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.
05/30, 8:44 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
I would imagine they’re going to buy someone’s hybrid tech. Probably Nissan’s? Isn’t Nissan getting a Dodge pickup to rebadge?
05/30, 9:03 AM
posted by:
Seriously
Why does LLN write about Hybrid technology like it’s a huge competition to get the first one out. It’s going to be the standard of the future, and when CAFE hits in 2012 every company will have one. Stop hating Chrysler you import humpers.
05/30, 9:46 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Actually, Nissan licensed existing hybrid from Toyota, just like Ford did. My guess is that hybrids from Dodge will be based on GM automatic with motors build into transmission (M-B and BMW were financing/participating in that venture) and Chrysler inherited the “right” to it. Also the tranny is meant for large vehicles, hence RAM is likely candidate. Given RAM’s excellent mileage for it’s class I wonder what hybrid will provide: it can interested study on usefulness of hybrids in truck application.
Seriously, it is hard to take you seriously: CAFE requirements are for 2020 not 2012 and to boot you start with insults when begging for love to Chrysler, before anyone displayed any animosity. Lastly, regardless of CAFE requirements in 12 years today public shifted to smaller vehicles due to soaring price of gas/diesel.
05/30, 10:08 AM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
I much prefer diesels, but good for Chrysler, but xyunya is right, the hybrids will probably be the one developed with GM and Mercedes. This with the new Phoenix V6 family of engine should really help Chrysler.
05/30, 10:59 AM
posted by:
Seriously
Xyunya CAFE starts to affect manufacturing in 2012 with a completion date of 2020. Do you think Lutz would be bitching up a storm for regulations that are 12 years away? Get your facts right. And I was referring to LLNs senseless attack on Chrysler “too little too late” BS. Now go be quiet. Import humper.
05/30, 11:03 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Chrysler continues to make all the right noises, and I believe their combination of hybrid and diesel offerings bodes well for the future. This small car venture with Nissan can’t happen soon enough, however. They need something in their showroom slotted below the Caliber which in itself must be due for a refresh sometime soon.
05/30, 12:03 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Maybe if they enter into cooperation with with Alfa Romeo, they can get some Fiat platforms.
06/02, 2:01 AM
posted by:
Jigs
2 Little 2 late. im a big Dodge Fan. but 2bh they dnt have a clue. Chrysler sucks, they had a 1 hit wonder with the 300c thank god! but if they made it more econimical it would have sold 10x more! they need to look at mpg and get sum new guys into the design area and get rid of the OLD people who make these crappy lookin cars like the magnum (greatname! crap styling) pt cruzer (make it moreleaner sporty looking) etc. who ever the design cheif is that says ok to what goes and what dont needs to retire and sum1 younger and has more style and knws looks needs to take over.