Chrysler's Battery-Powered Sedan Makes Waves

By ALEX P. KELLOGG
DETROIT -- Chrysler LLC at the Detroit auto show unveiled a concept for a sleek, battery-powered sedan that is supposed to suggest a new design direction for the auto maker.

The Chrysler 200C EV concept is based on the underpinnings of the company's larger 300C and Dodge Charger sedans, but was equipped with a battery-driven electric motor for its debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
The car was equipped with a large touch-screen on its dashboard as part of a new type of system for controlling its audio and cellphone capabilities.
But it was the curvaceous, European-flavored styling that turned heads at the show. "I think it might be one of the most important cars here," said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief of Inside Line, an automotive Web site. "It sends a positive message for Chrysler."
Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development, said the 200C signals what Chrysler wants future vehicles to look like. It "represents a coming out party for what the new Chrysler is going to be," Mr. Klegon said.
It's unclear, however, whether the 200C will ever hit the road. Chrysler executives said the company hasn't yet decided whether to produce the vehicle and gave no timeline for when they might make a decision, either.
The car is supposed to be a midsize sedan and Chrysler's plans for that segment are up in the air. The company has been working on a so-called Project D, that is supposed to yield a midsize sedan that can compete with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

The 200C is separate from Project D, and is conceived as a premium model that would likely sell in lower volumes than the mainstream car Project D is supposed to produce, Mr. Klegon said.
The 200C was unveiled alongside a battery-powered prototype Jeep Patriot and three electric-vehicle concepts first shown to the public in September. Those included electric versions of Chrysler's Town & Country minivan, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Circuit, a two-seat sports car.
Chrysler has formed a special development group, called ENVI, to work with partners to produce electric vehicles. It assembled a working prototype of the Dodge Circuit sports car by using major components produced by outsiders, such as an underbody made by Lotus and batteries from A123 Systems Inc. The Circuit runs on battery power alone and is supposed to run for up to 200 miles before needing a recharge.
While this has been a slow year for conceptualized products, Chrysler is banking on the announcement being a bright spot amidst a larger backdrop of difficult news.—Neal E. Boudette contributed to this article.
Write to Alex P. Kellogg at alex.kellogg@wsj.com