Diesel v hybrids at an EPA glance

The EPA's top pick for 2009

I've been ill the last several days, so when I saw the EPA's Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles List last week, I just wasn't very surprised or excited. Hybrids still dominate, especially in the city. Since, however, I've read a few articles noting the significance of the first diesel making the list.

A manual VW Jetta TDI is rated 30 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway. The Toyota Prius is 48 and 45, respectively.

Many diesel fans regularly chide the whole hybrid cars segment as a fad, but when it comes to city driving it's clear, hybrids are easily superior.

In order the list goes: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid (and Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid), Smart ForTwo, Toyota Camry hybrid, VW Jetta Diesel Manual, VW Jetta Diesel Automatic, Toyota Yaris Manual, and the Toyota Yaris Automatic.

Audi A3 1.9TDIe: Who needs a Prius asks Angus?

A Prius killer?

Angus of MotorTrend has been driving an Audi A3 1.9TDIe for the last few days, a nice new diesel vehicle that is making Angus ask why anyone needs a Toyota Prius. Ultimately, according to Angus, the Audi is more fuel efficient than the Prius, except in extreme traffic, and the Audi performs better, so maybe there is no need for hybrid cars? Finish reading.....

Why hybrids are more important than diesel

The hot Mercedes diesel hybrid at the LA Auto Show

I just finished posting a comment to the Kicking Tires story regarding the Rand study which calls hybrids and clean diesel more beneficial than ethanol. Kicking Tires, however, focused on an element of the Rand study (earlier post) which, according to Wired Magazine, suggests diesel vehicles are better than hybrid cars.

Whether the world likes it or not, the world will eventually move beyond oil. As both diesel and gasoline require oil, both diesel and gasoline are dying fuels. So, how can diesel be a solution for the future? Are we going to start using tar sands that will make today's pollution seem like the good old days (1980s) of clean air? Please. (Finish)

Gov. Schwarzenegger asks automakers to go green

Governor outside the LA Auto Show

Hydrogen vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrid cars, and clean diesel vehicles are the kinds of automobiles that the Governor wants so see being made for the California market.

“It is fantastic to see that the world’s automakers are developing the technology to help us meet our goals in California . These cars come in every size and shape and they prove that we can give consumers the choices they want and still protect the environment,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This is exactly the kind of innovation we need. Working together, we will ensure that California remains a leader in clean and alternative fuel vehicles and we will ensure a healthy and prosperous future for our nation.

“Imagine what we can accomplish if we improve efficiency and put more alternatives on the road, whether it is biofuels, electric cars, hydrogen or hybrids. This will also help our families with fuel prices because it’s all about supply and demand. By providing more alternatives, we can drive down oil prices from the $100 a barrel everyone is expecting.”

VW going all-hybrid?

Every VW will come in a hybrid option?

There has been a persistent rumor floating around on the Internet that VW will offer a hybrid option on all of its vehicles. Rumors. Rumors. Rumors.

Maybe a year or so ago, VW announced a line of hybrid vehicles only to significantly reduce those plans shortly thereafter. In the next few years, I think VW is far more focused on clean diesel rather than hybrids.

Thus, I don't think VW has any specific hybrid plans, other than for the Touareg.

Nonetheless, by 2010, both Peugeot and Mercedes will start rolling out diesel hybrids, such as the 308 HDI diesel hybrid or the E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid, and it appears that Mercedes is becoming very serious about diesel hybrids.

So, VW is paying attention.

And, who can blame them? With the greenhouse gas legislation being proposed by the EU, diesel hybrids might be the only way forward for European automakers.

Lucky Europe: Clean diesel hybrids

The E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid

Diesels versus hybrids? Nonsense! The best diesel vehicles will be clean diesel hybrid vehicles, and by 2010 a number of them will be hitting the streets, well, at least in Europe.

While the Ford Reflex diesel hybrid was probably the first diesel hybrid to really get me excited about such vehicles, a number of other players have recently entered the hybrid fray.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, Peugeot announced that it would begin production on diesel hybrids, such as the Peugeot 308 HDI diesel hybrid, in 2010, but it is the diesel hybrids from Mercedes that really have my attention, such as the Mercedes E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid.

A 46 mpg luxury hybrid? Are you kidding me?

Clean diesel hybrids are coming, ladies and gentlemen, let's just hope they find their way into America!

