AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Chrysler CEO: natural gas better than electricity to move vehicles, so government should back off]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/chrysler-ceo-natural-gas-better-electricity-government/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/chrysler-ceo-natural-gas-better-electricity-government/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/chrysler-ceo-natural-gas-better-electricity-government/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne continues to believe natural gas as the most viable alternative to conventional fueling and says government should stop pushing electric-drive ahead of other advanced-powertrain choices, the Detroit News says.

Marchionne calls natural gas "the cleanest alternative available" and reiterated his longtime claim that Fiat will lose $10,000 for every Fiat 500e battery-electric vehicle the automaker sells. The CEO, of course, is running companies that sell more than EVs. The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG, North America's first production compressed-natural gas pickup truck, for example. Chrysler started deliveries of that model last summer. The truck has an 18.2-gallon-equivalent CNG tank that gives 255 miles of driving range as well as an eight-gallon gas tank that will provide another 112 miles. The EPA does not calculate fuel economy for big trucks like that, but we do know that the 2500 HD burns fuel in a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and everyday drives report mileage in the mid-teens.

For those keeping track, there are about 1,200 public and private CNG refueling stations in the US, compared with almost 17,000 plug-in charging stations, according to the US Department of Energy.

Chrysler CEO: natural gas better than electricity to move vehicles, so government should back off originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercngelectric vehicleevfiatmarchionnenatural gasram 2500 heavy duty cngsergiosergio marchionneFri, 26 Apr 2013 11:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547909/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547909/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/chrysler-ceo-natural-gas-better-electricity-government/20547909/article-detail.xml 20547909 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/sergio-marchionne_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/sergio-marchionne.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep unveils 9-speed transmission for Cherokee]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/jeep-unveils-9-speed-transmission-for-cherokee/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/jeep-unveils-9-speed-transmission-for-cherokee/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/jeep-unveils-9-speed-transmission-for-cherokee/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 jeep cherokee

More gears equals less fuel use in Chrysler's trademark Jeep Cherokee, as the US automaker will make a nine-speed automatic transmission standard on its 2014 Cherokee.

The transmission, the world's first nine-speed automatic transmission for passenger vehicles with a front-wheel-drive layout, was developed by ZF and will be assembled, along with the rest of the new Cherokee, at Chrysler's plant in Kokomo, IN. Last year, ZF said that nine speeds is the "natural limit" for transmissions, given the law of diminishing returns.

Chrysler says the new Cherokee gets "up to 31 mpg," which is certainly better than the 19 miles per gallon combined that the six-speed, two-wheel-drive 2013 Cherokee gets, per the EPA.

Earlier Wednesday, Chrysler took the wraps off the 2014 Cherokee at the New York Auto Show, complete with a simulation of a "trip" through Moab in the Trailhawk version. The model will have both front- and all-wheel-driver versions ranging from 184 to 271 horsepower and is based on a platform developed by Chrysler's sister company Alfa Romeo. Check out Chrysler's press release below.

Continue reading Jeep unveils 9-speed transmission for Cherokee

Jeep unveils 9-speed transmission for Cherokee originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-speedcherokeechryslerjeepmpgnew york auto shownine-speedtransmissionzfThu, 28 Mar 2013 14:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20520919/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20520919/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/jeep-unveils-9-speed-transmission-for-cherokee/20520919/article-detail.xml 20520919 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-jeep-cherokee-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-jeep-cherokee-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hybrids, EVs driving wider acceptance of diesel, CNG and hydrogen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/hybrids-evs-driving-wider-acceptance-of-diesel-cng-and-hydroge/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/hybrids-evs-driving-wider-acceptance-of-diesel-cng-and-hydroge/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/hybrids-evs-driving-wider-acceptance-of-diesel-cng-and-hydroge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pictured from left to right: Tom Stricker, Toyota; Robert Bienenfeld, Honda; Reg Modlin, Chrysler.

Now that car buyers are starting to accept hybrids and EVs, there's more willingness to consider other green car technologies, including diesel, CNG and hydrogen. But the road to wider acceptance - and affordability - is being slowed by a lack of infrastructure and overlapping state and federal regulations that are sometime are at odds with one another.

That's the view of environmental and regulatory experts from three automakers, Toyota, Honda and Chrysler, who spoke speaking to an audience of journalists and policy-makers at the opening of 2013 Washington Auto Show, now underway.

Chrysler's head of regulatory affairs, Reg Modlin, said he is optimistic that investment by corporate fleets in CNG and electric will drive (pardon the pun) infrastructure development, citing that 20 states now are pushing CNG fleets. "The government has a role, but the marketplace has a bigger one," he said.

Robert Bienenfeld, Honda's manager of environment and energy strategy, is hopeful that the network of 100 hydrogen fueling stations California is planning to will "send a strong signal" for the viability of fuel cell vehicles, first for fleets, then for consumers. Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan has been leased in California for several years already.

What about renaming the technology as "natural gas fuel cells" to bypass consumer reluctance to hydrogen?

