Topic: Diesel Engines

A discussion regarding the marketing history of Subaru vehicles transitions into personal anecdotes about Volvo ownership. One speaker recounts a factory tour in Sweden and racing diesel cars on a track. A specific story details the Volvo 480 ES, which allegedly featured a steering wheel treated with a plastic that caused acidic burns to the mouths of smokers.

The concept of "peak oil" is shifting from supply limits to demand limits, with forecasts suggesting a peak between 2023 and 2025 due to electric vehicles. The hosts express skepticism regarding the freedom offered by EVs, noting that electricity can be easily cut off by authorities. They advocate for diesel engines, which can run on vegetable oil in emergencies.

A tour of the Amsterdam canals reveals a transition toward sustainable maritime transport, with a mandate requiring all canal boats to be electric by 2018. The discussion highlights the phase-out of diesel and outboard motors in favor of electric propulsion. One host recounts a personal experience on an electric tour boat passing former residences.

A France 24 news report details the American phenomenon of "coal rolling," where truck owners modify diesel engines to emit thick black smoke as a protest against environmental regulations. The report singles out Texas for its lack of emissions testing on diesel vehicles, though the hosts express skepticism about the prevalence of the practice.

A C-SPAN caller's claims about hemp being a "multi-trillion dollar" green energy source are debunked. While hemp is a versatile agricultural product, the assertions that the first diesel engine ran on hemp oil or that the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper are identified as common myths within the pro-marijuana community. The hosts argue that these historical inaccuracies are used to pander to activists rather than provide sound energy policy.

A rental Volkswagen EOS turbo diesel achieved 43 miles per gallon during a drive from Nice to Florence, highlighting the efficiency of European diesel engines compared to American models. The discrepancy in diesel prices is attributed to US EPA requirements that make diesel more expensive than premium gasoline. The "eco-system" start-stop technology in modern Volkswagens is criticized for being potentially dangerous in traffic situations.

A documentary on RFD TV about the 50th anniversary of diesel-electric locomotives highlights the importance of vertical integration in manufacturing. By eliminating outside contractors in 1937, the Electro-Motive Corporation achieved total control over production quality. This historical success is contrasted with modern manufacturing failures at companies like Boeing.