Volvo hybrid concept: If only lithium were reality

Lithium powered hybrids rock, but they are not yet ready for primetime

Wow! Seriously, could the Frankfort Auto Show become any more focused on green issues, at least in terms of concepts? It's hybrid cars galore - in addition to clean diesel and biofueles. Unfortunately, so many of the concepts, such as the Volvo Recharge Hybrid, are dependent upon technologies that are just not ready for reality.

Imagine 62 mpg on electric power only. That's what the Recharge hybrid promises.

Starting to sound like GM's Chevy Volt?

InsideLine notes that the 4 electric motors in each wheel combined with 1.6 liter flex-fuel engine could achieve a whopping 120+ mpg for trips less than 90 miles. In trips over 100 mpg, the Volvo hybrid would eventually average out at 45 mpg.

Still, much like the Volt, the Volvo hybrid can meet most commuter's daily needs with just electric power. Unfortunately, just as with the Volt or other plug-in hybrids, the technology is completely dependent upon lithium-ion batteries.

Ultimately, it is isn't automakers which control the future, its energy storage/providers - whether lithium, ultracapacitors, or hydrogen.

Automakers: Fuel efficiency pretenders?

Green hotdoggin' at the Frankfurt AutoShow?

The hype around the Frankfurt Auto Show has almost exclusively been focused on green vehicles, such as hybrid cars, clean diesel vehicles, and bio-fueled vehicles. Obviously, it's great that automakers are focusing on green issues, but are they just posing?

With the EU possibly on the verge of very strict emissions requirements, automakers have to be prepared. Nonetheless, if the EU doesn't act, will automakers continue with their green efforts?

Transport and Environment, a Brussels-based environmental lobby group, is not impressed with Frankfurt-attending-automakers according to Reuters. Essentially, automakers are just throwing out a few token green cars, rather than making real changes, the group claims.

"It's not good enough to have one or two cars," said Transport and Environment spokesman Dudley Curtis. "What we need is emission reduction across the board."

Do automakers really care about the environment or energy security, or is profit all that matters?

H.C.C.I. + hybrid technology = gasoline hybrid perfection?

An H.C.C.I. hybrid - as efficient as a diesel hybrid?

GM hasn't been the biggest fan of clean diesel technology.

O.K., not long ago, GM wasn't much of a fan of hybrid technology either, but that has changed. So, it isn't necessarily surprising that GM might not rush into clean diesel, right?

Or, maybe was there an alternative reason that GM hasn't been going diesel crazy?

If there is a reason, it might be the Homogenous-Charge Compression-Ignition engine, or H.C.C.I. --- Finish: H.C.C.I. + hybrid technology = Gasoline Hybrid Perfection

BW: The problem with hybrids is diesel?

Death of the hybrid Accord a setback to hybrids?

"Of course, the setbacks don't suggest it's the end of the road for hybrids—it certainly isn't for hybrid pioneers like Toyota and Honda. But it's clear that the difficulties that automakers face in marketing their hybrid engines are still vast, despite the growing awareness of environmental issues."

Wow. I doubt very much Honda ever thought it would sell more than several thousand Accord hybrid vehicles per year. In fact, when the Accord hybrid was developed, Honda didn't believe that such vehicles would EVER replace conventional vehicles. While Honda stepped up their hybrid game with the new Civic hybrid, Honda still isn't nearly as committed to hybrids as Toyota.

In addition to setbacks, such as the Accord, the BW article also claims that clean diesel is set to challenge the future of hybrids.

U.K. hybrid sales taking off

Hybrid sales growing

According to Just-Auto.com, hybrid sales in the U.K. continue to increase year-after-year, even doubling from one year to the next. Despite the widespread use of small diesels, hybrid cars continue to gain consumer acceptance, proving the first cost-effective diesel hybrid has a rosy future in Europe.

Diesels to outgrow hybrids?

A Mercedes clean diesel vehicle

"Ricardo forecasts that combined diesel and hybrid gasoline will represent 15 percent of the U.S. light vehicle market by 2012, with sales of diesels outstripping gasoline hybrids by 1.5 million units versus 1.2 million. UBS highlights that European automakers and a number of global suppliers look set to benefit from the diesel trend."

