Is it any wonder why the American Automakers are failing?

Yet another "we don't think there will be a demand rationale."

April 26, 2009
Where Have All the Diesels Gone?
By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN
New York Times

WITH major advantages in both fuel efficiency and torque output, diesel engines are a natural match for pickups. But the Detroit Three are not in sync on plans to offer diesels in new editions of their light-duty trucks.

While Dodge says yes, Ford is waffling. General Motors says not to hold your breath.

The Dodge Ram will get a Cummins diesel, said Scott Kunselman, vice president for Jeep and truck product development at Chrysler. But he would not say when it will arrive.

A diesel was also planned for next year‘s Ford F-150, but that plan is being reconsidered in light of the big price premium for diesel fuel that developed last summer, said Matt O’Leary, the truck’s chief engineer. While the gap has narrowed, there is concern that it could return and stifle demand for diesel engines.

“We are going to wait-and-see a little bit on diesel,” Mr. O’Leary said.

General Motors had planned to offer a new 4.5-liter diesel V-8 in the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, but says the plan is on “indefinite hold.” CHRISTOPHER JENSEN