Why does the US auto industry get off their behinds and put multifuel engines in all cars?

Question

US auto makerts have been selling multi fuel vehicles in Brazil. Why can't we just demand that ALL vehicles have Multi fuel engines. Also why are we leaving it up to the Japaneese and the Chinese to build hydrogen abd full electric vehicles. There is no reason that US inginuity and drive cannot become the best and most inovative Auto manufacturers in the world. What is missing is the commitment from our manufacturers. It looks like American business would rather just sell Chinese goods than go to the trouble of doing the manufacturng.

Answer 1

This comes down to political will and commitment.
*
The oil lobby is very powerful, and can even tie up patents so nobody can use the technology. For example, the battery needed to give electric vehicles a decent driving range is the NIMH battery. This battery was used in GM's EV-1 and the Toyota RAV-4 electric vehicles several years ago. That battery is no longer available because GM sold the patents to Chevron/Texaco, and those oil companies then sued Toyota to make them stop using the battery in their EV, which is why Toyota can't sell that electric car anymore. NIMH batteries are no longer available for electric cars. Automakers making hybrids must sign an agreement that the batteries can only be used in cars that are at least 50% gasoline.
*
The effect of all this is simply to drive the technology overseas. The Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese developed the Li-Ion battery, which can give electric cars a 200 mile-plus range. Japan, Korea and China are all working on practical electric cars, which will be on the road in the next few years. Here's one of them, a Chinese EV which may be imported to the US next year:
*
http://www.milesautomotive.com/products_xs200.html
*
This car gets 200 miles per charge, does 80mph, and sells for $28,500.
*
So instead of electric cars and batteries invented and developed in America, we have handed this part of our future to China.
*
Don't believe the oil industry line that nobody wants these cars. Tell your friends about the Chinese car above, and tell them the average driver could save between $150-$200 per month on gas, and see how many of them are interested.
*
My solution? Vote for politicians who will stand up to the oil interests and work for us instead. Even if you don't want to drive an electric car, gas prices will fall if they are available for sale. Nobody loses except the oil companies.

Answer 2

The big 3 are in trouble here due to the Lobbyists in Washington, Big Oil and the Autoworker's Unions with the retired union pensioners and the lavish healthcare plans for all employees past and present. Plus when there is an idling of a plant, the workers still get paid an hourly rate. They don't have the agility of the Japanese automakers. The big 3 have lost the will to introduce multifuel vehicles here because of the fuel availabilty. Brazil has been making ethanol for years from sugar cane. I would expect that the engines for these cars are built there not in Detroit. I'm for anythng that will reduce our dependence on the Middle East.

Answer 3

Have you ever noticed that American car companies tend to modify existing models year after year,while Japanese companies completely re-design their models every three to four years?

The reason boils down to simple economics---Launching a new model, from design phase to final production, takes several HUNDRED MILLION dollars. American automakers just do not have those cash reserves while the Japanese do (Toyota, for example, has an estimated $40 Billion in CASH IN THE BANK).

If a factory makes traditional automobiles, you can't just flip a switch and start making alternate fuel vehicles. New suppliers must be located, new tooling purchased and installed, a generation of employees must be retrained. And, unless you want Ford or GM to shut down and stop selling cars for a few months, all of this must be done while meeting current demand.

It might be easier to blame oil companies and corporate greed, but the fact is that we, as consumers and voters, have the final say in what direction our government and manufacturers choose.

We like clean air and water and we don't like tax breaks for large corporations, all the while buying Chinese goods from Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The question is, when you demand more from your government and your local businesses, what are you willing to sacrifice?

Answer 4

Because it is a free market, and Multi-fuel engine's in all car's are not demanded enough for that big a move. Or at least, that's what GM & Ford are betting on. If you really think this is a big profitable market then why don't you invest in companies that only make multi-fuel engine's. This way instead of complaining about your feelings of other's short commings you can profit from what you so easily see as obvious.

Answer 5

My wifes 01 dodge caravan has a 3.8L engine that runs on e-85.

This engine has been around for some time.

GM builds flex fuel engines as well.

When gas was reasonably cheep, no one wanted them, now they're all the rage.

When will Americans start supporting the US auto industry that has provided these products for years?

Buy American. The job you save may be your own.

Answer 6

For one thing, ethanol works in Brazil because they make ethanol from sugar cane while we make it from corn. Making ethanol from sugar cane is very efficient while making it from corn requires as much energy input as you eventually get out. It also requires a lot of water which must be treated afterward. In addition, ethanol can't be transported in pipelines due to its tendency to absorb water.

Auto makers would make any car you wanted if there was enough demand. Manufacturers aren't in business to make a commitment for the good of the country. They're in business to make money. If there was sufficient money to be made from autos that ran on bubble gum they'd make 'em.

Answer 7

It has nothing to do with the manufacturers and EVERYTHING to do with the consumers. We are Americans and we do not want any crappy "multifuel" vehicles. Quite simple, really. What is it with people who place blame on the wrong people? Place blame where it is due!! Manufacturers are not going to produce something that the consumers are not ready for or interested in!

Answer 8

Cause the auto-makers are in bed with the Oil companies...

I'm ready for the multi fuel, the 3.00 for a gallon of gas is just retarded!!

Answer 9

Can you say "lobbyist"? :(