Jeep Grand Cherokee To Get Diesel In 2013, 1,100 Jobs Created
Published: January 6th, 2012
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The diesel powered version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee will return to our shores in 2013, 5 years after it was last offered in North America. Chrysler announced that 1,100 jobs would also be added to a third shift at the Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit.
The new hires will help build the Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and portions of the upcoming Maserati Kubang SUV. The 3.0L diesel makes 237 bhp in European trim, as well as 405 lb-ft of torque.
More by Derek Kreindler
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Am I the only one who remembers when Diesel was CHEEPER than gasoline?
Remember that the supply of diesel is also tied to the production of AVTUR (jet fuels) as it comes from the same fraction of oil. More jet fuel produced, less diesel. Plus add on govement taxes etc.. subsidies for rural users etc.. makes diesel in the US and Australia a non starter for normal everday driving. Only taxi's, buses and long distance drivers can take advantage of the economy of deisel powered cars. When petrol (gasoline) can cost upto 20 to 30 cents cheaper than diesel, the advantages of running a economic diesel car tends to be wiped out.
As said above, us Jeepers keep asking for a diesel in the Wrangler! Hello McFly?! I do have a gas Liberty in the family that will become a WK2 (Grand Cherokee) at some point and I have been going back and forth between the Pentastar for it's mpg or the HEMI to be able to tow my TJ Wrangler on occasion (as it's not the best ride for long highway trips being that it's built up for off-road). However with the possibility of a diesel WK2, I'd certainly consider one. I don't want to just buy a "flash in the pan" diesel as I'd want to keep it for some time and I would except reliability and the ability to get it serviced without seeing blank looks when I drive it into the dealership. I almost bought a CRD Liberty back in 2005 and unfortunately there were some problems with them, enough that owners were getting rid of them. The interest is there Chrysler! Just don't screw it up if you are going to do it as my gas Liberty has been very reliable and I'd hate to regret trading up. Otherwise, just give us a diesel in the Wrangler...
Something that I just remembered... Cummins is a name with a great deal of cachet in the US for solid, powerful diesel engines, it's why 'Cummins' is an engine-badge second only to 'Hemi' on Chrysler products. But on the international scene, Cummins is a main competitor and rival of Fiat on the diesel scene. What will that mean for the future of Cummins/Chrysler?