The US market may finally be ready for diesel-powered cars after improvements in diesel technology and the introduction of increasingly stringent fuel efficiency policies, according to the latest analysis.

Martin Romzek, a vice-president of the German firm Eberspaecher GmbH, which specialises in exhaust systems, believes that US manufacturers are taking diesel cars seriously for the first time.

Every major car maker now has a diesel engine development policy for the US market, which spells good news for the platinum industry as the metal is used in autocatalysts to control harmful emissions.

Mr Romzek explained to the Detroit News that as more stringent emissions mandates have been implemented, the sulphur content of diesel fuels has been reduced and fuel efficiency has been improved.

Graham Hoare, director of research and advanced engineering at Ford, backed the views of Mr Romzek, stating: "Over the last ten years, we've seen a real revolution in diesel engine technology."

"Not only do diesels deliver about 25 to 35 per cent better fuel economy, but they now have fabulous driveability for both passenger cars and trucks."

Earlier this month, a detailed report from the U-M Transportation Research Institute's Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation (OSAT) suggested diesel and hybrid technology would account for 11 per cent of the US light vehicle market by 2009.