Bosch Clean Diesel Technology Offers Real-World Cost Savings in Time of High Fuel Prices

LONG BEACH, Calif., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Sales of clean diesel cars and pickup trucks outpace market
• Clean diesel total cost of ownership lower than competing technologies
• Many clean diesels now offered in the U.S.

Rising fuel prices are prompting consumers to seek out highly efficient vehicles in the marketplace, with clean diesel models among the most popular, according to recent sales statistics.

Bosch Diesel Systems, one of the world's largest suppliers to diesel vehicle makers, will be at the ACT Expo in Long Beach, Calif., from May 4-6, 2011, to showcase its fuel-efficient technology now featured in most new clean diesel vehicles and demonstrate how important the overall cost of ownership of a vehicle is in the face of high fuel prices.

Sales statistics compiled by the website Hybridcars.com, which works with the market research firm Baum & Associates, showed that in the first four months of 2011, clean diesel sales had increased 42.7 percent compared to 2010. During the same period, hybrid sales increased by 25.6 percent, while the overall market increased by 19.4 percent.  

"We believe consumers clearly see the value of clean diesel cars and trucks," said Alex Freitag, director, Diesel Systems Engineering, Diesel Systems, Robert Bosch LLC. "Even when diesel prices are higher than gasoline, consumers understand that diesels offer more miles per dollar of fuel spent."

In addition to the operating cost advantage of clean diesels, a recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that the total cost of ownership for clean diesels enhanced their consumer value.

"It's been generally known that diesel vehicles typically post lower operating costs because of their increased fuel economy," said Lester Lave, university professor and Higgins Professor of Economics at CMU's Tepper School of Business. "But, that's only one element of the equation. Our study considered a vehicle's initial price and resale value along with other operating and maintenance costs."

The study, titled "Comparing Resale Prices and Total Cost of Ownership for Gasoline, Hybrid and Diesel Passenger Cars and Trucks," also found the price differential between a clean diesel passenger car and a traditional PFI (port-fuel-injected) gasoline-powered vehicle could be recouped in less than 18 months of driving. In addition, clean diesels deliver an average of 30 percent better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts. All of this translates into savings for the consumer, Lave said.

Clean diesel passenger vehicles are becoming available in the market in growing numbers. Today, Audi offers two models (the A3 TDI and Q7 TDI), BMW offers two (the 335d and X5 xDrive x35d), Mercedes-Benz offers four (the GL350 BlueTEC, ML350 BlueTEC, R350 BlueTEC and E350 BlueTEC) and Volkswagen offers four models (Golf TDI, Jetta TDI, Jetta Sportwagen TDI and the Touareg TDI). In each of these models, a gasoline model is an alternative choice for consumers (in some cases there also is a hybrid version). According to Polk registration data and analysis conducted by Bosch, the diesel model is chosen as much as 80 percent of the time.

Other companies, such as Mazda, have announced they will be bringing clean diesel models to the American market. In the heavy-duty pickup segment, optional diesel models dominate the marketplace and have for more than a decade. Even at premium prices, they offer superior torque and towing capabilities along with better fuel economy than gasoline alternatives.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software innovations. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 22,000 associates in more than 100 locations, with reported sales of $8.8 billion in fiscal 2010.  For more information, visit www.boschusa.com.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 285,000 associates generated sales of 47.3 billion euros ($62.7 billion) in fiscal 2010. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent 3.8 billion euros (approximately $5 billion) for research and development in 2010, and applied for over 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.  Bosch is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011.  Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, and www.125.bosch.com.

SOURCE Robert Bosch LLC