REPORT: Chrysler could ditch Cummins for Fiat diesel power
For years, diesel-powered Dodge Ram pickup trucks have featured powerful inline six-cylinder engines from Cummins. By all accounts, the partnership has been successful and the Cummins diesel engines are highly regarded in the industry. Therefore, it wasn't exactly shocking to hear that the planned light duty diesel engine for the Ram 1500 pickup would be sourced from Cummins.
Not long ago, Chrysler's bankruptcy allowed the automaker to cancel contracts that were no longer desirable for the automaker moving forward. The deal with Cummins for the light duty diesel was one such contract, though later reports indicated that the deal could potentially be revived. According to an unnamed source quoted by Automotive News (sub. req'd), though, that pairing may be in jeopardy.
In place of the Cummins diesel engine may very well be an oil-burning powerplant from Fiat, the Italian automaker that recently partnered up with the Chrysler. In related news, Chrysler may possibly withdraw from its joint venture with Hyundai and Mitsubishi to produce the World Engine that's currently used in a number of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. As you may have guessed, the replacement powerplants would almost surely be sourced from Fiat.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lad 2:11PM (8/29/2009)
Nothing new about this process. We who live in gold mining country have been waiting for tax payer money to clean up toxic gold mining tailings for decades. However, the people who have been impacted by toxic waste the most appear to be those who live in the coal mining districts. Not only is their air polluted; but, their water supplies and streams are filling up with toxic ash.
Dirty Industries have operated for years producing products but never taking responsibility for the toxic waste they produce; that part of the process remains for the tax payers to finance. And so it goes; the cleanup dodge continues; GM is just one of many.
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Lad 2:29PM (8/29/2009)
Sorry readers!...I misplaced this posting. It belongs in the next article
JDredd 7:22PM (8/29/2009)
NOT a good idea!
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MemphisNET 10:28AM (8/30/2009)
*sigh* first major blunder for Chrysler (New Chrysler, of course) -- people don't buy Ram's with diesel engines, they buy Cummins powerplants that happen to be wrapped in a Dodge sheet metal.
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Nick 9:17PM (8/30/2009)
If it's more fuel-efficient, high-tech and powerful enough I'd but it over a gasoline version.
Remember, not all truck buyers are nascar watching retarded rednecks that cumm ins their pants when they hear of a ram diesel.
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Ghen 8:37AM (8/31/2009)
People buy light duty trucks based on brand and manliness. The former leading directly into the latter.
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