2013 Washington Auto Show: Diesel Technology Forum to Showcase Clean Diesel Technology

2013 To Be "One of the Most Exciting Years for Clean Diesel Vehicles in U.S. History"

Allen Schaeffer, Diesel Technology Forum

WASHINGTON--Jan. 30, 2013: With more than 20 new clean diesel vehicles set to be introduced to the U.S. market in 2013, the Diesel Technology Forum will highlight clean diesel technology's role in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions during media day at the 2013 Washington Auto Show on Thursday, January 31 ^st, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The Forum's exhibit will also be on display when the auto show opens to the public from February 1 ^st to February 10th. In addition, updated information from the show will be posted on a special Washington Auto Show page on the Forum's website as well as being sent out on Twitter and Facebook (see below).

"Without a doubt, 2013 is going to be one of the most exciting years for clean diesel vehicles in U.S. history," said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF). "In just the past two months at auto shows in Los Angeles and Detroit, there have been major announcements from Audi, Chrysler, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes and Volkswagen about new diesel vehicles they are going to introduce in the U.S.

"Several of these new clean diesel autos will be on display at this year's Washington Auto Show and are expected to be highly popular attractions for car buyers in the Mid-Atlantic region," Schaeffer said.

22 New Clean Diesel Vehicles In U.S. Expected In 2013 . . . 54 By 2017
Robert Bosch LLC, Diesel Systems North America, a global multibillion-dollar engineering and electronics automotive leader, predicts there will 54 diesel vehicles available in the U.S. by 2017 in North America, including 22 new models in 2013.

According to recent published reports, clean diesel auto sales increased by 24 percent in 2012 over 2011, while the overall U.S. auto market increased by 13.5 percent. Currently, diesel auto and light duty truck sales equal slightly more than three percent of the U.S. vehicle market but many auto analysts predict significant increases in domestic sales.

Schaeffer said new government standards will play a major role in the growth of clean diesels in the U.S.

"Because diesel cars are 20 to 40 percent more efficient than gasoline cars, Americans are going to be extremely interested in clean diesel technology as the U.S. moves to achieve the 54.5 mpg level by 2025 mandated by the new federal greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards," Schaeffer said.

Mike Omotoso, an analyst at research firm LMC Automotive, predicts diesel's market share to climb to 7.5 percent in the next five years. Bernd Boisten, Bosch's regional president of diesel systems in North America, expects diesel's market share in North America to increase to about 10 percent by 2020.

DTF Exhibit to Showcase Clean Diesel Technology
The Forum's exhibit will help showcase clean diesel technology's important role in the effort to reduce fuel consumption, increase fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The DTF exhibit will include:

Information about the clean diesel automobiles and light duty trucks currently available in the U.S. and future diesel cars and trucks that will be coming to the U.S.;
Fact sheets highlighting clean diesel fuel economy, responsive acceleration, use of biofuels and ease of finding diesel fuel stations;
A QR code that will attendees to scan the barcode to take them directly to a mobile device optimized landing page that features key light-duty information including all the currently available diesel models, the diesel fuel savings calculator, and the diesel fuel locator. A unique URL for this page was developed at www.dieselforum.org/dcautoshow for those who do not have the ability to scan QR codes.

DTF Website and Social Media
DTF will also utilize social media to engage policymakers and attendees during the 2013 Washington Auto Show. DTF staff will be posting pictures of clean diesel vehicles and highlighting new diesel-related announcements from the numerous automaker press conferences that are scheduled at the show.

These will all be posted on the DTF website as well as being sent out on Twitter and Facebook. To receive these updates from DTF, go to the Forum's Facebook page and follow DTF on Twitter @DieselTechForum.

Audi's Scott Keogh to Keynote Newsmaker Breakfast
Scott Keogh, President of Audi of America, will be delivering the keynote address at the Newsmaker Breakfast on Thursday, January 31. The Newsmaker Breakfast is sponsored by Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) and the International Motor Press Association.

"We're extremely pleased Scott Keogh is giving this keynote address as Audi will be introducing at least four new clean diesel vehicles to the U.S. in 2013," Schaeffer said. "Audi's commitment to clean diesel technology is going to play a major role in the future growth of diesel automobiles throughout the U.S. and it's fitting that he open the auto show by highlighting what Audi and the industry are doing to promote sustainability, fuel efficiency and smarter engines."