Mercedes Bluetec to be Offered in All 50 States in 2008 (US)

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz today announced that it intends to offer BLUETEC diesel-powered versions of its popular M-, R- and GL-Class sport-utility vehicles in the United States beginning in CY 2008.  Delivering a perfect balance of power, fuel economy and range, the new BLUETEC SUVs are set to be the world’s first diesel-powered vehicles to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s stringent BIN5 emissions standards for all 50 states.

Developed by Mercedes-Benz, BLUETEC represents the world’s cleanest diesel technology and showcases several state-of-the-art engine and exhaust technologies, allowing the luxury manufacturer to offer their customers powerful SUV’s which are fuel efficient and environmentally responsible at the same time.  BLUETEC technology is especially important in helping to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Beginning in CY 2008, BLUETEC M-, R- and GL-Class vehicles will showcase AdBlue injection, a process that adds precisely measured quantities of a urea-based solution into the exhaust stream to help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80 percent.

Today’s announcement represents a significant step for the future acceptance of diesel vehicles in the U.S. market, which can contribute to significant fuel savings and a reduction in oil imports.  This fact was confirmed in a study by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2004.  Margo Oge, head of its Office of Transportation and Air Quality, concluded that if only one-third of all light-duty trucks in the U.S. were operated with modern diesel engines, the country would save 1.4 million barrels of oil per day – equal to the amount of oil the U.S. currently imports from Saudi Arabia.

High Performance, Impressive Mileage and Extensive Range

The BLUETEC M-, R- and GL-Class are the latest additions to the Mercedes-Benz line-up of clean diesel vehicles.  Poised to make its showroom debut in October 2006, the Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC luxury sedan offers outstanding driving dynamics, unprecedented efficiency and impressive environmental compatibility.  Its powerful 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine combines the powerful torque of a large V8 engine with the low fuel consumption of a four-cylinder compact.  Additionally, the E320 BLUETEC is the only diesel-powered vehicle in the U.S. certified to meet BIN8 emissions standards.