Sales of diesel engines in the US are set to rise after signs that improved fuel economy is becoming increasingly important to the American consumer.

Experts say that the diesel engine market, which made up only three per cent of car sales in the US last year, could climb to 15 per cent of sales by 2015.

Diesel engines have always been popular in Europe and counted for 50 per cent of sales last year. However, diesel has suffered from an image problem in the US since the 1980s and some states such as California even put a ban on light–duty diesels.

The US car market has started to take heed of the greater power and 30 per cent better fuel efficiency afforded by diesel engines.

Companies such as DaimlerChrysler AG and Toyota Motor Corp are investigating new models incorporating diesel into the design, as Dieter Zetsche, chairman of DaimlerChrysler, explained.

"This really, I think, is a whole new direction this market can take," he told AP.

Volkswagen, one of the only carmakers to stick with diesel engines, has been repaid for its loyalty. They enjoyed an 8.7 per cent increase in sales from diesel engines last year.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd