Cars and Climate Change-Are we Being Led Down the Garden Path with Climate Change ?

30th March 2023/0 Comments/in All Car Manufacturer Articles/by Eric Roberts

Cars and Climate Change

So I must declare that I have a self interest in this what I call the “road to electrification con”. Firstly, we all could see what a bunch of MP’s can do or most importantly can not do. So do we trust this bunch of self interested political class to run the country ! Especially after the recent yet to be resolved “Brexit Debacle” . In my opinion these people are just self interested hypocrites ! Incapable of certainly running my life and I think millions of other !

So, after my little rant, then my main concern is about climate change,( or so called climate change ). The government is being driven by a minority of so called “climate change protesters”. Seemingly without any concern for the millions of people and businesses that have a long time been connected to the motor industry. Consequently, as we now now it . Of course we do not have a say it the matter ! Personally, like millions of other people, I dont believe in “climate change”.

Cars and Climate Change has always occurred through natural events. My belief is that we are all going to be punished at the hands of a minority of protesters. Importantly, our delusional MP’s are getting sucked into this false news . I am an avid listener to LBC and one of the contributors comments inspired me to write this post. I actually agreed with his views.

No one questions the protesters rhetoric

It makes my blood boil to hear these people spout out about the planet coming to an end in the next twenty years. Also the fact that we are losing thousands of species of animals . These people should be drilled down and share the true facts. Our MP’s just seam to be sucking all this false news up. many of us are old enough to remember days that when there was real air pollution ! Our Northern towns and buildings are still coloured black due to the dirty air and filth that we had to breath as children of the sixties and seventies.

So, where were the thousands of dying animal species then ? The truth is there wasn’t any and we just got on with life. Things did get better with new clean air laws that were passed by a generation of more sensible statesman like MP’s. Clean air was taken seriously and in my opinion was very successful . With the exception of London, I think we must all agree that we do breath in much cleaner air. My own house is now 35 years old and built out of the same Yorkshire stone as many of our old town and city buildings. The difference being is that my house is as clean as it was when first built ! No dirty air where we live.

London is going to penalize us all !

There is no doubt in my mind that we are all going to be penalized by the mass immigration and failed infrastructure in London. In fact I like many others are sick and tired of listening to the way that the problem is being looked at. As a outsider (thank God) all I hear is of banning Cars and Climate Change from this and that ? All i can see is that it is a way of taxing the London motorists ! Nothing more, nothing less. So, if London was so dirty then why not just ban cars from the central area ! Surely this would clean up the so called polluted air !

Like millions of others I do believe the Cars and Climate Change but only because change happens. The planet is well overdue for a major volcanic eruption. So, just lets see what the “climate change brigade” has to say about that !

Millions of trees

So, as a keen naturalist and gardener I just wonder how many trees we have planted since gardening became popular in the sixties. I recon it must be in the millions. Also why have the big cities and towns allowed people to concrete over their gardens. Surely, this was a another big mistake. The protesters are only now telling us we must plant more trees “But we did !

Driving around the UK (as I do), you cant help notice what a green and pleasant land we live in. Millions will agree that we as keen gardeners have made our country a clean and healthy country to live in ! How far do these people want us to go. Surely there must be limits on how they want to penalize us all ? Especially those of us who live outside the dreaded London area.

However, my main concern is that of the advent of the “electric car”. Cars and Climate Change

Car manufacturers have now proven that most of our diesel and petrol cars are now very clean indeed. Electric cars are charged with “dirty” electricity from dirty power stations. So, whats the difference ! My main concern is the effect that this will have on the millions of people now employed in the “motor industry” as we now now it. So, the coal industry springs to mind ! I must admit that the decimation of the coal industry did clean things up. Especially, here in the North.

Millions of jobs were lost in the coal industry. Most of the citizens of London probably dont know anything about fear and anxiety that was thrust across the whole of the North and Wales. Now it looks like we are going to suffer again just to improve the lifes of Londoners. We already have the technology for clean cars with low emissions. How much more do we have to suffer at the hands a few thousand climate change protesters. Its pathetic how the government gives in to them.

Charging mounted police

What a vastly different world we live in today. many of us will remember the “horse mounted police” charging at the coal miners who were only fighting for their jobs ! Compared with today when “climate change protesters! held a the city of London to ransom while police officers did a dance with them! Just shows how week the people who represent us really are. Now they threaten more action at Heathrow airport ! They should be locked away along with their fake climate change propaganda.

