New Mercedes Diesels Ruled Illegal in Five Key States
Thread Starter
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
New Mercedes Diesels Ruled Illegal in Five Key States
Snafu: New Mercedes Diesels Ruled Illegal in Five Key States
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116694
STUTTGART, Germany — The soon-to-be-launched and much-hyped Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec has reportedly failed to meet emissions criteria in the important states of California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.
Mercedes said its E320 CDI was "the cleanest diesel vehicle in the world," but apparently not clean enough for U.S. regulators.
Despite their popularity in Europe, diesels have never been commonplace in the United States and have a reputation as a technology for big rigs only. But there's a more ecological explanation for the lukewarm reception. Diesel is actually more harmful to the environment than gasoline because it generates more nitrogen oxides (NOx), gases that play a major role in the formation of acid rain and haze.
It is no wonder, then, that many U.S. states impose strict emissions levels for diesel-powered vehicles. European regulators in turn have begun to demand "NOx traps" for diesel vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz tried to tackle the problem by utilizing a catalytic device that converts NOx to nitrogen. Its Bluetec system, introduced in the Vision GL320 concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in January, injects an aqueous urea fluid called AdBlue into the exhaust system. AdBlue is intended to separate NOx into hydrogen and water.
Despite the setback in the United States, Mercedes has already been using Bluetec-equipped commercial vehicles for some time, and it plans to offer Bluetec-equipped cars in Europe by 2008.
What this means to you: Diesel is more frugal, but presents unique emissions problems for engineers. Sooner or later, it's got to work — Mercedes isn't the only one desperate to get modern diesels, so popular in Europe, into the U.S.
Mercedes said its E320 CDI was "the cleanest diesel vehicle in the world," but apparently not clean enough for U.S. regulators.
Despite their popularity in Europe, diesels have never been commonplace in the United States and have a reputation as a technology for big rigs only. But there's a more ecological explanation for the lukewarm reception. Diesel is actually more harmful to the environment than gasoline because it generates more nitrogen oxides (NOx), gases that play a major role in the formation of acid rain and haze.
It is no wonder, then, that many U.S. states impose strict emissions levels for diesel-powered vehicles. European regulators in turn have begun to demand "NOx traps" for diesel vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz tried to tackle the problem by utilizing a catalytic device that converts NOx to nitrogen. Its Bluetec system, introduced in the Vision GL320 concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in January, injects an aqueous urea fluid called AdBlue into the exhaust system. AdBlue is intended to separate NOx into hydrogen and water.
Despite the setback in the United States, Mercedes has already been using Bluetec-equipped commercial vehicles for some time, and it plans to offer Bluetec-equipped cars in Europe by 2008.
What this means to you: Diesel is more frugal, but presents unique emissions problems for engineers. Sooner or later, it's got to work — Mercedes isn't the only one desperate to get modern diesels, so popular in Europe, into the U.S.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
From: tx
I say good riddance. Last thing I want when I'm stuck in NYC traffic is breathing diesel fumes. At least on the big trucks exaust pipes are roof mounted, so they dont spit the fumes right into your vents, but regular cars are a different story.
Trending Topics
Then it doesn't matter what MB or any other manufacturer does... because if you dont like diesels, then they aren't aiming for your business. They are aiming for those that actually want a diesel, or better fuel economy. The states are still stupid for not allowing them....
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: WA
Maybe Toyota is paying those states off in order to have a monopoly on fuel efficient vehicles because almost everyone knows that a modern turbo diesel engine is more fuel efficient than a gas/electric hybrid and they are also very environmentally friendly when you use the low sulfur diesel like they do in europe or biodiesel.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,337
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
In Mexico City, we have tons of diesels, both cars and trucks, and they pass CA emissions standards down here, so quite surprised at CARB not passing them out in California.
Glad my home state is Florida, where we have no such issues.
Glad my home state is Florida, where we have no such issues.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 0
From: so. cal
Maybe Toyota is paying those states off in order to have a monopoly on fuel efficient vehicles because almost everyone knows that a modern turbo diesel engine is more fuel efficient than a gas/electric hybrid and they are also very environmentally friendly when you use the low sulfur diesel like they do in europe or biodiesel.
Then it doesn't matter what MB or any other manufacturer does... because if you dont like diesels, then they aren't aiming for your business. They are aiming for those that actually want a diesel, or better fuel economy. The states are still stupid for not allowing them....
if a car makes too much emissions than the law states, it fails, whats the big controversy. If my car fails an emissions test do I say the state is stupid for not passing me. I dont care if youre joe schmoe or mercedes or toyota, you cant pass an emission test then its not allowed period
Seems like 5 other states didn't get the memo.
That's fine ... but just don't come demanding better fuel economy when the options are available. If they make the cars, but your state wants to be prudish over emissions laws that are outdated, then the state is stupid for following those rules. We used to have Emissions testing in Florida, and then it was abolished because numerous tests proved that the amount of emissions being produced by vehicles was so negligible that it was no longer cost efficient for the state to mandate it.
Seems like 5 other states didn't get the memo.
Seems like 5 other states didn't get the memo.
Amount of emissions produced by vehicles might be neglible, but its not neglible when a car in front of u spitting these fumes right at you, and you have to breathe them. Ever been stuck in traffic behind an old diesel benz?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: WA
There is an enormous difference between an old diesel benz and a new one, and when you put biodiesel fuel into on one of the new diesel benz's you will actually want have those fumes coming at you.