Diesel vehicles are expected to grow in popularity over the coming years, a leading automotive expert has told US magazine Business Week.

Speaking in an interview, JD Power's Al Bedwell made clear that there was great potential in the green market for diesel-powered vehicles.

"People who are constrained by costs and still want a fuel-efficient car will opt for clean diesel," he explained, charting a trend that he believes has begun already and which will characterise the US market.

"If you include the heavy-duty pickup sector, diesel already outsells hybrid in the US," he added.

"Total sales of diesel vehicles last year in the US was 549,000, versus only 250,000 for hybrids. Diesel needs to win in the light-truck and passenger-car sector. That's the battleground."

Diesel vehicles are currently more popular in Europe where the fuel is often cheaper than petrol through tax incentives and also cleaner due to stricter regulations.

However, this is set to change in the US from September when legislation will require cleaner diesel, a fuel that burns less CO2 than petrol.

As with the hybrids, diesel models currently cost five to ten per cent more than their petrol equivalents, although there are said to be savings in terms of better mileage.

With states such as California bringing in plans to reduce CO2 emissions by 2009, Mr Bedwell believes that diesel is an ideal "off-the-shelf" solution to achieving this goal and expects consumers to feel the same way.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd