More diesels ahead: Benz boss

Mercedes-Benz Australia chief Horst von Sanden has confirmed that diesels will play an ever more important role in the future of his marque and the new car market in general Down Under.

Speaking to the Carsales Network at this week's launch of the CL uber-coupe range --which ironically does not include an 'oiler' -- von Sanden said Mercedes would add even more diesel-powered models to its range in 2007 and that Australian consumers were steadily approaching a "tipping point" in their relationship with diesel passenger cars.

The most high-profile addition of a diesel-powered model to the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range will be the arrival later this year of a turbodiesel variant of the S-Class luxury saloon (pictured). The Mercedes chief confirmed that the model would go on sale later this year and that it would be powered by the maker's lauded 165kW 3.0-litre V6 common-rail turbodiesel.

Mr von Sanden said that he believed the combination of the turbodiesel's fuel economy and low emissions would provide both practical and emotive encouragement to private buyers of the marque's flagship four-door.

The upcoming compact C-Class too (also pictured) will have added diesel focus. Due Down Under mid-year, it will offer an expanded range of diesel engines, he said.

Currently the C-Class is available in four-cylinder C 220 CDI form only. The new generation C-Class will also offer V6 turbodiesel power, von Sanden confirmed.

When quizzed on whether he believed it would take a locally-manufactured turbodiesel to prompt a significant consumer move to the fuel type, the Benz boss said no.

"People are already looking at the [diesel] alternative," von Sanden told the Carsales Network.

"We believe it takes a critcal mass before a new model gets visibility -- around 2000 units. In the same way, diesel needs that 'visibility'," he explained.

"As more people have positive experiences [with diesel cars] the message spreads -- as the message spreads interest grows. As interest grows, the oil companies will provide a better experience at service stations and so on."

A locally-produced turbodiesel might accelerate the process, von Sanden opined, but it would continue with or without such a vehicle he said.

"The tipping point might be further away [without a local turbodiesel] but diesel will play an increasingly important role in our plans and the market generally," von Sanden said.

Check out our reviews of the all-new (all-petrol) $300,000-plus CL-Class range and the all-new C-Class here soon

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