Toyota's VP of energy and environment research, Tom Stricker, predicts more collaboration between competing automakers to reduce R&D costs, such as Toyota's partnership with BMW on fuel cell research. He even suggested using natural gas to make hydrogen, and renaming the technology as "natural gas fuel cells" to bypass consumer reluctance to hydrogen.

All three agree that oil companies should ramp up production of low-sulfur fuel. "Direct injection engines need it to live," said Chysler's Modlin. Having one national standard for Tier 3 fuel will help lower prices nationwide, said Honda's Bienenfeld, adding, "if you don't have consumer support, you can't have policy." All three are optimistic that EPA fuel economy standards for 2025 will be met, although Striker describes the rules as "not really about fuel economy, but about CO2 reduction."

Honda's Bienenfeld noted that 40 years ago, cars were "1,000 times more polluting and half as fuel efficient." He predicts engines will continue to get cleaner and more fuel efficient, further narrowing the gap between conventional powertrains, including diesel and hybrids.

Hybrids, EVs driving wider acceptance of diesel, CNG and hydrogen originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwchryslercorporate average fuel economyfcx clarityhondatier 3toyotawashington dc auto showWed, 06 Feb 2013 10:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20448121/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20448121/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/hybrids-evs-driving-wider-acceptance-of-diesel-cng-and-hydroge/20448121/article-detail.xml 20448121 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/automakerpanel2013washdcautoshowevelynkanterc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/automakerpanel2013washdcautoshowevelynkanterc.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500e gets 116 MPGe (combined) and 87-mile range]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/2013-fiat-500e-gets-116-mpge-combined-and-87-mile-range/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/2013-fiat-500e-gets-116-mpge-combined-and-87-mile-range/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/2013-fiat-500e-gets-116-mpge-combined-and-87-mile-range/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Fiat 500e - front three-quarter view

The all-electric 2013 Fiat 500e probably won't turn a profit, but that doesn't mean Fiat and Chrysler engineers haven't done a good job ramping up the hatchback's fuel economy numbers. Chrysler has just announced that the little EV has been rated at 116 Miles Per Gallon Equivalent (MPGe) combined. The EV will get 122 MPGe in the city, and highway efficiency is rated at 108 MPGe. As for range - which of course varies greatly in the real world - the official number is an impressive 87 miles.

To compare, other small EVs have been rated this way (combined/city/highway):
  • 2013 Smart ED: 107/122/93 MPGe and a 68-mile range
  • 2013 Scion iQ EV: 121/138/105 MPGe and a 38-mile range
  • 2013 Honda Fit EV: 118/132/105 MPGe and a 82-mile range
  • 2013 Mitsubishi i: 112/126/99 MPGe and a 62-mile range
  • 2012 Nissan Leaf: 99/106/92 and a 73-mile range
That means that the 2013 Fiat 500e has (for now, at least) more range and highway MPGe than any other vehicles in its class. Some larger EVs can go further, of course. The official EPA fuel consumption rate is 29 kilowatt hours (kWh) per 100 miles thanks to an efficient 111-horsepower electric motor. Charging the 24-kWh battery should take less than four hours from a 240-watt Level 2 source. The EV goes on sale, in California, at least, in the second quarter of 2013, and we already know the car will get a sexy introduction to the masses.

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500e gets 116 MPGe (combined) and 87-mile range

2013 Fiat 500e gets 116 MPGe (combined) and 87-mile range originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500e500500eelectric vehicleepafiatmpgeFri, 04 Jan 2013 18:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20417427/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20417427/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/2013-fiat-500e-gets-116-mpge-combined-and-87-mile-range/20417427/article-detail.xml 20417427 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-fiat-500e628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-fiat-500e628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford, Chrysler join Toyota in fighting high-MPG rules in Mexico]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/ford-chrysler-join-toyota-in-fighting-high-mpg-rules-in-mexico/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/ford-chrysler-join-toyota-in-fighting-high-mpg-rules-in-mexico/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/ford-chrysler-join-toyota-in-fighting-high-mpg-rules-in-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford of Mexico

Automakers may have given in to the 800-pound gorilla that is the US government when it comes to more stringent fuel-economy standards. But the Mexican government? That's a smaller monkey that the companies are apparently more than willing to battle.

Ford and Chrysler have joined Toyota in opposition to Mexico's fuel-economy standards that Mexican officials say would simply be increased so they are consistent with the increasingly stringent mandates throughout the rest of North America, Automotive News reports.

When it comes to selling cars south of the border, US automakers point out the lack of incentives for hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicle production and say there needs to be consideration for factors such as Mexico's higher altitude and more challenging road conditions. The companies are asking for more lead time and more flexibility than what's being proposed.

The International Council on Clean Transportation's Kate Blumberg argues that the companies have been aware of Mexico's intentions for more than two years and therefore can't say they don't have enough lead time to meet the mandate, Automotive News reports.

Late last month, Toyota got a court injunction against Nom-163, which would require Mexico's fleetwide fuel economy to reach 35 miles per gallon by 2016. Officials in Mexico, where auto sales are just a fraction of the US's, say the new standards would cut fuel use by 18 billion gallons by 2030.

