It would be great to get the positives to the viewing public. The problem is that the media cater to what the public wants to hear. Because the majority of Americans are afraid of change (hybrids), they grasp at reasons why such a change should not occur. Negative news stories help them rationalize why they should keep buying the same old technology. It makes them feel that they are right and you and I are wrong.

 

Don't be too hard on yourself ... the writer obviously had a conclusion that he intended to present; you were just his example.

Unfortunately the author is correct about most Americans ... including me. We are reluctant to give up performance, space, luxury, etc for something that is small, green and fuel efficient. Like the Honda spokesman states ... "we have those cars too." The Accord, Highlander, Lexus, Escape and other recent additions to the hybrid stable are interesting to those wanting a greener car without the sacrifice.

I'm a perfect example from the non-hybrid side of the equation. I push the biodiesel alternative seeing it as a renewable, cleaner and domestic option available now. It can be used in anything from a 18mpg Cummins powered diesel pickup for a contractor to an 18 wheeler moving freight down the highway. But in the smaller car market, it can also be used the VW Polo (only in Europe) to achieve impressive fuel economy. Unfortunately at this time in the states our options are limited, but we do have a few small car choices that routinely brag mileage over 50 mpg.

That isn't alway good enough, as they arrive to our shores in a 'detuned' state largely because of the dirty diesel fuels we are still pumping. (changing next year) Those of us unhappy with the detuned engine, often opt for euro-spec aftermarket chips and fuel injectors that nearly double the horsepower and torque and are still comfortably able to achieve near 50mpg. (unfortunately at an emissions sacrifice especially running petroleum diesel)

I believe the valid concern in the NYTimes article is that the tax credit does not fairly credit someone for driving green and driving a high mile per gallon vehicle ... but offer the tax credit to those choosing to by a hybrid that hardly reduces ones overall fuel use. This is an argument often hear from those of us paying a slight premium to drive biodiesel powered diesels that burn half as much fuel as many cars on the road ... now including 'lower' mileage hybrids.

 

What percent of Biodiesel is made from renewable oil? From what I have read the max is 20% that is added to regular diesel, is this true?Kevin

 

The max would be 100%. It is called B100, but you are partially correct in that most often it is found in 'fleet' and 'public' pumps at B20 or 20% biodiesel. (can be both virgin or recycled oils)

The reasons are multi-fold. 1) It is still a newer fuel that has yet to have been approved in all diesels in the US in higher percentage blends. (warranty concerns) 2) It is generally higher priced than diesel but with high petroleum and tax incentives to 'blenders' is much closer now. 3) The initial introduction for fleet useage included a tax credit to the end user (schools, cities, etc) of up to 20 cent per gallon: 1 cent for every percentage used ... max 20 cents. Hence the B20 blend) 4) It has a offbeat 'homebrew' component, multiple upstart small processors and no independent quality checking mechanism ... if you built engines would you warranty for 100% until it was fully tested and quality was standardized and checked coast to coast? 5) There is a cold weather problem as B100 gells at a higher temperature than D2. Additive packages help, but resellers are businessmen and find blending D2 (wintertreated) solve the biodiesel gelling problem. 6) I mention business ... biodiesel volumes are not large enough yet for many to justify using a pump for multiple grades ... many just select one blend if they are planning to offer biodiesel at all. (this goes for everything up the distribution chain. Storage, shipping, pipelines, etc. Demand OR Supplies are not there yet making it another product to handle.)

This is still a new industry with a few hurdles, but the use, growth and support is rocketing its development and acceptance at an exponential pace. There are bound to be a few hiccups as well as battles with the oil industry reluctant to give up any market share or dominance over energy for vehicles. It will take time but is enjoyable to be in at the grassroots. (I'm guessing many of you feel the same way with Hybrids? You know the car you have today will be 'topped' by each year as technology advances, but it is something you can do in supporting efficiency and better emissions today so you back your convictions with action.)

 

Just remember that Jayson Blair worked for the New York Times. Makes you wonder if anyone on their staff can be trusted.

 

GreenAndBlue,
I hope you stick around as you are an important part of our community.
As we know this is not the first article of the type and would be published anyway.

The media feeds on negative and even if you made 95% positive comments they would only publish the 5% bad and make up the rest.

I don't think anyone in this community actually believes that any publication would acutally print the good, amazing things like the Insight is capable of over 100MPG and that the Prius II or HCH can push 70MPG?

Thanks Delta Flyer for the link.

 

Rich, thanks for the info.Kevin

 

This reporter was posting on this site in another thread to solicit folks to interview. I actually contacted him and gave him my number to call but apparently he was unable to get a hold of me. I have his e-mail on another computer - I'll gladly post it this evening if anyone wand’s to air their grievances directly.

I wasn't able to read the article but I get the idea. Interesting why so many want to discredit hybrid technology. Seems like most of the articles are how they don't live up to the promise. However I don't know a single hybrid owner who isn't thrilled. Makes you wonder how powerful the oil lobby actually is.....

45.38 MPG lifetime (39K miles), 03 HCH

 

The NYT article is too little, too late. A couple hundred thousand hybrid owners sing the praise of hybrids. Crap can be published every day for all the difference it will make; word of mouth rules.

Mark, getting abused by the media hardly seems a reason to avoid us. And, I am looking forward to reading your letter to the editor. I wonder if you might consider sending your letter at the same time Jason sends a rebuttal. We just might be able to turn this nasty episode into good hybrid publicity. Don't get angry, get even !

 

Well if anyone had any doubt that you can't trust the mainstream media, that's further proof right there. It's not like this is something new either, they've been inventing news for, oh, about the time the printing press came out.