Audi has launched an ambitious advertising campaign to promote the benefits that clean diesel vehicles can offer to the US auto industry.

According to Volkswagen's luxury brand, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has collated some interesting figures highlighting the potential of using the fuel.

It suggests that the US could send back 1.5 million barrels of foreign oil every day if a third of Americans switched from gasoline to clean diesel for their cars, SUVs and pick-ups.

Furthermore, the EPA claims that this move would also represent the equivalent of planting 2.2 billion trees, while one drop of diesel has 12 per cent more power than its gasoline equivalent.

Audi, which already has the Q7 TDI clean diesel vehicle and is planning to release its A3 TDI later this year, also affirms that such engines can reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent.

Johan de Nysschen, President of Audi of America, explained recently that the drive to produce cleaner diesel vehicles could provide the US auto industry with a much-needed boost.

"Energy independence and fuel efficiency are at the forefront of public debate and with the launch of the Q7 TDI clean diesel, Audi is introducing a viable solution into that national discussion," he said.

"Several solutions for reducing America's dependence on foreign oil have been introduced, but few are as convenient, accessible and fun as simply switching from regular gasoline to clean diesel."

Audi currently has about 270 dealerships in the US and offers consumers 23 different models.

Sources:

Clean diesel power: Could it save the U.S. auto industry? (07/07/09)

Audi TDI clean diesel paves road to energy independence (22/06/09)

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