Chrysler Group has announced it will introduce the Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD to one of the most diesel-sceptical countries in the world - North America - just weeks before it goes on sale in Britain.

Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD

To encourage American acceptance of diesels, Chrysler Group will test the North American market with a diesel-powered Jeep Cherokee (Liberty in North America) in 2003.

Dieter Zetsche, president and chief executive officer of Chrysler Group, said the United States could reduce its oil use by about 800m gallons and carbon dioxide emissions by eight million tons a year if Americans bought diesels at the same rate as Europeans.

And he called on regulators and oil refiners to work together to resolve diesel emissions' challenges that will be tested by new exhaust standards to go into effect in 2006.

He said: "The best way to show our commitment to work together is to bring a modern, clean diesel passenger vehicle to market, which we intend to do."

While DaimlerChrysler offers a range of diesel-powered passenger vehicles in Europe, where about 35 per cent of vehicles are powered by diesel engines, the Jeep Liberty will be the first light-duty sport-utility vehicle with a diesel powertrain to go on sale in the United States and Canada.

Here in the UK the Cherokee 2.8 CRD is set to reach Chrysler and Jeep's 92-strong dealer network later this month. Powered by a 2776 cc common rail turbo-diesel engine produced by DaimlerChrysler, it will be available with automatic transmission.

The 108mph car returns 27.4 mpg on the combined cycle and is priced from £20,995.