German car marques are making clean diesel vehicles with platinum autocatalysts the focus of their marketing strategies in the US, it has been announced.

Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), has said that clean diesel will be at the centre of the automakers' plans, as they seek to capitalise on Americans' enthusiasm for fuel efficient cars in the face of rising oil prices.

He told journalists at a press conference in Detroit: "We are betting on the premium class and on clean diesel - for cars as well as light trucks. We are also launching a full frontal attack in the compact car segment."

He added: "Clean diesel is the second pillar of our strategy. The market potential for a clean, fuel efficient and high performance self-igniting diesel engine is continuously expanding in the U.S. The required improved diesel fuel quality is now available nationwide."

News of Mr Wissman's comments come as the VDA announced that German car manufacturers had recorded sales of 948,000 units in the USA last year - a three per cent increase from 2006 - with much of the increase primarily seen in the light trucks market. He now expects sales to surpass 1 million this year.

The movement of clean diesel to the forefront of the German car makers' marketing approach followed Takeo Fukui, Chief Executive of Honda's projections that the firm's soon to be released clean diesel cars will be profitable immediately.

Source:

Clean-Diesel-Blitz in Full Swing - Sales Anticipated to Reach 1 Million Units, 13/01/08
http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20080113/3573226en_iCrossing13012008-1.html

AUTOSHOW-Honda CEO says clean diesel cars to be profitable, 13/01/08
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN13358600

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