2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is OK for B20 biodiesel

In Michigan, General Motors announced that its new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze light-duty diesel passenger car is approved for use with 20 percent biodiesel blends (B20).

Starting MSRP for the diesel Chevy Cruze is reported to be $25,695, and GM plans to sell them in markets where its B20-approved Chevrolet Silverado diesel models have done well, including the West Coast, the Baltimore area, D.C., and the East Coast. The 2014 Cruze is expected to move into production later this summer.

The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel features an advanced 2.0L clean diesel engine that will offer an estimated 42 mpg highway with an automatic transmission and expected best-in-segment range based on GM testing. Clean diesels using modern diesel exhaust technology and ultra low sulfur fuel are over 90 percent cleaner than older models.

The Cruze’s 2.0L turbo-diesel is based on proven architecture already used in European models, where approximately 40 percent of all Cruze models sold feature a diesel engine.

Meanwhile, a bumper crop of new 2013 clean diesel vehicles are beginning to arrive in dealership showrooms nationwide, including more new B20-approved vehicles from domestic automakers Ford and Chrysler.  In addition to its best-selling Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, Ford is introducing a new diesel model in its Ford Transit full size van which will also be approved for use with B20 biodiesel like its SuperDuty brethren.  Additionally, Chrysler’s new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty pickup features more horsepower and improved fuel economy with its 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel powertrain.  The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty diesel pickups are approved for general use with B20 by all customers beginning in January 2013.

Nearly 80 percent of manufacturers selling diesel vehicles and equipment in the U.S. now warranty them for use with high-quality B20 biodiesel blends.  The remainder, primarily the European light-duty diesel brands, are certified for use with 5 percent biodiesel blends (B5), and the National Biodiesel Board is working cooperatively with those manufacturers to encourage and enable their support for B20 in all vehicles sold in the USA.

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