As carmakers look to the future and rethink diesel a Kelley Blue Book marketing study suggests they might need to think again even in the advent of the 2008 car showings.
The study shows that about 6% of Americans think diesel cars could be in our future as opposed to the 40% supporting the growth of the hybrid. The minority may visit the 2008 car shows in support of the new diesel offerings from Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and VW. It is hard to say however, if their support will carry carmakers into the future even though the registration of diesel passenger vehicles was up 80% from 2000 to 2005 according to information compiled by Polk.
Along with the favorable Polk data, another report from May 2007 compiled by UBS Limited, Is Diesel Set to Boom in the U.S.?, indicates that diesel will surpass hybrids in the next five years in sales. Can it? Diesel brings back memories of dirt and noise, ooooh that smell. Is the diesel of the future any different?
Well, yes. Diesel technology has been keeping up with government standards. You can have a quieter ride with less emissions then the diesel ride of the past. They get more miles per gallon, try about 20 to 40 percent and they now pass the emission requirements in all 50 states. In addition in 2006 Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) became available. The change to ULSD helped reduce emissions in both older and new engines as it contains 97 percent less sulfur.
Who’s on the scene with the diesel machines? Everyone, a proliferation of hybrids and diesels are making a showing in the market. Between GMC, Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and VW there is a selection of vans, trucks, SUV’s and sedans to choose from. Whatever your need or family size you will have cleaner fuel choices, including the option of diesel next time you shop at the dealership.
