DaimlerChrysler AG is modifying the Dodge Durango sport utility vehicle's engine to gain an edge in fuel efficiency over Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and other rivals, according to Bloomberg News. The world's No. 5 carmaker is improving the Chrysler Division model's gasoline consumption by 14 percent to an average 20.5 miles a gallon. Changes include reducing friction and increasing fuel pressure in the cylinders. Sport utility vehicles and other light trucks make up about half of the U.S. market and are even more important for DaimlerChrysler, accounting for 73 percent of Chrysler's U.S. vehicle sales in the first five months of this year. Higher sales would help the carmaker return to profit.
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