E&MU: Could Gasoline Overtake Diesel as Power of Choice?
Some Say 2010 Emission Rules May Shift Balance
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For decades, diesel engines — prized for their durability and pulling power — have dominated broad segments of the heavy truck and equipment markets. As gasoline prices rose in the 1970s, diesels made quick inroads in light-duty markets as well.
But now, just as gas prices seem poised, once again, to enhance the attractiveness of diesel technologies, strict emission standards from the Environmental Protection Agency present daunting obstacles.For the foreseeable future, the U.S. light- and medium-duty truck market likely will remain relatively unchanged, with diesel engines the power plant of choice for heavier vehicles and more strenuous workloads and gasoline engines better suited to lighter vehicles and commuter applications, said Charles Freese, executive director of diesel engineering for GM Powertrain.For the full story, see the March/April 2007 issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update, a supplement to the March 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
For decades, diesel engines — prized for their durability and pulling power — have dominated broad segments of the heavy truck and equipment markets. As gasoline prices rose in the 1970s, diesels made quick inroads in light-duty markets as well.
But now, just as gas prices seem poised, once again, to enhance the attractiveness of diesel technologies, strict emission standards from the Environmental Protection Agency present daunting obstacles.For the foreseeable future, the U.S. light- and medium-duty truck market likely will remain relatively unchanged, with diesel engines the power plant of choice for heavier vehicles and more strenuous workloads and gasoline engines better suited to lighter vehicles and commuter applications, said Charles Freese, executive director of diesel engineering for GM Powertrain.For the full story, see the March/April 2007 issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update, a supplement to the March 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
