Diesel Incentives Urged

Europe has used diesel-powered vehicles for years to combat high fuel prices--current technology vehicles achieve 40 mpg with no high hybrid purchase price, and the fuel is readily available everywhere. The combination of high gasoline prices, improved engines and cleaner burning diesel fuels has brought the issue home to the United States. Diesel organizations are now pushing for initiatives and incentives from congress similar to those offered to hybrid-vehicle buyers. Expect more legislative pressure as detailed below and individual brand promotions to appear as gasoline prices continue upward for the summer season.
" Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement in response to President Bush's speech this afternoon discussing his energy plan:

"In January, President Bush called on Americans during his State of the Union speech to 'expand the use of clean diesel vehicles' as part of his new energy plan to cut gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next decade. America's diesel industry is ready to respond and add to the estimated 4.8 million diesel cars, pickups and SUVs already on the road today. Numerous manufacturers, including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, are planning to introduce new clean diesel vehicles in the next two to three years, as technological innovation promising slashed emissions meets consumer demand for fuel economy and high performance.

"Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs deliver superior fuel economy -- typically 20% to 40% better than a comparable gasoline vehicle -- without requiring drivers to sacrifice the power and performance Americans demand. Currently, diesel fuel is on average 26 cents cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline -- a national average of $2.79 for diesel compared to $3.05 for gasoline -- according to the Energy Information Administration. And today's diesel vehicles are clean, quiet and fun-to-drive.

"Greater use of diesel technology would help the U.S. reduce petroleum consumption, improve energy security and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day -- an amount equivalent to the oil we currently import from Saudi Arabia -- if one-third of U.S. cars, pickup trucks and SUVs were diesel-powered.

"More Americans are discovering clean diesel as an alternative fuel option. Annual registration of diesel passenger vehicles has grown by 80% -- from just over 300,000 in 2000 to nearly 550,000 in 2005. And most analysts expect this trend to continue. Researchers at J.D. Power and Associates predict that diesel sales will triple in the next 10 years, growing to more than 10% of U.S. vehicles sales by 2015 up from 3.6% in 2005.

"Congress should consider extending financial incentives that encourage the purchase of new clean technologies, including new clean diesel cars, pickups and SUVs. Diesel manufacturers are also eager to continue working with the renewable diesel fuel industry to assure the highest quality standards and performance of biodiesel blends."

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems. For more information, including a list of diesel vehicles available for sale in the U.S. and links to diesel fuel locators, visit http://www.dieselforum.org/.";

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/05/14/047736.html