Automakers are taking their diesel models to the US in 2008, as the market for cleaner cars is widening.

Aside from heavy-duty vehicles only about three per cent of cars in the US are powered with diesel and tough emission laws have forced some models off the road.

California and New York have no diesel models at all (except for the Mercedes E320 Bluetec) because the emission laws are so strict.

But automakers are introducing diesel models across the continent as more consumers are seeing the benefits of diesel cars, Forbes reports.

Volkswagen is introducing the Jetta TDI which can go over 600 miles between fuel stops and consumes just a gallon of fuel every 50 miles covered.

Mercedes is set to introduce three SUV models with advanced diesel engines including the GL320 Bluetec that was advertised at the Detroit Auto Show.

Audi and BMW are also introducing new cars with the latter ready to release the 3-series sedan and X5 sport utility.

BMW Chief Execuitve Norbert Reithofer said: "We think the better solution at the moment is diesel."

Source:

The Other Green Engine: Diesel? 18/01/08
http://www.forbes.com/manufacturing/2008/01/17/diesel-automobiles-gasoline-biz-manufacturing-cz_jm_0118diesel.html

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