No mixed message. The message in the public's mind JUST shifted post-Katrina- how fast do you think they can adapt an engine? AZ, we're on the same page environmentally, but you gotta give folks time to catch up and adapt.

Its a lot easier to get the engineering right on a larger engine that has wider tolerances, and more lenient (truck) emissions requirements. Get what you can out the door when you can. It also makes sense to get the heavy pollution hitters switched over first.

ETOH is primarily available only in rural areas of the cornbelt...guess what vehicles far outsell sedans there (especially for fleet sales- the primary place where most FFVs end up).

NO production FFV engine is capable of meeting PZEV-type requirements as of today. From an emissions standpoint, a well-engineered gas-only engine is better than a FFV that emits more while on gasoline, when one considers that very very few people are able to get ETOH outside the cornbelt. The name of the regulatory game until VERY recently (like post-Katrina) was emissions, not saving oil. It takes at least a few years to be able to shift and bring new/adapted product to market.

Having said all this, look through my posts and recall that I am a HUGE booster of ETOH. Its in my (non-FFV) Explorer, despite having to pay 0.50 more per gallon for it here, only being able to get it at one pump locally, and getting yelled at by my wife for the check engine light (code 0174- lean mix). I also run straight ETOH/H20 (~160proof) through my mower when not using the battery mower and have gotten 2 neighbors to use me as a fuel source for their mowers.

A lawn mower run for 1 hour per week emits as much CO and NOx as a car driven for 500 miles. 2-strokers are even worse. If people are interested in starting somewhere today (well, in the spring), look at the humble lawnmower.

PS- just went ot the site...they're out of shirts...