Merc and VW to develop diesel technology

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Germans collaborate to meet emissions standards
US to get clean diesel technology first
Europe to follow in 2008

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Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen-Audi are to collaborate on developing clean diesel technology systems that can meet the world's toughest emissions standards.

They aim to establish an industry benchmark for highly efficient diesel cars while at the same time bringing down development costs and reducing the dependency on imported oil.

The move, announced on the eve of the Los Angeles Motor Show, will allow both car groups to develop their own technologies under the Bluetec label introduced by Mercedes at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show.

Mercedes says it is sharing the technology because the need to reduce global emissions 'extends far beyond the business interests of individual companies'. Other manufacturers will be allowed to join in as long as they share the same goals.

America will benefit from the new clean diesel technology first, with Europe likely to follow from 2008. Mercedes launched its first Bluetec car, based on the E320 CDI, in America last month and has pledged to add Bluetec versions of the R, M and GL in around 18 months.

Audi and VW will have Bluetec models on sale in America within a similar timeframe. Both have said they will follow Mercedes in bringing the technology to Europe, but cannot be specific about when this will happen.

Bluetec is the name given to diesel engines with exhaust treatment systems that can meet the strictest emissions standards on the planet.

There are two seemingly contradictory systems under development – one that employs an extra exhaust catalyst to reduce soot particulates, necessary to meet American requirements, and another that uses an additive to cut greenhouse gases, which are the major source of concern for European governments. However both Mercedes and VW-Audi believe this apparent clash of interests can be resolved as the technology is developed.