Tag Archives | Diesel Trucks

You Don’t Need a Cape to Be A Superhero in Fleet Management

Are you a fleet manager or fuel manager? Are you the president or CFO of a fleet company concerned about your company’s bottom line, again? Are you tired of sitting on the edge of your seat, sweating, worrying and waiting for the Department of Energy to report that diesel fuel prices are up per gallon for the nth week in a row? Accept the inevitable; diesel’s national average price will be what it will be. You can’t control it. It’s out of your hands. However, do not throw in the towel just yet. Take a deep breath, sit back in your chair, roll up your sleeves and empower yourself. Now is the time to gain control over those things that you CAN control. Be your own superhero. Help save your fleet management company. Save time. Save money.

No more feeling helpless, buried under tasks and maxed out on time. No more wondering IF your company’s current fleet fuel management programs are working, or WHY they aren’t. Yes, you are considered the fuel expert for your company, so make an executive decision and steer your company down the road to increased profits and decreased expenses. Reach out to industry fleet fueling experts that have the insight you need to optimize your programs. No more same old, same old. Fleet fuel experts have access to essential industry data and proven performance records that can put you back on track so you don’t have to hold your breath each week. Let the fuel prices do what they will do knowing that you have the power to put your company on solid ground.

A fleet fueling expert can perform a comprehensive analysis of your current fleet management programs and determine what fleet management approach is best for your fleet company’s vehicles. Detailed analysis can determine the best use of your fleet cards or fuel cards, whether truck stops, mobile fueling or onsite refueling is best for your fleet mobile fueling, and if your company would benefit from a fuel saving plan. They can even establish fuel auditing for all your fueling transactions that will raise red flags and stop losses due to theft or simply incorrect fuel charges.

You’re thinking, why would I consider the added expense of hiring a fuel expert when I’m looking to save money? Shouldn’t I, or one of my employees be able to come up with the cost-saving and income-generating policies already? Well, the fact is, at the end of the day, fuel experts can save a company three times as much as the cost of hiring one. And, fleet fueling experts micro-manage the situation for you so that you can focus on the big picture.

Fuel experts are dedicated to monitoring multiple industry variables for you. They build fleet management programs that are specific to your company. Stop wondering how you can do things differently, more profitably. Consult with a fleet fueling expert and start implementing a fuel management program that you can count on. It’s a win-win situation. You save your time and your company’s money. You look like a hero.

?Diesel Pickup Trucks

Diesel pickup trucks are designed for towing or carrying heavy loads and can do any work associated with commercial medium-duty segment trucks. A number of companies manufacture pickup trucks such as Ford, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota.

Pickup truck interiors are designed to provide maximum comfort to passengers while negotiating uneven terrain at campsites. Sound insulation mechanics installed in pickup trucks offers an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin environment. These trucks are built on a sturdy chassis and have thick glass windows, inset doors with double layer seals to prevent unwanted noise from the road, tires, and engines. Engine noise is also reduced with the use of intake resonator and low-restriction exhaust system.

Pickup trucks use multiple valve diesel engines to provide maximum power in excess of 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. Sophisticated electronic throttle control system is used to provide seamless and consistent transmission quality at various altitudes. They use wide tires that provide maximum traction at high speeds and have advanced suspension systems for excellent handling and a quiet, composed ride. They are equipped with advanced steering system to provide a predictable and linear steering response to the driver. They use standard four-wheel disk brakes and anti lock braking system (ABS) to provide excellent braking on roads or dirt tracks.

The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) system is used to manage the brake force between the front and rear wheels. It helps in reducing braking distances and maximizes rear-wheel braking, especially while towing.

The exteriors are designed to give an elegant and sporty look to these vehicles. They are designed to accommodate different accessories and are the most commonly used vehicles in agricultural farms. Campers can also be attached with these vehicles to convert them into recreational vehicles (RV) used for camping activities.

?Would You Like to Meet a Legend?

“”Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”” -Henry David Thoreau

In July I had the privilege of digitally recording a piece of history – a 3 1/2-hour conversation between two icons in the retail automotive sales industry, Mr. James A. Ziegler and a true living legend, Mr. Irving Silver.

Irving Silver is now 89 years old, going on 35. He rescued over 100 U.S. Soldiers during WWII. He sold 837 Jaguars in less than 3 years. In 1949 he was the first salesperson in his industry to earn almost $50,000 in 1 year. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by General Douglas MacArthur, personally.

Jim and Irving discussed many topics, including the attitude, sales techniques, processes and work ethic that both men utilized to reach the level of success that they have in their careers and in their lives. When the shoot ended I had no clue that 3 1/2 hours had passed.

If sales professionals will simply listen to what these two men have to say, this content has the potential to change lives forever. It has mine.

It is my sincere honor to introduce you to:

Mr. Irving Silver

Living in Sullivan County, NY, Irving Silver sold his first automobile in 1934 at the age of 16. Earlier he had purchased a Model T pick-up truck for 8.00. He restored the old truck and drove it for a while, then sold it for 16.00. Mr. Silver stated, “”That’s when I knew it. I told myself that when I grew up I was going to sell cars.””

