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Diesel Technology Forum Hails Mercedes Benz 50-State Clean Diesel BlueTEC Options for U.S. Consumers

Announcement marks the 150th Anniversary of Rudolf Diesel’s Birthday

WASHINGTON, DC – Reacting to the announcement made Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 NY Auto Show regarding its launch of three BlueTEC SUVs – the ML 320 BlueTEC, the R 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC – featuring the technology for the world's cleanest diesels, Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement:

 “The Diesel Technology Forum congratulates Mercedes-Benz on their historic accomplishment as the first manufacturer to have 50-state clean diesels certified in the U.S.  This is the first of what will be more than a dozen new clean diesel 50-state options for consumers over the next 18 months.  The unveiling of these new models shows that automakers are confident investing in this high performance, environmentally friendly technology.

“The anticipated expansion of clean diesel cars and light trucks in the U.S. is driven by many factors, most notably the arrival of diesel engines held to the same emissions standards as gasoline-powered engines. The nationwide introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in October 2006, which is 97 percent cleaner than previous diesel blends, has enabled manufacturers to engineer the world’s cleanest diesel vehicles. Nearly a dozen automakers have announced plans to sell clean diesel versions of popular cars, pickups and SUVs in the U.S. by the end of this decade.

“The new diesels are clean, quiet, fun to drive and don’t require consumers to sacrifice power or performance to achieve better miles per gallon. Along with today’s Mercedes-Benz announcement, the significant number of models introduced this year makes it an extremely exciting time for the U.S. diesel market.

“Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs provide 20 to 40 percent better mileage and emit 10 to 20 percent fewer greenhouse gases than comparable gasoline vehicles. In addition to superior fuel economy and reduced emissions, American drivers who purchase cleaner-burning diesel cars, trucks and SUVs are eligible for similar tax incentives as purchasers of gasoline-hybrid electric vehicles.”

Diesel vehicle announcements made in 2008 include:

•    BMW Group unveiled two vehicle models equipped with the BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance, the 335d and the X5 xDrive 35d, which will be available later this year.
•    Volkswagen will introduce an updated clean diesel Jetta into the U.S. market this year.
•    GM has plans to put a diesel engine in the Chevy Silverado beginning in 2009.
•    Audi unveiled the A4 sedan and expects to start selling the Q7 3.0 TDI by the end of 2008/early 2009.
•    Toyota will launch a diesel-powered Tundra pickup truck and Sequoia SUV in the U.S. soon.
•    Honda announced plans to put diesel engines in Acura vehicles starting in 2009, with the Honda lineup to follow.
•    Several automakers revealed concept cars such as the Chrysler Jeep Renegade, Mercedes GLK Freeside, Land Rover LRX, Audi R8 V12 TDI and the Mitsubishi RA, further widening the field for the future of clean diesel technology.

Other Key Points:

•    Respected automotive web site Edmunds.com found that diesel’s slightly higher purchase price compared to a conventional gasoline vehicle is quickly offset by fuel-economy savings. Diesel drivers have recouped the initial premium in as soon as six months following the vehicle’s purchase.
•    Thanks to their inherent fuel efficiency, diesel engines also offer a viable and readily available strategy for policymakers interested in improving fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
•    Diesel drivers have the option of filling their tanks with blends of biodiesel, a domestically produced, renewable fuel that reduces U.S. oil dependence and contributes to our own economy.
•    A study published by non-profit think tank RAND Corp. reported that diesel topped all other options in a cost-benefit analysis from both a consumer and societal perspective.

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The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems. For more information, including a list of diesel vehicles available for sale in the U.S. and links to diesel fuel locators, visit www.dieselforum.org.