BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi Seek 'Green' U.S. Marketability
Automotive News reports that as they face stricter fuel economy standards, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are considering bringing four-cylinder engines back to the United States. BMW stopped offering four-cylinders in 1999 when its 318ti hatchback flopped. Mercedes-Benz had four-cylinder engines on the 2005 C230 and SLK230 but dropped them in favor of six-cylinder models. The four-cylinder costs more to manufacture and the cost would be absorbed by the consumers. Mercedes-Benz is deciding whether to offer the four-cylinder diesel from the E250 Bluetec concept at the New York auto show earlier this month. German luxury carmaker Audi is also seeking inroads into the U.S. car market as it has overtaken BMW as the top luxury car maker in Europe and stands in the top position in China. According to The Detroit News, Johan de Nysschen, President of Audi of North America, spoke to the Automotive Press Association. He says that as the company seeks to diversify its customer base and build its brand, the company has set its sights on the U.S., where it hopes to grow in the coming years.
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