As 2014 is officially in full swing we are seeing just what we were hoping for coming into fruition. That’s right repeated signs that the diesel industry is not only on the rise but looking to take over the world (or at least master the US, since they may already have much of the word concurred.) So, let’s take a look at the newest market happenings this month.

Starting with the Chicago Auto Show…Nissan comes strong announcing a new diesel Frontier model that will be available in the future. The all new Frontier Diesel Runner powered by Cummins was created to gauge consumer interest in the next generation Frontier with a Cummins in it. The concept uses Nissan’s heritage in building “out of the box” pick up trucks and includes a 2.8L Cummins turbo diesel producing almost 200hp and more than 350 lb-ft of torque. This truck is even expected to increase fuel economy by 35% over the current Frontier mode.

This announcement comes on the heels of Nissan, also, disclosing partnership with Cummins Inc. to provide a 5.0-liter turbo diesel V8 in the next-generation Titan full-size pickup that will arrive in calendar-year 2015.

Next up is Ford. First, they announce their $80 million dollar investment in the Kentucky Plant in order to keep up with the rising demand for the F-Series. Then they drop their rumors of the F150 getting a diesel V6 in the not so distant future. According to the auto blog The Truth About Cars rumor has it that Ford is developing a 3.0L V6 diesel truck that has been codenamed “Lion” and that this vehicle could be seen prowling the streets of America by 2018. 

But that’s not the only Ford rumor. Could the Ford Mustang be getting a diesel engine as well? During a recent interview with Bob Fascetti, Ford’s powertrain boss, he told GoAuto, “…we need to go with fuel consumption we are looking at all our options…And diesel is one of those options, along with hybrids and electric.” We’re keeping our fingers crossed this will be hitting the production line soon.

Ram is having success with the new 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine. According to Chrysler, they have pre-sold all 8,000 units they had initially allocated for production in a matter of 3 days! 

With initial success like that, it is no surprise that GMC, also, announced a soon to be available diesel engine option coming in the recently reintroduced mid-sized Canyon pickup truck.

Then you get confirmation that everything is falling into place with a recent study from Insure.com announcing that women prefer men who drive pick up trucks…black Ford ones to be specific. The study went on to note the other popular vehicles for both men and women to drive and be sexy. “A full-size truck implies that you can fix a leaky pipe. Regular $100 fill-ups suggest that you’re not money- obsessive. And regular $100 fill-ups also suggest that you regularly have $100,” said Amy Danise, Editorial Director of Insure.com. It’s hard to argue with that kind of logic if you ask us.

Next, if you take a look at the aftermarket you can see all of the products that are being released regularly for diesel engines to make them better, faster, more reliable etc. For example, check out the latest product release from BD Diesel Performance announcing their High Idle Kits to help you get through the rough winter season we have been having.

Then you factor in Mahle’s recent name change embracing the aftermarket and indicating the level of growth that must be expected to make such a bold change.

Next there is AIRAID with their new competition filters. AIRAID has recently released two versions of track filters. One is just a metal screen to keep out the larger debris (pictured to the left with a light inside to illustrate that lack of a filter element) and the other is a track day filter designed specifically for high flow. Now you clearly have an easy solution to getting the air you need at the track without the potential damage from removing the filter.

Another notable story is the announcement of TurboSmart moving into a larger facility. Growth, growth, growth and it’s all in the aftermarket; and diesel related. It’s just another clear indicator of where the market is going and what the future holds.

But, it’s not all about the engine and the aftermarket products. It’s about what they can do with their diesel. We all know about the basic hauling, towing, etc. but what about the racing, jumping, pulling?

Well, we are here to tell you it’s on in that category. A few notable stories for this month include the Rum Jungle Trucking Company based out of Australia. They posted a video of their latest endeavor, jumping a semi-truck more than 100 ft. This is not only clearly a feat but a video that we have watched over and over. We can only imagine this had to be a “hold my beer and watch this” kind of event.

Then there’s our new obsession in the office. The game recently released from Thoroughbred Diesel asking you to “guess that engine” by the sound alone. This game is the ultimate equalizer, especially when bench racing. If you can’t put your money where your mouth is, and identify the engine of your dreams or your ride, then a true diesel fanatic you are not. Now, we have heard all the excuses but sometimes it’s just too easy to help the truth be set free.

Race and Pulling schedules can be found all over the internet. Dyno days are starting and pulling season will be getting underway very, very soon.

So, I guess the question is what’s next? Well we would like to think diesel engines pulling ahead to be come the engine of choice for most vehicles (similar to the vibe in Europe) and aftermarket companies continuing to grow and develop products for what we need most. More power, torque and of course comfort with a touch of style. Because at the end of the day, function is nice but looking good is important too. After all. It’s what all the chicks want according to the survey. Apparently, there’s just something about a pick up man! (Ladies, I think it works even better in our favor!)

(For more info on the truck above, click here.)