Green Daily

Diesel technology has been making some big headlines lately for cleaning up its act. These days, diesel engines offer not only more fuel efficiency (about 20-40%), but they are finally becoming cleaner than their gas counterparts. Newly designed engines that run on a new "ultra-low-sulfur" diesel will reduce pollution from large trucks and buses by 90%, according to the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance. That's why insiders are predicting a 300% increase in diesel car sales by 2017.

Which automakers are working on a lineup that will cash in on "clean diesel" technology? So far, the leaders of the pack are once-partnered Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. While the later has consistently offered diesel versions of its luxury sedans, next year it will roll out this years "World Green Car," its E320 BLUETEC, which will get an expected 37mpg highway.

Chrysler on the other hand, has traditionally limited its use of diesel to it huge honking Dodge trucks. 2007 saw the release of diesel burning versions of many of its popular sedans and small SUVs in Europe. However, back here in the States, you'll probably have to wait a few years to get your hands on a diesel powered Dodge Charger.