Even Chevy's Entry-Level Colorado is going to get a diesel next year. I'm liking this change in the industry i'm seeing.
There is plenty of conquest going on here and a lot of it is because of the EcoDiesel. Hopefully the trend continues.So far this year Ram sales are increasing faster than competing pickups, and the diesel engine option is helping fuel those sales. Ram 1500 sales are up 21% through August while Ford's F-150 has slipped 0.4% and Chevrolet Silverado sales has edged up 1%... According to Chrysler, 60% of all Ram 1500 EcoDiesel buyers previously owned a pickup truck made by a competitor.
Don't forget the cup holders!Americans like fast acceleration and high horsepower. Americans don't really have a desire for good fuel mileage and longevity. They have the income to spend and spend and spend, buying new cars often and expensive, with little thought about the mechanics of what they buy.
Give them a fancy stereo, mirrors to put on make-up, plugs for chargers and TV's, big screen navigation and climate control with power seats. That's what seems to be important.
I think you may be getting some people who come from european cars. I've had several diesel jettas that I bought for the fuel economy, not towing. I know all about the cost of the fuel, special engine oil, noise and smell and I still love the mileage of a diesel. The cummings in the 2500 trucks is just too much truck for me. As soon as they offered a small diesel in a 1500, I bought. This from a guy who generally does not like Chrysler products and swore off buying new since the bad experience with my 03 expedition.I also think that diesel just has a worse reputation because it is louder and seems dirtier. people associate it with big truck and semis. I think only now are people looking below the surface to really figure out the true nature of diesel.