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Mercedes Gets Even Diesel'er

Washington DC June 20, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that Mercedes-Benz is expected to launch several diesel-powered vehicles for sale across the U.S. as early as 2008 -- including, the E-class sedan, M-class and G-class SUVs, and new R-class sport wagon, reports Automotive News. "We are working really hard to have the solution ready for the new regulations that will come in 2007-2008," says Eva Lenhardt, head of technology communications for Mercedes Car Group in Stuttgart.

To help them achieve the industry requirements of 0.07 grams of NOx per mile, Mercedes plans to make use of “an injection system that shoots urea - an ammonialike acid - into the exhaust system,” reports the News.

Mercedes says there are three reasons for their interest in the urea exhaust system: First, the system costs less than alternative technologies and requires fewer performance-strangling filters in the exhaust system; second, It doesn’t affect a diesel’s performance or fuel economy; and third, combined with a particulate filter trap, urea enables diesel engines to meet the most stringent European and U.S. emissions regulations.

At the present moment, diesels make up fewer than 1 percent of vehicle sales in the U.S. Currently, only five diesel-powered car models are available for sale in North America, including Mercedes’ E320 CDI and two small diesel SUVs. But “conditions are ripe for diesels,” which is leading more and more automakers to consider the technology.