Mercedes to Introduce Cleaner-Burning Diesel

Mercedes-Benz said it would introduce to the U.S. market in 2008 three diesel models capable of meeting tough California emissions standards.

The M and GL sport utility vehicles and R-Class sport wagons would use a 3.0-liter, V-6 diesel that could achieve 35 miles per gallon.

The engines would be outfitted with a system, called Bluetec, that sprays a solution of chemical urea into the exhaust stream to reduce harmful emissions. Unlike the “hands-off” clean diesel engine unveiled by Honda Motor Co., the Mercedes system requires motorists to periodically replenish the urea to ensure clean emissions.

*

John O’Dell