That’s a great name CNNMoney came up with. They’re referring to the six manufacturers coming out with a clean diesel in the next few years.

With diesel mopping the floor in races lately, the most difficult being the 24hrs at LeMans, people are taking notice. While all the other cars had to pit for fuel the diesel Audi R10 kept right on going. The other teams definitely took notice as the R10 stole the title of fastest, quietest, and most fuel efficient racer that went on to be the first diesel to win this major international race.

Manufacturers are doing something about it too. Mercedes is launching its new Bluetec technology diesel, first in 45 states in 2007, then to all 50 states in 2008. Jeep will be following in early 2007 with it’s Grand Cherokee 3.0L diesel(Mercedes Bluetec). The big surprise is the entry from Honda set to debut in 2009. Honda was one of the first to come out with a hybrid, so I think it’s a sign of the times that they’re shifting money to a diesel program.

One of the things that diesels have to get away from is the stereotype that they are old technology. Hybrids are seen as new and high tech especially after being adopted by so many celebrities. I think from a marketing perspective the manufactures should start calling all the new diesels “clean diesel” from now on. That should help the average consumer see that there is something new and that they should check it out.

Diesel’s make less greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide, but make more smog emissions like soot. This however is about to change with the availbility of biodiesel and new emissions controls like urea injection and particulate filters. Also with the advent of ultra low sulphur diesel fuel that will be nationwide by the middle of the month that will cut down on even more emissions. So get ready to welcome Clean Diesels to the market. (I think the EPA is already trying to market it like that anyway)