German auto maker BMW intends to start selling diesel-powered cars in the US within the next two years, according to a report.

The Financial Times (FT) said that the company plans to use a urea-based additive to meet emissions standards.

The paper said it had learnt of the strategy after speaking with BMW's sales and marketing head Michael Ganal at the British International Motor Show.

"Urea will take another two years but then diesel is really clean and can be sold in all 50 states," it quotes him as saying.

"The US is more open to diesel than two or three years ago."

Senior figures from the firm have spoken of the emissions benefits auto makers could gain from adopting more diesel-powered vehicles.

Late last year, its chief executive Helmut Panke said that hybrid technology had limited applications, preferring diesel as a solution.

"I see it as a niche application. It has its uses in congested areas, but elsewhere you can achieve results that are as good or better with diesel engines," he said.

Diesel engine catalytic converters have to use a platinum catalyst to filter out harmful emissions to legal levels.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd