DaimlerChrysler Hybrids? | Green Energy News

August 15, 2004 – Vol.9 No.21

DAIMLERCHRYSLER HYBRIDS?

Reliable news outlets are reporting that the Germany-based manufacturer has indicated that it MAY begin selling hybrid electric vehicles by 2006. They are still studying the technology and the market for them. DaimlerChrysler did not say whether they meant vehicles to be sold late in 2005 for model year 2006, or late in 2006 for 2007.

The company has been pursuing diesels as a way to offer higher fuel economy for the U.S market. The company’s full size van – the Sprinter – is available only as a diesel. Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel sedan and a diesel Jeep Liberty SUV is being offered for the 2005 model year. (With fingers crossed, too, DaimlerChrysler may make a risky decision and launch a diesel smart fortwo here. The market research they’ve done here is for the diesel version of the two-seat coupe, not the gas.)

If the company really wanted to launch a green car effort it should pursue a hybrid diesel option as well as team up with biodiesel sellers for really high fuel economy, lowered emissions and independence from crude oil all in one package.

DaimlerChrysler built a prototype hybrid diesel family sedan in the 1990’s that achieved nearly 80 miles per gallon. The car now sits in a company museum. Maybe the company should take a second look at its own efforts.