First Production Dodge/Chrysler Hybrid Quietly Hums Off the Line
Mar 20, 2008 at 3:57PMBy Abdullah A. Bazzi
Manager, Dodge Hybrid Program
NEWARK, Del. — I would like to share with you the recent success of the Hybrid Dodge Durango and Hybrid Chrysler Aspen production launch at the Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware. Indeed, this past March 10 was a key milestone - Chrysler’s first production Hybrid vehicle was produced.
In the past few months, I have been providing blog updates describing the readiness to make such an event happen. Well, that day arrived in flying colors. The first vehicle rolled down the production line in a seamless process. All of the training and preparation paid off in a big way. The entire team is thrilled. When the first vehicle reached the final station, the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid rolled off the line, not with the rev of an engine but with the quiet hum of electric-drive. It was a happy moment, one that was celebrated by the entire team in a cake cutting ceremony. The keys to Chrysler’s first production hybrid were handed over to me. (Not bad, eh?)
I am extremely happy and pleased to see the effort of the past three years come to fruition. Our group worked very hard to bring this unique and advanced technology to market — I salute the entire team.
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11 Comments
HYBRID DURANGO QUESTIONS….Can you provide dates of availability? (I currently have an ‘06 and am ready for the ‘09.) Will The Hybrdi engine only be on high-end models of the Durango? What are the estimated costs of the vehicle? More info on the batteries; Are they maintenance free? What is its expected life? If they were damaged, how would it effect engine performance/ how much would a consumer pay to replace them?
daddy good job i love you nicee
If you are going to pay an additional $5,000-$10,000 for a hybrid SUV, then it better get 20 mpg in the city and at least 30 on the highway (and I mean actual mpg). If not, then buy a Toyota and reverse engineer it. Americans want to purchase cars that are mostly built in the US so people don’t lose their jobs, however, you better learn to compete. The Japanese are winning the economic war. They own most of Hawaii and all the major steel and electronic industries. You need to do something quick or just build something they won’t. Go all electric and forget the oil companies that are bankrupting you.
Are there plans to manufactor a hybrid minivan anytime soon?
20 mpg should be minimum ROI, both for the mfg and consumer. I own a 1500 RAM and the full mileage should be an embarassement to the industry. These trucks and SUVs need to go on a diet. There is no reason why these vehicles need to be so big and heavy which is the reason for poor mpg. They have been getting larger and heavier with each model generation. Consumers are ready for “smaller” full size trucks and SUVs that can get over 20 mpg in everyday (not all highway) driving. Until this milestone is reached, sales will continue to diminish.
18 gpm not good enough i love durango but can barely afford to drive it once a week for groceries and cant trade it in because it has no real trade in value get to 25gpm ill take a loss
Are you going to come out with a hybrid that gets more the 18 miles a gallon. This is still very low comparable to most cars out there. Why can’t Dodge come out with a 30 mile per gallon truck. This Hybrid idea seems like pure marketing to me.
Congratulations Mr. Bazzi.
I wish you more and more success.
How about a hybrid hemi challenger?
I would like to see Dodge come out with a Hydrogen Fuel Car or Truck. It can be done and cheap.
Your Truly
James Varney
P.S. I work at ITPll Kokomo,IN.
when is the 2008 challenger hitting the show room?