GM Puts Diesel Trucks On Hold

General Motors Corp has indefinitely postponed offering a diesel engine version of its light-duty pickup trucks in 2010, citing the poor economic climate. GM had previously said a Duramax 4.5L V-8 diesel engine would be offered in the automaker’s Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks next year.

GM is seeking up to $30 billion in US government aid to ride out a deep downturn in the US auto market. The automaker is in a severe cost-cutting mode and has put a number of assets on sale to generate cash.