Diesel's US success still in doubt, but VW says no delay

[xcel]

Once customers understand the potential efficiency gains and performance available from today's diesel engines, the diesel also will win its stripes - even against hybrids.

Bill Visnic - Edmunds - July 28, 2008

2009 VW Jetta TDI-Cup driver at Mosports Raceway in Canada this past May.

I doubt they will have an impact on Hybrids but I also suspect the EPA numbers are low for the average diesel driver. No matter, the fuel efficient diesels are almost here -- Ed.

Although German powerhouses BMW AG, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz and perhaps most importantly, mainstream maker Volkswagen AG, all are ready to launch in the U.S. a new generation of diesel-engine vehicles, the once seemingly assured "breakout" of new-age diesel technology in North America now is clouded, thanks largely to the persistently high price of diesel fuel.

But there's another factor: comparatively unremarkable "official" fuel economy figures that may not be the game-changer some advocates had hoped. Fuel economy - the diesel engine's traditional trump card - may be taking a hit because of technical changes required to make the new-age diesels complaint with nationwide emissions regulations.

Although the double-whammy of high fuel prices and somewhat disappointing fuel economy surely won't help automakers convince US buyers about the advantages of contemporary diesels, the German automakers are sticking to their guns, saying they have not changed their forecasts or targets for diesel-vehicle sales this year - and VW for one, dispels industry rumors and a report from one East Coast newspaper that it is delaying for the second time the sales rollout of its diesel-powered Jetta TDI, which Monday announced its buyers were eligible for an alternative motor vehicle tax credit from the federal government.

"No, there is no delay," a Volkswagen of America Inc. spokesman told AutoObserver, adding that the year's entire allocation of Jetta TDIs already has been accounted for by dealer orders. The VW spokesman says sales should begin as scheduled at the end of this month or in early August.

He says the full allotment of Jetta TDI dealers is indicative customers are anxious for the diesel option. "I wish we had more (diesel) cars, available to sell this year, he said.

Diesels On Schedule - But EPA Hurts VW's Feelings

Volkswagen's rollout of the diesel-engine Jetta already had been delayed from an earlier launch slated for this spring. And the company seemingly was stung when the Environmental Protection Agency released fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city/41 mpg highway for the diesel-powered '09 Jetta… [Read More]

[voodoo22]

I don't know if it holds true in the US, but I've read in Canada that Diesel prices are being kept artificially high, even worse than what they're doing to gas. Couple that with it being less convenient to buy and it could take a while before diesel is as major of a player as it should be.

[JusBringIt]

That's pretty good considering the Cd is probably pretty high (fog light and grille area).

That aside, I wonder if the epa will consider changing their habits a bit as they are making the average non attentive driver feel they are right in getting 30mpg the way they drive when the numbers should be a bit higher. people are complaining about not getting the 07 and earlier ratings because they drive the way they do. I guess changing the way things are done is easier than just telling the majority of consumers plainly that they don't know how to drive. Are they now beating these cars half to death to get these 08 mileage ratings???

[phoebeisis]

I would expect the VW diesels to sell just fine , but not because they are great $$ and cents buys. Folks buy VWs diesels for reasons other than FE ; good thing for VW because the Prius- every generation of the Prius - is/was cheaper and gets better FE -EPA,real world, anyworld. The plain Civic and Corollas are worlds cheaper- maybe $5000-$8000 and get essentially the same FE . In general they have better QC also.

The diesel revolution died when diesel became 20% more expensive than regular.VWs TDIs have a cult following ,so they will sell just fine. VW is fairly careful to not overproduce them ,which helps the cult aspect and keeps the prices up. The MB who knows , but I don't think they will do very well. Folks who buy them deon't care about FE ,and diesel does stink when it gets on your hands,shoes etc.

DOA until the price of diesel matched regular gasoline. The whole point of diesels is FE !!- No FE ?! - No one will pay that diesel premium or put up with the diesel stench (on shoes/hands not exhaust) or the extra weight (yeah,some are all aluminum motors but they are plenty complicated and expensive to repair) . Besides regular spark ICE cars have become so good and all the full hybrids beat the diesels like a drum for the same $$.
Charlie

[seftonm]

Originally Posted by voodoo22

I don't know if it holds true in the US, but I've read in Canada that Diesel prices are being kept artificially high, even worse than what they're doing to gas. Couple that with it being less convenient to buy and it could take a while before diesel is as major of a player as it should be.

I think it depends where you live. I have heard that diesel is expensive in southern Ontario. This summer in Winnipeg, diesel has been more or less the same as regular unleaded gasoline, which is worse than usual. The last few summers, diesel was 10% cheaper than RUG.

[chilimac02]

I remember my dad's volvo diesel in the 80's. that thing got 36mpg whether it was highway or city. It stank, it was loud, and it put out smoke... but it got way better F/E than my car today does.