In a speech to be made before the Renewable Fuels Association today, Chrysler President and CEO Thomas LaSorda is expected to detail the company’s plan of broadening their development and production of E85 flexible-fuel vehicles and other alternative fuel-powered vehicles. The plan is in line with the growing consensus among politicians and automakers that ethanol can be the solution to the fuel crisis being faced by the nation.

DaimlerChrysler is the latest automaker to join the E85 bandwagon after Toyota announced its plan of producing E85-powered vehicles by 2008. Unlike Toyota, however, DaimlerChrysler has already been producing flex-fuel vehicles. In fact, the company has already produced some 1.5 million flexible-fuel vehicles, although majority of these vehicles are sold to fleet customers. In the announcement to be made today, LaSorda is expected to detail their plans of producing E85-fueled vehicles to be sold to direct consumers.

Among Chrysler’s plans that will be announced today is the addition of three new E85 flexible fuel vehicles in September. These vehicles are flex-fuel versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander and the Dodge Dakota pickup. Chrysler also expects to sell 250,000 E85-fueled vehicles in 2007 and 500,000 units in 2008.

But despite DaimlerChrysler’s and other automakers’ commitment to the development of ethanol-fueled vehicles, there is still a problem that may hinder the nation’s success with ethanol. Many automakers point to ethanol availability as the problem. Foreseen ethanol production this year amounts to less than 1% of the nation’s annual gasoline consumption. Aside from that, only 681 fueling station offers ethanol. As LaSorda wisely said it in a statement addressed to the Detroit Economic Club, “Unfortunately, virtually all of those vehicles – some of you may even be driving them – are running on pure gasoline, due to lack of a fuel infrastructure.”

With no clear sign of any reversal in the direction that oil pump prices are tracking, major auto manufacturers have been up on their feet scrambling for solutions to counter the ongoing fuel crisis. So far, the immediate solutions getting major attention includes the hybrid technology and biofuel-powered vehicles.

On their part, the Chrysler Group is fast tracking the development the fuel cell technology which will make use of hydrogen to power a vehicle. But with the technology still some 10 years premature for full implementation (as most of its critics would claim), the Chrysler Group is banking on their MDS to provide the temporary relief.

But what is MDS?

MDS, or Multi-Displacement System, is an engine variable displacement technology that DaimlerChrysler introduced in 2004 on their 5.4-liter HEMI V8 engines. The technology is somewhat similar to Mercedes Benz’s Active Cylinder Control, Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management, and General Motors’ Displacement on Demand, although the Chrysler Group claims that the MDS is much simpler and thus, more efficient. Currently, the MDS technology is being used on the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.

The MDS works by automatically shifting the operation of the HEMI engine from V8 mode to 4-cylinder mode when less power is required by the vehicle. So while the system takes advantage of the power that a large V8 engine can provide, it can save fuel as much as a 4-cylinder engine can. Based on the company’s estimates, the MDS can increase fuel economy by 20% and improve vehicle performance by some 10%.

Now, aside from the fuel you can save by simply driving a vehicle equipped with the Multi-Displacement System, you can save more fuel if you follow the driving habits suggested by Chrysler. In a press release dated April 20, 2006, the Chrysler Group provided the following tips on maximizing fuel savings with the MDS technology:

Keep(ing) speeds to 65 mph or below – MDS uses four cylinder mode most at these speeds

Use cruise control – this helps maintain a steady speed, generally allowing the HEMI to run on four cylinders for longer periods

Accelerate more gradually – the HEMI will provide V8 power whenever it is requested by the driver

Use a steady throttle whenever possible – this maximizes four cylinder mode

Come April 13 to 24, 2006, the automotive industry will once again converge at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the Big Apple to witness the world’s automakers bring out and introduce their newest vehicle models and concepts at one of the biggest auto events this year – the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The NY Auto Show promises a very exciting presentation this year with automakers expected to pull out all the stops to unveil their latest offerings. Nearly 1,000 cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs and crossover vehicles with prices ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will go on display at the auto show.

John LaSorsa, the chairman of the NY Auto Show said that “There are more all-new cars and trucks coming to the 2006 Show than we’ve ever seen before, from the luxury new S-Class Mercedes and Jaguar XK Convertible to the nimble and fuel efficient Nissan Versa and Honda Fit, the Javits Center will be overflowing with completely new and re-styled 2006 and ‘07 model year vehicles.”

Expect to see a good mix of both import and domestic car makes and models from industry heavyweights Toyota, Ford, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler, Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi and many more. Among the most anticipated new models to be unveiled at the show include the 2007 Ford Edge, the Jaguar XK convertible, the crossovers Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, the Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford GT, Ford Adrenaline, Saturn Sky, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz GL Class, Jeep Compass, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen, a new SUV from Daimler Chrysler and the Audi Q7, a seven seater from the German automaker.

The automakers will also whisk the coves off more than a dozen concept vehicles at the show. These include the Chrysler Imperial, Aston Martine Rapide, Acura RDX, Hyundai HCD9, and the Toyota F3R. The auto show will also witness the debut of several new hybrid vehicles such as the GMC Sierra Hybrid, Ford Focus FCV, Lexus RX 300H Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid.

