Chrysler may be lagging the world’s automakers in the hybrid vehicle department, but that doesn’t mean the Michigan-based automaker is completely down an out. If Dodge Director Mike Accavitti has his way, several Dodge vehicles will have a hybrid option in the coming years.
In a recent interview, Accavitti told reporters that Dodge is very interested in creating hybrid versions of the company’s Journey crossover and Avenger mid-size sedan, reports Motor Authority. He also confirmed that the Ram pickup truck will be getting a hybrid option in 2010.
Chrysler will launch its first two hybrid vehicles by the end of the year — the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid — which should net about a 25 percent increase in fuel economy over their non-hybrid counterparts.
But Dodge ’s move to hybrids could still be too little too late. Ford and General Motors’ hybrid roll out schedules are already well ahead of Dodge’s and company’s like Toyota and Honda are promising even more hybrid models, with some powered exclusively by hybrid powertrains.
