09/08/2008 15:26. Dodge and Chrysler are bringing out their first hybrid vehicles, with the introduction of the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hemi Hybrid sport utility vehicles. Company spokesmen say the two SUVs will have gas mileage about 25 percent better than a conventionally powered SUV.

The two vehicles have the same two-mode hybrid system that General Motors brought out late last year on its Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs. The system was developed in a joint venture of GM, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Dodge and Chrysler cite the lower price of their eight-passenger hybrid SUVs as a key selling point. While both GM hybrid SUVs have starting prices above $50,000, the Aspen Hemi Hybrid starts at $45,570, including destination charges, while the Dodge SUV begins at $45,340. The... // The Oregonian - OregonLive.com