Ford (you know, the car company that did not take any taxpayer funded stimulus) announced that they will move ahead with a one liter, three cylinder engine to be installed in the European version of the Focus compact next year. Two other autos are slated to receive the engine, a small minivan and a new compact. Hats off to Ford engineering, which, with fuel economy uppermost in mind, have come up with a car that will truly provide high mileage. In addition, through sophisticated electronics and turbo charging, the engine will provide sufficient horsepower to add zip to these compact vehicles. No extension cords or outlandishly priced batteries to deal with. No expensive dual systems and power trains, just a good reliable gasoline engine. A commuting consumers dream! Good on you Ford!

As an aside, I have a three cylinder engine in a backhoe. The engine is reliable, economical and provides all the power I need for jobs.