Labor Day Weekend Brings News of More Diesels Hitting the Road

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- As millions of Americans hit the road this Labor Day for the last holiday weekend of the summer, a new study from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) predicts that a growing number of families will soon be taking vacation travel in fuel-efficient diesel cars, pick-ups and SUVs.

Across the nation, motorists are already discovering the cost- effectiveness and superior performance of today's clean diesels -- and more are expected to choose diesel over gas-powered vehicles, according to the new research. The DOE report, Future Potential of Hybrid and Diesel Powertrains in the U.S. Light-Duty Vehicle Market(1), forecasts growth of 4 to as much as 7 percent in light-duty diesel vehicles in the U.S. market by 2012. The findings were released by the DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory at the ongoing Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction Conference in Coronado, CA this week.

"Since light-duty diesels currently account for only about 0.2 percent of the market today, this growth prediction is substantial," said Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

The new insights on public opinion revealed in the study showed that more than half of gasoline vehicle owners now believe diesels are more powerful and cleaner. About three-quarters consider them to be more fuel-efficient. Typically, diesel engines are 20 to 40 percent more efficient than comparable gasoline engines. The study also favorably forecasts that diesel engines will meet more stringent 2007 (Tier II) emissions standards.

"When compared to forecasts for hybrid technology, the Oak Ridge study predicts an overly conservative estimate for diesel technology growth (4-7 percent) -- one that is at odds with other recent studies that predict more than double the market penetration (10-15 percent) in the same timeframe," noted Schaeffer.

Nonetheless, this study joins a growing chorus of reports and projections on the near-term energy saving benefits of an increase in clean diesel cars, pick-ups and SUVs in the U.S. Previous studies by DOE have found that a gradual 20 percent penetration of diesel vehicles by 2020 would save the U.S. 350,000 barrels of oil each day.

While U.S. diesel penetration is still not on a par with that in Europe, where diesel technology accounts for about 44 percent of all new vehicles, today's American consumers have more diesel choices than ever before. Modern diesel technology is now available in four key market segments -- from economy cars and family station wagons to luxury sedans and SUVs.

Along with the proven acceptance and sustained growth to a 75 percent market share for diesel engines in larger, medium-duty pick-up trucks such as the Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram, the American auto market is poised to fully embrace more models of advanced clean diesel technology.

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 .

(1) Greene, David L., Duleep, K.C., McManus, W., August 20, 2004.