Mercedes Develops A Greener Diesel System

When you think of a diesel vehicle, you probably think of a big, loud truck.  But, diesel technology upgrades are impacting the luxury car market in a more earth friendly way.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports some diesels are going green.

Diesel engines have been around for 100 years, but some consider the engines in some cars at Jackie Cooper Mercedes the diesel engines of the future.

"It has the smallest carbon footprint in the industry," said Jackie Cooper sales manager Greg Benedek.

Benedek says it's all because of what's called Blue Tec.  The way it works is the exhaust passes through filters which are mixed with an additive stored behind the spare tire.

"It's a small compact tank.  That has a solution called Ad Blue," said Jackie Cooper sales manager Greg Benedek.

Ad Blue mixes with the gasses and turns it into nitrogen and water which means less pollutants coming out of the tail pipe, up to 80% less.  It basically scrubs the exhaust before it's released into the air.

"Knowing that you can contribute to the environment, as well, cut down on gasses that are pollutants

for global warming, obviously is a big plus," said Jackie Cooper sales manager Greg Benedek.

Benedek says with Blue Tec, you still get the power, longevity and low maintenance of a diesel engine with an environmental edge for those wanting to go green.

"As we become more conscious of our environment and the technologies that are offered, without any compromise to luxury, I think it is the wave of the future," said Jackie Cooper sales manager Greg Benedek.

Blue Tec enables diesel vehicles to meet stringent emissions regulations in places like New York and California.

The system is currently available on four Mercedes models with more being added this fall.