DaimlerChrysler hopes its new cleaner diesel technology will help the company improve its sales in the US.

The manufacturer unveiled its BLUETEC diesel technology, which will make its US 2007 debut in the Mercedes E 320 sedan, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week.

Daimler's chief executive Dieter Zetsche told German newspaper, Welt am Sonntag, that with an improved public image, diesel engines have the capability of improving their market share in the US.

"We will make the most economical engine, the diesel engine, as clean as gasoline engines, thereby opening all options for triumph in the US," he said.

It is hoped the new engine will pass strict emissions policies that have recently come into place in a number of states, including California.

JD Power forecasts that US diesel sales for light vehicles will rise to nine per cent by 2012, up from 3.2 per cent last year.


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