Chrysler is still planning on introducing a hybrid-powered Dodge Ram in 2010, but a diesel-powered model is up in the air. Chrysler announced last year that both models would be introduced in 2010, but those plans may have changed.
Scott Kunselman, Chrysler senior vice president of engineering confirmed that the hybrid is still on, but wouldn't comment on the future of the diesel. Only saying that he doesn't think there is enough of a market among recreational buyers for the diesel. We can expect more details when Chrysler will outline its five-year business and product plan on November 4th.
The hybrid powertrain for the Ram is the result of a partnership between General Motors Co., BMW AG and Daimler AG.
Full Story: Detroit News
Comments (11)
Why not a V6 diesel hybrid?...
If engineers ran the companies we'd have 100mpg cars by now.
Posted by Brian | October 27, 2009 2:15 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 14:15
No market for diesel? Give me full size truck with small V-6 turbo diesel, not that expensive hunk of metal called Cummin. I am waiting for some company to make me a Dakota size truck with small turbo diesel.
Posted by topper | October 27, 2009 2:33 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 14:33
No desire for diesel?
It fails to amaze me that their company went bankrupt with that level of customer knowledge.
I'm with topper. Give me a small turbo diesel pick up that gets 30mgp and can carry some mulch/building supplies/appliances and I would look at it as a viable option.
Posted by Teldar | October 27, 2009 2:47 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 14:47
No desire for the diesel?
I'd like to hear them say that after the Mahindra gets here. I love my Ram, but I don't need the bulk.
Posted by wvo | October 27, 2009 4:38 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 16:38
Who are this people talking to. Can a hybrid truck haul as much as a diesel. Most people get diesel to use them not drive around and look pretty. And the MPG's can't be that much better than diesel. I am not a big truck person, I would take a car or an suv. But when you are talking hybrids and diesel, I will take a diesel any day of the week.
Posted by Andre | October 28, 2009 4:21 AM
Posted on October 28, 2009 04:21
@wvo: You're only partly correct.. every Mahindra will be sold with a diesel because people want it. Unlike in the past though, the truck will fail because it's an utterly unrefined piece of trash.
@Andre: The MPGs ARE that much better with a diesel. I have a 2002 Jetta TDI: avg mpg - 49. A 2.0 Jetta of the same year is rated for something like 30mpg. Maybe more. I also have a 2004 F250 diesel I average 18-19 in unloaded general running around. If I keep my foot out of it on the highway, I can easily get around 22-23. My dad just bought a Hemi 2500 in effectively the same configuration he averages 15 in running around and about 18-19 highway. 15 to 18 doesn't sound like much of a difference, but if my math doesn't fail me.. it's a 17% difference. Diesel is no where near 17% more expensive. And we don' thave the room to get into loaded comparisons.
Posted by Diesel_fan | October 28, 2009 7:13 AM
Posted on October 28, 2009 07:13
Maybe it's all those government incentives for hybrids. I know they just alowed the Q7 diesel to get something, but it's so expensive that a small credit isn't a deal maker. If a $3500 credit for a small diesel pickup with maybe a 24/30 mpg rating was ever made available I'm sure it'd get plenty of support for the recreational buyer.
Posted by thetruth | October 28, 2009 9:07 AM
Posted on October 28, 2009 09:07
Also, why the hell do these trucks have to be so damn huge??? I sat on one of these, I can barely reach the handle of the opposite door. A while back, there was a news that Ford was gonna build an "F-100", slot between the size of the Ranger and the F-150. The truck guys at Ford killed it because it can't tow a certain amount......what a bunch of dumbass!! That's the size of truck I was looking for. I don't wanna tow a freaking mountain, just wanna haul some furnitures, appliances, and tow may be traile full of 2, 3, or 4 motorcycles.
Posted by topper | October 28, 2009 10:56 AM
Posted on October 28, 2009 10:56
i dont know where these companies get these ideas - Mercedes sells tons of ML320 bluetecs, the dodge sprinter sells so well partially because its fuel efficinent - we want god damn diesels that dont burn much and have a ton of torque - not some hybrid POS that will burn out the first time you try and tow a boat with it!
I wish it was easier to import cars from abroad - would negate half this B/S
Posted by philip | October 28, 2009 10:53 PM
Posted on October 28, 2009 22:53
The big 3 ...stooges - where are diesel half tons? No wonder big 3 in big mess - they just don't get it.
Posted by Ricardo | November 10, 2009 6:42 PM
Posted on November 10, 2009 18:42
@topper: "I am waiting for some company to make me a Dakota size truck with small turbo diesel."
I heard somewhere that a company called mahindra is bringing something similar to the US.
Posted by CarGrinch | November 11, 2009 11:15 AM
Posted on November 11, 2009 11:15