Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulC
If the math is so irrefutable, why have most American and Asian auto manufacturers, including those who apparently haven't hit up Uncle Sam for an advance on their allowance, been so sluggish to introduce diesel automobiles into the U.S.? Aside from Mercedes and VW, who is currently selling diesel automobiles in the U.S.? Why are Ford, Nissan, Honda and Toyota currently offering gasoline hybrid passenger cars for U.S. consumption, not diesel-powered vehicles?
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Few reasons:
1. Americans are generally uneducated about the capabilities and advantages of modern diesel vehicles.
2. Fuel continues to be quite cheap in the US compared to the rest of the world, making fuel efficiency not so important in the minds of consumers. (Right now hybrids are not doing that great in sales either).
3. The US has very stringent emission regulations that have been biased toward the gas engine emission profile, resulting in relatively high costs to make diesels compliant. Hybrids have a similar problem with costs. From what I've heard the Prius for example continues to be a money-losing adventure, though it's good for Toyota's image.
I think MB and VW are exceptions when it comes to selling diesels in the US because unlike the rest of the manufacturers they still have a loyal diesel following in the US from the old days and they seem more capable than the rest in meeting US emission regulations. Now BMW is re-entering the market as well after a long hiatus.
05-09-2009, 12:05 AM
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