The US Department of Energy is awarding funds to two new biofuel projects. The DOE will provide up to $4 million on projects at Texas A&M University and Ohio University to reduce the cost of producing fuels from biomass. These funds, along with those provided to five other projects announced earlier, come with a goal of producing clean, renewable biofuels that cost less than $3 per gallon of gasoline equivalent by 2022. Producing inexpensive biofuels is part of the larger goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering energy independence in the US. Read more from the DOE.
Four Florida residents have been sentenced to prison in a biodiesel scam. They were found guilty of selling fuel made of low-grade feedstock as biodiesel, claiming more than $7 million in tax credits, and selling more than $15 million in fraudulent credits. In addition to serving time, the defendants have been ordered to pay $23.3 million in restitution to the IRS and to the companies to which they sold the credits. “The government was trying to solve an environmental problem, and these people took advantage of it,” says Assistant US Attorney J. Michael Marous. Other charges could be filed as investigations continue. Read more at The Columbia Dispatch.
• Yaris sales and B-segment market share both growing continuously since 2011, with 1 in 3 European sales now full hybrid model
• Enhanced Style grade introduces new colours, trim and upholstery
• Bi-Tone version features striking ‘wrap-around’ metallic Black exterior treatment and exclusive interior colour schemes
Brussels, Belgium – European sales of the Yaris have grown continuously over the last four years, rising from some 144,000 units in 2011 to an anticipated 200,000+ in 2015. Over the same period, the Yaris has also increased its B-segment market share from 4.1% to an anticipated 6.6%.
Much of this ongoing sales success may be attributed to the introduction of the Yaris Hybrid in 2012. 170,000 hybrid units have been sold since its European launch at the end of June in that year, a figure expected to rise to over 200,000 by the end of 2015. The full hybrid model currently accounts for more than 35% of all European Yaris sales and is expected to grow further.
The introduction of the Toyota Safety Sense system to the Yaris model range in June 2015 places it at the very top of its segment for active and passive safety. By the end of this year, Toyota anticipates that one in three Yaris’ produced will be equipped with the company’s innovative integrated safety technology.
Bringing a breath of fresh air and even greater appeal to the Toyota Yaris range, a revised grade structure will be available throughout Europe from January 2016. It introduces bold new colours, high-quality trim and stylish upholstery finishes across the model line-up.
New Style Grade – most striking execution now Available on Hybrid Models
For the first time, the Style grade also becomes available on the Hybrid, combining our most advanced execution with the most innovative powertrain.
An enhanced Style grade features a new, Black-painted honeycomb grille with satin chrome ornament and front foglight surrounding.
The interior benefits from new, all-Black seat upholstery and a new Piano Black inserts inside the cabin.
Bi-Tone: A new dynamic and elegant touch
Adding a touch of true élan to the Yaris range, a new Bi-Tone option combines a metallic black ‘wrap-around’ exterior paint treatment with a choice of exclusive interior finishes.
Based on the Style grade, the Bi-Tone version combines a choice of Pearl White, Platinum Bronze or Barcelona Red exterior colours with a ‘wrap-around’ metallic Black finish to the roof, A pillars, door mirrors, upper front wing and bonnet leading edge.
Incorporating a black head liner to match the exterior roof treatment, the Bi-Tone interior offers a choice of three exclusive colour schemes; all-Black, Warm Grey or Soft-gradation Grey.
With three new Bi-Tone version Toyota is giving customers the possibility to have their own unique Yaris execution.
Due to be revealed for the first time at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, the new Style grade and the new Bi-Tone version add even greater appeal to the 2016 Yaris model range.
