More BLUETEC Models On The Way

GERMAN CAR SCENE | Warren M - - DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen have announced that their Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, VW and Audi brands are developing almost half a dozen vehicles powered by the cleaner-running BLUETEC diesel engines.

Oil burners currently make up 50 percent of all car sales in Europe, where as in the States, just 2 percent of new cars sold, are diesel powered.

California’s strict emission laws currently forbid the sale of diesel vehicles, however, the BLUETEC unit’s would be clean enough to pass the test, and with California being responsible for 10 percent of all American car sales, it makes sense to create a cleaner diesel for that market.

Volkswagen intend to use a four-cylinder diesel in its Jetta saloon aswell as the forthcoming Tiguan SUV in 2008. America can also expect diesel versions of its Touareg SUV and Passat by 2009. Audi plan to release a diesel vehicle by 2008.

[Source: NewsDay]