Chrysler Group Considers Diesel for Minivans

Hot on the heels of our recent update on the status of the upcoming VW minivan, we received word that Chrysler is actually considering a diesel powerplant for use in future models of the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

According to a story over at Autoblog (sourced from Automotive News), Chrysler is leaning towards making a a new Mercedes-developed 2.2L turbo diesel engine (available in 2010) as an option for their minivan range, possibly in the 2010-2011 model year.

This news lends credence to the possibility of a VW minivan with a diesel engine, which we discussed yesterday. With the departure of most domestic automakers from the minivan segment, it does make sense for the Chrysler Group to explore all niches of the minivan market to maintain their dominance. A high-torque diesel engine could be a perfect powerplant for a minivan, as the impressive low-end power a diesel provides would be well-suited to the average stop-and-go, low-speed driving that most minivans are subject to.

Based on several reader emails I've received over the last few months, interest in minivans equipped with hybrid and diesel engines is high on the list for many prospective minivan purchasers. Chrysler (and any other minivan manufacturer) may be well-served by taking a closer look at these alternative powerplants, as the market will undoubtedly reward the first automaker to do so.

(Thanks to Aaron Gold at About.com Cars for the news tip.)
^{photo: © DaimlerChrysler}