Archives

Unfortunately, it is not so much the vehicles but use of currently available European based engines that could make all the difference. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=140528)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Euro_Ford_Focus.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) - Aug 25, 2008

2008 European Ford Focus -- Estimated at 48 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA.

With the most recent political discussion hinting at upwards of $50 Billion in below market rate loans (read bailout) for GM, Ford and Chrysler to retool and offer more fuel efficient automobiles, is it any wonder many are questioning both the timing and the possible offerings?

Government involvement

It has been estimated that upwards of $1 Billion in Government supplied dollars was spent on the PNGV (Partnership for Next Generation Vehicle) program with a total of three cars displayed for the cameras. Immediately afterward, all three disappeared -- never to be seen in public again. That program was buried at the request of automakers and replaced with an entirely new program called Freedom Car -- with goals much further in the future. An untold amount has been spent on this program yet still there is nothing in showrooms.

Lobbying efforts

The manner in which the largest automobile manufacturers have fought higher FE standards from Washington to California through a lobbying group called the AAMA (Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Association) can certainly be described as malicious. Only when the group's efforts are certain to be overridden on a number of fronts do they claim public's best interest and a "real" dedication to improvement in fuel economy. Looking deeper however, improved fuel economy legislation is nearly always full of loopholes. Last year's energy bill included CAFÉ standard increases to 35 mpg by 2020. Unfortunately, the FE numbers are based on pre-1985 EPA city and highway test cycles -- bringing actual real world performance down to a paltry 26 mpg. This is just one example of the ineffective legislation endorsed by domestic manufacturers.

Losses and realities

Ford has racked up losses to the tune of $12.7 Billion in 2006, $2.7 Billion in 2007, and upwards of $8 Billion for 2008. In order to survive the company must perform perfectly -- and it has to be right now. Most of the losses can be attributed to blind faith in a highly profitable P/U truck and SUV product mix. Higher fuel costs across the globe have revealed an entirely different truth as even the most loyal customer base is shell shocked with $100 plus weekly fill ups in larger vehicles.

Future fix?

Manufacturers must increase fuel economy and do it now! Ford Motor Company's CEO Alan Mulally has said, “EcoBoost, our turbocharged direct-injection system will be the next `gotta have' technology. It delivers up to 20 percent better fuel economy and a 15 percent reduction in CO2, as well as superior driving performance with a higher torque at lower RPM, and will be available in half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years.”

Unfortunately, a minor 20% increase in FE over the next 5-years does little to bring Ford’s fleet Fuel Economy up to a level that guarantees long term health and a profitable future with the possibility of much higher fuel costs in the future. It would be barely sufficient at today's cost! US gasoline prices have nearly tripled since Christmas of 2004 -- Europeans were driving a wide selection of non-hybrid, 40+ mpg vehicles three years ago when fuel in their home countries was the same $3.50-$4.00 we see here today. Ford offers nothing that even approaches 40 mpg in the US, let alone the modern and updated platforms Europeans have been driving for years.

Diesel offers real solutions today

Ford of Europe vs. Ford’s US offerings

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Mondeo_vs_Fusion.jpgMondeo vs. Fusion

It is not so much the appearance of the Mondeo but its 52% increase in FE that Ford needs to seriously consider. Swap the engines and you have a fuel economy champion that would top the Toyota Camry Hybrid!

Continent of Origin|Europe|USA
Body Style|4-Door Sedan|4-Door Sedan
Size|Mid-size|Mid-size
Engine Size|2.0L|2.3L
Engine Type|Diesel|Gasoline
Transmission|6-speed MT|5-speed MT
Engine (HP)|107|160
Engine Torque (Lb-Ft.)|236|156
Performance -- 0 to 60 mph (sec)|9.4|8.3
Combined FE USmpg|35*|23

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Focus_vs_Focus.jpgFocus vs. Focus

The European Focus is not only 71% more fuel efficient but built off the award winning Mazda3 platform -- unlike the 8 year old Focus platform available here. Who wouldn't like to purchase a Ford with Honda Civic Hybrid fuel economy and more utility for thousands less?