Ford, Chrysler join Toyota in fighting high-MPG rules in Mexico originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysleremissionsfordmexicomiles per gallonmpgtoyotaFri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20381324/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20381324/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/ford-chrysler-join-toyota-in-fighting-high-mpg-rules-in-mexico/20381324/article-detail.xml 20381324 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fordmex_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fordmex.png <![CDATA[Fiat shows off performance, efficiency gains of TwinAir engine]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/fiat-performance-efficiency-gain-twinair-powertrain/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/fiat-performance-efficiency-gain-twinair-powertrain/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/fiat-performance-efficiency-gain-twinair-powertrain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fiat's TwinAir video

Small engine, big pitch.

Italian automaker Fiat is using a new video to wax poetic about its TwinAir family of engines designed to boost performance in its smaller cars while cutting fuel use and emissions.

The three-plus-minute video, put together by Frame Communication, outlines the TwinAir engines, which range from 65 to 105 horsepower and include a turbocharged version as well as an option that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG).

Fiat says the TwinAir engines boost fuel economy and cut emissions by 30 percent compared to similarly-sized mills while providing as much as 120 horsepower per liter of displacement. The engines are adaptable to hybrid use as well.

Fiat and its Chrysler affiliate have been eschewing electric-drive powertrains as a method of boosting fleetwide fuel economy in favor of smaller, more technologically-advanced internal combustion engines. For example, in August Fiat unveiled the turbocharged 2013 version of its 500 compact. That model features a detuned version of its 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged inline-four, which boosts horsepower and torque by 34 horsepower and 52 pound-feet from the 2012's non-Abarth version, respectively.

You can see Fiat's video below.

Continue reading Fiat shows off performance, efficiency gains of TwinAir engine

Fiat shows off performance, efficiency gains of TwinAir engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500chryslerenginefiatfuel efficiencymotormultiairtwinairThu, 15 Nov 2012 15:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20377381/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20377381/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/fiat-performance-efficiency-gain-twinair-powertrain/20377381/article-detail.xml 20377381 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/twinair_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/twinair.png <![CDATA[Overheating batteries put Chrysler plug-in hybrid testing on hold]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/overheating-batteries-put-chrysler-plug-in-hybrid-testing-on-hol/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/overheating-batteries-put-chrysler-plug-in-hybrid-testing-on-hol/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/overheating-batteries-put-chrysler-plug-in-hybrid-testing-on-hol/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PHEV Ram Town Country

Chrysler hasn't exactly been in a leadership role when it comes to, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Disbanding the ENVI group in 2009 sure didn't help. Plug-in vehicle development continued, though, but the company's PHEV's are now facing another obstacle: overheating. Fortunately, this hasn't meant battery fires, but the overheated battery systems mean that Chrysler is temporarily pulling 109 trucks and 23 minivans out of a fleet testing program.

Three of the Ram 1500 pickups in a fleet of 109 equipped with plug-in hybrid powertrains were damaged when their prototype lithium-ion batteries overheated. No fire or injuries occurred, and the incidents took place when the trucks were unoccupied, Chrysler said. It was not known how long the test vehicles - deployed to 16 municipalities and utility companies in 20 states - would be sidelined

The prototype batteries were supplied by Electrovaya, based in Mississauga, Ontario, near Toronto. During the sidelining of the test models, Chrysler engineers will be working on a "superior battery," said Michael Duhaime, Chrysler's global director of electrified powertrain propulsion systems. In the next phase of the testing, a different battery chemistry will be used, which Mayne said is normal in the product development process.

Testing new technologies such as plug-in hybrids with fleets is helping automakers capture real-world data on performance and reliability. Toyota found this out before introducing the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid through an extensive test-fleet program involving 125 early prototypes in the U.S. Input from participants assisted finalized engineering and improvement in features for the production model. No major problems like this overheating issue were revealed.

The fleet of plug-in hybrid Ram 1500 pickup trucks and Chrysler Town & Country minivans have accumulated 1.3 million miles during road testing, Chrysler said. The tests are being funded jointly by the U.S. Department of Energy ($58 million) and Chrysler ($65.2 million). The minivans have gotten an average of 55 miles per gallon of gasoline in testing and the Ram 1500 pickups have gotten 37.4 mpg.

Overheating batteries put Chrysler plug-in hybrid testing on hold originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gasoline-powered, internal combustion engines are notoriously inefficient. Some estimates say as much as 70 percent of the fuel's energy is lost to friction and heat. An Automotive News story has engineers saying that only three percent is due to friction. To engineers, that's a huge pot of low-hanging, fuel-efficiency fruit.

Chrysler and Dana Holding Corp. have developed a "thermal management system" (highlighted in blue in the photo above) for the 2013 Dodge Ram that takes advantage of some of that heat. The truck's engine coolant is re-routed to bring the 2013 Dodge Ram's transmission to optimum operating temperature more quickly. When cold, honey-like transmission fluid drags on the powertrain. The sooner it warms up, the less fuel is wasted. The company claims the system improves fuel economy by two percent.

