Don't Hold Your Breath for Light a Duty Ram Diesel
Sunday June 21, 2009
Chrysler has shelved its plans to build a 2011 Ram 1500 diesel, filing papers in bankruptcy court to cancel a contract with the engine builder, Cummins. Since the economy took a nose-dive, GM, Ford and Toyota have all (at least temporarily) abandoned plans for light duty diesel trucks. GM is focusing on its hybrid line and Ford will offer an F-150 pickup equipped with a 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost engine that will deliver V-8 performance and better fuel mileage. I think we'll eventually see diesel-equipped half-ton trucks, but it could be awhile.
2009 Dodge Ram Road Tests
2009 Dodge Ram Pictures
Photo © Dale Wickell
It’s really a shame. There are a ton of customers here in Florida who would love to have a light duty diesel-lawn maintenance, landscapers, U-Haul/furniture movers (smaller moves) and myself- moonwalk & water slide rentals. None of us normally haul more than 5,000 lbs. We want lower maintenance costs, lower fuel costs/better fuel mileage, and something that will go 300k miles if taken care of.
Get me truck that gets 15mpg towing (mostly city), good stopping power, tows 7k lbs, tight turning radius, w/ an auto tranny that lasts to at least 100k miles, and I’m there w/ money in hand!
All of our trucks were gas, but they can’t handle the heat here in Florida-even w/ additional coolers, etc.
Just bought a Dodge 2500 Cummins for the business-way more truck than I need.
I hear you, Eric, and I’m hopeful we’ll eventually get a light duty diesel. A combination of lower gas prices and a poor economy sure did sink everyone’s plans for now.