Chrysler Hybrids Planned August 2004

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group may sell gasoline-electric cars and trucks to U.S. consumers as early as 2006, adding another fuel-efficient option to its main strategy of diesel-powered vehicles.

Chrysler, the maker of Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler brand cars and trucks, is studying whether to add gasoline-electric hybrid versions of some of its vehicles, according to Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche. He didn't say which models. Chrysler already plans to sell 100 diesel-electric Dodge Ram pickup trucks to fleet customers later this year.

"We will be there in the hybrid market as well," Zetsche said at a company event in Santa Barbara, Calif. "Obviously, not as one of the first, but we will be there."

DaimlerChrysler is relying more on diesels to boost fuel economy because they are cheaper to build than hybrid systems, which combine a traditional internal-combustion engine and an electric motor. Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. already sell hybrid cars in the United States. Ford Motor Co. this year is adding a gas-electric version of its Escape sport-utility vehicle.

Auburn Hills-based Chrysler late this year will start selling a diesel Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicle, and Mercedes-Benz released a diesel E-Class sedan in April.

Source: AutoNews

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