Chrysler planning to expand hybrid range

Posted Fri May 30 2008 7:58 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

This year Chrysler will launch its first hybrid models with the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango SUV's, both of which feature Hemi Hybrids. Chrysler may be a little late to the hybrid party, but that doesn't mean it will be left completely behind as the company is already planning to expand its hybrid range to other vehicles.

Mike Accavitti, Director of Dodge (which comes under Chrysler's umbrella) has told reporters that Dodge is interested in producing a hybrid Dodge Journey SUV, as well as a hybrid Dodge Avenger in the mid-sized sedan segment. Chrysler has also stated that the Dodge Ram may get an option hybrid in the next couple of years as well.

Accavitti admitted that Dodge is looking to capitalize in these areas but that resource limits represent a challenge.

The hybrid version of the 5.7L Hemi gets around 25% greater fuel efficiency than its non-hybrid sibling, which may just entice consumers to stick with SUV's just yet.

Both Ford and GM already offer hybrid vehicles and Japanese rivals Toyota and Honda are also planning to launch a number of mainstream hybrid models in the next two years.

Reader Comments

Fri May 30 2008 10:31 AM
chris says

I think that these vehicles might sell.. sort of. you're talking about a 5,000$ markup maybe? on an already expensive vehicle? and as I said in one of the other posts, chrysler would be more of a blue collar buy.. and those people are just not in the situation right now to buy new vehicles, especially large SUVs.. with hybrid add ons.

besides, who would take a hybrid durango or aspen over a hybrid tahoe or escallade? my understanding is that theres more fuel econ return on the GM ones anyways... and theyre significantly better vehicles. I've seen what happens to trucks after 3 or 4 years of hard work, and dodge just doesnt hold up. ford holds up just a little better than GM. Until all this crap about the major issues with the latest tundra, I would have rather bought a tundra than a Ram.. but now.. I think my confidence has been put back into dodge.

but these vehicles just wont sell any more.
Fri May 30 2008 11:07 AM
Turkle says

It is the "couple of years" comment that has me scratching my head. I get the impression that Chrysler, and to an extent Dodge, have not given hybrid powertrains any serious thought. In a couple of years just about every Toyota will have a hybrid version, Honda will be selling a limited supply of Hydrogen cars along with 2-3 hybrids, and the europeans will certainly be leading in clean diesal engines. The lack of innovation coming from Chrysler right now has me really worried about thier long term survival.
Thu Sep 11 2008 5:23 PM
MARIO says

Chrysler is hedging again. Consumers do not need smoke and mirrors of "years down the line". We need economy NOW. Most of us are blue collar workers. We want to free ourselves from big oil. Give us ELECTRICITY from wind, solar, nuke plants and engineer cars to work economically NOW! Cut the BS. Japan, Korea, and India will outmaneuver you again and dominate the market. C'mon guys, give us a break!

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