BMW and Honda Slated to Bring Diesel to North American Markets by 2007

DaimlerChrysler, the same automaker that builds Jeep via its North American division Chrysler Group, also offers the smart

The smart fortwo is so thrifty, at 3.9 L/100 km in the city and 3.1 L/100 km on the highway, that Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell plans to add it to a list of hybrids which are expected to enjoy half-price parking benefits as a promotion to push fuel efficiency among commuters. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

fortwo in Canada, powered only by a rear-mounted diesel engine. The car is so thrifty, at 3.9 L/100 km in the city and 3.1 L/100 km on the highway, that Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell, who just traded in his Toyota Prius loaner for one of the trendy little microcars, plans to add it to a list of hybrids which are expected to enjoy half-price parking benefits as a promotion to push fuel efficiency among commuters to the downtown core (see automotive news for Apr 15, 2005: Ford Delivers First Fuel Cell Cars to Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program).

Eyeing opportunity, BMW looks ready to return to the North American market with a revised line of turbocharged direct-injection diesels for 2007; the automaker previously offered a diesel-powered 5-Series dubbed 524td in the mid-'80s.

Honda, which has never offered a diesel-powered vehicle in North America, but recently set 19 world records with its

Honda set 19 world records with its diesel powered Accord 2.2i-CDTi Sport. (Photo: Honda Canada)

diesel-powered European Accord (see automotive news for May 28, 2004: Honda Sets 19 World Records with Accord 2.2i-CDTi Sport), feels it can do well in North America with its performance-oriented diesel lineup.

Time will only tell if diesel powerplants become as popular in North America as they are in Europe, where the alternatively fuelled engines are fast becoming the majority sold. Even premium automakers such as BMW are selling nearly half of their vehicles with diesel power. BMW only has two vehicles within its European lineup that don't offer diesel engines.