I like a good clean diesel vehicle, but they are still no hybrid. Yes, in terms of costs, diesels are competitive to hybrids - at least with today's hybrid technology. Will that still be the case when lithium enters the hybrid powertrain? Inevitably, each new generation of hybrid vehicles will continue to become more fuel efficient and cheaper, and if plug-in hybrids are developed, can diesel really compete?

In the short term, clean diesel is a fine choice. Ultimately, however, the best future for diesel is as a diesel hybrid.

Half of America supports a gas tax?

A fuel tax to fund alternative fuel research?

According to a survey released by the Civil Society Institute "more than half of Americans would support higher gasoline taxes if the money went to research into alternative fuels." (CNN)

I say, what a silly study.

While I favor a gasoline tax, I think the revenues derived from the tax should go only to consumers whom purchase hybrid cars, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, clean diesel vehicles, etc. Instead of using a gasoline tax to fund research, simply leave alternative fuels exempt from the tax. Thus, alternative fuels become more price competitive.

Giving tax revenue to fund research sounds too much like pork to me. Give it to 'the people', not to the people whom are owed political favors.

Ford's Mulally wants to fight global warming

Let's get this sucka on the road then!

I think Ford CEO Alan Mulally has the potential to turn Ford around. First, Mulally is an efficiency aficionado. Second, he has proven himself at Boeing. Third, he wants to fight global warming, even telling reporters that he believes humans are responsible for the "vast majority" of global warming.

Whether he's correct or not regarding global warming, Mulally at least appears cognizant of the fact the fuel efficiency is going to determine the success of automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. - foreign oil dependency isn't going anywhere even if science proves the sun is causing global warming. Perhaps, some U.S. auto manufacturers might choose to focus on selling sub-$5000.00 cars in China and India, but it appears that Ford is prepared to try to sell fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S..

So, c'mon Mr. Mulally, let's see a few new hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Reflex hybrid pictured above. Enough talking, time for a little walking. Show the world and the rest of Detroit that Ford ain't dead yet. Besides America could truly use some real leadership coming out of Michigan - apart from the Pistons and Red Wings.

A diesel hybrid from Mercedes within 2 years?

A Mercedes Blutec Diesel at NAIAS

There are rumors in the blogoshpere that Mercedes might offer a Blutec Diesel hybrid vehicle within two years. However, it appears these rumors are purely speculation, or an educated guess. Nonetheless, a mild hybrid diesel seems to fit quite well with Mercedes' plans for diesel and hybrid technology.

DaimlerChrsyler explands plug-in hybrid concept program

A plug-in diesel hybrid to be included

DaimlerChrysler will include the 2007 Dodge Sprinter in its recently announced plug-in hybrid test program in the U.S. In addition to the new platform, the concept program will also include diesel plug-in hybrids. Currently, the Sprinter plug-in can achieve around 20 miles on electric power only using next generation lithium-ion batteries.

While its nice to see this plug-in program evolving, how about some hybrid vehicles today?

Build your own plug-in hybrid vehicle kit

Can't wait for a plug-in hybrid? Build it yourself

Robert Q. Riley Enterprises plans to sell plans and kits for a do-it-yourself plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the company will debut the XR-3 hybrid in June of this year. According to the company, this plug-in hybrid will be a three-wheeled, two-seater capable of 225 miles per gallon when in hybrid mode. The plug-in can also be powered only by its 3-cylinder diesel engine, or it can be powered by pure electric power, however, it achieves its greatest efficiency as a plug-in hybrid.

The XR-3 has been in the press for a few years now. Hopefully, this time it's for real. Unfortunately, pricing has not yet been set.

BMW, Daimler to produce mild hybrids

Going hybrid

BMW and DaimlerChrsyler will co-develop a mild hybrid transmission for rear-wheel-drive cars which will be available within three years, according to Reuters.

Additionally, the two companies will continue their partnership with GM to develop dual mode hybrid vehicles - full hybrid vehicles.

GM is planning to launch the Yukon hybrid and the Escalade hybrid later this year, while DaimlerChrysler is hoping to launch the Durango hybrid and a Mercedes-Benz hybrid soon after GM's hybrid launch.

You are No hybrid, sir. Are clean diesel vehicles a waste of time?

Sure, a clean diesel is nice, but a clean diesel hybrid is revolutionary

I was watching CNBC's coverage of the recent North American International Auto Show yesterday, a show where European automakers really tried to raise the image value of clean diesel vehicles, such as the VW Tiguan concept pictured here.

And what is not to like? Clean and powerful, plus a 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency over gasoline sounds pretty good.

Yet, if America converted its an entire fleet to clean diesel, instead of gasoline, it would take more than a decade. In that same time, it is predicted that America's energy consumption will probably increase by some 20 percent or more. So, what will have been gained? At best, America would be just as dependent as today on foreign oil by making this conversion.

Clean diesel hybrids, or clean diesel plug-in hybrids, however, could have revolutionary effects on foreign oil dependency. Why not invest in this future? Won't the costs pay for themselves in the long run?

More on clean diesel vehicles versus hybrid vehicles.

Why isn't ending foreign oil dependency more important?

America hasn't learned anything from the 70's gas lines, the Iranian hostage crisis or even 9/11

Recently, President Bush suggested the idea of reducing gasoline dependence by 20 percent in the next decade. America's Big 3 automakers responded that ending foreign oil dependency just isn't profitable.

On the other hand, Honda welcomed the idea, and Toyota was far less opposed than American automakers. So, which automakers are better for America?

Yet, foreign oil dependency has already cost Americans more than a trillion dollars, and it is certain to cause even far more money and problems in the next few decades if we can't even reduce dependence by 20 percent. Ironically, however, such a sum could easily fund the technology to end foreign oil dependency using today's technology such as hybrid cars, clean diesels, lightweight composite materials and bio-fuels.

So why don't Americans take foreign oil dependency more seriously? (Read More)

Europe ready to lead the hybrid revolution?

The EU today rejected criticism from the German auto industry that a proposed plan to significantly decrease carbon emissions from automobiles was both unrealistic and a job-killer.

"Normally jobs are not lost when you pro-actively embrace change but when you reactively resist it," replied Commission spokesman Johannes Laitenberger (more).

Earlier this month Andrew Fulbrook, powertrain analyst at CSM Worldwide's office in London, claimed that if the EU legislation passed either hybrid cars or tiny vehicles would be required. "If we go from voluntary to compulsory limits and, say, the 120g/km average for 2011-2012 is enforced, then short of going to very small three-cylinder gasoline engines, the diesel hybrid will be required" (more).

Will the U.S. be pro-active or reactive? Will American automakers be pro-active or reactive?

State of the Union: Is 20 percent enough?

This Yukon hybrid is more than 20 percent more fuel efficient than a standard Yukon

So President Bush wants to decrease gas consumption by 20 percent in the next 10 years. Is it enough? Is it too much? Already the Big 3 are complaining that it's too much. Environmentalists and national security hawks are complaining that it's too little.

Toyota was supportive. Isn't that interesting?

GM now has the technology to convert any of its gas-guzzling SUVs into hybrid vehicles that are at least 25 percent more fuel efficient than non-hybrid models. GM also has flex-fuel hybrid vehicles that are production ready, and GM has a Volt concept that could achieve 150 mpg for those that drive less than 60 miles per day.

DaimlerChrysler also has GM's dual mode hybrid technology. Ford has hybrid technology.

So, the Big 3 could begin to make all vehicles 25 percent more fuel efficient right now, while investing in the technologies that could keep significantly increasing fuel efficiency with each generation of technology, such as a 100 mpg Prius that isn't a plug-in? In addition, there is flex-fuel, clean diesel and bio-diesel to help?

The Big 3 should accept 20 percent as a minimum. The technology to achieve 20 percent is available today. Instead of focusing on why it can't be done, the Big 3 should focus on how they will get it done. Make a plea for incentives. Be productive. Stop complaining. Stop making excuses.

Isn't it time to give Toyota the Big 3's hybrid tax credits?

Give the Prius some credit

In advance of the President's State of the Union speech, Big 3 automakers are using the Auto Show circuit to show Congress and the President that they can be fuel efficient. Ford announced 20 flex fuel hybrids and a $2,000,000 hydrogen plug-in hybrid. DaimlerChrysler showed off the most fuel efficient, clean diesel heavy duty Ram pickup truck, and GM debuted the Chevy Volt concept at NAIAS.

Wow, I guess Detroit gets it, huh?

Well, why then are the Big 3 sitting on more than 150,000 tax credits available for hybrid vehicles as Toyota's hybrid tax credits expire because they sold too many hybrids? Why do we punish Toyota's clean and fuel efficient success and protect Detroit's complacency? Is this really how you drive innovation? How about some good old American competition?

