interested in them. One reason is because they are so expensive coming off the floor. But new technologies generally are more expensive until they are widely accepted. Maybe we just haven’t reached the point in the marketplace where consumers are willing to make the commitment.
2. Government subsidies could open the floodgates to alternative energy. Grants for service stations to add natural gas pumps might create more demand for the vehicles. Or perhaps the federal government could subsidize the building of the vehicles and offer incentives to consumers to purchase and drive natural gas vehicles, which would spark the demand for more fuel.

Whether you are a proponent of supply-side solutions or demand-side injections, one thing is clear: If natural gas is to be the sexy solution that GM is banking on it being then something has to give. The endless tug of war between supply and demand will need to break.

Click here for more great reads on the use of alternative energies in the automotive industry.

GM has announced that Texas is one of six states that will initially receive the 2011 Chevrolet Volt from the floor out into the street. Other markets to be the recipients of the rollout include New York, California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

From Insideline:

“The retail launch in Texas and New York will begin with Austin and New York City in late 2010,” the automaker said in a statement. “The balance of Texas and New York, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut, are scheduled to begin receiving Volts in early 2011.”

This is an interesting way to roll out a new hybrid vehicle to the market. Texas and New York could not be any more diverse. However, New York City and Austin are more alike than some people might give the cities credit for.

No, Austin doesn’t have a subway system – yet. But both cities are state capitals of their respective states. And they are both rooted in culture. New York City has long been a publishing hub and home to a diverse range of artists who have made their homes in such stalwart neighborhoods as SoHo and Greenwich Village. Austin has a thriving music scene.

Another similarity is that both cities are prominent in two of the largest and most populous states in the nation, a fact that no doubt might have had something to do with GMs decision to make them the initial targets of the Chevy Volt rollout.

In addition, the company said it plans to build 10,000 Volts next year and 30,000 in 2012.

Three things to note here: The 2011 Chevy Volt is expected to hit the streets in Austin and New York City later this year – 2010. Then, residents of both states will see the new hybrid vehicle by the end of 2011. Finally, the U.S. rollout will come in 2012.

It looks like GM is getting agressive and when talking about green vehicles like the Chevy volt, that’s a good thing.

Many consumers and some politicians have been calling for greener energy and independence for decades. A part of the overall green picture in the U.S. involves vehicle emissions. Some states have placed stringent testing on vehicles in an effort to curb emissions. But little has been done to change the way vehicles are made in the U.S. – until now.

Nissan is leading the way with its Nissan LEAF, a vehicle based on electric power and zero emissions.

“Nissan is committed to affordable, sustainable mobility. What we’re doing here will radically transform the automotive experience for consumers. Today is a major step in helping create a green economy in the United States,” said Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Mr. Ghosn continued:

“Production of Nissan LEAF and lithium-ion batteries in Smyrna brings the United States closer to its goal of energy independence, creates green jobs and helps sustain American manufacturing. Nissan is a leader in global manufacturing innovation, and this state-of-the-art battery plant will strengthen that leadership.”

LEAF is an acronym that stands for Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car. It is a huge step forward in the green movement with a 100% electric vehicle that is affordable and is good for the environment.

Production for the vehicle is to begin in 2012.

Prior to production of the LEAF by Nissan, the plant will begin producing lithium-ion batteries, another technological product that is good for the environment and that will enthuse green advocates. The Nissan plant is expected to provide a good number of jobs and help improve the economy as well.

If you’re thinking about a new car, start thinking about the new green cars. In the next few years, just about every major car manufacturer on the planet is looking at introducing production models of new green cars of one kind or another. The result will be a cleaner world, as well as a lot of benefits to drivers in terms of efficiency and cost. New car loans will become everyone’s viable option thanks to better prices, and paying to be on the road will be less of a pain to the hip pocket.

The new car concepts

The whole idea of the car is being rethought in depth. Technology, computer assisted design and better production values are creating whole new species of cars. From long distance travelers to foldaway shopping cars, new cars are being redesigned and purpose built. Thanks to massive improvements in performance, green cars are now real working propositions.

Electric cars

The electric car has been a sort of ideological wish of many environmentalists for years. The problems were performance and cost. The performance problem was dictated by power/weight ratios, short ranges and basically conventional designs. Those problems are now history, courtesy of some major improvements in efficiency and better design. A basic electric car can now hit 100kmh, and travel for about 100km without needing a recharge.

An Australian university has invented a new approach to charging, which is basically a redesigned fan belt, to provide ongoing charging for the batteries. Electric cars are definitely going to be on the roads in the coming decade, as much for their easy operational requirements as for their green credentials.

Hydrogen fuel cells

The hydrogen fuel cell has been the topic of intense debate, misinformed, informed, and otherwise, including hoaxes. The main efficiency problems with hydrogen are that it requires its own technology and distribution, and that the amounts of hydrogen required also require large tanks.

Hydrogen fuel cells aren’t yet in the ready to go stage for mass consumption, but many major car manufacturers have flagged hydrogen fuel cell electric cars for the middle of the coming decade.

Plug-in hybrid cars

A combination of electric power and gasoline is one of the more widely predicted green vehicles, reducing emissions while keeping the petrol option. This isn’t the preferred green solution, but it’s a lot greener than the petrol-guzzlers, and the driving economics make good sense.

Natural gas

The natural gas option was invented, adopted, and undersold. Its carbon footprint, however, makes it a better bet than petrol by a long way. Its emissions are mainly carbon dioxide and water, and there are plenty of sources, renewable and fossil. Natural gas is CH4, and is used as a source of hydrogen in hydrogen filling stations. It’s also a known technology, and much easier for manufacturers to use as a working option than exotic technology requiring massive retooling.

One of these alternatives is going to put the old gas guzzlers in museums. Check out your options, because whatever green cars come on the market, driving is going to be a lot cleaner and greener very soon.

Ever get that itch to do something good for the earth? Well, here’s your chance to help the environment and have a tree planted just for you. All you have to do is LIKE the 2011 Nissan Leaf on Facebook.

That’s right. By visiting the AutoNation Facebook page and joining the page by pressing the LIKE button, Nissan will plant a tree on your behalf in one of four locations. Fans can have a tree planted in India, Haiti, Brazil or the Philippines. Inspired by the launch of the 2011 Nissan Leaf the promotion is a collaboration between AutoNation and non-profit organization Trees For The Future. AutoNation has committed to planting up to 50,000 trees.

So you might say, “What’s not to like about the 2011 Nissan Leaf?” Or, what is to like? We’ll let you be the judge. But here are some reasons we like it:

• It’s all electric
• Zero emissions
• Green, green, and green
• Made in the USA
• Inexpensive and affordable
• Environmentally friendly

The 2011 Nissan Leaf should make environmentalists happy with its zero emissions and 100% electric features.

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