DaimlerChrysler is taking some of its eggs out of the diesel BLUETEC basket and placing them on the hybrid bandwagon, according to chairman Dieter Zetsche. The automotive giant had been banking on the success of its clean diesel technology to win over the green crowd, but DCX says the market demands hybrids. And so hybrids they shall make.
At first Mercedes will offer "mild hybrids", essentially an overgrown starter motor that will supplement the gasoline (or diesel) engine to add extra power while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. With a mild hybrid, DCX figures it can get 70 percent of the effect with 30 percent of the effort, but will eventually produce full hybrid powerplants. DaimlerChrysler plans on collaborating on its hybrid development with rivals BMW, not unlike the sharing of technology over BLUETEC, all in an effort to catch up with their mutual rival Toyota, which has harnessed hybrid power on its way to the top.
In the meantime, Mercedes plans on rolling out other tree-hugging technologies in its vehicles, including a stop/start system like that offered by BMW and PSA, and an alternator that disengages from the engine when accelerating.
[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CH @ Mar 14th 2007 9:12PM
Why is this being presented as a recent change of heart??
DaimlerChrysler formed an alliance with GM and BMW to produce hybrid drivetrains back in 2005.
doglet @ Mar 14th 2007 10:13PM
mercedes could make a hybrid diesel. should be 50-60 mpg in a c class with the 2.2 turbo diesel. that would be the first really green luxory (spelling?) car.
rgseidl @ Mar 15th 2007 5:14AM
In terms of CO2 emissions/energy independence, mild hybrids make more sense anyhow, because the technology can be applied to a much larger number of models without breaking anyone's bank. The European supply chain has also already invested heavily in 42V electric grids, integrates starter alternators etc. Unless your currency happens to be artificially undervalued, a full hybrid will lose you money in anything but a big sedan or SUV.
The article's implied message that mild hybrids are merely stepping stones toward full hybridization is probably wrong, at least for the European market.
@CH:
DCX just pledged that ALL of its future vehicle designs will be capable of hybridization, which is a change of heart. Among other things, it means all future floorpans will have to be designed such that a battery/ultracap pack can be fitted. Toyota has already done that for its new Camry platform.
@ doglet:
Diesel hybrids don't make economic sense. The incremental cost of the heavier cranktrain and crankcase, the high-pressure fuel system and injectors, external cooled EGR, DPF plus (future) NOx aftertreatment is already high. Adding anything but a very mild hybrid system would lead to very long amortization periods for the cost over and above a conventional gasoline ICE, even at European fuel prices - never mind American ones. Besides, both diesels and electric motors deliver high torque at low RPM, so the two don't complement each other all that well. You end up with relatively low specific rated power.
The low hanging fruit is for a large number of American consumers to make sure their next car gets 35-40 MPG. Straight turbodiesels can deliver that with perfectly acceptable vehicle performance, one reason they are so popular in Europe. There is arguably little economic or ecological value in shooting for expensive MPG superlatives of which only a few can be built or, that only a few are willing to actually buy. This is especially if car makers must continue to produce a lot of high-margin gas guzzlers to fund such extravagance.
Tal @ Mar 15th 2007 8:59AM
As long as it isn't priced out of reach for every day buyers, go for it.If it is priced too high for the masses I doubt the buyers with the $$$ to purchase one will opt to buy other models with either straight diesel mor gasoline power.
If they have the $$$ to buy an upscale MB then why would they worry about how much fuel it takes to run it??
Only someone like me that doesn't have those $$$ would want a super fuel efficent auto in order to justify the price an MB commands. I'll have to save over a rather long time before I have those $$$. But then it will probably be the last car I'll need for the rest of my life.
Tal @ Mar 15th 2007 9:05AM
Confusing.
I was tring to say if a person has the $$$ he will not buy a hybrid/diesel but will buy a straight diesel or gasoline powered car. He will not be worried about the cost of the fuel or amount of fuel he has to purchase because he does have the $$$ to pay for it.Cost is not a real issue if you have lots of $$$.
The other Bob @ Mar 15th 2007 10:51AM
rgseidl:
Well said and very informative post.
Daniel @ Mar 15th 2007 6:39PM
The first company to combine the great attributes of a small diesel with electric hybrid is going to make a lot of money.
Full size sedans that get about 60 MPG would take the market by storm.
I guess the American companies will just sit back and watch as the Europeans and Asians dominate this new market too? Then they will go to congress and beg for a bail out. You just have to shake your head at the lack of leadership and innovation of the Big 2.5.
The more I think about this the more upset I get. Why is Ford not producing the Reflex? Why does GM show us the Volt and then tell us to eat dirt instead of building the damn thing?
Steve Kilburn @ Mar 15th 2007 9:20PM
I think americans should exit the automotive industry alltogether and focus on aeronautics and military-industrial complex. Why waste time in building a few buicks when you can fly supersonic in an F-35.