The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given BMW the go-ahead to sell model year 2017 diesel-powered models in the U.S., according to a Reuters report. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an automotive conference, the chief of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Chris Grundler, said that certification was given to BMW on July 29th.
In telling reporters about the EPA’s decision on BMW diesels, Grundler added, “We tested the vehicles every which way from Sunday. We asked for more data from the company."
The increased scrutiny of diesels manufactured for sale in the United States stemmed from last year’s revelation that Volkswagen had incorporated a software device into its diesel vehicles that turned the emissions control systems on for testing, but shut them off for real-world driving. This illegal tactic was cheaper than installing more expensive urea injection systems to control CO2 emissions. BMW diesels do use the urea injection system.
While Mr. Grundler was talking to reporters, he also mentioned that at the time, the EPA had not yet granted approval for Daimler AG to sell diesel-powered 2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the U.S. He did not say why, but added that discussions are continuing.
Diesels accounted for about 4 percent of BMW sales in the U.S. in 2015.
According to BMW, the EPA's was not the only approval it needed, however. BMW spokesman Hector Arellano-Belloc indicated the company still needs approval from other agencies, but did not name those organizations, nor did he say when those approvals were expected. Does that mean more waiting? Time will tell.
BMW has included 2017 models of the BMW X3, X5, 3 Series, and 5 Series in its projected lineup of diesel-powered vehicles for the U.S. market. BMW has cleared a major government hurdle and presumably is getting closer to starting production of model year 2017 cars and Sports Utility Vehicles with what are, by most accounts, very economical, powerful—and legal—diesel engines.—Scott Blazey
[Photo courtesy of BMW AG.]