The system may be adapted for other Chrysler vehicles in the future. Similar systems from Dana are also being used on the Ford Edge where it adds about one percent to fuel economy.

Since a vehicle's engine also needs heat to operate efficiently, catalytic converter supplier Tenneco is working on a system that uses exhaust heat to warm the gooey transmission fluid.

For the future, though, Tenneco hopes to use waste heat to eliminate power-sucking alternators. The company is experimenting with thermocouple technology to convert heat directly into electricity. Current thermocouple hardware can convert one to three percent of exhaust heat into electricity. Tenneco says if it can improve that to as much as five percent, enough current can be generated to charge your car's battery with no drain on the engine. Standing in the way of thermocouple tech use on cars is its super high cost. The company hopes within six years to bring the price down 90 percent.

Engineers putting wasted engine heat to good use: improving fuel economy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danadana holding corpexhaustfuel efficiencyheat energyheat recyclingtennecothermocouplewaste heatThu, 13 Sep 2012 15:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20320755/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20320755/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/13/engineers-wasted-engine-heat-fuel-economy/20320755/article-detail.xml 20320755 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ram-tranny-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ram-tranny-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler likes CNG, thinks electrification is better used 'sparingly']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/chrysler-likes-cng-thinks-electrification-is-better-used-spari/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/chrysler-likes-cng-thinks-electrification-is-better-used-spari/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/chrysler-likes-cng-thinks-electrification-is-better-used-spari/#commentsFiled under: ,



Why has Chrysler been on the sidelines in the race for an, ahem, electrifying product lineup? The automaker is taking a more wait-and-see approach. As Bob Lee, Chrysler Group LLC's head of engine and electrified propulsion engineering, said during Center for Automotive Research's 2012 Management Briefing Seminars, ""We do believe in electrification, sparingly and for the right kinds of targeted applications. ... We're developing technology for commercialization, preparing for the shift when consumers start pulling them into the marketplace."

There are other corporate priorities, such as parent company Fiat weathering the financial cataclysm in Europe. There's also the challenge of marketing the small Fiat 500 in the U.S. market at a time when sporty Fiat cars are, for most, merely a memory. Chrysler will begin production of an electric Fiat 500 later this year and will roll it out in 2013.

While the company has been testing plug-in hybrid Chrysler Town & Country minivans with municipal fleets and is considering bringing in plug-in hybrid Ram pickups, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are more important to Chrysler Group, at least for now. Some of that comes from Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, who emphasizes CNG vehicles and high fuel efficiency internal combustion engine vehicles.

Chrysler brought its bi-fuel CNG Ram 2500 pickup to the U.S. market this summer. State and municipal governments are bringing a lot of CNG-powered vehicles into their fleets and are sure to buy a few of these trucks.

Chrysler likes CNG, thinks electrification is better used 'sparingly' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuel vehicleschryslercngelectric vehicleevnatural gasplug-in hybridFri, 10 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20297788/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20297788/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/chrysler-likes-cng-thinks-electrification-is-better-used-spari/20297788/article-detail.xml 20297788 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/chrysler-cng-truck_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/chrysler-cng-truck.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler adding 8-speed transmissions this year; 9-speeds are coming]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/chrysler-adding-8-speed-transmissions-this-year-9-speeds-are-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/chrysler-adding-8-speed-transmissions-this-year-9-speeds-are-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/chrysler-adding-8-speed-transmissions-this-year-9-speeds-are-co/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Chrysler 300

When it comes to adding transmission gears to boost fuel economy, Chrysler figures the more the merrier. For now.

The U.S. automaker, which is controlled by Italy-based Fiat, will start installing eight-speed transmissions in some of its vehicles by the end of the year, with nine-speed trannies in store for 2013, Bloomberg News reported, citing Mircea Gradu, the automaker's vice president of transmission powertrain and driveline engineering. Eight- and nine-speed transmissions are said to boost fuel efficiency by about 15 percent relative to more conventional transmissions.

There is a physical limit though. ZF North American President Julio Caspari told Automotive News earlier this month that the advancement of fuel efficiency through more gears has just about gone as far as it can go. He claimed that there is just an 11-percent difference between today's best transmissions and a theoretically perfect unit.

Chrysler has sunk $1.3 billion in transmission technology since 2007, which, while substantial, is less than many other automakers have invested in electric-drive technology designed to also meet the goal of boosting fuel efficiency and meeting stricter regulatory standards.

Chrysler adding 8-speed transmissions this year; 9-speeds are coming originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslereight-speed transmissionfuel efficiencygearnine-speed transmissiontransmissionzfTue, 31 Jul 2012 17:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20289605/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20289605/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/31/chrysler-adding-8-speed-transmissions-this-year-9-speeds-are-co/20289605/article-detail.xml 20289605 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-chrysler-300_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-chrysler-300.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler going with EcoDiesel brand name?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/chrysler-going-with-ecodiesel-brand-name/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/chrysler-going-with-ecodiesel-brand-name/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/chrysler-going-with-ecodiesel-brand-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chrysler EcoDiesel badge

Chrysler appears to have chosen "EcoDiesel" as its branded name for a new line of diesel models set to arrive in the States shortly. The artwork above was registered with the U.S. Patents and Trademark office just last month, with the "3.0L" nomenclature denoting the displacement of its first offering.

