Are We There Yet? Go Farther on Your Family Vacation With Clean Diesel Cars

WASHINGTON--May 26, 2011: Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement regarding fuel efficiency and America's travel options for the 2011 Memorial Day Weekend:

"Whether headed to the beach, lake or Mountains, more families will be hitting the road with the new generation of fuel-efficient clean diesel cars this summer driving season than ever before.  And with the higher prices at the pump, these clean diesel drivers will significantly benefit from diesel's 20 to 40 percent higher efficiency and mileage over regular gasoline cars.

"American's have never had so many vehicle fuel and technology choices, ranging from a growing number of hybrid gasoline vehicles to new plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, in addition to clean diesel and conventional gasoline vehicles.  In this competitive technology field, it is encouraging that more Americans are choosing clean diesel cars than ever before.

Clean Diesel and Hybrid Sales Soar Over Conventional Autos

"In fact, in March 2011, hybrids and clean diesel sales rose three times the rate of the overall auto market compared to March 2010 - 46 percent compared to 17 percent, according to auto analyst Baum and Associates.

"And clean diesel sales are expected to increase even more.  By 2015, as many as 10 percent of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. might have diesel engines, predicted Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO for Bosch's North and South American operations (The Detroit Free Press, May 13, 2011).

Are We Stopping Soon? Clean Diesel Will Take You 20 to 40% Farther Than Gasoline

"While fuel prices have decreased slightly over the past few days, prices are still substantially higher than Memorial Day 2010 -- about $1 more per gallon. It's going to cost more this year no matter what kind of fuel is in your tank, but clean diesel vehicles will take you farther.

"In many parts of the country, diesel fuel prices are at or below the cost of premium unleaded - required today in many cars.  Since many comparable gasoline versions of the diesel models require premium grade fuel, diesel could well be the more economical choice.

"However, new clean diesel cars are 20 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than their gasoline counterparts and they reduce the CO2 footprint. There is a significant miles per gallon advantage for using clean diesel cars.

"So with some diesel cars having ranges of well over 500 miles on a single tank full of fuel, you'll be stopping for reasons other than fueling up. (You can calculate your potential savings in buying a diesel here.)

Auto Makers and Federal Officials Recognize Value of Clean Diesel Cars

"As The Detroit News reported on April 21st:  'Automakers are working hard to push fuel efficiency, whether they're showing off an expanded lineup of small cars or talking about high mileage engines like turbo diesels,' said David Champion, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.

"On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said at the grand opening of a new Volkswagen manufacturing plant in Chattanooga that that consumers are seeking out cars that not only save them money on gas, but also contribute to the national economy and curb the effects on the environment. 'We know that clean diesel is one ingredient in the recipe for our long-term energy security,' LaHood said (Associated Press, May 24, 2011).

Diesel Autos Are Also More Economical and Retain Value Longer

"Fueling the growth in this new generation of clean diesel cars is the combination of proven economical operation, high fuel efficiency during all modes of driving, a fun driving experience and increasingly the long-term value proposition of diesel. With the economic recovery still taking hold, consumers are making more measured vehicle technology choices that take a longer range view, considering not current fuel prices but also the total cost of ownership.

"A Carnegie Mellon University study released in January 2011 found that turbo-charged direct injection diesels and hybrids retained more value in used car sales that conventional vehicles. In addition, diesel light duty trucks retained more value than gasoline trucks.

"As Americans throughout the U.S. make preparations to conserve fuel and save money in their travels this Memorial Day Weekend, there are a number of major economical and environmental reasons to consider a clean diesel auto for their future vacations and every day use."

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems.  For more information visit Diesel Forum .