Continent of Origin|Europe|USA
Body Style|5-Door Hatch|4-Door Sedan
Size|Compact|Compact
Engine Size|1.6L|2.0L
Engine Type|Diesel|Gasoline
Transmission|5-speed MT|5-speed MT
Engine (HP)|107|140
Engine Torque (Lb-Ft.)|177|136
Performance -- 0 to 60 mph (sec)|10.7|9.7
Combined FE USmpg|48*|28

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Ranger_vs_Ranger.jpgRanger vs. Ranger

Although in desperate need of a total redesign, the Europeans receive a 39% increase in FE vs. what is available here in the US from a somewhat anemic and poor fuel economy gasoline powered 3.0L.

Continent of Origin|Europe|USA
Body Style|P/U|P/U
Size|NA|NA
Engine Size|2.5L|3.0L
Engine Type|Diesel|Gasoline
Transmission|5-speed MT|5-Speed MT
Engine (HP)|141|148
Engine Torque (Lb-Ft.)|243|180
Performance -- 0 to 60 mph (sec)|10.3|10.0 est.
Combined FE USmpg|25*|18

Ford’s other “best of” European vehicles

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Ford_C-MAX.jpgC-MAX

The European sourced Ford C-MAX in its purest form is a larger 5-passenger Honda Fit with approximately 25% better Fuel Economy. Nothing available in America today comes close to matching the utility or the fuel economy of the available Ford/Peugeot designed 1.6L Turbo-diesel.

Continent of Origin|Europe
Body Style|5-Door Wagon
Size|Compact
Engine Size|1.6L
Engine Type|Diesel
Transmission|5-speed MT
Engine (HP)|107
Engine Torque (Lb-Ft.)|177
Performance -- 0 to 60 mph (sec)|11.1
Combined FE USmpg|42*

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/S-MAX.jpgS-Max

The S-Max is a 5 + 2 midsized platform that was named European Car of the Year in 2007. With better ride and handling including luxury far beyond that available in the current 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, it could achieve an impressive estimated 38 mpgUS per the 08 EPA on the highway!

Continent of Origin|Europe
Body Style|Minivan
Size|Midsize
Engine Size|2.0L
Engine Type|Diesel
Transmission|5-speed MT
Engine (HP)|138
Engine Torque (Lb-Ft.)|236
Performance -- 0 to 60 mph (sec) |9.7
Combined FE USmpg|32*

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Fiesta.jpgFiesta

The latest generation with the world renowned Mazda2 underpinnings is just now hitting European showrooms. Although a diesel platform cannot touch an HSD equipped hybrid in the city, out on the highway, the Fiesta may be rated as high as 64 mpgUS on the 08 EPA which is higher than even the now defunct Insight 5-speed!

Continent of Origin|Europe
Body Style|5-door hatch
Size|Sub-Compact
Engine Size|1.6L
Engine Type|Diesel
Transmission|5-speed MT
Engine (HP)|89
Engine Torque (Lb-Ft.)|150
Performance -- 0 to 60 mph (sec)|12
Combined FE USmpg|56*

Diesel questions

Can the excellent European diesel engines be built to exceed US’ very stringent Tier II/Bin 5 emissions limits? Ford at one time had some of the best Diesel emissions technology available so it is most certainly doable. VW just released their own 50-state emissions compliant Jetta TDI with the exact same 2.0L turbo-diesel engine they use in their European TDIs. The only difference is a more robust after treatment emissions control solution. The Ford/Peugeot small diesel and Clean Diesel after treatment solutions available today should have no problem meeting requirements.

Diesel related engine technology and emissions costs can be seen in the Jetta TDI sedans and wagons launched last week. The Jetta Wagon SE is almost a perfect match to the Jetta Wagon TDI in terms of amenities. The SE costs $21,349 while the TDI Wagon costs $23,590 yielding a premium of $2,241.

