Diesel Minivans on the Horizon

DETROIT — The Chrysler group is strongly considering selling diesel-powered minivans in North America as early as 2010.

“We’re contemplating it,” said Jason Vines, Chrysler’s chief spokesman.

Talk of a diesel minivan is another indication that Chrysler is looking at a broad lineup of diesel-powered cars and light trucks in a few years. A Mercedes-Benz diesel engine under development will make it possible to meet U.S. emissions requirements.

The case for fuel-efficient diesels is growing because engineers are designing technology to make them cleaner and more powerful. Also, low-sulfur diesel fuel arrived at U.S. pumps last year. The fuel enables diesels to meet stringent new emissions standards.

But diesel engines are more costly to produce than comparable gasoline engines. Diesels have complex equipment to clean emissions and inject fuel at high pressures.

Vines said Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda will announce sometime this year which vehicles will get diesel engines. Now, the company has confirmed only one new diesel-powered vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee which goes on sale in March in 45 states. Five states including California have rigorous emissions requirements that the engine can’t match.

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