BMW Group challenging American bad memories about diesel-fueled vehicles

Memories of black smoke, lack of pep, and intolerance of cold temperatures when thinking of diesel vehicles

Diesel engine in 1970s was gasoline engine converted to diesel, said Clemson University economist David Bodde

Diesel engine now has answer to several problems like fuel efficiency, emissions control, foreign oil, he said

Diesels now quicker, quieter, and now no trouble to find diesel at stations

BMW has been conducting diesel research for 30 years

BMW has diesel engine that provides high performance and fuel efficiency while being fun to drive

Engine currently in 2 BMW models: sedan and sports activity vehicle

Car analysts have predicted that US diesel sales could make up 10% - 15% of market in next few years

Stewart Spinks, Spinx Oil, said he's seeing growth in his diesel sales although 90% of fuel volume sales is gasoline

Technology today is on the side of diesel

More efficient, gets better mileage and better BTUs per gallon, Spinks said