Is it time for diesel hybrids in the US?

Why not diesel hybrids, such as the 508 RXH?

If you’re gonna build ‘em anyway, why not send a few across the pond?

Already several hybrid and plug-in hybrid concepts and production vehicles have been revealed ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show, and one of the latest reveals is the production-ready Peugeot 508 RXH diesel hybrid. For now the 200 hp, 56 mpg RXH hybrid is set for a Spring European launch, with no plans for a US appearance.

Nevertheless, with diesel share making small gains in the US, isn’t a diesel hybrid like the RXH worth a try?

To be certain, in some US markets, diesel is a tough sell because of higher costs compared to gasoline, but that’s not the case in all US markets. Moreover, forecasters, such as JD Power, are predicting even greater diesel share over the course of the next decade, so why not make some of those diesel offerings hybrids?

Obviously, diesel hybrid vehicles aren’t THE solution for the future of the US auto industry, but it’s going to be decades before THE solution dominates the US auto industry. In the interim, why not give US consumers some real powertrain choices when it comes to diesel offerings?