Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Coming in U.S. 2013

Automotive Dealer - Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Coming in U.S.  2013 ; A diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze is coming to the U.S. in 2013, taking direct aim at the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, GM confirmed on Friday. The move makes GM the only one of the Big 3 to offer a diesel option in a car at this point.

GM has not disclosed pricing on the Chevrolet Cruze diesel variant or whether a hatchback version is part of the strategy. Most importantly, it hasn't said what the fuel economy target might be in the Cruze diesel. The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI returns 30 mpg in city driving and 42 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. In comparison, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco — the most fuel-efficient Cruze in the lineup — returns 28 mpg in city driving and 42 mpg on the highway, triggering speculation that GM may be aiming for the lofty 50 mpg mark with the Cruze diesel.

In an era of rising gasoline prices, all manufacturers are scrambling for alt-fuel vehicles. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes in its primer on diesel fuel that "historically, the average price of diesel fuel has been lower than the average price of gasoline." However, since September 2004, it says the price of diesel fuel has been "generally higher than the price of regular gasoline." This is attributable to growing worldwide demand for diesel fuel, especially in places like China. That demand is putting pressure on tight global refining capability.

On Friday, the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge said the average price for a gallon of diesel in the U.S. stood at $3.95 versus $3.69 for a gallon of regular gasoline.

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which is equipped with a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel engine starts at $23,295, including a $770 destination charge.

"Additional details on the Cruze diesel for North American markets will be released at a later date," said GM in a statement.

Just the Facts:

* A diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze is coming to the U.S. in 2013, taking direct aim at the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, GM confirmed on Friday.

* GM has not disclosed pricing on the Chevrolet Cruze diesel variant or whether a hatchback version is part of the strategy.

* The move makes GM the only one of the Big 3 to offer a diesel option in a car at this point.

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