March 10, 2004
Japanese Diesel
Why aren’t there more Japanese diesel engines ?
Reading the Reuters report on the subject, you can come to the following summary:
- 42% of cars in Europe sell with diesel engines
- it takes 300,000 sales a year to justify an engine design and factory
So, this also means that some niche market companies, say Porsche & Subaru, would have a hard time justifying the design costs of a “Horizontally Opposed Turbo Diesel”.
Unless of course somehow their combined needs, plus the ones from Saab and the small airplane folks who love both the VW TDI but prefer “boxer” engines could add up.
Unlikely. So, who would be a good large volume customer for more such engines ? Honda took the cost plunge simply to remain self-dependent.
Ford Trius
“Under the agreement, Toyota’s patents on gasoline-electric hybrid engine system control and emission purification have been licensed for use in Ford’s own hybrid system, which is under development.”
Yes, Ford needed the help.
“Subaru’s Forester isn’t anything new, but a little investigation as to what the model is all about reveals a broad personality, functionality and most surprisingly, a gem in performance and ability.”
Among the most ardent fans of Subaru you can count a sizeable group from Australia and New Zealand. Car.co.nz had this to say about the latest Subaru Forester Turbo
“While some baulk at the price, the end result is a true hybrid of performance and practicality.”
Holden MS8
It helps to be the Australian arm of General Motors: No-one will think your crazy to introduce a pair of retro looking racing cars.
In conjunction with Elfin, the down-under’s most racing of company names, the juicy Clubman and Streamliner models use well known and loved GM ‘Vette engines.
Streamliner
Clubman
More at WebWombat
Gelaendewagen
Canadian Driver writes that the Canadian military is moving from the older VW Iltis (also built under license by Bombardier in Canada) to the Mercedes Gelaendewagen, aka G-Wagon.
The G270 CDI Common Rail Diesel engine is the “one to own” among all Daimler-Chrysler engines. Potentially among all diesel engines period.
These ultra rugged 4WD vehicles are also the favourites of very rich Rap stars, maybe because of the APS kits (armoured protection system). Nah…
Geneva 2004
I recommend you visit Car Design News’ Geneva 2004 review. Some nice little cars and fresh styles.
Cutest in my opinion: Fiat Trepiùno concept
World Car
You have a South Korean company owned by GM, Daewoo, buying a diesel engine from Italian company VM Motori, owned by Penske & Daimler-Chrysler.
(here)
Strangely reminds me of the Euro-Sausage episode of “Yes (Prime) Minister”.
Why ? Well, what do you call such a strange car ? “World Car” no doubt.