"Ford has a vehicle that gets 65MPG and will not be released in the US. Why? Because they can not afford to! 'Ford's 2009 Fiesta ECOnetic goes on sale in November. But here's the catch: Despite the car's potential to transform Ford's image and help it compete with Toyota Motor (TM) and Honda Motor (HMC) in its home market, the company will sell the little fuel sipper only in Europe. "We know it's an awesome vehicle," says Ford America President Mark Fields. "But there are business reasons why we can't sell it in the U.S." The main one: The Fiesta ECOnetic runs on diesel.'"

Source: Clicky

The Hummer brand in general has been on the receiving end of gas-guzzling jokes for years. Well, it appears things will soon change.

While the H3 will keep offering its existing powerplants - including the 295hp 5.3L V8, and a more fuel-efficient 242hp inline-5 - the H3 will soon offer a version of GM's popular new direct-injected 3.6L V6 beginning in the 2010 model year.

Additionally, down the road a couple years, one or two diesel options are being considered, with the possibilities including GM's new 4.5L diesel V8, or a 2.9L diesel V6 currently in development.

Hummer: now available in green.
Yeah, that's gonna take some getting used to!

Source: Leftlane News

Diesels have proven to be much more economical than similar sized petrol engines and even rate better than petrol-electric hybrid vehicles in some circumstances, so it comes as no surprise that GM Holden wants an oil-burner for its Commodore range. The Australian designed and built sedan is a crucial model in the GM Empire, its Zeta platform and RWD architecture destined to spawn several new global RWD models, and if the Commodore is to be truly successful on a global level then it needs a diesel option.

Australian media are now claiming the VE Commodore range and its long wheelbase Statesman/Caprice line will be getting the VM Motori 2.9L turbodiesel that was codeveloped with GM. This is the same engine destined for the Cadillac CTS and it’s also due to make an appearance in the Hummer H3 (limited to versions sold outside North America), reports GoAuto.

The new engine develops a generous 250hp and a massive 406 lb.-ft. from as low as 2,000rpm and first applications in the Commodore should appear in about 18 months. GM also has a new 4.5L turbodiesel V8 but this is only planned for use by GMC and Hummer for now.

Having a diesel option for the Commodore range would definitely increase the car’s chances of being exported to Europe and it may also mean that Americans could get it in the Pontiac G8.

Source: MotorAuthority