atlaw4u
03-24-2008, 10:45 AM
Growing number of automakers will bring diesel technology to the U.S. market. (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080321/AUTO04/803210354/1364/AUTO01)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Honda_2_2L_iCDTi_and_Emissions_Control.jpgDavid Shepardson - Detroit News - March 21, 2008
In a climate of soaring oil prices and concerns about global warming, automakers are using the New York International Auto Show to bolster their green credentials with a technology that many remember as dirty and smelly.
Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Chrysler LLC are among the automakers touting their plans to bring more diesels to the U.S. market. ."I don't think any of us should be under illusions that there (isn't) a fair amount of baggage with diesels in the United States," said Tom Purves, BMW's North America chief.
BMW will be among the first to sell diesels in all 50 states under new diesel rules that call for cleaner fuel and tighter emissions standards. Beginning in October, the German automaker will market a diesel X5 SUV and a 3 Series sedan. The company doesn't expect diesels to account for more than 10 percent of U.S. sales in five years.
Acura will begin selling a diesel version of its new TSX in 2010. Nissan will bring a diesel version of its redesigned Maxima to market in 2010.
"It's an experiment," said Al Castignetti, Nissan Division's North American general manager. "If it's readily acceptable and people say it's great, where's the limit?"
Volkswagen of America plans to introduce two diesel versions of the Jetta later this year -- a sportwagon and sedan. Dealers will receive one on June 1 to offer test drives and generate interest.
J.D. Power and Associates has forecast that diesels will account for 14 percent of the U.S. auto market in 2017, up from 3 percent today, driven by high fuel price and strict tailpipe emissions limit.
In Europe, diesels account for about half of all auto sales, in large part because of higher taxes on traditional gas-powered vehicles.
But diesels face significant hurdles in the United States. There is far less refining capacity and diesel fuel averages $3.97 a gallon, up 48 percent in the last year, according to the Energy Information Agency. Unleaded gasoline prices average $3.28 a gallon, up 22 percent in the last year… http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080321/AUTO04/803210354/1364/AUTO01
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Honda_2_2L_iCDTi_and_Emissions_Control.jpgDavid Shepardson - Detroit News - March 21, 2008
In a climate of soaring oil prices and concerns about global warming, automakers are using the New York International Auto Show to bolster their green credentials with a technology that many remember as dirty and smelly.
Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Chrysler LLC are among the automakers touting their plans to bring more diesels to the U.S. market. ."I don't think any of us should be under illusions that there (isn't) a fair amount of baggage with diesels in the United States," said Tom Purves, BMW's North America chief.
BMW will be among the first to sell diesels in all 50 states under new diesel rules that call for cleaner fuel and tighter emissions standards. Beginning in October, the German automaker will market a diesel X5 SUV and a 3 Series sedan. The company doesn't expect diesels to account for more than 10 percent of U.S. sales in five years.
Acura will begin selling a diesel version of its new TSX in 2010. Nissan will bring a diesel version of its redesigned Maxima to market in 2010.
"It's an experiment," said Al Castignetti, Nissan Division's North American general manager. "If it's readily acceptable and people say it's great, where's the limit?"
Volkswagen of America plans to introduce two diesel versions of the Jetta later this year -- a sportwagon and sedan. Dealers will receive one on June 1 to offer test drives and generate interest.
J.D. Power and Associates has forecast that diesels will account for 14 percent of the U.S. auto market in 2017, up from 3 percent today, driven by high fuel price and strict tailpipe emissions limit.
In Europe, diesels account for about half of all auto sales, in large part because of higher taxes on traditional gas-powered vehicles.
But diesels face significant hurdles in the United States. There is far less refining capacity and diesel fuel averages $3.97 a gallon, up 48 percent in the last year, according to the Energy Information Agency. Unleaded gasoline prices average $3.28 a gallon, up 22 percent in the last year… http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080321/AUTO04/803210354/1364/AUTO01