1973 thru 1975 Interest in Diesel Begins
Ford Looks to Future, Banks Analyzes Efficiency: A 1970s Engine Story
Lee Iacocca, President of Ford, recognized the need for cleaner and more efficient engines in 1973. A landmark study, “Should We Have a New Engine?” was commissioned by Ford and conducted by JPL/Caltech. This study explored various engine types, including electric and hybrid options. Futurist Robert Banks, analyzing the study’s findings, saw the existing infrastructure for gasoline engines as a major advantage, despite the efficiency of some alternative concepts.