BMW X1 Clean Diesel Bound for US?
BMW could bring a clean diesel version of the X1, its new compact crossover vehicle, to the US by 2011. The vehicle will go on sale in Europe this fall, where it will be offered as four separate models—three with a diesel system and one powered by gasoline.
BMW X1
“We’re hoping that by 2011, overall diesel sales will have ramped up in the US,” a source at BMW, who asked not to be named, told HybridCars.com. “If America starts to embrace diesel, it will allow us to market this vehicle with more confidence.” Unfortunately, BMW apparently does not expect a quick change of public sentiment regarding diesel. USA Today reports that BMW executives have been disappointed with sales of clean diesel vehicles to date. The persistent hurdles for diesel have been the higher cost—both for fuel and the vehicles—and a nagging public perception that diesel fuel is dirty, expensive, and hard to find.
BMW and fellow German car makers, including Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen, are pushing forward into the US diesel market. Yet, all six of the main US car sellers—General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and Nissan—have dropped or delayed plans to introduce diesel cars into the North American market.
BMW currently offers two 50-state clean diesel vehicles—the BMW 335d sedan and BMW X5 xDrive35d SUV, carrying hefty price tags of ,725 and ,025 respectively. The 335d, which provides a city/highway average fuel economy rating of 29 mpg, is eligible for an “alternative vehicle” credit of 0. The X5 xDrive35d, with an average rating of 23 mpg, qualifies for a ,550 tax credit.
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