http://www.detnews.com/article/201'1...to-sell-in-U.S.
Diesel Cruze to sell in U.S.
50 mpg compact set for showrooms in '13
General Motors Co. will bring a diesel version of its top-selling Chevrolet Cruze to the U.S. market, the Associated Press reported Monday.
The diesel Cruze, getting about 50 mpg, will help GM meet more stringent federal fuel economy standards and rival the gas mileage of popular hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius. The 2011 Prius gets an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway.
The diesel-engine Cruze won't hit showrooms until at least 2013, according to the Associated Press, citing two people briefed on the product plans.
GM officials declined to comment.
The diesel Cruze would be built alongside gas-engine models of the Cruze at GM's factory in Lordstown, Ohio. The plant is currently running on three shifts to meet demand for this popular Chevy compact.
The Cruze, whose base model starts at $16,525, sold 25,000 vehicles in June, beating out the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord to become the U.S.'s top-selling car.
"I couldn't think of a better way for GM to capitalize on the momentum that Cruze has created for GM by adding a diesel," said Dave Sullivan, an analyst with AutoPacific Inc. in Ann Arbor.
Diesel engine cars generally cost more than those with gas engines because they are more expensive to produce. U.S.-based automakers have been reluctant to bring diesel engines to the U.S. for fear that people wouldn't pay extra for them.
GM has several diesel-powered cars in other parts of the world, including a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel Cruze that's selling well in Australia.
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50 mpg compact set for showrooms in '13
General Motors Co. will bring a diesel version of its top-selling Chevrolet Cruze to the U.S. market, the Associated Press reported Monday.
The diesel Cruze, getting about 50 mpg, will help GM meet more stringent federal fuel economy standards and rival the gas mileage of popular hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius. The 2011 Prius gets an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway.
The diesel-engine Cruze won't hit showrooms until at least 2013, according to the Associated Press, citing two people briefed on the product plans.
GM officials declined to comment.
The diesel Cruze would be built alongside gas-engine models of the Cruze at GM's factory in Lordstown, Ohio. The plant is currently running on three shifts to meet demand for this popular Chevy compact.
The Cruze, whose base model starts at $16,525, sold 25,000 vehicles in June, beating out the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord to become the U.S.'s top-selling car.
"I couldn't think of a better way for GM to capitalize on the momentum that Cruze has created for GM by adding a diesel," said Dave Sullivan, an analyst with AutoPacific Inc. in Ann Arbor.
Diesel engine cars generally cost more than those with gas engines because they are more expensive to produce. U.S.-based automakers have been reluctant to bring diesel engines to the U.S. for fear that people wouldn't pay extra for them.
GM has several diesel-powered cars in other parts of the world, including a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel Cruze that's selling well in Australia.
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