Mark Linkous wrote:I have been under the impression that going forward, Nissan was going to use Dodge trucks rebadged. Even Popular Mechanics makes note of this in their recent review of the Titan.
Yeah, I've seen several magazines report it. It may well be correct, but there's a lot that doesn't quite fit. It makes sense that Nissan would want to use existing Dodge production facilities to cut production costs.
There are a few reasons I still doubt the accuracy of the claims that the Titan will be a Ram. First, there's the fact that nearly everything being thrown around right now concerning the trucks is speculation. Nissan HAS released some info on a cooperative effort between Chrysler and Nissan manufacturing trucks. But they have NOT said that the Titan will be a Dodge design. In fact, they have said exactly the OPPOSITE.
http://www.nissannews.com/news...d=401
Quote » Chrysler will manufacture a full-size pickup for Nissan. Based on a Nissan unique design, this truck will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Saltillo (Mexico) Assembly Plant. In order to accommodate this product, Chrysler will shift volume from Mexico to its U.S.-based assembly plants that produce pickup trucks. Sales of the pickup in North America will start in 2011.[/quote]"Nissan unique design." Not "rebadged from a Dodge design."
Then there's the fact that Nissan put a LOT of resources into developing the F-Alpha platform which, despite poor sales, is a FANTASTIC truck platform. Why would Nissan toss all that in the garbage after only 5 years? Truck platforms are evolutionary in succession...there's plenty of life left in F-Alpha--especially since the midsize trucks will continue using it.
Then there's the reality of product R&D. Assuming a 2011 model debut, the new Titan will already be well into development. Why toss that out for something else?
Then there's the fact that Nissan has made a deal with Navistar (International) for diesel powerplants for future HD Titans. Not Cummins, Navistar.
Then there's the fact that the VK engine is still totally valid and evolving nicely and VASTLY superior to Chrysler's fuel-guzzling Hemi. A Hemi powered Titan makes NO sense.
It just doesn't add up. It'd be like Nissan dropping the M and selling an E-class rebadge instead. Yeah, it'd save some money, but WHY?!