Diesel Cars

     Traveling in Europe has been a real mind opener as to how far diesel technology has come. Most Europeans drive smaller diesel powered cars. They’re fast efficient (1000 kms per tank) and don’t smoke or smell. Diesel technology originated in the German Ruhr Valley in the late 1800’s. Coal mine operations in at area created vast amounts of coal dust.
     Rudolf Diesel set about developing an engine that could utilize this dust as fuel. The engine’s theory was based on compression ignition. The diesel cycle squeezes the fuel to such an extent it explodes. Rudolf successfully patented his designs in the late 1800’s. Diesel’s engine offered greater torque and power than their gasoline counter parts. Diesels are extremely robust by design and as such have extended service lives. Ideal for the trucking industry.
     An interesting twist concerning Rudolf Diesel, was his death. He mysteriously went missing off the coast of Antrep, while crossing the English Channel to attend a meeting in England. Some think he was thrown overboard, while others believe it was suicide due to his serious business problems. The mystery of his death has never been solved.