BMW to Bring Diesels to U.S. in 2008

Washington DC March 6, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that BMW AG CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a speech prior to the Geneva Auto Show. "Next year we are going to offer our diesel vehicles in the U.S. -- another step in protecting the environment".

According to Automotive News, diesel cars account for a minimal part of the U.S. market but are popular in Europe due to their higher fuel efficiency.

Reithofer also said BMW's cooperation with DaimlerChrysler AG to produce so-called mild hybrids for the premium car segment would likely lead to production in two years' time. "We will achieve production maturity of these (hybrid) components in 2009." He said hybrid hype was subsiding a little. "It has not reflected reality anyway."