Chrysler Goes to Washington

Fresh off an engagement at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the newest members of Chrysler LLC’s ENVI electric-vehicle lineup made the political rounds at the Washington Auto Show Public Policy Day. Media, government officials and key opinion leaders learned about and test-drove Chrysler’s ENVI vehicles during a media briefing and an industry ride and drive.

“Two key automotive public policy concerns in Washington today relate to the future of advanced environmental technology and the future viability of the domestic automobile industry,” said John Bozzella, Chrysler LLC Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy. “Chrysler’s ENVI electric vehicles have the opportunity to make a positive impact on both concerns.”

“Chrysler’s internal ENVI organization is focused on electric-drive as a mass-market, clean-vehicle technology,” said Lou Rhodes, Chrysler LLC Vice President – Advanced Vehicle Engineering and President – ENVI. “We are committing our resources and funding on electrifying existing models, such as Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan, to achieve speed to market, in addition to exploring all new vehicle concepts, such as the Chrysler 200C EV.”

With 40 miles of all-electric range, Range-extended Electric Vehicles (ReEV), such as the Chrysler 200C EV concept, can be capable of a 400-mile total driving range. As a pure electric model, the Dodge Circuit EV boasts a range of 150-200 miles with zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.