Showing posts with label Chrysler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chrysler. Show all posts

Non-U.S. Automakers Displeased After President Obama Snubs Them at Washington Auto Show


On Tuesday, January 31, U.S. President Barack Obama�s schedule included a visit to the 2012 Washington Auto Show. The White House informed automakers on a two days� notice to bring their most fuel-efficient models to the show.
Naturally, they obliged. For example, Honda flew in the FCX Clarity from California, Kia brought the Optima hybrid and Mercedes-Benz a fuel-cell car. Carmakers also brought along their top brass to discuss green technologies with the President.
As Bloomberg reports, the problem is that Obama, who had half an hour in his disposal, ignored foreign manufacturers.
Instead, he spent most of his time with domestic brands, posing for the press with the Dodge Dart, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Ford C-MAX Energi, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (not pretty fuel efficient those two, by the way�).

Plymouth Barracuda

The Plymouth Barracuda is a 2-door sports car that was bogus by the Plymouth analysis of the Chrysler Corporation from 1964-1974.The first-generation Barracuda, a fastback A-body auto based on the Plymouth Valiant, had a characteristic wraparound aback bottle and was accessible from 1964-1966.The second-generation 1967-1969 Barracuda, admitting still Valiant-based, was heavily redesigned. Second-generation A-body cars were accessible in fastback, notchback, and convertible versions.The 1970-1974 E-body Barracuda, no best Valiant-based, was accessible as a auto and a convertible, both of which were actual altered from the antecedent models. 1974 was the final archetypal year for the Barracuda.

Chrysler 300C Hemi

The Chrysler 300C Hemi is a full-size flush sports car aboriginal apparent at the 2003 Fresh York Auto Show as a abstraction car. Sales in the U.S. began in the bounce of 2004 as an aboriginal 2005 archetypal year car. Advised by Ralph Gilles, the fresh 300 was congenital as a high-end auto while the SRT-8 archetypal was advised to be the high-performance version. The Chrysler 300 is additionally marketed in Australia, as the aboriginal full-size Chrysler agent awash there back the Valiant was discontinued in 1981. The car will be awash in Europe as the Lancia Thema alpha in October 2011. However, it will abide branded as the Chrysler 300 in the UK and Ireland only.

Chrysler Wraps Headquarters in Honor of 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee


As part of its ongoing marketing campaign for the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that is scheduled to arrive in dealerships later this month, Chrysler put up a dedicated 103 feet long and 52 feet tall building wrap at its headquarters in Auburn Hills.

The canvas wrap features the new Jeep model and the company's new tagline, "The things we make, make us", which made its screen debut in the very first TV spot for the 2011 Grand Cherokee (watch it here).

Chrysler Bids Farewell to Iconic PT Cruiser, Last Model Rolls Off Assembly Line in Mexico


Only a week after the last Dodge Viper rolled off the line at the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit, production of another iconic Chrysler LLC group model, the PT Cruiser, is coming to an end today at the Toluca plant in Mexico. But unlike with the Viper, Chrysler isn't making much of a big deal about the PT Cruiser's end as the company hasn't even bothered to issue an official press release - or at least it hasn't done so up until now.

Originally conceived as a Plymouth model, the retro-shaped and styled compact crossover ended up in the market in 2000 with the Chrysler badge. Its love-it-or-loathe-it design was the work of Brian Nesbit who later on joined GM creating the very-PT Cruiser-like, Chevrolet HHR.

Even though the PT Cruiser was conceived more as an attention-grabber than a high-volume seller, the surprisingly practical crossover turned out to be so successful that buyers were kept on waiting lists. For a while it was the best-selling Chrysler-brand vehicle," Jim Hall, managing director of consultancy 2953 Analytics, told the L.A. Times.

Chrysler Crossfire

The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel drive sports car marketed by Chrysler as both coup� and auto and was congenital for Chrysler by Karmann of Germany.The two-seater accustomed in 2001 as a abstraction car advised by Eric Stoddard with added clarification by Andrew Dyson afore alpha assembly in 2003.The Crossfire's fastback roof and ample rear fenders fabricated for a rear end architecture that prompted automotive journalists to call the fresh car's affinity to American Motor's 1965-1967 Marlin. For example, Rob Rothwell wrote ...when I aboriginal espied the rear curve of the Chrysler Crossfire I was instantly transported aback to 1965 and my admired car of that year, the Rambler Marlin. Motor Trend" additionally acclaimed the "provocative boattail theme" of the 2004 Crossfire's sheetmetal to that of the AMC Marlin's.The name Crossfire refers to the two appearance curve that run from advanced to rear forth the anatomy abandon � bridge anniversary added amid through the aperture panel. Conceived during the aeon of Chrysler's buying by Daimler-Benz, the name additionally refers to the accord of the two companies.

