“VW makes virtually the same engine right here in the US [that can’t be sold here]”
Talking tdis, VW sells diesel Jettas, Golfs, Touregs, and Passats here.
And the same or similar engines go into VW Group’s Audis in A3, Q7.
So they do sell them here.
Jettas and Golfs with diesels range from $25,000 to $30,000.
Loaded tdi Passat under $35,000.
So VW, Audi, BMW and Mercedes all sell diesels, made the investment to qualify them for 50 states.
But not a single former Big Three pursues this market. In fact it is very disappointing how few engine options are offered in the US market. Most Japanese/Korean companies have diesel for other markets, but none in the US.
I hope Ford sells the tdi Focus here, but at a reasonalble price premium.
Not the same as these. You can’t get this engine in the US from what I’ve been told.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2010-volkswagen-polo-bluemotion-diesel-quick-spin
Mazda has a gasoline engine that gets 70+ mpg they are releasing in Japan. They claim it could be released here but, with much lower mpg due to regs.