Auburn Hills, Michigan - Chrysler LLC has begun production of its Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) at its Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware. The two-mode hybrid powertrain will be offered on the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, both of which are built at the plant. 

In order to add the new vehicles smoothly, the company used cross-functional launch teams that conducted cost-effective computer simulation of the new assembly processes. Similar efforts were conducted at tooling suppliers.

“The implementation of this new manufacturing process was done intelligently, with both quality and cost in mind,” said Joe Ozdowy, Plant Manager of Newark Assembly. “I’d like to congratulate and thank the team for their dedication while bringing these important new products to market to help satisfy the changing needs of our Dodge and Chrysler customers.”

Several unique components are associated with HEV production, including a 300-volt battery, two-mode transmission, torque power inverter module, electric air conditioning, auxiliary power module, high-voltage cables, hydro-electric power steering pump, hybrid gateway module and cooling module.

Developed in partnership with General Motors, Daimler and the BMW Group, the two-mode full hybrid system is capable of electric power only, gasoline engine power only, or any combination of engine and electric power.