With many drivers focused on maximizing fuel efficiency but not wanting to sacrifice power, diesel engines could soon see a surge in popularity, according to Autoevolution.
Diesel component manufacturer Bosch predicts diesel engines will account for 10 percent of new car sales in the U.S. by 2015. Major automakers are planning to introduce their first diesel engines in the coming years, such as the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze diesel. Other manufacturers, like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, have sold diesel models in the U.S. for years, with marginal success.
However, the increase in availability combined with the engines' high fuel economy and excellent longevity could make the new diesel models attractive to modern consumers. Before the recession, drivers in the U.S. simply didn't put a major premium on fuel economy, especially compared to Europe, where compacts and diesels were king. Compact vehicles have since caught on in the U.S., and diesels could be next on the list.
Drivers should keep in mind that diesel engines need vehicle maintenance just as much as a gas-powered engine does. Those who own a diesel should keep up with their scheduled maintenance and ensure they get car tune-ups just as much as they normally would.