Really old article - a lot has changed in the last 4+ years. Or maybe it hasn't.
One thing that hasn't: There still aren't many non-truck diesel options in the US.
More to the point on US vs. Europe on diesels:
European countries are willing to accept the additional air pollution caused by the diesel engine. The trend in European environmental policy has to been to focus on carbon dioxide, which is relatively harmless to people but may cause global warning. Diesels, because they run with an excess of oxygen, produce very little carbon dioxide, and almost no carbon monoxide. American policy has focussed on pollutants that cause real harm to people, such as the particulates emitted by diesel engines. It is a very different approach to basic public health policy issues.http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com//editorials/1105972578/One thing that will be changing: The US will get low-sulphur diesel fuel soon, which will help engines meet emissions standards.
But another change: The next tier of emissions standards will take effect soon, and is particularly hard on diesels. I don't know of any current production diesel that meets the next-tier particulate standard. I believe Mercedes is planning to have a particulate trap that will meet the standard; haven't heard of anyone else who's ready to go.
With the current gas prices, there will be a lot of pressure on automakers to offer diesels that make sense in the US.
Personally, I'd love to see a diesel minivan: Lots of torque makes sense for normal minivan use. A version of the Mercedes E-class diesel adapted for FWD use in a Chrysler minivan would be awesome. Plus it would make an awesome tow vehicle (I tow a popup camper with my minivan for family camping trips).
