Chrysler announces new fuel-efficient offerings
For Chrysler, the future is looking green(er). Company vice chairman Tom LaSorda recently announced a bunch of new fuel-efficient offerings. In 2010, an unibody Jeep Grand Cherokee will be introduced that will be mated to a new V6 fuel efficient engine. The automaker plans to spend $1.8 billion to refit its Jefferson North (Detroit) Assembly Plant to produce this Grand Cherokee (2008 model pictured above) and other products off the same platform, which was initially co-developed with Mercedes. LaSorda also had confirmed a hybrid powertrain and a clean diesel for the Ram pickup truck. No news on the possible minivan hybrid.
Then there's the subcompact model that Chrysler is co-developing with Chery. LaSorda said that it is in the last phases of the design process and that Chery Automotive is making a number of engineering changes to the small car, which could be ready by the end of this year and on sale in 2009.
Gallery: 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sasparilla 3:13PM (8/14/2008)
You know if I was Chrysler management and had limited resources to spend on new car development and production facilities - I think I'd spend it on other things than a efficient V-6 powered SUV, that's efficient for a V-6 powered SUV. Seems shortsighted.
Reply
Brent 12:17AM (8/18/2008)
If you worked for Chrysler, you would now that they are working on a lot of things... not just more SUV offerings.
Dustin 12:40PM (8/15/2008)
I thought the subcompact was being co-developed with Nissan.
Reply
Brent 12:17AM (8/18/2008)
It is, the Chery is for export markets.