This Automotive Podcast is Getting Slightly Better MPG (Musings Per Gigabit)

We're feeling green, not because of summer, but because that's what car buyers are into these days.

One green car that is really catching on, perhaps more than Nissan is ready for, is the electric Leaf.

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Green is going up

If they can't get a Leaf, drivers might want to try a Ford hybrid or electric, because they are getting software and other updates to improve fuel economy.

Even those looking at regular power cars will find that fuel economy is slightly higher across the U.S. new-car fleet.

Even still, diesels are a better deal in almost every case, in terms of the total cost of ownership.

But, hydrogen and fuel cells may be the best deal for the long term, according to Hyundai.

This Automotive Podcast Registers With Brand Loyal Drivers

Loyalty is a quality that auto makers love because it makes it easier and cheaper to sell you a car. But what do they do to inspire loyalty.

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But when it comes to that initial purchase fuel economy is number one consideration for shoppers, followed closely by styling

Dodge is having a surprisingly hard time selling the new Dart, but a clever new purchasing registry might help drive some demand.

Don't you want me?

Perhaps the Dart will become a classic and end up getting sold at auction to a collector.

Auto racing has lost some momentum in recent years and now IndyCar and Nascar are taking steps to make the racing better and more watchable on television.

Two disturbing trends for U.S. drivers: More cars were recalled last year than we sold new and fatter people are more likely to be injured or die in a car crash.

Finally, Peugeot has developed a hybrid gasoline-air drivetrain that we don't understand.

It's Time to Get High And Rank Automotive Podcasts for the End of the Year

We're driving toward the end of the year and that means it's time for the best of lists. One of my favorite's is the Car and Driver Top 10 list, and that is even more true this year because the car I bought -- the VW GTI -- is on the list. The Car Connection named it's best buy of the year and the nominees for North American Car and Truck of the Year were announced. I lay out the likely winners and their odds.

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Some of the vehicles getting picked as the best of the year are hybrids, and this research paper looks at the likelihood that people will buy more high-tech fuel efficient vehicles in the coming years. Nissan is betting that hybrids will continue to grow, so they plan 15 new models.

We are passionately against any kind of driving under the influence, but some folks are saying that new laws which both legalize marijuana and add new regulations for driving aren't fair.

In another instance of the man keeping people down, black boxes are now in the majority of new cars, but the AAA is worried about privacy even as regulators seek to make them mandatory.

Bluetooth connected seats

Google Maps finally returned to Apple's iOS and iPhone and Mathew says it's beautiful, and David promises to compared it with his new Nokia Maps.

Two new seat technologies promise to make you more comfortable and save your life when you get caught in deep water.

Finally, here are some gift ideas for the car fans in your house.

It's Halftime for This Podcast

Coming in a bit late, but we take a deep look at car sales for January, including hybrid and diesel sales. Also, Chevrolet is cannibalizing sales of their fancy Volt with the more pedestrian Cruze subcompact.

Dealers are all about sales and the brands they like the most are Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus. We discuss why these brands made it to the top of the list and why dealers are bullish about sales this year.

Fisker is another brand that is struggling, and may be on the ropes.

This week Nissan, Hyundai and Kia were showing off some compelling new vehicles at the Chicago auto show.

While those cars are appealing, David is less impressed with all the new designs coming out of Formula 1 teams. While they are technologically advanced, they are also ugly.

The Super Bowl is the place where auto makers make big bets and we discuss the best and worst of the ads. Did Chrysler hit or miss with "Halftime in America?"

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A High Quality Automotive Podcast That's Also Satisfying

How do you define quality? Well, J.D. Power and Strategic Vision are bickering over what quality means and their lists of quality car brands are very different.

Should hybrid cars get kicked out of the HOV lanes? California is considering doing just that, arguing that hybrid technology is longer that unique.

A people moving box from Brooks & Bone

This weekend is Carmageddon in the Los Angeles area. Last week, we talked about flying cars being the solution. This week JetBlue is offering flights from one side of the city to the other for about the price of a gallon of gas, $4.

Most cars are style over substance, but two recent car design school grads have gone utility over style to create concepts for moving people around in urban areas. It's a box.

Distracted driving has become cause celeb for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and now Syracuse, N.Y. and Hartford, Conn., are both cracking down and doing lots of education. And it's working.

Groupon has offered deals on driving schools, car parts, auto detailing and now actual cars. A Detroit dealer is offering a $500 Groupon for $199, but those who buy, are locked in to that dealer.

Another bargain trend are penny bidding sites. One bidder nabbed a $31,000 Camaro for $5.28. Really.

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