Q: We have a viable plan for a compressed air motor, but as private citizens we lack the funding to develop a working prototype.
All attempts to contact people who have publicly promised aid such an endeavor have been met with false e-mail addresses or zero response.
The power plant we are developing is a life-changing invention comparable to the light bulb. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
— D.S., Beardstown, Ill.
A: You have a “life-changing invention comparable to the light bulb,” and all you’re missing is the money to build it to prove your idea works? Can’t imagine why you’re having trouble getting folks to pony up.
We usually get a couple dozen letters like this each year. If you want to attract investors, it helps to have a prototype rather than a drawing and that means lining up funding first.
Q: In your review of the Toyota Prius (Transportation, Aug. 8), you mention stiff seats, especially in back where you sit on top of the battery pack. But would you comment on my concerns?
These vehicles generate electromagnetic fields of various strength, size and duration, and most place passengers in close proximity to electrical activity.
Some scientific investigations indicate human health risks associated with limited exposure to EMFs; other research concluded it is highly unlikely weak EMFs could be harmful.
The industry should provide consumers with data related to health concerns.
— R.K., Washington, Conn.
A: Which data should the industry provide, that EMFs produce human health risks or EMFs don’t produce human health risks?
Haven’t done any research on our own, but if after riding in the back seat of a Prius for an extended period of time, say cross country and back a couple times a week, you start to glow in the dark, you probably should move to the front seat.
Q: Good news, Chrysler got into the hybrid SUV market with the new Aspen (Transportation, Aug. 10). Bad news, even with hybrid technology it will get only 20 m.p.g.
Why not use the hybrid technology with smaller cars? My Focus gets 32 to 36 m.p.g., and with hybrid power it would get well over 40 m.p.g. At times I feel that most Americans are not concerned about the dwindling supplies of non-renewable oil. These gas-guzzlers … don’t get me started.
— D.M., Lemont
A: If you could get 40 m.p.g. with a hybrid Focus, why are you angry with Chrysler?
Ford is the one that doesn’t make a hybrid Focus. And if the oil supply is dwindling, why do you drive a 32-36 m.p.g. Focus rather than a 48-m.p.g. Toyota Prius.
Chrysler hasn’t exactly been flush with cash, and it takes big dough to create a hybrid. That’s why it joined with General Motors to obtain the technology for Aspen.
Hybrid cars will come, it just takes longer when your treasury isn’t bursting like it is at Toyota.
Q: About the only option not on the 2008 Honda Accord is a trip mileage computer. Will Honda add it for 2009?
— P.M., Glenview
A: Accord offers a trip meter on all models but doesn’t offer one of those meters for real-time mileage in any of its models. The ’09 Accord is a carryover of the ’08 and so its features won’t change.
To get a mileage meter, you have to move up to Acura.
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Send questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago IL 60611, or send e-mail with name and hometown to transportation@tribune.com.
