Last month, we reported that GM will be offering Diesel engines on upcoming versions of the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Hummer H2 trucks and SUVs. Today, in a video entry at GM's blog, http://www.fastlane.gmblogs.com, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz announced that diesel engines will also be available in regular cars by 2010, as well.

GM which has long been relying on sales of gas-eating SUVs and light trucks, has been exploring diesel as way to increase fuel economy.

Auto-industry media authority AutoNews reports from their sources at GM, that the Frankfurt auto show in September will have the carmaker's diesel engine on an e-flex Opal Vectra, recharging a battery pack that powers an electric motor. The same type of engine will then be displayed in January at the Detroit auto show, most likely on a Saturn Aura sedan. (GM's e-flex system was already introduced earlier this year in Detroit, attached to the Chevrolet Volt concept car.)

They go on to say that the engine will eventually end up in a Cadillac, and that a front-wheel drive version will debut in 2009 or 2010.

GM's diesel engine will not be available nationwide, however. In the same video blog mentioned above, Lutz said, "There's a lot of hype on diesels right now. It's not going to be a 50-state solution. It's going to be minus California and minus what other states adopt California standards."

Lutz added that they are continuing with their diesel plans in spite of this, and that it will be only one way for the manufacturer to boost fuel economy. He cited the V-6 diesel engine for passenger cars and crossovers that will be introduced, as well.

Diesel engines have already been incorporated into GM's European products because of Europe's more relaxed regulations.