Ram Trucks, a Chrysler brand that now handles Dodge’s commercial vehicle business, announced its intention to build the first diesel-powered light-duty pickup truck in America. 2014 Ram 1500 will get new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, and an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, to offer best-in-class fuel economy.

Despite being a light-duty truck, the 1500 is still a pretty capable workhorse which has won many accolades from the press. Now with the fuel efficiency added to the list of its strength points, it becomes even more appealing to the customers who look for a tough and capable truck with low running costs.

The new V-6 EcoDiesel is also expected to be one of the cleanest in its class. Meanwhile its big torque power will guarantee that performance will not suffer. Official specs and details will be announced later.

“Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel powertrain in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “The half-ton truck market is incredibly competitive, and although we’re honored the Ram 1500 has received a number of prestigious awards, we cannot rest on what we have accomplished, we must keep pushing.”