2003 Ford Model U Concept - Hydrogen ICE and Sunflower Seed Engine Oil
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| The Model U at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit where it was introduced. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
More often than not, my focus in the auto industry sharpens in on the prototypes. The futuristic vehicle that is full of promise, and more importantly vision. It is these very concepts that contain the technology we will see five years from now on the showroom floor. Prototype vehicles allow the thinkers and engineers to explore and challenge themselves. Without such visionaries we would never have seen mini-TV screens providing headache-free car trips for Mom and Dad, let alone fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions in that same SUV that would embarrass a compact car of the 1970's.
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| The Model U offers alternative styling along with alternative propulsion. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
More importantly, there would be no hybrid-electric vehicle parked in my friend's driveway in North Vancouver. There would be no market frenzy for Canada's Ballard fuel cells; brought to us by another visionary, Geoffrey Ballard. There would be no recycling program at Volvo for its old doors and other parts.
My vision is less grand. It involves wrapping my carefully manicured fingernails around the steering wheel and taking my new friend down the busy streets of Vancouver and out into the mountains of B.C. But sadly, as enticing as they are, concept cars are only available to us via the internet or while perusing some glossy magazine, dimming my vision of an adventure on wheels.