Wow. Big news today is that BMW dropped the bomb that they will not join the German BLUETEC force. They are going to take time to develop their own urea-based injection system because they don’t want to use rival, Mercedes Benz’s technology. They still should be announcing what their plan at the L.A. Autoshow.

Here’s from Reuters

FRANKFURT, Nov 22 (Reuters) - BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) will not join forces with German carmakers Mercedes-Benz (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research), Volkswagen (VOWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and Audi (NSUG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) to market clean diesels in the United States under the BLUETEC name.

The greatest diesel marathon of all time is over! Paris Beijing 2006 made it to Beiijing on 17 November 2006, on the eve of AutoChina 2006. The final tally…13,600 km, more than 8600 miles, 33 E Class diesel sedans, 3 BlueTec diesels, 9 countries, 26 days, 12 time zones, 5 fender benders, no dropouts. The best fuel consumption turned in by the EBay car, which averaged just 7.1 liters/100km or just under 32 MPG. What a challenge…what pictures.

A recent survey says consumers want the Big 3 to focus on fuel efficiency. Even though fuel prices have recently been lower most consumers don’t expect it to stay that way.

The survey wants them to look more into hybrid and diesel vehicles.

The interesting thing is sales on hybrids is down from last year even on the almighty Prius. Sales of the Honda Accord hybrid were very low, and the Civic isn’t doing well either. At a recent Hollywood charity auction, where Lexus donated a new GS450h, the car sold for $54K which is about $4K less than sticker. That’s Hollywood too, the biggest hybrid proponent out there.

The NEW Peugeot 407 HDi Diesel is the number one medium-sized passenger vehicle for personal security of all cars sold in New Zealand according to a review by State Insurance.

The 407 was also the best overall performer in the medium car category with an overall score of 10 out of 14.

The inaugural State Personal Security Car Ratings scored vehicles against 14 features including lights, locks and alarms designed to provide safety, security and peace of mind to motorists.

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From autoindustry.co.uk

Delphi Diesel Aftermarket has launched a Heavy-Duty Sealed Rail Kit - the first all-makes Common Rail diagnostic solution for trucks, agricultural and off-highway applications, operating on the same principles as Delphi’s Sealed Rail Kit for passenger cars.

Common rail systems are being fitted to increasing numbers of medium and heavy duty vehicles. The YDT500 provides on-vehicle testing, thus avoiding complete system removal and refit. The YDT500 kit is compatible with Bosch, Caterpillar and Denso systems. Engine coverage includes Iveco, Perkins, RVI, John Deere and Volvo. The kit will diagnose 3, 4, 5, 6, V6 and V8 cylinder engines, as well as those with double outlet high pressure pumps.