California Welcomes back Diesel in the Mercedes Benz Bluetec
by EVANDER KLUM
In the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held at the Smashbox studios, every head turned as the German automaker unveiled an E320 BLUETEC which is diesel powered. Starting last Monday, few Californians can already drive the vehicle thru a special two-year/24,000-mile lease.
California is known to be one of the strictest states in terms of emission requirements banning diesel powered vehicles for ten years now. Having the bragging rights for the ��2007 World Green Car��, the Bluetec will pioneer the new breed of diesel vehicles; clean enough to pass California��s emission standards. The state had filed suits against automakers including General Motors, Toyota, Honda (makes Acura parts), Ford and the others to follow fuel efficiency and emission standards.
��In order to be able to provide the power and economy of diesel technology throughout the world, we had to make the diesel version as clean as the gasoline model. With BLUETEC, nitrogen oxides can be reduced to such an extent that our diesel vehicles will satisfy the strictest emission regulations in the world �C even in the future. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first manufacturer in the world to fully bring all exhaust gas components under control,�� said Dr. Leopold Mikulic, head of powertrain development at Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) plans to offer the E320 BLUETEC in all 50 American states and the limited-mileage lease program is the company��s first step to make the plan a reality.
According to Tom Cackette, executive director for the California Air Resources Board (CARB), ��The E320 is testimony to demanding nothing but the cleanest vehicles for California. Mercedes-Benz has developed a diesel emission control system that results in a car as clean as comparable gasoline vehicles being sold here. This vehicle has shed the reputation of diesel as a dirty technology. And we hope California has shed its anti-diesel reputation by certifying this vehicle as the first diesel passenger car to meet the most stringent smog emission standards in the world.��
MBUSA had been one of the pioneers of diesel technology in the United States, and after 40 years, the company continues to provide the American consumers with the best diesel powered vehicles not compromising performance and comfort. Diesel is another option for environmental friendly vehicles aside from the hybrids and the hydrogen fueled vehicles.
��We��re breaking new ground here as we pave the way for the return of the diesel to California,�� said Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of MBUSA. ��BLUETEC is the most promising technology for customers who want to get up to 20-40 percent higher fuel efficiency without sacrificing the performance and the driving characteristics they��re used to.�� According to Lieb, the California market plays a critical role in the comeback of the diesel: ��In addition to being one of the top automotive markets in the world, California has tremendous influence. We know we have quite a few loyal diesel buyers there who have been waiting for the opportunity to get back into a diesel, but we also want to tap into a new group of buyers who are interested in making their dollar go farther without compromising performance or their personal style.��
