What Would It Take for YOU to buy a diesel car?

ruking1

Gizmo's on gassers vs Diesel mpg savings?

So if one keeps the car @ the average, which is about 12 years, we are talking about 180,000 miles at the 15,000 miles per year average, driver.

Using the 14 GLK 350/250 (@ 22.3/35 mpg, PUG /ULSD @ $2.92/$2.41), the numbers are truly compelling @ $11,176. SAVED! ($ 23,570. vs $12,394.) While most gasser drivers are dismissive @ best, in fuel terms , $$'s saved will buy an additional 162,307 miles!

ruking1

gagrice said:

ruking1 said:

The 14 MB GLK 250 blue tech has been driven in the daily grueling commute (54 miles R/T) heavy traffic, for the last couple of weeks . Just took a look at the figures, computer/pen & paper calcs. It is posting 38.9 mpg. It is a bit of a surprise, as we post 40 mpg in the 09 VW Jetta TDI, in the same commute?

I am glad you like the GLK Bluetec. I may get rid of my PU and the wife's LS400 and get one for a daily driver. I will look for a 2013 coming off lease, if they are not too pricey. It looks like they hold their value very well.

Edmunds.com list MB GLK 350/250 BlueTec , $41.9 k MSRP /$36.5k avg price, the other is listed at 43.2 k and 37.6 k.

Differences of $ 1.3 k MSRP/ $ 1.1k avg.

In this case, not bad for DIESEL being minus- $500 MSRP cheaper.

I am guessing the differences are GREATER for the 12 VW Touareg gas/TDI.

A quick scan indicates anywhere from $ 5,000 to $10,000 in differences of GREATER TDI resale/residual values..

ruking1

ruking1 said:

..."I still want all the gizmos. "...

Really, I am all for freedom of choice. But the truth is I am actually feeling "forced " to have accepted some stuff that I really don't want. (Like model)

I think it ha been demonstrated time and time again (on this thread anyway), that people would rather spend way more money for the gizmos, than they would way less for the diesel option. So certain cost savings are not real or clear motivators.

It would also seem that gizmos don't really do a lot for residual value, or there does not seem to be many studies or comparos that indicate they do. The latest computer hacking of the cars steering, braking controls etc., is not a confidence builder either. Yet , by in large like model diesels seem to sell for higher residual values.

Another is say $10,000 of gizmos will cost in California another 9% on sales tax. In some other states, this also pads the yearly registration fees.

I am sure people can vouch for ithis ,n the case of options that either burnout or don't work. It can cost a lot more money for repair. IF they're not fixed, they actually subtract from resale or residual values .

Speaking of GIZMO's, glad to not have this one!?

TMI: The potential for this kind of poisoning is WAY less to non existent with the TDI .

https://gma.yahoo.com/keyless-ignitions-led-carbon-monoxide-deaths-recalled-suit-192934703--abc-news-topstories.html

ruking1

Despite calls for diesels for the sub $20,000 segments, the AVERAGE USED car ( GASSER ) pricing is @ 18,800. (according to one august auto publication pundit)

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/08/25/average-used-car-price-hits-new-record-high-of-18-800/

stever

ruking1 said:

Speaking of GIZMO's, glad to not have this one!?

TMI: The potential for this kind of poisoning is WAY less to non existent with the TDI .

Not TMI at all; sounds like all those drivers sleeping in their idling semis, especially in cool, rainy weather, could be at risk. (Overdriveonline.com)

Keyless is great and I want it, but forgetting to turn the car off is a real concern - that would be exactly something I'd do. With new cars, half the time I can't tell that they are running at idle without checking the tach. And I'm back to having an attached garage again. The lawyers are on it at least so I'd expect a fix "soon".

And yeah, used car prices are nuts.

ruking1

There is a suicide joke in that big rig article somewhere, but I think I'll pass on that one.

ruking1

stevedebi said:

Wow, been a while since I read the forums. I drive a Ford C-Max Energi (plug in hybrid), and my wife has a 2014 Passat TDI SE. A couple of notes on the Hybrid Vs Passat TDI:

- Depending on your region, consider temperature. A hybrid will do much worse in the winter when the temperature affects the battery. Our TDI has no problem is lower temperatures, although I understand that it may take longer to start in really cold climates (unlike LA).

- There is nothing like that double clutch automatic transmission. It is like driving a manual. In my opinion it is vastly superior to the CVT in my C-Max.

