nightdrv wrote:
I didn't know there even was a GC Diesel. That's very cool! Would make a great expeditionary vehicle..
Conspiracy theorists unite! Dr. Z announced the KJ CRD in 2004 and touted bioD at the same time. (all KJ CRD's were shipped w/ B5). Marketing proceded to not only ignore diesel Jeeps, but targeted them from the get go with at least $1000 less incentives. "Those vehicles are in demand," a faceless marketing wonk told me over the phone when I ordered mine.
Only once, about a month after the KJ CRD US spec went out of production, was it casually mentioned in a Jeep advertisement. 'Like this Liberty diesel, that gets 26 miles per gallon on the freeway.' - Dr. Z.
Then along comes the WK. Marketing quickly turns up the aggression, with $3000 less incentives (on top of a $3000 option cost) and restriction on the Laredo. Chrysler executives again ignore reality and declare that US diesels are a losing proposition. Someone applied pressure (my guess is the dealers) and the Laredo 3.0L finally came out in 2008.
In the meantime, with much greater ballyhoo, Chrysler teams with GM to make big hybrid trucks. That's why Joe six pack really wants! Except that the announcement that the assembly plant is being closed comes out within an hour of the hybrid being released for public sale.
Now with even more publicity, we have ENVI! Electric vehicles will save the day....
I keep beating the diesel drum at the office, but I think they are coming for me. At least I'll know I'm right when I get tossed out on the sidewalk...