Ford plans a diesel engine for Expedition
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Expedition chief engineer John Viera wouldn't provide exact timing but said the diesel and bigger gasoline engines will be available in the next two years.
A spokesperson said the diesel Expedition is in Ford's plans but has not received final approval.
At a press event here, Viera said: "In this market, having an economical, fuel-efficient powertrain is at the top of everybody's list." He added that Ford still is considering a couple of diesel options.
Ford officials already have confirmed that the F-150 pickup will offer a diesel in 2008 or 2009. It's likely to be a bigger version of a 3.6-liter V-8 diesel used in European Land Rovers.
The same engine could be used in the Expedition, which shares front-end architecture with that next-generation F-150.
Viera said the diesel Expedition could arrive at the same time as the F-150 diesel. He said the Expedition's sibling, the Lincoln Navigator, may also get the new engines.
The diesel especially makes sense for the extended-length versions of the 2007 model SUVs. Viera noted that they largely serve as replacements for the Ford Excursion SUV. Before the Excursion was discontinued in 2005, around 60 percent were sold with diesel engines.
Said Viera: "To have diesel in our mix is the right thing to do."
You may e-mail Amy Wilson at awilson@crain.com
You can reach Amy Wilson at awilson@crain.com.
