#Diesels

Automakers around the world are under intense pressure to cut the amount of fuel their vehicles consume and the byproducts expelled from tailpipes. True to form, Mazda is going its own way.

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Only two brands have been given the green light to sell diesel vehicles in the U.S. for the 2017 model year. 

On the eve of the Detroit Motor Show, Land Rover has announced it will offer diesel engine options on two of its models, but that is only the start.

Gas-powered vehicles will remain dominant on the road in 2040 according to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Agency.

Fuel economy and environmental concerns are pushing 31 percent of new car shoppers to consider diesel-powered cars, a survey recently found.

With a heavy heart the staff of AutoGuide.com say goodbye to 2012, along with its triumphs and tragedies. We await the New Year with open arms, and welcome its promise of a better world.

A whole slew of new diesel-powered cars have been announced for the U.S. recently, and to help them gain mainstream acceptance, six German automotive companies are teaming up to start the “Clean Diesel. Clearly Better,” campaign, which hopes to educate Americans on diesel technology.

Demand for diesel-powered passenger cars is growing in the U.S., though it’s still a fraction of the market — a trend Bosch boss Peter Marks sees accelerating in the future.

Volkswagen will look to bring to market high-performance diesel models under the newly formed R performance division. In an interview with Autoblog, Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter, the man in charge or Vee-Dub R has confirmed as much, telling the outlet that, “The future is diesel and all-wheel-drive.”

For European automakers, diesels may rule the road back at home, but they’ve had a challenge convincing North American consumers to adopt the gasoline alternative. And if that’s considered an uphill battle, selling diesel cars in Japan, the land of the hybrid, is a virtual Mount Everest. To date, BMW has never offered a diesel model in Japan, but that will all change at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Recognized each year at the LA Auto Show, the finalists for the 2012 Green Car of the Year award have been released, spanning the gamut of possible alternative fuel vehicles. The nominee include the Ford Focus Electric, the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, the Mitsubishi i, the Toyota Prius v and the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI.

Chevrolet’s decision to offer a diesel-powered Cruze compact in the U.S. is a sign that GM is testing the waters to see how American’s react to the gasoline alternative. Chrysler, says company CEO Sergio Marchionne, has much more ambitious goals for the often-criticized fuel.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain 2011 and 2012 Mercedes BlueTec diesel may have a possible fuel leak, which can actually lead to fires.

Chevrolet will begin selling a diesel version of its new Cruze compact sedan starting in 2012. Currently the car is available with two gasoline engines, but according to GMInsideNews, sources at the Lordstown, Ohio plant that builds the car are confirming the diesel model will arrive for the 2013 model year, with sales starting some time in 2012.