Mercedes ML320 CDI banned in some states. Is BMW next?

The ML model of the german car manufacture Mercedes has been given a red light in some US states. The authorities have decided that the Mercedes ML320 CDI, powered by a 3.0L diesel engine will be banned due to concerns regarding its emissions technology and the effect on the surrounding environment. California was the first one to raise their concerns, followed by Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.

The SUV’s turbocharged V-6 power plant contributes less to global warming than any gas engine out there and the authorities have also ignored the fact that the nationwide introduction last fall of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel has nixed the blue-smoke spew associated with such cars.

It is also know that the BMW 335d and a BMW X5 diesel model are going to be launched in the US sometimes in 2008, latest early 2009. With this mind, I have a couple of questions for you:

1. Do you agree with the decision made by the 5 states?

2. Do you think BMW and Mercedes could form an alliance in order to protest against these states? Can the US states afford to ignore these great engines?

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