Ford Expands Zero-Interest Loan Programs Nationwide For Its Hybrids

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. said on Thursday it is offering interest-free loans to consumers nationwide on its Escape hybrid and Mariner hybrid sport utility vehicles.

The automaker earlier offered the cheap loans only in California and Washington, D.C.

"We saw a tremendous response from that and saw double digit sales increases," Ford spokesman Monte Doran said.

Sales of the Escape hybrid, which was launched in the fall of 2004, increased 17 percent to 1,441 in March from the previous month. Overall, sales of Ford hybrid SUVs rose 7 percent during the first quarter compared to a year ago.

EDIT

http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/35933/story.htm

I am genetically incapable of driving gently enough to get decent mileage out of one of those things.

Why can't they build diesel electrics?
Imagine a turbo-diesel/electric engine generating 1,000lb/ft @ 1,8000rpm with 150hp DC motors at each wheel? Hit the brakes and the power supply disconnects and allows the motors to become generators that charge the capacitors. As long as you have all that power floating around, you may as well use electric brakes with an electronic ABS that detects the power fluctuations of a wheel trying to lock up. Run your heat, AC and even a refrigerator off the juice. Kick-Ass Car stereo? Fuhgeddaboutit!

behind a Prius with no exhaust coming out its tailpipe. I was wondering how hard it would be to pull the 2.3 liter Escape hybrid 4-banger and put in a diesel out of a Ford Tempo or Escort. Chances are the bellhousing bolt patterns might be the same. If its too big and/or heavy, how about a Kubota tractor diesel?

Add extra batteries and a solar cell roof, a few switching components to allow the driver to choose when the engine starts and when it can charge its batteries off the solar cells. Hell, you could even put in a receiver-hitch mounted wind generater when its parked where its windy to charge the batteries.

http://www.wired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,66949,00.html

Diesel Hybrids on the Fast Track

By John Gartner John Gartner | Also by this reporter
02:00 AM Mar, 21, 2005 EST

Hybrid gas-electric vehicles are the current champions of fuel economy, but they may soon get lapped. Auto manufacturers are making tracks to produce diesel hybrids that will go even further on a gallon of fuel.

<snip>

Diesel hybrid technology has been used in large vehicles that transport heavy loads, including buses and locomotives. General Motors subsidiary Allison Transmission produces hybrid diesel engines used by several municipal bus services.

<snip>

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/27514/story.htm

Cost Conundrum Holds Up Diesel Hybrid Cars

GERMANY: October 5, 2004

FRANKFURT, Germany/TOKYO - A car that can go 80 miles on a gallon of renewable fuel such as soy and canola would seem like an ideal solution to oil prices bumping around historic highs of $50 a barrel.

In fact, the technology already exists in the form of so-called diesel hybrid vehicles, which yoke a conventional diesel engine to an electric motor and battery to store unused energy for clean and quiet driving at lower speeds.

But automakers say such cars are unlikely to move out of the research lab any time soon, even as fuel efficiency becomes a must for more and more customers appalled by prices at the pump.

The main problem is that diesel hybrid cars cost too much to produce - thousands of dollars more than petrol-electric hybrids like Toyota Motor Corp's Prius, which is a sell-out U.S. hit.

<snip>

Ever notice that there are two ways of dealing with things you don't understand or like?

You can either ignore them or mock them.

You apparently chose the second.


Tell me something... What is it about the diesel/electric concept that strikes you as a bad idea?

Don't be flippant when you answer, I'm asking a sincere question.