MotorWeek Video Transcript: BlueTec Clean Diesel and GM's Cylinder Cut-off

Jessica Shea Choksey:Mercedes-Benz has over 80 years of diesel experience.  So it’s no surprise they are on the cutting edge of making them environmentally friendly.  The full-size seven-passenger 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec is the cleanest diesel sport-utility vehicle in the world.  Named after the color of the emission reducing urea fluid injected into the catalyst system, BlueTec is the technology that can ultimately make clean diesels the obvious choice for Americans.  Using Mercedes latest 3.2 liter Turbo diesel V-6, the GL320 will also be the most efficient big SUV with an anticipated highway fuel economy of over 25 miles per gallon.  The GL BlueTec goes on sale in January.

Also making fuel-saving automotive news is General Motors.  As part of their turn-around strategy, GM is quickly ramping up production of all new full-size pickups.  Both the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will hit showrooms this November.  With the addition of cylinder cut-off, Silverado and Sierra with the 5.3 liter V-8 will carry government fuel economy ratings of 20 miles per gallon on both 4X2 and 4X4 models.  And even more efficient hybrid electric powertrain is also in the works.

GM hopes their all new pickups will buck the current downturn in full-size truck sales.  Putting much needed cash flow back in their pockets.  And that’s it for this week’s MotorNews.