After all the rumors and insinuations the Volkswagen emissions scandal has caused, the more important question is whether the VW revelations signal the end of the road for the technology in the U.S. market, where it had finally built a sizable following.
Proponents of diesel say no, pointing out that more than a dozen diesel models will arrive in the next year -- ranging from a Jeep Wrangler to a Range Rover Sport -- ensuring consumers have an array of choices even if they sour on VW.
Most of the auto experts believe that the situation will leave a mark on diesel sales, but the outlook remains to be positive. Diesel is the most efficient internal combustion engine out there and is still going to play a role in meeting future fuel economy and clean air requirements.
In such a context General Motors and Mazda said they intend to continue their diesel efforts despite VW's problems. GM offers a diesel-powered Cruze compact and is set to launch diesel versions of its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups. Mazda is working on a diesel Mazda6.
And so far there's no indication Volkswagen's issue will affect sales of full-size, body-on-frame pickup trucks and SUVs with diesel engines, whose owners are mainly interested in torque, fuel economy and range.
