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Rumors about Caterpillar venturing into the pickup truck market have been circulating for some time, but they appear easy to dismiss. Currently, there are no substantial details backing this claim. Caterpillar is highly profitable producing a wide range of equipment, making the possibility of entering the pickup market seem unlikely. However, we recently received an email that caught our attention.
This email was sent in response to our previous article titled, “No, Caterpillar Is Definitely Not Making a Pickup Truck.” That piece addressed a wave of viral TikTok and YouTube claims asserting that the company had confirmed plans to manufacture passenger vehicles, supported by AI-generated images and fabricated specifications. While the notion of a yellow-and-black Caterpillar pickup truck seems improbable, a Caterpillar employee, who wished to remain anonymous, provided us with some intriguing information:
“Those images were definitely AI-generated and to my knowledge, no mockup designs have been created for the vehicle, but I can confirm that we have begun producing the engine liners for the proposed trucks already.”
@marcochavezz.pasion_cat Simplemente caterpillar!! #imagenesconinteligenciaartificial #inteligenciaartificial #IA #operadoresdemaquinas #operadoresdemaquinariapesada #pasion_cat #camionetas4x4 ♬ original sound – 🆁🅼🆇 🅳🅹
You might be thinking, “Sounds a bit dubious.” And it’s fair to approach this information cautiously. However, let’s consider what else was shared with us.
Our source, confirmed to be a credible insider at Caterpillar, stated that they received a briefing with limited specifics. According to this individual, two engine options may be in the works: a V6 priced between $59,000 and $69,000, and a V8 starting at $89,000. These engines would likely run on diesel, though it’s uncertain whether they pertain to half-ton or heavy-duty pickups.
I’m not too focused on the accuracy of these pricing estimates; it’s still early to make such predictions given today’s economic climate. However, the idea that Caterpillar is even contemplating this move is startling.
Production of engine liners for the truck is reportedly underway at Caterpillar’s facility in Mapleton, Illinois. This location tragically experienced a worker fatality during a fire incident in June. The insider noted, “The damage left little choice but to find another product to be produced in place of the 9322 [cylinder liner].” They mentioned that the parts currently being produced are merely samples for now, but production volume is significant.
There are various possibilities to explore, including the notion that Caterpillar could become an engine supplier for an established pickup truck manufacturer. This partnership could mirror Ram’s long-standing relationship with Cummins. However, it begs the question of which automaker might consider changing their engine supplier or expanding into a new category alongside Caterpillar. Ram and Cummins have been closely linked for decades, despite recent regulatory challenges. Meanwhile, GM sources its Duramax diesel engines from its own subsidiary, and Ford manufactures its Power Stroke diesels internally.
In conclusion, don’t completely rule out the idea of a Caterpillar pickup truck just yet. While I can’t offer a timeline for seeing one on job sites, I also won’t simply dismiss the possibility.
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