Automakers scrap diesel plans

Mainstream carmakers have put the brakes on nine diesel-powered vehicles that had been scheduled for 2010.

Honda, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Toyota have halted diesel programs because of spiraling costs and other problems.

Financial problems halted the programs at some companies. Others, like Toyota Motor Corp., are looking elsewhere for fuel economy. "We are banking heavily on hybrids," said Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister.

Only German automakers--Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW--have followed through with plans to launch U.S. diesels on time. Most German diesels are in premium vehicles similar to vehicles built in large numbers for Europe and other markets. That volume reduces development and production costs per vehicle.

A diesel engine typically delivers fuel economy 20 to 30 percent better than that of a gasoline engine. But a diesel can add between $3,000 and $8,000 to a vehicle's price. Costly components include the turbocharger, the high-pressure fuel injection system and the complex emissions system, which is filled with precious metals. That cost seems to be a barrier for the mass-market brands.

Still, the new German diesels are selling well. The price of diesel fuel may be a factor. It has dropped from its high last summer of $4.85 per gallon--considerably more than gasoline--to $2.63 last week, a few pennies less than a gallon of regular gasoline.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090629/CARNEWS/906299987

class anyone? anyone?

Higher initial price tag, lower fuel costs, and probably higher maintenance costs, especially if the owners don't take care of them right.

Plus, there is no marketing cache associated with diesel.

Hybrids probably have some of the same cost issues, but they are a niche product, while diesels would have to be mainstream products to justify the investment. In the current economic climate, they are not likely to be profitable.

you can't put Quick Check oil in a diesel. GM had a beautiful new design with the intake incorporated INTO the heads, cutting down cost and weight. But they dumped it because they ran out of funds before the Government took over. Maybe it will make a comeback.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/news/business/2009/03/11/gms-light-duty-45l-duramax-diesel-on-indefinite-hold/

Today the company announced that the Duramax 4.5L V8 Diesel, planned for the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 will be scrapped indefinitely.

The 4.5L mini-Duramax was set to be a significant option for the 2010 model year. While the engine has not been totally scrapped and GM “remains optimistic” that the engine will be a viable option in the future- potential owners are looking forward to a 310-hp, 520 ft-lbs engine option in a light duty truck will no doubt be disappointed.

The announcement is just the latest in a string of bad news announcements out of the beleaguered automaker. Just last week General Motors announced that an internal audit of the companies finances put serious doubt on the future viability of the company despite US Government backed loans.

GM Statement Regarding the Duramax 4.5L V-8 Diesel
Given the current economic climate, GM has reviewed and updated its U.S. product portfolio and has decided to place on indefinite hold its previously announced plan to add a Duramax 4.5L V-8 diesel engine in 2010 to its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty trucks.

Chevrolet and GMC will continue to offer a heavy duty Duramax 6.6L V-8 diesel, which is class-leading in both horsepower and torque. Light-duty truck customers can also choose from several fuel-efficient gasoline engines with GM’s Active Fuel Management mated to a six-speed transmission or a new 2-Mode hybrid that provides up to 40 percent improved city fuel mileage and 25 percent improvement in overall fuel efficiency. In fact, no other full-size pickup has better fuel economy.

GM remains optimistic that the Duramax 4.5L V-8 diesel may be a viable option in its future portfolio

4.5 L V-8 is too big for mass-produced auto applications. Maybe a 3.0 L six would be more feasible.

Actually, a small diesel should be good for as a range extender for plug-in hybrids, since the engine could be run at constant rpm and load to charge the battery.

those barges even though they get in the high 20's with the small V6 would benefit from the torque. I am sure they could be detuned down around 230 HP.

Use synthetic oil and a change every 10,000 miles, at least on all Volkswagen diesels they're selling now. Mine was one change at 5,000, then 10, 20, 30, etc.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/mahindra-appalachian-diesel-pickup-arrives-in-us-next-year-dies/

http://www.freep.com/article/20090616/BUSINESS01/906160340/1014/BUSINESS01/Chrysler++Ford+dealers+join+Mahindra+group

http://www.examiner.com/x-10697-SF-Autos-Examiner~y2009m6d17-Want-to-test-drive-a-Mahindra-diesel-pickup

Some former Chrysler and Ford dealers to market.

Living on a farm and needing a pick-up, I may look at one of these.

I'm hoping next spring to trade it in for a new VW Golf TDI.

BTW, price point on my TDI Beetle was not that much more than a similarly equipped gas version, maybe $1000 more, around $21k. VW also doesn't mark up their vehicles like other makes, there was less than $1000 difference between the invoice and sticker, I know cause I entered the information into our computer system.

The EPA is choking the life out of them.Diesel pick-ups 15 years ago got around 25 M.P.G.s in a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive now they are lucky to get 12.Sure they are faster with more torque,but it is at the expense of reliability and economy the very thing a person wants a diesel for.

but we have a new sheriff in town now and he's not taking too much shit from anybody and on this subject I can see him getting real western real fast.

Clean diesel can be done, though the EPA standards on diesel vs gas is bunk.

...and these car makers are full of crap