DETROIT, MI -- July 25, 2011 -- Affordable biodiesel transportation for consumers in the U.S. just rolled a little closer to reality with today's announcement by General Motors that a diesel engine version of the "gas-sipping" Chevy Cruze will debut in 2013.
According to an article in today's issue of Greentech Media online, diesel is enjoying a second life in the U.S. Modern diesels can get 20 percent to 40 percent better gas mileage than their gas counterparts. The current "eco" version of the Cruze gets 28 miles per gallon on the street and 42 mpg on the freeway, while the more standard version clocks in at 26/36 mpg. At the high end of things, this would give a diesel Cruze a mileage of 50 to 58 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in the city.
The announcement is likely to fuel more interest in bringing other diesel cars to U.S. buyers in the near future. Volkswagen sold out of Audi and Volks diesels in 2009 and saw a similar surge in 2010.
"Seven years ago, diesel was a no-go in the U.S," Peter Schwarzenbauer, a member of Audi's board, told Greentech Media last year. "But now there seems to be a trend that American consumers will embrace" diesel.
And beyond the Big 3, more diesel engine options are in the wings: Greentech Media projects new entries to the market of trucks and/or cars powered by opposed piston diesel engines from the likes of Achates Power and EcoMotors. Achates Power says its two-stroke opposed piston diesel engine can increase fuel efficiency by another 10 percent to 15 percent. JD Power and Associates estimates that diesel cars will triple their market share, surging to about 10 percent of the market by 2015.
With expanded availability of consumer diesel models, biodiesel should become increasingly desirable for conscientious drivers, making it a practical addition at the pump level.
Photos © GM Corp.
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