As I blogged earlier today, it's time to put tax incentives into the hands of the people rather than the corporations. Give the people the money to afford hybrid vehicles and other clean technologies and to reward whoever makes the hybrids consumers want.

While I desperately want the Big 3 to succeed, it's time for real world vehicles, not fancy concepts and $2 million one-offs.

State of the Union and Energy Independence: Power to the People!

Power to the people, not the corporations!

Energy independence is supposed to be an important part of the President's State of the Union speech tonight. So, when it comes to energy independence, where should the government place its tax incentive focus? Should it be on alternative fuels such as ethanol, bio-diesel, clean diesel and hydrogen? Should it be on advanced technologies such as hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and fuel cells?

I say forget fuel. Forget ethanol. Ethanol already receives an incredulous amount of tax subsidies and is in danger of turning into a pork-barrel legislator's dream.

I say focus on hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery technology. Let's invest in the kinds of technologies that can practically wipe out the need for any liquid fuel in just the next decade.

Of course not everyone will agree on the approach. Consequently, I say try to give the power to the people, and let's make the people accountable for their choices.

Yesterday, I suggested a gas tax. Why not make gas more expensive while using the gas tax revenue to reward consumers whom buy more fuel efficient technologies? Also, make that tax 85% less for E85, for example - let consumers reap the benefit of buying a flex-fuel vehicle if it works for them. Why should automakers receive CAFE credits - a tax saving loophole - for selling E85 functionality that is never used by the majority of consumers? In addition, empower the flex-fuel user to save even far more with a flex-fuel hybrid vehicle.

I say give the power to the people! It's fair, it's competitive, it's responsible.

Ford to adapt HySeries hydrogen plug-in hybrid to gasoline plug-in hybrid?

My first thoughts of Ford's HySeries Drive - which debuted at NAIAS - were not great, particularly because this new plug-in platform requires hydrogen to power its fuel cell. The Chevy Volt and its E Flex Drive, on the other hand, provides a much more adaptable and flexible path to fuel cells, as does Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (See my article on the Hybrid Synergy Drive versus the E Flex Drive). Most important, neither the E Flex Drive nor the Hybrid Synergy Drive are dependant upon either fuels cells or hydrogen - a significant advantage over the HySeries Drive.

It seems Ford is now also keenly aware of this fact. Today, Ford is going to display the Flexible Series Hybrid Edge at the Washington D.C. Auto Show. While it seems this new Edge is based upon the HySeries Drive, Ford has already made changes. "We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a downsized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now," Gerhard Schmidt, Ford's vice president of research and advanced engineering. (more)

Was Ford influenced by the success of the Volt? Regardless, it seems the auto game is changing. Consumers aren't interested in what automakers are going to do tomorrow, they want to know what you are doing today, and that requires hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles - all of which can help develop a platform for fuel cells and hydrogen.

Of course, if lithium-ion batteries reduce the cost of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, while also providing at least 400 mile per day range, consumers might question whether fuel cells and hydrogen are even needed.

DaimlerChrysler testing plug-in hybrid vehicles

The Dodge Sprinter is a pretty ugly vehicle, but just as with humans, sometimes it is what is inside that counts. DaimlerChrysler is now testing 20 Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S., and a number of these plug-in hybrids are also being tested with lithium-ion batteries to determine "real world driving conditions about lifetime, performance and cost of batteries." Currently, the Dodge Sprinter plug-in can achieve around 20 miles of pure electric power. The Sprinter is also being developed with both diesel and gasoline engines, so it has a future in both Europe and the U.S..

"The future of plug-in hybrid technology rests on a number of improvements, the most significant being batteries," said Dr. Andreas Truckenbrodt, Executive Director, DaimlerChrysler Hybrid Programs. "The battery systems in the PHEV Sprinter continue to provide valuable data on the possibilities with lithium-ion technology."

(Source: Car&Driver)

German vehicles to diesel into America

German automakers are hoping to leave hybrid cars in the dust and convert Americans into clean diesel guzzlers, rather than gasoline guzzlers. "That is the bet European automobile manufacturers are making as they talk the talk of gas-electric hybrid engines to show they care for the environment, but walk the walk down the diesel trail." (more)

Why is that hybrid vehicles are only seen as environment savers? Obviously the environment is a huge reason that many Americans buy hybrids, but just as many buy hybrids because of foreign oil dependency. Clean diesel technology simply isn't going to end foreign oil dependency, however, plug-in hybrid technology could.

