Dodge Preps for First Phase of Durango Hybrid Launch

By Abdullah A. Bazzi
Manager, Hybrid Development

ARLINGTON, Texas — Recently, I took a trip to an assembly plant in Texas where GM builds hybrid SUV’s. At almost any other time, a Dodge employee looking around a GM plant would have led to guards being called and, likely, some physical discomfort for the intruder. But this time around, we’re working together. And it’s an incredibly open process. Not to sound cynical, but hey…this is really working out better than we could have expected.

The trip included members from Chrysler’s manufacturing organization, as well as, colleagues from Mercedes-Benz and BMW; a true example of co-opetition (hybridizing cooperation and competition). It was indeed unique to see a competitive brands welcome us to observe their build process of the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) components. We discussed issues of common interest and found appropriate solutions. And it worked…I can say with certainty that what we learned from our partners will increase the efficiency and speed to production for the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids next year.

In my previous blog entry, I’ve indicated the feelings that I have of being part of this cooperative organization; and I just can’t stop expounding on such a feeling. Of course, there are challenges, daily; but, knowing that we have an open atmosphere where we can discuss respective issues and visit each other’s facilities, does alleviate those challenges.

Soon, we’ll be launching the first phase of the Dodge Durango Hybrid at Chrysler’s Newark Assembly Plant. I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with my colleagues as they have done for me. Here’s a little bit about our transmission for you until next time.

The Hybrid Transmission: The state-of-the-art full hybrid system, whose components are being co-developed by General Motors Corp., Chrysler and the BMW Group for production beginning next year, represents a major automotive industry milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission. As a result of its low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the two-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and regenerative braking. The full hybrid system being co-developed by General Motors, Chrysler and the BMW Group has an overall mechanical content and size similar to a conventional automatic transmission, yet this full hybrid transmission can operate in infinitely variable gear ratios or one of the four fixed-gear ratios.