Washington, D.C., Jan 23, 2007 - Today at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with the Department of Energy (DOE), Chrysler Group and Cummins, recognized the new 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty as the cleanest mass-production diesel-engine pickup truck on the market.
Available in dealerships in March, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty’s 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine is the first to meet 2010 truck emissions standards in all 50 states, and will be significantly cleaner than other pickup trucks. It is the first BLUETEC vehicle from the Chrysler Group.
“This new technology is a significant validation of industry's ability to meet EPA's 2010 clean diesel standards. These innovations help power our economy and drive our environmental successes," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
The new 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an adsorber catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent.
“The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck with the new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine is the cleanest diesel truck available on the market,” said Tom LaSorda, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group. “Working together with Cummins, Dodge is the only manufacturer to meet stringent 2010 emissions standards -- today. That’s great news for our Heavy Duty customers – 80 percent of whom choose the diesel option.”
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks’ long-standing relationship with Cummins was established in 1988 and continues to thrive with new, more powerful, more efficient and cleaner turbodiesel engines. In Indiana late last year, Cummins produced the 1.5-millionth diesel engine for the Dodge Ram.
“Partnerships like the one we have enjoyed with the DOE and the leadership shown by the EPA on ULSD have provided the right environment for this technological breakthrough,” said Tim Solso, Cummins Chairman and CEO. “We continue to research and invest in technologies that ensure Dodge Ram heavy-duty trucks equipped with the Cummins turbodiesel engine are as clean as they are powerful.”
Improved Emissions and Durability
In addition to the NOx adsorber and the DPF, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine includes other technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce unburned hydrocarbons.
A cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system combines with a uniquely designed piston combustion bowl and a high-flow, electronically-controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT™), matching boost pressure with the engine’s performance needs to reduce emissions and improve drivability
Within the exhaust system, a self-cleaning DPF and an oxidation catalyst reduces particulate matter by a factor of 10. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles
A new closed crankcase ventilation system eliminates crankcase fumes and oil carry-over, a common problem with past diesels
As durable as it is powerful, the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage over the competition.
Nearly 40 percent of the new engine’s parts are carryover, with modifications geared to surpass emissions standards and increase horsepower and torque, while maintaining the durability associated with Dodge and Cummins.
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty models equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine will begin appearing in dealerships in March, starting at $33,650 including destination.
Chrysler Group Diesel-powered Models
In the United States, current Chrysler Group diesel-powered models include the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, powered by the new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel; the all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, with a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel; the Dodge Sprinter, with a 2.7-liter Common-rail Direct Injection (CDI) turbodiesel; and the Jeep® Grand Cherokee, featuring a new 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine (which hits the market early this year).
In Europe, diesel-powered models account for more than half of Chrysler Group sales. Diesel versions of numerous Chrysler Group vehicles continue to be popular, including the Chrysler 300C, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Compass, as well as the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber and 2007 Jeep Wrangler.
Advanced diesel technology is part of the Chrysler Group’s advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles and biodiesel capability.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group’s best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.
Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins produces the diesel for the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 series.
Press release via Chrysler/Dodge