Chrysler LLC Descends on Washington

Chrysler LLC Descends on Washington, D.C., to Demonstrate Latest Electric Vehicle... WASHINGTON and AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-- The newest members of Chrysler LLC's ENVI electric-vehicle lineup today made their political debut at the Washington Auto Show Public Policy Day. Media, government officials and key opinion leaders have the opportunity to learn about and test-drive Chrysler's ENVI vehicles during a media briefing and an industry ride and drive. "Two key automotive public policy concerns in Washington today relate to the future of advanced environmental technology and the future viability of the domestic automobile industry," said John Bozzella, Chrysler LLC Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy. "Chrysler's ENVI electric vehicles have the opportunity to make a positive impact on both concerns." "Chrysler's internal ENVI organization is focused on electric-drive as a mass-market, clean-vehicle technology," said Lou Rhodes, Chrysler LLC Vice President - Advanced Vehicle Engineering and President - ENVI. "We are committing our resources and funding on electrifying existing models, such as Chrysler's Town & Country minivan, to achieve speed to market, in addition to exploring all new vehicle concepts, such as the Chrysler 200C EV. Chrysler's ENVI team is in Washington this week demonstrating the customer benefits of electric-drive technology by providing policy makers the opportunity to drive the future." Last month, at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Company showed five ENVI vehicles, reinforcing a commitment to developing and bringing to market a broad array of advanced electric vehicles for the Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands. With 40 miles of all-electric range, Range-extended Electric Vehicles (ReEV), such as the Chrysler 200C EV concept, can be capable of a 400-mile total driving range. As a pure electric model, the Dodge Circuit EV boasts a range of 150-200 miles with zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. The Chrysler 200C EV concept also tells an important connectivity story by embracing the future of technology with a highly sculpted and richly appointed environment. The interior is free of switches and levers. All vehicle functions, settings and uconnect(R) features are managed via a panoramic multimedia touch screen, a passenger-dedicated "techno-leaf" and a stowable tablet PC. Source : http://www.automotive.com (2/3/2009)