Abstract
Key words: diesel engine, exhaust emissions, oxygenated fuel
Internal combustion engines, operating primarily on petroleum-based fuels, dominate land transportation propulsion. They also play the major role in marine and light aircraft propulsion. The diesel engines are the most efficient of all internal combustion engines. Along with great durability and reliability, these are some of the well-established reasons why so many consumers chose diesel engines over gasoline. In addition, recent development in diesel technology have significantly reduced the noise and improved the driveability and performance of modern diesel vehicles making them even more attractive to drivers. The use of diesel engines is growing. In the heavy-duty road transport sector a diesel engine is the engine of choice throughout the world due to its great torque and efficiency. The popularity of diesel passenger cars varies form region to region around the world. The highest demand for diesels is in Europe, where it accounts for over 50% of the passenger vehicle market. The market for diesels is smaller in Japan because of stricter emission requirements and shorter distances travelled. As both diesel engine and fuel technologies improve, the market is likely to grow in Japan in coming years. In the United States of America diesel passenger car market is extremely limited because of the relatively low cost of gasoline. Nevertheless there is growing awareness of the advantages of diesel, particularly the fact that diesel can help reduce CO2 emissions and fossil fuel consumption rates.