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Michael Coates is the Editor & Publisher of Clean Fleet Report and an internationally recognized expert in the field of automotive environmental issues. He has been an automotive editor and writer for more than three decades. His media experience includes Petersen Publishing (now part of the The Enthusiast Network), the Green Car Journal, trade magazines, newspaper and television news reporting. He currently serves on the board of Western Automotive Journalists and has been an organizer of that group’s Future Cars, Future Technology and Silicon Valley Reinvents the Wheel programs. He also serves as Automotive Editor at Innovation & Tech Today magazine.

Michael Coates

First Drive: 2016 Toyota Prius

The 2016 Toyota Prius doesn’t give up anything in its environmental credentials—it still gets 50+ mpg and features the latest version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive—but the emphasis for the new model is on aggressive styling and improved performance.

First Drive: 2017 Jaguar XE

The compact 2017 Jaguar XE is pitted against the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class while the 2017 F-Pace will be Jaguar’s first foray into crossover territory. Both will feature a shared diesel powerplant in their entry level trim, which will set them apart from the competition.

Silicon Valley Invades Your Engine

Tula has developed software algorithms that do something engineers in Detroit, Tokyo and Stuttgart had not thought possible—to shut off different cylinders independently, giving the engine power as needed in a given situation, but saving fuel by giving it only the power needed and not firing any extras cylinders.

Honda Clarity Production Fuel Cell Model Introduced

At the November 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Honda showed off the version of its Clarity fuel cell car that will go on sale in about a year. It is similar in size to the Toyota Mirai it will join in the marketplace, with an understated design that we’ve come to expect from Honda.