– Less than a week after announcing plans to offer the first diesel-powered full-size sport-utility vehicle in the U.S., Chrysler Group has halted production of the diesel version of its small Jeep Liberty SUV. The Liberty’s diesel engine doesn’t meet tougher federal emissions standards taking effect next year, and Chrysler says it wasn’t cost-effective to develop a cleaner diesel engine for the Liberty. Sales of the Liberty diesel have exceeded Chrysler’s expectations since its introduction in the 2005 model year. More than 11,000 have been sold.
– Nissan will supply pickup trucks for Suzuki to sell in North America in an expansion of the Japanese automakers’ business arrangement that includes sharing vehicles and plants. Under the latest deal, Nissan will supply Suzuki a pickup for 2008 for North America, and Suzuki will supply a small car for Nissan to sell in Europe.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebooks of Jim Mateja and Rick Popely, and from Tribune news services.
