Reuters:Chrysler Group Makes Powertrain Innovation Matter

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Chrysler Group Makes Powertrain Innovation Matter


* Multiple Propulsion Technologies Meet Varied Customer Needs

* Future Powertrain Solutions Include Fuel Cells, Hybrids, Advanced Diesels and Further Improved Gasoline Engines

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler Groupaddressed automotive propulsion technology and its future during the Management Briefing Seminars today. Mark Chernoby, Vice President AdvanceVehicle Engineering for the Chrysler Group, shared success stories andchallenges on a variety of powertrain technologies, and their relevance intoday's marketplace.

"The Chrysler Group strives to provide benefits and value through practical innovation," said Mark Chernoby. "It is imperative that these benefits meet customer expectations at the right price."

"The Chrysler Group will continue to address issues currently racing consumers," he added. "Through technologies such as Multi-Displacement System for today's internal combustion engine, electric and hybrid powertrains, advanced diesel engines, and fuel cells, concerns about fuel economy,emissions and dependency on oil are being met. The challenge is to develop practical innovations which provide sufficient value for our customers toultimately yield significant market penetration of fuel saving technologies."

Car and truck buyers find value in technologies that are available today.For example, at the Chrysler Group, we continue to gain better fuel efficiency
in the modern gasoline engine.

One of the latest innovations to join sophisticated electronic enginecontrols is the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). The all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT are the first high-volume, modern production vehicles in North America to feature fully-functioning cylinder deactivation. The MDS is standard equipment with the 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8. This system transitionsthe HEMI from eight cylinders to four in just 40 milliseconds, improving fueleconomy up to 20 percent.

The HEMI with MDS will also be offered in the 2005 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee. DaimlerChrysler is also the leader in sales of neighborhood electric vehicles with its Global Electric Motors vehicle line. Electric vehicles arewell-suited for certain applications, allowing owners to enjoy quiet, economical and pollution-free vehicles. Advanced diesel engine technology is another viable option to help the United States in reducing its dependency on oil and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

The modern diesel is quieter, more powerful and more efficient than what was available in the United States years ago. These engines offerup to 30 percent improved fuel economy compared to a similar gasoline engine,and 20 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. These improvements are experienced in a variety of driving conditions.

The Chrysler Group will enter the North American market with a diesel-powered Jeep Liberty in 2004.Furthermore, 60 percent of the Chrysler and Jeep vehicles sold in Europe arediesel powered. Hybrid technology is also being launched at the Chrysler Group. A This program applies fuel-saving hybrid technology to a pick-up truck product where fuel consumption is the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500/3500 Quad Cab diesel-electric hybrid (Ram HEV) will be sold to select fleet customers late this year.greatest.

The Ram HEV is unique because it combines diesel and electrictechnology for propulsion. The vehicle also has the capability of generatingelectric power for on-site utility -- enough electricity to power four average households in the United States. Fuel cell vehicles also hold great promise. DaimlerChrysler works in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and UPS on a real-world fuel-cell demonstration program.

The first of its kind in North America, an F-Cell vehicle is currently in operation in the harsh Midwest climate in the UPS fleet. "Odds are there still may not be one dominant propulsion technology in ten years," said Chernoby. "That's why at the Chrysler Group, practical innovation that closely meets the needs, expectations and aspirations of our customers, at an attractive price remains our objective. All of this cantranslate into enormous value for us, our customers, shareholders and society.

"SOURCE Chrysler Group Web Site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com