A 25 to 70+ percent increase in fuel economy for under $2,500? Ford currently charges upwards of $7,000 for a 39% improvement in FE with the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid vs. the 2.5L equipped non-hybrid!

Automatic transmissions have been a preference of the American automobile consumer for decades and with Ford’s European diesels, the offered automatics take away large percentages of the diesel advantage. This is not so much a function of the transmission itself but rather Ford’s older and inefficient designs. Many European manufacturers offer fuel efficient automatics utilizing the new dual clutch format. This has to end -- though Ford’s new 6-speed automatic transmission may not be capable of withstanding the torque of small diesels without radical redesign. Let us hope their much simpler dual clutch technology makes it into a US based vehicle soon.

Current diesel fuel costs are problematic for a future diesel owner and manufacturers considering a release into the US marketplace. As of this writing, diesel fuel includes a 10% premium over regular unleaded in the Chicago area -- an increase for which fuel economy must offer adequate compensation.

Ford’s present/future fuel efficient vehicle plans

For 2010, we will see the Fiesta -- though equipped with an EcoBoosted small displacement 1.25, 1.4, 1.6 or possibly 1.8L engine. With at best a smallish 20% increase over conventionally aspirated small displacement engines, I do not believe it will be enough to stave off future price hikes let alone the fuel costs we are living with today.

For 2011, we will finally receive the Mazda based European Ford Focus. It will most likely also use a small displacement EcoBoosted engine -- another possible disappointment with sub-par fuel economy incapable of keeping up with the rate of fuel price increase over the last year.

For 2012, the Focus based C-Max will make it to our shores. The engine of choice is currently unknown.

It all comes down to Ford’s idea of what the US wants vs. what it actually needs. If Ford offered Americans the most fuel efficient automobile of any manufacturer in the country prior to the PHEV’s arrival, what would that be worth in terms of marketing goodwill alone? :) Let us hope Ford plans an extremely fuel efficient small diesel for the US’ future a lot sooner than later.

* 08 EPA FE estimates were calculated from the NEDC (New European Drive Cycle) combined minus 12%.

Good Luck

Wayne

Very interesting article. It remain a profound mystery why the big 2.5 can't get the message and start to quickly market in the US the cars they already have available.

I am deeply suspicious that they still don't see a business model which makes their company profitable with small cars. After all, there is still the "small car - small profit" mentality. If they don't adapt soon, Honda and Toyota are gonna bury them!

Their "small car / small profit" mentality has got to go. Honda understands that the Fit is small-margin vehicle but they make a tidy profit by selling a whole bunch of them. Ditto for Toyota and the Yaris/Corolla. The "Big 2.5" has to get with the program and realize that the 1990s business model of getting $30k in profit by selling a $40k luxury SUV that rides on a cheap $10k truck body is OVER.

The CEO/Executive comps have to get under control too. there is no excuse for executives getting paid hundreds of millions of dollars per year -- each -- for making bad business decisions. Yes, union comps are expensive too, but they are not the only ones at fault. Lutz and Waggoner needs really big pay cuts, pronto.

Ford and GM are obviously able to make at least a modest profit on economy cars in Europe. There's no reason why they can't do the same here. I'd have no problem buying a Ford Focus that got 42 MPG. I am quite certain that I am not the only one.

As far as I can tell, the only engineering requirement would be to put the steering controls on the lefthand side of the vehicle and beef up the crash safety stats. Yeah, that would add weight, but the 42 MPG Brit Focus would probably still get 38-39 MPG in America.

It doesn't even take much for them to make our current lineup just as efficient. Reduce the power output of the engines and tune it for efficiency, make some aerodynamic improvements, and lighten the weight. That alone would probably help even their fattest sedans meet cafe standards. If they can do it with the cobalt xfe, they can do it with any model.

