Save the enviroment, fuel frices, oil companies

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 17 /PRNewswire/ --

     -- Chrysler and Dodge SUVs boast 40 percent fuel economy improvement in
        city

     -- 25 percent overall fuel economy improvement

     -- Customers to save hundreds of gallons of gas per year

     -- Full-size SUVs deliver rare blend of fuel economy, utility, capability
        and performance

     -- 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid starts at $45,340

     -- 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid starts at $45,570

     -- Customers to receive estimated tax credit of $1,800

    As Chrysler LLC goes green, customers will save some "green."

    Chrysler announced today that it is pricing its full-size 4x4
sport-utility vehicle (SUV) hybrid electric vehicles nearly $8,000 below
the competition.

    The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the new 2009 Dodge
Durango HEMI(R) Hybrid is $45,340, including $800 for destination. The MSRP
for the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is $45,570, including $800 for
destination. Additionally, customers are expected to receive an estimated
tax credit of $1,800.

    "The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid deliver
fuel economy up to 20 miles per gallon - a 40 percent improvement in the
city and 25 percent overall - best-in-class cargo room, and are priced
nearly $8,000 below the competition," said Deborah Meyer, Vice President
and Chief Marketing Officer - Chrysler LLC. "Offering the unique
combination of value, fuel economy, performance and capability, Chrysler's
hybrid vehicles deliver exactly what SUV owners are demanding in today's
marketplace."

    The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles are
Chrysler's first entries in the hybrid market.

    Capable of towing 6,000 lbs., the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango
HEMI Hybrid vehicles deliver seamless, dependable power and performance on
demand, in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission
- featuring the best characteristics of an automatic transmission and
hybrid drive - and two different hybrid modes of operation, the drive
system dramatically improves fuel economy around town and at highway
speeds.

    The 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid are
coupled with Chrysler's renowned 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Total output,
when combined with the advanced two-mode hybrid system, is 385 horsepower
and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. In hybrid form, the HEMI continues to feature
Chrysler's fuel-saving MDS technology, which allows the engine to
seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed
and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The two-mode system provides
assistance from electric motors, allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in
four-cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving
overall fuel economy.

    The result: In typical use, Chrysler expects customers will reduce fuel
consumption by several hundred gallons of gas per year.

    Built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware, the new 2009 Chrysler
Aspen HEMI Hybrid and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles arrive in
showrooms this August.

    2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid

    Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV that offers elegant styling, premium
amenities and innovative engineering with the room and capability of a
sport-utility vehicle. Bigger than its full-size SUV competitors, yet
smaller than large SUV competitors, Chrysler Aspen offers unique benefits
as a luxury SUV in a class all its own.

    Chrysler Aspen exudes styling elegance with clean, angular front and
rear fenders, rear doors and rear-quarter panels creating a seamless
profile. Individual chromed "Chrysler" lettering adorns the bodyside on
each of the front doors. Premium touches also include chromed accents on
body-side moldings, door handles and side mirrors, as well as 18-inch
chrome-clad aluminum wheels. Chrysler Aspen's broad, chromed grille is
crowned by a sculpted hood, a signature of Chrysler vehicles.

    Standard interior appointments include wood-accented door panels and
instrument-panel center stack, air conditioning, overhead console with
HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information
Center, front and rear LED lamps that may be individually aimed, uconnect
gps, floor console with rear power accessory outlet, and a 60/40 third-row
bench seat.

    Standard equipment also includes premium leather-trimmed bucket seats,
eight-way power driver's seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat,
heated front-row seats, and a second-row bench seat, providing seating for
eight.

    Chrysler Aspen rides on a torsionally stiff, hydroformed frame with an
independent torsion-bar front suspension setup featuring rack-and-pinion
steering that helps provide a smooth and quiet ride and precise handling.
An isolated torsion bar crossmember helps minimize road noise. Suspension
and steering are tuned to deliver optimum comfort and driveability.

