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Richard Wagoner, GM chairman and chief executive officer, and Dieter Zetsche, the Chrysler group CEO, said this week in separate appearances that the development of the joint hybrid program is now picking up momentum. Zetsche noted that the joint venture now occupies its own offices in Troy.

"We're pulling together and already working," said Zetsche, who noted the vehicles built by both Chrysler and the Mercedes-Benz groups will use the hybrid technology produced through the joint venture.

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