Just when you thought we couldn't bring you any more hybrid news, guess what we have today?  Yes, more hybrid news.

Daimler Chrysler, apparently trying to dethrone Toyota as king of the hybrid universe, is currently seeking to expand their hybrid production.  Daimler Chrysler is holding talks with other automakers and suppliers to find partners for the production of "mild" hybrids. 

If you're unsure what a mild hybrid is, it's a vehicle that incorporates hybrid technology with a gas or diesel engine, such as the two S-Class hybrids unveiled in Frankfurt.  By combining the two forms of power, automakers are able to save fuel and make the engine more efficient, without adding the costs of a full hybrid.  The downside to mild hybrids is that they're still not as fuel efficient as a full hybrid, and they're not able to run on battery power alone.

Daimler Chrysler has already enlisted the help of two other automakers, BMW and GM, to develop full hybrid vehicles; however, this partnership will remain separate from their new foray into mild hybrids.  As for timing, full hybrids by GM are expected to be released by the end of 2007, with Mercedes following suit soon after.  We haven't been able to find any scheduled release dates for mild hybrids, but with the introduction of the hybrid S-Class at the IAA, you can probably expect to see mild hybrids hitting showroom floors in the next few years (hopefully).

All I have to say is look out Toyota, Daimler Chrysler and Mercedes are coming. Sometime this decade.

You can check out the full story at the Reuters website here.