I read recently that if Detroit could produce a full size vehicle that would get around 35 mpg then that could be a similar boost to the US auto makers that Chrysler started with its mini-van back in the 80s. Add to that wish list durability; say 350,000 miles to first scheduled engine overhaul. Long service intervals; say 10,000 miles between oil changes. A quiet, comfortable ride at all speeds. Priced and financed in a way people can afford.
Well, I’m driving one right now! My Mercedes E320 Bluetec so far is getting an average of 32.8 mpg (4700 miles). With 398 lb-ft of torque it accelerates like a Detroit muscle car from days gone by and the drive quality is wonderful. Several people that have gone for drives with me in it have expressed surprise that it’s a diesel, it is so quiet. Unfortunately, not built in Detroit, I wish Detroit had something similar. I wonder why Mercedes-Benz will not use its clean diesel technology in its Chrysler division, perhaps they will the technology is simply so great a leap it is hard to see how it could not get a great reception with the American car buyer once properly introduced.
1. Mercedes no longer owns Chrysler. They practically gave it away to Cerberus.
2. Don’t forget to keep topping up the urea tank in your Merc, or it won’t be so clean any more.
3. Diesels have their own problems. Europe is just now waking up to the fact that their cities are getting covered in diesel particulates from all the diesel engines over there.
Mind you, I’m not defending Detroit - I’m just pointing out that the problem is a little more complex than what you present.
That said, no sympathy here for the idiots who declined a below-market-price license for the Prius hybrid technology (GM), and those who continued to churn out such garbage as the Windstar/Freestar when they also had such wonderful vans as the Transit available (Ford).