The US environmental protection agency (EPA) has announced that the move to cleaner diesel technology has been a success.

Already, 80 per cent of filling stations have seen the old fuel replaced with the latest diesel formulation which will reduce sulphur emissions by up to 97 per cent.

Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the diesel technology forum (DTF) has said that the switch could have an important impact on the purchase of vehicles in the US over the years ahead, as diesel cars become far cleaner than their gasoline counterparts.

"Diesel vehicles have always been 20 to 40 percent more energy efficient than comparable gasoline engines," commented Mr Schaeffer.

He added: "With the switch to cleaner fuel, consumers will see more fuel- efficient diesel cars, pick-ups and SUVs on showroom floors in the years to come."

It is also likely to lead to an increased uptake in diesel vehicles which have the latest clean energy technology, so that consumers can gain the greatest green benefits from the diesel, particularly in areas where emissions regulations are notoriously strict, such as California.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd