Will Chrysler Group Announce a New Hybrid Electric Vehicle as Part of Its High-Mileage Plan?
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| A diesel engine Jeep Liberty was recently announced, which could be part of Chrysler Group's high-mileage initiative. |
Auto analysts are concerned that the upcoming 0.64 km/L (1.5 mpg) rise in light truck fuel economy standard could jeopardize profits for North America's automakers, who are dependent on high-dollar SUV, pickup and minivan sales.
Some think that GM, Ford and Chrysler Group will choose to focus energies on compact models with smaller engines, reducing margins.
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| Chrysler Group's CEO Dieter Zetsche is positive the company's high-mileage technology will help it meet new fuel economy standards. |
Not so says Chrysler Group's CEO Dieter Zetsche. Instead of trying to change the mood of the North American consumer Chrysler is focusing on new high-mileage technology. Meeting the tougher standards will be "a stretch and we'll have to work hard to get there," commented Zetsche. He continued, "I think we can get there." He further stated, "It is our responsibility to do everything technology and economically feasible to improve the fuel economy of our products."
Whether part of its high-mileage technology strategy incorporates new low-emission diesel engines wasn't clarified during the Chrysler Group CEO's comments, but a new diesel equipped Jeep Liberty was recently announced.
This statement from the head of Chrysler Group should also help to appease criticism surrounding the German owned North American producer due to a recent survey published by the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington, D.C., showing DaimlerChrysler, including the Mercedes-Benz brand, as the worst polluter of the top six North American automotive retailers.