Chrysler VP says company will add start/stop system to some models

Following the public introductions of the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen with the Two-Mode Hybrid system last week in Los Angeles, Chrysler executive VP for Product Development Fran Klegon spoke to Automotive News. Klegon reiterated some things that he has said on several previous occasions, notably that they would spread the application of the Two-Mode hybrid system to other vehicles in the Chrysler line up. Given that GM is installing the system in their full-size pickups next year and a new Ram pickup is also due later next year, that would seem a likely choice. It will be interesting to see if Chrysler pairs the hybrid system with their new Cummins light-duty diesel engine that's also coming in 2009. Perhaps on a shorter time-frame, Chrysler will add mild and micro hybrid systems to some vehicles. The latter are simply automatic start-stop systems that shut-off the engine when the vehicle isn't moving. According to Klegon, such systems could yield a five percent improvement in efficiency for only a few hundred dollars. We'll probably see that system get added to vehicles like the Caliber, Avenger and Sebring in the near future.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]