This is a interesting overview by Automotive News regarding BMW’s efforts to ease the tax burden for their customers.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.–BMW AG hopes to get out from under the gas-guzzler taxes that are tacked on to the sticker prices of some of its high-performance models in the United States.

Jim O’Donnell, president of BMW of North America, says the company is studying fuel-efficiency improvements that could eliminate the gas-guzzler taxes on its vehicles as early as the launch of the redesigns in the next few years.

The 2010 550i GT incurs a $1,000 gas-guzzler fee, for example. The 650i convertible faces a $1,300 tax. And buyers of the 2010 750i pay $1,000, on top of a base price of about $82,000.

“We’d like to get away from it across the entire line,” O’Donnell told Automotive News after a presentation at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars here. “It’s something we don’t want to be labeled with. I think we can get there with small improvements.”

The graduated gas-guzzler tax is prompted by a model’s failure to achieve the minimum fuel efficiency of 22.5 mpg.

BMW’s smaller competitor, Infiniti, moved its new-generation M56 sedan out of gas-guzzler status this year. It did so despite increasing horsepower from the previous-generation M sedan, which competes directly against the BMW 5 series.

But BMW is protective of its image as a maker of luxury, sporty cars, and it is not clear just how far the automaker might go to sidestep the tax.

BMW’s racy M5 gets just 11 mph city/17 highway and incurs a $3,000 tax. But that five-liter, V-10-powered sports car is at the heart of BMW’s image.

Yet BMW is taking surprising steps with its product line. O’Donnell noted that the company will debut a small electric car, currently called the Megacity Vehicle, in China in 2013.

The company has not said where else the electric car will be sold.

About Pynergy Petroleum Company

Pynergy Petroleum Company was founded in August 1999 when it acquired three Conoco Branded retail locations in the Denver, CO area.  Since then, Pynergy has been devoted to providing high quality fuels, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, equipment and service to the automotive, heavy duty and industrial markets.  Please visit us at www.pynergypetroleum.com

This is a great article discussing the recent claims by Navistar that their advanced EGR engines have the best overall ‘fluid economy’.  This has set off a fire storm in the industry, with most fingers pointing back to Navistar for less than spectacular testing methods.

Daimler Responds to Navistar ‘Fluid Economy’ Claim

By Jack Roberts

Daimler Trucks North America and Volvo Trucks North America on Thursday, July 22, issued a sharp condemnation of a “fluid economy” road test commissioned by Navistar comparing the performance of trucks equipped with selective catalytic reduction and trucks equipped with exhaust gas reduction technology to reduce emissions of nitrous oxide.

Navistar is the only U.S. heavy-duty truck manufacturer to use an “EGR only” solution to meet stringent 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations limiting the amount of pollutants a diesel truck engine can emit into the atmosphere. All other North American engine manufacturers have elected to use SCR technology, which sprays hot diesel exhaust gas with a urea-based diesel exhaust fluid. The resulting chemical reaction removes virtually all NOx from the exhaust gas stream. In contrast, EGR systems continually recirculate exhaust gas into the engine’s combustion chamber, where NOx is burned up.

The new regulations, which came into effect this year, allow only .02 grams of NOx to be present in exhaust leaving a diesel engine. SCR systems meet this current standard, while Navistar’s EGR-only engines currently emit .05 grams of NOx into the atmosphere. Technically, this amount of NOx is in excess of the EPA standard, but Navistar has bankrolled a large number of EPA emissions “credits,” which reward the manufacturer for its early compliance and superior performance in meeting 2007 emissions regulations. Navistar repeatedly has declined to say when these emissions credits while expire, but they insist that their EGR-only engines will be able to meet the current standard when they do.

Earlier in the week, Navistar announced that it was challenging claims by its competitors that diesel trucks equipped with SCR were achieving notably improved fuel economy with a series of side-by-side tests carried out by the Transportation Research Center of East Liberty, Ohio. The center used “fluid economy” as its measuring stick – in essence, tracking the consumption of both DEF and diesel fuel as a means for determining diesel engine efficiency and performance. Click herefor a full report on the Navistar test.

