Where are the Electric-Diesel Hybrids ? - A TACH Viewer Responds

SEE ALSO: Let Them Eat Cake - Where Are The Electric-Diesel Hybrids? Reflections from a Car Guy

Hi Bob;

I think automakers are just looking past diesel electrics and looking at more affordable options like gas motors with cylinder deactivation + hybrid mix, or for fleets hydrogen motors & hybrid system.

What I hate is sometimes the lack of understanding from the automakers. We vote with our dollars. If we the public thinks something is too ugly to own, we will not buy it, even though the drive train maybe fantastic. Or it's the other way, the body is nice and it just lacks a good interior or drive train. Like the Dodge avenger (I think should have been called dodge dart) might be better liked if it had more power like the 300M from the 3.5L. Or better fuel mileage if the V-6's had MDS. Or if the interior had soft vinyl over the hard plastic for the upper models.

I still feel the best looking Dodge Dakota is the 2nd generation. Sure wished the VM2.8Lcrd was offered in the dodge Dakota & Caravan along with the Liberty crd. But it never happened, so O well. The 4th generation Dakota is nicer than the 3rd, but what's with the outline around the headlight? It makes it look like glasses frame. It's too bad the technology from the pushrod 5.7L hemi couldn't be adapted to the 3.3L & 3.8L push rod motors so now it would have been in production. A 3.8L MDS would have been a nice motor to replace the 3.7L and current 3.8L. Love to see V-6 MDS motor in the Dakota. The truck needs better fuel mileage to increase sales. Love to see the 2.2Lcrd OM651 (that replaces the VM 2.8Lcrd) to be offered in the Dakota besides only being offered in the minivan. A V-8 or V-6 4.0L-4.4L MDS would have been a nice in-between motor for all RWD vehicle or in case of the wrangler, top of the line motor that would get better fuel mileage that the current 3.8L. So instead of moving ahead with technology, Chrysler Div watches sales drop because buyers just do not want what they offer.

Jeep compass, I read most people dislike the looks of it. I kind of like the looks. I may like the concept front more but US crash regulations made them change it. What I'd like them to change is rear storage to be more PT cruiser like, multi level rear storage. Personally I love my PT cruiser and I have two storage shelves. That way I can still have storage of items under the bottom self for gloves, umbrella, 4 way cross, emergency lights etc... and bottom self has sides to hold groceries. Top factory shelf is to hide the stuff in bottom self or to hold light items when other shelf is full and in an auto accident you would not care about it flying around. The Jeep compass just needs additional storage space that is removable. Plus adding the VW2.0Lcrd wouldn't hurt fuel mileage and low end torque lovers. I'm sure sales would increase.

PT cruiser still outsells both compass and patriot for the month sales the last time I looked. So why not keep the pt cruiser look and put it under the caliber, platform and hope the VW2.0Lcrd would be available soon to the US market. I still wish there was a PT wagon off the journey platform, even though no body parts would be interchangeable. There have been a few people who liked the pt cruiser, but not enough interior room for a family. PT Wagon an alterative to the minivan SWB. Auto manufactures need to engineer space for the stroller + groceries. Because when mom goes shopping, the 3 kids have to come along do to no baby sitter. Plus RH safety bag turn off able of less than 80lbs pressure on seat. I wouldn't mind two pt cruiser pickups. One FWD off the journey platform VW 2.0Lcrd and one off the dodge Dakota platform that would offer chassis version for flat bed MB2.2L crd or mini motor home use MB3.0Lcrd 2500 dully and 3500 dully Cummins V-6 4.2L. Something one step below and smaller than the Ram 6.7L 2500 & 3500. I see more sprinter motor homes than dodge Ram truck 6.7L motor home. So far I haven't seen any Ram motor homes lately. Just "A" class motor home (bus like square front) with the 6.7L Cummins.

Sorry So many things on my mind. If only they..... I think sales would increase.

Doug H.