Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, GM CEO revealed that he would like to see more Opel diesel models head over to the US where they could be re-badged as Saturns. While he may seem overly optimistic, the GM Chief is aware of the negative preconceived image of diesel-powered cars held by many Americans and acknowledges the fuel costs roughly the same as petrol in the US, unlike Europe where it’s often the cheaper of the two.
Despite this, Wagoner believes the benefits of diesel is too strong and, following the launch of several diesel Saturns, other GM brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Saab will also offer diesels in the US. GM eventually hopes to offer its customers a range of alternatives including E85 fuels, hybrid and plug-in hybrids models and fuel-cell technology.
Reader Comments
Mon Sep 10 2007 1:08 PM
Gus says
Here in California it costs more than premium-unleaded gasoline.
That's going to be a tough sell.
Mon Sep 10 2007 1:45 PM
Rob says
Mileage my friend. Get ready to ride the torque wave. Ahh, but ignorance and an unwillingness to change could prove you right Gus.
Mon Sep 10 2007 9:16 PM
HECTOR says
It's ignorance on the part of the state and local governments in California, not the people who would like to buy diesels and aren't allowed to.
Tue Sep 11 2007 12:22 AM
Gus says
I drove by a station today.
Regular 2.87
Plus 2.97
Premium 3.07
Diesel 3.29
People see this every day.
They also see that not every station sells it.
They also have an image of trucks and buses spewing soot and noise and think a modern car will do the same.
It just won't fly here, unless somehow people are made aware of what diesels can do these days, and the price comes down.
Tue Sep 11 2007 1:41 AM
Rambo says
It's a good thing not all states are as flawed as California. Diesel is cheaper than gasoline in most states...as it should be before governments interfere.
Fri Jun 6 2008 1:34 AM
brantman says
DIESEL!?!?!? Why?? Natural gas is one third the cost of any gasoline or diesel. It also has the bonus of being the cleanest of all the petrol fuels. Only one carbon and 4 hydrogen! That makes for some clean burning gas. Also, we have an ABUNDANCE of it all over the world. ABUNDANCE. I live in Idaho, and I have a natural gas hookup at my house. So the infrastructure is there too. WHY IN THE HECK ARE WE TRYING TO GET FUEL CELLS AND HYDROGEN?? Why burn diesel. Why not use natural gas!?
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