German automakers unite to offer Bluetec diesels in U.S.
10-09-06, 07:14 AM
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German automakers unite to offer Bluetec diesels in U.S.
German automakers unite to offer Bluetec diesels in U.S
http://today.reuters.com/news/articl...&from=business
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's carmakers are looking to join forces to push clean diesels in the U.S. market with the Bluetec technology developed by Mercedes-Benz (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and diesel injection system specialist Bosch (ROBG.UL: Quote, Profile, Research).
Starting in 2008, Volkswagen (VOWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research), its premium unit Audi, BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and Mercedes aim to launch and market Bluetec in the world's largest car market, where diesel has a market share of just 5 percent versus 50 percent in western Europe.
Spokespersons for Volkswagen and Mercedes parent DaimlerChrysler confirmed a report in German industry newspaper Automobilwoche to be published on Monday.
Aside from a quicker market penetration, the alliance is hoping to gain cost savings in purchasing the specific modules that mainly stem from Bosch, the world's largest automotive parts supplier.
Bluetec diesels fulfil the stringent U.S. emission norm Bin 5 that goes into effect in 2009.
Starting in 2008, Volkswagen (VOWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research), its premium unit Audi, BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and Mercedes aim to launch and market Bluetec in the world's largest car market, where diesel has a market share of just 5 percent versus 50 percent in western Europe.
Spokespersons for Volkswagen and Mercedes parent DaimlerChrysler confirmed a report in German industry newspaper Automobilwoche to be published on Monday.
Aside from a quicker market penetration, the alliance is hoping to gain cost savings in purchasing the specific modules that mainly stem from Bosch, the world's largest automotive parts supplier.
Bluetec diesels fulfil the stringent U.S. emission norm Bin 5 that goes into effect in 2009.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articl...&from=business
10-09-06, 10:36 AM
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The five "rogue" states will have to be beaten into submission. My understanding is that with the new emission law signed by Arnie, the diesels, even Bluetecs, will not be here anytime soon as they don't pass the tighter emission policy. Even in Europe they had to modify their emission laws to let the high tech diesels come to market. Because you are looking at Cali and four big northeast states I wouldn't hold my breath on this. The amount of sales in those five states are significant. The automakers can make all the announcements they want but if they don't go out and lobby in the states it is just another automotive press release that will mean little. Europeans are generally quick to point out how Americans don't understand any of the rest of the world but their approach to marketing diesels here demonstrates their lack of understanding of our market. Having said that, if I could get an E 320 here it would probably be my next car.
10-09-06, 11:18 AM
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10-09-06, 01:08 PM
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The five "rogue" states will have to be beaten into submission. My understanding is that with the new emission law signed by Arnie, the diesels, even Bluetecs, will not be here anytime soon as they don't pass the tighter emission policy. Even in Europe they had to modify their emission laws to let the high tech diesels come to market. Because you are looking at Cali and four big northeast states I wouldn't hold my breath on this. The amount of sales in those five states are significant. The automakers can make all the announcements they want but if they don't go out and lobby in the states it is just another automotive press release that will mean little. Europeans are generally quick to point out how Americans don't understand any of the rest of the world but their approach to marketing diesels here demonstrates their lack of understanding of our market. Having said that, if I could get an E 320 here it would probably be my next car.
10-09-06, 01:25 PM
#9
diesel doubling fuel economy is quite optimistic, theres more than just fuel economy, a diesel car is slower than a gas counterpart, idles rougher, etc thats worth something as well, but then again I'm biased when I live 7 miles from work, buying a diesel wont do anything for me to save me money
10-09-06, 02:29 PM
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diesel doubling fuel economy is quite optimistic, theres more than just fuel economy, a diesel car is slower than a gas counterpart, idles rougher, etc thats worth something as well, but then again I'm biased when I live 7 miles from work, buying a diesel wont do anything for me to save me money
10-09-06, 02:41 PM
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diesel doubling fuel economy is quite optimistic, theres more than just fuel economy, a diesel car is slower than a gas counterpart, idles rougher, etc thats worth something as well, but then again I'm biased when I live 7 miles from work, buying a diesel wont do anything for me to save me money
E320 bluetec gets about 30% better mileage than the GS350.
GS350 is definitely faster 0-60 though (5.7 vs. 6.6)
About rougher idles - you need to get into a modern high tech diesel - they idle fine.
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