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Chrysler has announced the adoption of a range of new fuel-saving technologies to improve mileage rates of its vehicles. The major news is the development of a family of V6 engines with cylinder deactivation technology, similar to GM’s displacement on demand. This means that three cylinders can be turned off by the engine during low load situations, such as cruising on a highway, thus saving fuel. Associated Press reports that this could improve fuel-economy by 6 to 8%. Other initiatives include the introduction of two-mode hybrid powertrains in more vehicles, more efficient drivetrains and new clean-diesel motors. The two-mode hybrid system will first appear in the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango models, and is claimed to improve fuel-economy by up to 40% in the city. Chrysler is also investigating the possibility of a range of new four-cylinder powerplants for North America, as well as the addition of new fuel-efficient dual-clutch gearboxes by 2010. Finally, Chrysler has also ...

Phoenix Motorcars' five-passenger, zero-emission, all-electric sport utility truck (SUT) California-based all-electric vehicle manufacturer, Phoenix Motorcars, Inc., will showcase its five-passenger, zero-emission, all-electric sport utility truck (SUT) during EarthFair 2007 held April 22, 2007 at Balboa Park in San Diego. “Participating in EarthFair allows us to introduce a cool vehicle to help cool the earth,” says Daniel J. Elliott, CEO of Phoenix Motorcars. “This annual event educates and celebrates ways to save our environment. Our class of vehicles is a safe, reliable and smart transportation solution to make a positive impact on our quality of life.” The SUT will be on display at the Cleaner Car Concourse, an environmentally-friendly exhibit area featuring alternative fuel vehicles. In addition, Phoenix Motorcars’ SUT will participate in the Cleaner Car Caravan, a parade of alternative fuel vehicles to raise awareness about the benefits of all-electric vehicles. Phoenix Moto...