Clean Diesel to Power Washington Auto Show; Car Manufacturers Go Green in 2008 and Present Powerful, Fuel Efficient Models

Diesel Technology Forum to Participate in Green Car Summit

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2008; No matter the car color consumers may prefer, green technology will be unmistakable at the 2008 Washington Auto Show. Many new and future vehicles will be on display at the show, but the most promising feature clean diesel powertrains, thanks to their powerful engines, exceptional fuel economy and proven technology.

"With nearly 20 new and prototype diesel vehicles on display during Detroit's auto show, and many on their way to Washington, 2008 will be the 'year of clean diesel.' The unveiling of these new models shows that automakers are investing in this high performance, environmentally friendly technology," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a coalition of vehicle manufacturers, engine makers, components suppliers and energy companies.

The anticipated expansion of clean diesel cars and light trucks in the U.S. is driven by many factors, most notably the arrival of diesel engines held to the same emissions standards as gasoline-powered engines. The nationwide introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in October 2006, 97 percent cleaner than previous diesel blends, has enabled manufacturers to engineer the world's cleanest diesel vehicles. Nearly a dozen automakers have announced plans to sell clean diesel versions of popular cars, pickups and SUVs in the U.S. by the end of this decade.

"The new diesels are clean, quiet, fun to drive and don't require consumers to sacrifice power or performance to achieve better miles per gallon. The significant number of models introduced this year makes it an extremely exciting time for the U.S. diesel market," Schaeffer continued.

Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs provide 20 to 40 percent better mileage and emit 10 to 20 percent fewer greenhouse gases than comparable gasoline vehicles. In addition to superior fuel economy and reduced emissions, American drivers who purchase cleaner-burning diesel cars, trucks and SUVs are eligible for similar tax incentives as purchasers of gasoline-hybrid electric vehicles.

During International Media Day, Schaeffer will participate in Green Car Journal's inaugural Green Car Summit on a panel comprised of automotive, energy, and government leaders. The Summit will convene at 2:00 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center and will address such topics as reducing CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and exploring strategies for oil displacement and long-term sustainability. Moderators include Green Car Journal's Ron Cogan and Warren Brown, automotive columnist for The Washington Post.

Diesel vehicle announcements made in 2008 include:

-- BMW Group unveiled two vehicle models equipped with the BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance, the 335d and the X5 xDrive 35d, which will be available later this year.

-- Volkswagen will introduce an updated clean diesel Jetta into the U.S. market this year.

-- GM has plans to put a diesel engine in the Chevy Silverado beginning in 2009.

-- Audi unveiled the A4 sedan and expects to start selling the Q7 3.0 TDI by the end of 2008/early 2009.

-- Toyota will launch a diesel-powered Tundra pickup truck and Sequoia SUV in the U.S. soon.

-- Honda announced plans to put diesel engines in Acura vehicles starting in 2009, with the Honda lineup to follow.

-- Several automakers revealed concept cars such as the Chrysler Jeep Renegade, Mercedes GLK Freeside , Land Rover LRX, Audi R8 V12 TDI and the Mitsubishi RA, further widening the field for the future of clean diesel technology.

Key facts about diesel include:

-- Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs provide 20 to 40 percent better mileage than comparable gasoline vehicles.

-- The nationwide availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in October 2006 provided 97 percent cleaner diesel fuel, enabling manufacturers to engineer the cleanest diesel vehicles ever.

-- Nearly 50 percent of fueling stations nationwide sell diesel fuel.

-- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day if one-third of U.S. cars, pickups and SUVs were diesel-powered.

-- Respected automotive web site Edmunds.com found that diesel's slightly higher purchase price compared to a conventional gasoline vehicle is quickly offset by fuel-economy savings. Diesel drivers have recouped the initial premium in as soon as six months following the vehicle's purchase.

-- Thanks to their inherent fuel efficiency, diesel engines also offer a viable and readily available strategy for policymakers interested in improving fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

-- Diesel drivers have the option of filling their tanks with blends of biodiesel, a domestically produced, renewable fuel that reduces U.S. oil dependence and contributes to our own economy.

-- A study published by non-profit think tank RAND Corp. reported that diesel topped all other options in a cost-benefit analysis from both a consumer and societal perspective.

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems. For more information, including a list of diesel vehicles available for sale in the U.S. and links to diesel fuel locators, visit http://www.dieselforum.org.

SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum