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Chrysler LLC will take the covers off three enviro-conscious concept cars at the Detroit show next month, further underlining its commitment to green technology.
Headed by the diesel-powered Jeep Renegade and also including the electric-powered ecoVoyager and Dodge Zeo concepts, the three eco-friendly show cars have been officially revealed in sketch form.
Of most interest is the Renegade, which Chrysler describes as a sporty B-segment-sized two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather delights of off-roading and dune surfing.
The light-sized minimalist model features a cut-down speedster windshield, roll bar, lower door openings and a hose-out interior, and is powered by a Bluetec diesel engine and lithium-ion battery pack that's good for 65km.
The four-door, four-seater ecoVoyager concept aims to deliver an elegant one-box design that capitalises on the space normally occupied by a conventional powertrain.
Propelled by a lithium-ion battery pack plus a small hydrogen fuel cell that serves as a range extender, the electric MPV emits only water vapour and is claimed to travel up to 500km.
The third brand of the car-maker formerly known as the Chrysler Group will also be represented at Detroit, via Dodge's 2008 Zeo concept - a four-door 2+2 sport wagon built for driving enthusiasts, which looks more like a sleek coupe.
Like the ecoVoyager, the Zeo features an electric-only propulsion system, this time employing a lithium-ion battery pack capable of 400km.
Unlike other such vehicles, the 2008 Dodge Zeo Concept is a four-door, four-passenger model that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility, says Chrysler.
Chrysler LLC has become the ninth carmaker to join the California Fuel Cell Partnership, an influential group that promotes the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Among the 34 members in the partnership are energy providers, fuel cell technology companies and government agencies.
The other car-makers are Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.
