Comments on: Chrysler Aims to Undercut Tahoe Hybrid Pricing

By: Geotpf

Geotpf — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:39:49 +0000

The Detroit 3 keep missing the sweet spot for these things. The two-mode, while advanced, is too expensive. GM’s belt alternator starter hybrid is too wimpy. Toyota, as usual, gets it right-their Hybrid Synergy Drive is just right.

By: KixStart

KixStart — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:40:02 +0000

Lumbergh21, I think the price difference hybrid to conventional, will be way more than $3500.

By: Bancho

Bancho — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:29:32 +0000

This is kind of sad but not much of s surprise at all. Given the success that GM has seen with their offering I don’t expect people to be busting down the doors at the Dodge/Chrysler dealer to get their hands on these, especially given the current demand for the non hybrid versions of the Durango/Aspen.

It’s going to be tough to develop any economy of scale with these hybrids if the domestics can’t develop a unique model or apply the technology to a more mainstream vehicle.

By: Paul Niedermeyer

Paul Niedermeyer — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:17:02 +0000

Alex Rodriguez: I still don’t understand the thinking on why they feel they can only put the hybrid powertrain in their decked out top of the line vehicle.

Simple: The two-mode drive costs about $10k to make. Since they can’t ask that much for it, they have to subsidize it with the fat profit of a loaded vehicle. Same game GM plays.

By: Facebook User

Facebook User — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:46:07 +0000

Assuming that I was going to buy one of these in the first place and assuming that the price difference was only $1,700 ($3,500-$1,800 back fromt he feds) and assuming that the mpg improvement truly is 25% overall, this would be a no brainer. Perfect for most of the people buying a Chrysler SUV.

If I’m driving 12,000 miles per year in a Durango, I’m going to buy at least 750 gallons of gas. A 25% mileage improvement will drop that number to 600 gallons for a savings of 150 gallons of gas. At $5 per gallon, that $1,700 gets paid back in less than three years; plus while I doubt that the residual value of the mild hybrid Durango will be all that great, it will likely be better than the non-hybrid version. Even if my investments could match the rise in gas prices over the next seven years (unlikely), the gas savings would still warrant putting $3,000 in cash into a hybrid drivetrain rather than investing it.

By: carguy

carguy — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:44:07 +0000

I guess the target market is anyone who fears neither stupendous depreciation nor average quality and is looking for a $45K Chrysler.

By: lprocter1982

lprocter1982 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:34:02 +0000

I think I might get one of these vehicles… if someone paid me $50,000 or so. Otherwise, no. WHy would I want a crappy, gas sucking, poorly-made, unloveable, crappy, plastic cladded, crappy, ugly, unreliable vehicle? Did I mention they’re crappy?

By: hwyhobo

hwyhobo — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:33:49 +0000

Like GM’s executives, Chrysler’s also appear to have built their mansions in a la-la land far away from reality.

By: John Horner

John Horner — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:31:07 +0000

I agree with you Alex. Perhaps shortages of batteries and/or other components means they just won’t be able to build very many. If so, then selling the highest profit version makes short-term sense.

In the bad-old days new advanced technologies were released in high-end Cadillacs, Lincolns and such before trickling down to mid and low priced vehicles.

By: Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:24:44 +0000

Although they did learn something from the GM fiasco, they did not learn enough. 45K is still too high a price. Better than 53K, but not low enough.

I still don’t understand the thinking on why they feel they can only put the hybrid powertrain in their decked out top of the line vehicle. A Hybrid “base” model in the low to mid 30’s, no nav, no back up sensor, no leather, no DVD, no 20″ wheels. Just 17″, A/C, Power windows and doors, and the hybrid and move some metal. Probably would get better mileage as well if it wasn’t loaded with options.