Diesel vehicles are here to stay, and their forecasted growth trend is on a steady upward climb due to the tremendous fuel economy and durability that they provide to customers.

By Jon Scharingson, executive director, sales and marketing, Renewable Energy Group Inc.

Did you know that the automotive industry spends nearly $100 billion globally on R&D — $18 billion per year in the U.S. alone? With this level of investment manufacturers expect their products to achieve high-quality standards. It’s no different with the fuel that goes into these vehicles. If they didn’t believe in biodiesel, they would not support its use in their vehicles …. period.

To date, all major auto and truck manufacturers selling diesel vehicles and equipment in the U.S. support the use of at least B5 biodiesel blends. More importantly, 78% of these manufacturers support B20 biodiesel blends in their vehicles and equipment.

The biodiesel industry has been working with the auto industry for more than 10 years and the partnership created with these auto and equipment manufacturers has enabled them to feel confident in supporting the use of biodiesel blends in their vehicles and equipment. The biodiesel industry has earned respect within the automotive and truck community for doing what it takes to address questions and concerns, find solutions and put in place practices that improve the fuel.

I have heard from our c-store customers that they are seeing more customers driving diesel vehicles, whether they are in the medium- and heavy-duty truck sector or in the light-duty passenger vehicle sector. Diesel vehicles are here to stay, and their forecasted growth trend is on a steady upward climb due to the tremendous fuel economy and durability that they provide to customers.

There is also a green movement among consumers wanting to do their part in reducing emissions. Biodiesel blends offer them the opportunity to use biodiesel in their diesel vehicle, while helping the U.S. economy, importing less foreign oil and cutting emissions. The more we educate ourselves about biodiesel, the more retailers will see an opportunity to add biodiesel blends to their diesel offering and set themselves apart from the competition.

Check out this video about why auto manufacturers support biodiesel and offer more diesel vehicle options:  http://tinyurl.com/pjyl5d2

Go to regi.com to learn more about biodiesel.

Jon Scharingson — Jon oversees the sales and marketing efforts for Renewable Energy Group, Inc., a leading biodiesel producer.