/// Guest post by contributor Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group
From luxury sedans to light-duty trucks, automobile manufacturers are turning to diesel to provide more fuel-efficient options for drivers. This influx in diesel-powered cars, trucks and SUVs means that truckstops and travel plazas need to be ready to answer the growing demand for more diverse fuel options.
According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, diesel vehicles can deliver 20 to 40 percent more miles per gallon than gasoline-powered vehicles, and leading brands from across the automotive industry have expanded their diesel-powered offerings. Audi, BMW, Chevy, Jeep and Dodge have all launched new diesel models in 2014. Many models are capable of over 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
By 2015, there is expected to be 40 more diesel-powered, light-duty vehicle (LDV) models available in the U.S. In the eight years following, the Energy Information Association (EIA) anticipates a 349 percent spike in diesel-powered LDVs in the United States. According to a study recently released by the Diesel Technology Forum, 24.3 percent of Americans opted to purchase diesel-powered vehicles from 2010 -2012, and several analysts are now predicting that market penetration could hit 10 percent by 2020.
What does this mean to the truckstop and travel plaza industry? Over the next 10 years, more consumers will turn to diesel-powered vehicles and this can create unique opportunities for the industry. These consumers will be in search of a trusted brand to fuel their vehicles. They are also environmentally conscious ― meaning they are also interested in alternative fuels, such as biodiesel. Those outlets offering biodiesel blended fuels will have an advantage with this new and emerging customer base.
/// Read more guest posts on biodiesel posts here.
{Guest Post} Guest post provided by NATSO Chairman's Circle member Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group. Renewable Energy Group® is a leading North American biodiesel producer with a nationwide distribution and logistics system. With more than 210 million gallons of owned/operated annual production capacity at biorefineries across the country, REG is a proven biodiesel partner in the distillate marketplace. Learn more about Renewable Energy Group.
The opinions and advice given by guest post contributors are not necessarily those of NATSO Inc. The posts should not be considered legal advice. Qualified professionals should be sought regarding advice and questions specific to your circumstances.
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