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A recent report in the Windsor Star claims the cars Chrysler plans to hybridize by 2013...will be minivans. On top of that, they're even looking at a diesel version of the soccer mom-mobiles, with both to be built at the company's Windsor, Ontario plant. Details are sketchy, but the Star claims J.D. Power sources say suppliers are gearing up for an iteration of the Two-Mode Hybrid system used on the upcoming Durango/Aspen hybrids and shared with the Tahoe/Yukon hybrid . The report also states that a hybrid Toyota "Sierra" (which we're pretty sure means "Sienna") van is scheduled for 2010, and that diesel minivans from Honda and VW are on the near horizon. Chrysler's foray into more-efficient vans could be as much for the company as for the consumer, since Chrysler remains near the back of the pack on total fleet fuel efficiency. Adding a hybrid van to the mix would be an effective (if expensive, on the order of $4,000 per unit) way to bump up CAFE numbers...
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The Super-Best Automaker from the Land of the Rising Sun is backing away from forecasts that show an annual increase in U.S. sales over last year. Despite massive demand for the smug-forming Prius , Toyota's plans for world domination are getting bogged down in the Tundra , since the same market forces decimating demand for domestic trucks are affecting the full-size Toyota offerings. The company now says it will likely be unable to improve upon the 2.62 million vehicles it sold in the U.S. during 2007. But, lest you think that the automotive world is going all topsy-turvy on you, the AP makes sure to point out that domestic automakers are faring much, much worse. Toyota was hoping to capitalize on strong demand in countries such as China and Russia to help it achieve global sales of 9.85 million units. But the company has been forced to slow its full-size truck and SUV assembly plants in Texas and Indiana to prevent unsold inventory from piling up, a problem domestic manufacturers...
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Have you been greenwashed convinced into thinking you can drive a big SUV and still do your part for the environment? Chrysler says you'll be saving big bucks driving an Aspen or Durango Hybrid over a "competitive vehicle" from GM. "$8,000 below the competition," they crow. But wait, GM doesn't make a 7-seat hybrid Trailblazer or Envoy. So what Chrysler is really referring to as the competition are the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrid twins. Ok, so technically the Durango/Aspen and Tahoe/Yukon are both classified as full-size SUVs, but doesn't it go without saying that a Tahoe is going to cost more than a Durango? What's more, the Tahoe Hybrid starts at $49,590 while the Durango Hybrid starts at $44,540; hardly the $8,000 difference Chrysler's advertising. An apples-to-apples comparison requires careful examination of the fine print. Prospective buyers have to compare pricing between the more-expensive and less-efficient 4WD models, because Chrysler...
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As with other auto media outlets, we've been closely following Chrysler's "Let's Refuel America" program, which is offering three years of $2.99 gas for anyone who buys a Dodge, Jeep or Chrysler vehicle (that isn't a Challenger, Viper, Wrangler, Sprinter Van or other popular vehicles). After a few back-of-the-napkin calculations we're starting to see this is a good deal for Chrysler and, at best, a mediocre rebate for consumers. For one thing, in lieu of other rebates, Chrysler doesn't necessarily have to put all of these expenses on their books right away when it records the sale, which could be a PR boon for the automaker while it tries to buy time for the "New Day" that's coming. But most importantly, the amount of money that a consumer can save is maybe less than most expected. Let's start with an extreme example by choosing the Chrysler Aspen SUV with the large 5.7-Liter V8, which isn't exactly a teetotaler when it comes to gas...
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