The Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Expo in Las Vegas that I mentioned in an earlier post is wrapping up and participants have expressed excitement about sustainable fuel choices. Supporters of clean diesel for example, say the fuel offers more power, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Gale Banks, chief executive officer of Gale Banks Engineering, says clean diesel turns conventional diesel thinking on its head.
“With clean diesel power, drivers can have approximately 30 percent better fuel economy and 50 percent more torque, as well as reduce emissions by up to 25 percent, when compared to gasoline-powered passenger car engines. With clean diesel no longer are fuel economy and performance mutually exclusive,” Banks said.
A long-time diesel enthusiast, Banks speaks from experience. His 50-year-old, 200-employee engineering firm has built its business around supplying performance parts to the recreational vehicle and aftermarket industry. His high-performance vehicles include a diesel-powered pickup that reached a record 217 miles per hour at the Bonneville Salt Flats while achieving 24 miles per gallon driving home at more moderate speeds.
Bosch is a leading supplier of automotive technologies and the developer of the common rail diesel injection system. As concerns grow over the environment and fuel economy, clean diesel technology provides an alternative for consumers and automakers. Bosch estimates the North American market for light-diesel vehicles will reach 15 percent of new vehicle sales by 2015… Bosch’s advances in diesel technology have helped position the company as a leader in powertrain development and a factor in motor sports. Bosch sponsors the American Le Mans Series champion Audi R10 TDI race team.
Various news sources have reported that more and more auto manufacturers will be offering clean diesel vehicles. Acura, Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Ford and General Motors are expected to join Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and VW in clean diesel technology. The growth in clean diesel options has led to vehicles on the market today that meet emissions standards in all 50 states.