The Auto Writer

Good news seems to have been avoiding the Chrysler Group for some time now. GM is flourishing post bankruptcy while Chrysler continues to struggle, casting doubt that the smallest of America’s Big Three automakers can survive for the long term, despite a government bail out and subsequent partnering with the Fiat Group.

New Products

While GM’s problems have been mostly administrative, the company has continued with its aggressive restructuring, ditching unneeded brands while pressing forward with new products.

Chrysler, who has been through several owners over the past three years just does not have the resources available to update new products though the 2011 Jeep Gran Cherokee will prove to be one notable exception.

Perhaps the healthiest part of Chrysler’s portfolio is its Ram line of pickup trucks. Those trucks continue to finish a strong third in a very competitive as well as lucrative segment. Indeed, Chrysler recognizes this having recently spun off the Ram brand to market it separately from Dodge.

Diesel Agreement

The Jeep Gran Cherokee will make its global debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show and go on sale in May. But that news follows something announced earlier this week: the diesel engine supplier for select Ram pick up trucks, Cummins Inc., has extended its multi-year agreement with the Chrysler Group to continue to supply its 6.7L liter turbo diesel engine for Ram heavy duty models.

Cummins first began to supply diesel engines for Dodge back in 1989 and has delivered 1.7 million since. They claim that 80 percent of heavy duty Ram truck buyers choose the engine, enjoying excellent torque and decent fuel economy as a result.

Clean Burning

Today’s 6.7L turbo diesel replaces the earlier 5.9L diesel, delivering 350 hp and a whopping 650 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the earlier engine, this one enjoys a 118 percent increase in horsepower and 86 percent increase in torque while achieving a reduction in exhaust emissions by 90 percent. Cummins met the fed’s 2010 emission level requirements in 2007 and continues to produce the cleanest diesel engine in its class.

The Cummins decision had been expected for some time, but it is a welcome announcement nonetheless. In a press release announcing that decision Dave Crompton, VP and General Manager, Midrange Engine Business for Cummins said, “Cummins is proud to supply engines for the award-winning Ram Heavy Duty and to continue working with Chrysler to develop best-in-class products that customers can trust and depend on now and in the future.”

A much needed display of support from one the Chrysler Group’s top suppliers.

Source: Cummins Inc.