The Week in Cleantech, Sunday edition: U.S. automakers reel as sales tumble; stronger storms linked to global warming; and the EPA regulates small engines

GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota post sales drop as auto slump continues: The Big Three American car makers posted stunning, double-digit losses Wednesday as consumers stayed away from showroom floors, concerned more by economic uncertainty than gasoline prices. Toyota also posted a modest loss. One bright spot for U.S. automakers: truck sales, which rebounded to March levels. Nissan reported a surprising 13.6 percent increase in August sales, driven by a 32.6 percent jump in light truck sales. On the small car side, Ford’s popular Focus and Escape small SUV were standouts, as were the Impala and Malibu models for GM. (USA Today)

Warmer seas linked to strengthening hurricanes: FSU study fuels global warming debate: A new report published today by Florida State University is likely to reignite the debate over the connection between global warming and stronger hurricanes. While the researchers involved are not climatologists and theor goals were not to prove the so-called “heat engine” theory of cyclone intensity, they found that the theory is, indeed, consistent with what is happening. The report — which appears in the current issue of Nature — finds that the strongest tropical storms really are getting stronger, and the trend appears connected with rising sea temperatures. The study is based on a computer crunch of storm and oceanographic data going back 25 years. (Eureka Alert)

Paris Preview: Honda Insight concept to be new global hybrid: Honda will revive the Insight name and borrow heavily from the body styling of its well-received FCX Clarity when it debuts the company’s new dedicated hybrid vehicle. While still officially a “design concept,” photos released Thursday will probably be quite close to the production car. Honda has vowed to bring the Insight to market well under the price point of Toyota’s popular Prelude. Honda will send about 100,000 units to the United States next year. Look for a peek at the upcoming Paris Aito Show. (Autoblog Green)

Shell comes under fire for role in Sakhalin audit: Royal Dutch Shell is taking heat for allegedly jiggering an environmental report on a massive oil and gas project. Internal emails show company officials attempted to downplay concerns about the proposed Sakhalin II field off Russia’s eastern coastline. The report was used by banks to determine whether the project would be safe to fund. Critics say Shell worked to have potentially damning environmental concerns buried deep in the report, rather than arranged in a single, easy-to-evaluate appendix. The $22 billion development was eventually given the green light, despite fears that the new fields might threaten fragile Arctic ecosystems. (The Guardian)

E.P.A. Issues New Engine Rules: It’s long been known that smaller engines, such as those which power lawnmowers, produce more pollution than car and truck powerplants. But that’s changing. the United States Environmental Protection Agency Thursday unveiled new clean air requirements for boats and laen equipment under 25 horsepower. The rules will begin to go into effect in 2010. Experts believe the more stringent standards will require the use of catalytic converters, now common in automobiles. the EPA believes the regulations will produce much cleaner air during the summer, when lawn equipment is in heaviest use and outdoor activity is highest. (New York Times)

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