History of the diesel car featured an aluminium block, DOHC chain driven valvetrain, common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbocharger. In Spring 2005, Mercedes-Benz unveiled their first application of a mass-produced aluminum block diesel engine for passenger vehicles and commercial use. While aluminum is traditionally considered of inferior strength and temperature resistance to withstand diesel applications, Mercedes engineers made extensive use of CAD/CAM design to arrive at an aluminum block that would meet with Mercedes' testing and reliability standards. First use was in 2006 model-year vehicles in the E-Class sedan and ML-class and GL-class SUVs. Similar in weight () to the five-cylinder it replaced,
DESA (company) engine assembly began in 1996, RK 215 engine production began in 2000. In 2009 the company unveiled Iran's first indigenous heavy diesel engine, the D87. A dual fuel (gas / diesel) version is also to be produced. The company produces diesel generators for permanent and emergency electricity supply. 104 units have been supplied to the Iran Telecommunications Company. The company is a supplier to both the Iranian Islamic Republic Railways and the Raja Passenger Train Company. DESA has manufactured the Ruston RK 215 diesel engine for the AD43C mainline diesel locomotive, of which 70 units were manufactured by Wagon Pars.