LOS ANGELES -- BMW AG plans to sell diesel-powered vehicles here in 2008 to boost its fleet's fuel efficiency.
The company would not reveal which nameplates would get a diesel or which of its diesel engines would be used.
In Europe, BMW offers diesel engines in the smallest of its cars - the 1-series 118 - up to its large 7-series sedan. The company said 63 percent of the vehicles it sells in Europe now are diesel-powered.
Andreas Klugescheid, a U.S. spokesman for the company, said BMW is keeping its product options open in case market conditions change in the next two years. Some industry observers predict the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will seek higher fuel economy requirements for cars and trucks.
Last year NHTSA collected more than $12 million in fines from BMW for failing to meet U.S. fuel economy requirements.
BMW wouldn't say whether the 2008 introduction of diesels will extend to its Mini brand. European-sold Minis include a diesel option not available here.
BMW briefly offered a turbodiesel 524 sedan in the United States in the mid-1980s. Since then the industry's engine technology has improved in Europe, where the fuel is less expensive than gasoline. Current diesels are quieter and cleaner than previous versions.
BMW's Spartanburg, S.C., factory installs a diesel engine into X5s that are exported to Europe.
The company would not reveal which nameplates would get a diesel or which of its diesel engines would be used.
In Europe, BMW offers diesel engines in the smallest of its cars - the 1-series 118 - up to its large 7-series sedan. The company said 63 percent of the vehicles it sells in Europe now are diesel-powered.
Andreas Klugescheid, a U.S. spokesman for the company, said BMW is keeping its product options open in case market conditions change in the next two years. Some industry observers predict the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will seek higher fuel economy requirements for cars and trucks.
Last year NHTSA collected more than $12 million in fines from BMW for failing to meet U.S. fuel economy requirements.
BMW wouldn't say whether the 2008 introduction of diesels will extend to its Mini brand. European-sold Minis include a diesel option not available here.
BMW briefly offered a turbodiesel 524 sedan in the United States in the mid-1980s. Since then the industry's engine technology has improved in Europe, where the fuel is less expensive than gasoline. Current diesels are quieter and cleaner than previous versions.
BMW's Spartanburg, S.C., factory installs a diesel engine into X5s that are exported to Europe.