Fiat - Iveco

[Cummins Ag]

Now that Chrysler is a small star in the Fiat galaxy, it seems like a good time to ask what changes the future might bring.

Years ago, under Daimler, the local Dodge dealer supposedly had a truck with a Mercedes diesel installed by the local Freightliner factory. (Daimler also owns Freightliner) I have no idea if this story is true or not.

But now that ownership has changed again, a new question arises.

Fiat also owns Case IH. Over the years, IH tractors and combines have been increasingly equipped with Iveco engines- a manufacturer also owned by Fiat.

So, would you consider buying a Fiat-Dodge truck equipped with an Iveco motor?

-mike

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Disclaimer: I wouldn't buy a new truck of any sort, even if I could justify the cost. (ask me again when I hit the lottery)



If, after the apocalypse , Cummins engines were no longer offered in any pickup brand, I would give as much consideration to an Iveco-powered truck as their performance, reliability and service record warrants. Whatever their record may be... That's what I'm concerned about, not nameplates. If Cummins ever went to a different pickup brand, I'd probably follow it.



I wonder if the Iveco relationship opens up any options for a light-duty motor in 1500s.



With a name like Cummins Ag, one might assume you're a Cummins insider. Doing market research?

 

[rscurtis]

I had one of the last Iveco trucks sold in the USA, a 1990 model 12-14. The truck was much more refined than its Japanese counterparts (Izusu, Hino, and MF).



However, dealer support was non-existent, the air/hydraulic brake system was a disaster, and parts were hideously expensive. How does $400 each for rotors, $1100 for a trans cooler, and $450 for the parking brake valve sound?



The bright spot was the Fiat 6-cylinder engine, it was troublefree, but not as refined or as powerful as the 12V Cummins of the era.



Would I consider a smaller PU with an Iveco engine? Yes.



I should add that Chrysler LLC has just joined the Diesel Technology Forum, perhaps that is a harbinger of the future.

 

[AEdelheit]

I work for a New Holland dealership and 99% of the tractors are Iveco powered, the engines are very tough and I would buy a Iveco loooong before a international or ford diesel!

 

[Missouri Mule]

No I like the Cummins engine (still made in America) and I would say many CTD owners would agree.

I also think the HD Pickup sales woud go down if they don't keep putting a Cummins in the Ram PickUp Trucks (Formerly Dodge Rams).

 

[HBarlow]

We're just speculating about something that probably and hopefully won't actually occur but my initial thought is that no, I wouldn't buy another Dodge with an Iveco or other engine. I'm partial to the Cummins. I would probably just keep the one I have. It serves my needs very well.

 

[2Rowdy]

I work for a CASE Const. and CASE CE dealer and the we also have almost changed completely over to the FPT(Fiat Power Train) engines they seem to be very good engines. FPT is the largest engine mfg. in the world IIRC.

 

[rscurtis]

MM and Harvey, your points are well taken, but if you had a choice of a mid sized PU with a gas engine, or an Iveco diesel, what would your decision be?



I am still of the opinion that the market is for a smaller diesel PU that can do 30+ MPG in the face of rising fuel costs. A diesel half-ton with a Cummins V8 might be a nice toy, but will offer very little advantage at considerable cost. It will also steal market share from the HD segment.



A Dakota sized or slightly smaller PU with a 4-cylinder Iveco engine in the 150-175HP range would be the cat's pajamas for many users.



The Mercedes engine used in many UPS trucks would also be a good option, but I don't think we'll see that now that the plunder has been completed.

 

[Bill Stockard]

MM and Harvey, your points are well taken, but if you had a choice of a mid sized PU with a gas engine, or an Iveco diesel, what would your decision be?



I am still of the opinion that the market is for a smaller diesel PU that can do 30+ MPG in the face of rising fuel costs. A diesel half-ton with a Cummins V8 might be a nice toy, but will offer very little advantage at considerable cost. It will also steal market share from the HD segment.



A Dakota sized or slightly smaller PU with a 4-cylinder Iveco engine in the 150-175HP range would be the cat's pajamas for many users.



The Mercedes engine used in many UPS trucks would also be a good option, but I don't think we'll see that now that the plunder has been completed.

Such a pickup already exists and will be for sale in the US if the parties involved ever get their act together. Mahindra Clean Diesel Pickup Trucks and SUVs



Bill

 

[rscurtis]

According to Global's research, the market is there for 30-50,000 trucks per year. I think that is the crux of the problem between Manindra and Perez- once Mahindra saw what the market is, they wanted to sidestep Global Vehicles, and used the delay from the Punishment Agency as a way out of their agreement. The case is awaiting arbitration.

 

[meanmatt]

I hope Dodge and Cummins never part ways . At least the Engine is still made in the USA. Well still not liking the truck being built in Mexico , but at least its on the same continet.

I'm shure the Fiat engine is probably good , but won't buy one because this import everything trend is just going to ruin this country . I know one USA made engine sale isn't going to save us either. Happy to know I'm not the only one feeling this way

 

[Jim W]

Is this not just like the discussion that took place several years ago when Mercedes Benz was part owner of Chrysler? Everyone was discussing if Mercedes would install a Mercedes diesel in the truck instead of the Cummins.

Will the Cummins is still in the Dodge pick-up trucks.

Jim

 

[HBarlow]

MM and Harvey, your points are well taken, but if you had a choice of a mid sized PU with a gas engine, or an Iveco diesel, what would your decision be?

I am still of the opinion that the market is for a smaller diesel PU that can do 30+ MPG in the face of rising fuel costs. A diesel half-ton with a Cummins V8 might be a nice toy, but will offer very little advantage at considerable cost. It will also steal market share from the HD segment.

A Dakota sized or slightly smaller PU with a 4-cylinder Iveco engine in the 150-175HP range would be the cat's pajamas for many users.

The Mercedes engine used in many UPS trucks would also be a good option, but I don't think we'll see that now that the plunder has been completed.

I understand that you are dealing in hypotheticals but that simply is not a choice I would make. I would simply keep my current truck or, if it were totalled or stolen I would buy a used one similar to it. I have no interest in and no use for a smaller economical diesel engine and simply would not own a gas pickup. My C&C pulls a 14,000 lb. fifth wheel and hydraulic dump bed trailer.

I'll take the word of others that the Iveco is a good engine but as of now I have no interest in owning one.

 

[RonD]

To answer the question, NO, the only real good part now is the Cummins, take that away, you have a Dodge, with a Fiat made engine, never would I own one of those.

 

[Tryingit]

When Mercedes-Benz owned Dodge early on and the contract with Cummins was set to expire they did want to use an "in-house" Mercedes motor. But they decided to poll existing Dodge/Cummins owners. They found that most of the current owners only bought the Dodge truck because of the Cummins motor. The rest they say is history.