DaimlerChrysler and GM to team up on hybrid vehicles

GM and DCX have decided to do some joint work on developing hybrid vehicles.

GM and DaimlerChrysler will work on what they call 'two-mode full hybrid' technology. "'Together we will jointly develop what is essentially an electrically variable transmission with two hybrid drive modes," said Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain.

'This system will reduce fuel consumption at highway speeds much more effectively than available single mode systems and achieve at least a 25 percent improvement in composite fuel economy in full-size truck applications.'

The new system aims to improve performance and fuel economy at highway speeds and better trailer towing ability. The system's electric motors are designed to fit within the approximate space of a conventional automatic transmission.

I am not really sure what they mean by two modes. I presume that its means having two separate control structures for city and highway driving mode, since having a hybrid does not help very much when travelling on highway.

UPDATE: Green Car Congress has more on the "Two Mode Full Hybrid" system. I personally think that such confusing terminology should be avoided. No mild or full, no single or two mode systems. Just call them all as hybrids, and let the performance of each system speak for itself.