...
actually..... diesels don't, and won't catch on in the US (in cars, anyway) due to two major factors. At least according to GM.
One: US Emissions regulations on diesel engines are STRICT....to quote Bob Lutz: "you have to carry a chemical factory on your car to meet them[standards]". This makes the fuel economy benefit drop from roughly 30% to roughly 20%. And costs roughly $4000-$6000 more than a comparable gas engine.
Two: That fuel economy benefit is negated by higher fuel prices. Diesel is (on average) 20% more expensive than gasoline...
Again to quote Bob Lutz, "you just can't...can not...make a solid case for diesel in the US auto market."
Bottom line, it is cost-prohibitive to do
mainstream diesel in the USA. That's not to say trucks can't make advantage of the torque and longevity, nor do I expect there to
never be an American-made diesel car...it's just very unlikely.
The reason it works in Europe is because they have a
vastly different automotive culture than the US. In terms of fuel taxation and emissions regulation to the afore mentioned impression of diesel. All of the above is flip-flopped. Diesel is cheaper in Europe, emissions standards are more forgiving in Europe...people don't fear diesel in Europe...
