The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I

From 1910 to 1912, Diesel consulted with engineering firms in Europe and the US, lecturing to boost diesel engine prospects. In the US, beer magnate Busch struggled to manufacture diesel engines, eventually reorganizing his company into the American Diesel Engine Company (ADE). Diesel paid particular attention to ADE because of his friendship with Busch and his need for support during a lawsuit with MAN. When UK engineering firm, Mirrlees Watson Co. Ltd, showed interest in Diesel's work, Diesel collaborated with their engineer, Charles Day—a partnership that rejuvenated Day's enthusiasm for diesel technology. The Royal Navy faced challenges in applying diesel engines to submarines but remained interested in their benefits. Winston Churchill, now First Lord of the Admiralty, and Fleet Admiral John Fisher supported diesel-powered submarines and warships despite skepticism within the admiralty.

Still, Augsburg remained the central hub of diesel technology. MAN diesel engines were superior to those produced by other countries, and would be until the 1930s.

In 1912, Danish firm Burmeister & Wain created the Selandia, a groundbreaking diesel-powered ship. It could carry 7,000 tons and travel 20,000 miles without refueling, potentially challenging Britain's trade dominance. The ship signified Rudolf Diesel's vision of global trade becoming more accessible and fair.