Toyota Will Not Release The 2016 Tacoma Midsize Pick-Up In Diesel Engine, Compression-Ignition Engine ‘Cost Prohibitive’ In North America
Toyota has introduced its revamped Tacoma in the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. While off-road guys prefer diesel pick-up trucks, Toyota won't be releasing any in the US.
According to Torque News, no 2016 Toyota Tacoma will be released in diesel engine in North America, and chief engineer Mike Sweers explained why thru a Q and A posted by automobilemag.com.
"Of course, with a diesel engine fuel economy is 30 percent better right out of the box. The difficulty with the diesel is LEV III [emissions standards]. The difficulty is the cost-to-benefit relationship. Everybody loves diesel in trucks," Sweers said.
"The downside is the after-treatment systems can add $3,000 or more. It starts becoming cost prohibitive, especially in this segment, to pay a premium for both the engine and after-treatment system. That's the struggle we have. We build a lot of diesel trucks, just not in this country. If I develop a diesel system for our country and I spend a huge amount of money to do that, I won't see a return on the investment. That's what we've struggled with."
Sweers also boasts of Tacoma's off-road heritage and capability. He said, "The Tacoma is built to do it."
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma midsized pick-up truck is said to emphasize "tough truck" attributes and off-road competence expected to be at par or go beyond its competitors, the General Motors' midsize Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
According to NY Daily News, the redesigned Toyota Tacoma's price ranges from of $21,000 to $30,000, depending on trim and options.
Reportedly, Toyota stated that roughly 40% of buyers choose the more rugged and pricier TRD variants. Tacoma's TRD Off-Road model features unique wheels, hood, and will be more capable off-road with the Multi-terrain select system.
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck is now available with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and blind-spot detection system for safer drive.
