So, current oil crisis in mind just what is the take-rate of HEMI V8s for vehicles that also offer smaller, more fuel efficient V6 and V8 alternatives? You
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| Of all new Dodge Chargers being sold this month, 67 percent are rolling off the showroom floor equipped with HEMI V8 engines. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
might be surprised to hear that North American's who buy Chrysler Group products aren't too concerned about rising fuel prices. Of all new Dodge Chargers being sold this month, 67 percent are rolling off the showroom floor equipped with HEMI V8 engines. Dodge Durango buyers are opting for the big V8 in similar fashion, with a take-rate of 52 percent. Sales of HEMI-equipped Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks are also robust, at 49 percent, while the Magnum manages an impressive 46 percent up-sell. The Chrysler 300 sells 42 percent of models with the HEMI inside, while sophisticated Jeep Grand Cherokee buyers only go HEMI 19 percent of the time, probably because the engine is only available with the vehicle's top-line Limited package. Last in line, ironically, is the duo that reignited the modern-day HEMI buzz in 2002, the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy-Duty pickup truck lineup, with a take-rate of only 14 percent. Why so low? Most of these trucks are sold to industry fleets, where the high mileage usage and need to reduce fuel prices dictate the use of the optional 5.9-litre Cummins common-rail Turbo Diesel, which also works much better for the heavy duty tasks this truck is often asked to perform.
So, unless you happen to pull up beside a Ram 2500/3500 or a Jeep Grand Cherokee, there's a pretty good chance that you won't have to ask the driver, "That thing got a HEMI?", as there's a pretty good chance it does.
