DCX and GM to build two-mode hybrid system

Auto industrydynamics went for a spin on Monday morning, when DaimlerChrysler and GeneralMotors announced they were working on a two-mode full hybrid propulsion systemtogether and that other companies were welcome to take part if they wanted.

The Stuttgart-and Detroit-based companies said the system would have front- and rear-driveapplications and would provide their front- and rear-drive cars, trucks and''other vehicles'' with better acceleration and ''significantly'' improved fueleconomy.

While it's acommon system, the firms said, the two-mode full hybrid system would have ''uniqueapplications for each company's vehicles.''

The companiessaid that combining the hybrid development efforts of DaimlerChrysler and GMwill position them ''for leadership in this technology.''

At the sametime, that leadership position is apparently not restricted, since the twofirms quickly added that ''the wide-ranging program will allow opportunitiesfor additional partners, and could become a hybrid source for other automanufacturers.''

According to theofficial release announcing the agreement, ''the development of a common hybridpropulsion architecture is the basis of the cooperation, while retaining thedistinctiveness in feel and performance for the GM, Mercedes Car Group andChrysler Group brands. The two-mode full hybrid drive system will be mated todifferent engines and the respective vehicle programs will have uniqueperformance dynamics and calibration. Each company will integrate the two-modefull hybrid into its own vehicles.''

Both companieshave been working independently on their own hybrid propulsion systems fortheir range of passenger vehicles. For example, GM has said that its firstapplication of a full hybrid would be launched in late 2007 in the ChevroletTahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.

''Our plannedcooperation will draw on the technical expertise of two of the largest autocompanies in the world,'' said Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler Board ofManagement member with responsibility for Research and Technology andDevelopment in the Mercedes Car Group. ''The result is expected to be a seriesof strong hybrid propulsion systems that will serve as a solution for ouralternative powertrain needs.''

GM's groupvice-president of powertrains, Tom Stephens, said ''the performance, fueleconomy and more efficient packaging of the two-mode full hybrid allowapplications to a broad spectrum of vehicles and driving cycles. We believe itis the most efficient full hybrid design for any vehicle configuration.''

Mercedes-Benzwill focus on high-tech hybrid propulsion systems in rear-wheel drive passengercars in the luxury segment, Weber said, and hybrid technology will be anintegral part of its advanced powertrain strategy within the next several years.

The team membersthat will develop the hybrid system will be located in Michigan, but will come from all over theworld, said Eric Ridenour, executive vice-president of product development forthe Chrysler Group. ''A world-class hybrid system will complement the globalfuel economy benefits that DaimlerChrysler offers customers throughtechnologies such as cylinder deactivation -- Chrysler Group'sMulti-Displacement System -- and modern diesel engines.''

Chrysler Groupwill offer a range of hybrids, Ridenour said, but its first application of thissystem will be in the Dodge Durango shortly following the GM SUVs.

Today's typicalsingle-mode systems rely on much larger electric motors than are needed in thepatent-protected two-mode system, said Stephens.