DC ready to share diesels
Ward's AutoWorld, Jul 1, 2002 12:00 PM

DaimlerChrysler AG, as part of a strategy to use certain common components and systems across the Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Mitsubishi vehicle brands, is preparing to share at least four diesel engines among the auto makers.

Chrysler Group officials tell Ward's four diesels are being considered for sharing. The displacements are 2.2L, 2.5L, 2.7L and 6.4L.

DC produces the 2.2L and 2.7L turbodiesels, which power a number of Mercedes and Chrysler vehicles sold in Europe. The Jeep Liberty is available in Europe with an all-new 2.5L DOHC turbodiesel supplied by VM Motori of Italy. Detroit Diesel Corp., which was purchased by DC in late 2000, acquired VM Motori in 1995.

Surprisingly, DC officials have said little publicly about the possibility of using more of Detroit Diesel engines as part of the powertrain-sharing strategy, even though Mercedes officials have argued that they need more diesels to meet consumer demand in Europe.

Don Dees, Chrysler Group vice president-quality, wouldn't identify the markets in which these engines would be shared. The strategy extends beyond engines. DC is expanding its Indiana Transmission Plant in Kokomo to produce a 5-speed automatic originally developed for Mercedes.