Chrysler ME Four-Twelve

The ME Four-Twelve is a sports car produced by Chrysler beneath the Chrysler cast in 2004. There were two ME Four-Twelve cartage produced. The first, carefully an auto appearance acreage with actual bound operational capabilities, was advised in abundant clandestineness during 2003, by a actual baby aggregation led by activity manager, Lou Rhodes. The auto appearance vehicle, apparent at the 2004 North American International Auto Appearance (NAIAS) in Detroit, took beneath than one year for architecture and development. The architecture administration was done by Brian Nielander (exterior) and Mark Walters (interior).

Chrysler 200 S convertible and sedan

The new Chrysler 200 series vehicles provide customers elegant, well-crafted mid-size vehicles with an extraordinary level of standard content and an exhilarating driving experience. From the ground up, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible have been redesigned and upgraded to deliver great American design and engineering, with a value proposition that exceeds expectations.

Now, with the introduction of the S models, Chrysler expands the lineup, offering customers production vehicles with a one-of-a-kind style. The S models have the same DNA as the traditional models, but with an entirely different appearance and attitude. While the traditional Chrysler models make a style and luxury statement, the S models create a different path through the Chrysler brand, taking style in a whole new direction, with a completely different attitude.

�The New York International Auto Show is the perfect place to debut the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and Chrysler 200 S convertible models,� said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand � Chrysler Group LLC. �These vehicles are built with an unmistakable attitude and a signature style; and you could say the same of New York itself. The attitude may be �Imported from Detroit,� but it's definitely at home on Park Avenue.�

Chrysler 200 S Sedan
With an elegant style, refined ride and handling characteristics, an exquisitely-crafted interior, a new powertrain and an abundance of standard safety features, the Chrysler 200 sedan is beautifully inspired and a remarkable value. The Chrysler 200 provides drivers a little more style and elegance in segment traditionally known for its �sea of sameness.�

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and �S� badging.

Chrysler 200 S Convertible
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible offers consumers an open-air driving experience featuring elegant craftsmanship inside and out, a fun, yet refined driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.

Redesigned and re-engineered for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

US Government offers Concessions to Detroit Big 3's Trucks Models


According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the US government is willing to allow carmakers to lower the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAF�) of their future trucks and SUVs at a slower rate than normal cars.
In return, the Obama administration wants to reach a deal by early next week that will allow the government to improve mileage standards from today�s target of 35.5 mpg (6.6 lt/100 km) by 2016 to 56 mpg (4.2 lt/100 km) by 2025 for both cars and light trucks, leaving the automakers a longer period of time to bring their large trucks, pickups and SUVs in line.

Chrysler Announces Prices on New 2012 SRT8 Models Including the 300, Charger, Grand Cherokee and Challenger


The Chrysler Group�s newly formed Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand has released pricing on its latest crop of models, which include the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Prices together with an $825 destination fee start at $47,995 for the Chrysler 300 SRT8, $46,660 for the Dodge Charger SRT8, $44,077 for the Challenger SRT8 and $55,295 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
All four SRT8 models are powered by the Chrysler Group�s new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with Fuel Saver Technology that cranks out 470 horsepower (351kW) and 470 lb-ft (637Nm) of peak torque (465 lb.-ft. / 630 Nm in the Grand Cherokee SRT8).

2012 Chrysler

The news is not surprising, as Chrysler
transmission officially announced last summer. The eight-speed automatic is licensed from the German machine manufacturer ZF, and until new machines are fully Chrysler transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana,


 the automaker now shows directly from the supplier completed�No chrome . . . no wood . . . matte carbon fiber finishes . . . unique black or Radar Red leather . . . our biggest wheels, and world�s first integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology � the best standard audio system period. This is the new Chrysler 300S and it has an attitude that comes through loud and clear,� said Olivier Francois, President and CEO � Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. �For the Chrysler brand, it�s not just about design, it�s about substance. And with the Chrysler team working with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine for months, I know the new 300S with


 its mapped sound waves, designed algorithms and unique Beats Audio components are a direct result from our model collaboration � a partnership between an OEM and the music industry � that makes the 300S perform with the power to play music as the artist intended it to be heard Although the new transmission may ultimately be available on all 300 V-6 models, for now, it�s only confirmed for the new 2012 300S � and only when built with both Chrysler�s 3.6-liter V-6 and rear-wheel drive (opt for either all-wheel-drive or the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, and you�re relegated to the aging, Mercedes-Benz-derived five-speed automatic). The model, available with either V-6 or V-8 power , is much like the new 2012 200S in that it dresses up both the 300's interior and exterior appearance. Cosmetic 


tweaks include body-colored accents in the front fascia, a unique black chrome grille insert with matching black headlamp bezels, and large 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with black painted accents.

