DaimlerChrysler Shows 'BLUETEC' at Washington, D.C. Auto Show


WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 - DaimlerChrysler (NYSE:DCX) has pioneered a group-wide initiative for advanced clean diesel powertrains called BLUETEC. The technology will be capable of producing the cleanest diesel vehicles in the world and has the potential to meet the emission requirements in all 50 states. The Company is showing three BLUETEC concept vehicles this week at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show -- The Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC, the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC and the Jeep Grand Cherokee BLUETEC.

DaimlerChrysler is branding the world's cleanest diesels as "BLUETEC", in order to further reinforce the many benefits of diesel technology to customers around the world, and particularly in the United States. The company's modern diesel passenger cars with Common Rail Diesel technology offer an improved fuel economy of 20 up to 40 percent compared to equivalent gasoline driven cars while maximizing torque, range and driving enjoyment. In addition, this new generation of up-to-date diesel engines has an innovative modular technology package which gives them the potential to meet the most stringent worldwide exhaust emission limits, including those in all 50 states of the USA, thereby becoming the world's cleanest diesels in every vehicle class.

The first BLUETEC passenger car will be the Mercedes-Benz E 320 BLUETEC to be launched in autumn 2006 in the U.S. This is the first vehicle to achieve the aim of offering the world's cleanest diesel in its vehicle class.

Margo Oge, Head of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented the following figures in March 2004: "If we had a light duty vehicle population that was one third diesels, that could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day in the US, the amount of oil the US currently imports from Saudi Arabia."

BLUETEC is a modular concept, which combines various closely coordinated technologies aimed at minimizing emissions. The result is a gradual and effective, carefully measured minimization of all relevant emission constituents. Passenger cars equipped with this technology incorporate an oxidizing catalytic converter and a particulate filter as well as effective "DeNOx" (nitrogen oxide-reducing) systems. Here the so-called BLUETEC technology is utilized. In each case, it is the individual vehicle concept and the specific market conditions determine whether an advanced DeNOx-storage catalytic converter is used or an AdBlue injection system.

The aim of BLUETEC is to make diesels as clean as petrol engines, while retaining the well-known 20-40% fuel consumption advantage.

Diesel drive systems featuring BLUETEC are an attractive alternative to hybrid drive systems. Modern diesel engines are able to beat Hybrids in terms of fuel efficiency under real life driving conditions (long distances and towing capability).

Sustainable Mobility at DaimlerChrysler

As part of DaimlerChrysler's roadmap to sustainable mobility, the Company continues exploring and developing a whole range of technologies which will reduce consumption and increase fuel efficiency. DaimlerChrysler is working with GM and BMW on an advanced two-mode hybrid system that leapfrogs available hybrid technology by giving customers greater fuel economy at not only low speeds but at freeway speeds as well. The Company is also updating the technology on traditional petrol engines, like the patented Multi-Displacement System used in its new generation of V8 Hemi engines, which can shut down four cylinders when all eight are not needed, resulting in up to 20 percent better fuel economy. Furthermore the Company continues developing new technologies for biofuels, like SunDiesel.

Of course fuel cells powered by hydrogen offer the greatest long-term potential for emission free mobility. DaimlerChrysler has more than 100 fuel cell vehicles operating on the streets around the world, gaining real-world experience - more than any other automaker.

BLUETEC - the technology for the cleanest diesel in the world

Washington - The E 320 BLUETEC and the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC on display at the 2006 Washington, D.C. Auto Show continue a unique Mercedes-Benz initiative: leading-edge BLUETEC technology makes the diesel powertrain in every vehicle category the cleanest diesel in the world. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles are renowned for their exceptional torque and pulling power, economical performance and impressive operating range. All of which adds up to a custom-designed powertrain which will be available to customers in the US beginning in 2006.

By introducing the innovative modular BLUETEC technology package, Mercedes-Benz has transformed the diesel engine into a powertrain with the potential to comply with the most stringent of emission standards anywhere - in all 50 US states and worldwide. A vision has therefore become reality as the extremely economical Mercedes-Benz CDI models are the cleanest diesels in the world in every category and consume between 20 to 40 percent less fuel than their gasoline counterparts. Both the E 320 BLUETEC (expected 35 mpg or 6.7 l/100 km) and the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC (expected 25 mpg or 9.4 l/100 km) will be easily the most economical vehicles in their respective categories in the US. Diesel vehicles play a key role in reducing both fuel consumption and the dependence on oil imports. The main reason why Mercedes-Benz diesels have enjoyed such success since their reintroduction in the US in 2004 is their impressive economic efficiency and performance.

BLUETEC is a modular concept, which combines various closely coordinated technologies aimed at minimizing emissions. The result is a gradual and effective, carefully measured minimization of all relevant emission constituents. Passenger cars equipped with this technology incorporate an oxidizing catalytic converter and a particulate filter as well as effective "DeNOx" (nitrogen oxide-reducing) systems. Here the so-called BLUETEC technology is utilized. In each case, it is the individual vehicle concept and the specific market conditions determine whether an advanced DeNOx-storage catalytic converter is used or an AdBlue injection system.

In order to be wholly effective, BLUETEC technology for passenger cars and light trucks requires low-sulfur diesel fuel with a sulfur content below 15 ppm. This clean fuel - already widely available across Europe and obtainable in the US from autumn 2006 - facilitates lower emissions from all diesel engines currently on the market and thus plays an important part in cutting emission levels in general.

CONTACT: Nick Cappa of DaimlerChrysler, +1-248-202-8039

Web site: http://daimlerchrysler.com/

All Topics