Washington Post reports on the rapidly emerging market for green autos, including diesel.
Mercedes-Benz is betting on luxury diesel sedans. Diesels emit 15 to 20 percent less carbon dioxide per mile than gas-powered vehicles, when taking into account the fuel production. Mercedes’s E320 BlueTec diesel sedan ($52,000 sticker price) gets 32 miles per gallon on the highway and 23 in the city.
Diesel models are a tricky option for the earth-conscious, however. Although they cut down on emissions of global-warming gasses, their dirty exhaust has long been a top public-health concern. Auto companies think they can overcome these challenges with better engine technology and cleaner fuel. European nations have moved to diesels to meet carbon dioxide reduction targets. Volkswagen, BMW and Honda have all pledged to expand their diesel lineups in the U.S. market.
Susan Gayle of Arlington bought an E-320 diesel in January. The 51-year-old financial services executive had promised herself that her next car would be better for the environment.
“Maybe its my age or just having a grandson,” Gayle said. “He’s almost 2. I hope the resources are there so he’s able to drive and the other natural resources are in good condition — the water and the air. I really didn’t think about it before until recently.”
Gayle says she ignored the warnings and horror stories from friends about diesels — difficulty in finding diesel pumps, the slow starts and the noise. “I’m finding it’s not hard to find the fuel,” she said. “They don’t make noise, and they start up right.”
