Recently one of the key suppliers of diesel components to the now infamous Volkswagen AG went public, defending the technology in these vehicles despite the U.S. DOJ opening an investigation against the automaker. More specifically, Werner Struth, the U.S. chairman of Robert Bosch, told Automotive News in a recent interview, that that urea-basedcatalytic converters can meet all of the U.S. diesel standards. Moreover, he mentions that diesels are important to the automotive industry as they can help to cut carbon dioxide emissions – hopefully he is not alone in his argument.

While visiting the Consumer Electronics Show, Struth said, “We are definitely convinced that [the emissions systems] will work, targets in Europe can be achieved only with the help of diesel engines, and the same is true in the United States.” He also mentioned, “Guys that buy diesels are very loyal customers. They love the diesel engine. It has great torque and great fuel economy. They know what they have.”

Considering the fact the Bosch supplied over $44 billion worth of automotive parts around the world in 2014, it is safe to say that they would be considered a large player. Additionally, they are a large producer of diesel fuel systems and engine control units. Due to their production, they were questioned regarding their involvement in the VW emissions scandal. Apparently, the EPA asked Bosch directly if they were aware of VW’s actions in tampering with the software in their control units – the same control units that enabled the diesel-powered cars to pass emissions testing, yet revert to producing unacceptable levels of emissions during normal street use.

For those who have not been following this so closely, Volkswagen’s acknowledgement of these affairs back in September has resulted in the resignation of CEO Martin Winterkorn, in addition to other top-level executives and about $7 billion has been collected to cover their costs in dealing with the situation. Struth said, “We are disclosing and delivering the information that has been requested.” This was mentioned in reference to Bosch’s level of cooperation with the U.S. investigation about what knowledge they had, if any, in VW’s plan to cheat emissions testing. At this time, no conclusions have been made regarding their involvement.

In a separate interview, Continental’s CEO Elmar Degenhart commented, “Because of the trouble that was caused, trust in diesel technology took a big hit. On the light-vehicle side, they may even disappear.” He was speaking about light-vehicle diesels in the United States. Additionally, Degenhart said, “A state-of-the-art diesel engine with advanced after-treatment is really clean. It is a great powertrain.”

We couldn’t agree with Degenhart more, as we truly believe in the diesel engine and what it can achieve – even when it has to run completely clean. Moreover the fact is that diesel-powered automobiles can and should continue to help with the efforts to lower carbon monoxide levels. Some believe that this “scandal” could eliminate light-duty diesel technology almost completely for the United States, considering that a lot of uninformed folks are still on the fence about it.

Hopefully this will all smooth over, and diesels will continue to grow within the U.S. in more light-duty applications where the public can find good economy combined with great power.