Record Gas Prices Shed New Light on Value of Diesel Technology

2004 Marks the Entry of New Diesel Vehicles to the U.S. Market

WASHINGTON, April 8 -- Not all American motorists are crying the blues over today's Summer 2004 Motor Gasoline Outlook announcement by the Energy Information Administration. A growing number of U.S. consumers are beginning to realize what Europeans have known for a while now -- that diesel vehicles save you money at the pump, according to the Diesel Technology Forum.

As gasoline prices soar to record levels with no immediate relief in sight, diesel vehicles provide an increasingly attractive option for American drivers. Take a look at the benefits:

  * Despite the concurrent rise in diesel fuel prices, diesel vehicles are
    much more fuel efficient, typically getting 20-40 percent more miles to
    the gallon than a comparable gasoline car.

  * Diesel's efficiency helps reduce dependence on foreign oil.  According
    to the U.S. Department of Energy, a 30 percent market penetration of
    diesel vehicles by 2020 would reduce U.S. net crude oil imports by
    350,000 barrels per day.

  * Diesel cars provide superior power and performance to most gasoline
    cars, an important feature for American drivers.

  * Diesels burn less fuel, so they emit much smaller levels of carbon
    dioxide -- a contributor to global warming -- compared to gasoline.

Because of their cost-effectiveness and superior performance over gasoline, diesel vehicles account for as much as 70 percent of new vehicle sales in Europe. And, with the introduction of cleaner fuels and emissions control technology, diesel emissions have been dramatically reduced.

"Thanks to advanced engine and fuel technologies, today's diesel owners will enjoy a whole new driving experience that is incomparable to what was experienced in the past," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "Today's diesel vehicles are clean, quiet and fun to drive."

2004 Sees the Return of Diesel to the U.S.

Diesel vehicles currently represent less than one percent (0.4%) of all new car sales. But as gasoline prices continue to climb along with concerns about U.S. reliance on imported oil, the potential for more diesel engines in U.S. cars, pickups and SUVs continues to grow -- particularly in 2006 when new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clean diesel fuel regulations take effect that will result in the virtual elimination of emissions.

Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge already offer diesel versions of their popular pickup trucks. Now, the domestic automakers are getting back into the diesel car and SUV market as well. This month a new diesel engine option will be available for the Mercedes E-Class; and a diesel version of the Jeep Liberty is set to debut this fall. Volkswagen has been selling diesel versions of its popular Beetle, Jetta and Golf models in the U.S. with great success. The German automaker is also announcing the launch of a diesel version of its Passat sedan.

"2004 is just the beginning of a new era of diesel options for the American consumer," said Schaeffer. "We believe that the widespread availability of low sulfur fuel in 2006 will only further drive demand for these products. There's no question -- the diesel is back."

The Diesel Technology Forum represents manufacturers of engines, fuel and emissions control systems. It brings together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry and public health researchers to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings and points-of-view to current and future uses of diesel power technology. For more information about the Forum, visit our web site at www.dieselforum.org.