As I have mentioned in my previous posts......German auto manufacturers are planning to flood the U.S. with diesels and diesel/hybrid vehicles. The other side of the equation is whether U.S. buyers will buy these green vehicles. Many manufacturers have doubts that buyers will flood new car dealer showrooms to purchase green vehicles. The main factor that will improve sales of diesels or green vehicles is the price of fuel.Mercedes is bringing out the new 2010 E-class to the U.S. with the 3.5 liter V-6 and the 5.5 liter V-8. It is testing the waters in the U.S. to see if buyers are ready for a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder turbo-diesel version of the its popular E-class. The E-class was selected for the 2.5 liter since Mercedes wanted to meet the new CAFE standards in the U.S. without downsizing vehicles.
At the 2009 New York Auto Show , Mercedes introduced the E250 BlueTEC, a diesel concept designed specifically for North America. This model is powered by a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel which produces 204 hp. when compared to the E320 BlueTec V-6’s 211 hp and 398 lb-ft figures.hp and 369 lbs.-ft. of torque.
The 2.5 liter motor is currently available in Europe and around the world. The diesel motor features some high tech features as high-pressure common-rail direct injection and twin Lanchester balance shafts for smooth operation. The only transmission is a 7-speed automatic.
The emissions system has been changed to meet stringent U.S. emission laws, the E250 BlueTEC uses a particulate trap, two catalytic converters plus an AdBlue urea injection system to reduce NOX emissions.
The car is equipped with a 25 liter tank for urea(component of urine), which is scheduled to be replenished at about 15,000 miles. If the tank is not replenished after a short period after the urea is empty.....then the vehicle will not start.
Mercedes line of diesels (Bluetec) will qualify for the federal alternative powertrain tax credit. This credit was only for hybrid vehicles, but it has been changed to allow diesel vehicles. A decision has been made that the diesels meet the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit standards of the IRS. The credits vary based on the vehicle.
Pricing has not been announced for this vehicle!
SUMMARY:
The Mercedes E250 BlueTec should be a great green machine. This should allow someone to drive a green luxury car with great mileage...without sacrificing driving dynamics. Based upon the horsepower....the E250d will be slightly slower than the E350d which has a respectable 0-60 times. They have not announced the speed and braking information.
If fuel goes over $4.00 per USG these vehicles will sell like hot cakes!
Hello Peter,
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the diesel cost at the time that the gas prices are going sky high. Last year they both went sky high. It may not be good for both again this year. Cafe Standards are going to make a big difference on a lot of things, for the most part the cost of cars to go up in cost.
Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Hi Dan & Deanna,
ReplyDeleteYour point is well taken...but I do think that diesel automobiles are a better solution to high gas prices.
Currently, diesel powertrains are a more cost effective solution than hybrids....until they bring the cost of hybrids down with mass production.
The price of diesel in Southern California is about .30 cents cheaper than regular grade gasoline. If I were going to purchase a new car in the short term....I would take a look at the diesels first.
Diesels are a short term solution to the energy shortage....long term electric cars will make the most sense. Thank you for your thought provoking comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete .. it'll be interesting to see how the Mercedes does .. in 2010 .. and to see what else the governments need to do to keep the car market active ..
ReplyDeleteThanks
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteWe are watching the battle of the titans...Japan with hybrids vs the Germans with diesels. If gasoline prices increase as anticipated...I suspect both will sell a lot of cars.
As a car enthusiast, I view the diesel solution as better drivers choice and a cost effective solution.
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
What about that urea??
ReplyDeleteevery 15 K miles sounds steep since they will change us arm and a leg to refill it since the car won't start .....
How much for that refill ????? ... I have been looking and found nothing ...
Somewhere else I read that you have to refill it every 10K miles.
Hmmmmm
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteDetails are still sketchy.....so the 15K mileage may be 10K. Mercedes uses the term normal service intervals....so we will find out when the car comes out!
My understanding of the replacement cost of the urea is about $3-4 per liter. Initially, only the dealer will have the urea but it should be available at parts stores later.
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Peter, it would seem to me that, GM has been short sighted when it comes to hybrids.. I have a 2008 Vue hybrid, (which isnt really a hybrid) however running 40lbs psi in my tires, I get consistently 25mpg in the city and 32+ on the highway, with a 3800 lb car. Why can they use same system (or the two mode) hook it to a 4 cyl with a 6 or 7 speed transmission, cut the weight and produce a vechile that Americans want.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI cannot agree with you more....GM has been very mismanaged and shortsighted. That is why they ended up in bankruptcy! Their products have been improving over the last couple of years.
I am very interested in the Chevrolet Volt concept...read my 7/29 post. Also, 2010 Chevrolet Equinox post on 7/28 showed a 21/30 EPA rating without use of a hybrid or diesel.
Currently, they are going thru a major reorganization so I am optimistic that they will improve. They do not have a choice...otherwise they will be out of business.
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
i love this car. very stunning.
ReplyDelete