the reality is that in 2013, europe's emissions regulations will match ours. Then, and only then would it make financial sense for any of the big 3 to bring small diesels back into this market.

A view from Export Model Land:



Isn't that the exact reason that the VM engine was killed off in the US market in the first place - California emissions! As California was so important to Chrysler (at that time) they did not want the expense of engineering a (then) low volume experimental US market product (like the CRD). Now with so many JK and KK CRDs being made (and sold as export models now) that the Toledo factory has to work over Christmas shutdown to meet the demand (OK there are petrols being built too) ; it would seem the tide has turned and the investment is worth the effort - but the factory is at max now and Fiat has said they won't be built anywhere but Toledo.

So how have California emissions now moved to align with the rest of the world? Or will California destined vehicles be fitted differently (I think not); so all US models will need "Add Blue" or some other assistance will they not?

Glend.
As the post above yours points out the new Euro standards are the same as ours
So untill junk science causes California to raise the bar higher the standard is the same.
What a novel concept, one standard for all
Everybody wins

It can't possibly work
Unfortunatly the state of California is too big of a market for any maker to exclude. Then there's also the me too states that adopt the CARB standards

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

Sounds like socialism to me.... lol

Still won't believe in it until I see one on the lot. Once again, 2013 emission standards and the magic "we are just waiting until then" point are EXACTLY TWO YEARS OUT... Just like the last time the rumor mill spun into operation.

My next vehicle will be a Ford Transit Connect work van (because I need it's features) and whether or not I can feed it diesel remains to be seen. I might consider getting a crate motor for that, if it doesn't have any other option for this market.

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