On December 7th, 1941, a young Irving Silver heard over the radio that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. On April 6th, 1942 he arrived at Fort Dix, New Jersey and enlisted in the United States Army. He then proceeded to Fort Bragg, NC for Basic Training and received the rank of Corporal due to his knowledge of diesel engines. He trained exclusively on landing craft and during combat operations he operated an LCM, (landing craft medium).

Mr. Silver was involved in military operations in New Guinea, Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Iwo Gima and the Philippine Islands.

In October of 1944 he took part in the largest Naval battle that the world has ever seen, The Battle of Leyte Gulf.

One day as the Allied Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy were engaged in heavy naval combat, Mr. Silver and his crew members observed two disabled U.S. PT Boats.

He and his crew navigated their Landing Craft Medium, (joined by another LCM), out to the disabled vessels and the battle, ran cables underneath the two vessels and successfully towed both vessels out of harms way.

Mr. Silver landed on the Philippine Islands ten days before General MacArthur did. His mission was to assist the Filipino Guerillas in establishing listening posts in Mindanao in preparation for the impending troop landings. Mindanao was fully occupied by the Japanese.

On December 30th, while preparing for a planned landing at Mindoro on the Western end of the Philippine Islands, Mr. Silver and his crew observed a 200′ long “”PT Tender””, (munitions supply ship for PT Boats), that had been struck by a Japanese Kamikaze aircraft. The ship was on fire and was adrift approximately 300 yards off-shore. The craft was also fully stocked with torpedoes and other highly explosive munitions. Mr. Silver and his crew navigated their LCM, (joined by another LCM), out to the burning ship. He and his crew boarded the highly volatile vessel and rescued over 100 injured Sailors.

In early 1945 General Douglas MacArthur personally awarded Irving Silver with The Bronze Star Medal for “”Heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy.”” General MacArthur also gave Mr. Silver a Battlefield Commission from the rank of Corporal to the rank of Captain.

Also in early 1945 after returning from WWII, Mr. Silver took out a bank loan for 3500.00, purchased a business license in Albany, NY and opened Hasbrouck Tavern in Woodburn, NY.

It was a small building that he built by hand and was located out in the woods in Sullivan County, NY. He purchased an old Chevy for 35.00, painted “”Hasbrouck Tavern – Dine and Dance”” across the back and parked it in front of the tavern.

Mr. Silver stated, “”The Tavern was my first experience with successful marketing. We hung posters and handed out flyers all over the place that read, ‘Hasbrouck Tavern – Come and see the Hillbillies Square Dance.’ New York people from the Bronx and Brooklyn had no idea what square dances were, but they were curious.””

On opening night, the Silvers could not accommodate all of the people that showed up.

Later that year he and his bride of four years Ronnie, left upstate New York and traveled to Atlanta, Georgia. For a while he was in the jewelry business before he decided that he didn’t want to travel anymore. Given his long time love for cars, Mr. Silver wanted to sell them.

Mr. Silver went to several dealerships in and around Atlanta in search of a sales position. He stated that he had a difficult time landing a job until Lander Motors decided to “”give him a shot.”” He began to speak about his early experiences at Lander when he was asked, “”Why was it so hard to land a job at a dealership?”” Mr. Silver replied with a chuckle, “”I was the first Jewish car salesman ever in the history of Atlanta.””

1946 – In his first 22 months as a salesman at Lander Motors in Atlanta, Irving Silver delivered 235 new cars, 15 trucks and 70 used vehicles. (Good thing they decided to “”give him a shot””).

In 1949, he became the first auto salesman in Atlanta to make over 50,000 in one year.

Over the next few years he became the number one salesman in the country for Dodge and Plymouth.

In the 1960’s he was the number one Nash Rambler salesman in the country and became a member of the Chevrolet “”Legion of Leaders.””

In the late 1980’s he became the number one Jaguar salesman in the WORLD, delivering over 837 Jaguars in less than 3 years. A record that has never been broken.

Due to an injury Mr. Silver “”retired”” from Troncalli in 1989. At 78 years of age, he was back in the saddle in 1995 returning to work at Troncalli.

Mr. Silver had a top gross of 21,000.00 in a single day. (Commission, not sales).

Mr. Silver is the founder of the first Automotive Sales Institute which was accredited by the State of Georgia, he led the board for over 47 years.

He was also director of the Antique Automobile Club of America – Southeastern Region.

Irving never looked back. Over the years he would sell cars to the sons, daughters and grandchildren of his customers dating back to 1949. He personally sold over 100 million worth of automobiles before he stopped keeping track.

Charlie Troncalli, head of Troncalli Jaguar, Lincoln-Mercury and Saab wrote: “”…he has more than earned the title of ‘legend.'”” A Jaguar trade publication referred to him as “”Sterling”” Silver.

AND…

To top it all off, in 1965 Mr. Silver had an idea for an invention. The turbine operated wet/dry shaver. He holds the patent on it. Due to the fact that his shaver is turbine operated, it sucks the cut whiskers into a canister which means they won’t float around in outer space. Today, every time an astronaut inside the Space Station shaves, he or she utilizes Irving’s shaver.

In closing – If you are ever fortunate enough to meet a true American Hero, PLEASE, P-L-E-A-S-E tell their story. Our country needs it now more than ever.

