Sept 2/2008 - Not sure if has ben posted previously but worth a...

Sept 2/2008 - Not sure if has ben posted previously but worth a read...especially last 3 paragraphs.
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Chrysler Testing Green Vehicles, Says Progress 'Substantial' Toward Electrification
By John O'Dell, Senior Editor

Chrysler co-president Jim Press, the carmaker's self-described "demand" man charged with developing a product line people actually want to buy, says that despite its image, the company isn't stuck in the performance-car track and is well on the way to launching a full slate of "green" vehicles.

In addition to gas-electric hybrid models of the Chrysler Aspen (left) and Dodge Durango SUVs just hitting dealer showrooms and a hybrid Dodge Ram pickup due next year, Chrysler engineers are testing a trio of hybrid and all-electric models with componments that are "near" market-ready, Press said.
Speaking to a group of automotive journalists and industry insiders in Los Angeles today, Press -- former head of Toyota's ultra-successful U.S. sales and marketing operation -- said that while a slimmed-down Chrysler will not abandon the Hemi V8s, hulking trucks and off-road vehicles it is known for, it is also looking at ways to boost fuel economy and, eventually, offer plug-in hybrid and battery-electric versions of many of its models.

Chrysler's year-old ENVI program (the name comes from the first four letters of the word "environment" and isn't a reflection of corporate jealousy over what others have accompklished, Chrysler officials insist) is going to benefit from "substantial" capital investment in comng years, Press said.

The engineering and research unit is leading the way to a "substantial electrification of our vehicles," he said,

Even as Chrysler works to permanently cut overall production 40 percent to about 2.5-million vehicles a year, it "sees clearly the opportunities for plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicles."

Moreover, he said, while some will be hybrid or electric versions of existing Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models, others will be new nameplates with unique designs.

When all this happens is another matter. Press wouldn't offer specifics although Chrysler spokesman have previously promised plug-ins and EVs in the 2011-2013 period.

The three vehicles now being tested are updated versions (from left) of the Chrysler ecoVoyager, Jeep Renegade and Dodge Zeo show cars Chrysler unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January, although Press said that the idea of a fuel-cell electric hybrid system as shown on one of the concepts is now on hold.

Chrysler is leaning to plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles for the near future, he said.

Hydrogen is likely to be a viable future fuel, he said, "but it is more likely in my kids' future than in my own."

On the battery front, Press said Chrysler is intent on using lithium-ion technology, is aiming at 300 miles of range and is talkign to "several" potential suppliers, domestic and foreign.

The automaker already has a deal with a joint venture of Wisconsin's Johnson Controls and France's Saft.

The companies opened a $22 million battery factory in France earlier this year specifically to supply advanced lithium-ion batteries to General Motors Corp., Chrysler, and German automaker Daimler -- Chrysler's former owner.