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Ford needs diesel Focus for U.S., COO Scheele says

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#1 ·
Ford Motor Co. is closer to introducing a diesel-powered Ford Focus in North America.

"We need to develop and bring to market a diesel in the Focus," Ford COO Nick Scheele said at a press event here. "It probably won't be a huge volume, but we just need to do it and get it out there."

Scheele said the diesel Focus, already sold in Europe, isn't locked into the North American product cycle yet. But his statements suggest that Ford is closer than ever to confirming a diesel-powered car for this market.

Ford has been studying the diesel Focus for applications in North America for a couple of years.

This year, Ford assigned more than 50 of its top diesel engineers to a new North American diesel team in Dearborn, Mich. In contrast to previous assignments involving only pickup engines, the task for this team is to work on diesel engines for cars, SUVs and pickups.

Ford sells a North American diesel only in its F-series Super Duty pickups, Excursion SUV and Econoline van.

A likely target date for the diesel Focus is the 2007 model, when low-sulfur diesel fuel is set to be available nationwide.

"We can't bring it before we've got low-sulfur fuel," Scheele said.

In the fall of 2006, the sulfur content in diesel will drop from its current 300 parts per million to about 15 ppm, which will reduce soot and other emissions.

But Ford could follow DaimlerChrysler's lead and roll out more diesel vehicles to test market acceptance. Jeep will introduce a diesel-powered Liberty SUV next year, while Mercedes-Benz will offer a diesel engine in the E-class sedan.

Both models are certified to meet emissions standards but will need significant emissions system modifications by 2007 if they are to remain on the market.

The EPA has certified four diesel engines - two from Volkswagen AG, one from Toyota Motor Corp. and one from DaimlerChrysler - as being able to meet tougher diesel regulations that go into effect in 2007.

A diesel-powered Focus likely would cost between $2,000 and $3,000 more than the gasoline-powered version, which starts at $13,385 including the destination charge.

The diesel powertrain adds sophisticated fuel injection and exhaust systems and a turbocharger.

Ford officials have said they wouldn't introduce a diesel car in North America unless they can make money on it.
Staff Reporter Richard Truett contributed to this report
 
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#2 ·
that would be nice imagine how long the engine would last with proper maintance. : ) id buy one just for a daily driver.
 
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