Mercedes Ponders Diesel’s Future in U.S.
Daimler AG is certifying a handful of 2017 model diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the American market.
Daimler AG is certifying a handful of 2017 model diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the American market. But slumping demand for diesels has prompted the company to consider future cutbacks or phasing out diesels entirely in the U.S.
Mercedes is still certifying diesels for its GLS large crossover, GLC and GLE midsize crossovers and C-Class sedan. The process is taking longer than usual because of more stringent test procedures in the wake of Volkswagen AG’s admission in September 2015 that it rigged its diesels to cheat on certification tests.
Matthias Luehrs, who heads sales and product management for the Mercedes-Benz brand in the American market, tells Automotive News no decision has been made. But he suggests the engine’s future is dim unless demand for diesels improves.
That has not been the case so far. Diesel sales, which in recent years averaged roughly 5,000 units per months, plunged to fewer than 800 units in the fourth quarter last year, according to The Wall Street Journal. Demand has continued to evaporate this year.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Jeeps Modified for Moab
On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.
-
When Automated Production Turning is the Low-Cost Option
For the right parts, or families of parts, an automated CNC turning cell is simply the least expensive way to produce high-quality parts. Here’s why.
-
on lots of electric trucks. . .Grand Highlander. . .atomically analyzing additive. . .geometric designs. . .Dodge Hornet. . .
EVs slowdown. . .Ram’s latest in electricity. . .the Grand Highlander is. . .additive at the atomic level. . .advanced—and retro—designs. . .the Dodge Hornet. . .Rimac in reverse. . .