Greenhouse

The increasing prices of gasoline in the U.S. have forced a huge number of motorists to turn their backs on gas guzzling vehicles. Furthermore, car makers are developing fuel efficient vehicles to reduce the country s dependence on imported oil. The demand for fuel efficient vehicles is evident on the demand for hybrid cars. These hybrid cars are equipped with an electric motor to help a gasoline engine produce a greater amount of power without having to add to the worsening problem of pollution. Since the engine is not the only source of power, motorists can save on their fuel consumption. This technology however is not the only means for motorists to reduce the amount

of money spent on fuel.

Another engine technology that has been gaining ground in the European market is the diesel engine. This kind of engine has been introduced in the past in the U.S. although the public has lost interest on the use of such engines because of the amount of emission that it gives off. But development in the automotive industry is constant and a result of this is the birth of a diesel engine with its trademark high torque output but with less emissions. In fact, the use of diesel engines is so widely accepted in the European market that luxury cars now even employ diesel engines. While the use of diesel engines has become

popular in the European region, in the U.S., the use of the engine is just slowly attracting the attention of the motoring public.

To further promote the use of diesel engines which are more environment-friendly today, BMW announced that they will be selling diesel powered cars in the U.S. next year. BMW CEO Norbert Reitholder announced that: Next year we are also going to offer our diesel vehicles in the U.S. - another step in protecting the environment .

The use of diesel engines will help in the protection of the environment since with the use of current technology, the emission of greenhouse gases is reduced. This is far from the reputation of the past generation of diesel engines

which were known to produce black soot and is known for producing too much noise during operation. But with the advent of technology, better filters were developed to trap the greenhouse gases produced in the internal combustion engine. These filters are as efficient as EBC Greenstuff brake pads in stopping a vehicle.

The decision of the European car maker to market their diesel engine-equipped vehicles in the U.S. is the strong acceptance of the public of the said vehicles. In fact, 40 percent of the total number of BMW vehicles sold last year is equipped with diesel engines. BMW hopes that the level of acceptance in Europe for these diesel powered vehicles will be the same in

the U.S. market.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop. Please visit EBC Greenstuff for more information.