I do believe that electric cars will be a mix of automotive technologies, but at what cost ! How far does our tiny island have to suffer just so the “political class” can try and gain “browny points” at their World summits. How much do the people have to suffer when we get these silly ideas rammed down out throats. I believe that most of us dont want electric cars ! But have we been asked about it ! NO.

Its the developing countries that need to be targeted India and China would be just a start. In my opinion enough is enough. personally I am one of the millions who have now reached seventy years old. Because we live in a clean and healthy country. Except poor old London of course ?

Finally, I wonder what our fine government has got in line for us.

Significantly, when they can no longer rely on the trillions of tax revenue. Of course, the fuel tax they will lose due to the electrification of cars being forced on us ? My opinion is that we will all have a little black box fitted to our cars and taxed on the mileage that we do. Of course it wont bother the green warriors ! Because, they will all be riding horses.

Also what are the oil producing countries going to do. In my opinion they will slash the price of oil to the west. Making electrification of our cars look even more expensive. Money talks. Just ask Donald Trump ! He does not want to penalize the American people by implementing punishing “green laws” realising that everything has a price. Punitive emission targets are a folly and the government should be prevented from penalizing the British. We are already achieving high standards for such a small country and enough is enough.

Could Driverless Cars Empty Cities?Autonomous cars could see Brits escape to suburbs – Car Keys

25th March 2023/in All Car Manufacturer Articles/by Eric Roberts

Could Driverless Cars Empty Cities

It comes as no surprise that the first autonomous systems. Able to control steering, braking, and accelerating. So, have already started appearing in cars. Automobile giants like Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Volvo, and Audi have all shown off cars that can drive themselves. As a result, they have all declared that within a decade. They plan to sell some form of advanced automated cars.

Thus, taking over driving on highways or to be able to park themselves in a garage. Google, meanwhile, is investing millions in autonomous driving software. Subsequently, its driverless cars have become a familiar sight. Especially, on the highways around Silicon Valley. Hence, over the last several years.

The first autonomous systems, which are able to control most of the cars systems. Therefore, have already started appearing in cars. The big car manufactures, have all shown off cars that can drive themselves. I must confess that this is something that I cant get my head round? The thought of all these cars bobbing about town scares the pants off me.

Especially in small towns with Victorian infrastructure such as in Halifax here in the UK. So it may be OK in Silicon valley, but not many other places. I realise that If we think about it, we humans actually make terrible drivers. Not to mention, reckless drivers. People who fiddle with their phones, maps or GPS while driving are responsible for significant number of accidents.

The software that self-driving cars uses is smart enough to detect the wait time at traffic signals and also on road stops which would reduce unnecessary traffic congestion on busy streets. I do agree though with the people who took part in this survey. if I lived in a town or city then I would move to the country side. Escape would be the only way. However I do not think it will happen in my lifetime?

What the survey says about the autonomous cars-
Autonomous cars could see Brits escape to suburbs – Car Keys

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-Mercedes prepares hydrogen plug-in hybrid for Frankfurt debut

17th March 2023/in All Car Manufacturer Articles, All Hydrogen Car Articles/by Eric Roberts

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut

I must admit that I am loosing the plot regarding the number of alternative fueled cars that are now being developed. On the other hand I am very pleased that other forms of fuel are been experimented with.

None of these companies has yet disclosed any sales figures, but their fuels represent much larger pieces of the alternative fuel market. The EIA report for 2016 included less than In the United States, about 500 hydrogen-fueled vehicles are in use, and about 330 of those are registered in California.

The size of this individually produced marketplace of AFVs (Armoured Fighting vehicles). As a result, may never be officially counted or calculated. It’s clear that the shift from petroleum to the next generation of fuels has already gathered a lot of momentum.Indeed things are now moving on at pace. It is also clear that individuals from around the world.

Thus, are not waiting for big automakers. Including their governments. Hence, to decide what fuels they should use.

The only problem with hydrogen cell vehicles is the lack of the re-fueling infrastructure. However things are slightly improving with a new hydrogen fuel station opening on the M25 here in the UK and several more in the pipeline.

Hydrogen fuel cells are certainly one of the ways forward and emit zero emissions. Indeed UK supermarket chain Sainsburys have opened a hydrogen fuel facility on one of their sites.

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-This new model from Mercedes will only re-enforce the interest in this type of alternative fuel.

