Bye Bye Diesels?

[Giller]

Interesting story out of France - wanting to eliminate the Diesel engine from their roads. They are such big sellers over seas and a huge part of their driving culture.

France moves to kick the diesel habit | Canoe

[thstone]

That is a rather surprising story and I imagine that the French government will get a lot of pushback from nearly every sector of the French automotive community. We'll hear cries like, "you can take take my diesel when you pry the keys from my cold dead hand!"

[amagalla]

Originally Posted by thstone

That is a rather surprising story and I imagine that the French government will get a lot of pushback from nearly every sector of the French automotive community. We'll hear cries like, "you take take my diesel when you pry the keys from my cold dead hand!"

Actually, It's the French, so they'll probably just roll over and "surrender" the keys on their own. Then they'll work with the government to turn in other diesel owners.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by amagalla

Actually, It's the French, so they'll probably just roll over and "surrender" the keys on their own. Then they'll work with the government to turn in other diesel owners.

Say didn't the French have something to do with there even being a U.S.A.?

I wonder what kind of engine the British Emperialists would have allowed Henry Ford to build

[Steve Tinker]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I wonder what kind of engine the British Emperialists would have allowed Henry Ford to build

Steam.......

[Giller]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Say didn't the French have something to do with there even being a U.S.A.?

I wonder what kind of engine the British Emperialists would have allowed Henry Ford to build

Always found it interesting that one of the United States biggest monuments is the Statue of Liberty, which was a very generous gift from the people of France. And yet the US rips into France constantly. Never understood that.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by Giller

Always found it interesting that one of the United States biggest monuments is the Statue of Liberty, which was a very generous gift from the people of France. And yet the US rips into France constantly. Never understood that.

The reasons are vast, but for most (especially military)......Probably what many would consider a general lack of appreciation for our past efforts.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Say didn't the French have something to do with there even being a U.S.A.?

First off it is not "a" it is THE USA. Secondly, isn't THE USA the reason there is even still a France?

The diesel odour of yore is as prevalent there now as it is in the US... maybe even a bit less.

[Giller]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

First off it is not "a" it is THE USA. Secondly, isn't THE USA the reason there is even still a France?

The diesel odour of yore is as prevalent there now as it is in the US... maybe even a bit less.

I would argue that statement, first, the U.S. didn't enter the war until it was 2 years along, and second, it was definitely a group effort. Yes France was overwhelmed by the Germans but they still played a big role in our side winning the war.

Fortunately now, we all get along and get to drive these awesome German cars to show it!

[Steve Tinker]

It won't be just the automotive industry that will kick back - the downstream fuel giants like Esso, Fina, Shell and Elf make a lot more profit selling diesel fuel than petrol for the simple reason that diesel is much easier (cheaper) to refine than petroleum.....
The smell of diesel fumes in Paris can be overwhelming, but to the average motorist, the cost of filling the car is more important than the odour!

[BFeller]

French is the language of diplomacy.

During WWII they kept their Naval ships mostly out of German hands. If the French Navy had combined with the German Navy, Britian would have had a much tougher time. At that time Britian was the largest naval power, with France and Germany 2 and 3rd - IIRC.

[Giller]

Originally Posted by BFeller

French is the language of diplomacy.

During WWII they kept their Naval ships mostly out of German hands. If the French Navy had combined with the German Navy, Britian would have had a much tougher time. At that time Britian was the largest naval power, with France and Germany 2 and 3rd - IIRC.

Tough to get an accurate count - and depends on when you count. Generally speaking, Britain was #1 with Japan, the Soviet Union and Canada taking the next 3 spots, depending on the year. Yes, Canada. We used to be one of the great Naval powers of the world. The US though I believe, finished WWII right up there as the built a ton of ships over the course of the war.