AUBURN HILLS (WKZO) -- Chrysler is going to break new ground with its new standard-duty Ram pickup.

Chrysler will come out with a diesel engine option for the half-ton Ram 1500.  The model scheduled for sale in the third quarter of this year will be the first diesel-powered half-ton pickup ever in the U.S. market.

Chrysler expects to attract plenty of buyers since diesel-engine vehicles use less fuel, have greater pulling power, often last longer, and have higher resale value than similar gas-powered vehicles.