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Detroit 3 to implement delayed unified towing standards for 2015

Car buyers have a responsibility to be well-informed consumers. That's not always a very simple task, but some guidelines are self-evident. If you live in a very snowy climate, you generally know a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro might not be as viable a vehicle choice as an all-wheel drive Explorer or Traverse, for example. If you want a fuel-efficient car, it's generally a good idea to know the difference between a diesel and a hybrid. But what if it's kind of tough to be an informed consumer? What if the information you need is more difficult to come by, or worse, based on different standards for each vehicle? Well, in that case, you might be a truck shopper.
For years, customers of light-duty pickups have had to suffer through different ratings of towing capacities for each brand. For 2015 model year trucks, though, that will no longer be a problem. According to Automotive News, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Group have announced that starting with next year's models, a common standard will be used to measure towing capacity. The Detroit Three will join Toyota, which adopted the Society of Automotive Engineers' so-called SAE J2807 standards way back in 2011.
The standard was originally supposed to be in place for MY2013, but concerns that it would lower the overall stated capacity for trucks led Detroit automakers to pass. Ford originally passed, claiming it'd wait until its new F-150 was launched to adopt the new standards, leading GM and Ram to follow suit. Nissan, meanwhile, has said it will adopt the new standards as its vehicles are updated, meaning the company's next-generation Titan should adhere to the same tow ratings as its competitors.

Recharge Wrap-up: EV taxis in Amsterdam, Montreal's electric carsharing goals

Amsterdam has become the electric taxi capital of the world. Taxi Electric, TCA, and Connexxion each operate electric cabs around the city, including 170 Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 taxis. Taxi Electric started with three Nissan Leafs in 2011, and the idea has caught on. Businesses are saving money on fuel and maintenance, garnering attention and new clients for themselves and doing their part to help reduce emissions and improve local air quality. The city of Amsterdam hopes to be emissions-free by 2025, and is building more and more charging stations to this end. This helps make the city the perfect home for the electric cabs. See the video above and read more from Nissan. Montreal is calling for a large electric carsharing program. Mayor Denis Coderre says that he'd like the city to be seen as a leader in electric transportation. His vision includes a carsharing program of 250 electric vehicles by next spring, growing to 1,000 EVs by 2020. This would help Montreal reach its goal of cutting the city's greenhouse gas emissions by a third over the next five years. The city also wants to build new charging infrastructure to make the carsharing plan, as well as individual EV ownership, easier to achieve. Currently, carsharing group Communauto operates a fleet of 40 EVs in Montreal. Read more at Treehugger. Enterprise Carshare has joined the nonprofit CarSharing Association. The car rental company's carsharing business made the announcement at the 2015 International Car Rental Show, during a session called "The Convergence of Car Sharing and Car Rental." "Enterprise CarShare is a well-established player in the industry and we're glad to have their help in expanding support for sustainable urban mobility in communities around the world," says CarSharing Association Executive Director Alan Woodland. Read more from Enterprise in the press release below. Enterprise CarShare Joining CarSharing Association LAS VEGAS (April 15, 2015) – Enterprise CarShare formally announced yesterday – at the 2015 International Car Rental Show – that it has joined the CarSharing Association, a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing cooperation between urban mobility providers, cities and public transit. The announcement was made during a Car Rental Show session titled, "The Convergence of Car Sharing and Car Rental," which highlighted the important role that the car rental industry plays in the evolution of urban mobility.

Autotrader picks best cars for 2015's college grads

Summer is here and the school season is winding to a close. That means millions of students will be graduating college and (hopefully) entering the workforce. For many, that will mean buying a new car suited to the new stage in life into which they will now be embarking. That can be a bewildering choice, especially for someone who's never bought a car before. Fortunately, Autotrader has come up with a short list of recommended cars – new and used – which it recommends to the graduating class of 2015. Among the site's top choices are some compelling crossovers and hatchbacks, including the Buick Encore, Chevy Trax, and Jeep Renegade, as well as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa Note, Mazda3 and Fiat 500. Can't stretch to buying new, or don't see the point? Autotrader has also identified the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and even the Lexus IS as smart buys in the certified pre-owned category. "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," says Autotrader editor Brian Moody. "For example, while that hand-me-down SUV from your parents was nice when you turned 16, you may want to opt for a safer, more fuel-efficient car as you transition into the working world." Autotrader Names 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates ATLANTA, May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For many, graduating college is a milestone like no other – it represents a new chapter, a proud accomplishment and, fortunately or unfortunately, financial independence. Luckily for graduates who are in the market for a new car to suit their post-college lifestyle, Autotrader's expert editors say now is a great time to make a purchase, as dealerships are flush with affordable models that are fun, fuel-efficient and thoughtfully designed. Autotrader Logo "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," said Brian Moody, site editor for Autotrader.