DaimlerChrysler's `Real World' Advanced Vehicle Technologies Take Main Stage at SAE 2003 World Congress

WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 27 -- As official sponsor of the SAE 2003 World Congress, DaimlerChrysler Corporation has dedicated a lot of resources to the cause of reshaping and updating many aspects of the annual Society of Automotive Engineers' event. Now they're punctuating that effort with a flourish by showcasing some novel advanced technology vehicles on the exhibit floor during the four-day technology and engineering showcase March 3-6 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

DaimlerChrysler says their SAE 2003 World Congress display is a real-world statement of DaimlerChrysler's commitment to future technology. Its focus on relevant technology -- innovations the customer can feel and experience -- in addition to advanced technology will be evident in the vehicles on display. DaimlerChrysler is aggressively pursuing multiple solutions to alternative fuels in addition to methods to reducing dependency on oil in the near-term as well.

Some of the main attractions at the DaimlerChrysler exhibit - booth 1869:

The Jeep(R) Concierge concept vehicle -- a vehicle that was envisioned and developed by DaimlerChrysler in cooperation with many suppliers. The vehicle considers how technology can anticipate and accommodate drivers' needs. It demonstrates advancements in safety with blind-spot warning and advanced visual and radar parking aids. The Concierge also improves the interface between driver and vehicle with multiple door check positions, powered lift gate, voice-controlled key fob, and capless fuel-fill valve.

The Dodge Ram "Commercially Based Tactical Truck" (COMBATT) was developed by DaimlerChrysler in conjunction with the U.S. Army's National Automotive Center. The COMBATT is a multi-mission, multi-role logistics vehicle that combines the solid performance of a Cummins-equipped Dodge Ram with the flexibility and added features of an integrated Starter/Generator Hybrid Vehicle propulsion system. The vehicle offers superior off-road capability, extreme utility in cargo and towing capacities, increased fuel economy, and the truck produces 5kW of continuous mobile electric power for the needs of the armed forces for today and tomorrow.

The Chrysler Town & Country Natrium minivan is the Chrysler Group's third generation fuel cell concept vehicle. The Natrium is fueled by extracting hydrogen from sodium boro-hydride, a compound chemically related to borax. This unique method of providing hydrogen for a fuel cell gives the Natrium a range of 300 miles without giving up any interior cargo or passenger volume. Most prototypes compromised significant space with the use of a hydrogen storage tank. Sodium boro-hydride is a naturally-occurring substance that is commonly used in laundry soap and is available in significant supplies in the United States and other countries. Sodium boro-hydride is non-toxic and non- flammable, and it can be recycled.

The SAE World Congress is the largest event dedicated to automotive engineering and technology. DaimlerChrysler Corporation is the host of the 2003 event, which is expected to attract 40,000 participants from over 40 nations. Both Ford and General Motors will join DaimlerChrysler in exhibiting advanced vehicle technologies on the exhibit floor during the SAE 2003 World Congress.

To attend the SAE 2003 World Congress event, visit www.sae.org or call 1-877-SAE-CONG (723-2664); outside the U.S. and Canada, call 1-724-772-4027.

SAE is a non-profit engineering and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of mobility technology to better serve humanity. Nearly 84,000 engineers and scientists who are SAE members develop technical information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles, including automobiles, aircraft, aerospace craft, trucks, buses, marine, rail and transit machinery. This information is disseminated through SAE meetings, books, electronic products and databases, technical papers, standards, reports, and professional development programs.