Chrysler LLC Begins Production of New Hybrid Electric Vehicles

 - Advanced two-mode hybrid system available in Dodge Durango and Chrysler

                                   Aspen

    - Intelligent implementation of new manufacturing processes manages

                               quality, cost

- Two-mode hybrid technology provides fuel-saving benefits of a full-hybrid

                 system, including electric-only operation



    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 22 /EMWNews/ -- Chrysler LLC's

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) began rolling off the assembly line this

week at its Newark (Delaware) Assembly Plant. Chrysler is offering the

two-mode hybrid powertrain on both vehicles built at the plant, Dodge

Durango and Chrysler Aspen.



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    In order to smoothly add one of the automotive industry's most advanced

technologies into their established build process, cross-functional launch

teams conducted highly accurate, cost-effective computer simulation of new

assembly processes. Similar efforts were conducted at tooling suppliers.



    "The implementation of this new manufacturing process was done

intelligently, with both quality and cost in mind," said Joe Ozdowy, Plant

Manager of Newark Assembly. "I'd like to congratulate and thank the team

for their dedication while bringing these important new products to market

to help satisfy the changing needs of our Dodge and Chrysler customers."



    "The members of UAW Local 1183 continue to prove that they have the

expertise, the experience, the training and the professionalism to

successfully accomplish the most demanding and complex work," said Larry

Dixon, President of UAW Local 1183. "This demonstration of excellence is

something the men and women of UAW 1183 and UAW 1212 should be proud of."



    The production of early pilot vehicles was done on the plant's assembly

line which helped to root out anomalies early in the pre-production

process, helping to ensure a higher quality launch.



    Production of vehicles with the hybrid powertrain differs in several

ways from production of those with conventional powertrains. New processes

were implemented to accommodate HEV production, including a unique

powertrain assembly process, and ergonomic-assist systems to aid in new

functions, such as HEV battery installation.



    There are several unique components associated with HEV production that

are installed at the plant, including:






    -- 300-volt battery

    -- Two-mode transmission

    -- Torque power inverter module (TPIM)

    -- Electric air conditioning

    -- Auxiliary power module

    -- High-voltage cables (AC and DC)

    -- Hydro-electric power steering pump

    -- Hybrid gate way module

    -- Cooling module



    Dodge Durango was the leader in its segment for initial quality,

according to J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study(SM). With

the advent of HEV production, a new series of error-proofing processes was

put in place to ensure continued quality excellence.



    "We are proud of the highly skilled and dedicated employees at

Chrysler's Newark plant," Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner said. "The

employees at Newark Assembly continue to work hard to ensure the success of

this new product line, and we are looking forward to these new hybrid

vehicles being available to the public."



    The Advanced Two-mode Hybrid System



    Chrysler LLC's advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system

-- developed in partnership with General Motors, Daimler and The BMW Group

-- integrates proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented

hybrid-electric drive system to deliver the world's first two-mode full

hybrid.



    As a result of low- and high-speed electrically variable transmission

(EVT) modes, the system is defined as a "two-mode hybrid." In addition, the

sophisticated fuel-saving system incorporates four fixed-gear ratios for

high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. During the two EVT modes,

the system can use the electric motors to improve fuel economy,

acceleration, and for regenerative braking to utilize energy that would

normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in

the batteries for later use.



    The system's two modes are optimized for city and highway driving.



    In the first mode -- at low speed and with light loads -- the vehicle

can operate in three ways:






    -- Electric power only

    -- Engine power only

    -- Any combination of engine and electric power



    The two-mode hybrid provides all of the fuel-saving benefits of a

full-hybrid system, including electric-only operation. In this mode, the

engine is "shut off," with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at

low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in

heavy stop-and-go traffic.



    The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to

electric assist, the second mode provides full power from engine when

conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a

steep grade.



    Pricing for the full-size 4x4 sport-utility hybrid electric vehicles is

nearly $8,000 below the competition. The manufacturer's suggested retail

price (MSRP) for the new 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI(R) Hybrid is $45,340,

including $800 for destination. The MSRP for the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen

HEMI Hybrid is $45,570, including $800 for destination. Additionally,

customers are expected to receive an estimated tax credit of $1,800.



    Newark Assembly Plant



    The 3.4 million square feet Newark Assembly plant has 1,000 employees

and is represented by UAW Local 1183 and UAW Local 1212. The facility was

built in 1951 as a tank plant and converted to an automobile plant in 1957.

The 1998 Dodge Durango was introduced in September 1997. The all-new 2004

Dodge Durango production was launched October 2003. The Chrysler Aspen was

launched August 2006. Hybrid production began in August 2008.

    About Chrysler LLC



    Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler,

Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales

worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America

were the highest ever with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product

lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including

the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and

Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's

philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations

in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave

approximately $21 million in charitable donations.