Ford and General Motors have opted to choose the tough path. The automakers decided to provide more option within the diesel segment to their American customers. This is a very bold move owing to the fact that very few diesel cars are sold in the US. Also, Volkswagen has already faced the heat of the diesel emissions cheating scandal.
GM and Ford sell large diesel engines which are typically used in heavy-duty pickup trucks which are used in the area of construction, oil drilling and on farms and ranches in the US. These engines have not been very popular as they are more expensive, reported The New Paper.
This move by the companies is in the midst of the trend where most automakers are moving to electric and hybrid engines as the demand for cleaner cars has increased. At the same time, the government regulations are stricter too when it comes to pollution.
However, diesel still remains an open option and it will help meet the government efficiency standards as it will provide better mileage than gasoline engines. This inspired Ford to launch a diesel version of the F-150 pickup truck. GM, on the other hand, has two diesel SUV models in the works. Mazda is also adding a diesel SUV.
Ford is all set to roll out a 3-litre diesel engine as an option in the 2018 F-150 pickup truck. The diesel engine for the vehicle will be built at the Ford factory in Dagenham, England. "It's all about continuous improvement," said Mr. Todd Eckert, the marketing manager for the F-150. He added that the automaker has a long history of innovation with this vehicle, reported Economic Times.
In 2016, GM sold around 1,400 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup trucks with small diesel engines last year.
Though the move to use diesel engines is threatened by environmental regulations and low demand now, it is anticipated that the high performance that the vehicle will deliver will fetch buyers.
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