Chrysler apparently used up its full allotment of fun yesterday when it herded a bunch of longhorns in front of Cobo Hall. And so we were greeted today by possibly the most lifeless press conference we've seen from Chrysler in a good long time. Even Chrysler didn't seem excited about the three concept cars it showed today. None of them have even the remotest shot at production...
They're intended to show how serious Chrysler is about its environmental responsibility. Like the GM E-Flex system and Ford's HySeries, the three Mopars theoretically show variations on plug-in hybrid technology. The Chrysler uses a hydrogen fuel cell as its range-extender. The Jeep uses a small-displacement diesel. And the Dodge is pure electric. But all three are pure concept cars. --
Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
Read our full stories on the Chrysler ecoVoyager, Jeep Renegade and Dodge ZEO.
estreka says:
01:59 PM, 01/14/08
They're so serious about environmental responsibility, that they won't even pretend like anything is intended for production that could meet CAFE standards.
ateixeira says:
02:35 PM, 01/14/08
I like that Jeepster thing.
firstwagon says:
06:09 PM, 01/14/08
The Jeep with a small diesel would be very cool.
66fastback says:
07:43 AM, 01/15/08
This is pathetic. I really hope that Chrysler doesn't expect cars like this to sell. I realize these probably won't see production, but guys (Chrysler), if you want to go green, you're concept vehicles need to show what direction you're headed in technology AND design. Cars that people really want to buy. Design is where you suck the most right now. No wonder you aren't thrilled about your concept cars this year. Nobody else is either!!! These things SUCK!!!
The vehicles shown above are nothing more than a warmed over Imperial concept, another Jeep model similar to the Compass (that they're dropping due to poor sales by the way), and another ugly two-door hatch.
Want to generate product excitement Chrysler? Do what you did in the 90's and bring thinly disguised pre-Production vehicles you intend to produce to the auto shows, and adapt your proposed technology to them. That might actually sell cars.