RichC | April 30, 2006
Congress this past week included 1.8 billion dollars of funding that would encourage more plug-in hybrid vehicles. We’ve discussed this as an excellent solution for those using a vehicle for daily commutes that could be accomplished with a nightly ‘garage charge’ and still be able to function once that charge is depleted. Senate Republicans and [...]
RichC | April 29, 2006
Another day, another comment about diesel vehicles — let’s just say that I’ve been smelling diesel fumes lately. According to J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting, the number of diesel vehicles is on the rise and is expected to double over the next 10 years. In 2005, worldwide sales of diesel vehicles were 15 million; the projection [...]
RichC | April 28, 2006
Americans really need to open their eyes to what the rest of the world already knows … new diesels are clean, quiet, powerful and fuel efficient. Hopefully its the ‘fuel efficient’ part that resonates as fuel prices top $3.00/gallon. As for the clean part, the the new Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and biodiesel being [...]
RichC | April 27, 2006
There was a short conversation about the underlying US alternative fuel commodities this morning (04.27.2006) on CNBC. Corn and Soy are the two big ones with most attention in the US on corn. The question posed was that of Soy Oil — and if the demand for Soybean would rise due to biodiesel. (nothing earthshattering [...]
RichC | April 27, 2006
If you’ve given any thought to hybrid vehicles, you most likely have heard discussions or asked questions about possible plug-in versions. The concept is pretty simple — they are normal hybrid vehicles, either series or parallel, that have larger (or more efficient) batteries, a different controller and a charger that plugs into your home electrical [...]
RichC | April 26, 2006
In part two of ‘Fuel Prices‘ adds a little more than just the ‘fear’ and ‘greed’ theory to why we’re seeing $3.00 gasoline. Its appropriate today since President Bush is talking and getting involved with a little pressure from his party no doubt. I suspect many Republicans are having election fears knowing citizens will blame [...]
RichC | April 25, 2006
Two totally different topics … “Brain Port” as described at MSNBC and a personal video. (humor me) First, a concept and device that was introduced 30 years ago by Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita at the University of Wisconsin; it is know as “Brain Port.” Originally it was a video camera that routed images through electrodes to [...]
RichC | April 24, 2006
I spotted a Volkswagen Jetta advertisement that reminds me of the Volvo ads … stressing safety.An accident can happen at anytime and that selecting a car that is light and fuel efficient might not always be the wisest choice. Realizing just how much I spend on insurance “just in case” … perhaps a few dollars [...]
RichC | April 23, 2006
Mark Groves had another great VW TDI GTG on Saturday. The central location just 30 minutes from Columbus, the great weather and the many helping hands of experienced owners helped to make this “Spring Dust Off” an enjoyable event. Mark and his wife’s hospitality was appreciated by all; what a great host. (too many things [...]
RichC | April 22, 2006
The subject is on everyone’s mind once again … Fuel prices. What are we doing about it and is it really a problem of our own making? As several east coast gas stations put the ‘Out of Gas’ signs back on their pumps, Americans are getting worked up once again over potential shortages and the [...]
RichC | April 21, 2006
The JCB Dieselmax streamliner car will attempt to break the record for a diesel powered ‘land’ vehicle on the Bonneville Salt Flats this summer. In August of 2006, Britian’s Wing Commander Andy Green, will race the JCB Dieselmax car across the famous Utah desert aiming for 300 mph. Andy Green is known as the ‘fastest [...]
RichC | April 20, 2006
The Tri-State Clean Fuel Network along with Ohio farm groups will be displaying the ‘SoyToy’ at the Seventeenth Cincinnati Flower Show this year. The show runs from April 22nd to April 30th this year as will span two weekends and is nationally recognized as one of the finest shows of its kind. Better Home and [...]