* Diesel Seen as Key to Nation’s Energy, Economic and Environmental Solutions
* Biodiesel, Coupled with Advanced Diesel Technologies, Addresses Health Impacts of Automobiles* Today’s Diesels Reduce Particulate Emissions By 80 percent; Biodiesel Cuts Levels Another 15 Percent or More
Modern, clean diesel engines will be a cornerstone of America’s energy solutions, and clean, renewable biodiesel fuel will be critical to the success of diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. market, a DaimlerChrysler executive says.
I may have to change the way I think of Daimler Chrysler. For years and years I’ve been taught to not like DCX after my dad bought a pickup from them and spent thousands at dealerships trying to find a short somewhere in the electrical system. 20 years later and my dad still hasn’t forgiven them, and therefore can I? However, I can’t help but think that they’re are seeing the future now. Plus they’re actually trying to spread the word just like me.
DaimlerChrysler will continue to expand its lineup of diesel-powered vehicles in the coming months, at the same time it broadens its programs to educate the American public on the benefits of home-grown biodiesel fuel.
Am I wrong for loving GM even though I’m sure they’re a good part of the reason diesel is a bad word in America today? (look up their contributions to diesel in the late 70’s - early 80’s)
Technology advances in the past two decades have improved the power, performance, efficiency and emissions of diesel engines. As a result, today’s modern, clean diesel engines produce 80 percent reduction in particulate emissions and 70 percent reduction in NOx emissions at the same time providing 50 percent more power and 30 percent more torque — which we experience as “pickup” or performance.
Look at what diesel, done right, can give you.
Beard noted that diesel vehicles have significant environmental and consumer benefits compared with gasoline vehicles:
* An average of 30 percent better fuel economy;
* Up to 20 percent less emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas;
* Increased performance, range and towing capability; and
* Longer life and increased resale value.
According to the U.S. EPA, if the U.S. had a light-duty fleet that was one-third diesel, the country would reduce its oil consumption by up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day. That is equivalent to the amount of oil the U.S. imports daily from Saudi Arabia.
Add to that a biodiesel mix.
Biodiesel significantly reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions from diesel vehicles, because plants absorb carbon dioxide during growth. Tailpipe emissions are also lower with biodiesel.
In addition to its environmental benefits, biodiesel reduces dependence on oil and supports the U.S. agricultural economy.
If B5 (5% biodiesel blended in conventional diesel fuel) were used in all diesel fuel for on-road use in the U.S., it would reduce fuel consumption by 1.85 billion gallons, the amount of fuel made from all oil imports from Iraq.
And now Daimler Chrysler is approving almost all of their new diesels to run on B5, and just how many diesels will they have?
DaimlerChrysler will market five diesel-powered passenger vehicles in the U.S. in 2007: Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD sport-utility vehicle with 3.0-liter diesel engine; Mercedes-Benz E320 luxury sedan with 3.0-liter engine and BlueTec emissions technology; and three new Mercedes-Benz utility vehicles, R320 CDI, ML320 CDI, and GL320 CDI. In addition, the Dodge Ram pickup and Dodge Sprinter van are also equipped with diesel engines for the U.S. market.
Maybe it’s time for a little open-mindedness, but I’ll keep this bi-partisan. GM has learned since then there is a better way to build a diesel just take a look at the Duramax. Or is it tri-partisan because I’m itchin’ to see what Ford’s new 6.4L can do? Still though I’m most interested in the diesel passenger car market, and right now there only seems to be DCX in ‘07.