View photos, letters, video clips and more at: AutoSalesHallofFame.com

?Writing With Absolutes – Why Master Writers Use Them

Absolute Phrases will Make Your Writing Crackle.

Absolute phrases add a sense of action and simultaneity to the main idea in a clause or sentence. They are, without a doubt, the most effective tool that a writer has to depict scenes filled with details that create action and suspense. No other tool exists that is more efficacious.

Nothing enlivens a scene as well placed Absolutes.

Through the apprehension of details all human beings-but in particular, readers-filter whole scenes in order to grasp, evaluate, and pronounce judgments about actions, places, and thoughts.

What gives versatility and flexibility to the Absolute phrase is that it may be embedded just about anywhere in the clause or sentence (beginning, middle, or end). Absolute phrases supply the much needed details at the right time and the right place.

Observe-in the example below-how nouns and the present participle interact:

The trees seemed to advance-to close ranks-as if in menacing formation, branches flailing, trunks forming cavities resembling huge distorted mouths from which the most horrifying and ungodly screams seemed to issue, filling the swamp with a hellish cacophony (M. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 35, p210).

Branches flailing, trunks forming cavities, filling the swamp-are Absolute phrases. When nouns are combined with the present participle (verbs ending in -ing), the results are Absolute phrases.

Absolute phrases are also called Absolute Nominative, or simply Absolutes.

They-absolutes-highlight the immediacy of the action, causing it to unfold right in front of the readers’ eyes. But how can these bits of information-details which are so unrelated to the main idea, even illogical one might say-be so loosely tacked on?

Fortunately for writers, the English language allows for this type of non sequitur. It is a part of the language that not even grammarians such as Otto Jesperson and Henry W. Fowler, or linguists (including Noam Chomsky) have been able to explain with convincing adequacy; a conundrum as puzzling as ‘why do humans grow arms and not wings?’

Writers should be thankful for such aberrations of the English language, and take advantage of them.

In addition to the present participle form of the verb (tears
coursing down her cheeks), we may also use the past participle to form another variation of the Absolute: teeth
clenched, box cutter tightly
gripped in her hand.

Because many grammar and syntax textbooks begin the discussion of Absolute Phrases with convoluted definitions, regrettably many readers abandon the topic, never to revisit it again. So, let’s look at what Absolutes do, what they accomplish, and then at the end of the chapter we’ll attempt a working definition.

Forms of the Absolute

Although Absolute Phrases may be written in many ways, the following four usages are the most prevalent:

(1) Noun and the present participle: branches flailing.

(2) Noun and a past participle: teeth clenched.

(3) Noun and a prepositional phrase: a blade in her hand.

(4) Noun and an adjective or adverb: ears forward.

Absolutes: Group (1) – Noun + Present Participle

The thug saw him and hurried to the waiting Honda, which took off with a loud squeal, screeching and lurching forward, the engine revving up. (M. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 3, p22).
Just then Morales opened his eyes only to see the old man’s harsh stare, his droopy eyelid twitching. (N. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 27, p145).

As you can see in the above example, the noun eyelid is qualified by ‘his droopy,’ implying that any qualifier may either antecede or follow the noun; yet, this fact doesn’t negate that the phrase is an Absolute Phrase formed by a Noun + Present Participle.

The bullet ripped the stick out of the huge man’s lips hitting the wall with a thud, Gil’s lips turning ashen, teeth chattering, and clicking like gag dentures. (M. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 33, p193).
But just as he said this, the floor under the hand truck caved in, the smile fading off his face. (M. Guerrero Poison Pill, chapter 29, p162).
“”And Lord Julian, then?”” he asked, his eyes watching her, bright as sapphires in that copper-coloured face. (R. Sabatini, Captain Blood, chapter XXXI, p337).
He wore a black, short mid-riff tank top under his black leather jacket, his pale face glowing with unnatural light, thin lips twisting in an evil smile. (M. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 15, p89).
Cowboy felt the frigid mud shifting and tugging downward at his feet, sucking and crushing around his waist and chest, large bubbles surfacing, gurgling and popping around him, filling his nostrils with the vilest putrid stench. (M. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 29, p162).
He did things to me that I’d only read in books, and at the end of it, legs trembling, heart thudding, I laughed and he buried his face against my belly, laughing too. (Sue Grafton, ‘A’ is for Alibi, p177).

By now you should have noted how the
-ing participials cause the nouns to zoom in and become extremely visible.

As Joey and Lenox strode to their van, Cowboy felt eyes watching him, his rat-tail stiffening, and a chill running down his spine. (M. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 18, p103).

Even though the narrator purports to be objective and camera-like in his observations, he manages to inject inner-state details that only an omniscient narrator could know. This technique empowers the writer to get inside the character’s mind, body, and even his central nervous system: “”a chill running down his spine.””

We puttered past the barn, the diesel thumping, the trailer creaking, and turned south toward the lower forty, a tract next to Siler’s Creek. (John Grisham, A Painted House, p43).

Grisham, by his adroit use of two Absolutes (diesel thumping and trailer creaking), augments the acoustics of the passing scene. Had he chosen to simply say, “”We puttered past the barn, and turned south…”” the scene would have fallen dead on arrival.