- In terms of longevity, a battery pack will lose charge over the years. The diesel will not, although the DSG does require a 45K maintenance interval. But at 200K and 10 years, the hybrid will not work as well as the diesel. Most of the high mileage hybrids that are cited are from Taxis, but they have a lot of miles, not a lot of years.

- For family use, the Passat wins hands down, due to the storage in the trunk. Words can't describe how big it is. The Honda would do for some luggage, but the VW is superb. Every time we pack for a trip, I can't believe it.

- The diesel will get better mileage when driven aggressively. You have to drive carefully to achieve MPG in any hybrid. With the TDI, you just drive.

It is good to get your opinion, since you run the TDI & gas hybrid plug in & CVT side-by-side. my experience has been gassers versus TDI's.

What would be your take on a diesel plug-in hybrid ?

I have watched any number of DSG filter and oil changes. I even watched mine being done. The hardest thing is the R/R of the parts in the way, to get to the DSG components. Truly, it is no more complicated than an oil change, as it is an oil change. Mechanic's time is app .5 to 1hr. DSG kit is app $100. It can be /is a DIY, but you really should know what you doing.

I was not a DSG fan initially. After about 95,000 miles, it's actually proven itself. However for me lasting as long or longer than a stick shift is the GOLD metric.

http://shopping.boraparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_28_140&products_id=87

stever

Speaking of -

Mercedes-Benz Japan launches first diesel hybrid sedan (Japan Times)

ruking1

stever said:

Speaking of -

Mercedes-Benz Japan launches first diesel hybrid sedan (Japan Times)

US conversion is just shy of 49 MPG. for an S class Mercedes, pretty interesting ?

By way of comparison, Edmunds.com posts sub 20 mpg for the GASSER hybrid! So what's a 145% better fuel mileage among us car geeks?

stever

lol, I wondered but I'm fried from trying to do math on the end of the month car deals going down elsewhere on the forum.

ruking1

stever said:

lol, I wondered but I'm fried from trying to do math on the end of the month car deals going down elsewhere on the forum.

Well, I'm sure YOUR local Mercedes dealers will knock a few bucks off the $101.000 to 117, 000 MSRP price/s?

stevedebi

ruking1 said:

...

It is good to get your opinion, since you run the TDI & gas hybrid plug in & CVT side-by-side. my experience has been gassers versus TDI's.

What would be your take on a diesel plug-in hybrid ?

....

It is interesting, of course trains are the ultimate diesel hybrid - they run electric motors driven by diesel generators. I think a diesel hybrid would be a slam dunk. It would get great in town mileage and excellent highway mileage. However, there are a couple of things to consider:

1. Diesel engines are heavier, and hybrids are all about reducing weight. For a plug-in hybrid, for example, you have to lug that extra weight around a lot while running EV miles. However, I think the technology would still work, if number 2 was economically feasible.

2. Diesel engines cost more to purchase, and hybrids already cost a lot extra due to the batteries and technology. At some point it just doesn't pay over the expected life of the vehicle (some could already make that point even with current hybrid technology).

3. I don't think that the major hybrid players (Toyota, Ford) have a lot of experience in US passenger diesels (I realize that Ford does them in Europe, but not in America). I suspect that if it were economically feasible, they would have offered it by now. It would seem to be a great idea in terms of MPG.

EDIT:

4. For those who care (and apparently the EPA, CARB, and EU do), a diesel is not that good at reducing carbon emissions. To pair it with a hybrid powertrain seems a bit counter productive.

ruking1

Yes, I think for those that are addicted to the zero to 60 metric & mantra, sub to 4 sec times in EV's like Tesla is a way to go (without the H/S & gun smoke) . Around here, I get passed routinely by Tesla's " getting on it". Be that as it may, it's remains meaningless to me, albeit, it is entertaining to watch.

I have yet to see a Tesla on the way UP to Tahoe, CA, let alone passing me, at altitude. I guess they have to charge up for a day or so in Vacaville, CA , before they try it. It reminds me of that Gilligans Island TV show. It's supposed to be a three hour tour.

stevedebi

ruking1 said:

Yes, I think for those that are addicted to the zero to 60 metric & mantra, sub to 4 sec times in EV's like Tesla is a way to go. Around here, I get passed routinely by Tesla's " getting on it". Be that as it may, it's remains meaningless to me, albeit, it is entertaining to watch.