As we reported at the beginning of this year, Chrysler's first diesel engine will be a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The powerplant, jointly developed with Fiat, will reportedly make 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Currently mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox under the hood of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in other markets, the new oil-burner would deliver an EPA fuel economy equivalent of about 23 city and 33 miles per gallon highway (the Cherokee's current gasoline-fed 3.6-liter V6, also mated to a five-speed, delivers 17 city and 23 highway).

While the bad news is that the automaker is likely going to delay the launch of its diesel models until the 2014 model year to finish development on a new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic (a gearbox that promises to deliver improved acceleration and even better fuel economy), the good news is that the automaker will shorten the 2013 model year to allow the 2014 models to arrive as early as January of next year.

Chrysler going with EcoDiesel brand name? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler dieselchrysler fiat dieselchrysler new dieseldieselecodieselfiat new dieselgrand cherokee dieseljeep dieseljeep grand cherokee dieselMon, 09 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20273351/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20273351/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/chrysler-going-with-ecodiesel-brand-name/20273351/article-detail.xml 20273351 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/trademark-for-chryslers-new-ecodiesel-badge628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/trademark-for-chryslers-new-ecodiesel-badge628.jpg <![CDATA[California's low-emission vehicle rules enhancing market for ZEV credits]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/californias-low-emission-vehicle-rules-enhancing-market-for-zev/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/californias-low-emission-vehicle-rules-enhancing-market-for-zev/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/californias-low-emission-vehicle-rules-enhancing-market-for-zev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The California Air Resources Board's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate has already created so-called "compliance cars." The corollary is a growing market for ZEV credits. That is, a way for companies who aren't selling enough ZEVs (which, in this case, include pure electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and ultra-low emission plug-in hybrids) can buy credits from companies who have sold too many. Wait, that sounds funny. Who have sold more ZEVs than CARB requires them to.

Unsurprisingly, Nissan and Tesla are the two companies with the most credits to offer, while Chrysler and Honda might be in the position to need to buy some. Andy Palmer, a Nissan executive vice president, told Bloomberg recently that Nissan is "in a fortunate position of having positive credit," but hasn't yet publicly announced exactly what it plans to do with the credits. Tesla has already sold some credits to Honda and an unnamed automaker. The rules don't requite public disclosure of price or number sold. If an automaker doesn't earn or buy enough credits, it has to pay a fine. According to Bloomberg, the number of credits a company earns per vehicle depends on its range and recharge time. A Leaf is worth three, a Model S equals seven. (As pointed out in the comments, the Model S would be worth four, not seven.)

The ostensible point of the ZEV rules is to increase the number of ZEVs on the road. Since California's rules are in effect in 12 states total, the expectation is that the largest six automakers will sell 60,000 ZEVs there through 2014 and then a total of 1.4 million by 2025. That's the intent, but if you want to know how CARB's rules play out in the real world, just read this and then this - oh, and this - and you'll understand.

California's low-emission vehicle rules enhancing market for ZEV credits originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 31 May 2012 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerelectric vehicleev creditshondateslatoyotazevzev creditszev mandateThu, 31 May 2012 15:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20248681/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20248681/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/californias-low-emission-vehicle-rules-enhancing-market-for-zev/20248681/article-detail.xml 20248681 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/accfleetmakeup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/accfleetmakeup.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne: We're only making Fiat 500 EV because California's forcing us]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/marchionne-were-only-making-fiat-500-ev-because-californias-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/marchionne-were-only-making-fiat-500-ev-because-californias-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/marchionne-were-only-making-fiat-500-ev-because-californias-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's a near-endless tale, the story of the all-electric Fiat 500. Whether you're looking back at 2010, 2011 or earlier in 2012, there's been reports and claims and stories. Today, there's more.

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne recently spoke to the media about his companies' fuel-efficiency efforts, saying that hybrids and natural gas-powered vehicles will be coming by 2017. On the electric front, the Fiat 500 EV will be introduced in North America later this year, Marchionne said, admitting the car was being built for two main reasons: first, because California's ZEV mandates require it and, second, so Chrysler engineers learn more about electric powertrains. That sure makes it sound like Chrysler is years behind other companies, given that others have EVs on the market already. We know that Chrysler made a splash with the ENVI vehicles in 2008, but it's been relatively quiet since then.

The Fiat EV is not going to be a financial windfall. Marchionne recently said (again) that Fiat "will lose money on every car we make." The car could lose Fiat as much as $10,000 per vehicle.

