GM reportedly to offer diesel version of Cruze

7/12/2011

DETROIT — The Chevrolet Cruze, the fastest-selling car in the United States last month, will be available in a diesel version that could boost fuel efficiency to around 50 miles per gallon, two people briefed on General Motors Co. product plans said Monday.

A diesel Cruze would help GM meet more stringent government gas mileage requirements. It also would rival the efficiency of the popular Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid, which gets 51 mpg in the city and 48 on the highway, according to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The diesel Cruze won’t hit showrooms until at least 2013, according to one of the people, both of whom asked not to be identified because the company hasn’t made a formal announcement.