Chevy Brings European Expertise to Its American Cruze Diesel

HAVERHILL, MASS. (02/29/2012)(readMedia)-- When it comes to diesel engines, Europe has long been the leader in the areas of build and buyer acceptance. That is why Chevrolet recently announced that it is going to the heart of diesel country to build a new diesel engine for the Cruze sedan arriving at U.S. Chevy dealerships in 2013.

The collaboration between Chevrolet's European and American engineers is expected to help the Chevy Cruze diesel look, sound and smell in ways that appeal to the American consumer. Currently, engineers at GM's diesel design center in Torino, Italy receive daily input from those based in Pontiac, Michigan on the Cruze's diesel engine. Meanwhile, more GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany are developing specialized engine components.

"Diesel engines are much more efficient and clean than they used to be, but they still have a stigma with many Americans because some past engines were loud and bad smelling," said Bill DeLuca III, president of Haverhill, Massachusetts Chevy dealership Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC. "Europeans have embraced using clean-diesel fuel in their passenger cars, and they're reaping the benefits of better fuel economy without sacrificing power. Why shouldn't we do the same?"

When it goes on sale next year, the diesel Chevy Cruze will make GM the only member of Detroit's Big Three to offer a diesel-powered family sedan in the United States. However, with U.S. fuel-economy requirements getting stricter and gas prices on the rise, GM expects American demand for diesel passenger cars to increase as clean-diesel technology becomes more readily available.

Though Chevy has yet to provide an official fuel-economy estimate, Ward's Auto reported last summer that the automaker is targeting around 50 mpg for the American diesel Cruze model. Europe's diesel Cruze offers 161 horsepower, more than the 138 horsepower offered by the current gas-powered Cruze in the United States. It is expected that the American Cruze diesel will also hold an advantage compared to existing U.S. trims when it comes to power.

While Chevy's new diesel drivetrain should boost the fuel efficiency of its future lineup, the automaker just added another fuel-efficient model to its existing offerings. The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco is currently being rolled out to dealerships across the United States and boasts a 37-mpg rating on the highway thanks to GM's eAssist mild-hybrid system. Featuring a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injected engine, a compact lithium-ion battery and an electric motor, the Malibu Eco is still capable of outputting 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque despite its high fuel economy.

"As gas prices continue to remain high, fuel efficiency is prioritized above other features, and Chevy's lineup is headed in the right direction," added DeLuca. "The Chevy Malibu Eco is the most fuel-efficient Malibu ever, and we expect that the upcoming diesel Cruze will be the most fuel-efficient Cruze as well."

About Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC:

Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC has served automotive customers in the Merrimack Valley for more than 50 years. Their sales staff has garnered a reputation for honesty, quality and integrity, and they offer a large inventory of Buick, GMC and Chevrolet vehicles to customers in the region. Browse their inventory of new and used vehicles at www.billdelucachevroletbuickgmc.com, visit them in person at 112 - 116 Bank Road in Haverhill, or call 978-241-6126 to speak to a friendly member of their sales staff.