Modern, Clean Diesel Technology Made Better with Biodiesel, DaimlerChrysler Executive Says
08 Septembre 2006 - 6:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
* Diesel Seen as Key to Nation's Energy, Economic and Environmental
Solutions * Biodiesel, Coupled with Advanced Diesel Technologies,
Addresses Health Impacts of Automobiles * Today's Diesels Reduce
Particulate Emissions By 80 percent; Biodiesel Cuts Levels Another
15 Percent or More WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Modern, clean diesel engines will be a cornerstone of America's
energy solutions, and clean, renewable biodiesel fuel will be
critical to the success of diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S.
market, a DaimlerChrysler executive says. DaimlerChrysler will
continue to expand its lineup of diesel-powered vehicles in the
coming months, at the same time it broadens its programs to educate
the American public on the benefits of home-grown biodiesel fuel.
"Diesel will be good for America, and biodiesel makes diesel
better," said Loren Beard, Senior Manager - Fuels for
DaimlerChrysler in Auburn Hills, Michigan. "Emissions of
particulates -- an important issue in congested urban areas -- can
be reduced more than 80 percent with modern, clean diesel engines
running on biodiesel." Beard addressed a conference on the fuel
savings, air quality, and health benefits of biodiesel in
Washington, D.C., today, hosted by capital-area chapters of the
American Lung Association and the National Biodiesel Board. Beard
reported that B20 (20 percent biodiesel blended in conventional
diesel fuel) can reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 15
percent. Technology advances in the past two decades have improved
the power, performance, efficiency and emissions of diesel engines.
As a result, today's modern, clean diesel engines produce 80
percent reduction in particulate emissions and 70 percent reduction
in NOx emissions at the same time providing 50 percent more power
and 30 percent more torque -- which we experience as "pickup" or
performance. DaimlerChrysler will market five diesel-powered
passenger vehicles in the U.S. in 2007: Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD
sport-utility vehicle with 3.0-liter diesel engine; Mercedes-Benz
E320 luxury sedan with 3.0-liter engine and BlueTec emissions
technology; and three new Mercedes-Benz utility vehicles, R320 CDI,
ML320 CDI, and GL320 CDI. In addition, the Dodge Ram pickup and
Dodge Sprinter van are also equipped with diesel engines for the
U.S. market. Beard noted that diesel vehicles have significant
environmental and consumer benefits compared with gasoline
vehicles: * An average of 30 percent better fuel economy; * Up to
20 percent less emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas; *
Increased performance, range and towing capability; and * Longer
life and increased resale value. According to the U.S. EPA, if the
U.S. had a light-duty fleet that was one-third diesel, the country
would reduce its oil consumption by up to 1.4 million barrels of
oil per day. That is equivalent to the amount of oil the U.S.
imports daily from Saudi Arabia. "Use of biodiesel extends the
benefits of diesel technology," Beard said. Biodiesel significantly
reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions from diesel vehicles,
because plants absorb carbon dioxide during growth. Tailpipe
emissions are also lower with biodiesel. In addition to its
environmental benefits, biodiesel reduces dependence on oil and
supports the U.S. agricultural economy. If B5 (5% biodiesel blended
in conventional diesel fuel) were used in all diesel fuel for
on-road use in the U.S., it would reduce fuel consumption by 1.85
billion gallons, the amount of fuel made from all oil imports from
Iraq. DaimlerChrysler is promoting use of biodiesel fuel through
several programs: * The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, like its
predecessor the Jeep Liberty CRD, will be delivered to customers
running on B5 biodiesel fuel. * The Dodge Ram diesel is also
approved for use with B5 fuel. This fall, DaimlerChrysler will
begin testing B20 biodiesel fuel in the Ram with its commercial,
government and military fleet customers. * DaimlerChrysler is
working with Michigan State University researchers, the U.S. EPA,
the State of Michigan, NextEnergy, the Detroit-based research
organization, and the National Biodiesel Board to develop better
biodiesel fuel crops. "As our President & CEO Tom LaSorda has
pointed out, biofuels are proof that at least part of the solution
to our energy, environment and national security issues can be
homegrown," Beard said. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Max
Gates, +1-248-512-2688, , or Kristin Tyll, +1-248-512-1954, , both
of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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