GM Delays Launch of Diesel Engines for Big Trucks to 2020

General Motors is delaying the launch of the brand’s new inline-six turbodiesel engine in its models Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 until model year 2020.

The postponement is due to the emissions certification process of the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency, which, according to GM, is “taking longer than anticipated.”

The full-size diesel pickups were supposed to go on sale for the 2019 model year, months after gasoline versions of the models began arriving at dealerships the previous fall.

GM assured that production for the 2020 diesel pickup is set to begin soon. However, the delay in certifications means dealer orders for the models will have to be canceled and resubmitted.

The automaker also announced that it will offer a replacement 2020 vehicle to dealers and customers affected by the cancellation.

According to a spokesman from the company, dealer orders for the following model year’s diesel models will open soon. But he declined to comment on how many orders were placed for the 2019 model year.

The United States government has taken a stricter approach on emissions certification, particularly with diesel engines. This has been the case since Volkswagen’s Group’s emissions violations were revealed in September 2015. Other automakers such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and BMW Group also had no choice but to delay their own launches because of the prolonged certification process.

The 3.0-liter Duramax engine is GM’s first turbodiesel engine to be used in a full-size GM pickup since 1997.
The company previously said that when the engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it would “achieve segment-leading power” of 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

GM, however, has not yet released information on towing capacity, payload, and fuel economy ratings for the Duramax diesel model. Prices start at $2,495 for the 5.3-liter V-8 model and $3,890 for the 2.7-liter turbo model.