Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Dodge needs to get on this Cummins V-6 in the very worst of ways for the Ram 1500.
They've staked their 1500 hopes on the Hemi-- a decent engine. But the future is diesel because the future is higher fuel prices. Here in Europe, diesel is cheaper than gas, but IT'S STILL OVER $5 A GALLON! It's no accident that diesel engines are in 33% of the vehicles over here, compared to 0. 03% of US vehicles.
Furthemore, the linkage of Dodge with Cummins is so strong that if a Cummins engine showed up in a competitor's vehicle, it would do irreparable harm to the Dodge brand.
Cummins engines are in over 70% of Dodge HD trucks, despite costing $6000 or more as an option. What would happen if Cummins engines were no longer offered in a Dodge truck? Even if the M-B diesel is every bit as good, how long would it take to build the reputation and earn the following of the Dodge Cummins? Seven years? Eight?
Now what about the inverse? How much MORE would Dodge gain in 1500 sales if that famous Cummins engine were offered in a lighter, more fuel efficient package? 30mpg in a full size truck would CERTAINLY get some attention!
Let's face it-- a lot of people who buy a 2500 don't need one. Heck, I would have bought one if you could get the Cummins in a 1500!
It's amazing to me that the folks who market Dodge trucks are so ignorant as to how to sell them! They don't know their customers (witness the delay of a real Crew cab-- Yay Dodge-- finally getting it after 20+ years!), and they don't know their products!
Why is the Ford the first to market with a built in trailer brake controller?
Why is Ford the first with built in accessory wiring and a switchpanel?
Why was Ford the first with lights on the side mirrors (safer)?
Why was GM the first with the LED turn signal mirrors?
When is Dodge going to fall out of love with being the also-ran???
I love Mopars, and I'll always have a soft spot for Dodges, but they way they are designed, sold, engineered, and advertised REALLY irritates me!
If only I were handling their advertising
Justin
They've staked their 1500 hopes on the Hemi-- a decent engine. But the future is diesel because the future is higher fuel prices. Here in Europe, diesel is cheaper than gas, but IT'S STILL OVER $5 A GALLON! It's no accident that diesel engines are in 33% of the vehicles over here, compared to 0. 03% of US vehicles.
Furthemore, the linkage of Dodge with Cummins is so strong that if a Cummins engine showed up in a competitor's vehicle, it would do irreparable harm to the Dodge brand.
Cummins engines are in over 70% of Dodge HD trucks, despite costing $6000 or more as an option. What would happen if Cummins engines were no longer offered in a Dodge truck? Even if the M-B diesel is every bit as good, how long would it take to build the reputation and earn the following of the Dodge Cummins? Seven years? Eight?
Now what about the inverse? How much MORE would Dodge gain in 1500 sales if that famous Cummins engine were offered in a lighter, more fuel efficient package? 30mpg in a full size truck would CERTAINLY get some attention!
Let's face it-- a lot of people who buy a 2500 don't need one. Heck, I would have bought one if you could get the Cummins in a 1500!
It's amazing to me that the folks who market Dodge trucks are so ignorant as to how to sell them! They don't know their customers (witness the delay of a real Crew cab-- Yay Dodge-- finally getting it after 20+ years!), and they don't know their products!
Why is the Ford the first to market with a built in trailer brake controller?
Why is Ford the first with built in accessory wiring and a switchpanel?
Why was Ford the first with lights on the side mirrors (safer)?
Why was GM the first with the LED turn signal mirrors?
When is Dodge going to fall out of love with being the also-ran???
I love Mopars, and I'll always have a soft spot for Dodges, but they way they are designed, sold, engineered, and advertised REALLY irritates me!
If only I were handling their advertising
Justin
