Dodge Nitro diesel not getting BlueTec

The new Dodge Nitro is essentially a stretched version of the Jeep Liberty and is going on sale in Europe next spring. As with most previous Chrysler-built SUVs sold in Europe, such as as the Liberty, it will be available with a diesel as an option over the base 3.7L gas V-6. Unlike the 2008 Mercedes SUVs that will be getting BlueTec diesels in US market, the Nitro will not get the clean diesel technology. Instead, the estimated 80 percent of Nitros that are expected to be equipped with diesels will use a four cylinder Detroit Diesel engine that will be manufactured by VM Motori in Italy. The Liberty, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have all previously been equipped with VM Motori engines in the European market. The new engine is different from the previous one and should be more refined, cleaner and efficient.

[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]