U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., left, and Mississippi State University researcher Marshall Molen inspect a diesel-electric-converted
2005 Chevrolet Equinox SUV.
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Recently released research is forecasting that advancements in clean diesel technology are likely to drive diesel into the
American automotive mainstream, overtaking sales of hybrid vehicles. Diesel already dominates a European marketplace beset
by high gasoline prices and tighter environmental regulations.
"The conditions may now be right for a big acceleration in diesel sales in the North American market," according to the Ricardo/UBS
research report "Is Diesel Set to Boom in the U.S.?" The study anticipates that diesels and hybrids will encompass 15 percent
of the U.S. light vehicle market by 2012, with sales of diesels outstripping gas hybrids by 1.5 million units versus 1.2 million.
"At present, hybrid gasoline technology appears to be the preferred route in the U.S., not least due to its attraction as
a visible badge of green awareness amongst higher income purchasers," the study states. Although numerous OEMs plan to launch
hybrid products over the next few years, the report highlights how "this technology faces substantial manufacturing cost penalties,
which are unlikely to be eroded even in mass production. Diesel has a clear cost advantage over hybrid, even when fitted with
the type of complex exhaust after-treatment technologies necessary to meet future, more stringent emissions regulations."
"Diesel passenger cars and light trucks are projected to grow substantially from a relatively small base in the U.S.," concurs
Dr. Walter Copan, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Clean Diesel Technologies Inc., which recently
licensed a key diesel engine development to Robert Bosch GmbH. "U.S. passenger car sales have less than 2 percent diesel market share today, whereas in Europe diesels are over 50 percent
because of the higher fuel costs and other taxes. The improved fuel economy and lower CO2 output of diesels, as well as their flexibility in using biofuels, makes the diesel an attractive power plant for future
mobility," Copan adds, noting that diesel hybrids are an especially enticing marketplace alternative.
Although diesel trucks are currently far more prevalent than diesel cars in this country, Copan believes the aftermarket supply
chain will readily adapt to the shift away from gas. "Service and repair parts will be made available through the usual channels.
As with any newer technology being applied, a service network including OEM dealers and aftermarket service will be made available,"
he says. "As diesel passenger cars grow in popularity, more technicians who are proficient in diesel repair will be required."
Bosch nixing NOx
The patents Bosch has agreed to license are for systems related to selective catalytic reduction, known as SCR. Copan explains
that SCR has been recognized as a leading technology for controlling oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions through a process that's both economically feasible and capable of meeting international environmental standards
now being implemented.
"In addition to providing a cost-effective control of NOx emissions, these inventions of Clean Diesel Technologies provide improved fuel economy, also contributing to reduced vehicle
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions," he says. "Products incorporating these emission control and fuel-efficiency
SCR technologies have been developed by Bosch and are likely to further gain in market acceptance."
"The North American and Asian markets offer enormous growth potential," according to a statement issued by Bosch. The company
says it "has made a decisive contribution to the success of the diesel vehicle, with its sporty dynamics, low emissions and
economical fuel consumption."
