Why is Europe so fond of diesels?

[james accordino]

--- Jon R Tetzloff <tetzloff at us.ibm.com> wrote:
> Sorry, but I gotta ask.   Why the diesel craze?
> I was brought up in the US and 'taught' that diesels
> make a horrible clattering racket, stink, pollute,
> get way
> lower power per cubic inch than a gasoline engine,
> and start worth crap in the cold.
> I realize that modern diesels are probably clean
> and quiet, etc, yet you still pretty much couldn't
> give
> away a diesel car in the US.
> Is the popularity in Europe a fuel cost thing, a
> mechanical simplicity thing, engine longevity,
> or what?
> I'm not trying to take sides or start any arguments,
> I am
> just curious why there's such a difference between
> the US and Europe here.
> thanks
> Jon
> 
It's a whole new generation of diesel engines. 
Everything you described as a negative, they now do
very well.  The longevity, economy, and fuel mileage
have always been there, only now they're also better. 
It's a win/win/win for them.

Jim Accordino