No HOV access for clean diesel vehicles? No government initiatives or incentives to boost clean diesel vehicle sales? Why, why, why cry clean diesel supporters. Why is there only minimal support for the readily-available “other” fuel (diesel) that delivers fuel efficiency and performance with lower carbon dioxide emissions? What will it take to even the playing field between clean diesel vehicles and the other “favorable” alternative fuel solutions? Why does the government seem to unfairly “overlook” diesel? (A loaded question, indeed!) And would any of this make a difference for diesel sales and diesel support in the United States?
Audi of America recently conducted an online survey through Harris Interactive revealing that many American drivers support clean diesel vehicles and would want government initiatives to boost diesel vehicle sales. The study included 2,041 United States adults (of which 1,629 were regular drivers who drove their own personal vehicle at least once a week).
Let’s check out some of the findings:
• -65% of American drivers would support lawmakers’ efforts to make diesel fuel more accessible to the American public
• -66% of drivers think the government should offer tax incentives on clean diesel vehicles
• -57% of American drivers think the government unfairly placed its bets in favor of hybrid and electric vehicles over clean diesel vehicles
• -59% of 18-34 year old drivers indicated that they’d purchase a diesel powered vehicle if the cost of diesel fuel and gasoline were the same (in contrast to 39% of those at least 45 years old)
So what do you think? Do you think the government favors other alternative fuels over diesel? Do you think clean diesel has a fair representation and reputation? Is anything keeping you from purchasing a diesel vehicle?