With clean diesels on the way I think the tide is shifting for diesel engines. Cummins is now building an engine plant and says they can already meet the 2007 stricter emissions to be legal in all 50 states. With plans to build a smaller diesel for the auto market I think Cummins is in the perfect place to gain an early market share, and make a name for themselves to more than just the heavy duty truck driving crowd.
Honda is also sensing the change in the wind. Like I said before I think when Honda steps into the game that’ll be the big name consumers need to think “Maybe I should get a diesel?”. How can anyone that’s aware of the benefits of diesel not buy one already?(besides the current inflated price) When the low sulphur diesel hits the stations, and the oil changes can be spread even farther apart maintenance alone should sway some people. Couple that with the mileage that only a hybrid sitting in stop and go traffic can touch and the extra $1000 or whatever premium for diesel will pay for itself quickly.