It isn't american made for starters. P&W have what, 5000% of the market for that category of turbine? Way back when the PT6 made its debut the Walther was on the wrong side of the iron curtain and it's a copy anyway isn't it...
Things may change slightly now that GE have indicated an interest in buying Walther to complete their line at the low end. But, like Microsoft, P&W have such a huge head start that they (GE) need to present a very serious value proposition to win PT6 drivers over me thinks.
Fuel economy will have alot more to do with "environmental economy" in the future so a small gain may be enough to offset a higher price.
It'll be interesting to watch the development of turbines in general. If this environment buzz holds on we should be flying many more turbines and pistons, as opposed to jets, in the future.. But, I doubt that'll happen.