New Toyota Diesel

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

I agree, that the US has been lacking in diesel technology for some time, but until recently there has been little point to do the R and D on it.

It all boils down to the almightly dollar. When it's economically feasible or legislation forces everyone to do it, they'll git 'er done, until the...status quo.

I translate your highlighted opinion as "Corporate oil had no point of allowing fuel conserving diesels, promoting 7 mpg monsters instead".
Why would they want to produce clean diesel fuel?
50 states compliant Bluetec diesels are on the roads for few years already.

[maxandgeorgia]

Speaking of corn shortfall, I'm seeing many fields that have been pasture for ages, now turned over for spring planting--more likely corn for ethanol than for corn flakes. Other friends who had acreage in the crp program for a while are now planting to corn--for ethanol. If this upsurge in corn acreage is as widespread as I think it is, that's an interesting impact.

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by maxandgeorgia

Speaking of corn shortfall, I'm seeing many fields that have been pasture for ages, now turned over for spring planting--more likely corn for ethanol than for corn flakes. Other friends who had acreage in the crp program for a while are now planting to corn--for ethanol. If this upsurge in corn acreage is as widespread as I think it is, that's an interesting impact.

Also interesting is that prices paid to graze cattle have gone up as has the feed prices for other livestock. Nows a good time to raise hay and provide graze.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

I translate your highlighted opinion as "Corporate oil had no point of allowing fuel conserving diesels, promoting 7 mpg monsters instead".
Why would they want to produce clean diesel fuel?
50 states compliant Bluetec diesels are on the roads for few years already.

I was talking more along the lines of the big three not really putting the R & D up for putting cars or engines out there until the fleet averages were raised, gas prices skyrocketed and their most profitable vehicles, the gas guzzling truck sales tanked.

Now that gas is over $3 a gallon, you are starting to see more truck hybrids on their way, better MPG and rumblings of both electric cars and more diesels. None of this would have happened if gas had not stayed over $2. We'd have gone right back to the status quo of 10mpg trucks with about $10 profit per vehicle.

I blame the oil compaies for a good portion of it, but really, it's the market players that short and long it. One word from Iran and it hits $100 barrel. I recall back before Gulf War I, we were paying .99/gallon...seems like only yesterday.