Diesels Before Hybrids

Launching a Mercedes-brand hybrid-electric vehicle on the market is not a priority as the auto maker focuses its efforts on diesel-powered vehicles for North America, a top executive says.

Some mild HEVs reportedly are on the way, but there are no plans to introduce a Mercedes HEV with the 2-mode system within a year of Chrysler Group and General Motors Corp. debuting the co-developed technology on their SUVs, Paul Halata, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S.A. Inc., tells Ward's.

Chrysler initially said it would focus on front-wheel-drive vehicles, but the auto maker's multi-mode system will debut in 2008 on the Dodge Durango SUV.

In addition, Tom LaSorda, Chrysler president and CEO, tells Ward's that little preparation time would be needed to launch a hybrid version of the Chrysler Aspen, the Durango's upscale sister that goes on sale this fall. As a result, the auto maker will not make the decision on a hybrid Aspen in the foreseeable future.

For now, the emphasis is on rolling out Mercedes vehicles in North America with Bluetec diesel technology.

Bluetec debuts this fall in the U.S. aboard the '07 E320 sedan. In subsequent months, Mercedes plans to expand its U.S. diesel offerings with an ML320 CDI and R320 CDI, culminating in the spring with a GL320 CDI.

The vehicles are expected to benefit from the integration of AdBlue as early as 2008, in time for the '09 model year, says Bernie Glaser, Mercedes-Benz USA general manager-product management.

AdBlue converts oxides of nitrogen emissions to nitrogen and water by introducing a water-based urea solution to Bluetec's advanced after-treatment system. The system combines exhaust gas re-circulation with an oxidizing catalyst and particulate filter.

The addition of AdBlue would make Mercedes diesels Federal Bin 5 compliant and salable in all 50 U.S. states, but first must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency before it can be introduced.

The urea-based solution must be replenished to achieve the desired results.

Mercedes officials anticipate this will be done at regular service intervals.