Efficient future
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 01:49 p.m., January 24, 2008
Updated 01:49 p.m., January 24, 2008
In Detroit this week, all attention is on the Detroit Auto Show. Hundreds of thousands of visitors will browse booths of automakers from around the world who are displaying their latest automobiles. Emporia auto dealer Jeff Longbine attended the show this year on the charity preview night.
Q What stood out at the auto show this year?
A The big theme was most of the main line manufacturers are all working on alternative fuel technologies. We saw things like E85 compliance, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, new fuel cell technologies, and complete electric cars. We also saw all kinds of varieties of ways to lower greenhouse emissions and improve fuel economy.
Q Do you think these technologies will actually get to market?
A I think they are serious about bringing them to market for two reasons. One is the cost of fuel and our reliance on foreign oil. As a country we need to start conserving to get our energy prices in line. So if the price of fuel stays up you will see those technologies come to market. The other thing that is playing into it is the new energy bill that was passed is calling for increased corporate fuel economy averages to be raised. To meet that, manufactures will have to do something different from the traditional gas combustion engine.
Q At the show did you see some unknown car makers?
A I didn’t see a lot of unknowns but there was a complete section of automobiles that are produced in China. The Chinese are trying to bring them to market and they probably have three or four manufacturers. It really reminded me of the Datsuns 30 years ago.
Q Of the concept cars you saw, who do think will get theirs to market first?
A It appears that GM will with the Chevy Volt. I think they are a couple of years ahead of everyone else. It is electric/gas combination. The Volt was on display and current production time is sometime in the 2009 calendar year. They are still working on the battery capacity.
Q What changes do you think will happen over the next couple of years?
A Obviously fuel and emissions. You may see less horsepower to get to higher fuel economy. You may see technologies that reduce engine size and increase horsepower. You will also see more active fuel management where some cylinders will get cut off when they are not needed.
Q How do Emporia car buying habits fit with the national trends?
A The market in the Midwest is a lot different from metropolitan areas. We have many more agriculture uses in which people pull trailers or haul heavy loads. So we are more of a truck market than what you would see in the metropolitan markets.