NO. Hybrid vehicles are not losing their appeal

Today, Roland Jones of MSNBC asked the question, Are hybrid vehicles losing their appeal?

No, Roland, they are not. Also, Roland, how can you utilize the Honda Accord hybrid to discuss hybrid vehicle economics? First, the Accord hybrid isn't a hot-selling hybrid, it's possibly the worst selling hybrid. Second, it's a performance hybrid, and was not produced purely to achieve fuel efficiency.

Sure, the sales of hybrid cars are down. Automobile sales overall are down and expected to be down into 2007. Yes, hybrids are down more, but that fact has nothing to deal with appeal, Roland. Obviously, the fact that Toyota's hybrid tax credits have been cut in half is a key issue since the Prius is by far the best selling hybrid, as is the drop in gasoline prices.

But there is also a bigger, non-hybrid issue. Why are automobile sales down and expected to be down next year? Are automobiles losing their appeal? Or, do consumers have a little less financial power? If economic times are tight, it isn't surprising fewer consumers can justify paying more for a hybrid when the tax credit has been cut in half and when gas prices are down.

Nonetheless, consumers are very interested in hybrid cars, especially the hybrids of the future. Consumers are not stupid, and they know the best of hybrid vehicles is yet to come. Currently, the public appears to be particularly fascinated with the idea of plug-in hybrid vehicles. So, since consumers have less cash and gas prices are low, many are waiting for next generation hybrid technology.

And no, Roland, diesel is not an alternative. Diesel might compete with hybrids today in some driving conditions, but reliance upon diesel instead of gasoline will NEVER end foreign oil dependency. Next generation hybrid technology, however, certainly has the capability to end foreign oil dependency.

Automakers turning green? Poppycock

There has been a lot of buzz in the media about how automakers are going green and the Los Angeles Auto Show has been cited as an example. I say poppycock.

Sure GM debuted the Saturn Aura hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid in LA, but GM's real green buzz was really generated by GM's plug-in hybrid development announcement - even though the company gave no timeline for an arrival. Is it 3 years, five years, 10 years?

Anyway, at the LA Auto Show, GM put far more effort into marketing their massive lineup of huge Flex-fuel trucks and SUVs - not their hybrids. Saturn hybrids, for crying-out-loud, were practically hidden at the show.

While I would applaud flex-fuel hybrids, or very fuel efficient flex-fuel compact vehicles, I cannot call GM's flex fuel trucks and SUVs a huge green move. Flex-fuel guzzlers are little better than gas-guzzlers. Even worse, flex-fuel guzzlers seem too much like another excuse for GM not to focus on real fuel economy.

Aside from GM, Nissan did debut the Altima hybrid, and Ford displayed the newly designed 2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid and the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid, but Ford's real buzz was generated by the new Mustang more than anything. In reality hybrids were minor drivers for both Ford and Nissan at the LA Show.

Then there was a lot of talk about clean diesel and hydrogen. Blah, blah, blah.

Even Toyota, world leader in hybrid cars, was far more focused on promoting the Toyota Tundra, not its Hybrid Synergy Drive. Still, Toyota hybrids did drive significant buzz in LA and it was obvious many were checking out Toyota's hybrids as potential buyers, not just gawkers.

Ultimately, automakers have realized that Americans are interested in green issues, however, the keyword is interested. Most Americans are still unwilling to help fund the green revolution, and I think automakers are keenly aware of this fact. At this point in time, green marketing is possibly more important than green automobiles.

Americans might be interested in hearing and talking about the green revolution and energy independence, but they are definitely not yet willing to revolt against energy dependence by joining the green revolution.

Detroit must "think anew"

Last week I questioned an editorial by the Detroit News regarding fuel economy because of its complacency, and it's inability to foresee and realize that change must be realized by American automakers. Today, however, Daniel Howes of the Detroit News is singing my tune, telling politicians to give up the blame game while also telling Michigan and the Big 3 that it's time to change.

"The only questions are how and how quickly. Not, why us? Nor who's to blame for tampering with what U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow likes to call "our way of life" -- as if Detroit's automakers, their unions and others are immune to the laws of supply and demand. They aren't, no matter how freely some politicians may be willing to manipulate reality to suggest otherwise."

