View Full Version : All DaimlerChrysler cars will come with hybrid option


Gojirra99
03-14-07, 11:40 AM
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Dodge/Concepts/dodge_powerbox_main_1.jpg
Tuesday 13 March 2007


DaimlerChrysler’s CEO Dieter Zetsche has made the bold claim that all DCX vehicles in the future will be developed with a hybrid option. Speaking with reporters from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Zetsche admitted that the topic of the environment and hybrid vehicles is “very important” especially now that the European Council is cracking down on the levels of carbon-dioxide emissions.

Zetsche announced that the first hybrid model will come from the Chrysler group, which will most likley be the Dodge Durango hybrid, followed by another “mild-hybrid” from Mercedes Benz in 2009. The US will be the first market to receive the new cars, but the enviro-friendly vehicles will eventually be offered in Europe and other markets.

A mild hybrid is essentially a conventional drivetrain but with a beefed up starter motor. The design allows the engine to be shut down when stopped at a traffic light or cruising on a highway, where the electric motor can spin up the engine to suitable rpm speeds before any fuel is required. The decision to utilize a mild-hybrid drivetrain, according to Zetsche, allows engineers to reap 70% of the effect of a full hybrid system at only 30% of the cost.

The release of the DaimlerChrysler hybrid will coincide with the launch of a similar vehicle from BMW, with the two companies combining forces to push the benefits of the clean technology. Zetsche also confirmed that cars manufactured in China under a deal between Chrysler and Chery will be sold in Germany as well as the US. Pictured above is the Dodge PowerBox hybrid concept that was displayed at the LA Auto Show back in 2001.source : motorauthority

OC 335i
03-14-07, 12:11 PM
Good, we need more hybrid/alternative fuel solutions IMO.

TRDFantasy
03-14-07, 12:29 PM
Following Toyota's lead ;).

Although, this statement is pretty vague, as we don't know if future DCX cars will have mild hybrid, or full hybrid options. DCX may go the "cheap and easy" route, and save the full hybrids only for Mercedes, while doing mainly mild hybrids for Chrysler models.

encore888
03-14-07, 01:24 PM
Touche, DaimlerChrysler.

Now let's see if they will deliver what Lexus has suggested. I'm wondering if an ES 400h or IS 400h is coming...we've already got GS 450h, RX 400h, LS 600h L...

IS_Mine
03-14-07, 02:27 PM
Please die.. Chrysler, quietly.. go to your corner and die. :D

Or come up with better car designs!

Trexus
03-14-07, 02:42 PM
Touche, DaimlerChrysler.

Now let's see if they will deliver what Lexus has suggested. I'm wondering if an ES 400h or IS 400h is coming...we've already got GS 450h, RX 400h, LS 600h L...


I've always pondered which model Lexus will get the hybrid treatment. Since Toyota has hybridized the Camry it would make sense to bring out an ES hybrid to increase ES sales and offer more variants.

Good luck to DaimlerChrysler...