http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com...ell-in-us.aspx

 

you mean...

The 65mpg* Ford Can't sell in the US.

* Imperial gallons.

 

This is equivalent to 54 US mpg. Still a very good figure if you ask me, and without the use of hybrid technology.

 

It is only 54 US mpg until you add all of the emissions equipment needed to sell it here.

You then have a 40-something mpg car that costs quite a bit more than its gas version (all of that emissions equipment is expensive), and runs on pricier fuel.

Until the emissions situation gets under control, with diesels, I just do not see them making much of an impact in the US. Will they sell, yes. Will they sell in the numbers that Ford and GM need, to make the investment worthwhile............ well, that remains to be seen. I'm sure that the Big 2 will watch the situation with interest. However, do not expect a diesel B-class car any time in the near future. The pricepoint is too low, and too inflexible to add much to the price.

Remember that in Europe, the taxes on diesel fuel make it significantly cheaper than gasoline. Also, the emissions standards are relaxed also. Add to that, the fact that there is a HUGE tiny car culture in Europe, due to their old cities and very narrow roads, and it is easy to see why these engines do well over there. Alot will have to change here, before that will be the case here.

 

How did you conclude that the article is quoting Imperial gallons? I couldn't find anything that says one way or the other.

 

This article or ones like it have been posted like 3 times already.

 

Yeah we're gonna how stupid Ford looks when Honda sells out its '09 diesel Accord within weeks.

 

Or see how stupid Honda is when that car doesn't sell out within weeks. Don't attempt to make predictions at this time in the industry, way to many factors.

 

Diesel Jettas and Passats are selling well here, extremely well. Passat is not as popular as Jetta, but i still see a few of them here and there. The good thing about the Jetta is its price and the fact that it gets 650 miles per tank.

As long as Honda is able to price its Accord competitively, it should sell. Imagine, reputation of the Honda, efficiency of diesel.

 

I don't know that the typical Honda buyer will automatically jump to diesel as easily as VW buyers will. They two are different demographics and VW has had several generations of diesels in the US and they are likely known for it better than any car brand. But only time will tell, which was the point I was making.

 

Do we have outlined somewhere what the differences are? I would be very curious to read that.

Ford should have a vehicle the size and class of Yaris here, in North America. Once such vehicle is certified and passes crash standards, Ford can put any engine into it, including this european diesel. Hopefully, after it meets emissions, it would still be mid-50 mpg vehicle.

It takes time, of course, but does Ford have any plans for any sub-compact vehicles in the US?

 

EXACTLY.

I like diesel and I still wouldn't buy a VW. Their quality rep precedes them.

The Honda will break open the doors.

 

Muckz, the Fiesta is due here in 2010. A Ford truck plant in Mexico is being retooled to build the car for the American market (and other markets).

At this time, there are no plans for a diesel Fiesta.

Before everyone has a cow, remember that NOONE has any plans for a diesel B-class car. Americans are not willing to pay the bucks for B-class car, like they are in Europe. Thus, due to the low price point of the cars, it is very difficult to build one profitably.

BTW, a correction for everyone. Honda backed away from plans to introduce a diesel Accord in the US. Their diesel entry will now be an Acura. Thus, there will be no diesel offered from entry level mainstream brands. VW is considered an upscale brand to most motorists.

I guess noone else has a lot of faith in diesel cars in the US, either.

 

wait what?

65 British Gallons would be 74 US gallons. (a UK gallon is larger than a US gallon)

So if they are talking about 65 british gallons per mile, it would be more along the lines of 74 US gallons per mile here. Unless I have the units mixed


I just know that if it is British gallons in the paper, then the US gallon rate would be Higher.

1gal/UK = 1.2gal/US

 

Well, I wouldn't buy a car that got 65 or 74 gallons per mile...

The problem is, you haven't inverted the units.

Say you went 65 miles on one Imperial gallon.

That would be 65/1 = 65mpg.

1 Imperial gallon is 1.2 US gallons.

That would be 65/1.2 = 54mpg.

Does that help?