Dodge no longer makes a van at all, chevy, and ford only make gassers. seems like a 1 ton conversion van with one of the new quiet diesels would be the best of all worlds!
BUT YOU CAINT GET ONE!! anybody heard about the possibility of something like this being available in the future?

 

How 'bout one of these??
http://www.sprintervans.com/model.htm

 

Dodge sells the Sprinter also. Not all dealers carry them though. Check the Dodge corporate web site.

Boyd.

 

Gulfcoast Dodge has about 10 on the lot.
BTW I talked to a FedEx guy last week when he was delivering a parcel. He liked the van except he thought it was too narrow. Said it really moved tho. Didn't know about fuel mileage. I have not seen any ambulances yet. Most around here are Freightliners.

 

Ive seen several PS ford vans around here, some have been 4x4, pretty cool rigs. Years ago I had a 77 B-200 4x4 van, it was a pathfinder conversion. as a kid I couldent resist, 35" tires lifted etc. wat a thrasher it was. but that 360 hauled some hiney.

 

Ford never stopped making diesel vans.

 

And those Sprinter (Dodge) vans apparently have Mercedes 5cyl. diesels instead of Cummins'. Is there a trend here?
Nat

 

Not for awhile yet.

From www.cummins.com website FAQ section.

When does the Cummins and Dodge contract expire?


Cummins and DaimlerChrysler signed a Long Term Agreement several years ago that made Cummins the exclusive supplier of diesel engines in Dodge Ram pickups through 2007 calendar year. The partnership between the two companies extends from in-plant support to service, on-site engineering to marketing support. Cummins has shipped nearly 1,000,000 engines for the Dodge Ram and we continue to forge a successful team with Dodge and all of DaimlerChrysler.


The contract was extended about a year ago with no real expiration date mentioned.

 

Hope so. A 1500 truck with a 5 cyl diesel would be awesome!!!!!!! Esp a MB diesel.

 

You're right Shovelhead. I saw the releases too. 2007 is only 3 more years and my current Ram will just be paid for and just broke-in. Things can change awfully quick, who would have ever thought my Ram would be made in Mexico? At the Detroit Auto Show this past January, many of the concept vehicles were called "Crossover Utility Vehicles" that haul cargo and/or people. So a pickup may not always be a pickup. Just three days ago on Feb20th, DC posted an operating loss of $637 million and all of us know nothin' effects change quicker than a loss at the bottom line. DC stockholders will have the last word...
Nat

 

Had an opportunity to drive the new Sprinter. It's a blast, for a van. A little sluggish the first light, but it rides just fine, and it was a blast to see the look on other drivers faces! The engine kicks out 154hp@3800 rpm, 243#@1600. One engine for all three models 2.7L, I5, 20v, 5-sp auto tranny. Three wheelbases 118, 140 & 158". No dually tho. The 3500 I drove needed the duals.

Edit: The operating loss was on the Chrysler division.

 

I think I see what you're saying, Yes I agree, it is the Chrysler Group of the parent company DaimlerChrysler AG. To me that means the entire Chrysler brand meaning Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep etc. took a loss collectively or am I in error here? The story writer goes on to say the major stockholders are not happy and the good news is their Mercedes line continues to be profitable inspite of the Chrysler Group's woes. Just food for thought and trying not to read too much between the lines.
Nat

 

my local dealer has those sprinters, they do seem a bit narrow

 

Ford was supposed to start shipping the 6.0 diesel in the E350s in January. All 2003 models still had the 7.3.

I would still look at the Dodge Sprinter even though I think the engine is a little underpowered.

Brian Elfert

 

Here is a little more info on DC's plans for domestic Sprinter production. I didn't know the cabs and chassis were fabricated back in the Fatherland.

http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_dc_kills_sprinter/



DC Kills Sprinter Van Plant

Ward's Auto World, Oct 1, 2003

DaimlerChrysler AG pulls the plug on plans to build a $754 million commercial van plant in Pooler, GA. The facility would have built the Dodge Sprinter but fell victim to a poor commercial vehicle market. A spokesman says the auto maker could not justify the business case for the plant, despite $320 million in state incentives.

DC plans to continue building Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters under the current arrangement, in which the cab and chassis are shipped from Dusseldorf, Germany, to DC's Freightliner plant in Gaffney, SC, for final assembly.