Europeans were also skeptical about diesel engines at first, but things have changed a lot from the days of the Golf D, and now about half of all cars run on this fuel. This is largely forced upon consumers, as the increasing price of fuel is funneling them towards ever more frugal cars. Now the US is starting to adopt diesel-engined cars.
And so we’re not surprised that General Motors needed to tap on its European know-how in order to develop the Chevrolet Cruze diesel sedan. As a result, the US market engine is being co-developed with the help of GM’s center in Torino, Italy. Meanwhile, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components.
“The market for diesel cars in the U.S. is small at present, but is expected to grow due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and expected increases in gas prices,” said Mike Omotoso, powertrain analyst at LMC Automotive. “So far, the German automakers haven’t had any diesel car competition in North America. GM could do well with it, particularly with younger buyers who don’t have the old prejudices against diesel.”
“The market for diesel cars in the U.S. is small at present, but is expected to grow due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and expected increases in gas prices,” said Mike Omotoso, powertrain analyst at LMC Automotive. “So far, the German automakers haven’t had any diesel car competition in North America. GM could do well with it, particularly with younger buyers who don’t have the old prejudices against diesel.”