Chrysler is in the process of setting up an engineering division to design and build electric and hybrid vehicles. Called ENVI, the new division will setup shop at Chrysler’s headquarters near Detroit and will be headed by Lou Rhodes, a Chrysler veteran who has worked in the company’s advanced vehicle engineering organization and product design office.
“The creation of ENVI allows us to focus on the development of a new generation of environmentally responsible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles,” Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said in a statement today.
Chrysler says ENVI will be staffed with specialists in engineering, manufacturing, procurement and supply.
According to Automotive News, Chrysler will debut its first hybrids — the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen — in 2009. Both vehicles will use a transmission developed with General Motors and BMW .