"Apologies to Sen. Stabenow, but "our way of life" is strangling Michigan because it was never designed to adapt to a changing world, much less accept that the economy and competition would change."

Evolution is often driven by small constant changes. Toyota, for example, is driven by small constant changes focused on increasing efficiency. This process, or Kaizen, led Toyota to hybrid cars - a new platform to increase efficiency. Inevitably the efficiency potential of hybrids has barely been tapped. Moreover, hybrids are adaptable to flex-fuel, hydrogen, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, or even electricity, and they can lead to advanced batteries and fuel cell development.

Ultimately, hybrids exude change and flexibility. Today's hybrids are gasoline-electric, but tomorrow's might be flex-fuel plug-in hybrids and not long after that they might by hydrogen hybrids, or plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles. Hybrid technology is changing rapidly, adapting to the future.

Today, Democrats and the Big 3 appear very close to becoming fixated upon ethanol, a fuel which requires little change for the Big 3. Ultimately, ethanol won't really make the Big 3 any more adaptable, and it just might lead to another decade of complacency. Alternative fuels can help America, but not enough. Only significantly more fuel efficient automobiles can lead to real change.

Detroit must "think anew", and ethanol just isn't new enough.

Stop the Madness: Hybrid Vehicles Not E85!!!!!!!

Last year ethanol producers received subsidies and tax incentives worth more than $5 billion dollars, and those subsidies will probably be much higher next year. Yet, even with those subsidies ethanol isn't cost effective unless gas prices are close to $3.00 per gallon.

So, is ethanol worth the price?

Supporters of ethanol claim that all this investment in ethanol for automobiles will eventually lead to better ways of producing ethanol, such as cellulosic ethanol.

I say it will simply lead to more flex-fuel Hummers and little decrease in foreign oil dependency. I say E85 is a feel-good way of accomplishing nothing, something both Democrats and Republicans love - talk, talk, talk, but do nothing.

Without raising the fuel efficiency of America's automobiles - significantly - America's demand for energy will continue to grow exponentially and it will outpace any reduction in foreign oil dependency produced by ethanol.

More important, even GM is now realizing the that the future of automobiles is probably electric. If this is true, then E85 simply becomes a distraction, even a boondoggle to those ends, at least for American automakers and the American economy.

Today, hybrid cars can increase fuel efficiency by 20 to 30 percent, which is a good start. Add advanced gasoline engines or clean diesel engines and fuel efficiency could be doubled - that's with just TODAY's technology.

But the real advantage of hybrids will be lithium batteries, and the ability to utilize electric power. Within 5 years it is quite possible that you could buy a $30,000 hybrid vehicle that might never have to be filled with fuel if you drive less than 40 miles per day, all it would need is a small electric charge at night.

Within 10 years a small fuel cell stack could be added to these plug-in hybrids and the majority of drivers might never need any other fuel than just a little occasional electricity. More important, all of this could happen much quicker if more incentives were provided for hybrid technology and lithium-ion technology.

Why not give those ethanol subsidies to consumers to purchase these vehicles? Ultimately, a change in consumer behavior is the quickest path to foreign oil dependence and a cleaner environment.

Yet, ethanol is the favored buzzword, the favored recipient of tax incentives and government subsidies.

In the past Honda has already claimed it believes electric cars are integral to the future, and Toyota's hybrid efforts make them a player in electric cars as well. Even GM says the future is electric. Consequently, it is imperative that American automakers lead the way into this automotive revolution, rather than sticking to flex-fuel Hummers and Mustangs.

America's focus should be that in 10 years every American vehicle produced is either fuel-free or that fuel is simply a backup. The technology will be there within 10 years. The Japanese will be there. Will America?

Still, I'm all for ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, as a fuel to produce electricity, just not as an automobile fuel. Ultimately, transporting ethanol simply makes no sense in a liquid form, but in an electric form it makes great sense.

Consequently, E85 could become a distraction, even a boondoggle if it takes the clean energy and foreign oil dependency spotlight, and early talk from many Democrats seems headed in that direction.

The future is now. If we don't dare to dream, we just might wake up to a nightmare. New automotive technology, not alternative fuels, should be the priority for America, and the majority of our tax incentives and subsidies should be given to consumers to buy this new technology.