As fuel prices explode and worries continue, I can make a prediction. Whoever first comes out with these half ton full sized and small trucks with diesel option will have no problem selling out with these preconceptions:
The half ton full sized diesel will have towing capabilities at least equal to gassers. The power will allow it to accelerate with gassers. My own assumption is that they will have mpg increases of up to 30 percent above comparable gassers. The Cummins diesel that was made to show what a half ton would do was rated at 21mpg and 27mpg hwy. That was a vehicle that was already built, although only as a demonstratin (or tease) of what could be made.
A small Toyota, Ranger, Colorado with a 4 banger should get 35-40mpg highway(guessing)? That would be one big seller also.
I am sure that the automakers are eyeing this market and are pouring resources towards this end, I wonder when real trucks will emerge. I know I will be looking hard for them although it will be no earlier than next year when the first 15ppm diesel will be widely available.
What truck owner will not be then looking at a diesel truck?