Report: Talks resume between Chrysler and Cummins for light-duty diesel

The on-again, off-again talks regarding the possibility of a new small V8 diesel to power light-duty pickups have reportedly been reignited. Chrysler and Cummins have been rumored to have been developing a new 5.0-liter diesel V8 for some time, but Chrysler's bankruptcy resulted in complications that brought the program to a halt - until now.



According to a report by PickupTrucks.com, Chrysler and Cummins have restarted negotiations related to the development of an all-new diesel engine to be used in Ram light-duty pickups. Chrysler, like crosstown rivals Ford and GM, has publicly suggested that they would be bringing a diesel to market in their light-duty pickups in the past, but also like their crosstown rivals, plans have been shelved.

Just last month Leftlane reported that Chrysler had officially signed the deal to continue its 21-year relationship with diesel engine provider, Cummins. The contract was signed in order to guarantee the continued delivery of the inline-six cylinder 6.7-liter diesel that is currently found in Ram heavy-duty pickups.

"Cummins and Chrysler have a long and important history together," said Dave Crompton, vice president and general manager of midrange engines at Cummins. "The Chrysler business continues to be a key part of our midrange engine business, and we're proud to continue working with Chrysler to develop best-in-class products that customers can depend on," said Crompton.

Whether Crompton was referring to the development of a new, smaller V8 diesel, we can't be sure. However, we do know that both Chrysler and Cummins are getting serious about being the first to bring a diesel to the light-duty pickup segment.

While speaking with PickupTrucks.com at the 2010 NTEA Work Truck Show, Joe Veltri, Chrysler vice president of product planning, said, "We're in discussions with Cummins. There's no contract [with Cummins] but [a light-duty diesel] is in our plan."

Veltri went on to explain that a new, smaller diesel engine could not only be utilized in the light-duty pickup segment, but Chrysler believes it could be a viable option in the heavy-duty trucks for customers who don't quite need the full power afforded with the massive 6.7-liter Cummins. A 5.0-liter Cummins V8 diesel would enable customers in light and heavy-duty pickups alike to benefit from the increased torque, fuel efficiency and longevity associated with diesels, without the full cost of the larger engine and its more fuel thirsty attribute.

The Detroit Three have suggested that the volatility of diesel fuel costs, as well as the added upfront cost of diesel engines have kept them from introducing a small diesel into light-duty pickups. Another factor is the erosion of profits typically associated with larger pickups as the truck makers foresee customers stepping down from heavy-duty to light-duty pickups for the smaller diesel.

Should Chrysler move forward with the introduction of a diesel for the light-duty pickup segment, one can only wonder if Ford and GM will find enough motivation to bring their currently indefinitely shelved small diesels to market as well.

References
1. 'Chrysler and Cummins restart...' view