Marchionne: We're only making Fiat 500 EV because California's forcing us originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 30 May 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 evchryslercompliance carelectric vehiclefiatfiat 500fiat 500 evfiat evmarchionnesergio marchionneWed, 30 May 2012 15:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20247853/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20247853/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/marchionne-were-only-making-fiat-500-ev-because-californias-f/20247853/article-detail.xml 20247853 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat500-1328736960_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat500-1328736960.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler fetes its most eco-friendly dealers, with bamboo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/chrysler-fetes-its-most-eco-friendly-dealers-with-bamboo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/chrysler-fetes-its-most-eco-friendly-dealers-with-bamboo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/chrysler-fetes-its-most-eco-friendly-dealers-with-bamboo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The company may be best known for tire-melting Hemi engines, but at least some of its dealerships are showing some love for the environment.

Chrysler, which launched a program last year to commemorate its most eco-friendly dealers, has named its first batch of 30 winners as part of its Dealer ECO (that stands for Environmentally Conscious Operations) Program.

The U.S. automaker awarded five dealers in Michigan as well as three dealerships each in New York and California among the 30. One Arkansas dealership was rewarded for having a 2,000-square-foot solar-panel system on its roof (pictured), while another, in Michigan, was singled out for using used motor oil to heat the facility.

In all, the dealers were noted for their energy efficiency, oil containment, waste recycling and community involvement. And each of the dealers received a bamboo plaque commemorating their achievements.

Continue reading Chrysler fetes its most eco-friendly dealers, with bamboo

Chrysler fetes its most eco-friendly dealers, with bamboo originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiachryslerecologyenvironmentmichigannew yorkFri, 11 May 2012 10:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20234980/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20234980/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/chrysler-fetes-its-most-eco-friendly-dealers-with-bamboo/20234980/article-detail.xml 20234980 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chrysler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chrysler.jpg <![CDATA[U.S., German automakers will demo fast-charging system at EVS26]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



BMW, Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen are among the eight U.S. and German automakers that will demonstrate a single-port fast-charging system for electric vehicles at the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 (EV26) in Los Angeles starting next week.

Audi, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Porsche will also show off the so-called DC-fast system, which will be able to recharge most battery-electric vehicles in as little as 15 minutes.

With a combination AC and DC charging capabilities, the DC-fast system is supposed to start sales by the end of the year and will enable U.S. and German plug-ins to be able to be recharged at most public charging stations while also accommodating high-powered fast-charging stations. The International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has officially tapped the system as the standard for fast-charging.

Electric-vehicle proponents consider the establishment of a fast-charging standard to be an important key to plug-in vehicle adoption because the availability of publicly accessible fast chargers that can recharge a vehicle in minutes instead of hours makes range anxiety a moot point. Pike Research said last year that annual revenue generated by makers of electric-vehicle charging equipment will increase more than tenfold between 2011 and 2017 to about $4.3 billion.

Still, the fast-charging issue is far from settled because a separate fast-charging standard - CHAdeMO - has been proposed by the Japanese automotive industry. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries are all partners in the CHAdeMO Association.

Continue reading U.S., German automakers will demo fast-charging system at EVS26

U.S., German automakers will demo fast-charging system at EVS26 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwchademocharging stationschryslerdaimlerdc-fastelectric vehiclefordgmporschevolkswagenFri, 04 May 2012 09:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230451/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230451/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/20230451/article-detail.xml 20230451 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dccombined_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dccombined.jpg <![CDATA[Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/will-detroit-three-survive-and-thrive/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/will-detroit-three-survive-and-thrive/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/will-detroit-three-survive-and-thrive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

All are looking good for now... but it depends



As you probably know, Chrysler has reported its best quarterly profits in 13 years, has just introduced a very nice new Dodge Dart compact sedan and continues to gain sales and market share. GM has also been highly profitable with a string of solid product hits, though it has not gained share working with just half of its former eight U.S. brands.

As you also know, both of these iconic American car companies were upside down four years ago and likely would have been dissolved - along with millions of good U.S. jobs - had both the Bush and Obama administrations not decided to invest taxpayer money in saving them.

Now, with election season heating up, we'll be hearing much from both sides on the GM and Chrysler "bailouts." Democrats will rightly claim credit (though it began under Bush) for saving the U.S. auto industry and millions of jobs. Republicans will correctly counter that they did it all wrong (stiffing private investors, destroying thousands of dealer businesses for no good reason and handing Chrysler to Italy's Fiat) and for the wrong reason (to save the UAW).

"Let them fail," conservatives crowed then, and still. "That's how capitalism works."

"Let them fail," conservatives crowed then, and still. "That's how capitalism works." But there was no private capital in late 2008 for business loans or bankruptcies, so federal support was the last resort. Ford had sufficient capital to weather the crisis only because it had run out of money two years earlier, when it still could (and did) mortgage itself for working capital.

There has been no end to political rhetoric about creating new jobs, but little knowledgeable discussion around saving those millions of auto (and industry-dependent) jobs that we already had. What very few outside the industry - including financial gurus and media pundits - understand is how this industry is a huge, fragile, interdependent house of cards.