    In the rear is a unique suspension setup with coil springs and a solid
rear axle that delivers durability and strength. A Watt's linkage system is
fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate
over rough surfaces.

    Standard safety features include Chrysler's exclusive Trailer Sway
Control, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System and
next-generation front air bags, ParkSense(R) Rear Park Assist System,
ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System
and three-row side-curtain air bags with roll sensing.

    2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid Dodge

    Durango offers style, comfort, convenience and superior versatility in
a real SUV, with three rows of seating and room for eight.

    The Dodge Durango's styling is enhanced with a high beltline
emphasizing its bold appearance, while short front and rear overhangs
contribute to the vehicle's expression of concentrated power. Crisp angles
and chiseled surfaces highlight a strong and confident front-end design.
Dodge Durango's signature crosshair grille stands out prominently, flanked
by rectangular headlamps with dual-halogen bulbs wrapped around the corners
of the fenders. The rear design of the Dodge Durango is marked by
"afterburner" taillamps, and a chromed applique accentuating the rear
liftgate.

    Standard interior appointments include premium two-tone door panels and
satin silver finish instrument-panel center stack, air conditioning,
overhead console with HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver and Electronic
Vehicle Information Center, front and rear LED lamps that may be
individually aimed, uconnect gps, and a floor console with rear power
accessory outlet.

    Standard equipment also includes premium leather-trimmed bucket seats,
eight-way power driver's seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat,
heated front-row seats, a second-row bench seat and a 60/40 third-row bench
seat, providing seating for eight.

    Dodge Durango rides on a torsionally stiff, fully hydroformed frame
with an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering,
providing a turning radius of 37.5 ft. - shorter than a Honda Pilot.
Suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver superior ride and
precise steering. Dodge Durango's rear suspension features coil springs and
a solid rear axle secured with a Watt's linkage system, resulting in
refined ride and handling characteristics.

    Advanced safety and security features include standard Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program with Electronic Roll Mitigation
and Trailer Sway Control, side-curtain air bags for all three rows,
ParkSense(R) Rear Park Assist System, Tire Pressure Monitoring system,
Sentry Key(R) engine immobilizer, and ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera
System.

    Chrysler Brand

    Chrysler is the seventh largest brand in the U.S. automotive market.
The brand's succession of innovative products continues to solidify
Chrysler's standing as the leader in design, agile performance and
innovative technology built around a customer's needs, all at an
extraordinary value.

    The award-winning all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has 35 new or
improved features that include the innovative Swivel 'N Go(TM) seating
system.

    Arriving later this year, the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid will give
a unique option to customers who need the cargo and towing capability of a
sport-utility vehicle, but want a more efficient alternative. Chrysler
Aspen Hybrid is more than 25 percent more fuel efficient overall, and up to
40 percent more fuel efficient in the city. Also, for customers seeking
fuel efficiency, the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Chrysler Sebring
Convertible both achieve 28 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy and
have been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
SmartWay program, which recognizes the cleanest, most efficient vehicles
sold in the U.S.

    Dodge Brand

    With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's
best-selling brand and the sixth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive
market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global
market, including the best-selling minivan in 2007 total sales, Dodge Grand
Caravan.

    The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle -- the all-new 2009 Dodge
Journey -- arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2008, and is
now available outside North America in petrol and diesel powertrains in
both left- and right-hand drive. Arriving in dealerships now is the
limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine
that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Later in 2008, Dodge
will add three more new vehicles to its product lineup -- the all-new 2009
Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations,
best-in-class features and craftsmanship; the all-new 2009 Dodge
Challenger, a modern interpretation of the American muscle car; and the new
2009 Dodge Durango HEMI(R) Hybrid, a hybrid-electric vehicle that combines
fuel efficient advanced hybrid technology with full-size SUV performance
and capability. Last fall, America's best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008
Dodge Grand Caravan, arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved
features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go(TM) seating
system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments
outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, the highest sales volume
vehicle for the company outside of North America.