Comments on: Shoppers Pass On Diesel, Hybrid Acceptance Continues to Grow http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/01/28/shoppers-pass-on-diesel-hybrid-acceptance-continues-to-grow/ Environmental Leader Thu, 24 May 2012 16:26:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: DawnFenton http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/01/28/shoppers-pass-on-diesel-hybrid-acceptance-continues-to-grow/comment-page-1/#comment-34330 DawnFenton Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:10:42 +0000 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/01/28/shoppers-pass-on-diesel-hybrid-acceptance-continues-to-grow/#comment-34330 I'm surprised by this study since the number of diesel passenger vehicle registrations grew 80% from 2000 to 2005. With several manufacturers offering new clean diesels this year and nextthat meet California's tighter emissions standards, this increase is sure to continue. Certainly there is more education that must be done to increase awareness of diesels' 20-40% better fuel efficiency, 20% fewer CO2 emissions and 2-3 times better resale value - however as more Americans realize these differences, we will see results very different from those reflected here. I’m surprised by this study since the number of diesel passenger vehicle registrations grew 80% from 2000 to 2005. With several manufacturers offering new clean diesels this year and nextthat meet California’s tighter emissions standards, this increase is sure to continue. Certainly there is more education that must be done to increase awareness of diesels’ 20-40% better fuel efficiency, 20% fewer CO2 emissions and 2-3 times better resale value – however as more Americans realize these differences, we will see results very different from those reflected here.

]]> By: Jack Pouchet http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/01/28/shoppers-pass-on-diesel-hybrid-acceptance-continues-to-grow/comment-page-1/#comment-34327 Jack Pouchet Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:54:45 +0000 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/01/28/shoppers-pass-on-diesel-hybrid-acceptance-continues-to-grow/#comment-34327 The issue is more one a matter of availability and recognition than fuel concerns as supposed by the survey sooth-sayers. When the 7th largest economy in the world, that would be California as a stand-alone entity, has ZERO access to passenger vehicles powered by clean-tech diesel engines than it is no wonder survey respondents select hybrids or long for fuel cells and hydrogen power (not likely in near future at a reasonable price point) and pass on diesels. They are NOT AVAILABLE in CA and several other states that follow the CA emission standards. So those people residing in CA must select passenger cars that rate 30 - 33 mpg instead of 40 to 50 mpg that the same vehicles are capable of achieving in EU trim with not one but many of the available diesel and turbo-diesel engines that with the new clean-tech afterburners, scrubbers, or urea agents meet and exceed ALL 2010 emission standards today. Several third-party test labs and watchdog organizations have verified that the minimal (often 500 to 1,000 dollar) price increase for diesel engines is offset in less than one-year of normal driving where it is a long stretch to make a hybrid break-even in less than five to seven years. Oh and watch out if you are a person who pays the AMT - any tax credit you thought you would get for a hybrid goes right out the window. Show that fact to potential buyers - that they will not receive the large tax credit they planned on and watch the choice change. JP The issue is more one a matter of availability and recognition than fuel concerns as supposed by the survey sooth-sayers. When the 7th largest economy in the world, that would be California as a stand-alone entity, has ZERO access to passenger vehicles powered by clean-tech diesel engines than it is no wonder survey respondents select hybrids or long for fuel cells and hydrogen power (not likely in near future at a reasonable price point) and pass on diesels. They are NOT AVAILABLE in CA and several other states that follow the CA emission standards.

So those people residing in CA must select passenger cars that rate 30 – 33 mpg instead of 40 to 50 mpg that the same vehicles are capable of achieving in EU trim with not one but many of the available diesel and turbo-diesel engines that with the new clean-tech afterburners, scrubbers, or urea agents meet and exceed ALL 2010 emission standards today.

Several third-party test labs and watchdog organizations have verified that the minimal (often 500 to 1,000 dollar) price increase for diesel engines is offset in less than one-year of normal driving where it is a long stretch to make a hybrid break-even in less than five to seven years. Oh and watch out if you are a person who pays the AMT – any tax credit you thought you would get for a hybrid goes right out the window.

Show that fact to potential buyers – that they will not receive the large tax credit they planned on and watch the choice change.

JP

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