DriveGreenTM
eClub Newsletter
2nd Quarter 2009
AAA Releases Its Top Picks for New Vehicle Technology
Every model year, automakers find more ways to introduce new technologies in their vehicles. Whether for safety, convenience or simply the ‘wow’ factor, high-tech features are prevalent on nearly every new model. To help motorists determine which new features they might want to check out, AAA has released its top-10 picks for technology available on 2009 and 2010 models. Here are two examples:
Solar Roof Panels — Some hybrid models now integrate solar roof panels into their designs, making this technology one of two environmentally-friendly features on AAA’s top-10 list. The Karma luxury hybrid sedan, due out in November 2009 from American sports car company Fisker Automotive, will have a solar roof partitioned into four zones with 20 solar cells in series that convert sunlight into electrical energy. The power generated can be sent to the electric motors that drive the car, used to power the climate controls or stored for future use.
‘Green’ Driving Assistance — Several new hybrid models offer drivers a choice of operating modes that can help them obtain maximum fuel efficiency. A couple of manufacturers have gone a step further and integrated visual cues into their instrument panel displays that help ‘teach’ motorists how to drive more efficiently. In the Ford Fusion hybrid, a plant grows branches and leaves when the car is driven in a fuel efficient manner—and withers as economy goes down.
Click here for more tips and the complete article.
Hybrid
Vehicle
Discounts through
AAA Insurance Agency
Policy holders may be eligible for up to a 10% discount on their auto insurance for hybrid vehicles. AAA Insurance Agency provides hybrid coverage through Travelers Insurance Company. Visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-QUOTE for details.
Green
Certified
AAR Facilities
AAA’s DriveGreen™ program partners with select Approved
Auto Repair locations, which have been Green Certified by the Eco-Logical
Business Program, an initiative sponsored by the Portland Pollution
Prevention Outreach. For a list of AAA DriveGreen Partners, visit
AAA.com/DriveGreen.
Don't
Forget Your
DriveGreen Reusable
Shopping Bag
Those reusable shopping bags aren't just trendy they are handy. Lightweight, compact, and sturdy, your DriveGreen reusable shopping bag is great for the grocery store or mall.
Additional
Blocks
of Clean Miles
Remember, as a DriveGreen participant, you are eligible to purchase additional blocks of “clean miles” at discounted rates. Go to AAA.com/DriveGreen for more details.
Looking for more exclusive member discounts, member news and travel deals? Then sign up for the Member and Travel eClub Newsletters, monthly publications created just for you!
DIRECTV says “Goodbye Paper. Hello Green.”
Show Your Card & Save® partner DIRECTV is telling the world, “Goodbye Paper. Hello Green.” The "nation's #1 satellite service provider is offering its subscribers a $5 one-time bill credit to make the switch to paperless billing. It's easy, helps reduce paper waste and saves you time and money - no more checks to write and mail. It's good for you, and it's great for the environment.
In addition, AAA members who become new subscribers to DIRECTV will receive a $10 credit on their monthly bill for 24 months, that's a total of $240 savings! AAA members also enjoy a free HD receiver or DVR upgrade, and free installation. This is in addition to the current nationally advertised offer at the time they subscribe. This offer is only available to new subscribers who call the AAA exclusive DIRECTV toll-free number at 1-800-242-9114 and don't forget to mention the Go Green one-time bill credit.
Green
Tip:
Calculate your cost with the Travel Diary
EcoMetro.com and Chinook Book created this Travel Diary to calculate the time and cost of commuting by car, mass transit, by foot, or by bike. What’s your quickest option, cheapest option, and—most importantly—the best option for your peace of mind? Print and fill out the Diary to explore your commuting choices.
Provided by Carissa Wodehouse, Editorial Manager at EcoMetro.com
May is Walk + Bike Month
If you need help learning how to commute by bike, your local bike shop should be your first stop. Collect maps for your routes, and ask about community rides or events where you can learn more. A good resource for Oregonians is the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, where you’ll find a comprehensive calendar of rides and clinics for bikers of all stripes. In Portland, the Office of Transportation runs the By Cycle program with classes every month during the summer. Take a free class to learn bike touring, bike commuting, basic maintenance, and special skills such as grocery shopping by bike. Women riders can participate in special Women on Bikes rides and clinics. Classes run May through September and include maintenance, downtown route finding, and fun group rides for gelato.
Provided by EcoMetro.com
Membership means more®