Motorists Can Go Further For Less With Clean Diesel This Memorial Day Weekend

SEE ALSO: Diesel Vs. Hybrid - Bottom Line Facts
SEE ALSO: Diesel Buyers Guide

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012; 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 high 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.

84 Miles Per Gallon In A Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel Car!

"If you want to achieve great fuel mileage, clean diesel automobiles are the way to travel. Earlier this month, a couple averaged 84.1 miles per gallon in a Volkswagen Passat TDI clean diesel car when they traveled an amazing 1,626 miles on a single tank of diesel fuel," said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

"While most drivers won't average 84 miles per gallon, it is indicative of the great fuel economy clean diesel autos offer.

"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's encouraging that more Americans are choosing clean diesel cars than ever before," Schaeffer said.

U.S. Clean Diesel Auto Market Shows Impressive Growth Potential

"One of the bright aspects of clean diesel technology is the emerging market growth in the passenger car and light truck segments.  While diesel cars account for about 50 percent of all new sales in Europe, the number is a more modest three percent in the U.S.  But domestic diesel sales increased in 2011 and 2010 and clean diesel sales have increased by 35 percent during the first quarter of 2012.

"More than 10 new clean diesel cars and light duty trucks will be introduced in the U.S. in the next two years by Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes and Volkswagen.  This resurgence in new diesel autos in the U.S. market will greatly increase the popularity of clean diesels throughout the nation," Schaeffer said.

Clean Diesels Are 20 to 40 Percent More Fuel Efficient Than Gasoline Engines

"The high fuel prices have played a major role in this renew interest in diesel automobiles.  New clean diesel cars are 20 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than their gasoline counterparts and they reduce the CO2 footprint.  In addition, standard diesel cars can use renewable diesel fuels like biodiesel which reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 60 percent and also reduce petroleum consumption.

"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," Schaeffer said.

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 last year, 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," Schaeffer said.

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 dieselforum.org