Responding to the Navistar test today, Freightliner issued the following statement: “The credibility or validity of the test published by Navistar cannot be judged without revelation of more details. We run stringent fuel economy tests at Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), which are both accurate and substantiated. We test back-to-back componentry, which is comparable from both a truck and an engine perspective. Ratings, displacements, truck configuration and more are matched to achieve valid results. The combination chosen by our competitor does not comply with these basic premises for proper engineering work and thus doesn’t provide a trustworthy result.

“The 440-mile test run by our competitor is not appropriate for testing modern EPA 2010-compliant trucks. Running such a short distance test tampers with the outcome by calibrating regeneration intervals to occur immediately before and immediately after the test is completed. DTNA’s BlueTec Detroit Diesel engines regenerate after thousands of miles, not hundreds of miles. The longer the test, the more realistic the results and the closer they are to what a customer would experience in real-world operations. DTNA has built more than 3,000 EPA 2010-compliant Cascadias with DD15 engines, and more than 2,000 full production vehicles are currently running every day in customer fleets. Numerous customers running real-life tests had completely different results, and they have found Freightliner to be the best solution.

“In order to get a truly accurate and reliable comparison between vehicles, the use of comparable products with equivalent drivetrain components is a must. We’re eagerly anticipating acquiring an EPA 2010-certified series production 12.4L MaxxForce engine in order to run our own comparison study.

“In the end, customers have voted loud and clear for Daimler’s BlueTec solution. Daimler Trucks North America has logged more than 25,000 EPA 2010 SCR-equipped orders. We are unaware of any announcements made by Navistar on their sales track record in this category to date.

“It is neither appropriate nor credible to compare the 12.4L MaxxForce ‘mystery’ engine with proven technology available in the market. A statement by J.P. Morgan issued just yesterday in an investor guidance statement picked up on public websites effectively refutes Navistar inferences from the study. In it, J.P. Morgan clearly articulates ‘the apples-and-oranges flaw in the comparison and questions Navistar’s intent in commissioning the study.’ We agree with that statement.”

To further support its position, DTNA cited recent findings from a workshop co-hosted by EPA and the California Air Resources Board:

• Data collected by DTNA and reported to agencies for compliance certification of its Detroit Diesel engines with BlueTec emissions systems comes after completion of more than 30 million test miles, including several million customer freight-hauling miles in DTNA EPA2010 trucks;
• DTNA’s EPA2010 trucks have been built on the assembly line in full production mode since the beginning of 2010, and to date, Freightliner has built more than 3,000 EPA2010-compliant Cascadias with DD15 engines. More than 2,000 DTNA EPA2010-compliant trucks are running in customer fleets already, with customer orders for more than 25,000 EPA10 vehicles to date, including 16,565 Freightliner-brand trucks;
• DTNA’s BlueTec emissions systems operate as designed, meeting federal and state air quality standards that reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides to near-zero levels without the use of credits;
• DTNA testing and customer experiences also validate that DEF refilling inducements work to consistently and effectively keep each DTNA vehicle operating in compliance with 2010 emissions standards; and
• The company will not comment on technologies manufactured or actions taken by other companies

About Pynergy Petroleum Company

Pynergy Petroleum Company was founded in August 1999 when it acquired three Conoco Branded retail locations in the Denver, CO area.  Since then, Pynergy has been devoted to providing high quality fuels, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, equipment and service to the automotive, heavy duty and industrial markets.  Please visit us at www.pynergypetroleum.com

For release: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc has introduced its new 12,000-lbs GVWR

NPR ECO-MAX low cab forward truck, offering up to 20% improved fuel economy and increased payload capacity compared to previous NPR models.

The new 2011 model year truck is powered by Isuzu’s next-generation 4JJ1-TC diesel engine, which has operated globally in Isuzu’s N-Series models for the last five years. The 4J engine family dates back to 1984 and is the highest volume engine produced by Isuzu. This is the first time the engine will be utilized in the U.S. market.

