MIND THE (DIESEL) GAP
Looks like Americans now prefer diesels over electrified cars. Earlier this year we reported on how diesels outsold hybrids. Well now the gap is growing. Last month, diesels outsold hybrids, plug-ins and electrics combined, the first time that has ever happened. Diesel sales were up 9% last month, while electrified cars fell more than 7%. Funny how falling fuel prices are blamed for the drop in hybrids and plug-ins, but have not affected diesel sales at all.
VW SQUEEZES OUT THE MPGs
Volkswagen just showed off some of its latest ways to squeeze out every drop of fuel it can. It’s coming out with a new mild-hybrid system with stop/start. But this is no regular stop/start. It will shut the engine off at speeds under 7km/h or about 4mph, before you come to a full stop. It even has a coasting function that will shut the engine off at higher speeds when you lift off the accelerator. VW will also introduce the first 10-speed DCT. But, it isn’t forgetting about performance. With a little tweaking and the use of an electric booster VW thinks it can take its new 2.0L TDI and ramp the horsepower to almost 270, which is about 30 more. On the inside it will better integrate its infotainment systems functions, work on connecting passengers to the online world and will also include the first self-learning navigation system.
From Autoline daily:
FRANCE TO PHASE OUT DIESEL FUEL
And speaking of fuel, France wants to stop using diesel to reduce pollution. Reuters reports that the country wants to limit the tax advantages it provides for purchasing a diesel engine and boost the price of diesel fuel. France is also setting up a system that will rank cars by how much they pollute. This is not going to happen overnight. 80% of cars in France are diesels.
From Reuters:
""Een Frahnce, we have long favoured zee diesel inchen. Zees was a - how you say? - meestake, and we will progressively undo zat, intelligently and pragmatically," Prime Meaneaster Manual Trans said.
