Just as the diesel Smart will not be coming to the US - only the gasoline version.
And why aren't hybrids all based on diesel engines? Especially galling given the long history of locomotive diesel design and the ways in which a small diesel engine would be perfect for the needs of hybrid power generation . . .
Zach
The answer lies with the Bush administration on that one , sort of makes a mockery of his latest speech, re alternative fuel supplies,
Just for fun check out in which countries the new Sprinters' run on Gasoline?
Diesel is the steeping stone to future fuel hybrid technology, such as synthetic Diesel many types already available, hydrogen , HP Diesel and hybrid cell electric switch over! The technology is here now today.
Cleaner fuels such as 10/p/pm for Diesel engines are already available, America imports Diesel, Australia imports Diesel in a H/D format prior to refining at the refineries for Marine grade and Automotive use.
LP H/D Gas and Diesel conversions are already in use with dead clean carbon emissions Canada has a huge supply of this natural product but uses it to convert the Shale sands into dirty oil for petroleum's use that uses five times more energy to produce than alternative or natural fuel not to mention the carbon pollution produced that adds to the carbon count in the atmosphere, with every barrel of oil, 5 barrels of water are used under pressure to produce, the oil waste water is highly acidic in content. when evaporation takes place you have acid rain and climatic changes as a result.
When was the last refinery built in the U.S.A ? 'Honest check it out' If law was passed today! for every new vehicle to run on diesel , the fuel bill alone would reduce by thirty percent within a ten year period, as the older gas fleet is removed from the roads , you would reduce emissions from vehicles by up to 50% the pressure for supply and demand for oil products would reduce,within two years. Thus a discount structure of competitive pricing would be evident at the point of sales, at the pumps.
The United states would not be reliant on imported oils, as an immediate fact in life , wars would not be a necessity in the Middle East as a consequence of threat to US economics with energy supplies.
PS the Smart is an old engine in design it would make 2007 and mid 2008 emission standard compliant.
again blutec resolves the exhaust emission standards, however there is political interference from Commercial manufactures influencing politicians with the 2008 elections, as to this alternative emission control.
Nothing is simple in life especially when Industry is the biggest corrupted corporation in the world today "Money
Speaks"
Just my thoughts, Richard.