Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

US Can't Have Ford's 65-MPG Car

US shuns hyper-efficient diesel vehicle

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 6, 2008 1:34 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Ford may be best-known for its fuel-guzzling trucks and SUVs, but this November it’s releasing the Fiesta ECOnetic, a sporty subcompact that gets an astonishing 65 miles-per-gallon, BusinessWeek reports. There’s just one catch: It’s not being sold in the US. “We know it’s an awesome vehicle,” says Ford’s president. “But there are business reasons why we can’t sell it.” The biggie: It runs on diesel.

For years, European automakers have been touting “clean diesel,” the end result of  new technology that makes diesel cars at least as clean, and 30% more efficient, than their gasoline counterparts. In fact, half of all cars sold in Europe last year run on diesel. But Ford still fears America will shun the fuel, which can cost up to $1 more per gallon thanks to truck-targeted taxes. Foreign automakers are betting the opposite, however; if they’re right, Ford could wind up playing catch-up on its home turf.

Two new Ford Fiesta is shown at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show, March 4, 2008. A diesel version of the car will soon hit dealerships in Europe; the US will get a less-efficient model.
Two new Ford Fiesta is shown at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show, March 4, 2008. A diesel version of the car will soon hit dealerships in Europe; the US will get a less-efficient model.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Sandro Campardo)
In this undated photo provided by Ford Motor Co., the 2008 Ford Fiesta is shown.
In this undated photo provided by Ford Motor Co., the 2008 Ford Fiesta is shown.   (AP Photo/Ford Motor Co.)
A Ford Fiesta of the new production is pictured in Cologne, Germany. A diesel version of the car is being sold only in Europe.
A Ford Fiesta of the new production is pictured in Cologne, Germany. A diesel version of the car is being sold only in Europe.   (AP Photo/Hermann J. Knippertz, file)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Ford embarks on (e)mission impossible
Daily Record (Glasgow)

Ford Europe kicks off worldwide 'Fiesta'
Detroit News

Fiesta dazzles
Airdie & Coatbridge Advertiser

 
fuel efficiency • diesel • Ford • Ford ECOnetic

More Newser Stories

New Ford Explorer More Like a ... Taurus?

GM-Owning Feds Buy Rival Fords

This Ain't Charity: Detroit Must Win Consumers Back

Bill Ford Driving a Green Future

Bush OKs $25B for Car Giants
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne