The rise of hybrid electrics, plug-ins, and EVs has overshadowed diesel power as choice for Americans seeking better fuel economy. But that hasn’t stopped Motor City automakers from testing the diesel waters one more time…

And the first to dive in is GM, with their 2014 Chevrolet Cruze offering a 2.0 liter turbo diesel option. With 148 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque, the new Cruze Diesel aims at the segment leading Volkswagen Jetta TDI, claiming a better 0-60 time and a class best 46 MPG Highway rating. The Cruze Diesel will be available here this summer...

Meanwhile, Chrysler’s Ram truck division is trying to expand the popularity of their heavy duty diesels to the light duty pickup truck market...

The Ram 1500 will add a diesel option for the 2014 model year. It is the same Italian-source 3.0 liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V-6 used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee where it is rated at 240 horsepower and 420 pound feet of torque. As the only light duty diesel pickup, Ram says it will be class best in fuel economy, which means more than 25 MPG Highway.

And there will be more diesel power in the mass market pipeline, as Federal fuel economy standards grow stricter. Mazda has plans for the new Mazda6 and CX-5 to receive diesel engines, and rumors are swirling that the Cadillac ATS and Chrysler 300 may join the parade as well...

While diesels may never be as popular in America as they are elsewhere, they can certainly play a role in squeezing out more miles per gallon. And that’s it for this week’s Motor News.