Note how Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice uses the Absolute to objectify an otherwise internal sensation felt by a character:

Elizabeth made no answer, and walked on, her heart swelling with indignation.

And feel the chills Bram Stoker brings to the reader as he depicts count Dracula’s wrath:

As my eyes opened involuntarily I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with giant’s power draw it back, the blue eyes transformed with fury, the white teeth champing with rage, and the fair cheeks blazing red with passion.

The Absolute “”the blue eyes transformed with fury,”” is discussed below, as it belongs to Group (2), since ‘transformed’ is a past participle rather than a present participle.

To conclude this section, see how Tolstoy uses this absolute construction in his War and Peace:

“”Do you or do you not know where that will is?”” insisted Prince Vasili, his cheeks twitching more than ever.
Pierre obediently sat down, his eyes asking if he were doing right.
The spot chosen for the duel was some eighty paces from the road, where the sleighs had been left in a small clearing in the pine forest covered with melting snow, the frost having begun to break during the last few days.

Absolutes: Group (2) – Noun + Past Participle

Less dramatic than the -ing Absolute is the past participle Absolute. While the former causes the action of the noun to unfold in front of the reader’s eyes, the latter conjures up an image of something that has already happened.

His head-piece was gone, his breastplate dinted, his right sleeve a rag hanging from his shoulder about a naked arm. (R. Sabatini, Captain Blood, chapter XXX, p331).
“”I’ll check with them, Joey, and then I’ll let you know. Where are you planning to bury them?”” he asked, his forehead wrinkled with curiosity. (M. Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 29, p159).
…he charged straight on howling with wild fury, arms flailing, and eyes closed. (M Guerrero, Poison Pill, chapter 36, p230).
In his mind he saw the picture of the boy that the police photographer had taken, his flesh eaten black by the flames. (Elizabeth George, In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner, p267).
His men stood, grinning, awaiting orders, the two prisoners now fast pinioned. (R. Sabatini, Captain Blood, chapter II, p16).

Here’s an example from a master story-teller:

Her friend, Pixie Dark, was backing away from the whole deal, small white hands clasped between her breasts, eyes wide. (Stephen King, Cell, chapter 2, p8).

Stephen King wrote a best seller book on writing; yet, nowhere will you find –in this famed book– a single word about Absolutes. Go figure.

?Will Diesel Hybrid Vehicles Be the New High Mileage Green Car?

Peugeot will be the first manufacturer to sell a small family car with a diesel electric-hybrid power unit. It will be a version of the new 308 model and will be on sale before the end of the decade. Peugeot does not sell in the US, but has watched the sale of hybrids such as the Prius in Europe and elsewhere. Toyota has sold about 5,000 Prius cars in the UK and more than 22,000 Prius cars in Europe. The Peugeot diesel hybrid is projected to average more that 70 mpg. It will have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any car except a pure electric car. Peugeot has declined for the present to quote a price stating that they are working to reduce the cost.

Meanwhile over in Japan, Toyota purchased a 5.9 share in Isuzu. Taking advantage of Isuzu’s expertise in diesels, Toyota plans to combine its Synergy hybrid drive system with a diesel engine. A Toyota subcompact with this system is reported to be available by 2010. In the US, you may has seen a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle and not realized it. City transit buses, military ground vehicles, garbage trucks, delivery trucks and etc. have been using diesel hybrids for years.

Since diesel engines run optimally at steady speed highway driving, trucks are a natural for diesel engines. Thus, the combining of the diesel engine with a electric drive system is of great benefit to the heavy trucks that must also navigate city streets with its stop and go traffic. Other manufacturers, besides Toyota and Peugeot, are also working on developing their own diesel power hybrid vehicles. They include Citroen, Ford, Opel and Volkswagen. Until 2007, most diesel fuel sold in the US is the high sulfur variety which which is starting to be phased out by law in 2010. Now cleaner diesel fuel is starting to be available nationwide. This in turn is motivating the above mentioned manufacturers to develop diesel hybrid-electric vehicles.

This new diesel fuel is an ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel with a sulfur content of less than 15 part per million. By 2010, it will take more than 53 new trucks to equal the emissions of one 1988 truck. With the increased production of clean diesel fuel, most analysts predict that diesel sales will account for more than 10 percent of the US vehicle sales by 2015. Also, since diesel fuel is less flammable and explosive than gasoline, approximately 60 percent of US school buses are powered by diesel.

In addition, diesel vehicles usually get 20 to 40 percent more miles per gallon than gasoline vehicles. According the US Environmental Protection Agency, America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day if one third of US vehicles were diesel powered. This is the amount of oil currently imported from Saudi Arabia. These figures are for pure diesel vehicles. A diesel hybrid-electric vehicle would save even more on oil.

Finally, diesel drivers have the option of fueling their vehicles with blends of biodiesel. This is a domestically produced fuel that further reduces US oil dependence. By turning to a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle, American can save money at the pump without having to sacrifice power and performance that drivers have come to expect and rely on.

?Diesel Pickup Trucks

Diesel pickup trucks are designed for towing or carrying heavy loads and can do any work associated with commercial medium-duty segment trucks. A number of companies manufacture pickup trucks such as Ford, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota.

