Amidst company-wide changes set to decrease overall expenditures and losses, Chrysler LLC's executive vice president of product development Frank Klegon recently announced at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit that the company plans to build a hybrid Dodge Ram truck, install a DSG transmission in selected international models, and increase standard features available in all models.
According to a report by Automotive News, the Dodge truck will be built by 2010 and will feature the latest advances in Chrysler's hybrid technology portfolio. Among the many new sales-boosting features is the UConnect system that will allow drivers to wirelessly connect their Bluetooth-enabled phones to their car's audio system -- much like Ford's SYNC unit.
Klegon also told the SAE of a new dual-clutch DSG transmission that will debut in next year's Dodge Journey, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger models in international markets. The new transmission was built in conjunction with German company Getrag and is said to reduce emission output while increasing fuel economy with its seamless shifts.
Meanwhile, Chrysler's minivans will be offered with a blind-spot detection system in 2009, as well as a back-up radar system that detects and notifies of passing objects while reversing.
Such developments may prove that the ailing automaker is indeed stepping in the right direction in its quest for increasing sales, rather than simply eliminating existing (and poor selling) models.
Source: Automotive News (subscription required)