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DETROIT -- Chrysler Group says it has developed a tank to store compressed natural gas that mimics human lungs and will allow the cheaper fuel source to more easily be used in automobiles.

The design uses smaller compartments inside a larger tank to increase fuel capacity and storage, similar to the alveoli within the human lung. It would free automakers from being forced to use large reinforced cylinders to store compressed natural gas onboard automobiles and would allow fuel to be stored within non-cylindrical shapes.

Chrysler currently offers one CNG vehicle: a Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup capable of traveling up to 255 miles powered by the fuel. The pickup is also equipped with a 35-gallon reserve gasoline tank that extends its total range to 745 miles. It is powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine capable of burning both gasoline and CNG.

Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne worries that Chrysler can't build enough Wranglers to meet demand. Wrangler's U.S. sales rose 10 percent in 2013 to 155,502 units. "The problem we have with Wrangler is that we are at capacity," he said.

The Jeep Compass and Patriot are the "weakest links" in Chrysler's North American lineup, but those deficiencies will be partially addressed when Jeep introduces its new subcompact SUV this year.

Jeep will achieve its goal this year of selling 1 million SUVs around the world.

Marchionne reiterated that the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee will not be built outside the United States.

While the Detroit Three dominate big pickups, Toyota Motor Corp. has become the top mid-size truck seller in the U.S. with its Tacoma. GM, which stopped building a mid-size pickup for the U.S. last year, is returning to the segment with a redesigned version of the Chevrolet Colorado, betting it can appeal to Toyota buyers.

Along with the Colorado, GM will also offer a GMC version called the Canyon.

Ford Motor Co., whose F-Series has been the best-selling truck for 36 years, only sells full-size and heavy-duty versions, as does Chrysler Group LLC's Ram brand. Toyota doesn't offer a heavy-duty pickup while offering full-size and compact trucks.