As more and more auto buyers look for power, fuel economy and longevity in an automobile's engine, diesel engine sales are increasing. Recent sales figures show pickup trucks are steadily increasing in popularity. With this increase, sales of diesel-powered pickup trucks has grown as well. According to Polk Automotive Intelligence 2000 sales figures, approximately 47 percent of all pickups with at least 8,500 pound gross vehicle weight rating were purchased with diesel engines.
This trend—a 6.34 percent growth from 1999—can be identified with Americans wanting more for their money when buying a truck, van or sport-utility-vehicle. Auto buyers are beginning to take advantage of new technology. As the diesel engine has evolved into a viable alternative to standard gasoline engines, it is fast becoming the most economical choice for towing boats, RV's and horse trailers. Two out of three people buying best-selling Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups choose the Power Stroke Diesel engine.
Diesel engines have no spark plugs, relying rather on the compression of charge air in the cylinder to ignite the fuel-air mixture. For this reason, diesel engines have a higher compression ratio than gasoline engines and higher compression ratios allow diesels to be more thermally efficient, which means producing more horsepower with less fuel.
American car buyers are doing their homework and appreciate such facts as diesel power offering 30 to 60 percent better fuel economy, easier maintenance and longer engine life than gasoline engines. According to Dan Ustian, president, engine group at International Truck and Engine Corporation, manufacturer of Ford's Power Stroke Diesel engine, diesel owners realize substantial savings in fuel totaling equal or better than the cost of the engine after only one year or two of service. Added savings can be had from fewer trips to the mechanic due to the overall durability of a diesel.
Facts indicate diesel usage has also increased in Europe, powering over one-third of all autos. This is especially important as gas prices are $3 to $4 per gallon.
In addition to better fuel economy, the average diesel engine can last up to twice as long as a standard gasoline engine. All of these attributes are especially appealing to people with active lifestyles such as camping, boating, RVing and showing horses.
For those who remember diesel engines of the past (e.g., the old noisy, smelly Mercedes-Benz diesels), it's hard to imagine anyone choosing a diesel engine for their pickup or SUV. Perceptive buyers, though, have begun to abandon old myths such as:
1. Diesel engines are dirty and bad for the environment;
2. Diesel fuel is available only at truck stops;
3. Diesel engines are too noisy;
4. Driving a diesel-powered vehicle feels like driving a big truck;
5. Diesels are hard to maintain, especially during winter months.
On the contrary, says Ustian, diesel is the latest choice for environmentally conscious automotive buyers. Diesel technology today, he says, 'produces virtually smokeless exhaust and 40 percent less of CO2 emissions associated with global warming.' And, finding diesel fuel is much easier than in years past as more and more service stations in cities, suburbs and rural areas carry it.
Advancements in the engineering of diesel engines have lessened the vibration and noise. Although much quieter when starting and idling, diesels still have a familiar purr. Diesel-powered vehicles today also offer a smoother ride, and plenty of towing power.
Thanks to technology, the gap has been closed between gas and diesel engines. The major differences in today's diesel engines are increased performance and reliability.
Maintaining a diesel engine is similar to maintaining a gasoline engine, including such things as checking the air filter and changing the oil and coolant. If maintained on a regular basis, diesel engines can last up to twice as long as a gasoline engine, offering substantial savings over the long haul for owners.
Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.
