Diesels aren't dirty anymore

Mercedes E320 BLUETEC was named the "2007 World Green Car" at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
from CNN.com

(AOL Autos) -- Not too long ago, uttering the phrase "diesel engine" was enough to elicit a wince from car buyers whose memories of previous-generation diesels often consisted of knocking engine noise, that distinctly-diesel fragrance, and plumes of blue smoke curling from the tailpipe.

No more, however. Most of the new generation of diesel engines are being touted, and rightly so, as "clean diesel" power plants. They run on the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel that became available in the United States in October of 2006. Experts predict that diesel sales will increase by about 300 percent over the next 10 years. That's partly because diesel engines generally deliver anywhere from 20 to 40 percent better fuel economy than gasoline-powered engines, depending on the vehicle and engine size.

So, these days, diesel engines are one of the contenders in the so-called green-driving sweepstakes: the efforts of automakers to find the best solution to the problems of high-carbon fuel emissions. As more and more consumers become more environmentally conscious, the decision to go with greener fuel sources isn't just altruism, it's also good business.

Read more>>