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Imported Diesels - READ ONLY

25 messages,  Last post on Jun 12, 2007 at 4:52 PM

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What is this discussion about? Diesel

Messages Page 2 of 3

#6 of 25 by jkinzel

Jan 03, 2006 (1:53 am)

For years I have been wanting a diesel passenger car in the U.S that can compete against VW. I wish Honda and Toyota would bring theirs in, but after writing a formal letter last month to Honda, Toyota, Ford and GM, no luck. Nothing back from Ford or GM but both Honda and Toyota told me they have no plans at this time to bring a diesel car to the U.S. market, BUT, they send all letters and comments to the corporate main office for consideration.
If you want a diesel in the U.S., write to the companies you would like to see bring them in. I got all the addresses from the web sites and made a form letter and sent the same request to all four companies. If they get enough request for diesels, they might just give us one. I would really like a Ford Ranger with diesel.
The letter I sent is on my computer is at home and I won’t be there until after the 8th. If anyone wants to see it I’ll post it then.
To me there is no doubt that a very strong market for high mileage (35-50mpg) diesel passenger cars is emerging in the U.S. market. VW can’t keep TDI’s on the lot and Jeeps Liberty CRD is selling in numbers well above expectations. Also, Jeep has just announced that it will have the CRD as an option for the 2007 Wrangler.

#7 of 25 Re: [jkinzel] by gagrice

Jan 03, 2006 (8:23 am)

Replying to: jkinzel (Jan 03, 2006 1:53 am)
I would really like a Ford Ranger with diesel
 
Funny you should mention that particular vehicle. It was my looking for a small diesel PU truck that brought me to Edmund's. Now over 6 years later still no small diesel PU trucks. I saw one in 1999, in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and talked to the two guys that had driven up from the tip of So. America. It was a cool little Ranger Crew Cab with a 4 cylinder diesel and 5 speed. They averaged 45 MPG on that trip. I wanted one and still want one. What is wrong with these auto makers? They sell high mileage vehicles all over the world, except in the USA!

#8 of 25 Re: [gagrice] by jkinzel

Jan 03, 2006 (11:35 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Jan 03, 2006 8:23 am)
One could almost believe there is some kind of conspiracy to keep diesels out of the U.S. market. It truly amazes me that someone, anyone is not producing a high mileage diesel pick-up and passenger car.
I talked with guy that had a 1985 Ranger diesel and was getting about 35mpg. I guess they were sold in the US for a very short time.

#9 of 25 Re: [jkinzel] by gagrice

Jan 03, 2006 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: jkinzel (Jan 03, 2006 11:35 am)
This is the late 1997 Ranger Crewcab with diesel & 5 speed. Nothing in the US comes close to this truck for economy or endurance. They are built in Brazil and Australia for sure. Maybe other countries also. Makes you wonder what keeps them out of the US. I wrote to Ford and showed the pictures to my local Ford dealer. Never got an answer from Ford. No one had a small crewcab in this country at that time. Nissan came out with one and now they are everywhere.
 

#11 of 25 Re: [jkinzel] by woodysfj40

Jan 04, 2006 (8:20 am)

the major issues with importation into the US are safety related....crash testing of vehicles like the 70/75 series Land Cruisers hasn't been done. similar issues with airbags and ABS systems that are required now, but frequently not on Canadian or Japanese spec vehicles.
 
I have driven a number of 70/75 series Land Cruisers and intend to get one...most likely a BJ70 for a daily driver. Lots of info on importation by one of the members on my forum, she brings in 4-5 per year thru a registered importer, all legally.

#12 of 25 Re: [woodysfj40] by gagrice

Jan 04, 2006 (5:32 pm)

Replying to: woodysfj40 (Jan 04, 2006 8:20 am)
Thanks for the website with links. I would not mind importing one of the Mitsu Pajero diesels or an FJ40 LC into the US. Is it a giant hassle?

#13 of 25 Re: [gagrice] by woodysfj40

Jan 06, 2006 (7:19 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Jan 04, 2006 5:32 pm)
the "easiest" way is to work with someone who does it regularly and knows all the ins/outs....search out a Registered Importer and spend some time on a forum with folks who have successfully done it and can help with questions.
 
The thread in the Intl corner of my forum is called "everything I learned about importing"....lots and lots of great info.

#14 of 25 Re: [woodysfj40] by gagrice

Jan 06, 2006 (9:51 am)

Replying to: woodysfj40 (Jan 06, 2006 7:19 am)
Thank you again. I will check it out thoroughly.

#15 of 25 Anyone? by KarenS HOST

Apr 28, 2006 (5:28 pm)

A local newspaper is looking to interview consumers who are driving a diesel Volkswagen or Mercedes-Benz in the Midwest/Northeast area, please send an e-mail to ctalatiedmunds.com no later than Friday May 5, 2006 by 2:00 PM PST/5:00 EST containing your daytime contact information and where you’re located.
  
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

Messages Page 2 of 3

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