Although diesel engines have been widely used across Europe for decades, in America the diesel revolution has just recently started forming. I am interested in researching this topic because I am a mechanical engineering student, a self proclaimed "mechanic", and a gearhead. After spending a few summers working in a diesel shop, I am fascinated by the efficiency and simplicity of the diesel motor. This research question does not necessarily reflect my values, but greatly reflects my interests. My personal experience relating to diesel engines comes from my hands-on experience working on them and being around the motors themselves, and spending 45-hour work weeks alongside two certified diesel technicians. My own experience working on cars, trucks, boats, and motorcycles gives me valuable knowledge in the workings of various mechanical systems and terminology. This knowledge qualifies, and also credits me as an author on the subject of diesel engines and why they are spreading across America as an everyday driver's car. 

Julia Pyper describes the history of diesel in America in this article. She examines points such as why it didn't initially take off during the 80's oil embargo, why it is now taking off now and how, and also different stereotypes of diesels. Pyper uses facts and statistics from American auto companies to prove the point that the diesel engine is in fact taking off in America. 

This article focuses mainly on the interests and values of the American consumer market. It also discusses the efficiency and environmental advantages that a diesel engine can give due to its lower emissions. This part of the article appeals to people with an eco-friendly mindset and would also reflect the interests of organizations like EPA. The website Scientific America is a credible source on a topic like this because its focus is to report on technology and things of the sort going on in America. 

Julia Pyper is a credible author on the topic because she is a Senior Writer at Greentech Media where she researches and writes about topics such as eco-friendly energy sources, and electric vehicles. This makes her opinion even more valuable because she is most likely sub-consciously comparing diesel engines to these green vehicles, which would require more convincing facts to suede her into supporting a diesel engine, which has widely been known as a environment polluting engine. The fact that she is supporting the diesel engine proves that they are indeed clean engines and have high potential in the green market. 

Jessica Lussenhop wrote this article for BBC, she voices an opinion that focuses mainly on the undesirable aspects of diesel and the negative stereotypes it has created for itself in the past. Jessica uses quotes from previous diesel owners and general stereotypes to illustrate why diesel engines have been rejected in America compared to in Europe. However, towards the end of the article she discusses how many of these problems are no longer relevant, and how companies like VW have found solutions to these long known problems. 

BBC is a British company, thus this article mainly sticks to the facts and refrains from voicing an opinion towards the American market. The major interests of this article pertains to those people who are pessimistic towards the diesel engine, and can be a source of enlightening information to those against diesel. This article verifies the fact that diesels were once dirty, noisy, and polluting engines, but it also hints at the fact that this is no longer the case. 

Due to the fact that diesel engines have been widely used in Europe for the last few decades, BBC is a credible source due to its location in Britain and its close proximity to widespread diesel engine usage. Jessica Lussenhop grew up in the USA, thus she can use her resources from BBC and her own experience with the American auto market to present unbiased but factual information. 

Matthew Rocco wrote this article for Fox Business. Within the article he discusses the diesel engine's market in America. The difference between this source and the previous sources is that Rocco focuses strictly on the American market. Rocco uses statistics and quotes from representatives of the major American auto manufacturers. Therefore the article presents a narrower scope, and is more specific to my research question of why diesel engines are becoming more prevalent in America. 

The major values and interests of this article regard two main groups; American auto companies and American Automobile Consumers. The values it presents are cost, rationality for the American market, and reasons why the diesel engine hasn't taken off yet, as well as why it is going to. 

Fox business is a credible source for this research topic because this is a huge business ordeal. In the end it comes down to whether the manufacturers will make money, and for many consumers it depends on if they will save money or benefit from a diesel engine. It also is a credible source for my research question because the question itself targets the American diesel car market, which Fox Business will definitely be knowledgeable on. Matthew Rocco shares lots of the same credibility as Fox Business itself, but he also has his own identity containing a focus in the current automotive market. 

After taking a drive down any American street, chances are you will mainly see cars containing gasoline powered engines. This fact shows how the question "Why are diesel engines becoming more prevalent in automobiles across America?" can be quite arguable. If you asked anyone without much knowledge of current diesel trends in America, they may tell you quite the opposite, by saying that diesel engines are becoming extinct. However the truth is that the diesel engine is currently taking off in consumer sedans all across America, and many of the large American auto companies are putting research and technology into developing a better diesel engine. There are many reasons for this growth, but some of the facts are simply indisputable. Simply put, diesel engines are more reliable. Due to the nature of their construction, diesel engines last longer, and face less maintenance issues. This is due to diesel engines containing less moving parts, and their characteristic of running at lower RPMS than their gas counterparts. Diesel engines are also generally more efficient, they require less fuel to run, and make more power from a given sample of fuel than a gas engine. However, the traditional diesel engine also has its downfalls. Diesel fuel in itself is quite odorous, and when burned it creates a unique exhaust smell. Many believe this to be a huge flaw of the diesel engine, however modern diesel engines such as the VW TDI are said to have eliminated almost all scents that would give away what type of fuel is powering the automobile. Similarly, the traditional diesel engine has been long known as a noisy motor, this is due to the combustion process of a diesel engine, and has been describes as a "knocking" or "rattling" in the engine. While this is certainly true of older diesel motors, it is a stereotype that does not hold truth in all modern diesel engines. These different perceptions of the diesel engine do not necessarily affect my own perspective, this is due to the fact that the modern diesel engine is preceded by an even more simplistic diesel engine that has created stereotypes based on previous facts that no longer hold truth. After writing this exploratory analysis, I have realized that maybe a question such as "How has the diesel engine evolved over the years?" may be more suitable for my research. 