The turbocharged, 4-cylinder, 3-liter engine delivers 150 horsepower and 282 lbs.-ft torque. The 4J engine is 2010 EPA and CARB OBD compliant. It offers a B10 engine life rating of 310,000 miles, which means 90 percent of the engines should reach this mileage before needing an overhaul. The engine is mated to an Aisin heavy-duty, six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive and lockup PTO function.

“The NPR ECO-MAX is the result of Isuzu’s commitment to help our environment by significantly reducing emissions and fuel usage,” said Shaun Skinner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. “This truck is a product of our SEE design philosophy, which stands for Safety, Economy and Environment. This model has been specifically created to reduce the cost of ownership while meeting the world’s most stringent emissions requirements. We accomplished this without sacrificing performance, durability, or operating costs. Due to its broad torque curve, power density and 6-speed transmission, the NPR ECO-MAX has shown better hill climbing ability than the model it replaces. It’s also up to

170 lbs. lighter, so it offers increased payload capacity. We expect this unit to deliver enhanced productivity, minimum downtime and the lowest operating cost in the Class 3 truck segment.”

The cab of the NPR ECO-MAX is the same size as the previous NPR and offers 3-across seating. The cab tilts for easier servicing of the engine and transmission.

Wheelbase choices of 110 inches, 134 inches and 151 inches accommodate bodies up to 16 feet in length.

In addition to the NPR ECO-MAX, Isuzu is also pleased to introduce the 2011 model year NPR-HD (14,500 lbs GVWR), NQR (17,950 lbs GVWR) and NRR (19,500 lbs GVWR) models. These higher GVWR N-series models will be powered by a heavily revised version of the 5.2L 4HK1-TC engine first introduced in the 2005 model year. For 2011, the 4HK features increased power output (from 205 to 210 hp with an automatic transmission, and from 175 to 190hp with manual transmission) and up to 8% better fuel economy. Like the 4JJ1-TC engine powering the new NPR ECO-MAX, this revised 4HK1 engine is both EPA 2010 and CARB HD-OBD emissions compliant.

“Isuzu’s 2011 N-Series will be the only low cab forward trucks available for sale this year that meet the EPA’s 2010 emissions requirement with not only one engine but two engines,” Skinner added. “Isuzu is proud to introduce a product that meets the world’s most stringent emissions standards while reducing our customer’s cost of ownership through significantly improved vehicle fuel economy”.

To help reduce operating costs further, Isuzu’s exclusive Data Recording Module can provide a Vehicle Health Report showing the condition of the engine, transmission, emission system and brakes, plus fuel economy and driver operating habits. A new Multi-Information Display on the dashboard shows the driver real-time engine and truck operational performance data at a glance.

Isuzu’s 2011 model N-series product line uses selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to achieve the 2010 EPA emission standards. SCR is an after-treatment technology that involves injecting Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (a water-based solution containing urea) into the hot exhaust stream of an engine. This Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), working with a catalyst in the exhaust after-treatment system, breaks down harmful oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.

Isuzu’s N-series trucks feature large panoramic windows that provide exceptional visibility for driver safety. The low cab forward design affords unsurpassed maneuverability. For the 2011 model year, wheel cut angles have been increased to 50 degrees, to provide a curb-to-curb turning circle diameter as little as 31.5 feet.

To extend durability, the cab has rust and corrosion protection provided by galvanized steel panels, electro-deposit paint primer and enamel paint topcoat. Unitary construction and strong reinforcements add to cab durability and safety.

Isuzu opened 2011 model year N-Series ordering on Monday, March 1, 2010. Isuzu’s N-diesel models are available from the factory in a variety of exterior cab colors: Arc White (standard), Wheatland Yellow, Woodland Green, Cardinal Red, Dark Blue and Ebony Black II.

Isuzu low cab forward trucks are distributed through 260 Isuzu truck dealers nationwide. Isuzu trucks have been the best-selling low cab forward brand in the U.S. every year since 1986.