Pickup truck interiors are designed to provide maximum comfort to passengers while negotiating uneven terrain at campsites. Sound insulation mechanics installed in pickup trucks offers an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin environment. These trucks are built on a sturdy chassis and have thick glass windows, inset doors with double layer seals to prevent unwanted noise from the road, tires, and engines. Engine noise is also reduced with the use of intake resonator and low-restriction exhaust system.

Pickup trucks use multiple valve diesel engines to provide maximum power in excess of 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. Sophisticated electronic throttle control system is used to provide seamless and consistent transmission quality at various altitudes. They use wide tires that provide maximum traction at high speeds and have advanced suspension systems for excellent handling and a quiet, composed ride. They are equipped with advanced steering system to provide a predictable and linear steering response to the driver. They use standard four-wheel disk brakes and anti lock braking system (ABS) to provide excellent braking on roads or dirt tracks.

The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) system is used to manage the brake force between the front and rear wheels. It helps in reducing braking distances and maximizes rear-wheel braking, especially while towing.

The exteriors are designed to give an elegant and sporty look to these vehicles. They are designed to accommodate different accessories and are the most commonly used vehicles in agricultural farms. Campers can also be attached with these vehicles to convert them into recreational vehicles (RV) used for camping activities.

?Will Diesel Hybrid Vehicles Be the New High Mileage Green Car?

Peugeot will be the first manufacturer to sell a small family car with a diesel electric-hybrid power unit. It will be a version of the new 308 model and will be on sale before the end of the decade. Peugeot does not sell in the US, but has watched the sale of hybrids such as the Prius in Europe and elsewhere. Toyota has sold about 5,000 Prius cars in the UK and more than 22,000 Prius cars in Europe. The Peugeot diesel hybrid is projected to average more that 70 mpg. It will have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any car except a pure electric car. Peugeot has declined for the present to quote a price stating that they are working to reduce the cost.

Meanwhile over in Japan, Toyota purchased a 5.9 share in Isuzu. Taking advantage of Isuzu’s expertise in diesels, Toyota plans to combine its Synergy hybrid drive system with a diesel engine. A Toyota subcompact with this system is reported to be available by 2010. In the US, you may has seen a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle and not realized it. City transit buses, military ground vehicles, garbage trucks, delivery trucks and etc. have been using diesel hybrids for years.

Since diesel engines run optimally at steady speed highway driving, trucks are a natural for diesel engines. Thus, the combining of the diesel engine with a electric drive system is of great benefit to the heavy trucks that must also navigate city streets with its stop and go traffic. Other manufacturers, besides Toyota and Peugeot, are also working on developing their own diesel power hybrid vehicles. They include Citroen, Ford, Opel and Volkswagen. Until 2007, most diesel fuel sold in the US is the high sulfur variety which which is starting to be phased out by law in 2010. Now cleaner diesel fuel is starting to be available nationwide. This in turn is motivating the above mentioned manufacturers to develop diesel hybrid-electric vehicles.

This new diesel fuel is an ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel with a sulfur content of less than 15 part per million. By 2010, it will take more than 53 new trucks to equal the emissions of one 1988 truck. With the increased production of clean diesel fuel, most analysts predict that diesel sales will account for more than 10 percent of the US vehicle sales by 2015. Also, since diesel fuel is less flammable and explosive than gasoline, approximately 60 percent of US school buses are powered by diesel.

In addition, diesel vehicles usually get 20 to 40 percent more miles per gallon than gasoline vehicles. According the US Environmental Protection Agency, America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day if one third of US vehicles were diesel powered. This is the amount of oil currently imported from Saudi Arabia. These figures are for pure diesel vehicles. A diesel hybrid-electric vehicle would save even more on oil.

Finally, diesel drivers have the option of fueling their vehicles with blends of biodiesel. This is a domestically produced fuel that further reduces US oil dependence. By turning to a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle, American can save money at the pump without having to sacrifice power and performance that drivers have come to expect and rely on.

?Will Diesel Hybrid Vehicles Be the New High Mileage Green Car?

Peugeot will be the first manufacturer to sell a small family car with a diesel electric-hybrid power unit. It will be a version of the new 308 model and will be on sale before the end of the decade. Peugeot does not sell in the US, but has watched the sale of hybrids such as the Prius in Europe and elsewhere. Toyota has sold about 5,000 Prius cars in the UK and more than 22,000 Prius cars in Europe. The Peugeot diesel hybrid is projected to average more that 70 mpg. It will have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any car except a pure electric car. Peugeot has declined for the present to quote a price stating that they are working to reduce the cost.

Meanwhile over in Japan, Toyota purchased a 5.9 share in Isuzu. Taking advantage of Isuzu’s expertise in diesels, Toyota plans to combine its Synergy hybrid drive system with a diesel engine. A Toyota subcompact with this system is reported to be available by 2010. In the US, you may has seen a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle and not realized it. City transit buses, military ground vehicles, garbage trucks, delivery trucks and etc. have been using diesel hybrids for years.

