Scott in SoCal wrote:

> Nate Nagel wrote:
> >Scott in SoCal wrote:
>
> >> Also, if diesel fuel is so superior, how come nobody makes a
> >> DIESEL-electric hybrid?
> >
> >I never understood that myself, as that would appear to be the logical
> >blending of technologies.
>
> It's probably because American car buyers still HATE diesel engines.
> Those old memories of soot and glow plugs from the 70s still linger.

Soot from diesels is caused by over-fuelling probably associated most with
older primitive mechanical fuel injection systems.

I don't know what they've done recently about the 'glow plugs' but the last
time I hired a diesel van I was told you don't have to wait at all before
cranking.

Sadly, diesel engines still do clatter somewhat compared to gasoline ones
but even this is getting better.

Graham