coal-to-oil conversion?

Actually no, but they are converting coal to a new synthetic called Synthopetroliate. Its very very similar to petrolium, but does not have the exact properties. Cars, well, specifically engines, are under development to be used under this type of fuel.

I don't know, but thet have been doing it in S Africa for decades. They technology is well known. It would take a huge capital investment & a long time to get a plant running & nobody thinks that prices will stay high enough long enough to make it a sound investment here.