Audi, the inventor of TDI, is preparing to launch a diesel offensive in the North American market. The brand with the four rings will introduce the world’s cleanest diesel to the U.S. market in early 2009, almost simultaneous with its introduction in Europe. The 3.0 TDI with its ultra low emission system, which fulfills the world’s most stringent emission standards, will first be offered in the Audi Q7 and then in the new Audi A4 at a later date.
The ultra low emission system ensures that the engine conforms with the limits included in the LEV II Bin 5 standards that apply in all 50 U.S. states. Engine features optimize the combustion process along with engine emissions, while a cleaning system reduces nitrogen oxide exhaust emissions by up to 90%.
The TDI engine features the most successful efficiency technology in the world. Audi began regular production of the engine 19 years ago and since then has continued to extend its technological advantage. Audi has now sold more than 4.5 million cars with TDI engines. The carmaker has also experienced a steady course of growth over the past several years in North America, where the company sees major market potential for its highly modern TDI engines. The low sulfur fuel that powers the engine was introduced nationwide in 2006 – opening up the opportunity for the offensive to begin.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the United States could conserve more than 500 million barrels of crude oil per year if just one third of all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were equipped with modern diesel engines. Leading market research companies such as JD Power predict a share of the U.S. market of between 12 and 15 percent for diesel engines – a large increase when compared with the current share of sales of about 4 percent.
Audi is very well equipped to carry out its offensive. The brand with the four rings has a wide range of highly modern TDI engines at its command. They combine muscular power with astonishingly low consumption levels – easily knocking gasoline engines with comparable capacities out of the competition. TDI engines from Audi represent a modern, intelligent type of sportiness and efficiency.
Source:
Audi USA