The continued popularity of the minivan, despite the fast growing SUV and crossover markets, and less competition from Ford and GM as they discontinue their minivan lines, leaves Chrysler the sole domestic automaker in the segment. Now the automaker is looking to tap its German patron's diesel technology.
Chrysler may offer a diesel powered minivan to North America by 2010. Such a step can be done because a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine is now under development that meets U.S. emission requirements. The 2.2 litre, four cylinder engine uses a dual stage turbocharger to offer more high power and torque from a relatively small displacement. The engine will be available in 2010.
There are advantages and disadvantages to diesel. On the one hand, engineers are making diesel engines that burn cleaner and are more powerful. In addition, there is more diesel being offered in the U.S. market with the arrival of low sulfur diesel to the pumps. However, diesel engines are more costly to produce.
So far Chrysler has designated one vehicle to carry a new diesel engine and that's the Jeep Grand Cherokee which goes on sale in March in 45 states. Five states including California are off the list for the Cherokee because the engine does not pass those states' more rigorous emission requirements.
Chrysler plans to announce later what other models will be tapped to carry a diesel engine. Our take? While we don't see diesel engines hurting the minivans popularity, we don't see it really helping sales either. Consumer taste, specifically, images like "soccer moms", led to the decline in minivans sales. Since diesel engines have no impact on such image issues, we're scratching our heads on this bit of news.
via Automotive.com Blogs