DCX Has High Hopes for Diesel in U.S.

DaimlerChrysler is looking to expand its diesel-engine opportunities in the U.S. as low-sulfur diesel fuel becomes widely available to American consumers next year, reports Reuters. "There are great, great opportunities," Thomas Weber, head of research and technology at DCX and development chief at Mercedes Car Group. Weber suggested that U.S. diesel use could one day reach the 50 percent level like in Europe, as more gasoline consumers look towards diesels for enhanced performance, durability, and fuel efficiency. According to Reuters, low-sulfur diesel fuel will allow advanced emission control technology in diesel engines and will substantially improve air quality. Providing no timeline for the surge in diesel, Weber said DCX aims to “lead this technology to the extent that we have in Europe.” Last year, Mercedes sold just 4,500 E-class models that were powered by diesel out of a total 221,000 Mercedes cars sold in the U.S.