Chrysler says its new Hybrid Electric Vehicles began rolling off the assembly line this week at its Newark, Delaware) assembly plant. The carmaker is offering the two-mode hybrid powertrain on both vehicles built at the plant, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen.
"The implementation of this new manufacturing process was done intelligently, with both quality and cost in mind." said Joe Ozdowy, Plant Manager of Newark Assembly. "I'd like to congratulate and thank the team for their dedication while bringing these important new products to market to help satisfy the changing needs of our Dodge and Chrysler customers."
The production of early pilot vehicles was done on the plant's assembly line which helped to root out anomalies early in the pre-production process, helping to ensure a higher quality launch, Chrysler said.
Production of vehicles with the hybrid powertrain differs in several ways from production of those with conventional powertrains. The carmaker says new processes were implemented to accommodate HEV production, including a unique powertrain assembly process, and ergonomic-assist systems to aid in new functions, such as HEV battery installation.
There are several unique components associated with HEV production that are installed at the plant, including:
• 300-volt battery
• Two-mode transmission
• Torque power inverter module (TPIM)
• Electric air conditioning
• Auxiliary power module
• High-voltage cables (AC and DC)
• Hydro-electric power steering pump
• Hybrid gate way module
• Cooling module
Chrysler President Tom LaSorda says the plug-in hybrids will be used in test fleets next year. A model of the new car will be sold in Europe after 2010. The technology differs from current hybrids in that the car is powered solely by electricity, with a fuel-burning engine recharging the batteries while the car is underway.
