REPORT: Two-mode hybrid joint development disbanded; Ram hybrid coming in 2010
According to The Detroit News, the big joint development program formed several years ago between General Motors, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW to develop a two-mode hybrid system for light duty vehicles is over. With all four automakers now having launched versions of the gas-electric system, the joint program is being wound down and the Troy, Michigan office where engineers from each company collaborated will be closed by the end of this year. Most of the joint work actually ended last June and many of the staff have already been relocated to other facilities.
The Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid and BMW X6 ActiveHybrid are both going into production right about now using a version of the two mode transmission built by Daimler. Chrysler, which briefly built a version of the Durango and Aspen SUVs with the hybrid system last year, remains committed to re-launching the system in the Ram pickups in 2010. At this point, however, it looks unlikely that the planned light-duty hybrid will launch anytime soon in the Ram 1500.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt 5:21PM (10/28/2009)
Screw another useless hybrid fashion statement. Give us something that people actually want:
A light duty diesel!
Reply
BoxerFanatic 6:58PM (10/28/2009)
I don't even want a truck, but +1.
waijai 5:23PM (10/28/2009)
A hybrid pickup truck just seems strange to me.
http://www.tunedperception.com
Reply
Sea Urchin 5:28PM (10/28/2009)
Nice blog, i am hungry now.
Sea Urchin 5:26PM (10/28/2009)
From marketing point of view, hybrids will not sell in large pick ups, because all they can do is bump MPG from 15 to 20, while that is a big % jump, 20 MPG is not a selling point. However hybrids can give smaller cars 40-50 MPG which can be marketed very effectively.
Reply
airchompers 5:57PM (10/28/2009)
20 miles per gallon is a selling point in a market that averages 15 miles per gallon. Also, it's possible that two-mode hybrids could tow better as the electric engine has it's torque available from 0 rpm.
Matt 6:03PM (10/28/2009)
They could see the towing and mileage advantage with a simple diesel...without all of the silly hybrid nonsense.
Sea Urchin 6:17PM (10/28/2009)
Matt, can you please forget about it, no one is building diesels in USA, i know it is a great idea but you guys need to give it up.
Nick 9:05PM (10/28/2009)
@Matt
"They could see the towing and mileage advantage with a simple diesel...without all of the silly hybrid nonsense. "
Hybrid nonsense? What exactly do you consider nonsense about a technology that saves gas? Or are you simply re-spelling Glenn Beck's words?
I'm all in favor of efficiency, so how about a turbodiesel hybrid Ram getting 25mpg?
leftlaneabuse 5:35PM (10/28/2009)
The Ram (don't call me a Dodge) is already a Hybrid. It burns gas and taxpayers money.
Reply
D57H 6:05PM (10/28/2009)
All the more reason to drive one!
Zakspeed 6:33PM (10/28/2009)
Ram hybrid...now that is a oxymoron
Reply
66coronet 4:08AM (10/29/2009)
Diesels show attractive fuel mileage, but clean regulations make them pricey. So much $ goes into the exhaust system and the price to repair or service diesels is outrageous. Timing belt for a VW diesel cost $1500 to replace, so a friend said.
I did wish all VW diesel using Dodges would be sold here in the states.
But back to the 2 mode hybrid, GM seems to be the only one to make a concept FWD with the Opel Astra. Why was this unsuccessful? Why didn’t Dodge make 2 mode hybrid caravans and calibers and avengers?
Hybrid caravans would at least make good taxi’s. I think the price of the 2 mode hybrid wouldn’t be that much different than trying to bring a diesel to the US market. I never really understood why the SUV market and truck market over something that would be used as a taxi or commuter vehicle like the 3 listed. 1.8L caliber + 2 mode hybrid, I think would give near Prius performance in fuel mileage. A 2.0L Avenger + 2 mode hybrid would be a nice government and rental car runabout and commuter car. The hybrid cars are suppose to have less maintenance since the gas motor is used less thus saving even more $. So I really can care less if the 1500 ever gets the 2 mode hybrid especially if it has to be with the 5.7L. Better saving would be with the 3.6L MDS motor that the grand Cherokee will get.
Reply
tpfilm 12:55AM (10/30/2009)
I agree with coronet. Hybrids in trucks and large SUVs are stupid. Having said that I can understand why they do it: trucks and large SUVs have a higher profit margin so the hybrid doesn't eat into profits, especially when they add the premium hybrid price. Also, making their largest, poorest mpg vehicles hybrids allows them to tweak their CAFE ratings.
What makes sense for large SUVs and pick-ups:
diesel, aluminum hoods, tailgates, roofs (just like GM did for it's hybrid Tahos and Silverados.) Alloy wheels, aluminum or composite wherever high strength is not needed. Heck, mimick semis and go fiberglass on fenders and door skins. Light weight = better mpg.
Reply