[Vwdiesel] TDI- detuned European...

[Scott Kair]

    In addition to fuel issues, perhaps the decision by MB and VW to limit
what Diesel engines are shipped here is related to the difference in focus
of emissions regs between the US and the EU.  It's been awhile since we
looked into it, but IIRC, the European regs were aimed more towards reducing
greenhouse gasses while ours were focused more towards reducing particulates
and low-level ozone emissions.
    If that's still the case, it would require developing two separate
emissions control systems per engine.  Given the market share of Diesel
engines in the US, corporate may have decided that the r&d investment in the
US system might not achieve sufficient return, especially in view of
possible litigation involving fuel issues. And with Diesel sales in the EU
amounting to 30-40% of all new cars vs. 5-10% (?) here, why bother?
    We're also still in the vicious circle of Diesels don't sell in America,
so there's no promotion & advertising, so Diesels don't sell in America.
    Scott Kair