About Pynergy Petroleum Company

Pynergy Petroleum Company was founded in August 1999 when it acquired three Conoco Branded retail locations in the Denver, CO area.  Since then, Pynergy has been devoted to providing high quality fuels, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, equipment and service to the automotive, heavy duty and industrial markets.  Please visit us at www.pynergypetroleum.com

This is a nice little article highlighting the uncertain future of Biodiesel in America.  The tax credit expiration at the end of last year has definitely hurt production, ultimately impacting product availability and price competitiveness.  Many states have helped, such as Oregon, by creating a B5 mandate, but much more is needed to help overall production in reaching a critical mass to become price competitive with traditional diesel.  There is exciting new technologies and processes coming out of this industry to help to improve production, and to reduce the amount of energy required for making the end product.  Now is not the time for us to abandon our countries attempts to become more energy dependant. 

Posted May 28, 2010

By Ron Kotrba

The biodiesel industry desperately waited for Congress to act this week on H.R. 4213, The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, to reinstate the much-needed $1 per gallon tax credit before the Memorial Day recess, but time for this to happen has run out essentially.

In an email early Friday morning, Alicia Clancy, corporate affairs coordinator with Renewable Energy Group Inc., wrote, “Last night, it become certain that the biodiesel tax incentive will not be reinstated before the Memorial Day recess. The House did not take action on the ‘American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act’ last night and the Senate went into recess without taking any action on this legislation. While the Senate will technically be in session today, we understand will not be taking any votes. The earliest this bill can be taken up by the Senate is now the week of June 7.”

REG released an official statement on the matter. “The biodiesel industry is greatly disappointed that the U.S. House and Senate appear to be ready to adjourn for the holiday recess today without a solution for the biodiesel industry,” the company, the largest U.S. biodiesel company, stated. “Since returning from their April recess, members of Congress and President Obama have marked the Memorial Day recess as the goal for the reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit. When Congress returns on June 7, the biodiesel industry will have suffered through two fiscal quarters of market uncertainty, production idling and job losses as our elected officials continue to trumpet their support for alternative energies in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill. By not passing the biodiesel tax credit, they have missed an important opportunity to support environmentally-friendly fuel and thousands of green-collar jobs; and are putting a decade’s worth of progress toward energy independence at increasing risk of collapse.”

About Pynergy Petroleum Company

Pynergy Petroleum Company was founded in August 1999 when it acquired three Conoco Branded retail locations in the Denver, CO area.  Since then, Pynergy has been devoted to providing high quality fuels, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, equipment and service to the automotive, heavy duty and industrial markets.  Please visit us at www.pynergypetroleum.com

PORTLAND, Ore. – Penske Truck Leasing has placed an order for 750 Freightliner Cascadias with the company’s BlueTec selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, Daimler Trucks North America has announced.

DTNA points out the purchase makes Freightliner the majority supplier of EPA2010-compliant tractors to Penske Truck Leasing.

The order includes: 50 Cascadia 113-inch single-axle day cab tractors equipped with Detroit Diesel DD13 engines; 450 Cascadia 125-inch tandem-axle day cab tractors equipped with DD13engines; and 250 Cascadia 125-inch tractors with a 72-inch raised roof and Detroit Diesel DD15 engines.

Penske previously ordered 132 Freightliner Business Class M2 medium-duty trucks with SCR-equipped Cummins engines and 50 Freightliner Cascadia tractors with a mix of Cummins ISX, Detroit Diesel DD13 and DD15 engines, Daimler announced.

“Based on our own research and field testing, we determined that SCR emissions technology was the right fit for Penske and our customers to comply with the 2010 standards,” said Marc Althen, senior vice-president, administration and procurement for Penske. “And, when coupled with the advanced performance of the Cascadia, our customers get a powerful and efficient business tool that positively impacts their bottom line.”

“We are pleased to build upon our long-term relationship with Penske Truck Leasing by supplying the majority of their 2010 solution,” added Mark Lampert, senior vice-president, sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America.

About Pynergy Petroleum Company

Pynergy Petroleum Company was founded in August 1999 when it acquired three Conoco Branded retail locations in the Denver, CO area.  Since then, Pynergy has been devoted to providing high quality fuels, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, equipment and service to the automotive, heavy duty and industrial markets.  Please visit us at www.pynergypetroleum.com