http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/10/volkswagen-diesel-model-sales-rising-with-gas-prices/

"Volkswagen of America is counting its lucky stars that it has a portfolio of diesel-powered models on the showroom floor as increasingly fuel-economy-conscious consumers look for relief from rising gas prices. In the first four months of the year, Volkswagen's TDI diesels accounted for more than 22 percent of total sales. In April, diesel sales accounted for more than 40-percent of New Beetles sold and 38-percent of Jettas."

THIS IS MORE REASON FOR JEEP TO COME OUT WITH MORE DIESEL VEHICLES! ESPECIALLY THE WRANGLER UNLIMITED!!!! DONT MISS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY JEEP!

I'm sorry to report I read an article the other day indicating VW is pulling diesels out of the US market because of their inability to pass emissions using current fuels. This seems odd to me because starting in the fall, ULSD will be more readily available and should help their cause.

http://vwgazette.blogspot.com/2006/05/volkswagen-to-pull-3-tdi-models-for.html

I am very disappointed my this because I had hoped to downgrade 1 of my Gas-sucking SUVs down to a TDI passat with 4motion, and upgrade the other to a CRD Unlimited - both in MY2007.

More Good and Bad news.
Jeep is releasing a CRD Grand Cherokee, but discontinuing the Liberty CRD.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=115642
Tougher emissions is wreaking havoc on the efforts of responsible automakers and their ability to provide higher efficiency vehicles.
It's ironic that I don't recall much demand for either of these vehicles in diesel form. Yet Jeep has been bombarded with CRD Wrangler requests for years... and still nothing.
Perhaps they are unable to produce a vehicle strong enough to take the additional torque and off-road abuse!

So I've been sending emails like this to Jeep a couple times a week for the last 6 months or so. If you want to see any options on the new JK, it wouldn't hurt to let them know.

http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universal/J/index.jsp?appStr=wccs&titleStr=Contact+Jeep&familyStr=brand&franchise=J&actionURL=%2Fwccs%2Fbrand_forms%2Fus%2Fwebform.jsp&promotion=null&category=N

I would like to express my interest in the JKL CRD for the US. We need a better offering than the abysmal 3.8L V6 from the Caravan. The 2.8L CRD would be sufficient for the 2-door JK in '07, and the 3.0L V6 CRD for the 4 door JKL would be ideal for towing the heavier "toys" often associated with the "Jeep Lifestyle".
The additional fuel efficiency is well worth the upfront cost over the life of the vehicle. The fact that the BlueTec is low-emissions is also a bonus, hopefully not at the expense of reliabilty. Further mileage improvements could be realized by investing in diesel/electric hybrids. They low-end torque of the diesel is ideally suited for powering electric generators even in small engines like the 2.8L CRD.
I would suggest using a hydralic assist system over the electric braking systems. From what I understand they electric-based regenerative systems are located at the wheels, which in a Jeep are a vulnerability due to water crossings. Hydraulic systems are not susceptable to water damage.
Also, how about having an easily snorkeled air intake for the Wrangler this time, possibly back by the passenger firewall? Rubicon models should have a higher axle/trans/xfer case vent that is connected to the engine intake to ensure these expesive parts don't "suck" water in when they encounter water after heating up. In a production environment this might cost an extra $15/vehicle - but it will save thousands in foolish repairs.
The swaybar disconnects, Stability and Anti-tip systems are indeed welcome.
Options...that's the future of SUVs.

I don't think I want to hear anymore Noisy Diesels - clicking and clacking setting next to me in traffic.

Um goldrubi - welcome to 2006. See in 2006 we have these wonderful advances called piezo injectors controlled by something called a "computer". More information on a "computer" here
In fact, the new CRD destined for the GC has "Five injections per power stroke...[injectors are operating]... at peak pressures up to 1,600 bar (24,000 psi)."

These engines are as quiet as their gasoline cousins.

Please, comments like that only exemplify the ignorance of Americans when it comes to modern diesel technology.

So let's hear a vote for which CRD they should offer in the JK and JKL?
I say 2.8L CRD for JK and 3.0L for JKL.
I'm sure they can apply the piezo injectors, urea and afterburners to the 2.8L without too much fuss.
Any thoughts?

BTW, the ignorance of Americans is quickly dimineshing (like my spelling skills).

----------------
What? Just because I say it like it is, and you don't care for it, doesn't make me evil.
or wrong.

I was behind a JK CRD in McDonald's drivethru today. It had a manufacturer's plate on it. The driver shut down the engine to place his order, but when he started it & drove off it was suprisingly quiet. At idle I could barely tell it was a diesel. I followed him to a nearby parking lot & asked him about it. He said it was a european spec diesel, the 2.8L from the KJ, with a 6-speed stick shift. He told me it was suprisingly fast, and got around 22 mpg. He said DCX knew there was a big demand for a diesel wrangler, and they were testing it, but couldn't meet new emissions standards. He said they're hoping to be able to offer them in a year or so.

It seems to me that our emissions laws have become too strict if they are keeping vehicles like this from us. Maybe in CA there is a smog problem, but in most places a 30% increase in fuel economy would be a huge relief to working people with little impact on the environment. I forgot to ask if it could meet emissions on biodiesel, but it's not like you can buy it anyway.

They really need to offer this engine with a starter/generator/electric drive unit mounted between the engine & trans to max out the fuel economy, but that technology is still a few years away...

The Mercedes E320 CDI is expected to pass the more stringent EPA emissions regs soon:

http://www.aceee.org/transportation/taxcredits06.pdf

Buyers will recieve a $1300 tax credit for the purchase while receiving an adjusted city mileage of 31mpg.

This is all very good news for hopeful diesel Jeep buyers in the US because this is supposedly the same engine that will be in the Grand Cherokee as an option beginning in 2007.
While the $1300 credit may not seem like much, one must remember the EPA/IRS languange will most likely give the GC a higher tax credit based upon it's larger SUV footprint/wheelbase.

Again I say, if you are interested in a diesel Wrangler for the US make your thoughts known to the manufacturer either through the DR.Z campaign or:

http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universal/J/index.jsp?appStr=wccs&titleStr=Contact+Jeep&familyStr=brand&franchise=J&actionURL=%2Fwccs%2Fbrand_forms%2Fus%2Fwebform.jsp&promotion=null&category=N

well gee whiz - I think I mentioned I sitting next to them - and the ones I was talking about were clicking & clacking - so more power to the new technology - maybe the boys here in farm country have learned how to make theirs click and clack for the fun of it. and I can't even imagine what a computer is - is that what I'm typing this email on _ DUH Sm-art a--kma