Although lauded for their environmental benefits, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that “mini-cars” do a poor job of protecting their occupants. In fact, research shows that the chance of a fatality in collisions with mid-size vehicles is almost double that of larger vehicles, and that number is tripled in single “mini-car” crashes. Although mini-cars therefore may be more environmentally friendly than other vehicles, tension exists between being safe and being “green”. It’s not easy being green……

GM recalls 1.5 million cars due to fire fears
CNN reports a recall of various GM cars with common 3.8 liter engines due to potential fire hazards.