Amid rumors that Chrysler may close its famous go-fast Mopar division comes official news that the born-again domestic is adding an entire hybrid division, called Envi. Short for “environment,” Envi will develop hybrid models from scratch, forgoing the common practice of just adding hybrid technology to existing vehicles.
Chrysler’s first two hybrid vehicles, however, will be versions of existing models: the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs, due next year. Envi is looking to quickly develop and produce a vehicle for market, but we’re not sure if quickly means 2009 or sometime in the next decade. Chrysler Puts Rush on Hybrid Vehicles(The Detroit News)