Mercedes To Introduce Cleanest Diesel SUV In The U.S.

June 24, 2008

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Mercedes-Benz has announced it is ready to introduce the R, ML and GL 320 SUVs equipped with Mercedes’ BlueTEC technology in the U.S. The company says that the vehicles are the most economical full-size SUV in the U.S. – the GL 320, gets 25 mpg, the company says.

Here’s a video of Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche discussing the future of diesel engines in U.S. Mercedes models.

The cars will also be the world’s first that not only meet the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfill the future EU6 standard, according to Mercedes.

In the V6 diesel engines in the new R, ML and GL 320 models, an aqueous urea solution the company calls AdBlue is injected into the exhaust, which releases ammonia, 80 percent of which a converter reduces to harmless nitrogen and water.

Daimler also announced that it will introduce an electric Mercedes and an electric Smart car in 2010, AFP reports.

Daimler is also introducing its “Blue Efficiency” initiative that aims to cut fuel use in passenger cars by up to 12 percent, starting with 20 models this year, Reuters reports. The company says the measures will include lowering roll resistance of tires, improving aerodynamics and increasing engine efficiency.

Last year, Mercedes launched an international advertising campaign to focus on sustainability. The first print ads featured the E 300 BLUETEC. The company said that the sustainability campaign would be extended in mid-2008 to include additional vehicles.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments