Chrysler to show three prototype electric cars to dealers this month

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

LOS ANGELES : September 2, 2008 - Chrysler LLC will be showing dealers later this month prototypes of three electric cars that can be produced, says Jim Press, co-president of Chrysler


"We are making substantial progress on electrification of our vehicles," he said here Tuesday during a Motor Press Guild luncheon.

Chrysler is focusing on developing hybrid electric plug-in vehicles with a range of 300 miles, Press said. "Fuel cells are in the future, but probably more in my kids' future than my own," he said.

The key issue, he said, is to develop new platforms with electrification in mind.

Chrysler can move forward with advanced products for electrification with or without partners, Press said. All of Daimler AG's technology remains available to Chrysler, he added. Daimler continues to own a minority 20 percent stake in Chrysler more than a year after selling its majority stake to Cerberus Capital Management LP.

Chrysler is working with "a few" battery suppliers, both in the United States and overseas. The automaker just launched the 2009 Dodge Ram pickup, beating the new Ford F150 to market. Ford Motor Co. announced in June that it was delaying the launch of the 2009 F-150 pickup because of a glut of unsold 2008 models.

Press said that he figured the earlier launch would give Chrysler an advantage over Ford "for a little while." He added, "I'll take it."

He defended continued production of the mid-sized Dakota pickup. Dakota sales fell by 40.4 percent during the first half of the year compared with the first half of 2007.

The Dakota has no additional costs for research and development, says Press, "so every time we sell one, there is some sunshine."

The vehicle will evolve into something "more relevant" for future markets, he says.

"We are looking at different segment for lifestyle trucks. Meanwhile, (the Dakota) is selling okay, we will continue production," Press said.

Press left Toyota Motor Corp. one year ago to help run Chrysler, which has cut thousands of jobs, discontinued models, and closed plants since his arrival. Chrysler will not generate positive cash flow in 2008, he said.

But it will launch eight all-new products in 2010, Press said.

He predicted the market would start recovering by 2010.

Said Press: "The biggest issue for the auto market today is getting adequate credit, not $4.00 a gallon gas."


Concept Vehicles Highlight Alternative Fuels

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

The Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept celebrates the romance of automobile travel embodied in a four-door, four-passenger distinctively American design. Designed for customers seeking elegance, simplicity and serenity, the elegant one-box design takes advantage of space normally occupied by a conventional powertrain setup. The Chrysler ecoVoyager features an advanced lithium-ion battery pack, along with a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell that serves as a range extender. The result is a vehicle with a total range of more than 300 miles that emits no emissions from the tailpipe except water vapor.

Specifications

Length: 191.2 inches (4856 mm)
Width at H-point: 75.4 inches (1915 mm)
Height: 63 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase: 116 inches (2946 mm)


Dodge ZEO Concept

Dodge ZEO Concept

The Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-passenger, 2+2 sport wagon that embraces the bold, expressive look of the Dodge brand, exhibiting a new, youthful breed of muscle car for the 21st century. Built for driving enthusiasts, it features an electric-only propulsion system with a lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Unlike other such vehicles, the Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-door, four-passenger model that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.

Specifications

Length: 172.8 inches (4390 mm)
Width at H-point: 68.6 inches (1743 mm)
Height: 50.8 inches (1290 mm)
Wheelbase: 109.9 inches (2792 mm)


Jeep Renegade Concept

Jeep Renegade Concept

The Jeep Renegade Concept is a sporty B-segment-sized two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather delights of off-roading and dune surfing. Featuring a cut-down speedster windshield, a roll bar, openings in the door lowers and a hose-out interior, it is an "eco-friendly" vehicle with minimized use of materials -- designed for those who want to enjoy the earth while taking care of its future. The propulsion system combines a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack and a small-displacement BLUETEC diesel engine. The result: fuel economy of more than 110 miles per gallon.

Specifications

Length: 153 inches (3885 mm)
Width at H-point: 62.9 inches (1598 mm)
Height: 56.3 inches (1431 mm)
Wheelbase: 101.6 inches (2580 mm)

Images : Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept



Images : Dodge ZEO Concept




Images : Jeep Renegade Concept




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