Transportation Secretary LaHood

Our politicians and automakers make strange bedfellows, leaving most Americans wondering exactly what we got for the big bailout of ‘09.  As President Obama mas made fuel economy the cornerstone of an American automaker revival, GM is shedding lines and Chrysler is re-configuring factories for the FIAT 500.  Ford is the only US car manufacturer doing their best to keep political forces out of it’s business, by doing business.

When U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, makes his first trip to Detroit on Monday to tour the plants of Detroit’s Three automakers, perhaps he could  ASK CHRYSLER engineers about the dismal fuel economy of the 2007-2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Cummins 6.7L diesel.  Surely burning twice as much fuel to get to the same place it took half as much in the 5.9L is not good fiscal or fuel economy when the Obama administration has proposed increasing fuel efficiency standards to an estimated fleet-wide average of 34.1 mpg by 2016 — a five-year mandate that will cost the entire auto industry $60 billion.  Note: Mr. LaHood is the guy behind the $3 Billion “Cash-for-Clunkers” summer sales event directed at removing hundreds of thousands of gas guzzlers from our streets. 

After the Dodge engineers gag and cough on the question of 12mpg or 8 or 9 with a load, perhaps he could mention the numerous owner complaints about the LACK OF QUALITY and POOR PERFORMANCE of the EPA-initiated engine, emmissions and DPF system.  Since there is currently no HEAD AUTO CZAR at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, perhaps Mr. LaHood could stand in for the missing boss and ask if DODGE would consider a VOLUNTARY RECALL of the 2007-2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Cummins Diesel, BEFORE someone gets killed from the loss of power in drive experience,  (Seems like people have to DIE or be MAIMED before the government gets involved), considering the federal government did spend $70 Billion U.S. TAXPAYER dollars to keep the company ALIVE. By the way, that’s  money from the same folks who bought these troubled diesel huffers to start with.  Not expecting Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat to laydown for this guy, I suggest Mr. LaHood could take some SPYSHOTS of the 2016 Dodge RAM 2500/3500 with the CUMMINS ENGINE REDESIGN while he’s touring the Chrysler Group LLC’s technical center.

Good luck Mr. LaHood, you may have the answer for Detroit; “Make cars people want to BUY,” but I think you might want to preface that statement with, “Make cars that WORK, and then people will BUY.”

Want to read more about the Dodge Cummins diesel CLICK HERE.

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Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com

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