Continue reading Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive?

Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutbankruptcybig threechryslerdetroit threefordgary witzenburggmMon, 30 Apr 2012 12:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20226847/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20226847/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/will-detroit-three-survive-and-thrive/20226847/article-detail.xml 20226847 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/first-aid-kit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/first-aid-kit.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler delivers first plug-in minivans in $26m demonstration project]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/chrysler-delivers-first-plug-in-minivans-in-26m-demonstration-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/chrysler-delivers-first-plug-in-minivans-in-26m-demonstration-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/chrysler-delivers-first-plug-in-minivans-in-26m-demonstration-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



OK, so these really may be the world's coolest minivans.

Chrysler has deployed four plug-in hybrid-electric Town & Country minivans to the city of Auburn Hills, MI as part of a $26-million demonstration project. Chrylser says it plans for each minivan to rack up 16,800 miles during the two-year program. In all, Chrysler will make 25 minivan plug-ins and spend $15.8 million on the project, with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) chipping in another $10 million. No word on if or when the plug-in minivans will be sold to the public.

Last year, Chrysler started deploying the first of 140 Ram plug-in hybrid-electric pickup trucks as a way for the automaker and the U.S. government to explore more fuel-efficient alternatives for gas-guzzling trucks. Chrysler and the DOE split the $97 million bill on that project as well.

Continue reading Chrysler delivers first plug-in minivans in $26m demonstration project

Chrysler delivers first plug-in minivans in $26m demonstration project originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auburn hillschryslerchrysler town countrydemonstration projecthybrid minivanmichiganminivanplug-in hybridplug-in hybrid minivantown countryWed, 18 Apr 2012 14:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218121/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218121/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/chrysler-delivers-first-plug-in-minivans-in-26m-demonstration-p/20218121/article-detail.xml 20218121 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/towncountry_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/towncountry.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight-speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013-ram-1500-unveiled-with-eight-speed-auto-start-stop-air-su/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013-ram-1500-unveiled-with-eight-speed-auto-start-stop-air-su/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013-ram-1500-unveiled-with-eight-speed-auto-start-stop-air-su/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 will receive a significant refresh for the 2013 model year, and the majority of the changes are indeed more than skin-deep. That's because the 2013 Ram will hit the showroom floor with a host of powertrain upgrades, including features that have never been offered on American pickup trucks until now.

Chrysler promises that the new 3.6 will improve fuel efficiency by "at least 20 percent."

Many of the Ram's new technologies speak to its fuel-saving nature, including an eight-speed automatic transmission for both six- and eight-cylinder models, stop-start, improved aerodynamics, electric power steering, grille shutters and an auto-adjusting air suspension. The air suspension is essentially a version of the setup used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and features an Aero Mode, lowering the ride height by 1.2 inches to help cut through the wind more efficiently. Ram will also offer the Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the base powerplant, delivering 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. For reference, Ford rates the 2012 F-150 pickup's naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 at 302 hp and 278 lb-ft.

Chrysler promises that the new 3.6 will improve fuel efficiency by "at least 20 percent" compared to the old 3.7-liter unit. Another 20 percent added to 20 miles per gallon on the highway and 14 mpg in the city equates to a class-leading 24 mpg highway and 17 mpg city.

Of course, V8 power is available, courtesy of Chrysler's tried-and-true 5.7-liter Hemi, which now delivers 395 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. That's five more horsepower compared to the 2012 model, and that improvement comes courtesy of the new electronic power steering system. The most impressive part is that the Hemi-equipped model will also boast 20 percent better fuel economy, thanks largely to the fact that the eight-speed automatic is also fitted to this eight-pot mill. Chrysler will announce official fuel economy numbers closer to the Ram's on-sale date.

2013 Ram aerodynamics
2013 Ram grille shutters 2013 Ram wheel

The Ram 1500 can achieve these substantial efficiency gains because of the aforementioned fuel-sipping technologies, but engineers have also cut considerable weight. The V6 powertrain is an amazing 76 pounds lighter than the outgoing 3.7-liter, and the TorqueFlite eight-speed and Hemi combine for a 30-pound reduction in the 5.7-liter model. Other weight savings come from an aluminum hood (26 pounds), chassis with more high-strength steel (up to 30 pounds), new floor cross-members in the bed (seven pounds), new front bumper (four pounds) and the electronic steering system (four pounds).

Additional improvements include upgraded exterior styling, a richer-looking cabin and a stiffer chassis that promises decreased noise, vibration and harshness. The Ram will also feature improved available infotainment tech, including an 8.4-inch navigation screen and a configurable seven-inch thin-film transistor screen that is standard on Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models.