Not really much point in running an EV that way. I recall from the article on Tesla that it could smoke the wheels - at a cost of 1 mile of range for each second that the wheels were "smoked".

I have found in driving my C-Max Energi in EV that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Driving style will reduce (or increase) EV range.

I realize that folks who can afford a Tesla don't really care.

ruking1

Yeah, I'm thinking that the 12-year-old AVG pvf age , 15,000 miles per yr AVG US driver are some major obstacles to overcome. Longer-term, the best way to put it is costs for 180,000 miles.

US drivers should keep in mind: the AVG European drivers posts 9,000 miles per year. Does anybody have a clue what the AVG age of the European passenger vehicle fleet is ? My swag, it's higher than the U.S. markets. Yet it is interesting TDI's are @ 50% plus of vehicles.

Stick shift take % Gasser/TDI @ app 85%. US is app reversed.

Golf Wagon TDI 80% take rate! Interesting take from a hybrid POV.

http://www.hybridcars.com/2015-volkswagen-golf-sportwagen-tdi-review-video/

gagrice

Keyless is great and I want it, but forgetting to turn the car off is a real concern - that would be exactly something I'd do. With new cars, half the time I can't tell that they are running at idle without checking the tach. And I'm back to having an attached garage again. The lawyers are on it at least so I'd expect a fix "soon".


I lost all interest in Keyless ignition when the highway patrolman and his whole family was wiped out by his inability to stop that Lexus with keyless ignition. I drive through that intersection and think about what happened every time. I like the big fat key in the Touareg. In fact Keyless was standard on the highest level and did not appeal to me at all. I hope it does not become standard.

ruking1

This is a very interesting article about how much is really being spent on new cars ( defacto, 95% + gassers)

IF average monthly payments are $500 per month for 73 months to 84 months, we are talking about cars that cost upwards of $ 36,500. The article indicates 4.8% for the avg loan.

So even if one gets a fully decked out Passatt TDI at full MSRP price and zero % loan, gasser owners are spending more for gassers than diesel owners are spending for diesels.

This of course may seem counterintuitive to a lot of gasser owners and folks that frequent this board.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/average-car-payment-inching-closer-130007036.html

ruking1

Is this the good/bad news about VW's US 2 % market share % & DIESEL population of 25 % ? (350,000 units / 87,500 diesels of projected 15 sales of 17.5 m) VW's diesels grow the population half of one % of yearly pvf sales.

http://247wallst.com/autos/2015/08/30/can-vw-sell-1500-cars-a-day/

houdini1

ruking1 said:

This is a very interesting article about how much is really being spent on new cars ( defacto, 95% + gassers)

IF average monthly payments are $500 per month for 73 months to 84 months, we are talking about cars that cost upwards of $ 36,500. The article indicates 4.8% for the avg loan.

So even if one gets a fully decked out Passatt TDI at full MSRP price and zero % loan, gasser owners are spending more for gassers than diesel owners are spending for diesels.

This of course may seem counterintuitive to a lot of gasser owners and folks that frequent this board.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/average-car-payment-inching-closer-130007036.html

I understand what you are saying, but wouldn't the opposite also be true if you got 0% on the gasser loan and 4.8% on the Passat TDI?

ruking1

Absolutely and positively !

But at the same time, VW offers zero to .9% loans on TDI's almost all the time! So, if you were in the market for a Passat TDI and wanted to use money, why would you choose a 4.8% + loan over a VW Credit's zero to .9% one ?

With 14 Passat sales at 96,649 and 25% TDI's @ 24,163 units, The subset of your question is extremely, extremely small, not to exceed to much less than .0013 % of projected 15 PVF sales! (Less than 24,163/ 17.5 M units)

houdini1

Well I always have to pay cash and haggle for extra discount because I am not using their "free" financing. I would not necessarily do this, but no matter how much financial sense it might make to accept the 0% financing, my wife simply will not finance anything, even at 0%...and yes, this includes mortgages. In regard to mortgages, if by chance I was offered 0% financing, I do believe I could talk her into that.

I am sure that no one else's wife is as stubborn as mine, so you might not understand this.

ruking1

Well there's not a thing wrong with that ! But I'd say, make your best deal with cash. Then ask if they are willing to use a 0% loan? ( if in fact the incentive is being offered) IF your wife still says no, or is still comfortable, you can always write the check.

stever

Interest-free financing turns heads, but may not be best deal (middletownpress.com)

My understanding is that dealers make money (aka kickbacks ) putting financing packages together. The article linked glosses over that.

