Jeep CEO: Diesel engines are in the works for U.S. market

Chrysler’s Jeep CEO, Michael Manley announced today that diesel engines are in the works for the US market. Manley said that the diesels will mostly likely be offered in the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee in the US of A and Canada within the next two to three years.

The diesel engines will help Jeep improve its CAFE or Corporate Average Fuel Economy and gives customers a chance to opt for models with better fuel economy.

Despite diesel maintaining a higher price than standard petrol, diesels use about 30% to 35% less fuel than the equivalent gas engines, which translates to less fill-ups between tank intervals.

“Diesel in some of our models makes absolute sense, but I still have to make sure there is a sufficient marketplace here to make it make sense from a business perspective,” Manley said.

Manley also recognizes that introducing diesel options would make for a great opportunity for all off-road enthusiasts and for Jeep to let their designers and engineers venture to try new things.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Free Press