Although Chrysler will soon launch hybrid versions of the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, the Auburn Hills automaker is still lagging behind the top automakers in hybrid technology and offerings. However, Chrysler is aiming to flip the script and could have a Chevrolet Volt-rivaling model to market as early as 2011.
Chrysler’s ENVI division – the division within Chrysler charged with developing electric and other green vehicle technologies – is currently working on a vehicle to take on the Volt, with an estimated on sale date between 2011 and 2013. “ENVI is currently developing electric vehicles for the three Chrysler brands and is planning on product within three to five years,” Nick Cappa, a Chrysler spokesman, told the Detroit Free Press.
The three new vehicles were likely previewed by the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept, Dodge Zeo concept and Jeep Renegade concept.
Despite the encouraging news of a Volt-like vehicle, many Chrysler dealers are worried about the automaker’s lack of hybrid vehicles for today’s market. Although Chrysler’s SUV twins will be available with a hybrid option later this year, other models won’t see a hybrid drivetrain for several years.
Chrysler has confirmed that the Dodge Ram will receive a hybrid option for 2010, but beyond that, the outlook is a bit bleak. Industry experts say Chrysler could offer a hybrid drivetrain in its minivans as soon as next year, but popular models such as the Dodge Avenger and Dodge Journey won’t see a hybrid drivetrain until at least 2013. Hopefully Chrysler will be able to hold on until it can bring such vehicles to market.
07/15, 12:17 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
I don’t think Chrysler will make it to 2010… little lone 2013.
07/15, 12:23 PM
posted by:
Chris C.
I would suggest that Chrysler is in its death throws. Without some extreme partnerships, I do not see Chrysler having the time or money to properly develop an electric vehicle. Then again, Chrysler is well known for balking at quality and craftsmanship in place of quick, easy sales.
07/15, 12:26 PM
posted by:
SickofGarbageMotors
If the Volt really does flop on the market due to it’s high price, limited availability and under-acheiving performance,
07/15, 12:32 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
what about my dodge demon?? i had high hopes for that, boooooo
07/15, 12:38 PM
posted by:
elviososa
they have not waken up yet!
07/15, 12:59 PM
posted by:
rds130
@ Chris C.
Agreed. Even if these vehicles were previewed, they’re not all that appealing, when considered in the same frame as some of the upcoming new Fords and GM vehicles, they’re not all that appealing, aesthetically.
07/15, 1:28 PM
posted by:
cookie4me
RaineMan has it..
07/15, 2:04 PM
posted by:
chryslercurse
Its a Slow Slow agonizing DEATH
07/15, 2:45 PM
posted by:
ktulu
2, lae
07/15, 2:49 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
RaineMan said:
“I don’t think Chrysler will make it to 2010… little lone 2013.”
.
Yes yes yes … little, lonely 2013.
07/15, 3:11 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
Their stupid POS minivans are saving their ass. All of a sudden this month, those things are springing up like ****roaches on the road.
They are so ****ing ugly. You got to be desperate to buy such a piece of junk.
07/15, 3:12 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
LLN, ****roach is not a bad word.
Stupid puritan neocons.
07/15, 3:12 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
07/15, 3:16 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I love how ****roach and ****pit get censored, but words like fartknocker, ass pirate, whore, raghead, and others do not.
07/15, 3:18 PM
posted by:
ihustle
Rival? Great job Chrysler you made an even uglier sedan the GM. I thought it was impossible, but then again you never seize to amaze me. They wonder why theres so much talk about them going out of buisness, point proven
07/15, 4:34 PM
posted by:
SSEAN54
WHY IS EVERYONE HERE SUCH A ****?
little lone 2013 <<WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
07/15, 5:28 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Pretty sure he meant to say “let alone”.
07/15, 5:29 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
i think raineman ment to type “let alone 2013″
07/15, 6:03 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
I think jumpoffit meant to type ‘meant’
07/15, 6:06 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Maybe if Little Lone 2013 would suck some çoçk she wouldn’t be so little or so lonely anymore.
07/15, 6:40 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Chrysler will be lucky if they can bring Sebring/Avenger and Caliber replacements to market by 2013.
07/15, 6:41 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
seize to amaze me??
07/15, 6:43 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Announcing something like this 5 years out is worthless and does little to improve confidence in a brand which is seen as failing if not already past the point of no return.
07/15, 9:33 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
sprockkets (#12),
It’s probably just a very anal search program hunting for words and parts on their list. ****pit should not be censored but it is because the first four letters spell that word. It must be older or cheaper software, because I know better versions are a bit more sensitive or have exceptions lists.
07/15, 9:37 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Back to the article,
CHRYSLER better get to stepping on getting something smaller, and or hybrid out here. Killing the NEON was a mistake. They should have just said they were going to roll out production version of the ZEO, ECOVOYAGER, and WRANGLER hybrids. I mean this is the company that rolled out the VIPER in three years. They could do this by 2012 or sooner if they really put some effort into it.
One more thing…
Boobs!
07/15, 9:54 PM
posted by:
monte
I think they should bring back the turbine car
07/15, 9:54 PM
posted by:
monte
oh yah, and BOOBS
07/15, 10:49 PM
posted by:
A4
yeah everyone is really ENVIous of chrysler these days
07/16, 12:56 AM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
Any company that brought the PT Cruiser into existence deserves to die an ignominious death. Let them be purchased by the Russian Mafia.
07/16, 1:43 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
Equity companies build up the hype and hope, then split it up and sell the pieces for more than they paid….Jeep first…then Chrysler Financial…then Dodge. 2013 and $5+ gas for a game changer like this. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? They will be gone and parted out way before that with talk like this!!! Building a plug in Hybrid is very easy and they know it. These money goons are doomed. .