The Chrysler Group is strongly considering offering diesel-powered versions of its Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country in North America as early as 2010.

Changes in Chrysler production plans — the automaker plans to move production of its diesel-powered minivans for Europe to the United States — are helping to make case for U.S. diesels. The Magna Steyr plant in Austria built 26,867 Voyagers and Grand Voyagers for Chrysler last year.

The current diesel engine for these minivans — a 2.8L four-cylinder built by VM Motori — doesn’t meet the new U.S. emissions standards, but Mercedes is developing a new 2.2L turbodiesel. The new engine features a variable output, dual-stage turbocharger, and should meet all the new emissions standards.

With many buyers looking for the best fuel economy, it would make sense for Chrysler to bring a few thousand additional engines from Europe for sale in the States.

## Source: AutoWeek ##

Posted in: Chrysler, Dodge, Minivans/MPVs, News, Diesel, Future Vehicles
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