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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.
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.
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.
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.
Chesapeake Energy bites the natural gas bullet
January 25, 2012
Flurry of newbuild drilling rig deliveries in 2012 may dampen rig rates
January 20, 2012
Talisman joins the ranks of cautious E&P companies
January 12, 2012
Early signs of caution begin to cloud frontier exploration and production
January 4, 2012
It's too early in the game to write off Shtokman
December 8, 2011