Paris All About Alternative Fuels

This first paragraph from a recent NY Times blog post really says it all about 2008 Mondial l’Automobile:

At the previous two Paris auto shows, makers of sport-utility vehicles sponsored an outdoor 4×4 test track between the convention hall buildings. This year, that has been replaced by two smaller test tracks: one for eco driving and one for electric cars.

You don’t have to be in Paris for the auto show, though to see which way the fuel is flowing. I was recently at an annual media competition for SUVs, and for the first time, we tested vehicles with hybrid, diesel, and smart cylinder technology. Also for the first time, the Northwest Automotive Press Association will bestow a Best Green SUV award. Results will be available this week, so I’ll let you know which of the five “green” SUVs was the big winner.

The contenders for Best Green SUV at NWAPA’s 2008 Mudfest were:

• Dodge Durango Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• GMC Yukon Hybrid
• Honda Pilot with variable cylinder management (VCM)
• Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec diesel

Look for the full report later this week, as soon as the results are tabluated and dispersed.