Ford to offer diesel version of best-seller

FORD Motor Company plans to offer a diesel engine version of its best-selling F-150 pickup truck, looking to gain a marketing edge as its main rivals ramp up more efficient pickups of their own.

Ford executives said they expect the F-150 diesel model with a 10-speed transmission to achieve 12.7km per litre highway fuel efficiency, a level comparable to some midsize cars.

“We’re confident we’ll get there,” Ford vice-president of powertrain engineering David Filipe said.

The diesel F-150 will cost between $2 400 (R29 788) and $4 000 (R49 648) more than a comparable petrol truck, depending on the specific model, Ford executives said. The diesel engine will be manufactured at a Ford plant in Britain.

Ford said that once production ramps up, they expect about 5% of F-150 models will be ordered with the diesel engine.

The model is aimed at people who tow large recreational or work trailers.

Sales of big pickup trucks in the United States have surged in recent years as petrol prices have dropped in most states.

Last year, Ford sold 896 764 F-series trucks, more than in any year since 2005.

Still, Ford, General Motors and the Ram brand of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles fight for the right to claim that their brands offer the most fuel-efficient large pickup.

Fiat Chrysler jarred its rivals in 2013 by offering a diesel engine in its Ram pickup models and claiming best-in- class fuel economy.

But last year, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Justice Department charged that Fiat Chrysler used software improperly to cheat government emissions tests. – Reuters