Diesel Jeep Liberty, vehicle for change?

Well, probably not.

A new article by Jonathan Fahey for Forbes highlights next month's release of DaimlerChrysler's diesel Jeep Liberty sport utility. The new diesel is being released because "Drivers in the U.S. need a powerful set of wheels that can travel 500 miles between fuel ups," according to Daimler.

Daimler Chrysler is coming out with the diesel because "Daimler Chrysler is playing catch-up. The company underestimated the appeal of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and now trails Ford, Toyota and Honda in that market."

Daimler is prepared to spend $17 million to market the Jeep Liberty CRD in the first quarter of next year, with more money and market spin to quickly follow. In fact, Daimler is prepared to lose money on the car in an attempt to create U.S. demand - which guarantees to be hard in light of the hybrid car explosion.

Even more interesting two of the most important states in the U.S. - in terms of auto sales - don't even allow diesel passenger cars to be sold because of clean air regulations. Still, Daimler is hoping to "reduce harmful emissions by the next round of U.S. emissions regulations in 2007."

Frey claims Daimler is trying to "position its diesels as a better fuel-saving alternative for drivers with lead feet. Hybrids can boost fuel mileage by 50% - but only if steered by Sunday drivers."

Apparently, Mr. Frey, appears to be alluding to the regenerative breaking process of hybrid cars, such as the popular Toyota Prius or Ford Escape SUV, which actually use breaking to build extra power, allowing the car to shut of the gasoline engine portion of the hybrid.

This system kicks in during stop-and-go traffic and is part of the reason that hybrid cars are able to significantly reduce pollution, unlike diesels which will spew significantly more pollution into the air during stop-and-go traffic. And, once traffic clears, today's hybrids provide more power than cars powered by standard engines - and still far more efficiently than standard cars or diesels.

Furthermore, if highway driving is more characteristic of your commute, the Honda Accord Hybrid actually achieves it's best fuel efficiency on the highway, faster and more powerfully than the standard Accord - contrary to Mr. Frey's "Sunday driver" assertion.

Essentially, this is the only move Daimler can make, as it is pathetically far behind in the clean energy race. While Daimler will try to sell 10,000 cars until 2007 - when it attempts to reduce pollution - Toyota will be selling more than 100,000 Prius hybrid cars per annum.

Good luck!