Milestone for diesels in America

Recent legislation passed by the American Congress has paved the way for diesel-engined vehicles to enjoy unprecedented access to the US market.

The bill (more here), effectively hands over to the US federal government the legal prerogative to set an emissions agenda for all states.

Diesel is now a viable option, where previously it was a fuel delivery system obstructed by the emissions legislation of states such as California.

Mercedes-Benz has been quick to take advantage of the change in the legislative sphere, announcing that BlueTEC diesel engines will be offered in the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class model ranges with effect from the northern hemisphere autumn (our spring).

The ML 320, R 320 and GL 320 BlueTEC models are all powered by the same V6 diesel engine, developing 155kW of ppwer and 540Nm of torque, but reducing fuel consumption by 20 to 40 per cent over comparable petrol models.

All three models made their debut at the New York International Auto Show and are claimed by Mercedes-Benz to exceed the required standard to comply with the American Bin 5 emissions standard. The company expects that the advanced diesel will also meet the upcoming Euro 6 standard.

Diesel Mercs are already accounting for a substantial part of the maker's sales in the US with sales coverage limited to 45 states.

"The E 320 BlueTEC already claims 13 percent of E-Class sales in the U.S. Our diesel SUVs average 22 percent," said Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Management Board Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

"Just in time for the world premiere in New York, we have become the first manufacturer ever to receive certification enabling registration of Bin 5 and ULEV compliant diesel SUVs, thus qualifying them for registration in all 50 states."

To comment on this article click here