CarBuyersNoteBook

A drop in the price of diesel has pushed it below gas prices, and ignited sales of diesel fueled vehicles. According to the Department of Energy, the average price for a gallon diesel as of June 22 is $2.61, while average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.69 and if your car requires premium, tack on another $0.25 or so. Now that it’s not just a more efficient fuel, but also cheaper to drive a diesel, it’s not surprising that Americans are flocking to the few carmakers that offer them.

As a matter of fact, Volkswagen saw a rise of 71% in sales of the Jetta TDI between April and May, as reported by AutoWeek and are expecting to do just as well or even better in June. Mercedes-Benz is also profiting from this sales trend, with their diesel powertrains. Some of these diesel engine vehicles are eligible for a tax break of between $900 and $1,800 under a provision of the Lean Burn bill.