European diesel technology jumps pond

InTech, Nov 2006

New technologies typically breed opportunities for automation and control applications, and such is the case as ultralow-sulfur diesel fuel comes to U.S. fuel pumps.

The Wall Street Journal reported the move opens the door for automakers to expand the use of European diesel technology in U.S. cars and light trucks.

The Bush administration and the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group, hailed the expected arrival of ultralow-sulfur diesel fuels and the potential for modern diesel engines to use such fuels to help the U.S. reduce its oil consumption.

The new diesel contains 97% less sulfur than the old version, officials said, emitting only 15 parts per million of sulfur, compared with 500 parts per million.

Automakers-particularly those that have made substantial investments in diesel-engine technology for Europe-are gearing up to try to take advantage of the arrival of ultralow-sulfur diesel fuel in the U.S., the world's largest single auto market.

The exhaust-scrubbing technology automakers have developed to attack the soot and other pollutants that tarnished diesel's reputation in the U.S. needs almost sulfur-free fuel to work properly.

DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz brand started selling its diesel-powered E320 Bluetec sedan in 45 states starting in late October.

Mercedes said it would offer further Bluetec models that will meet standards in all 50 states as early as 2008. Volkswagen AG, currently the top seller of diesel-engine passenger cars in the U.S., plans to offer new diesel models in 2008 that will meet emissions standards in all states.

Other automakers, including Japan's Honda Motor Co. and U.S. market leader General Motors Corp., have recently announced plans to offer clean-running light-vehicle diesels for the U.S. market over the next two to three years.

Ultralow-sulfur diesel will be the only diesel fuel allowed in America beginning in 2010.

Environmental Protection Agency officials also predicted significant long-term health benefits, including $150 billion in annual health-care and welfare-related savings and 20,000 fewer premature deaths each year.

Now, Americans could see more diesel engines in passenger cars. Researchers at J.D. Power & Associates predict diesel sales will nearly triple in the next 10 years because of the engine's fuel efficiency-typically 20% to 40% more miles per gallon than aasoline enaines.