Bob Nardelli, the Chairman of Chrysler LLC, informed Chrysler employees this past week that the company is developing a next-generation model of its SUV the Dodge Durango. The plant that built the last Dodge Durango was located in Newark, Delaware and has been shut down by Chrysler permanently. While Nardelli has not disclosed where the new Durango will be built, he told Chrysler employees that despite the recent agreement to join forces with Italian automaker Fiat, which is known for its very small cars, Chrysler will continue to build a line of SUVs and also a line of larger sedans like the 300.

“It is important to note that no U.S. taxpayer funds would go to Fiat,” Nardelli said. “The alliance is based on an exchange of equity for assets. Fiat would acquire an equity stake in Chrysler by giving us access to substantially all its vehicle platforms and technologies. This access is of high value to Chrysler, saving us significant costs and years of development time.” But SUVs will live on. That is, if Chrysler does.

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In a move that is sure to please soccer moms everywhere, Chrysler has recently announced that they will begin production on 2 Hybrid SUVs utilizing their new Two Mode gasoline-electric hybrid system.

Featured in the new Durango and Aspen hybrids is a 385hp , 5.7l Hemi V8 equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission which has 2 internal electric motors giving the car enough juice to run on electric up to 25mph, and boosting the MPG up to 20.

Of course, it costs money to be environmentally friendly seeing as the Durango is expected to retail for $45,340 and the Aspen for $45,570. Fret not though as Chrysler has assured us that you will probably get a $1,800 tax cut if you buy one of these vehicles. Gee thanks!

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