New Jobless Claims Take Biggest Drop in Three Years
Initial jobless claims fell to the lowest level in almost three years last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
Ford introduces B-MAX concept, previewing plans for small car market; 1.0L EcoBoost and start/stop
The B-MAX. Click to enlarge.
Ford introduced its new new B-MAX concept vehicle at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, providing an early preview of its plans for the European small car market. The key innovation on the B-MAX is the adoption of an integrat…
California gasoline consumption rose 2.6%, diesel 4.9% in November 2010
California gasoline consumption increased 2.6% in November 2010, and diesel fuel consumption increased 4.9%, compared with November 2009, according to figures released by Jerome E. Horton, Chairman of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE).
…
Amyris contracts for Biofene manufacture with Antibióticos, S.A.; 4th production agreement
Amyris, Inc. has entered into a contract manufacturing agreement with Antibióticos, S.A. Under this arrangement, Antibióticos will work with Amyris to produce farnesene at its facilities in León, Spain; the produced farnesene will be owned and distr…
New two-step process for converting algae to butanol
A team of chemical engineers at the University of Arkansas has developed a new, two-step method for converting algae into butanol.
The team, led by assistant professor Jamie Hestekin, first applies acid hydrolysis to dried algae and then begins a …
Los Angeles Approves Plan for Almost 1,700 Miles of Bike Paths
I’m obsessed with cars, but lately I’m looking at the bicycle as a better way to get around, at least for short trips. The folks of Los Angeles agree, approving a plan for 1,680 miles of bike path.
The Los Angeles City Council has approved a plan…
GE hosting electric vehicle experience tour
GE will host an electric vehicle experience tour in seven US cities that will bring GE experts together with local businesses, industry leaders, and public sector stakeholders for educational workshops, test drives, and dialogue on the business case fo…
Two-step enzymatic process for the production of biodiesel
A team of researchers in China has developed a two-step enzymatic process for the solvent-free conversion of soybean oil to biodiesel without the production of glycerol. The process uses hydrolysis followed by esterification, with Yarrowia lipolytica l…
Better Place and Renault launch Europe’s first Better Place Center, EV subscription plans
Better Place opened, together with its partner Renault, Europe’s first Better Place center. Visitors can place an order for a Renault Fluence Z.E. with the Renault staff and sign up with the Better Place team for a subscription of mobility services.
…
Neste Oil to increase its use of waste in renewable diesel production
Neste Oil will increase its use of waste as a raw material for producing NExBTL renewable diesel in 2011. Palm oil will continue to be the single largest raw material input, and is expected to account for just under half of the total raw material used …