Commatoze

From today's edition of Autotech Daily:

HYBRID DODGE RAM MAY BE FLEET-ONLY VEHICLE

Chrysler Group is launching its first hybrid-drive vehicle later this year. But the dieselelectric Dodge Ram Contractor Special pickup likely will be limited to fleet customers initially, reports WardsAuto.com.

Chrysler officials don’t foresee enough incremental demand for a hybrid pickup among retail customers to support “series production.” The automaker has barely mentioned the vehicle in recent months—contrary to Ford’s media blitz for its upcoming hybrid Escape. Ward’s notes that Chrysler didn’t bring the hybrid Ram to its recent new-model preview for the media, and the automaker is not planning a retail marketing campaign for the vehicle.

The truck teams a 110/220 volt AC electric motor with a 5.9-liter inline-six Cummins diesel engine to improve fuel economy 15% and provide an extra power boost. A sidemounted electrical panel can be used to power equipment at remote work sites.

For the most part, Chrysler and parent DaimlerChrysler AG have taken a conservative approach to hybrid technology. Company officials note the dual power source adds more than $4,000 to the cost of a vehicle and can increase weight by up to 500 lbs. There also is concern that the real-world fuel economy of hybrid vehicles is well underadvertised EPA figures. Chrysler previously has stated it won’t consider a hybrid vehicle unless it can best the fuel efficiency of a modern common-rail injection diesel engine.

Instead of hybrids, Chrysler plans to focus upon improving the efficiency of its internal combustion engines and developing fuel cell technology. The company launched its version of cylinder deactivation technology on the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 used in the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum rear-drive sedans and now is considering adding the system to Hemi truck applications. But Ward’s says this will only be done if the feature doesn’t compromise towing and hauling capabilities.