By Joe Benton
ConsumerAffairs.com
September 13, 2007
Chrysler is setting up an engineering division to design and build electric and hybrid vehicles, according to CEO Bob Nardelli.
Called ENVI, the division will be at Chrysler's headquarters in Michigan.
"The creation of ENVI allows us to focus on the development of a new generation of environmentally responsible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles," Nardelli said.
The Chrysler program will be staffed with specialists in engineering, manufacturing, procurement and supply and will operate as a startup with an entrepreneurial environment, according to the automaker.
Chrysler plans its first two hybrid vehicles, a Dodge Durango and a Chrysler Aspen for 2009. The hybrids will use a transmission developed with General Motors and BMW.
Ten years ago, Chrysler developed a diesel-electric version of the Dodge Ram pickup that was tested by utility companies. The truck was never offered for sale to consumers.
Chrysler also produced a fuel cell program and built several test vehicles. The work stopped in 2002.
