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Talking about Golf Sales. I think the fact that the Golf was selling 36% more than last year is the direct result of diesel sales. The new Touareg TDI is doing very well. Touareg sales are up 42.9% for the year to date. According to VW:
Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for more than 23 percent of all April sales.
I don't think many Americans would buy the 1.2L as that is not acceptable for US road conditions. 0-60 is about 13 seconds, and really, you'll be downshifting at every hill and killing the fuel mileage.
I doubt VW would send that tiny engine over here.
Looks like from what I'm reading the 1.6 TDI comes in two HP ratings 75 and 90 HP, is that right?
Also I'm seeing MPG ratings of 67.5 combined for the 1.6L, but that's an imperial gallon, so "real world", optimally, would be about 54 mpg US
Given that most cars fall somewhat short of the optimum, and given that we'd probably get the stronger engine, I'm thinking that about 50 mpg for the 1.6 w/ 90 HP would be realistic for us to expect over here.
That's not bad for a pretty peppy car that drives German.
Added to that, the high cost of diesel fuel, the fact that diesel isn't at every gas station---I just see a very very tiny group of Americans going for the 1.2L TDI.
It's doomed, really, if it came here.
However, I will agree with you that the small car numbers are small (percentage wise). The segment is @ 25%. Most of that segment are really LARGER small cars. Diesels to me are a viable way to have bigger cars that Americans seem to want, while getting easily 20-40% better mpg. I think smaller displacement TDI's are cool because if you truly want a small car there is a TDI that will accomodate.
It's quite true that we are brainwashed with this 0-60 business (thanks, McCahill) but having driven 13 second cars in recent memory (Mercedes 300D) and 9 second cars in even more recent memory (Scion xA), I personally feel that round 9 seconds is the comfort range. I'm now in the 6.5 second range and that is PLENTY, more than enough.
I mean, I think I could manage quite well with a 1.2D myself, because I know how to shift gears, I know what a tachometer is and what it's for, and I know diesel engine characteristics---but you take your average person, who wants an automatic transmission, doesn't really "use" a tachometer beyond keeping it out of the red zone, and may not be one of those anticipatory drivers that work well with under-powered cars (pick your slots, plan your moves, accelerate before the hill, change lanes before you get stuck behind a truck, etc)----well that person is going to have a bad day in a 13 second car...or worse a 13 sec. car with an automatic transmission.
They run up to stoplights, then slam on the brakes (rather than coasting while the light turns green, thereby not having to start from 0 each time). They run up the right lane on the freeway trying to pass but get stuck behind a truck halfway up the hill. They let their cars "warm up" for 5 minutes using their nifty remote starters. They rev past the power band (especially common on diesels). They don't have a steady foot---they speed up, slow down, speed up. They buy the cheapest possible gas they can find.
I am sure you would agree that a diesel choice would not necessarily make one a better driver or (in category) improve one's mpg.
I thought a while back when the recently new VW TDI first made an appearance (or reappearance; I'm not up to date on VW history) every single person buying the TDI paid MSRP since the cars had trouble staying for long at dealers. Everyone was buying them off so quickly.
I really wonder where automakers think that diesel market went. I'm pretty everyone wants better MPG if they can help it so bringing the diesel counterparts to their current line up in the U.S. seems such a simple task to most of us. I'm sure it's more complicated than that though.
You think for one second that the Japanese engineers haven't figured out how to pass that TEST? Don't be thilly, you thilly willy.
Of course they can pass the test.
But can they pass it and make it profitable ENOUGH to go through the process of marketing a whole new line of engines, which in itself is not cheap?
The test they are scared of, still, is WILL WE SELL ENOUGH OF THEM TO MAKE MONEY?
That is the main issue - not the CARB test.
It's the same old story I think --- **Americans don't like diesel cars**
I just don't think those of us who know and appreciate the attributes of a turbo diesel passenger car, represent the typical American buyer.
I did see thought that BMW is fielding some rather glamorous TV ads for its new diesel sedan, so maybe over time these attitudes will change.
