Chevrolet Diesel Cruze Announcement "A Huge Step Forward" In Highlighting the Future Importance of Clean Diesel Autos in U.S.

Chevrolet Confirms Today Popular Cruze Diesel To Be Sold In U.S. In 2013

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The availability of a new diesel version of the widely-popular Chevrolet Cruze will be "a huge step forward" in the growth of clean diesel automobile availability in the United States, according to Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

"In just its first year, the Cruze has proven to be extremely popular with American drivers," Schaeffer said.  "In June, it was the best-selling car in the U.S. and has exceeded sales of more than 20,000 per month since February.

"General Motors has been a global leader in clean diesel engine technology and this announcement is great news for North American consumers.  Given the overwhelming success of the Duramax diesel heavy-duty pick-up truck in North America, and diesel engine options in the Opel brands in Europe, we can only predict the Diesel Cruze will be a huge hit in the U.S.

"This announcement clearly signifies the increasing importance of clean diesel technology as a key and viable strategy for meeting fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions goals."

In Addition To The Cruze, More Clean Diesels Are Coming To U.S.

"There are currently 22 diesel cars and light trucks available in the U.S. and in addition to the Cruze, more are on their way.  Volkswagen is beginning to produce the new model Passat TDI diesel cars in their new Chattanooga, TN plant, and Mazda has announced that it will become the first Asian car maker to introduce a new clean diesel auto in North America known as SKYACTIV-D.  There are also a number of reports that Nissan and other car makers may be planning to unveil new diesels in the U.S."

In Europe, almost 50 percent of new car sales are diesel autos.  However, in the U.S., diesels account for slightly more than three percent of all car and light trucks.  Several auto analysts predict diesel auto sales will increase to between seven to 15 percent of the total auto market by 2015.  With diesel fuel now widely available at more than half of all service stations, consumers will have no problems fueling up.

Diesels Are 20 To 40 Percent More Efficient Than Gasoline Autos

"I'm confident clean diesel sales will continue to increase as U.S. drivers become more aware that new diesels are not only 20 to 40 more efficient that their gasoline counterparts, they are fun to drive and also have proven to have a low total cost of ownership " Schaeffer said.  "The increased efficiency of diesels is becoming more important to Americans as the price of fuel has skyrocketed this past year."

(To read the Chevrolet announcement go here.)

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Allen Schaeffer
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=100525

Contact:
Steve Hansen
[email protected]
301-668-7230 (o)
202-355-3664 (c)

SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum