The Chevy Express (GMC Savana) vans no longer come with an optional diesel engine. The Chevy Colorado (GMC Canyon) trucks don't seem like they'll be offered anymore with a diesel. I can't find an Chevy Silverado diesel option for the 2023 model either. Does this mean GM is ditching diesels?
Chevy Express sales numbers have been declining for a few years now, and it's being discontinued in 2025 MY. I guess the demand for diesel panel vans just isn't there. Why offer a diesel option on the Colorado when they can get you into a Silverado or Silverado HD instead?
I don't know GM's plans one way or the other, but the entire world is getting out of small diesels. Larger ones aren't going anywhere yet.
Europe's been in love with small diesels for a few decades now, but sales are declining steadily. I've got one, but I don't really like it. The added complexity and potential for expensive problems isn't worth it for me. Interesting how the numbers suggest that increased BEV and PHEV sales are eating into diesel vehicle sales, while gas vehicle sales remain steady at just over 50%
I think the diesel lost it's original appeal. My ol' 1985 VW diesel felt immortal. It was simple and cheap to work on. No spark plugs or carburetors to deal with. I could get 60mpg on the highway. But now I just try to buy cars that aren't going to make me go to the mechanic, as I don't know a single mechanic that I trust.
I guess not. I usually rent a 12 passenger van two or three times a year for like $500 for a whole weekend. But now nobody locally rents them. I'd have to go to some 250 miles before I reach a place where I could rent one. The total cost would end up being over $2,000, maybe $3,000 as I'd have to go pick it up and drop it off when my work schedule allows me. $3,000 x 3 times a year, I might as well as buy one.
IMHO; with electric motors in a hybrid configuration, any small car or light truck can approach or exceed the low-end torque of a diesel motor. I've driven both a manual vs automatic transmission diesel; and to really take advantage of the low-end torque - you'll need a manual transmission. You don't see too many manual transmission cars here in the states. Mostly in performance cars, because of the demand - but even they are moving to DSG automatic/manual paddle shifters. The last few times I was at a dealership and asked for a manual transmission car - I was shown cars with paddle shifters. The high taxes on diesel fuel combined with tighter EPA regulations is a death blow for small diesel engines here in the states.Even Europe is moving away from diesel.
The Express is an old model, last major update was 2003, and looks like will be gone after 2025. GM Will Replace Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana with EVs in 2026 Sounds like a BEV will be the only replacement. The diesel in the Colorado was an older design. It, and small diesels in 1500 trucks, suffer from being only available in higher trims. Maybe that helps with cover the cost of the engine and emissions, but it leaves the truck unattractive to a buyer looking for something economical. Doesn't help that diesel is higher priced. It started going up when the ULSD requirement made it possible for US refineries to export more. Looks like Ford has dropped the diesel from the F150.
I wanted one of those diesel Jeep Grand Cherokees; but I don't think they even offer them any more. They were only advertised for 2-4 years.