Since diesel engines run optimally at steady speed highway driving, trucks are a natural for diesel engines. Thus, the combining of the diesel engine with a electric drive system is of great benefit to the heavy trucks that must also navigate city streets with its stop and go traffic. Other manufacturers, besides Toyota and Peugeot, are also working on developing their own diesel power hybrid vehicles. They include Citroen, Ford, Opel and Volkswagen. Until 2007, most diesel fuel sold in the US is the high sulfur variety which which is starting to be phased out by law in 2010. Now cleaner diesel fuel is starting to be available nationwide. This in turn is motivating the above mentioned manufacturers to develop diesel hybrid-electric vehicles.

This new diesel fuel is an ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel with a sulfur content of less than 15 part per million. By 2010, it will take more than 53 new trucks to equal the emissions of one 1988 truck. With the increased production of clean diesel fuel, most analysts predict that diesel sales will account for more than 10 percent of the US vehicle sales by 2015. Also, since diesel fuel is less flammable and explosive than gasoline, approximately 60 percent of US school buses are powered by diesel.

In addition, diesel vehicles usually get 20 to 40 percent more miles per gallon than gasoline vehicles. According the US Environmental Protection Agency, America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day if one third of US vehicles were diesel powered. This is the amount of oil currently imported from Saudi Arabia. These figures are for pure diesel vehicles. A diesel hybrid-electric vehicle would save even more on oil.

Finally, diesel drivers have the option of fueling their vehicles with blends of biodiesel. This is a domestically produced fuel that further reduces US oil dependence. By turning to a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle, American can save money at the pump without having to sacrifice power and performance that drivers have come to expect and rely on.

?Why Green is Good for Trucks

Today’s modern SUVs were originally based on trucks and with good reasons. Trucks are versatile machines, transporting soil from Home Depot; towing the yacht to the lake; to hauling family members, their belongings, and even a mid-sized car to use for jaunts to the local restaurant after parking the truck at one’s favorite camping spot.

So it’s surprising that truck owners have not embraced hybrid technology. Who wouldn’t want phenomenally better gas mileage? But in some ways the reaction is understandable. The most well-known hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, is not known for its power to go up mountains or tow even a small cart much less two tons of rocks. Trucks, to fulfill their duties, need power first.

But ‘hybrid’ means merger and in this case, a gasoline engine and battery pack with the latter either supplementing or replacing the former depending on driving conditions. This combination can be tuned to emphasize power or fuel economy, many times providing both. The six-cylinder hybrid Honda Accord, for example, gets an additional fifteen ponies compared to its non-hybrid version while providing gas mileage like its four-cylinder Civic siblings. GM’s first full-sized hybrid trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, are estimated to get an additional ten percent increase in their mileage. While this may not sound like much, it adds ‘high mileage’ to the pair’s already impressive list of features. But most importantly, neither truck suffers lost of torque for speed, hauling or pulling power with the hybrid powertrain.

The batteries provide other advantages as well. The Silverado and Sierra can use their hybrid batteries to power equipment when on site, for example. Reviewers of the trucks for Automobile magazine found the feature heaven-sent when their computer equipment ran out of juice out in the middle of nowhere. Why haul miniature power plants or extra batteries when you drive one?

Finally, some of the most powerful and popular trucks have diesel option which is not allowed in many states due to environmental concerns. Hybrids were developed to be environmentally friendly and hybrid pickups could be used in lieu of their diesel brethren in such states.

Hybrids offer far more than just being friendly to one’s environment or better gas mileage. Truck owners, already driving one of the most versatile vehicles around, would have all those advantages magnified by a hybrid powertrain.

?Diesel Pickup Trucks Have Changed the Dimension of Performances Positively

Pickup trucks are the most powerful and strongest trucks of the trucking industries and these trucks are therefore having huge demands and grand popularity. The increasing popularity have made the demand increasing constantly and this continuous process has forces the engineers to reduce the fuel cost and also to increase the efficiencies of trucks in order to attract all the budget oriented buyers of Pickup trucks.

To have the better results in the efficiencies and passions of driving, the diesel Pickup trucks are the most popular trucks of all. These are attached to many of the trucks after seeing their pivotal and preferential performances. There are many of the benefits of Diesel Engines, which are stated here.

* Diesel engine is cheaper option

These are the cheaper options than the fuel and gasoline options. The fuel prices have rose quite higher and gasoline prices might seem to have the cheaper edge initially than the These but diesel has more of the efficiencies and energy densities which make the jobs of pulling the vehicles longer and also to offer more of the mileage out of same quantities of diesel.

Thus, these can be cheaper in the later stages and especially for the trucks like Pickup trucks which are used for the speedier and longer distances. Thus, Pickup diesel trucks are the cheaper options than the gasoline options even.

* The advance technology of turbo diesel engines

The turbo diesel engines are having maximum features of latest technologies. Previously, people used to avoid these due to some of the special reasons like the diesel engines were having lower torques which made the engines to have huge noise at the time of starting the vehicles. The throat of these was also having the problem while starting the vehicles.

Also these were having problem of emitting huge CO2 emissions which were quite harmful for the environment and many of the people avoid using these for the green reasons. Almost all of the problems of theses are solved with the turbo diesel engines. So, Pickup diesel trucks are quite safer from all the problems and hurdles of older ones.

