Ram hybrid still on track

Published Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:05 p.m.
Diesel version on hold, but hybrid coming in 2010

Several years ago GM, Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes formed a partnership to develop a hybrid powertrain that many claimed would be superior to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Eventually, this dual mode hybrid powertrain was launched in a number of hybrid vehicles, such as the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the Dodge Durango hybrid, but sales have never taken off. In fact, all of Chrysler's previous dual mode hybrids have been discontinued.

Nonetheless, Chrysler will take another stab at hybrids with the Dodge Ram hybrid due out in 2010. While the dual mode powertrain is a perfect hybrid powertrain for large trucks and SUVs, such as the Ram, it's upfront costs - as much as $10,000 - have resulted in few dual mode hybrid sales since its debut in 2007.


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