I keep wanting to give them a chance when the Fiesta comes out, but they've just been burning people with empty promises and filibustering for too long.

I'm confused.

Anyone who argues a free market, would argue, based on demand and a buyer's preferences in the United States (cannot speak for Canada, or Mexico but I can assume) that people want fuel efficient and "small" but safer vehicles with the onslaught, and then mysterious fall *perfectly timed* of gasoline prices (not just Oil).

However are we seeing that? NO. Even Toyota, Honda, and the other Japanese Industrial powers seem to be offering less than before Efficient vehicles of the North American market!

It seems, even those who argue a free, unregulated, market cannot explain how this is working.

Is the consumer that stupid? Or is it the bombardment of Newspeak and doubletalk we are getting from the Media how "30 Highway" is "great" fuel efficiency!

Its just more examples, how the powers at be are SO not willing to change, it will take them to literally die, before we can move on. At least we can have some leadership change coming in 2009.

Its not just American consumers. It world consumers. And we are not stupid. It just seems the free market, is not really free at all.

"You can any color you want, as long as its black".

Maybe the bailout should have come with strings attached...like no one make over 6 figures in sallary + benefits + bonuses; All existing golden parachutes are canceled; and anything else that needs to be done to make sure they are profitable....If we, the people, are loaning them this kind of money, then we are investors and deserve some say in the management.

Wayne, you need to testify before Congress, soon. Get the Euro models over here. Put the clamps on E10. Help create an energy policy. Kick-start PHEVs.

No big deal.

Maybe the bailout should have come with strings attached...like no one make over 6 figures in sallary + benefits + bonuses; All existing golden parachutes are canceled; and anything else that needs to be done to make sure they are profitable....If we, the people, are loaning them this kind of money, then we are investors and deserve some say in the management.

You are right on the money. In theory, corporations are supposed to amke a profit, produce needed goods/services, and employ people. Ford/GM runs in the red, makes products nobody wants, and fires the people commanded to make those products. And yet, the people at the top never suffer any consequences. Waggoner/Luts make more in one year than 100 average Americans will earn in a lifetime.

Triming the fat should start at the TOP.

Ford and GM are their own worst enemies.

I'm confused.

Anyone who argues a free market, would argue, based on demand and a buyer's preferences in the United States (cannot speak for Canada, or Mexico but I can assume) that people want fuel efficient and "small" but safer vehicles with the onslaught, and then mysterious fall *perfectly timed* of gasoline prices (not just Oil).

However are we seeing that? NO. Even Toyota, Honda, and the other Japanese Industrial powers seem to be offering less than before Efficient vehicles of the North American market!

It seems, even those who argue a free, unregulated, market cannot explain how this is working.

Is the consumer that stupid? Or is it the bombardment of Newspeak and doubletalk we are getting from the Media how "30 Highway" is "great" fuel efficiency!

Its just more examples, how the powers at be are SO not willing to change, it will take them to literally die, before we can move on. At least we can have some leadership change coming in 2009.

Its not just American consumers. It world consumers. And we are not stupid. It just seems the free market, is not really free at all.

"You can any color you want, as long as its black".

I thank you, Wayne, on behalf of our country. The position the oil/auto cartel has put us in by its corrupt practices of price fixing, their killing of free trade, their use of powerful subliminal advertising that paints a man who buys a big powerful car with status and machismo, and all of the support the media gives them in covering up the consequences America is plagued with.:eek:

You are right, Lord Biron, this price decrease IS perfectly timed, Just before the election. The republican party hopes to pander a few votes, and because they are engaged in price collusion and price fixing (and have been for years and years), well, why not help their buddies?

And the "free, unregulated market" you were speaking of? Does not exist. Hasn't for years and years also. You will buy the choices they offer you or you will pedal or walk.

