WTF? Here Today, Gone Tomorrow "Chrysler To Ax Two Hybrid Models"

[Turborama]

Whoever's behind this needs their head to be placed firmly on the chopping block...

HYBRID versions of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango seem likely to secure a spot in automotive history: the two vehicles fell under the executioner’s ax in the same month they went on sale.

The hybrid S.U.V.’s became available at dealerships in early October. But on Oct. 23, Chrysler announced that at the end of the year it would close the Delaware plant where they are built.

Production of the hybrid models began on Aug. 22. Even if production continues until Dec. 31, the Aspen and Durango hybrids are almost certainly the shortest-lived new models from a major manufacturer in modern times.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/automobiles/16ASPEN.html?hp

Detroit appears to be on the road to receiving a bailout of its own, and this story is just another example of why the Big Three are in so much trouble in the first place. According to the New York Times, "HYBRID versions of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango seem likely to secure a spot in automotive history: the two vehicles fell under the executioner’s ax in the same month they went on sale." Here's the real head-scratching part: "The hybrid S.U.V.’s became available at dealerships in early October. But on Oct. 23, Chrysler announced that at the end of the year it would close the Delaware plant where they are built." It gets worse.

Read More:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/11/chrysler-to-ax-two-hybrid-models.php?daylife=1

[OwnedByFerrets]

1. Yeah for Chrysler!! Why build Hybrids when gas is $1.82 a gallon.

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

[DJ13]

3. Why build SUV/PICKUP Hybrids when gas is $1.82 a gallon.

Detroit mindset just couldnt fathom that eventually they would have to stop sucking on the easy money tit of making monster trucks.

[bluecollarcharlie]

9. When the decision was made to axe them, gas was not $1.82....

...so that wipes your argument off the table.

[clear eye]

2. Hybrid SUV's were never particularly good on gas--I have more hope for

the hybrid sedans they plan to introduce in the spring. The SUVs were a gimmick to take advantage of certain tax breaks, but they don't help the CAFE. A new law requires the companies to get to 35mpg by 2020. Now that they want a bailout, they'll actually have to abide by the new standards, instead of lobbying for its repeal as they've done before.

[Turborama]

4. 35MPG by 2020 is absolutely pathetic!

Just sayin'...

[ContinentalOp]

6. No kidding. I get 47 today. -nt-

[clear eye]

11. Agreed n/t

[Jack Bone]

5. I believe they can make them in Mexico..still..

I'm uncertain about the Hybrid version though. either way the model's days are numbered.
They want to throw that 2nd Gen Hybrid in the Rams soon.
They're going to go plug-in on the Minivans. The SUV's a combo between the two, so in a cost cutting measure they axed them.
Since they don't need all 3, that's just wasteful.

[clear eye]

12. Plug-in minivans? Cool! n/t

[Historic NY]

7. 5yrs too late in building, These SUV are still guzzlers worst than a ..

Chevy Suburban.

[bluecollarcharlie]

8. What the hell do you people care? It's not like any of you would buy one.

They're SUVs. With all the bitching, whining, moaning, crying, and screaming around here i thought that you'd all be glad they're going away anyway. And some of you get the added extra bonus of seeing all those people unemployed, which must surly warm the cockles of your heart.
If you have one.

And if any of you bothered to read the damn article, you would see where the CONSUMER demand for them wasn't there. "It gets worse." Yeah it does. Conformational bias.

[Turborama]

10. "bitching, whining, moaning, crying, and screaming". Pot calling the kettle black, anyone?

Someone's got their panties wedged up their ass about something...

Got shares in Chrysler, Ford and/or GM, son?

[marknovota]

13. Ha, way to go. How stupid.

Seriously, what the heck do they think. The gas in $1.85 NOW, but what will be next month? Next year? Will they resume the production?