Low APR vs. Cash Back Calculator

ruking1

stever said:

Interest-free financing turns heads, but may not be best deal (middletownpress.com)

My understanding is that dealers make money (aka kickbacks ) putting financing packages together. The article linked glosses over that.

Low APR vs. Cash Back Calculator

I ran through all of my diesels, each one said take the financing. I ran each one by spread sheet before each purchase, so figures were the same, to similar, to close. This of course is anecdotal and 20/20 hindsight .

However, FF to 15 VW Touareg TDI : zero % : 12 mo, 60 mo, 66 mo, 72 mo.

. 05% ( half %)=75 mo.

A lot of dealers also have advertised and UNadvertised specials ! So for example, currently in the area where I am , they are offering 0% for 72 mo + $ 1000 in cash. This is after your best deal!

While this was three years ago, the local dealer also offered minus-$500 off, if I bought one that was currently in stock. It had 4 miles on it, as I remember, before I test drove it. I was fine with the color. Then I offered cash. Long story short , (haggling) it was the best price. So he asked me if wantd to get my own financing, or was 0% for 60 months with VW credit OK ? So, he went away happy, I went away happy.

FF to 2015 cpmd : depreciation/ ownership is 10.9 cents

Current cpmd: fuel is about 7.3 cents . ( ULSD= $2.41 @ 33 mpg)

If drove a gas VW Touareg( like the TDI ) I doubt I would get 25 /20 mpg on the SOS/DD trek (35 mpg R/T 420 miles, zero to 7,300 ft altitude & back again) @ $ 2.86 PUG, cpmd:fuel is 11.44 to 14.3 cents.

qbrozen

A few times, it has been a better deal for me to take the cash rebate and the captive finance company's higher rate and just refinance very shortly after through my credit union. This was compared to taking an advertised low rate and zero rebate. I can't remember the exact numbers, but I think, for example, it was $1500 on the Mustang in lieu of 1.9% financing. My CU was 2.49%, so it was a no-brainer to take the $1500 and the non-special rate of 4.9% from Ford Credit and refinance a month later.

ruking1

Indeed, that makes all the sense in the world, given the circumstances for the gasser, with NO diesel option.

I wasn't planning on running the figures on each diesel again, but Stever made it easy !

However, running the figures AGAIN further reinforces over 13 years, how advantageous the diesel OEMs have made it, to buy these diesel products, I.e., dealer, area, factory, specials? Zero to .9 %'s make/d/s them icing on the cake. iRS section 179 requirements did not hurt either.

Come to think of it, neither did the $1500 IRS tax CREDIT on the 2009 VW Jetta TDI (and yes the IRS website detailed that specific TDI). Thanks no doubt goes to Senator H Clinton.(emission system that year, made in New York State)

In fact, if I could sell the 12 VW Touareg TDI @ the avg going price, I would be able to retire the loan. $5,000 ahead. I could then make another 15 VW Touareg TDI deal with up to a 75 month zero to half percent % loan and walk away with no cash down ( again) after paying off the loan. That would be (55,000 miles) 10.9 cents CPMD: ownership/depreciation.

The 14 MB GLK 250 Blue Tech numbers are almost as goofy. It can sell it right now (17 mo old 17,000 miles) for more than what was paid new? In this case, I would be PAID 10.9 cents per mile driven to drive it! ?

ruking1

Though I'm happy that ULSD is an "alternate fuel " and can be produced in a multitude of ways and places, and in fact uses " less to OFF "BAD" gasoline", here is another environmentalist (attitudinal)! disaster being foisted on the public! Aka, why grow the same amount of crops (i.e., strawberries) on 1 acre, when 14 acres LOCALLY will do! You all do crave much higher food prices ?

http://blogs.wsj.com/experts/2015/07/16/a-contrarian-view-of-the-local-food-movement/

stever

Well, those Michigan strawberries would be even more efficiently grown in some of those empty buildings in Detroit, hydroponically with solar powered grow lights.

The best berries are those little bitty ones about the size of your little finger. Good luck finding anything like that anywhere but in your yard though. The giant ones taste like Styrofoam infused with weak Kool-Aid.

Dunno, California has plenty of diesel but I'm not so sure the aquifer is going to support that 90% production number well into the future. Not to mention the rising price of harvesting those labor intensive crops, until someone invents some robotic diesel powered pickers.