And your point about "how the powers are SO not willing to change", Lord Biron. I see you have noticed that too. The "powers", our honorable elected officials, are busy, as Wayne pointed out, crafting loopholes and legislation that will keep you and I addicts to their greed. And do not think our elected officials, the media, and the car columinists like Jim Mateja of the Tribune, do all this for nothing. You can buy a lot of cooperation with the kind of money the oil industry is taking to the bank.

Bottom line. Our allowing of this legal corruption of special interest groups, lobbying, and paying to play schemes guised under "contributions" is destroying our country. It has to be stopped and one presidential candidate has said he would try to clean it up (GOOD LUCK TO HIM). The other has vowed more "business as usual.

Yep, you ended it beautifully, Lord Biron. "You can have any color car you want as long as it is black"!:rolleyes:

CHOICE IS WHAT THOSE WITH ALL OF THE POWER OFFER THOSE WITH NO POWER...
TO PROJECT THE ILLUSION OF FREEDOM!:woot:

The issue of how we got here is complex, where we are going is now clearer (thanks to $4/gal pricing).

We have had ridiculous government policies by the Feds and states. A single state (California), later followed by 4 other states, eliminated diesels from American passenger cars. Having flipped and flopped on emissions requirements in battles with CARB over decades, manufacturers (foreign and domestic, except VW) gave up on US diesel sales. (All of our domestic manufacturers produce diesels for the rest of the world, as above.)

Powerfully supporting this decision to bail on diesel was the fall of a crude to $12/barrel in 1998.

In other words, there was not too much support in 1998 for diesel (or EV for that matter), politically or financially for manufacturers.

So, europe with more stable long term policy was able to align with diesel usage, which is now 55-60% of all vehicle sales there. Diesel is technically superior to petrol simply because it provides about 30% greater efficiency.

Imagine extending oil supplies 30%? Is that good strategy or just common sense?

Refineries are optimized for gas production *or* diesel production. Roughly, 2/3 will be primary product, with 1/3 to the secondary. Ours are 'gas' refineries; europe's are diesel.

Without long term committment to diesel (and now under the context of an established 'diesel consuming europe'), oil refiners must have sleepless nights wondering whether to build new refineries or convert old, or do nothing to improve diesel supply to the US. The US hasn't built a new refinery since the '70s. It's not an easy or cheap task, but certainly doable - if the uncertainty of emissions restrictions is made stable.

Today we have no diesel cars in any volume; it's obvious CAFE set back diesel acceptance in this country 10-15 years - a duration that will likely prevent its use in any large scale in the future here.

Our 'policy', if by default, is to leap over a transition period of efficient diesels, straight to electric and the decision has been made for us by circumstance.

Our 'choice' is to use 30% less efficient fuel (and further reduce its efficiency with alcohol, but that is another topic...) until we can develop EVs.

So, these same companies that have conspired to destroy the American way of life have followed EU policy well and done a very good job at providing economical (and just plain better) cars abroad.

Who's to blame there?

Great article Wayne. I especially appreciated the discussion of the emissions and transmission challenges Ford would face to bring those engines here. No doubt about it, Ford would have to spend some R&D to make it happen. I don't see how they really have much choice in the matter, but I fear they'll make the wrong choice (no diesels here) anyway.

Surely somebody on this forum has the know how for us to get some petitions together to send to congress or to the Big 2.5 to express public interest in those companies bringing more their Euro models over here... ???

The main problem, as I see it, is that the environmentalists have the ear of the government. The "Green" movement is driving us all away from practicality and desirability. Diesel may be more expensive, but the fuel economy pretty much balances out the added price at the pump. The issue that I have is that the price of the vehicle itself is still too high. I'd like to see a low $20k car that gets 45+ mpg on diesel.

Til then, I'll suffer through the only option we have with what is currently available.:flag:

Yarisman, have a look at this thread and I think you'll be happy:

VW’s TDI are officially for sale (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15150)

Please note that the EPA ratings for diesels have taken a particularly severe hit with the new rating system. You can easily achieve 45+mpg in these cars.