Chrysler LLC recently announced the creation of ENVI — a new organization responsible for bringing electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies to market. Lou Rhodes has been appointed president of the organization. Rhodes will report to Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development for Chrysler, and Simon Boag, executive vice president of Procurement and Supply, who will serve as co-chairs of ENVI. "The creation of ENVI allows us to focus on the development of a new generation of environmentally responsible Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles," says Robert L. Nardelli, Chrysler's chairman and CEO. "Under Lou's leadership, ENVI will develop electric-propulsion vehicles that will provide customers with more fuel efficient vehicle options." Prior to being named President of ENVI, Rhodes served as director of Advance Vehicle Concepts and Innovation, leading Chrysler's strategic program verification process in the early stages of development, architecture and platform strategy. Rhodes' prior background includes numerous assignments in Chrysler's Advance Vehicle Engineering organization and Product Design Office. He joined the company in 1993. With a focus on creating energy-efficient vehicles, ENVI will be located within the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, and will include a team of specialists in engineering, portfolio management, modular architecture, manufacturing and procurement and supply. "ENVI will operate as a 'start-up' with an entrepreneurial environment," says Thomas W. LaSorda, the company's vice chairman and president. "The organization is empowered to leverage the vast resources within Chrysler to develop appropriate solutions quickly. The unique structure will facilitate a speed- to-market development process, employing innovation in all aspects of the business and exploring new and unique ways of engaging target customers into the production development." For more information about Chrysler's launch of ENVI, visit the company's Web site. |
