If you’re shopping for a heavy-duty or even a light-duty diesel pickup, it’s smart to consider not only where the truck is assembled, but also where its engine is born. The origin of the engine plays a role in manufacturing quality, supply-chain resilience, and even resale value. And heck, it’s just plain interesting to know where diesel truck engines are made. Here are the birthplaces of the prominent diesel engines powering today’s American pickups and GM SUVs, including Ford’s Power Stroke, GM’s Duramax, and Ram’s Cummins.
6.7-Liter Power Stroke V8 (Ford Super Duty)
The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 that powers Ford Super Duty trucks is assembled at Ford’s Chihuahua Engine Plant in Chihuahua, Mexico. This massive facility has supported Ford’s diesel lineup for decades. While final assembly takes place on the Mexican side of the border, key design work and engineering continue to be driven from the United States. The result is a globally built engine with strong American DNA.
6.6-Liter Duramax V8 (Chevy/GMC HD Trucks)
The 6.6-liter V8 Duramax diesel found in Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD models is assembled at the DMAX Ltd. facility in Moraine, Ohio. This plant has been building Duramax engines for over 20 years and remains a significant part of the domestic diesel workforce. With continued investment in Ohio-based diesel manufacturing, GM has clearly committed to keeping this powertrain line close to home.
3.0-Liter Duramax I6 (Chevy/GMC Light-Duty 1500 Trucks and Fullsize SUVs)
Not every Duramax lives in the heavy-duty segment. The 3.0-liter I6 diesel used in the Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL is assembled at GM’s Flint Engine Operations in Flint, Michigan. Light-duty buyers seeking diesel efficiency and torque receive a powerplant that is fully U.S.-built, housed within one of GM’s most historically significant engine facilities.
6.7-Liter Cummins I6 (Ram Heavy Duty)
The familiar 6.7-liter Cummins I6 that powers Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks is assembled at the Columbus Mid-Range Engine Plant in Columbus, Indiana. Cummins and Ram marked the production of the three-millionth pickup-bound Cummins engine there in 2019, showcasing the depth of this U.S. manufacturing partnership. For many truck shoppers, the “American-built straight-six” factor remains a point of pride that Cummins delivers every day.
North American Identity
Today’s diesel pickups and full-size SUVs draw power from a surprisingly diverse manufacturing network. While some diesel truck engines are built in Mexico with American engineering support, others are assembled at the heart of the U.S. Midwest. Overall, every major diesel available in American pickups has a strong North American manufacturing identity. When you’re choosing your next diesel truck, looking beyond the badge to understand where the diesel truck engine itself comes from gives you a fuller picture of what you’re buying and supporting.
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