Mr. Jeff Moser

President, West Branch LLC


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GLG News by Mr. Jeff Moser, President

Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.

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Reality Check for Alternative Fuel Ventures

November 11, 2008

Will plummeting gas prices hurt the push for alternative fuels? | abcnews.go.com

Cheaper crude oil means less attractive returns for alternative fuels producers.  Coupled with collapsing capital and credit markets further expansion of renewable fuels capacity is in doubt.

Nicht fur NASCAR

November 6, 2008

VW’s Growing Motorsport Arm Already Has Eye on 2009 Baja 1000 | wardsauto.com

Can success in North American motorsports venues increase awareness and demand for advanced European diesel vehicles? 

Fuel for Growth: More US Diesel distillate capacity?

November 4, 2008

Demand for diesel fuel: Perspectives and future Considerations on prices and supply for diesel car and truck fuel users | www.dieselforum.org

Energy from Diesel fuel is a key agent of growth in developing countries.  Increased demand has seen diesel outpace gasoline as prices hit record highs for both fuels.  US refinery capacity must be rebalanced to help correct price disparity for this key fuel.

Euro Performance Driving US Diesel Market

October 30, 2008

New BMW 335d May be Diesel’s Best Shot in U.S. | wardsauto.com

Diesel cars dominate European markets but are scarce in the US.  As fuel economy continues to drive US consumer choices diesel options will become more significant.  Regulatory issues may also favor diesels as US standards tighten.

Batteries Not Included - Discharging Hybrid Battery Hype?

October 30, 2008

UPS orders hybrid hydraulic vehicles | fleetowner.com

Fleet operators are continuously seeking optimum solutions to equipment cost and fuel economy.  Various alternative fuels and hybrid drive systems are being evaluated prior to major fleet-wide commitments.   Despite the head start for electric drive-battery hybrids there are other options. 

Farming for fuel?

October 28, 2008

Reviewing biofuel policies and subsidies | www.fao.org

The push for alternative energy has increased competition between planted crop acreage for food vs. biofuel production.  As more regions of the world struggle with tight food supplies the UN has questioned the wisdom of increased biofuel production.

Clean Air War: California vs. Truckers

October 28, 2008

CARB releases draft of new regulations | fleetowner.com

California seeks to force even the smallest truck fleets to invest in expensive upgrades to reduce diesel emissions.  These costs will be passed on as higher freight charges and ultimately as more expensive consumer goods.  Some fleets may not be able to bear the financial burden of the up-front investment.

Trucking Industry Fights Back in CA

October 15, 2008

ATA Renews Attack on Port Trucking Plan | fleetowner.com

Environmental legislation requires an economic impact analysis to ensure continued viability of commerce.   California's Clean Truck Program for port operations has withstood such challenges but is now faced with litigation claiming it unlawfully regulates the trucking industry.

Platinum set to rebound on new demand for off-road diesel emissions?

October 13, 2008

CAT, Perkins announce Tier 4 interim plans | www.dieselprogress.com

Starting in 2010 precious metal catalysts will be required on off-road diesel engines in the US.  This incremental demand, coupled with a rebound in automotive production, may stretch supplies thin again as seen in 2007.  With regulatory impact increasing demand through 2015 worldwide the long term outlook for Pt should be sound.

Incentives may accelerate diesel penetration in US auto market

October 10, 2008

IRS, EPA Helping Diesel Cars? | www.dieselprogress.com

Diesels are ~25% more fuel efficient vs. gas but cost more to build.  Diesel fuel prices above unleaded in the US have dampened hopes for greater diesel share as mpg advantages are diluted.  Government incentives to help offset sticker price penalties for diesel may help future prospects as fuel price parity returns.

Can fleets afford Green Diesel investments?

October 10, 2008

Are emissions-reducing strategies working? | fleetowner.com

The EPA and individual states have offered some subsidies to retrofit older diesel engines with emission reducing technologies.  Newer engines [2007 - 2010 models] are factory equipped with advanced emission control systems but the majority of the existing US fleet still has older, dirtier engines.  Faced with significant costs to retrofit each engine the industry is reluctant to commit to this investment in the face of crippling fuel costs and a soft economy.

SCR and Urea logistics for 2010 trucks

October 8, 2008

DEF Infrastructure in good shape. | fleetowner.com

2010 EPA NOx regulations are leading most OEMs to design in Urea-based SCR catalysts.  Truckers will need to refill the Urea tank periodically and need widespread availability of the chemical solution at most truck stops and fuel depots.  While readily available, the intermodal distribution of Urea presents some logistics issues for the industry.

Aging cycles key to accelerated technology development.

October 6, 2008

This is the car of the future | www.nationalpost.com

Key automotive technologies are measured by two primary metrics:  performance and long term durability. Automotive components and systems are exposed to extreme conditions on a daily basis and OEMs must accurately simulate these in testing if they are to bring new technologies to market in a timely fashion.  

Platinum falling due to spot surplus - long term demand bullish

October 3, 2008

Platinum falls towards price parity with gold | www.busrep.co.za

Automotive production declines have alleviated the supply deficit for Platinum since 2007 as consumption for catalytic converters has fallen. Future production rebound and pending emissions regulations will increase demand at or above 2007 levels.

Cost of Clean Diesel = major threat to operators in California

October 3, 2008

Ports ready to enforce clean-trucks plan | www.joc.com

California has the most stringent requirements in the world for retrofitting or re-powering older diesel engines with advanced emission controls. As written the cost for compliance can exceed $10K per engine in many cases. Fleet owners and operators are faced with tough choices as they near compliance deadlines.

Daimler: Fueling the debate over SCR for diesel trucks

March 31, 2008

Daimler seeks to clear the air on SCR | fleetowner.com

EPA regulations in 2010 will require significant reductions in NOx emissions from diesel trucks.  SCR catalysts are the likely solution for most OEMs but Cummins and International have announced plans to proceed without SCR.   Significant fuel cost and performance tradeoffs are being made in the process.

Sulfuric Acid dissolves profits too

March 25, 2008

Sulfuric acid costs jump due to ethanol demands | www.midiowanews.com

Demand for sulfuric acid continues to grow in fertilizer and metals applications.  As prices skyrocket ethanol producers are finding their margins squeezed.  Sustained demand for acid in Ag and mining sectors may keep sulfuric acid prices at or above current levels for the foreseeable future.

Diesel cars to drive future of US refinery mix?

March 12, 2008

Diesels make cents, but Detroit still slow to embrace them | www.detnews.com

Fuel efficient diesel engines have the potential to restructure the US auto industry.  Current US refinery capacity for diesel is tight during seasonal heating oil demand peaks.  For diesels to realize their potential share of the US auto market increased fuel capacity must be secured.

Corn economy dooms ethanol

March 4, 2008

The Ethanol Bust | money.cnn.com

Producing ethanol from corn is an unsustainable and economically unviable long term proposition.  Future shifts to switchgrass or other cellulosic ethanol crop sources makes more sense but does not help today.  Diesel remains a logical choice for immediate impact in fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Government set to endorse diesel autos?

February 25, 2008

Diesels weighed for fuel saving potential | www.autoweek.com

The US Government has mandated increased fuel economy for future cars and trucks.  The 35 mpg CAFE standard is a daunting challenge for Detroit as it scrambles to redesign 12-18 mpg trucks and SUVs.  Diesel engines have been proven in the European market and could see the lion's share of future alternative powertrain share growth.

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