Chrysler to build hybrid minivan?
Chrysler's first production hybrids will go on sale in September in the shape of the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Two-modes. However, as GM has learned this spring, even having the most advanced hybrid powertrain on the market may not be enough to save the full-size SUV. So Chrysler like other manufacturers is also developing other hybrid models. Aside from the the big Ram pickups which inherit the Durango setup in 2010, Chrysler hasn't said which vehicles will get a hybrid option, other than that all options are being examined. One vehicle that would seem to be ripe for a two-mode hybrid application is the Grand Caravan/Town & Country minivans. For the trucks GM will supplying Chrysler with hybrid transmissions. Later this fall, GM is launching a Two-Mode hybrid version of the Saturn Vue with a transaxle version of the system. It is not inconcievable that GM could supply the same front wheel drive hybrid transmission to Chrysler for the minivans. The hybrid system and battery could be fairly easily packaged in the van. Since many vans are used to shuttle kids around town to various events, a hybrid option might work well in such a vehicle. It could also make the minivans a very viable platform for use as cab in places like New York that are mandating hybrid taxis in coming years.
[Source: Windsor Star]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ronzo 12:04PM (7/16/2008)
I'd consider buying it... it it weren't a Chrysler product...
I have no confidence in their ability to produce a quality product any longer...
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EVan 1:07PM (7/16/2008)
"It is not inconcievable that GM could supply the same front wheel drive hybrid transmission to Chrysler for the minivans."
GM would not be "supplying" the hybrid drivetrain.
Chrysler and GM are working together on the two-mode hybrid system with both companies doing considerable amounts of the engineering.
The two-mode Caravan/Town & Country news is old news. It should be out by 2010.
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Sam Abuelsamid 8:14PM (7/17/2008)
GM, Chrysler, Daimler and BMW collaborated on the development of the two-mode system. When I refer to GM supplying transmissions to Chrysler, I'm talking about actually manufacturing the hybrid hardware. Chrysler does the installation and software calibration. GM actually builds the units and ships to Chrysler just as they are doing with the new Durango/Aspen hybrids.
Hank 1:26PM (7/16/2008)
Wasn't Toyota supposed to have had a hybrid Sienna by now? What happened to that?
I'd buy a hybrid minivan (or a clean diesel). Cool or not, they are the family's Swiss Army Knife.
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Chris M 9:27PM (7/17/2008)
Toyota has a hybrid Estima minivan, but it is only sold in Japan. The reason for the delay in selling a hybrid minivan may be due to a supply problem - Toyota is having trouble getting enough NiMH batteries for their current hybrid lines, and don't have any to spare for new models. However, Panasonic EV (the battery supplier) is building new production facilities and will be ramping up production soon.
ROOLLY 1:59PM (7/16/2008)
Hybrid minivans make sense; they’re efficiently-packaged people movers.
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ROOLLY 2:00PM (7/16/2008)
Hybrid minivans make sense; they’re efficiently-packaged people movers.
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Joce03 4:16PM (7/16/2008)
Why not put the hybrid drive-train in a small vehicle, like the Caliber? Putting it in large SUV and pickups seems like a waste of technology (20 MPG vs 17 MPG)
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ronzo 8:33AM (7/17/2008)
Because people with real families need real solutions, not little itty bitty vehicles that can't handle two adults, 3-4 kids and all their stuff...
snowindp 3:08PM (7/17/2008)
The hybrid Toyota Estima van has been available in Japan since 2001, 40mpg & it's AWD!! When is it going to be our turn?
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stephanie 4:56PM (7/29/2008)
I wish US automakers would make a hybrid minivan. I live in the
suburbs and drive my kids everywhere and want a safe, spacious, yet eco-friendly mode of transportation.
There's a campaign to get automakers attention and bring hybrid minivans to the suburbs:
http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/let-s-bring-hybrid-minivans-to-the-suburbs
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