Thus, these are quite beneficial and also the latest technologies are making their own ways to prove the supremacy of diesel engines with the Pickup diesel trucks for sale.

?Who Owns Best Of What’s New Award?

Wild guess. Who (or what) is the recipient of the Best of What’s New award for Popular Science Magazine’s automotive category?

Are you thinking Ford? Are you thinking Jaguar? Are you thinking General Motors? Or how about the automatic dimming rearview mirror created by Gentex? How about those Chevy parts that look as if they were made from the future?

If you guessed these, then you are totally wrong.

You see, the recipient of the Best of What’s New award for Popular Science Magazine’s automotive category is the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo. This award is actually part of this year’s 19th Annual Best of What’s New awards by the mentioned magazine.

If you are interested in knowing more about this vehicle and how come it was the one chosen by Popular Science Magazine, then you may want to catch the December issue of the magazine which would soon be hitting newsstands (and perhaps even your favorite bookstore) come the 14th of this month.

According to the editors of Popular Science Magazine, the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo was chosen because it used the Porsche variable turbine geometry (or the VTG) setup. Such was first developed and used in the mentioned vehicle. And this was also created with the assistance and cooperation of yet another company – the Borg Warner Turbo Systems.

Many are not yet quite familiar with this vehicle, after all, it has only been on sale just this summer. However, this award just goes to see that even the newest could also be the best.

As per the VTG setup, the technology was actually based on the type of technology that has been used in previous years by diesel engines that were used in early 1990s units. The technology has been quite successful for such vehicles and Porsche did believe that it could also work well for the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo.

Experts in the industry do say that such a concept is quite alike to other manufacturers of turbo who make use of variable nozzle or geometry compressors. These other manufacturers also do make use of a system that was for a short time used on some series of gasoline production engines.

?Why Are West Coast Prices For Diesel Fuel So Volatile?

Depending on part of the country you reside
in, prices of diesel fuel can be extremely
volatile. No where is this more true then on the West Coast. The prices of diesel fuel on the West Coast tend to increase and decrease at greater rates and costs more then in other parts of the country. There are several reasons for this.
In California, one of the primary reasons for comparatively higher gas prices has to do with supply issues. Higher taxation on diesel fuel also has a negative impact (for drivers) on diesel fuel pieces. Diesel fuel in California has a state, use and local taxes of 7.25 %. Add to this, 24.4 cents per gallon for the Federal excise tax, and 18 cents state tax. The state of Washington is also notorious for having high and volatile fuel prices. They have a state tax of 34 cents, which is one of the largest in the United States.
Diesel fuel cost is also higher in this part of the country due to
the lack of nearby supply sources. Most of the West Coast refineries are in California. In order for prices to be stable and as low as possible, these Californian refineries have to be running at full capacity just to meet the demands of California.
Trying to provide the nearby states with the fuel that they need can be very difficult. If there are any problems with the California refineries or any of the 36 refineries on the West Coast, this makes the situation extremely volatile. Because the amount of fuel available shrinks, the prices go up.
Besides not having enough local refineries, the distance to obtain diesel fuel from other sources in the United States can also cost problems Californians will have to pay for the shipment of fuel the Gulf cost or from sources outside the country.
When company is shipped from another country or from another part of the same country, fuel surcharges will be added to the price of the fuel. Fuel carriers will include transportation surcharges. These surcharges can be whatever the transportation decides they are going to be. There is no federal oversight of surcharges. Therefore, transportation companies can really stick it to states that need emergency fuel. Of course, these increased costs will be transferred to the consumer.
Individuals on the West Cost who drive vehicles with diesel engines have not doubt faced the effects of higher and more volatile gas prices more then individuals in other parts of the country. Many Western states have expensive taxes. Along with the higher then average state tax, the strong dependence of a small number of refineries mean that everything has to go perfectly so that everyone can have access to affordable fuel.
Things do not always work as they should and the costs to bring in fuel from outside of the country or from different parts of the United States costs money. These costs must be absorbed by the consumer. Fuel transportation companies will charge a premium to ship diesel fuel from other parts of the country, raising the prices at the pump.

?What You Need to Know About Diesel Pulling Trucks

It really is a jungle out there what with so many versions of automobiles rolling across the roads with an alarming alacrity. The big automobiles surely are like those wrestling stars who are intent in gulping down as much diesel as they can. When we get buying a vehicle, let us say a car, we look at the sleek design of the car, and some of the factors. When you get buying a big, diesel-guzzling monster, you would find that the specifications change by a long way. You normally look for their performance and couple of other metrics before you get to buying trucks.

Diesel pulling trucks are utilized for a variety of purposes. You could use them for taking heavy loads of goods from one place to another safely. You would also find these trucks to be used in construction industry transporting materials from one location to another. Typically, you would these machines being used as a good raw material transporter between two sites. You would find a lot of use for these trucks in companies that work in the logistics domain.

In the United States of America, you would find four companies that manufacture and market diesel pulling trucks. Ford Motors, General Motors, Dodge, and Toyota are the companies. There has been quite a bit of controversy that has been created due to the emission standard of these vehicles. Not long ago, it was found that some of these trucks flouted the acceptable norms of the emission standards. Some of these trucks were also being accused of creating a lot of noise. But with years of re-designing that has gone on these trucks, they are now efficient and rather mean machines at that.

