DaimlerChrysler to Invest $40 Billion in North America despite Cutbacks by GM and Ford

Chrysler Group does have the opportunity, however, to come to market with a hybrid electric featuring an efficient diesel

The F500 Mind drivetrain, while extremely efficient, would also be very expensive to produce, and therefore attendees were told not to expect it in the immediate future. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

primary power source. A concept version, the F500 Mind, was available to test drive at a makeshift autocross course set up in the parking lot of FedEx field, and appeared to be as capable as current hybrid production vehicles. A spokesman at the symposium, however, explained that such a drivetrain, while extremely efficient, would also be very expensive to produce, and therefore told attendees not to expect it in the immediate future.

Chrysler Group's greatest opportunity to add a greater unique advantage to its current lineup in the alternative fuels arena is to expand the application of its sophisticated common-rail diesel powerplants. Currently, the automaker offers a Cummins-built 6.0-litre turbo diesel in its heavy-duty Ram pickup line, and an

"Through the end of May, we have already shipped to our dealers some 6,000 diesel Libertys representing a number higher than we had originally planned to produce for the entire first year," stated Zetsche. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Italian-built four-cylinder turbo diesel in its Jeep Liberty CRD.

And early signs of diesel popularity in North America, as seen in the popularity of the Jeep Liberty CRD, should cause the automaker to expand the technology into other models.

"Through the end of May, we have already shipped to our dealers some 6,000 diesel Libertys representing a number higher than we had originally planned to produce for the entire first year," stated Zetsche. "So I guess you can conclude that we are happy so far with the market demand. In fact, those vehicles are sitting on dealer lots just 23 days on average, less than half the industry average."