General Motors Explores Diesel

This item is headed by a misleading tag line.

General Motors has been a world leader in diesel technology for many years - however, that is with GMs European and Japanese car companies. We have been using diesel within GM operations for more than 30 years, and in Europe many countries sell more than 50 % diesel.

Eventually the U.S. consumer will realize that a diesel car is a more pleasant car to drive AND has considerable environmental benefits.

....and it catches fire a loss less easily in an accident!! Does not produce anywhere near as much heavy vapours that sit in holes waiting to be ignited etc etc etc.....

I have had 5 diesel cars, its the best, especially if you have a trailer to tow!!

Heck yeah! The US needs to get back on the bus and accept diesel.

I'd imagine if the Prius used a diesel, it would get 80-90 MPG! A broken in VW TDI gets 55MPG highway.

Not to mention they are fast as hell. I've got a Ford Powerstroke that can beat most anything on the road in regards to acceleration. With the Americans obsession with power, dominance, and road rage, diesels will deliver!

Yes I drive well run 97000miles - VW Passat 1900 TDi and the average over the last 3000 miles is 55.3 miles per Imperial Gallon.

When my wife drives it - a litttle more gently - it has given over 61 mpg over 1500 miles.

Diesel and diesel hybrids are the short term way forward.

My problem with Diesel's is 5 years down the line when it's not been serviced, and is now pumping out clouds of particles. We have stringent emission laws that are enforced every year over here, what about the states?

Get an exhaust filter fitted, many companies in Germany produce for VW Diesel engines....you just need to search on the web....

What, as an alternative to having the engine run cleanly?

...as well as......!!!!!!

A badly tuned engine uses more fuel generally......

Aha! Thats the point, if it's looked after, you don't need it.

True. The US has ever increasing emission standards. Actually California leads the pack and their laws seem to filter down everywhere else (slowly.) I live in Mass and our laws mirror those in CA. Thats why new diesel cars cannot be sold here and limited numbers in other states.

Word is, with the 15ppm sulphur diesel plus better emissions equipment they will meet the levels allowing them to be sold without restriction once again.

The problem with that (I'd imagine) is without (expensive) maintenance, the emission equipment will clog up and cause problems of their own. Therefore the solution many will follow will be to remove this equipment. For inspections one could reinstall it or use countermeasures that fool the inspection machine.

OK, but what I'm not clear on is this - you've got your car through the initial standards test and can sell it. Are there any tests done to the vehicle after it's on the road, such as our MOT test (Ministry of Transport) that is carried out after the vehicle is 3 years old, and then every year thereafter. Without this test certificate, you cannot get car tax and are not insured.

Yes, every state (we'll almost every state) in the US requires a safety and emissions test annually or bi-annually. Cars are only tested against the laws for that particular model year. The foolish part is that with this testing equipment doesn't actually sniff the exhaust like it did on pre-OBD cars but asks the cars computer if emissions are within range.

The easy way to cheat the system is to filter the data at the source, thus fooling the system! I guess not everyone will be that cleaver.

Funny thing, all the import manufacturers are making these (gas) cars that beat the requirements by a long shot. Then Ford and GM and filing suits to relax these standards. Like what I've read in another dissussion, the American manufacturers really need to get their heads out of the sand!

Absalutely!......I was just wondering if any of their engineers subscribe to this site....anyone?