I know you're kidding but the new CEO of Chrysler said in an interview this weekend that the new Fiat 40 mpg plus line of cars to be built in the US are based on the K car platform.
Here's an article with a picture of it http://luxvelocity.typepad.com/luxve...t-it-here.html

 

You will never get the safty things made optional. The premium for ins. would be outrageous, and the company would be hit with some stiff fines for not meeting regulations. I think it would help sell trucks, but they need to save money by getting rid of options. Anything power can go, standard trans 5spd standard, 6spd optional, 70's style bench seat, one piece rear windows, no chrome, steel wheels, no hubcaps, hell you could even get rid of the intermittant wipers and muti-position heater boxes to save a couple of bucks. With these "options" I think a 25K diesel would be very doable. Maybe even lower.
DS79

 

Thats better.

Agree 100%. I would go buy a new $25k new work truck tommorrow.

 

I think that they closed the St. Louis plant, where they made the 2500's/3500's? Will Mexico be where the trucks are made from here on out?
Cummins makes motors, not vehicles. I would think they want no part of that.
Dodge trucks cost WAY LESS than FORD or CHEVY. I think the diesel couterparts are $5k to $10k more. The only reason Dodge does not sell more trucks is brand loyalty. After the Ford 6.0H NO diesel, it's a wonder they have any customers. At least GM seems to be doing better with Isuzu. Still, both GM & FORD have WAY more problems with their motors than Cummins/Dodge.
Dodge does sell base model trucks,but most people want more ameneties, especially RV'er's, trailer haulers.
My $.02!

 

I have a base model truck. Its an ST 1500, rubber floors, cloth seats, no window motors, no cruise, no auto locks, steel rims. Granted its a gas, they do still make decent base models for work trucks.

 

I count 4 or 5 Dodge hotshoters for every Ford, and very rarely a Chevy. Maybe it's just that way out west...I dunno.