You're too stupid to... own a diesel small truck

[muskrat]

Made so that you speed up when I'm behind you clogging traffic.  . Imposing and big

[ducatiz]

Made so that you speed up when I'm behind you clogging traffic.  . Imposing and big

...chrome covered plastic...   

[muskrat]

So is Chevy and GMC.   A remedy is coming soon. 

[ungeheuer]

not so much a truck... 

...more a of radiator grille with payload capabilities

[Randimus Maximus]

looks like there really isn't that big of a market for diesels here in the states after all (excluding HD pickups).

the overall car market is up 14%, so it does appear that there may be a slight uptick for the diesel market.

this report may be slightly biased as the company preparing it is pro-hybids.

however, numbers don't lie and 64K units over six months is virtually nothing in a market of about 7M vehicles.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/diesel-vehicle-sales-up-27-5-so-far-in-2012/

[bevel]

I'll be the first to cough "bullsh*t" on this one.

I think the fact that 2 out of every 3 Audi A3s sold in the US so far this year have been TDIs is telling a different story from what this report is trying to tell. (Reported right in the article linked)

Add to that the fact that 44% of VW Jettas sold this year (according to reports in April: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/diesel-sales-jump-we-ask-how-high-35-percent/) were TDIs, is also reinforcing that message.

If every car on the market was available with the option for traditional gas engine, a gas-electric hybrid, diesel, hydrogen, and full electric, I'd pay attention to the percentage of overall vehicles sold that were diesels. But with a limited selection of models that offer the option, I'd say its still looking up and up.

[duccarlos]

Also, the diesel options are generally more expensive.

[Randimus Maximus]

I'll be the first to cough "bullsh*t" on this one.

I think the fact that 2 out of every 3 Audi A3s sold in the US so far this year have been TDIs is telling a different story from what this report is trying to tell. (Reported right in the article linked)

Add to that the fact that 44% of VW Jettas sold this year (according to reports in April: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/diesel-sales-jump-we-ask-how-high-35-percent/) were TDIs, is also reinforcing that message.

If every car on the market was available with the option for traditional gas engine, a gas-electric hybrid, diesel, hydrogen, and full electric, I'd pay attention to the percentage of overall vehicles sold that were diesels. But with a limited selection of models that offer the option, I'd say its still looking up and up.

A3 sales through July = 4,229, so 2/3rds = 2,791 (source = http://www.audiusanews.com/pressrelease/3082/98/audi-sets-all-time-u.s-july-sales-record)

Jetta sales through July = 84,185, which 44% of which would be 37,041. (sales data: http://media.vw.com/pressrelease/1129/130/volkswagen-reports-27.3-sales-increase-july)

Still small potatoes when you consider through July, there have been 8,425,949 light vehicles sold across the USA.  (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120801/RETAIL01/120809998/1448/u-s-sales-rise-9-toyota-honda-vw-offset-declines-at-gm-ford)

[lethe]

but better potatoes 

my potato can beat up your potato

[the_Journeyman]

If I could have a small diesel option in my Dakota, I would.  the V8 that is so good a playing in the mud & snow and hauling 1,000lbs+ of wood several times a winter only gets 14MPG on a good day.  That's why it is 11 years old and only has 48,000 miles on it.

JM

[Triple J]

however, numbers don't lie and 64K units over six months is virtually nothing in a market of about 7M vehicles.

Well, it's slim pickings for available diesels in the US..cars, but especially trucks. There's no way around that affecting the numbers.

I just bought a gas-powered Frontier Pro-4X...because that's all they had. I would have gotten a diesel version if it was available. May have even considered a 1/2-ton full size diesel if it was available...but nope.

[Randimus Maximus]

let's look at it from a different angle.

if you're an auto manufacturer and you need to decide on what to build and you have a finite amount of resources - both capital and engineering.

would you take the time to develop (and certify for emissions - where there is a considerable cost that we can't talk about on here) a diesel engine for a particular model to see a small increase in sales? 

Or would you go with what you already have in the stable?

There are other costs involved as well, such as technician & salesperson training.  A manufacturer like Nissan (since Triple J just mentioned them) would need to spend a considerable amount of time and money doing just that in order to sell & service a diesel powered Frontier.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a turbo diesel Tacoma or FJ Cruiser.  But it just doesn't pencil from an economic standpoint.

[muskrat]

and the above summarizes the death of the Hummer.  Who is next? 

[Triple J]

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a turbo diesel Tacoma or FJ Cruiser.  But it just doesn't pencil from an economic standpoint.

Why does it pencil for other countries, but not the US?

I can see tech. training, but salesperson training?

[Zaster]

I have never owned a diesel vehicle but was fortunate enough to see and ride what BMW and Mercedes produce in Germany. I was impressed with the performance, fuel consumption and quiet ride. The diesel engines far outlast their gasoline equivalents which would justify the higher initial cost.
It doesn't hurt that diesel is a good deal cheaper in Europe which accounts for the popularity and advancement of diesel vehicles.
Interesting article: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2012-carbon-motors-e7-cop-car-to-use-bmw-diesel-power-car-news