The Diesel Technology Forum has responded to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of 2016 new light-duty vehicle fuel economy standards.
“Today’s announcement requiring more fuel efficient cars will mean more clean diesel choices for American consumers in the coming years,” says Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a Frederick, MD-based organization promoting clean diesel technology. “Yesterday’s announcement by Mazda confirming that they will bring a clean diesel car to the U.S., in 2012 is the first evidence of what we believe will be many more announcements that underscore the role of fuel-efficient clean diesel technology in manufacturers plans to meet these new requirements.”
DOT and EPA announced that for 2016 model-year vehicles, fuel efficiency targets are being set at 35.5 miles per gallon combined for cars and trucks, an increase of nearly 10 mpg over current standards.
“Clean diesel cars on the market today are already delivering a 10 mpg advantage or more over gasoline versions. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI (diesel) is EPA rated at 42 mpg highway while the gasoline model is at 29 mpg; the Audi A3 TDI (diesel) is EPA rated at 42 mpg while the gasoline model is at 28mpg," Schaeffer says.
He adds that the Volkswagen Jetta SportsWagen is rated 12mpg better than its gasoline counterpart. The BMW 335d is rated at 36mpg (diesel) and the gasoline version is rated at 26 mpg. In larger SUV segments, the Mercedes Benz GL350 BlueTEC for example is rated six mpg better than the gasoline version.
“It’s no April Fools joke, the proof is already in the numbers, that clean diesel cars are delivering substantial fuel savings to consumers right now. Imagine the further gains in diesel fuel efficiency and consumer choices that may come between now and 2016,” says Schaeffer.
In their announcement, DOT and EPA specifically recognized the future potential for more clean diesel cars:
“Although the standards can be met with conventional technologies, EPA and NHTSA also expect that some manufacturers may choose to pursue more advanced fuel-saving technologies like hybrid vehicles, clean diesel engines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles.” the April 1, 2010, release states.
“Americans have increasingly embraced this new generation of clean diesel technology offered in passenger cars and SUVs,” says Schaeffer.
Today’s consumers are looking more at long-term value in their vehicle selections, their impact on the environment and most importantly saving money, but few want to sacrifice driving performance, he adds. Federal clean car tax incentives from $900 up to $1,800 still remain available through the end of 2010 for consumers purchasing certain clean diesel vehicles.
For more information, visit www.dieselforum.org.
