Q&A: Hybrid Guru Answers Your Questions
Apr 8, 2008 at 2:52PMBy Abdullah A. Bazzi
Manager, Dodge Hybrid Program
Hi everyone,
In my previous post, I discussed the success of our first production Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids. I received several questions that I thought I’d answer for you. See below…
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Are there plans to manufacture a hybrid minivan anytime soon?
Answer: We don’t have any plans for a hybrid minivan at this moment but we will build a hybrid powered Dodge Ram 1500 for 2010.
On Mar 25, 2008 at 11:15AM, Bsteinberg posted:
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.
Answer: Although it may not be the end game, Hybrid technology is a step in the right direction. The two-mode system is an evolution, one that will be enhanced with time. The technology is revolutionary and far exceeds other hybrid technologies. Our application on a large SUV is ideal since it provides fuel economy improvements while maintaining performance and capability. For 2010, we will offer the advanced two-mode system in the Dodge Ram 1500. You can expect similar fuel economy benefits.
On Mar 23, 2008 at 11:28PM, NOTSURE posted:
How about a hybrid hemi challenger?
Answer: Product considerations and the type of technology would be assessed by management based on market demands and business case. If we do decide to develop, I hope I’m on the team.
On Mar 21, 2008 at 7:25AM, hillbillytoad posted:
I would like to see Dodge come out with a Hydrogen Fuel Car or Truck. It can be done and cheap.
Answer: We recently showed a concept hydrogen car at the Detroit auto show. There are significant hurdles to a pure hydrogen powertrain system, the most difficult being that you cannot find a hydrogen station to refuel. Keep your eye on Chrysler’s technology teams - More to come on alternative powertrain.
On Mar 24, 2008 at 9:36PM, imanad posted:
Congratulations Mr. Bazzi.
I wish you more and more success.
Response: Thank you for reading. I’m lucky to be working on such a progressive product that provides solutions to a demand for improved fuel economy.
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10 Comments
1. $45k for hybrid ‘08 Durango that only gets same mpg as ‘07 Flex at $25k? And the ‘07 pulls 2,000#+ more? Come on Dodge, at least make the hybrid plug-in for the first 100+ miles, and then it might be worth the hump. Unless you just want to wear green all over your sleeves like GM does.
2. You say there is more to the new Durango than green paint with the hybrid - but there is no green paint available with the hybrid = stupid gimicky advertising.
3. Yes to hybrid mini-vans, and delivery/med duty vans. Drive trains are already commercially available to do this: http://www.enovasystems.com/index.cfm?section=Products&linkID=2
Dodge needs to raise its sights and we consumers need to lower our expectations. We need to get comfortable with smaller lighter vehicles that accelerate slower but get better mileage. Consumers should count on lighter materials costing more. We should be thinking of reducing our commutes by personal vehicles and increasing use of public transportation. We will need new infrastructure like places to pay to plug in at work and places like train stations.
I recently read an article on Hydrogen that said someone at Purdue university has found a process that uses aluminum and gallium, combine this with water and it produces hydrogen. They claim that this can happen in a tank the size of a standard car fuel tank.
The web site is http://www.physorg.com/news98556080.html
Forget the hybrid, just make an all electric car that you can plug in. Make an inexpensive plug in car for city driving with a range of 200 miles and everyone will buy one. Do something different that will get people coming to Dodge!
Why are we making a HEMI hybrid? A HEMI is a racing motor and everyone already knows its appetite for gas. You need to make a hybrid version of a six cylinder. If you would look at the competition (Toyota, Honda, etc.) you would see what America wants. Are you listening?
I would buy a hybrid minivan today if you offered it. Heck, make the R/T version with the hood scoop and put the hybrid V6 in it and yes, men would drive them and not feel embarassed.
I have been a loyal Dodge owner since 1977 (licensed in 1975), I have owned 2 full size (1/2 ton) trucks, 3 Dakotas, 3 minivans, an Acclaim and one Stratus R/T Sedan. All purchased new except the Acclaim. Still have a minivan and the Stratus R/T.
You make it diffcult to continue to be loyal by not following what the market is seeking. One blogger asked about Hybrid minivan and you say there are no plans, but when another asks about a Hybrid Challenger, your elated with the following response…
Answer: Product considerations and the type of technology would be assessed by management based on market demands and business case. If we do decide to develop, I hope I’m on the team.
It appears that you are not listening to the market. The internet is filled with people seeking a minivan that carries 7 or more people and gets in excess of 25 MPG, you have the tecnology to deliver, so why not?
Chrysler Corp has been the minivan king since the beginning in 1984, here is a chance to double your market share, with a Hybrid Minivan, but still no plans??? Are you sure?
Based on fuel prices, a diesel minivan would fail miserably now. I predict the new RAM 1500 diesel will do well in some areas for a year or so, but overall it won’t last, unless the MPG savings exceeds the gas by more than 30%.
Lease is up
Will the Challenger ever be available outside of North America?
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?
How much more are we going to have to pay for a Hybrid and what type of gas mileage are we really expecting? Thanks, and good luck with this program.
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