Ford has announced it has assigned more than 50 of its specialist diesel engineers to its North American Diesel Team as part of its strategy to develop an economical diesel engine.

The team will work on the realisation of economical and clean diesel engines for North American consumers in a bid to bring the technology to the marketplace as early as 2006.

Ford spokesman Joe Koenig explained that one of the key facets of the new team's brief would be to target delivery of a wide range of vehicles incorporating the new technology, including cars, pickups and SUVs.

With the addition of new expertise the team hope they can produce diesel engines that not only pass the EPA's stringent 2007 model year emissions regulations, but which also carry durable and affordable devices to remove soot from the exhaust.

Diesel Team engineers say they will be collaborating with Ford's European diesel engineers at Volvo and Land Rover in order to enhance their understanding of emissions technology, engineering and fuel injection.

Roll-out of the technology has moved a step closer recently with the news that Ford is considering test marketing a diesel-powered Focus sedan or hatchback.

At present Ford's only diesel for consumers in North America is a turbocharged V-8 engine in the heavy-duty F-series pickup and the Excursion SUV, which have proved comparatively expensive as a result of new exhaust cleaning device.

Later this year Ford will test two diesel-powered Range Rovers and Freelander SUVs, but it is thought the Diesel Team will have its work cut out in order to deliver the new technology at an affordable consumer price.