New Diesel Technology Could Change The Industry.

Since General Motors’ failed experiment with diesel in the early ’80s, Americans have seen diesel as dirty. But that may be about to change, as government regulations take effect this month, bringing new diesel technology to the market.

As of Oct. 15, ultra-low sulfur diesel is available nationwide, containing 97 percent less sulfur than the old low-sulfur diesel. And in 2007, automakers will be required to produce diesel engines that are as clean as their gasoline counterparts. The new regulations are expected to prevent about 8,000 premature deaths, 1.5million lost work days and 360,000 asthma attacks each year.

While that’s good news for your health, it’s not so good for your wallet. The EPA estimated the new diesel to cost about four to five cents more per gallon, but in reality, it’s more like 20 cents more. Not only that, but shipping costs across the board are expected to rise, due to the new fuel’s impact on the trucking industry.

The new regulations have also put a strain on automakers. Volkswagen has been forced to drop its TDI line for 2007, and Daimler-Chrysler is no longer offering a diesel Jeep Liberty this year.

But that only amounts to a bump in the road for diesel vehicles. In the long run, tougher regulations might be a blessing in disguise for automakers, who until now have been unable to sell diesel vehicles in many states, such as California. This has played a big role in keeping diesel out of the market. For example, BMW offers their full line as diesels in Europe, but has said that state restrictions have kept them from bringing them to the American market. Being able to sell diesels in all fifty states has drawn the attention of automakers. Volkswagen is expecting to release new diesel models for 2008, and General Motors and Honda are both expected to release diesel models in the next few years. Ford has been testing a diesel model of the Focus. In fact, J.D. Power and Associates expects diesel light sale vehicles to rise by about seven percent in the next decade.

If you already have a diesel, and aren’t planning to upgrade any time soon, don’t worry. The new diesel will run just fine in your existing engine, and is actually expected to lower maintenance costs.

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