Report: More and more U.S. buyers choosing diesels

Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

Diesel-powered cars are finally starting to get some respect in the showrooms, as they do in the rest of the world. When offered with a choice, consumers are opting for diesel in surprisingly high percentages. An R.L. Polk survey of car registration data shows that more than 49% of VW Jetta sedans and wagons sold in the U.S.

But its not just Volkswagen; thirty-some odd percent of Audi Q7 buyers, 18% of Mercedes GL buyers, and 17% of BMW X5 buyers are opting for diesel power. The diesel success is limited to German brands, as non-German brands have yet to successfully bring a diesel to market with the presence of the Germans.

Click here for our review on the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI.

Producers of diesel engine parts are excited of the prospect of diesel engines catching on in the U.S., but some remain skeptical that it will happen. Many think that diesel power will be reserved for the realm of heavy-duty pickups and towing vehicles until gas prices rise.

By and large, automakers are reluctant to release diesels in America. Besides Mazda”s commitment to role out its Sky-D diesel in a mid-size sedan in 2012, there is no commitment from another manufacturer to bring the technology to the U.S.

Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)