Scroll down to read over the Chrysler press release, which includes a ton more information. You can also watch a few videos that highlight some of the new features.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight-speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos]

2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight-speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ram 1500new yorknew york 2012new york auto showramram 1500Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209148/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209148/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/05/2013-ram-1500-unveiled-with-eight-speed-auto-start-stop-air-su/20209148/article-detail.xml 20209148 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-ram-1500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-ram-1500.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler Ram 2500 CNG starts deliveries in July]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/chrysler-ram-2500-cng-starts-deliveries-in-july/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/chrysler-ram-2500-cng-starts-deliveries-in-july/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/chrysler-ram-2500-cng-starts-deliveries-in-july/#commentsFiled under: ,



Chrysler will build the first U.S. production compressed natural gas-powered pickup truck when it starts deliveries of its Ram 2500 CNG this summer, as the U.S. automaker looks to offer a cheaper refueling cost for its utility vehicles.

Chrysler, which has started taking reservations for the truck, said the model will include an 18.2-gallon-equivalent CNG tank that will provide 255 miles of driving range as well as an eight-gallon gas tank that will provide another 112 miles. Pricing for the Ram 2500 CNG, which uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, starts at $47,500.

The company says it's offering fleet buyers a cheaper refueling alternative because burning CNG is about a third cheaper than regular gas. AAA says regular gas prices, which jumped about 27 percent last year, average about $3.75 a gallon, up about 40 cents since the beginning of the year. Chrysler says there are about 1,500 CNG refueling stations across the U.S. - about half of which are publicly accessible - while the U.S. Department of Energy puts that number closer to 1,000.

CNG proponents have pitched natural gas as a preferable refueling option to gasoline because, as opposed to petroleum-dependent gasoline, most CNG is produced in North America. Meanwhile, Chrysler's Italy-based parent Fiat has built almost a half-million CNG-powered vehicles in Europe during the past five years and has more than an 80 percent CNG market share there.

Earlier this week, General Motors unveiled two bi-fuel CNG- and gas-powered trucks. The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 HD, which GM showed off at the 2012 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, will be available by the end of the year.

Overall, green-technology research firm Pike Research forecast last year that worldwide annual CNG vehicle sales would jump 68 percent to 3.2 million in 2016 from 1.9 million in 2010. In the U.S., CNG vehicle sales would grow by more than 25 percent a year and would reach almost 33,000 units in 2016.

Continue reading Chrysler Ram 2500 CNG starts deliveries in July

Chrysler Ram 2500 CNG starts deliveries in July originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercngcompressed natural gasnatural gaspickuppickup truckramram 2500ram 2500 cngtruckFri, 09 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188317/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188317/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/09/chrysler-ram-2500-cng-starts-deliveries-in-july/20188317/article-detail.xml 20188317 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ramcng_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ramcng.jpg <![CDATA[Future Fuel Economy Mandates, Part III: Chrysler]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/future-fuel-economy-mandates-part-iii-chrysler/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/future-fuel-economy-mandates-part-iii-chrysler/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/future-fuel-economy-mandates-part-iii-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 C

As regular readers know, I set out this year to interview as many Detroit automaker executives as I could at the Detroit and Chicago auto shows to get their takes on meeting future fuel economy standards. And these reports are generating a lot of comments.

For example, "Nick" responded to my Ford interviews: "I don't get how 'electrifying global platforms' is any good. They're essentially taking cars that were 100% engineered with ICE in mind, and 'adapting' them into EVs. Not an optimal solution, to say the least. You end up with a car that looks exactly like its ICE counterpart, costs $15k more, is heavy and has poor range. Tesla is a billion miles ahead of these clowns."

Nick is right that electrified conventional vehicles will be somewhat heavier and less efficient than dedicated-platform cars, but Ford has chosen the former path for its early EVs because the latter is hugely expensive. Ford (and virtually all others) believe that potential EV buyers will be willing to sacrifice some range for much more affordable prices.

The idea that designing, developing and building unique, dedicated-platform EVs instead of electrifying conventional ones would result in lower costs is completely wrong. And I'm wondering what credentials justify Nick's calling Ford's incredibly hard-working, capable and dedicated engineers "clowns." And why he thinks, "Tesla is a billion miles ahead" of them. Really? How many dedicated-platform EVs has Tesla sold?

That said, let's start our Chrysler CAFE interviews at the very top with Chrysler (and parent company Fiat) CEO Sergio Marchionne. "If you ask GM and Ford," he said, "we all have the same types of technology, and we all carry the same burden in terms of the sizes of vehicles we are manufacturing. The 50-plus miles per gallon by 2025 cannot be achieved by just redesigning established combustion technologies. We know that some type of hybrid solution needs to be implemented, and if we don't make [sufficient] changes in combustion engines, hybrids will become the mainstay in the United States. At that point, economies of scale will drive down cost. They will never be equivalent, but they will come down. But if you think we're going to get there without passing on additional costs to the consumer, I've got news for you: we will have to.

Continue reading Future Fuel Economy Mandates, Part III: Chrysler

Future Fuel Economy Mandates, Part III: Chrysler originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge mpgfiatfiat 500fiat 500 evmpgsergio marchionnesrtFri, 24 Feb 2012 16:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179146/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179146/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/future-fuel-economy-mandates-part-iii-chrysler/20179146/article-detail.xml 20179146 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat-500-c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat-500-c-628.jpg -1 2