DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes unit said today it will launch a Bluetec diesel version of its Mercedes-Benz E300 ahead of schedule in Europe, as early as this December. The firm also said it will debut in October a "micro hybrid drive," version of its Smart model. Mercedes said the launches will serve as a "precursor of a series of specially low-emission vehicles to come."
Mercedes' Bluetec technology largely relies on a oxidising catalytic converter to reduce CO2, and has already been available in the U.S. since last year. Just how much Mercedes' latest version of its Bluetec models will help to reduce emissions in the future was not disclosed today. And even if they will meet Euro 5 emission standards as well as EPA regulations, is this really all we can expect during the next five years? Mercedes does have a hydrogen fuel cell program, though.
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