The Mercedes-Benz four cylinder premium diesel, OM 654. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, February 17, 2016.Thanks to compatriot car company Volkswagen's defeat device scandal, the image of diesel as a cleaner, greener fuel has taken a huge dent. However, with its new-generation engine, the OM 645, Mercedes hopes it can repair the damage and help renew car owners' faith in the fuel.
In the US and Japan diesels account for just 5% of car sales. But in Europe the figure is 53%. And many expect that percentage to drop rapidly in the wake of dieselgate.
During the Tokyo motor show, Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan's head said that diesel sales have already peaked. "I would say today is about the maximum we can expect for diesels in Europe," he explained. "At best diesel will be stable in Europe."
However, for a number of truly global car companies, like Mercedes, diesel has a key role to play in keeping greenhouse gases in check in the short-term. It forms part of a three-prong approach to meeting tougher targets alongside hybrid powertrains and emissions-free technologies -- plug-in electric vehicles and fuel cells.
"In our opinion, the diesel engine is indispensable in trucks and cars if we want to further reduce the CO2 emissions from traffic," said Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler Board of Management with responsibility for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
And that is why alongside new models, Mercedes-Benz will be using this year's Geneva Motor Show to debut a new innovative diesel engine, the OM 645.
"The new family of engines embodies over 80 years of Mercedes-Benz diesel know-how. The new premium diesels are more efficient and powerful, lighter and more compact -- and they are designed to meet all future global emissions standards," said Prof. Dr. Weber.
The OM 645 is the world's first four-cylinder diesel with an aluminum block, making it one of the lightest 2-liter diesel units ever made.
The company also claims it is one of the quietest and is flexible in use, offering around 13% greater efficiency and lower emissions regardless of tuning.
Alongside dieselgate, questions have been raised as to the validity of fuel efficiency testing methods leading to fingers being pointed at a host of carmakers from BMW and Renault to Mercedes-Benz too.
So the OM 645 has been built to comply with future European Real World Driving Emissions legislation and the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, which will be implemented before decade's end.
The first car to get the new OM 645, the E-Class E220d, will also make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1.
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