Ford Motors and Toyota are the two companies that make trucks predominantly in the United States of America. Dodge trucks cater to the demand of these trucks in Mexico where General Motors do these trucks for the Canadian market. Because of the fact that Ford Motors and Toyota make their trucks in America, you would find that a lot of people claim these trucks to be truly American products. Apart from this, you would also find these trucks to be solid, durable, which makes them to be used in long and arduous journeys.

These new models are known to have quite a few critical points against them. One amongst them is their significant contribution to increasing the level of noise and air pollution. With that being said, newer versions of these trucks have brought down these levels considerably. Importantly, critics feel that these trucks may be good but cannot be considered for goods carrying purposes.

Decrease in storage space and increase in the height of the platform are considered to be two reasons that have influenced people’s opinions in this direction. One thing is for sure though – A lot of people agree to the fact that these are mean machines.

?Diesel Pickup Trucks – Popular Models That Save You Money on Gas and Maintenance

Because gas prices are climbing at a steady and steep rate, a lot of people who require the use of pickup trucks for their personal or professional lives find themselves suffering. Generally, those people who use trucks on a daily basis, especially for their jobs, need such a big vehicle because they are carrying heavy loads. In such cases, a lot of them prefer a pickup truck diesel rather than a gas powered truck, because these pickup truck diesels are specifically designed to tow or carry extremely heavy loads without showing ill effects. For the most part, the same Big Three names which make the more popular gas driven pickups also make up the most favored diesel engines: Dodge, GMC, and Ford. Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Nissan, Toyota, and even Mitsubishi all have at least one brand pickup truck diesel as well.

The capabilities of the exterior of a pickup truck diesel engine have an effect on their interiors, which are generally designed to be roomy and comfortable for the passengers, even when the truck is engaging in rough activities. For that reason, some sort of sound cushioning or even sound proofing is often incorporated. The windows are thick, the chassis is built solidly and sturdy, and there are usually double layers located within the doors. Most pickup truck diesel engines also have intake resonators and exhaust systems with low restriction, which further blocks out the effects of road noise and rough terrain.

Most pickup truck diesel engines come fitted with multiple valves which is designed to offer the maximum amount of power, which in turn allows diesel trucks to pull and carry heavier loads, thanks to high amounts of horsepower and torque – generally 300 horsepower or better, and 365 feet per pounds of torque or better. The majority of them also have electronic throttle control systems. These make for high quality transmissions which can handle all different types of altitudes equally well. Their steering systems are also advanced, because handling heavy loads safely and confidently is important.

It may be beneficial to look into purchasing a pickup truck diesel driven. Research shows that their outdoor capabilities can actually save money in terms of gas and maintenance, especially during a long run of time. That being said, they might be for everyone, but those who rely on their pickup trucks may want to consider them; they provide excellent standard safety features as well, which is just as important if your job requires you to frequently haul heavy loads or drive through rough terrain.

?What You Need to Know About Diesel Pulling Trucks

It really is a jungle out there what with so many versions of automobiles rolling across the roads with an alarming alacrity. The big automobiles surely are like those wrestling stars who are intent in gulping down as much diesel as they can. When we get buying a vehicle, let us say a car, we look at the sleek design of the car, and some of the factors. When you get buying a big, diesel-guzzling monster, you would find that the specifications change by a long way. You normally look for their performance and couple of other metrics before you get to buying trucks.

Diesel pulling trucks are utilized for a variety of purposes. You could use them for taking heavy loads of goods from one place to another safely. You would also find these trucks to be used in construction industry transporting materials from one location to another. Typically, you would these machines being used as a good raw material transporter between two sites. You would find a lot of use for these trucks in companies that work in the logistics domain.

In the United States of America, you would find four companies that manufacture and market diesel pulling trucks. Ford Motors, General Motors, Dodge, and Toyota are the companies. There has been quite a bit of controversy that has been created due to the emission standard of these vehicles. Not long ago, it was found that some of these trucks flouted the acceptable norms of the emission standards. Some of these trucks were also being accused of creating a lot of noise. But with years of re-designing that has gone on these trucks, they are now efficient and rather mean machines at that.

Ford Motors and Toyota are the two companies that make trucks predominantly in the United States of America. Dodge trucks cater to the demand of these trucks in Mexico where General Motors do these trucks for the Canadian market. Because of the fact that Ford Motors and Toyota make their trucks in America, you would find that a lot of people claim these trucks to be truly American products. Apart from this, you would also find these trucks to be solid, durable, which makes them to be used in long and arduous journeys.

These new models are known to have quite a few critical points against them. One amongst them is their significant contribution to increasing the level of noise and air pollution. With that being said, newer versions of these trucks have brought down these levels considerably. Importantly, critics feel that these trucks may be good but cannot be considered for goods carrying purposes.

Decrease in storage space and increase in the height of the platform are considered to be two reasons that have influenced people’s opinions in this direction. One thing is for sure though – A lot of people agree to the fact that these are mean machines.

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