Hybrids

[harchris]

I agree with the concept of concentrating on improving the diesel instead of
splitting the effort to develop a hybrid. Our experience with TD (pre TDI) is
that if driven at 'legal' speeds the EPA ratings can actually be exceeded. 

In my mind the problem with hybrids would be that you then have 2 complex
systems that must be maintained, plus the extra weight of the second system
(batteries, motors). Although I would like to use technology that will keep
the earth greener for our grandchildren, I don't think having all those extra
batteries to recycle is going to do the trick. Develop a small diesel that
gives acceleration equivalent to the small turbo gas engines and you might get
a few people out of their gas guzzlers.

Cheers
George