Why the Gasoline Engine Isn't Going Away Anytime Soom
Moore 1
Denise J. Moore
Mr. Wooten
ENG 111
12 September 2011
A Critique of “Why the Gasoline Engine Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon”
By Joseph B. White Every spring, around Memorial Day, we watch in frustration as gas prices rise. Every year we say that we are going to do something about it but most of us don’t. Instead, we swear and complain as we pump gas that costs nearly four dollars a gallon. Surely by now most Americans are considering hybrids or electric powered cars for their next car purchase. However, that is not the case according to an article by Joseph B. White. Based on his analysis, automobiles that use alternative fuels pose no threat to “century-old petroleum-fueled engine technology.” In an article for The Wall Street Journal, (15 September 2008), White maintains that despite the focus on mass-marketing ethanol, hydrogen and electric powered vehicles, the internal-combustion engine will never go away because of it’s value, dependability and power (333). White contends that the internal-combustion engine will be dominant years from now. Over the last 20 years, auto makers have been diligent in their quest to advance alternatives to petroleum-fueled engines. White argues that engineering, costs and consumer reluctance are the reasons why alternative technologies won’t succeed (333). Most importantly, Americans need large and powerful automobiles. Gasoline is cheaper to store and transport. There is also the costs of redesigning factories and the possibility of auto workers losing their jobs (334).. White expresses concerns about the availability of refueling station for alternative fuels. White emphasizes that it is more practical for auto makers to focus on improving the internal-combustion engine, instead of trying to displace it. He quotes John German, manager for environmental and energy analysis at Honda Motor Company’s U.S. unit, “improvements”, Moore 2 says
Denise J. Moore
Mr. Wooten
ENG 111
12 September 2011
A Critique of “Why the Gasoline Engine Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon”
By Joseph B. White Every spring, around Memorial Day, we watch in frustration as gas prices rise. Every year we say that we are going to do something about it but most of us don’t. Instead, we swear and complain as we pump gas that costs nearly four dollars a gallon. Surely by now most Americans are considering hybrids or electric powered cars for their next car purchase. However, that is not the case according to an article by Joseph B. White. Based on his analysis, automobiles that use alternative fuels pose no threat to “century-old petroleum-fueled engine technology.” In an article for The Wall Street Journal, (15 September 2008), White maintains that despite the focus on mass-marketing ethanol, hydrogen and electric powered vehicles, the internal-combustion engine will never go away because of it’s value, dependability and power (333). White contends that the internal-combustion engine will be dominant years from now. Over the last 20 years, auto makers have been diligent in their quest to advance alternatives to petroleum-fueled engines. White argues that engineering, costs and consumer reluctance are the reasons why alternative technologies won’t succeed (333). Most importantly, Americans need large and powerful automobiles. Gasoline is cheaper to store and transport. There is also the costs of redesigning factories and the possibility of auto workers losing their jobs (334).. White expresses concerns about the availability of refueling station for alternative fuels. White emphasizes that it is more practical for auto makers to focus on improving the internal-combustion engine, instead of trying to displace it. He quotes John German, manager for environmental and energy analysis at Honda Motor Company’s U.S. unit, “improvements”, Moore 2 says