Interest Strong for Upcoming Jeep Liberty Diesel

Are North American New Vehicle Buyers Warming to Diesel Power?

Are North American new vehicle buyers ready for diesel engines? The technology has long been used for heavy-duty trucks, and

Modern common-rail, direct injection diesels, like that installed in Jeep's 2005 Liberty, are a far cry from the smelly old diesels of North America's past. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

made a brief stint in passenger cars that may have done more damage than good due to noisy, smoky and unreliable versions built by General Motors and installed in Cadillacs, GM's answer to Mercedes-Benz diesels of the '70s and early '80s.

Unlike owners of the poorly designed domestic diesels, those who lived with Mercedes and Volkswagen diesels swear by them. The same goes for those who purchase today's modern diesels, which in the case of Mercedes and VW incorporate common rail, direct injection technology for reduced noise, emissions and improved fuel economy. In todays auto market, which includes extremely high fuel costs and environmental concerns, modern diesels seem to be a smart alternative, despite the penalty of a high initial surcharge over their gasoline

Jeep's Liberty offers a very upscale interior, especially well executed compared to its domestic and imported rival. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

counterparts. But are the benefits of diesel intriguing enough to lure in North American buyers?

"We've had 30,000 hand-raisers" who have made contact with dealers about the vehicle in the first two weeks of September, Zetsche stated, according to a Detroit News report.

Jeep is taking a very different route in reducing fuel economy and therefore emissions than Ford, for instance. While the blue oval brand is introducing its Escape Hybrid, the first hybrid gasoline-electric (HEV) sport utility, the Liberty will be the first diesel-powered compact SUV available in North America, in recent times at least. Previously Toyota offered a diesel-powered Land Cruiser FJ40 and BJ70 in the compact SUV class, while Land Rover offered diesel-powered Defenders before the model was ever designated with military nameplate.