Hybrid Team Rolls First Durango Pilots Off Assembly Line

By Abdullah A. Bazzi
Manager, Hybrid Development

Newark, Del. – Happy New Year! I hope you are all doing fine. I’d like to give you a brief update on the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) program. As I had told you couple of months ago that we would be launching the HEV pilots at Newark, Delaware Assembly Plant toward the end of 2007. Well, guess what? The New Year is here, and yes, the team has done it.

We have experienced a seamless pilot launch of the Durango and Aspen hybrids in a production environment, using production tooled parts and process. The team passed all of the necessary audits, including in-plant validation with flying colors. Of course, the HEV engineers developed the highly sophisticated designs, but, it was up to the manufacturing team at the Newark plant to launch and build the vehicle.

The operators have been well trained to perform the delicate duties, and have shown an exemplary level of competence. At the end, the product is a testimony of diligence, and having driven the initial line vehicles myself, I can tell you that Chrysler’s first hybrids are excellent products from every aspect.

Again, I give my appreciation to the entire team that has helped the Durango and Aspen Hybrids to maturity, with a special recognition to Newark’s Launch Team members, pictured below.