Of course,there are three major categories of alternative fuels in use now. One that we seem to have forgotten about is bio-fuels. Also we have electric power and hydrogen power. Subsequently. we have the electric battery cars versus the hybrid plug in cars debacle? for example, hydrogen fuel cell vs HHO ( which does not appear to be catching on).

Also, bio diesel vs ethanol. In fact bio diesel fuels are also being made from algae.These alternatives though seem to be falling behind. The main emphasis being the drive for the total electric car EV.
There are hundreds of videos out now about converting your car to use these other non viable fuels. However things in this direction are moving real slowly.
Similar companies exist and sell plans, parts lists, and instructions for converting a car to run on electric power (mostly of the plugin variety). Books and instructions on how to build bio diesel kits and recipes for growing algae bio diesel also are easy to find online.

Individuals have produced hybrid cars and vehicles running completely on all of these alternative fuel sources.I must admit though that in big picture of things then these are very small numbers. One company that sells the instructions and maintains a worldwide support group.

Hence, for people doing their own HHO fuel conversion.So, reported that more than 11,000 people bought their product last year.

There’s the difficulty of tracking just who is converting their vehicles and how. The EIA has surveyed private fleet owners. Including quasi-government and local, state and national government bodies. Thus, to get the basis for their calculations.

There are plenty of automakers, small and large, around the world coming out with different variations of all these cars. Including this new Mercedes Model.

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-Lithium-Ion may have a short life?

We do need alternatives? The electric car era will be very short because Lithium-Ion batteries are made up by using “Cobalt”. Cobalt is a very rare commodity and we will soon run out if the current volumes of use are not restricted. We also have had recent developments with the good old fossil fueled cars powered by the good old fashioned lead acid car battery.

Mazda have developed the first petrol engine that ignites by compression instead of a spark plug. Also burning much greener with less poisonous emissions. Yet another good step forward?

Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on a fuel cell version of the GLC ahead of its debut in Frankfurt. We don’t know many details about the car yet, but Mercedes has pulled back the curtain on the development process leading up to its launch.

Source: Mercedes prepares hydrogen plug-in hybrid for Frankfurt debut

See this important breakthrough from our friends in Australia.

Mazda offer Improved Engine Technology+Mazda to offer world-first compression+ignition petrol engine

14th March 2023/in All Car Manufacturer Articles/by Eric Roberts

Mazda offer Improved Engine Technology

This is great news to the regular mechanic who is sick of hearing about electric cars. Including the billions of dollars that are being thrown at them.

Many small garage owners are fearful for their futures. Including the futures of their families. This news from Mazda could be ground breaking and may be followed by other car manufacturers.

In regards to normal modern vehicles that have been around for ever. Then, there are two main types of engines available. Of course,the two main types are either a petrol combustion engine. Or a diesel compression engine.

To explain the differences we must first explain the similarities. Hence, of both engine types. In my opinion we should use a four cylinder engine. So as the basic model. Because, it is common in both petrol and diesel configurations.

As a result, in both diesel and petrol engines the following holds true. Both engine types convert burning fuel into mechanical energy. Of course, through a common series of explosions.Thus, inside the engines combustion chambers. All very basic stuff? These explosions force the rotation of the crank. This in turn, by design. Forces another piston in the line up into the bore of the next cylinder in the firing order. This repeats the process over and over again. Resulting in the rotation of the engine.

This is where the difference comes in from Mazda?

In the normal compressed fuel engine, . Then the fuel/air mix is compressed and then ignited. Which is what drives the engine. The Mazda system does the same thing as a conventional diesel engine but uses petrol. Subsequently, the fuel/air mixture is first heated and then compressed by the piston. Thus to the extent at which it creates combustion spontaneously.

This has never been done in the past. The Mazda system works very much the same way as our conventional diesel engines but fires on combustion using petrol. Consequently burning much less fuel. Therefore making the engine much more environmentally friendly.

This now makes into three types of engine-Mazda offer Improved Engine Technology

Over the years the basic design of the engines stays the same. Regardless of the vehicle manufacturer. Of course, fuel delivery systems do vary but at the end of that day the internal process is the same for all vehicle types..

On a diesel engine there are no spark plugs. Therefore, the ignition process is carried out by the compression of the air itself. because of the higher compression of diesel engines by design. Then the air when compressed reaches temperatures high enough to ignite. Of course, when fuel is introduced into the cylinder.Hence at a specific time in the combustion cycle.

This is the same in the new Mazda engine. This could revolutionize the petrol engine and give the technology a new boost of life. Hydrogen cell engines are also moving ahead and should one day become part of the big mix of engine technologies.