Alas, the U-Pick outing this year will be for Hatch chilis, not forty pounds of Michigan blueberries (not much of a pepper belly).

ruking1

Funny with all these opportunities in the area, that we don't see people emigrating to Detroit to put those free buildings to use.? It has been on the GUT list for a very long time! The population drain from 1.6 to 1.8 million people ( 1960's) down to around currently 680,000, shows that they been very very very successful!

stever

Nothing wrong with Detroit that a consolidation of boundaries wouldn't fix. There's 5.1 million people in the area, and the duplication of services is a crying shame, if you are a taxpayer. Needs to be more like NYC or even Anchorage, which encompasses 6 or 8 separate "towns", three or four of which would be standalone cities elsewhere.

Think of all the diesel that would be saved by not having all those extra city vehicles running around in their own little fiefdoms.

ruking1

Think of all the lack of expenditure, if it remains fallow ,!! You have to remember, a lot of acumen, blood, sweat and tears went into GUTTING it,

Yeah, I watch that Anthony Bourdain Detroit food scene. Will the area be good for Hollywood types wanting to film horror/ zombie apocalypse movies and series?

gagrice

houdini1 said:

Well I always have to pay cash and haggle for extra discount because I am not using their "free" financing. I would not necessarily do this, but no matter how much financial sense it might make to accept the 0% financing, my wife simply will not finance anything, even at 0%...and yes, this includes mortgages. In regard to mortgages, if by chance I was offered 0% financing, I do believe I could talk her into that.

I am sure that no one else's wife is as stubborn as mine, so you might not understand this.

Mine is very stubborn on borrowing money. She was not at all unhappy with our $0 down 0% interest on the Touareg TDI. Her first car EVER that she did not pay cash. And she had a long list of Porsche, MB and her Lexus. Something enticing about using Other People's Money.

gagrice

ruking1 said:

Funny with all these opportunities in the area, that we don't see people emigrating to Detroit to put those free buildings to use.? It has been on the GUT list for a very long time! The population drain from 1.6 to 1.8 million people ( 1960's) down to around currently 680,000, shows that they been very very very successful!

The biggest example of white flight anywhere in the USA. There is some good news. Billionaire Dan Gilbert is buying up and refurbishing downtown Detroit. He is hiring hundreds of people with the stipulation they live and work in Detroit. He is setting a great example.

http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2015/08/29/book-tower-detroit-sale-gilbert/71306686/

stever

Mike Ilitch of Little Caesar's fame is another one.

ruking1

Judging by two RDA's: (redevelopment agencies) : 1. that I know of 2. that I have been been involved with: the time horizons span multiple decades, to more like biblical generations (with pre-ordination of course) Keep in mind that (CA ) Governor Moonbeam has been successful in literally killing all CA RDA's!!!!!!!

SOMA or South Of MArket (San Francisco,CA) has EASILY taken 55 years (inxs of 1.5 biblical generations, 2 generations,if one subscribes to a secular gen)

San Francisco also is or has been in the way of huge, huge, HUGE local,state, United States and global MEGA trends and progress/es. This is even with the history of San Francisco being a huge manufacturing and shipping town being killed off and gateway to the USA's winning the Pacific campaign in WW2 and its ascendency to global power. Yada, Yada, Yada. WW2 ended in 1945 , 2.33 secular gens ago.

So I hope for Detroit's sake, that some hidden megatrend/s, that I don't know about is going to hit them. HINT: they are not local artesian breweries . So when do you think GM will locate NEW auto manufacturing there again? My .02 take is when hell freezes over is too soon. Whatever MEGA trends that may want to grace Detroit will probably be killed off by the ensuing present day politics.

But then I have lived in some places in the East, that are STILL waiting ...........i.e., arrested decay started LONG before I got there, 41 years ago . Who has heard of the French and Indian war? What is 8.7 sec gen's ago?

Slow diesel news day here. 3 cent bump of ULSD prices , to $ 2.44. RUG $2.63/PUG $2.85. It is interesting because supposedly, we are switching to the cheaper wInter fuel.

I just heard on the cable financial news network, an interview with Bob Lutz ( former biggie wig auto exec: GM, Ford, Chysler, BMW, etc. ) bragging on his brand-new GM Yukon Denail, getting 21 mpg. Fuelly.com lists the 15 MY @ 17.5 mpg. My swag is 15 mpg on SOS/DD. (actually same as 1994 TLC.)

