From Automotive News Europe

LONDON – Mercedes-Benz will launch its clean-burning Bluetec diesel engines in European markets in early December, at least six months earlier than the automaker originally planned.

The V-6 diesel will be available in the E-class sedan, said Thomas Weber, head of research and development for DaimlerChrysler.

Weber spoke at a media event to demonstrate future hybrid and electric powertrains for Smart cars. He said Smart would offer a start-stop engine option, starting in October.

“Both products are precursors of a series of specially low-emission vehicles to come,” Weber said.

The faster launch for the Bluetec diesel in Europe has been made possible by greater availability of ultra low sulphur diesel fuel, a DaimlerChrysler spokesman said.

Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands are areas where ultra low sulphur diesel is widely available, and they will be the first to get the Bluetec diesels, the spokesman said.

The Bluetec diesel has been optimized for European driving styles, and it not quite the same as the Bluetec diesel available in Mercedes models sold in most parts of the United States.

The European Bluetec has slightly less horsepower than the U.S. models for better CO2 emissions, but delivers equal fuel economy and has been tested for driving at higher speeds.

Demand for Bluetec diesels in the United States has been running ahead of Mercedes-Benz’ expectations, a DaimlerChrysler spokesman said. Bluetec diesels have been accounting for about 11 percent of monthly sales of the E class; about 15 percent of monthly sales of the R class and GL class; and between 17 and 19 percent of monthly sales of the M class, the spokesman said.

Mercedes-Benz plans to offer an advanced version of the Bluetec diesels in the United States in 2008, which will meet the stringent emissions limits of California and five other states that follow its air regulations.