Outlawing SUV/Trucks

[XTrmXJ]

I found this very interesting http://slate.msn.com/id/2104755/?GT1=4529

[Rob Mayercik]

Definitely interesting - nicely written as well.

I wonder how many other places around the country (besides the ones mentioned in the article) have this weight restriction.

Definitely makes one think, and is an excellent argument for getting diesels into more of the sub-3-ton SUVs and trucks - it would bring up the average MPG of that class significantly.

Speaking of diesels, I read something in one of the 4-wheel mags that's Ford's light-duty diesel V6 effort is on again, but timed to come out after ULSD debuts. Better than nothing, but I'd still like to see it sooner. DC's got a great chance to really make an inroad with the CRD-equipped KJ on this, not to mention the newly returned diesel E-Class, which I have heard is getting rave reviews.

Rob

[casm]

DC's got a great chance to really make an inroad with the CRD-equipped KJ on this, not to mention the newly returned diesel E-Class, which I have heard is getting rave reviews.

Only problem is that they're not selling the diesel KJ in California, New York, Maine, Massachussetts, or Vermont - the first one being the biggest car market in the US, and also the one with the highest fuel prices. Why Daimler-Chrysler is taking this approach makes no sense to me whatsoever: I'm assuming they actually want to sell the diesel vehicles they spent time and money developing, so why not sell them where people have incentive to buy them?

It's also annoying from a personal standpoint, since I was seriously considering finding a rolled diesel KJ and doing a drivetrain swap into my XJ. But now that the engine's not 'California certified', I don't think that'll be happening.

[RKBA]

CA blows

[casm]

CA blows

Yes... And?

[Rob Mayercik]

Why Daimler-Chrysler is taking this approach makes no sense to me whatsoever: I'm assuming they actually want to sell the diesel vehicles they spent time and money developing, so why not sell them where people have incentive to buy them?
The only reason I can think of is that until ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is nation-wide, they'd have to have two different emissions systems so as to be compatible with fuel outside of CA. At least they're offering the diesel option.

Rob

[casm]

The only reason I can think of is that until ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is nation-wide, they'd have to have two different emissions systems so as to be compatible with fuel outside of CA. At least they're offering the diesel option.

Fair point, but aren't diesels effectively emissions-exempt except for particulate regulations?

[scoobyxj]

The only reason I can think of is that until ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is nation-wide, they'd have to have two different emissions systems so as to be compatible with fuel outside of CA. At least they're offering the diesel option.

Rob what if i joe smoe drive over from ohio in my new crd kj [not ever in my life time] to calafornia for a visit to the fine folk who live there, and happened to buy fuel there? :flame: :piratefla :firedevil :gonnablow :explosion :flamemad: :skull2: then:soapbox: and from the warenty folks i get some :bs:.

[Rob Mayercik]

Casm:

That's generally true, but things are going to tighten up considerabyly over the next couple of years. The main problems are NOx and Particulates, which the really good emissions systems can handle. The only problem is that the good emissions systems can't take all the sulfur in our diesel fuel. Once the new fuel regulations kick in, the better systems can come in.



Scoobyxj:

In the scenario you describe, you'd have no fear. The non-CA compliant diesels have no problem with the CA fuel, which is far higher quality and much lower in sulfur then the rest of the country.

The biggest problem is the sulfur in our diesel fuel. It is very bad for the emissions systems that would allow diesels to meet the current and impending standards in CA and other CARB states. That's why DC, VW and so forth are in no rush to introduce any newer, cleaner diesel technology at present - they're waiting for the better fuel standards to kick in so that they can bring in their better technology without getting an onslaught of vehicles breaking down because of excessive fuel sulfur.

Rob

[casm]

That's generally true, but things are going to tighten up considerabyly over the next couple of years.

I kinda suspected this might be the case; you're about the fifth person I've heard rumblings like this from. Not that I'm against cleaner diesel or engines, but given past precedent it seems like it's going to be another case of legislation raising the bar in expectations that technology will be able to meet them in the future.

The main problems are NOx and Particulates, which the really good emissions systems can handle.

Yup. Peugeot's HDI-FAP (http://www.peugeot-avenue.com/innovation/en/envi_hdi.htm) system seems to be a fairly sensible approach all-around to this problem.

[mgt]

I believe a suv over 6000# is a tax break if you knowwhere to find it.