New Cummins clean-diesel technology will allow DaimlerChrysler brand Dodge to introduce a new 50-state-compliant turbodiesel engine in its light duty pickup trucks after 2009.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The automaker said the new engine will provide a dramatic increase in low-end torque, up to a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide (C02) emissions when compared to an equivalent petrol 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.
The engine follows the March 2007 launch of a 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel in Ram Heavy Duty trucks which also meets 2010 standards in all 50 states.
In the United States, current Chrysler Group diesel-powered models include several Ram truck models, the Mercedes-designed Dodge Sprinter van with 2.7-litre common-rail direct injection (CDI) turbodiesel and, coming soon, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, featuring a new Merecedes three-litre V6 turbodiesel.
In Europe, diesel-powered models account for more than half of Chrysler Group sales.
