Commatoze

From today's issue of AutoTech Daily:

HONDA TO READY DIESELS FOR POSSIBLE U.S. SALES

Honda Motor Co. is working to reduce oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter emissions in diesel engines to meet tightening U.S. standards, reports Automotive News. It says the automaker has no immediate plans to offer diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. but wants to be ready if demand develops. Honda began producing its own diesel engine last year, which is now available in several Honda models in Europe. It previously sourced diesels from Isuzu Motor Co. The diesel-powered European Accord emits about 0.28 grams of NOx per mile. This must be reduced by threefourths to meet future California standards, a goal Honda describes as difficult but achievable. Other automakers have indicated they will wait until fall 2006 to bring diesels to the U.S. That’s when low-sulfur diesel fuel, considered essential in meeting lower NOx levels, is due. Ford, DaimlerChrysler and heavy truckmakers plan to use urea systems, which reduce NOx to nitrogen and water vapor, to meet new emission standards in the U.S. and Europe. DCX plans to add a urea tank to diesel-powered Mercedes E-Class vehicles sold in the U.S. by early 2007. The automaker also will begin selling a diesel version of its Jeep Liberty SUV this fall. Volkswagen AG is the only other automaker currently offering dieselpowered cars (Golf, Jetta, New Beetle and Passat) in the U.S. Detroit’s Big Three automakers all offer diesel-powered full-size pickups.

infidel

Not real good news on DC's plans. My understanding is the urea tank will have to be replenished every 500-1000 miles. Just more expense and most likely involve a hunt for a station that sells urea until the urea system gains popularity. I know the EPA opposed this option for cleaning up diesel emissions due to the extra complexity and distribution infrastructure changes it will require.

96_12V

For more information on an excellent car we are completely missing out on, check the link below:
http://www.topgear.com/servlet/tg?DE...Number=19.html

Commatoze

Tell you what.....we're missing out on a LOT of good European diesel cars and SUV's.

Palmetto_kid

we are losers.

RustyJC

If our diesel fuel was as good today as that in the European Union, and if the EPA concentrated on CO2 rather than NOx as the EU does in setting emissions standards, then we would be seeing some of these diesel-powered vehicles. It's almost like the EPA is "anti-diesel" when looking to the future while the EU promotes the diesel due to its lower CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption.

Go figger, I guess......

Rusty