* Chrysler Group to Deliver Vehicles in 2004
* Clean Technology for National Defense
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler and
the U.S. Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) will continue
joint development of Chrysler Group's diesel-electric hybrid truck for
national security applications.
Under terms of a contract awarded this month, Chrysler Group will deliver
a production representative diesel-electric hybrid truck to TACOM in early
2004. The hybrid is one of a group of Ram trucks that will be built under
Phase 3 of TACOM's COMmercially-BAsed Tactical Truck (COMBATT) program.
The Dodge Ram COMBATT is a multi-mission, multi-role logistics vehicle
that combines the performance of a Cummins diesel-equipped Dodge Ram with the
flexibility and added features of an integrated starter/generator hybrid
vehicle propulsion system. The vehicle offers superior off-road capability,
extreme utility in cargo and towing capacities and increased fuel economy, and
the truck produces 5kW of continuous mobile electric power for armed forces'
needs.
"This project continues Chrysler's long tradition of participating in
America's national security efforts," said Bernard I. Robertson, Senior Vice
President - Engineering Technologies and Regulatory Affairs. "At the same
time, it supports further development of our hybrid technology, one of the
technologies that will contribute to a better environment in the future."
"We are confident that this project will help us achieve two major goals
for the military -- enhances our technological advantage while maintaining our
national security at the highest levels, and making sure that we contribute to
a cleaner environment for future generations of Americans," said Dennis Wend,
Director of the Army's National Automotive Center in Warren, Mich.
The hybrid truck is based on the Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4 x 4 pickup truck,
equipped with a 5.9 L Cummins 24-valve diesel engine and an advanced lead acid
battery-electric motor assist. The vehicle is also equipped for auxiliary
electrical power generation that provides 5 kW or more of continuous 110- and
220-volt AC 60 Hz power.
A similar diesel-electric hybrid version of the Ram, known as the
"Contractor Special" or Ram HEV, will be available commercially beginning in
2004.
Both the commercial and military version of the Ram hybrid provide
improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions on the road and significantly
cleaner electric generating capability off the road.
Among the added capabilities of the Dodge Ram COMBATTs are:
* Hydro-pneumatic suspension enabling enhanced mobility across extreme
off-road terrain
* Driver-selectable ride height control, including low setting for
passenger entry and high setting for added off-road ground clearance and 30
inches water fording capability
* All-Terrain tires with unique military tread pattern
* Run flat tire inserts and bead-lock wheels for emergency situations
* Always-available AC power in cab and at external power distribution
panel
* Silent power operation
The Army will conduct 18 to 24 month field evaluations of the Ram COMBATTs
to assess functionality, reliability, durability, utility and toughness for
military service. Other U.S. Government agencies will have access to the
vehicles to assess flexibility to adapt to nonmilitary missions including
Homeland Security.
The Phase 2 Dodge Ram COMBATT hybrid vehicle will be on display in the
DaimlerChrysler booth at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2003 World
Congress at Detroit's Cobo Hall March 3-6.
SOURCE DaimlerChrysler
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