In a late-career twist, David Merrion is hoping to use his knowledge of the diesel engine — cultivated during more than 50 years with Detroit Diesel — to develop what could become the wave of the future of the automobile: a diesel-electric hybrid passenger car.
Merrion, 70, was awarded a patent last year on a modified diesel-electric engine that he said could produce a vehicle that gets between 65 and 70 miles per gallon.
Will the diesel hybrid passenger car be the solution to automakers' and consumers' gas mileage concerns?
"No doubt about it," Merrion said.
Even with the cost considerations, Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Coro. are both working on diesel hybrid passenger vehicles. European automakers also produce diesel-electric hybrids.
Source: Daily Press & Argus, 8/28/07
