German manufacturers bet on diesel in America
Although Europe already views diesels as an enticing alternative to petrol, or gasoline here in the states, Americans have not been so quick to take a liking to the fuel. Many believe this has much to do with the lackluster diesel power plants we have been given an opportunity to choose. German manufacturers are hoping to turn that trend around, starting very soon.
With the change to ultra low sulfur diesel being made across the U.S. at this time, and Daimler Chrysler, Audi and Volkswagen collaborating on their "Bluetec" system, along with Honda and BMW claiming to have engines for the U.S. market in the works, we should see many more qualified choices soon.
More choices are always a good thing for consumers, and with fuel mileage and true cost of ownership on peoples minds, if comments on this site in recent days are any indication, we can look forward to watching first hand a hopeful consumer shift in the works.
[Source: Neil Winton / Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
M. 1:09PM (12/17/2006)
Not just Germans! Expect some more Europeans in the US soon! Italian engine builder VM developed the diesels for Hyundai, Daewoo/Chevrolet and European Jeeps (yes and your Jeep Liberty 2.8l CRD). Ford has to "Dagenham Lions" in the pipeline: a V6 co-developped with PSA that is suitable for transversal applications as well as a V8 that will eventually find its way to the Ford F-150.
So be prepared for more European Diesels!
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ThwartedEfforts 6:12AM (12/18/2006)
It's about time. Europe's most widely acclaimed cars -- BMW 535d and 335d, 730d and 745d, Mercedes S320 CDI and S420 CDI, Audi A8 TDI V8, Range Rover TDV8 -- are simply not available in the US. And diesel no longer means smelly, noisy and slow. In Europe the diesel S-Class outsells all its petrol siblings put together.
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