No 2007 model CRD?

Zonie · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:43 pm

Heard a rumor that there'd be no 2007 model Liberty CRD. Can anyone confirm? If so why? Retooling for the 2007 diesel, a new body style coming, discontinuing the CRD?

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

Zonie wrote:

Heard a rumor that there'd be no 2007 model Liberty CRD. Can anyone confirm? If so why? Retooling for the 2007 diesel, a new body style coming, discontinuing the CRD?

From whom? Rumors are just that. If we confirmed a rumor, it would still be a rumor. Where did you hear that? Is that from the same source that keeps floating rumors that the Liberty is discontinued for 2008? Is DCX in the business of dropping their 2nd best selling Jeep product?

Taz · **Posted:** Wed Feb 22, 2006 8:21 am

Most of the automotive writers are convinced that the auto manufacturers are not going to be able to meet the 2007 emission standards for diesels, so the diesels are going to go away. However the folks at DCX have stated that the CRD is not going away and hinted at increased offerings, we will have to wait and see.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:04 am

MB, Toyota, VW all have Diesels already that pass the '07 EPA requirements and MB has on that is able to pass the '09 ('10?) requirements using the new "Blue" engine technology.

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

DCX announced BlueTec for their E320 CRD... they also sell Liberty CRD's in Germany with a particulate filter iirc. The availability of ULSD will be an influencing factor on when they can ship diesels with the particulate filters and NOx reducing controls. But these rumors keep showing up as variants on the following theme:

1. The Liberty is discontinued for 2008 - based on a redesign mentioned on Allpar.com - this one reported by many who don't like the Liberty and some who genuinely don't know. The rumor transforms a redesign into dropping the vehicle!

2. The CRD will go away in 2007[8] - EPA and CARB finally won - No diesels for you!!

3. An oldie but goodie, both the Liberty and the CRD are gone in 2007[8] - a Liberty and diesel opponents fondest wish.

So, DCX sales are so good that they are willing to drop 225,000 Liberty sales (worldwide) from their bottom line. Oh yeah, this is going to happen real soon.

DCX can develop and sell Hybrids at either a loss or nearly no profit (similar to Toyota and Honda) or they can sell diesels that meet 2007 EPA regulations at a profit. Which way to go, what are they going to do? Notice how Honda is talking diesels now for larger vehicles, not hybrids. Toyota ordered their top engineer to cut the cost of producing hybrids in half. Nissan CEO openly talks about the lousy business model hybrids represent - business speak for no profit involved. Ford complains that the Japanese are limiting Hybrid batteries and other powertrain components to Ford while taking care of Japanese auto companies - gee what a surprise. So GM and DCX should line up for that business model? Unless hybrid component costs reach parity with diesels, there isn't a good incentive to make them. With the Japanese designing and making most of the hybrid technology, when will competition bring the cost down?

Customers are increasingly aware that hybrids are not getting EPA sticker mileage and are not cost effective when compared to even a 4 cylinder manual Civic or Toyta equivalent. As time goes by, the real cost of maintaining a hybrid long term will become even more apparent to the buying public.

So diesel still has a good chance once USLD gets here. So even in worst case scenario, diesels are introduced late in the 07 model year, with dire warnings about using anything other than ULSD, or even for 08, the hybrid alternative is still a weak proposition as a business model.

So lets wait and see if both the Liberty and diesel dissapear for 08 :-)

KJbob · **Posted:** Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:03 am

I don't think the current 2.8L diesel offered in our Liberty's will pass the stricter 2007 EPA emission requirements. These stricter requirements are a big concern to diesel manufacturers and until I hear something official I'm sitting "on the fence". That's one reason I bought a 2006 instead of waiting.

Having said that I agree that it would not be a smart move to offer diesels for 2 model years and then not offer one. Volkswagen has a history of doing that and it's ticking off owners and turning off potential buyers. DCX either has to make a commitment to diesel vehicles in the U.S or walk away. There's no in between.

DCX has been more aggressive recently regarding diesels (i.e. BlueTec) and I'm hopeful they will continue that short term trend.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed Feb 22, 2006 2:20 pm

Zonie wrote:

Heard a rumor that there'd be no 2007 model Liberty CRD. Can anyone confirm? If so why? Retooling for the 2007 diesel, a new body style coming, discontinuing the CRD?

Can someone say TROLL??? :shock:

Hahahahahaha :lol:

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

Taz wrote:

Most of the automotive writers are convinced that the auto manufacturers are not going to be able to meet the 2007 emission standards for diesels, so the diesels are going to go away. However the folks at DCX have stated that the CRD is not going away and hinted at increased offerings, we will have to wait and see.

The CRD engine didn't meet 2004 standards until fitted with EGR and other managment technology. Particulate filters and SCR technology can be fitted to the CRD. It's more a matter of how much is needed and when the cost is low enough to use on a $22K vehicle. It's more a matter of economics than if it can be done.

Check out this link - Volvo announces diesel engines for their truck fleets, using both Volvo and Cummins engines that meet 2007 emissions standards. Note how they add a $7500 charge for the new emissions equipment. Not as much as it sounds like on trucks in this class, but still an incremental cost upcharge.

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/02 ... ks_no.html

No 2007 model CRD?

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