Ford Motor plans to provide a diesel motor version of its best-selling F-150 pickup truck, aiming to gain a marketing edge as its major rivals increase more efficient pickups of their own.
Ford executives stated they expect the F-150 diesel model with a 10-speed transmission to accomplish 30 miles per gallon highway fuel efficiency, a level similar to some midsize vehicles.
“We’re confident we’ll get there,” stated David Filipe, Ford vice president of powertrain engineering, during a briefing for media ahead of the formal launch announcement.
The diesel F-150 will cost in between $2,400 and $4,000 more than a similar gasoline truck, depending on the particular model, Ford executives stated. The diesel engine will be produced at a Ford plant in Britain.
Ford executives stated they anticipate that as soon as production ramps up about 5 percent of F-150 models will be ordered with the diesel engine. The model will be aimed at people who tow large recreational or work trailers.
Sales of big pickup in the United States have risen over the last few years as gasoline prices have stablized at less than $3 a gallon in the majority of states. Ford in 2017 sold 896,764 F-series trucks, more than in any year from 2005.
Still, Ford, General Motors and the Ram brand of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles defend the right to claim that their brands provide the most fuel-efficient large pickup – even when those high-mileage models have restricted availability or cost more than traditional gasoline-fueled trucks.
