Mercedes-Benz Intends to Offer BLUETEC for 50 US-States in 2008
Diesel M-, R- and GL-Class SUVs First to Meet Stringent BIN5 Certification
MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz today announced
that it intends to offer BLUETEC diesel-powered versions of its popular M-,
R- and GL-Class sport-utility vehicles in the United States beginning in CY
2008. Delivering a perfect balance of power, fuel economy and range, the
new BLUETEC SUVs are set to be the world's first diesel-powered vehicles to
meet the Environmental Protection Agency's stringent BIN5 emissions
standards for all 50 states.
Developed by Mercedes-Benz, BLUETEC represents the world's cleanest
diesel technology and showcases several state-of-the-art engine and exhaust
technologies, allowing the luxury manufacturer to offer their customers
powerful SUV's which are fuel efficient and environmentally responsible at
the same time. BLUETEC technology is especially important in helping to
reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Beginning in CY 2008, BLUETEC M-, R- and
GL-Class vehicles will showcase AdBlue injection, a process that adds
precisely measured quantities of a urea-based solution into the exhaust
stream to help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80 percent.
Today's announcement represents a significant step for the future
acceptance of diesel vehicles in the U.S. market, which can contribute to
significant fuel savings and a reduction in oil imports. This fact was
confirmed in a study by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2004. Margo
Oge, head of its Office of Transportation and Air Quality, concluded that
if only one-third of all light-duty trucks in the U.S. were operated with
modern diesel engines, the country would save 1.4 million barrels of oil
per day -- equal to the amount of oil the U.S. currently imports from Saudi
Arabia.
High Performance, Impressive Mileage and Extensive Range
The BLUETEC M-, R- and GL-Class are the latest additions to the
Mercedes- Benz line-up of clean diesel vehicles. Poised to make its
showroom debut in October 2006, the Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC
luxury sedan offers outstanding driving dynamics, unprecedented efficiency and
impressive environmental compatibility. Its powerful 3.0-liter V6
turbodiesel engine combines the powerful torque of a large V8 engine with
the low fuel consumption of a four- cylinder compact. Additionally, the
E320 BLUETEC is the only diesel-powered vehicle in the U.S. certified to
meet BIN8 emissions standards.
About MBUSA
MBUSA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J., is responsible for the sales,
marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the
United States. In 2005, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 224,421
new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and
achieving twelve consecutive years of sales growth. More information on
MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com and
http://www.maybachusa.com.
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA