Posted on Monday 10 September 2007
Diesels are the number one choice among new car buyers in Europe but the oil burners have been slow to take in the US despite their torque and fuel-economy advantages over regular petrol models. Americans are slowly waking up to the benefits of diesels and to capitalize on this GM is planning to introduce a range of its Opel diesel models to the US.
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.
Here in California it costs more than premium-unleaded gasoline.
That’s going to be a tough sell.
Mileage my friend. Get ready to ride the torque wave. Ahh, but ignorance and an unwillingness to change could prove you right Gus.
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.
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.
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.
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!?