Although a recent report suggested that Mercedes-Benz won’t ditch its diesel powerplants anytime soon, there might be a different story regarding the U.S. market.
According to Autonews, the German car manufacturer is waiting on EPA certification on a limited number of diesel models, but in the wake of VW’s Dieselgate scandal the government agency imposed more rigorous testing procedures – resulting in various delays.
Meanwhile, Matthias Luehrs, vice president of sales and product management for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said the company is conducting market research on diesel demand:
“We have to look at that and see whether it makes sense to offer diesels in the future. We have not come to a conclusion but we obviously always tend to develop cars and offer vehicles according to customers’ demands.”
In other words, it’s possible that by the time Mercedes will receive EPA certification for its engines, the company could drop the diesel line-up from its US range, with Luehrs calling a “theoretical option”, especially as he noted that demand for diesel cars in North America is low and following a downslope.
However, the results from Mercedes’ research will only be available early next year. The company’s current priority is securing EPA certification for the GLS’ diesel version, which will be powered by a V6 unit.
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