As American work-truck buyers are shifting to new European-style vans, a new start-up called Echo Automotive wants to help owners get more mileage out of their older-style vans, which are expected to remain in circulation for 10 or more years.
Echo's plug-in hybrid kit, which is scheduled to go into production in early 2014 and cost about $10,000, bolts onto an existing vehicle's powertrain and promises a boost of up to 50% in fuel economy. The Arizona-based company, which is building the unit in Anderson, Ind., showcased one at this year's Work Truck Show, held on March 6-8 in Indianapolis.