BMW won't join Bluetec U.S. diesel push

Despite recent reports indicating Germany's top three automakers had formed an alliance on U.S. diesel technology, it appears BMW wants nothing to do with it. In October, it was reported that BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen had formed an alliance to use the Bluetec emissions treatment system on diesel vehicles sold in the United States. The automakers were expected to preview Bluetec-equipped vehicles at the Los Angeles auto show in December.

While DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen are moving forward with the partnership, BMW has plans of its own. According to Reuters, the company first wants to develop a urea-based technology to reduce nitrogen oxides before considering a sustained entry into the U.S. diesel market. BMW is also opposed to using the same brand name used by Chrysler/Mercedes and Volkswagen/Audi for its diesel vehicles, according to the report. BMW has not given a timeframe for an entry into the diesel market, but Reuters says it won't be any time soon.