"Gas Guzzlers" and Buy Australian Policy??

[OzJavelin]

http://www.news.com.au/technology/in...7d1fe3be01504e

None of the Top 10 selling cars in Australia last year was even close to the European average.
In a major embarrassment for government local, state and federal fleets still represented three of the top five worst polluters.
Government departments typically run a high percentage of work utes and most have “buy Australian” policies that have traditionally favoured the big local sedans.

Really? I thought they gave that up years ago? I'm lucky to see the occassional Camry in the govt fleet pools around here ... saw FG Egas a few years ago .. rest are imported SUVs and Thailand-assembled utes.

[Dr Terry]

The 2nd paragraph was enough to make me stop reading this drivel.

This guy is quoting g/km of "toxis gases", yet he doesn't realise that he is talking about Carbon Dioxide. When did CO2 become "toxic" ?

He then quickly begins talking about Sulphur in Diesel fuel.

Given the type of pollutants some of these vehicles emit, e.g. Oxides of Nitrogen, Hydrocarbons, Diesel Particulates, Carbon Monoxide, etc., I think by comparison CO2 is a relatively harmless gas, unless you are of the Climate Change religion.

I think in terms of air quality for humans, I'd rather be breathing the exhaust of petrol Falcons, Camrys & Commodores, instead of Diesel Pick-Ups.

Dr Terry

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

I think in terms of air quality for humans, I'd rather be breathing the exhaust of petrol Falcons, Camrys & Commodores, instead of Diesel Pick-Ups.
Dr Terry

Or better still run your diesels on a blend of Canola/Diesel. I run three (real) trucks using B50 (winter) up to B90 any other time.
Average Joe thinks, because you can not see exhaust it mustn't pollute.
Still a lot of Aussie Ford and Holden's running around NE Victoria by local gov depts

[GASWAGON]

That'd be right Oz has some of the worst fuel in the world.

I live on a pretty busy side road halfway up a big hill.

Yesterday i was out at my car and a Nissan Patrol went past that was pouring black smoke out the back all the way up the hill......Something majorly wrong.

And it had a big canopy covering the ute so i doubt the driver would even see all that smoke in the mirrors?

He must be filling up at the servo's a lot more than normal lol!

[Crazy Dazz]

In 1986 we banned the use of Lead in new vehicles. NOT because lead is toxic and causes brain damage, but because it interferes with Catalytic Converters.
WHY did we fit Cats? Because some magical pixie convinced the government it would fix emissions. So we fitted them to engines completely incapable of using them, and actually made emissions worse. Most Cats fitted at that time were completely ineffectual after a few months.
Governments, by their very nature, are corrupt, incompetent, and grossly incapable of effective regulation.
I don't know what the alternative is, but if we're relying on the government to save the planet, it is doomed.

[GASWAGON]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

In 1986 we banned the use of Lead in new vehicles. NOT because lead is toxic and causes brain damage, but because it interferes with Catalytic Converters.
WHY did we fit Cats? Because some magical pixie convinced the government it would fix emissions. So we fitted them to engines completely incapable of using them, and actually made emissions worse. Most Cats fitted at that time were completely ineffectual after a few months.
Governments, by their very nature, are corrupt, incompetent, and grossly incapable of effective regulation.
I don't know what the alternative is, but if we're relying on the government to save the planet, it is doomed.

AvGas...'Aviation Fuel' still uses lead.

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by CoolBFWagon

AvGas...'Aviation Fuel' still uses lead.

Up until Y2K some BP's had a pump 'out the back' that'd sell you avgas, great stuff, shame about the mis-information surrounding leaded fuel.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

In 1986 we banned the use of Lead in new vehicles. NOT because lead is toxic and causes brain damage, but because it interferes with Catalytic Converters.

100% correct. These was no issue with lead in the exhaust gas, it was so minuscule, but the latter-day greenies will tell you different.

The problem of lead in the waterways etc. was an issue fixed long ago, when lead pipes in houses was no longer used & lead in paint was limited. Remember when we used to drink water from rainwater tanks which were fed by water runoff from lead-painted roofs, brilliant !!

Dr Terry

[aussie muscle]

The govt department we contract to uses a lot of Ford Territory. i don't know what they'll replace them with...

Crazy Dazz, we should start by making ministers actually have some expertise in their field portfolio. Shouldn't the science minister know what a molecule is? Shouldn't the health minister be a doctor? They usually have an accountant guy for the treasurer, so other portfolios need a similar skill level and not just 'they were clever enough to get voted in', or have doctorates in politics.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

The govt department we contract to uses a lot of Ford Territory. i don't know what they'll replace them with...

Crazy Dazz, we should start by making ministers actually have some expertise in their field portfolio. Shouldn't the science minister know what a molecule is? Shouldn't the health minister be a doctor? They usually have an accountant guy for the treasurer, so other portfolios need a similar skill level and not just 'they were clever enough to get voted in', or have doctorates in politics.

You are so right.Particularly on the Red side of politics we have positiond filled by broken down union reps and public servants who most times wouldn't know which side it up unless told.Then suddenly they get elected and become experts in all facets of business economics and health etc.