Chrysler To Introduce Hybrid Durango, Aspen

Chrysler will join the stream of automakers planning to introduce hybrid vehicles to their lineups. First out of the gate for Chrysler will be a hybrid version of the Dodge Durango SUV and the Chrysler Aspen. Both vehicles will feature a Hemi hybrid engine and power train. The hybrid 5.7L two-mode Hemi engine used in the Durango gets about 25% better gas mileage than its conventional cousin and is expected to hit dealer showrooms in the 2009 model year.

The company is also examining the possibility of designing a series of hybrid vehicles for the Dodge brand, including the Dodge Journey SUV, the Dodge Ram and Dodge Avenger programs. The company has not made any firm commitment to the Dodge hybrid series beyond the Durango.

Toyota, Honda, Ford and GM offer regular production hybrid models, and plan to increase the number of hybrids in the vehicle lineup. Kia, Nissan, Subaru and luxury maker BMW have already made plans to add hybrid vehicles to their lines in the next one to two model years. Toyota's Lexus line will also add hybrids. The vehicle makers are turning to hybrid designs largely to comply with new CAFE regulations and to appeal to buyers who are being hit hard by rising fuel costs.