Naturally, as anybody can imagine the storyline: lower fuel prices have vehicle buyers migrating to the vehicles with less mpg. There are literally no incentives to get vehicles with HIGHER mpg.

Talking heads are projecting 17.81 M,15 auto sales !

gagrice

I think GM and C have the hatchet raised ready to chop production in Michigan and the US. Buick will be building cars in China for US market in 2017. Ford has announced further moves to Mexico. If the UAW thinks they can get rid of the two tier and everyone make the big bucks, they may have a rude awakening.

Ford has been criticized for its decision to move production of the Focus compact car, Focus electric car and C-Max hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid out of Michigan Assembly in 2018. Many have speculated the work will move to Mexico, where labor rates are lower.

http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20150830/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/150839982

General Motors GM -2.62% is expected to start exporting the Buick Envision from a Chinese plant to American dealerships by the end of 2016. If the move goes through, GM will become the first major car company to sell a vehicle in the U.S. that was made in China, USA Today reports.

http://fortune.com/2015/08/18/buick-china-gm-envision/

henryn

http://gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/176759-colorado-and-canyon-duramax-diesel-sales-start-early-october/

9/1/2015
Colorado and Canyon Duramax Diesel sales start early October according to a General Motors staffer responsible for sales reporting GM-Trucks.com communicated with this morning. According to GM's best estimate, the first few units will arrive at dealerships in October. November and December will be ramp-up months.

Despite the solid support of many fans of the mid-size trucks, and even many die-hard Tacoma owners swearing to move over to the GM trucks to have access to a diesel, GM has told GM-Trucks.com that the expected take rate is expected to settle at about 5% of total Canyon and Colorado production, or just about 550 trucks per month once the ramp-up and initial surge ends. Interestingly, GM won't sell more Colorado and Canyon trucks overall due to the diesel. We have also confirmed that the facilities producing the Canyon and Colorado are at full capacity. Regardless of the popularity of the new diesel, GM can't make anymore of these vehicles.

gagrice

Ford is using the Ranger as a carrot in the negotiations. Still not as small of a PU as I would like. The quad cab Ranger 4x4 is 211 inche long. Only about an inch shorter than the Canyon. If they ever end the chicken tax we will see some small PU trucks again. The GM Colorado/Canyon diesel engine comes from Thailand where many small trucks are built.

GM Thailand begins production of 2.8L Duramax 4-cyl. turbodiesel engines slated for export to North America for use in U.S. and Canadian versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks.

Speaking at the event to celebrate the start of production for the North American-bound engines, GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand Managing Director Marcos Purty says exporting the engines to the U.S. increases the Thai output and improves GM Powertrain Thailand’s economies of scale.

Engine shipments from Rayong to North America will start in the third quarter. Installation in the Colorado and Canyon at GM’s plant in Wentzville, MO, will begin later this fall.

slorenzen

gagrice said:

Ford is using the Ranger as a carrot in the negotiations. Still not as small of a PU as I would like. The quad cab Ranger 4x4 is 211 inche long. Only about an inch shorter than the Canyon. If they ever end the chicken tax we will see some small PU trucks again. The GM Colorado/Canyon diesel engine comes from Thailand where many small trucks are built.

GM Thailand begins production of 2.8L Duramax 4-cyl. turbodiesel engines slated for export to North America for use in U.S. and Canadian versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks.

Speaking at the event to celebrate the start of production for the North American-bound engines, GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand Managing Director Marcos Purty says exporting the engines to the U.S. increases the Thai output and improves GM Powertrain Thailand’s economies of scale.

Engine shipments from Rayong to North America will start in the third quarter. Installation in the Colorado and Canyon at GM’s plant in Wentzville, MO, will begin later this fall.

Good friend of mine is a missionary in Thailand, drives a Ranger Diesel with about 250K on it.

Funny thing, you can't get a car with a HEATER over there...

ruking1

My 2 cents are basically it says it sounds like NON commitment to a committal. In other words, there are no numbers to percentage%'s or production #'s.

250,000 miles on diesel....absolutely a youngin !

ruking1

Haven't seen from Carboy 21's posts for awhile. I saw this about Honda (Toyota was WORSE /mentioned also) sedans, despite 15 MY AM sales projected to hit a record 17.8 M in sales.