Here's a lineup of diesel offerings for the USA in 2011 (a bit outdated but still accurate I think)
2011 Diesel Cars Available in the USA
It's interesting that the American automakers have zilch to offer in the passenger car line.
BIODIESEL FACTS
My take is very simple, let the legislative and regulatory bodies MANDATE a category of (passenger diesel fleet) diesel engines that are fully certified to run up to B100. This way if VW (or any other oem) does not want to part of the fray, they can opt out: or as I think they will, ... opt in. My further op/ed is that anyone who blames VW for this is "shooting the messenger", which is what the legislative and regulatory agencies intend.
Here is what is going on in Hawaii and Oregon with waste oil being refined to Biodiesel. A common sense approach to alternative energy.
http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/14124
The local economic benefit is literally totally the opposite of taking money out of the community. Indeed any local state, county ,or city planning/economic type (knowledgeable that is) can tell you: 1 LOCAL dollar gathered and spent in a community has a ration of 1 to 8 dollar ripple effect in the local economy and that is almost at any level you care to discuss !!!
The other UNwelcomed, unintended consequence/s is/are almost any manufacturing operation has the POTENTIAL to product productive WASTE. Even municipal and even privately run sewer/waste treatment plant has the "potential". Indeed if you "grow" the correct crops on the unused portions of highways and roads right of ways, there is potential for biodiesel.
http://www.biodiesel.com/
Biodiesel is a good alternative. IF you do your homework. DON'T dump the bacon fat out of the frying pan into your tank and expect the diesel engine to like it. You will likely void your warranty.
http://www.kettlebrand.com/about_us/sustainability/
That is absolutely correct. That is part of the homework. I worked with a guy that lives in South Dakota. His local Farm Coop in Brookings sells B20. That is all he runs in his 2003 Ford Super Duty. No problems so far. B100 will gel down near freezing temps. Do your homework is my advice to anyone thinking about using biodiesel. Manufacturers will try to void your warranty if they can prove the fuel caused any problems.
If so, then I'd agree it is a gray area. What is certain is that an automaker may make their clauses about "misfueling" a sufficient ammo to deny you warranty on an engine problem.
Now even I will admit that UP to B-100 will run just fine. Of course there are a few technical issues probably too arcane for most diesel informational purposes.
I personally try not to use a LICK of bio diesel (aka B-5). The US is simply not serious about the stuff it says it is. Why should I pay more, when it will run just fine paying less? They are of course overtaxing those that take this stuff seriously enough!!! ??? :lemon: So for example, CA tax per gal of ULSD is what, 85.2 cents? STATES fuel taxes
"Solazyme is attempting to produce oil through microalgae. Most microalgae produce their own nutrients by using sunlight in a photosynthetic process. Solazyme's proprietary microalgae are heterotrophic, meaning they grow in the dark (in fermenters) by consuming sugars derived from plants that have already harnessed the sun's energy. By using standard industrial fermentation equipment, Solazyme claims it is able to efficiently scale and accelerate microalgae's natural oil production time to just a few days and at commercial levels."
Solazyme IPO Raises $197.6M
I could see VW selling a Super Blue Green Beetle.
I looked hard for a Gecko Green VW Beetle TDI a few years back. Never found one new or used. A fellow poster on Edmund's found a used one and the last email I got says he loves it when he can get it away from his wife. My wife likes the New Beetle. I understand the New New Beetle is due out with the TDI very soon.
Hopefully they drop the prices, like they did for the new Jetta TDI sedan.
While I personally do not know a lot of people who eat algae, it would add to the edible algae food supply.
