Chrysler’s ENVI Designed with Vague Mandate for All-Electric Vehicles

The Detroit Free Press has reported that Chrysler has created a new division called ENVI to develop vehicles that run entirely on electricity. Chrysler’s representatives stated that ENVI’s work toward advanced motor systems will take between three to five years to produce anything viable in the marketplace. Many experts see the newly created ENVI division as a response to fuel efficiency standards and grumblings by dealers about Chrysler’s sales.

The sales for Chrysler vehicles throughout the United States decreased by 22 percent in 2007 as the company was reshuffling its deck chairs. Chrysler has deflected concerns about potential bankruptcy and poor investments by streamlining its operations. Drivers who are loyal to Chrysler may be frustrated with the brand’s obfuscation about future hybrid vehicles but there are industry experts who express hope for the next generation of cars, trucks and SUVs.

Chrysler has poured $3 billion into fuel-efficient drive trains including a new V6 engine and dual-clutch transmission for upcoming vehicles. The automaker will produce its first generation of diesel vehicles with the Dodge Ram in the 2010 model year. JD Power and Associates has said that there will be a Dodge Caravan hybrid by 2010 and a Dodge Avenger hybrid by 2013. Global Insight has claimed that the popular Dodge Charger will be available with a hybrid drive train by 2011. These musings are coupled with Chrysler’s impending release of hybrid versions of the Aspen and Dodge Durango in the upcoming 2009 model year.

The problems with Chrysler’s move toward fuel-efficient vehicles are related to its short-term commitments and long-term finances. The vague details on Chrysler’s ENVI division coupled with its incomplete partnerships with General Motors on cleaner vehicles should make customers suspect of fuel-efficient products bearing the Chrysler name. The large investment made by Chrysler in its upcoming diesel line and its half-hearted efforts at going green will not endear the automaker to eco-conscious drivers. Chrysler’s reconstruction as a smaller, lighter company will likely leave consumers disappointed in their final products. The Charger, Aspen and Caravan hybrids mentioned above may get better gas mileage than their predecessors but competing companies are making larger leaps toward cleaner vehicles.