Perhaps the death of the petrol engine may now of been postponed? I for one hope so.

Mazda’s new engine, known as SKYACTIV-X, will be launched in 2019, as part of the https://www.theengineer.co.uk/mazda-compression-ignition-technology/

Cars To My Employees-What Are The Pros & Cons Of Offering Company Cars To My Employees?

28th November 2020/0 Comments/in All Car Manufacturer Articles/by Guest Post

Cars To My Employees

Plucked straight out of the ’80s and perhaps at odds with today’s modern city/commuter lifestyle, company cars still have something to offer as an effective employee perk across a number of industries.
Despite this continued popularity, many companies are caught between two minds regarding whether or not they should offer cars to their staff. The benefits and pitfalls are numerous, with poor handling of the situation potentially costing business owners significant amounts of cash every year. In this article, we’ll outline the pros and cons of offering a company car to your employees and what key challenges to look out for as part of your scheme to do so.

Pros

First, let’s look at the benefits of handing out keys to company cars. Cuts out transport issues Whether it’s significant commuting time or a lack of company vehicles making it difficult to reach important meetings in time and in style, transport creates a number of issues for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Fledgling start-up or established enterprise, it doesn’t matter. You need to make sure your team is getting around comfortably, efficiently and in a state of mind that encourages them to give their all. While we’re all very familiar with video chats now, actually meeting associates, clients and potential partners in person is invaluable.

With so many businesses operating on a strict time and financial budget, they can’t afford to blow it all sitting on a crowded, overpriced train. A company car ensures that all-important members of your team have an effective and efficient way of getting to crucial meetings — and impressing as they do so.

An accepted part of a benefits package

Benefits are a huge part of what attracts the very best candidates to specific positions these days. While everyone wants a great salary and the office culture to match, many younger professionals are interested in what companies can offer on top of the typical working experience, such as gym memberships, mental health support and the opportunity to experience training courses.

Company cars remain a popular example of this, and something many professionals may accept in place of a pay rise. While the initial costs of a company car may set you back further than a slight pay bump, over time that cost will even out and you’ll be saving on wages by the end of the year. Likewise, such an offering can help you balance the books by satisfying key members of the team. It makes them feel important to the business, encourages a greater level of professionalism and makes them less likely to enquire about other potential perks.

Money-saving options

A company car isn’t just a money sink — they actually provide a number of ways to save on travel. Public transport and overnight accommodation can be extremely costly for a business, especially when you’re sending more than one member of staff. However, if they have a company car they can travel more freely and get home without relying on train timetables.

This cuts out a significant amount of overhead you’ll never get back. Smart driving also makes a car less of a financial burden. By coupling a company car with fuel cards, advanced route planning apps and training in how to drive more economically, you can turn your company car into something that costs a fraction of what it does for other businesses. Fuel cards will give you unique discounts on fuel, apps will make sure you pick the most economic route and a more efficient driving brain will ensure you don’t burn through that petrol in an instant.

Cons

Now, let’s delve into the issues that may arise when offering company cars.

Extra taxes

If you’re operating in the UK paying tax on a company car rests on the employee who drives it. This may be off putting to some employees. Especially those who had previously had no need for a vehicle and can’t afford the additional cost. However, this cost can be mitigated depending on the make of the car and the type of fuel it uses. If you offer a ‘greener’ model as your company car. Then this may entice a certain type of employee, regardless of the tax costs.

Cars require significant maintenance

A company car is for life, not just a motivational tactic. If you’re committing to handing out company cars. So, you need to be ready to swallow the maintenance costs. Especially new tyres and servicing costs.
While responsibility of the vehicle and making sure it is in working and legal order may fall on the driver. hence, criticism can quickly come back to you. Many companies prefer to keep documentation themselves. Of course, and manage the car in-house. Rather than giving full responsibility to an employee. This can cause conflict and downplay some of the trust and reward a company car offers.

Likewise, you need to consider the fact that many of your staff. Subsequently, won’t have the capabilities to store or drive a company car. A significant number of workers in major cities these days cannot drive or live in accommodation without parking spots. This would either render the benefit. Of course, useless or put it in a situation where it could get damaged.

A company car isn’t for everyone. There are many workers it won’t appeal to and keeping track of how it’s being used can add another layer of stress to your busy schedule. However, they remain a great gift for your top members of staff that can actually be quite economically effective in the long run.

Archive for category: All Car Manufacturer Articles

All Car Manufacturer Articles

Table of Contents