Reports That Toyota Has Shelved Diesel Tundra Don't Add Up

Fully agree that this rumor does not add up. I'd like to know which idiot started this rumor and the secret agenda behind it.

+1 I'm with you on that.

That is exactly why we didn't fall victim to posting the rumor. Sometimes you just have to hold back.

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic or not, but I'm going to say thank you anyways! :-)

Perhaps, but your point about Americans hating large vehicles supports our assertion that a half-ton diesel is an excellent option for big truck buyers trying to downsize.

The diesel is up and running already. And I'm sure the Tundra was developed with putting that 4.5 liter diesel in it considered. The Middle East and Asian Landcruisers have this Diesel V8 as standard. This is a twin turbo Diesel V8 with more than 350 Hp. It is really powerful. In general, diesel fuel takes longer to burn compared to gasoline.

In all realism, Toyota has no real reason to move to building a diesel truck for NA. Look at the logistics of trying to steal diesel truck buyers who are the most brand loyal consumers in the world short of BMW owners. The Tundra is the same price as what a GMC 3500 SLT Crew Duramax LB DRW is going for at this time. I had customers yesterday tell me that in Utah they're selling Ram 3500 LB DRW 4x4s with every single option you can get for $33,500. Meanwhile the Tundra lists out at $46,640 even if it's not fully fully loaded. It's $48,800 loaded. I come from Truck Country in Canada. I sell trucks for a living. There are as many Tundras on the road up here as there are Jags. And Jags just aren't our style in Alberta. Ferrari and Lamborghini are more our style if you're going to go all out.

The problem is every current Dodge, GM and Ford owner know that the 150(0) Diesels are coming. They know that Ford is getting a diesel that has been in use a long time. They know Dodge is getting TWO brand new Cummins engines, the brand that has set the standard for light duty diesels. They know GM has been developing their new 1500 Diesel longer than the rest.

How are you ever going to steal consumers that spit on imports to begin with, and won't even look at their direct domestic competitors?

I hear what you're saying, and I think you make some excellent points. However, for most of the reasons you list, Toyota can't really afford NOT to develop a half-ton diesel. They can't expect to maintain Tundra's "tough" image if they don't offer a powerful stump-pulling diesel.

The problem with that is it wouldn't be a honkin stump pulling, fifth wheel dragging diesel, it would be a light duty.
Also, I can see where it might make business sense to them. The don't have the history of making diesel for NA. The percentage of buyers just aren't there to make the case. Yes it would help their image but it would be a monumental cost for them considering they have no large diesel infrastructure. Probably would be a great engine, but it would be too costly just to uphold the image that they're tough.

big horsepower tundra doesn't sell, not enough volume to justify a diesel as an add on.