Honda's Sales Are Clobbered As Buyers Choose SUVs Instead

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/09/02/honda-august-2015-sales-cr-v-accord-civic.aspx?source=eogyholnk0000001

gagrice

ruking1 said:

My 2 cents are basically it says it sounds like NON commitment to a committal. In other words, there are no numbers to percentage%'s or production #'s.

250,000 miles on diesel....absolutely a youngin !

I don't imagine it is all freeway miles in Thailand. My good friend here was with the first batch of JFK's Peace Corps in Thailand. Says it is rugged country. He had diesel PU trucks in Africa, Thailand, Central America and Mexico. Loved them all and beat them to death. Especially Africa where he was 8 hours of double track trails to the closest town. We get the Foo Foo vehicles in the US.

stever

I think it depends on where you go - south of Bangkok on some of the islands, if you don't want to walk, you're best off in a Jeep type rig with plenty of clearance. Otherwise you'll find plenty of crowded highways, with all sorts of vehicles. Have hitched in the back of a "US style" pickup there after sundown when the buses quit running and the truck would have been right at home anywhere in the US. Thank you Chicken Tax. Didn't make it to the north part; that's supposedly the rugged part.

ruking1

What is probably known, but goes unsaid are most miles are probably of the grueling variety. So it might be helpful to know or even PROJECT how a gasser hybrid would have done under the same circumstances. My swag would be maladapted @ best.

Slow news diesel day here ! Due to the periodic closures of a MAJOR freeway ( HIGHWAY 101, why should we fear terrorist's, we have the local power company and CA trains work crews that demolished a major electrical resource one night) and continued commute use of the MB GLK 250 BlueTec, the mpg now varies between 35 mpg to 39 mpg. My swag for the 09 VW Jetta TDI would be 38 to 41 mpg.

slorenzen

gagrice said:

ruking1 said:

My 2 cents are basically it says it sounds like NON commitment to a committal. In other words, there are no numbers to percentage%'s or production #'s.

250,000 miles on diesel....absolutely a youngin !

I don't imagine it is all freeway miles in Thailand. My good friend here was with the first batch of JFK's Peace Corps in Thailand. Says it is rugged country. He had diesel PU trucks in Africa, Thailand, Central America and Mexico. Loved them all and beat them to death. Especially Africa where he was 8 hours of double track trails to the closest town. We get the Foo Foo vehicles in the US.

From his descriptions of the roads, it most definitely is NOT like driving I-5 from your place to mine.

Lots of rutted, sloppy trails...

ruking1

Lol! Interstate 5 N/S would be akin to driving in ones living room, between 70 to 95 mph!

God BLESS Texas !

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-saudis-gambled-and-texas-won-1441063219?mod=trending_now_3

gagrice

Slorenzen says:
From his descriptions of the roads, it most definitely is NOT like driving I-5 from your place to mine.


976 miles my home to yours. with 4 miles on either end to get on the freeway. Beauty of our Touareg TDI I can pick the best priced diesel somewhere in Central CA for the only fuel stop along the way. Then I fill up in Roseburg, OR where diesel is $2.05 this morning at both the Shell and 76 stations. Bandon Oregon has a 76 station that is below everyone else right on highway 101. Last trip 2470 miles and 4 fillups, home to home.

ruking1

Gasbuddy or its competitors really give one huge flexibilities combined with Touareg TDI's 32 to 37 mpg and 26.4 gal tank. Over the years, we've easily had three reasons to go on multiple trips to destinations in Oregon. We have caravaned with gasser cars and suvs and they were always a little bit confused, when we would stop because they needed gas and we didn't fuel. I guess it is a little confusing when large SUVs have much bigger tanks then small sedans.

Totally off-topic for the EV set, but the top-tier electrical usage in California is about 33.5 cents per KWH.

slorenzen

gagrice said:

Slorenzen says:
From his descriptions of the roads, it most definitely is NOT like driving I-5 from your place to mine.


976 miles my home to yours. with 4 miles on either end to get on the freeway. Beauty of our Touareg TDI I can pick the best priced diesel somewhere in Central CA for the only fuel stop along the way. Then I fill up in Roseburg, OR where diesel is $2.05 this morning at both the Shell and 76 stations. Bandon Oregon has a 76 station that is below everyone else right on highway 101. Last trip 2470 miles and 4 fillups, home to home.

Of course, the BLADDER won't last that long, but I suppose it depends...

stever

Hopefully I can just continue to make my frequent pit stops and skip the depends part for another decade or two.