All roads will definitely lead to the Javits Center between 34th and 39th streets on April 14. A special public sneak preview will be held on the 14th while the official opening day will be on the 15th. In case you will not be able to go, just stay tuned to The Auto Blog. We will provide you with the latest news, important events and reviews from New York.

DaimlerChrysler appears to be all set in bringing the elegance and distinct design of their most-awarded new car, the Chrysler 300, to another level and to another group of customers. This was revealed after the company announced that they will be showcasing stretched versions of the 300 at the New York International Auto Show next month. Further, it seems that we will be seeing not one but two long wheelbase 300’s—the 300 Touring and the 300C Long Wheelbase models.

The new Long Wheelbase versions of the Chrysler 300 will be six inches longer than the current models, giving the vehicle more than 46 inches of rear legroom and an added 10.2 cubic feet of interior space. The Chrysler 300 Touring Long Wheelbase will be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 250 hp. The Chrysler 300C Long Wheelbase, on the other hand, will feature the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI® engine that outputs 340 hp. It will also be equipped with the Multi-Displacement System—a system that automatically reduces the number of cylinders into half when less power is required.

DaimlerChrysler is looking at the livery or limousine industry as its biggest customer base for the Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase models. Thus, we can expect that the new 300 will feature a lot of limousine-like features. The new vehicle models will also feature a lot of custom options including a lighted writing table, power ports for computers and cell phones, directional reading lights, lighted vanity mirrors, and custom paint colors.

All the modifications to the Chrysler 300 will be handled by Accubuilt Inc., a custom specialty vehicle manufacturer based in Lima, Ohio. As to the pricing, Chrysler 300 brand manager Mike Perugi hints that details will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch.

Three vehicles from the Chrysler group, namely the Dodge Charger, Chrysler Town & Country and the Jeep Commander were among those chosen as this year’s Best Cars for Families list from AAA (American Automobile Association) and Parents Magazine. To come up with the list, AAA and Parents evaluated everything from cup holders to fuel economy. The cars were also tested for child safety seats.

In the minivan category, the popular and highly-successful Chrysler Town & Country was once again chosen as the best. Features that helped the Town & Country to the top include a ‘Stow ‘n Go’ second and third row seats that easily folds flat to the floor for extra cargo space. Safety is also assured in case of a rollover with side curtain air bags. Overall, the Chrysler Town & Country is a stylish, spacious, versatile and safe family car.

In the sedan category, the 2006 Dodge Charger was cited for its combination of fresh, contemporary looks plus convenience and interior capacity. The Charger offers great value as an affordable, fun-to-drive, and well-equipped family car. This car is also very safe and was recently awarded by the NHTSA with five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash. With its safety and security features, the Dodge Charger is an excellent choice for a family sedan.

In the SUV category, the 2006 Jeep Commander is honored for offering advanced safety technologies and first-rate amenities. In fact, the Jeep Commander offers the highest level of standard safety and security technology and features in a Chrysler Group vehicle. With its base price of $28,135, the Jeep Commander has great value with more power, control and flexibility. If ever you are looking for a new family car, these three models are definitely worth considering.

The year started on a positive note for most of the automakers including America’s Big Three. Almost all the US automakers posted positive sales increases for the month of January. General Motors reported a sales growth increase of almost 6 percent mainly driven by strong car sales. GM sold 296,300 cars and trucks in January; car sales were up 15 percent while truck sales were flat from last year.

Meanwhile, Ford Motors posted a positive sales record of 2.7 percent in January mainly due to the strong performance of its new midsize sedans. Sales of Ford’s three new sedans introduced last year: Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr, jumped 25 percent in January. Truck sales fell by 7 percent, however; dragged down by the 30 percent decline in sales of the Ford Excursion SUV.

Chrysler is also off to a good start this year with a US sales increase of 5 percent or 155,465 vehicles. This is fueled by the strong sales performances of the Chrysler 300 and PT Cruiser. The Jeep brand also had its share of good news with an 8 percent sales growth. Chrysler continued to dominate the minivan segment with the Dodge Caravan posting an increase of 18 percent or 16,273 units compared to last year’s 13,797. Chrysler is geared to launch 10 new models this year.

These bright sales reports are a spot of optimism after a barrage of bad news from GM and Ford. The two largest automakers have already set plans for shutting down plants and laying-off workers in the next few years to regain profit in the North American market.

However, these figures were dwarfed by the continued double-digit growth of most Asian automakers. Toyota Motors reported a January sales increase of 14 percent driven by high demand for the Prius hybrid and positive growth for the Scion brand. Toyota’s truck and SUV sales were also up by 13 percent.

Things were much rosier at Honda, which reported a 20.7 percent increase in sales for January. This is the automakers eighth consecutive record-breaking month. Honda car sales zoomed by almost 25 percent pushed by strong sales of the 2006 Honda Civic. Honda’s truck and SUV vehicle sales were also up 15 percent with the Honda Pilot SUV leading the pack of bestsellers.

Not all automakers, though, had a strong January sales performance. Nissan Motors’ overall sales were unchanged from last year. The automaker posted a small increase in car sales but suffered a 4 percent setback in truck and SUV sales.