Perhaps growing a little tired of all the media attention being focused on their competitors electrically driven vehicles such as GM's E-Flex and fuel cell work, Chrysler has announced ENVI. ENVI is a new organization within Chrysler that will operate as a sort of skunk-works focused on electrically driven vehicles. The new team is being setup to function semi-independently like a start-up company.
Unlike most start-ups, ENVI will have access to all of Chrysler's engineering and research resources. CEO Bob Nardelli has assigned Lou Rhodes as the President of ENVI and will report to Product Development chief Frank Klegon and Procurement VP Simon Boag. Rhodes was previously the Director of Advance Vehicle Concepts and Innovation. Hopefully ENVI will be able to pull some of the diverse development programs that Chrysler has had together and get something viable brought to market a little quicker.
Press release behind the break.
[Source: Chrysler]
Chrysler LLC Creates ENVI
Nardelli, LaSorda Announce New Chrysler Organization Focused on Electric-drive Vehicles
- ENVI to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies
- Lou Rhodes appointed President - ENVI
- Frank Klegon and Simon Boag to serve as co-chairs for new organization
Rhodes will report to Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler and Simon Boag, Executive Vice President – Procurement and Supply, who will serve as co-chairs of ENVI.
"The creation of ENVI allows us to focus on the development of a new generation of environmentally responsible Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles," said Robert L. Nardelli, Chrysler Chairman and CEO. "Under Lou's leadership, ENVI will develop electric-propulsion vehicles that will provide customers with more fuel-efficient vehicle options."
Prior to being named President of ENVI, Rhodes served as Director – Advance Vehicle Concepts and Innovation, leading Chrysler's strategic program verification process in the early stages of development, architecture and platform strategy. Rhodes' prior background includes numerous assignments in Chrysler's Advance Vehicle Engineering organization and Product Design Office. He joined the company in 1993.
With a focus on creating energy-efficient vehicles, ENVI will be located within the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, and will be comprised of a team of specialists in engineering, portfolio management, modular architecture, manufacturing, and procurement and supply.
"ENVI will operate as a 'start-up' with an entrepreneurial environment," said Thomas W. LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President. "The organization is empowered to leverage the vast resources within Chrysler to develop appropriate solutions quickly. The unique structure will facilitate a speed-to-market development process, employing innovation in all aspects of the business and exploring new and unique ways of engaging target customers into the production development."
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2006 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest in a decade with an increase of 15 percent over 2005. On the heels of the company's record product launch year (Chrysler launched 10 all-new vehicles in 2006), the company plans to extend that streak with eight all-new products in 2007. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander and Dodge Charger. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, gave $23.6 million in grants in 2006.
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