Chevrolet confirmed on July 22 that, in 2013, it will add a diesel model to its Cruze lineup in North America. It will be the first Chevy offered with a diesel engine in the United States since the 1980s, when diesel was an option on the Chevette subcompact.
According to the Diesel Technology Forum—a Maryland-based non-profit organization—diesels engines are 20 percent to 40 percent more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts.
The Detroit automaker did not release any other details involving the vehicle, but The Associated Press earlier this month – citing two anonymous sources -- reported the popular U.S. vehicle in a diesel version could get to around 50 miles per gallon.
Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions, including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway; while Volt—the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year—offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range.
The availability of a new diesel version of the well-received Chevrolet Cruze will be "a huge step forward" in the growth of clean diesel automobile availability in the United States, according to Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.
The move comes as the U.S. Obama Administration considers more-stringent fuel-economy standards. The Administration wants to hike the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standard from the 2016 target of 35.5 mpg to 56 mpg by 2025. Passenger car requirements have remained unchanged at 27.5 mpg since 1985, drawing complaints from environmental groups.
According to General Motors Cruze sales have surged since its launch in September 2010, when it replaced the Chevrolet Cobalt. Chevrolet sold 122,972 Cruze units during the first half of the year, nearly 60 percent more than the number of Cobalts sold during the same period in 2010.
GM says the Cruze has increased its share of the U.S. compact car market from 9.5 percent a year ago to 11.9 percent during the first five months of this year. Cruze’s main competitors in the U.S. market include the Honda (News - Alert) Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.
“The success of the Cruze illustrates what is possible when you listen to your customers,” said Mary Barra, senior vice president, GM Global Product Development
"In just its first year, the Cruze has proven to be extremely popular with American drivers," Schaeffer said. "In June, it was the best-selling car in the United States, and [it] has exceeded sales of more than 20,000 per month since February.
There are currently 22 diesel cars and light trucks available in the America—and, in addition to the new Cruze, there are more on the way. Volkswagen is starting production on the new model Passat TDI diesel vehicle in its new Chattanooga, Tennessee plant; and Mazda has announced that it will become the first Asian automaker to introduce a new clean diesel auto in North America, known as SKYACTIV-D.
There are also a number of reports, according to Schaeffer, that Nissan and other car makers may be planning to unveil new diesels in North America.
In Europe, almost 50 percent of new car sales are diesel autos. However, in the United States, diesels account for slightly more than 3 percent of all car and light truck sales.
Diesel versions of the Cruze are currently sold in Europe, according to Chevrolet. GM and other U.S.-based automakers have been reluctant to bring diesel engines to the States until recently, for fear that people wouldn't pay extra for them.
Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
