Dodge Gets on Board With Clean Diesel

Armed with new Cummins clean-diesel technology, Dodge will introduce an all-new turbodiesel engine in its light duty pickup trucks after 2009.
The new engine will provide a dramatic increase in low-end torque, up to a 30-percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20-percent reduction in carbon dioxide (C02) emissions when compared to an equivalent gasoline engine.
“Our all-new Cummins engine will offer future Dodge Ram 1500 customers the ultimate in terms of fuel economy, refinement, reliability and durability,” said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group President and CEO.
“It’s another example of the Chrysler Group bringing new, clean, quiet diesel technology to the marketplace.”
The new clean diesel engine will meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010.
In March of this year, Dodge will offer a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel in its Ram Heavy Duty trucks.
“We are pleased to build upon our 18-year partnership and brand franchise with the Chrysler Group by providing our new light-duty diesel-powered engine for use in the Dodge Ram 1500,” said Tim Solso, Cummins Chairman and CEO.
“We know customers for this product will demand high performance. We also know that we need to be extremely good at fuel efficiency and emissions control in order to succeed in this market. Cummins will use its technology leadership to meet all of those criteria, while providing the driving public with an exciting new diesel engine alternative for the popular Dodge Ram series.”
In Europe, diesel-powered models account for more than half of Chrysler Group sales.
Diesel versions of numerous Chrysler Group vehicles continue to be popular, including the Chrysler 300C, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Compass, as well as the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber and 2007 Jeep Wrangler.
Advanced diesel technology is part of the Chrysler Group’s advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles and biodiesel capability.