"Diesel Dreams
There are many skeptics about clean-diesel’s long-term prospects in the U.S. market, but Volkswagen AG executives profess not to be among them. No other company even comes close to VW’s huge bet on diesel as the preferred way to meet fuel-economy mandates. It’s a matter of both faith and practice. Audi even has gone so far as to make diesel powertrains a centerpiece of its TV advertising over the last few years, including the “Green Police” spoof spot during the 2010 Super Bowl. This directly contrasts with the rest of the industry, which portrays hybrids and EVs as their long-term “green” salvation. The brand has been “very deliberate in posing diesel as more than just another powertrain,” Rosso said. “We have done it on a ‘cause’ basis, and this has resonated with consumers.”
So although they demand a price premium, Turbo Diesel Injection engines are under-hood in boatload after boatload of VWs and Audis headed for America: About 80 percent of Jetta Sportwagens sold in the U.S. are TDI-equipped, for instance, and about 22 percent of total VW-brand sales in May were TDI. The diesel version of Passat has a range of nearly 800 miles on a tank of fuel and already is a crucial part of VW’s positioning of the new car. TDI “will be an important part of the Passat offering, so we’re trying to make it as accessible as possible in terms of pricing,” Browning said. For Audi, about 40 percent of Q7s sold in May were TDI and a whopping 55 percent of A3, its entry-level sedan. “Every A3 that we sold last year as a diesel was incremental to our business,” Rosso said."
If VW Can Meet U.S. Goals, It May Be 'Game Over' (AutoObserver)
As one that follows the VW progress, I am interested in the projected Passat TDI sales vs actual. I am sure the 43 mpg stats will not go unnoticed by new buyers in that segement (Accord/Camry/Hyndai/ etc etc. ) My swag is the bare minimum of 22% (VW TDI's fleet sales)
I'd buy one myself except that I don't seem to have $27,000 lying around. Let me check the sofa under the pillows.
I think diesel cars are a good bet as a "transitional" market but I just don't see them even remotely approaching European market share. Even 10% market share in the USA would be impressive.
This is in no way shape or form a call for higher fuel standards. It is a call (if indeed the US is at all serious, which they are not) to let in those cars that actually GET better fuel mileage.
While a TDI population of 10% (25.84 M from 1.272 M) would be impressive, again given how a barrel of oil is refined, a more serious population of 20-26% diesel would go a LONG way in cutting a lot of the issues raised.
In light of so called "manufacture able" algae bio diesel, it really does not make a lot of sense. In a global sense it also is ironic that we have to buy from folks who use part of the proceeds of oil money for our down fall. Modern logistics really hides the HUGE costs of getting oil and its retail products RUG/PUG ULSD to the corners of 3rd street and 33 rd avenue @ 3:33 am/pm. It really makes more sense to LOCALLY manufacture biodiesel that comes from 4th street and 44 ave and the day before @ 4:44 am/pm!!!!
I'm not so sure communities would want a biodiesel processing plant in their back yard. Maybe in the large cities?
It bears mentioning, we alreay have "nimby"oil policies (not in my back yard (you don't) !! Oil has been coming from the middle east for literally generations (aka, is that far enough away?) . Don't like on shore drilling? Well lets drill OFF shore in the middle of no where, no where (fully half of KNOWN oil reserves are off shore) . How well have those nimby oil policies worked and/or continue to?
So here is a real life "nimby" oil policy. There are currently NO passenger vehicle fleet (diesel) engines that are certified to run up to B-100 (biodiesel 100%).
Now some of the TDI "breathern " do run them (up to B-100) in Berkeley, and Santa Cruz, CA, but they are generally seen as wacked out hippies from the 60's
I think it is more likely than seeing any new fossil fuel refineries. Smells like french fries. What's not to like. mmmmm good. :shades:
I have not checked any of these new small processing plants. I have invested in a couple. Though so far they have been less than profitable. I lean more toward the refining of used cooking oil than using expensive crops for feedstock. I am still optimistic my investments in Algae to biodiesel will pay off.
You know, America is the land of the "half step". As long as you are 1/2 step in front of everyone, you can survive and even prosper. But you go out TOO FAR and you're going to get punished. The possible exception to this rule might be of course in the case of national survival, but as it relates to business or politics, 1/2 steps are part of our culture I think.