Canwest News Service
Hybrid and diesel-powered minivans are just around the corner, starting with a Dodge Grand Caravan that will almost certainly be built in Windsor.
By Canwest News Service
July 15, 2008
Hybrid and diesel-powered minivans are just around the corner, starting with a Dodge Grand Caravan that will almost certainly be built in Windsor.
Chrysler could be the first minivan maker to bring a hybrid to market, but it won’t be last, says J.D. Power and Associates - Toyota also has plans to offer a hybrid Sierra by 2010.
And to meet the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, Volkswagen and Honda are likely to offer diesel versions of their minivans. VW starts assembling its Routan van in Windsor next month, on contract in Chrysler’s van assembly plant. …
But some professional industry observers believe the decision has already been made. Mike Omotoso, director of powertrain forecasting for J.D. Power in Detroit, said Monday he is advising clients to count on a handful of new powertrains to be available in showrooms by 2010.
Based on information gleaned from suppliers and other sources, J.D. Power reports that Chrysler intends to put its two-mode hybrid system in the Grand Caravan starting next year. …
Both Honda and Volkswagen are likely to follow the hybrids to market with diesel-powered vans, he said. "There is some talk of Honda putting a diesel in the Odyssey in the next couple of years." Honda has a range of diesel engines available in almost everything it sells in Europe.
Volkswagen could go in two directions with its Routan - either by offering one of its own four-cylinder diesel engines, which would offer excellent fuel economy but be considered rather underpowered compared to gasoline-powered minivans, or by offering the three-litre Mercedes diesel that Chrysler is currently offering as an option in its Grand Cherokee.
The Mercedes diesel puts out 200 horsepower and an overwhelming amount of torque - in the range of 400 foot-pounds, Omotoso said. But its fuel economy is less than stellar, at a combined city/highway rate of about 35 miles per U.S. gallon,. …
cvanderdoelen@thestar.canwest.com
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