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"Hybrids to Hit Mainstream, Study Says   Hybrids are no longer a niche market, according to studies by ABI Research, a New York-based research firm.   In a news release, ABI said that by 2006, Toyota and Honda hybrid models alone could account for 10% of the over two million mid-sized passenger vehicle sales in the U.S. This conclusion was based on reports that Toyota will introduce a hybrid version of its model to the U.S. in 2006, with a sales target of 100,000 vehicles, and Honda, which announced that a hybrid version of its model will go on sale in the U.S. for 2005.   &amp;quot;This changes the game,&amp;quot; says Dan Benjamin, an ABI Analyst, in a statement. &amp;quot;Honda and Toyota are the market leaders, as the Accord and the Camry are the dominant vehicles in the mid-sized segment. Other automakers will try to keep pace with their own hybrids, but those without proper development will either be forced to license hybrid technology or try and market diesels as a competing technology.&amp;quot;   Diesels will be used by manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen in lieu of hybrids, ABI says. However, existing diesel offerings in the U.S. market cannot match current hybrids in terms of performance, economy, or cleanliness, and will have to be improved upon to remain competitive. Diesels must also be equipped with expensive exhaust treatment systems to comply with upcoming U.S. Tier 2 emissions standards.   Ford and Nissan will license hybrid technology from Toyota, while GM will use its own. The act of licensing technology can have its limitations, as the licensee may only have access to earlier versions of the technology, the research firm continued.   Chrysler Posts Pricing for Crossfire Lineup   Chrysler announced pricing for its expanded new lineup of 2005 Crossfires. The company said in a news release that the Crossfire lineup now includes Coupe, Roadster, and &amp;quot;performance-enhanced&amp;quot; SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster. The new Crossfire models go on sale this spring.   The Manufacturer&amp;#039;s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the six-speed manual Crossfire Roadster is $34,960, which includes $875 for destination. Standard equipment includes a power convertible fabric top, full power hard tonneau, heated glass back light, power windows, speed control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control, and Chrysler&amp;#039;s 7/70 powertrain warranty.   The MSRP for the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Limited with a six-speed manual is $38,920, which includes $875 for destination. Standard items include a power convertible fabric top, full power hard tonneau, power windows, speed control, heated leather power seats, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, touring gear, heated mirrors, fog lamps, universal garage door opener, and Chrysler&amp;#039;s 7/70 powertrain warranty.   And the MSRP for Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Limited with a five-speed automatic and AutoStick is $39,995, which includes $875 for destination. Standard features include a power convertible fabric top, full power hard tonneau, power windows, speed control, heated leather power seats, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, touring gear, heated mirrors, fog lamps, universal garage door opener, and Chrysler&amp;#039;s 7/70 powertrain warranty.   The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is available in seven colors: Classic Yellow, Aero Blue, Alabaster, Black, Blaze Red, Graphite Metallic and Sapphire Silver Blue.   The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, which uses a 320-horsepower 3.2-liter supercharged engine, starts at $45,695, which includes $875 for destination. The MSRP for the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster is $49,995, which also includes $875 for destination. Standard features include a power convertible fabric top, full power hard tonneau, power windows, speed control, heated leather power seats, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, touring gear, heated mirrors, fog lamps, and universal garage door opener.   The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster are available in four colors: Aero Blue, Black, Graphite Metallic and Sapphire Silver Blue.   Chrysler says it will further expand the Crossfire lineup to include a Crossfire coupe with an MSRP of $29,920, which includes $875 for destination. The entry-level coupe is a six-speed manual with standard features including power windows, speed control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control, and Chrysler&amp;#039;s 7/70 powertrain warranty.   New 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Coupes are available in six colors: Aero Blue, Alabaster, Black, Blaze Red, Graphite Metallic and Sapphire Silver Blue.   2005 Chrysler Crossfire Pricing Following is pricing for new 2005 Chrysler Crossfires. All prices include an $875 destination charge.  Coupe: Chrysler Crossfire (MTX): $29,920 Chrysler Crossfire Limited (MTX): $34,620 Chrysler Crossfire Limited (ATX): $35,695   2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster: Chrysler Crossfire Roadster (MTX): $34,960 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Limited (MTX): $38,920 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Limited (ATX): $39,995   2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 coupe (ATX): $45,695 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster (ATX): $49,995   2005 Chrysler Crossfire Options: Navigation Radio: $1,200 All-Season Tires: $185  SOURCE: Chrysler Group "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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