On the interior the 300S models will add an athletic-luxury theme with 12-way power driver and passenger front seats with large-bolstered and heated monotone cloth sport seats surrounded by an interior environment in black or Radar Red. Piano Black will be used on the center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements provide a uniquely lacquered and highly detailed appearance. Completing the enthusiast-designed interior are matte carbon hydrographic finished accents, replacing traditional burl wood  The 2012 Chrysler 300S letter-series will arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the fall of 2011

Chrysler Recalls 243,000 Ram Pickup Trucks over Steering Flaw


Chrysler�s Ram brand has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Association that it is recalling 242,780 pickup trucks over a steering failure that could lead to �a loss of directional stability�.
The safety agency reported that the left tie rod ball may fracture during low speed parking maneuvers when the driver is making a sudden turn. This could lead to the loss of directional stability in the left front wheel.

Fiat and Chrysler to get a Single Management Team


Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC will soon have a single management structure according to the CEO of both companies, Sergio Marchionne. The Bloomberg financial news agency reports that Marchionne told to journalists in Zurich that he intends to implement his unified management team �pretty quickly�, though he declined to specify a date.

Mercedes-Benz Tops Secret Shopper Study of U.S. Dealers, Lincoln Places Last in Luxury Segment


Mercedes-Benz dealers were number one for customer treatment in the US according to an independent study by survey company Pied Piper. The California-based company hired 3,524 �secret shoppers� and sent them to US dealerships in order to determine how their salesmen were performing in anything from explaining a car�s features to closing a deal.
This is the third year in a row that Mercedes-Benz, which looks set to top the sales charts this year in the luxury segment, has topped Pied Piper�s study.

Pickup Trucks Inventories Rising, Manufacturers are Worried


It seems like US carmakers are beginning to worry about the rising inventory of their big pickup trucks. For example, General Motors has an inventory of 122 days (or 4 months) of its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra according to a report from Reuters, or 50% higher than the typical industry inventory of 80 days.
But GM isn�t the only automaker in distress. Chrysler, Toyota and Ford also are behind their projected sales, with 93 days inventory for the first two makers and 79 days for the third respectively.

Redesigned Chrysler Grand Voyager MPV Reaches UK Shores


Chrysler�s facelifted for the 2011 model year Town & Country has arrived in Britain as the revised Grand Voyager. Different name aside, the UK market model features the same styling revisions as its American counterpart, including a redesigned nose, LED tail lamps, new rear bumper and revised tailgate on the outside, and a restyled dashboard and steering wheel on the inside.
However, instead of the new 283HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, the Grand Voyager is offered exclusively with 2.8-litre CRD diesel engine producing 161bhp at 3800rpm and 265lb ft of torque.

Judge Rules Chrysler can�t have the �Imported from Detroit� Tag Line for Itself


As we mentioned last week, Chrysler used an award winning ad that aired during the Super Bowl on February 6 to introduce its �Imported from Detroit� message. But, guess what? It wasn�t the only to use the tag line.
Pure Detroit clothier also uses it, and opposed the automaker�s attempt to trademark the phrase. As it usually happens in those cases, Chrysler sued, Pure Detroit counter-sued, and their lawyers got to work. Eventually Chrysler lost.
US Federal Judge Arthur Tarnow ruled that Chrysler�s claim that it would suffer irreparable harm didn�t have merit. He also noted that the company didn�t have a trademark on the phrase, and dismissed its argument that the trademark law doesn�t apply on cars.

Report: New Alfa Romeo-Derived / U.S. Made Dodge Compact Sedan to Debut at 2012 Detroit Show


A new U.S. market compact sedan to be developed by Fiat and built by Chrysler is set to make its debut appearance at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the beginning of next year, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
The as-of-yet unnamed model will be badged as Dodge and powered by a Fiat-derived 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It�ll also do 40 mpg combined, or at least it will if Fiat wants to net itself a further 5% of Chrysler from Mr. Monopoly Uncle Sam.

Chrysler Seeks Fiat Synergies to Produce Cars in China


China is the world�s largest car market: last year alone, more than 18 million vehicles were sold there, of which 13.76 million were passenger cars. Furthermore, analysts McKinsey & Company predict that it will grow tenfold between 2005 and 2030.
Do you want to know Chrysler�s share in this massive car market? A measly 31,000 in 2010 and a projection for just 40,000 in 2011. Therefore, it is only natural that the American carmaker is looking for ways to increase its share in this rapidly expanding market.

�Yes we Cannes�:Chrysler�s Super Bowl ad Wins 5 Awards at French Festival


Chrysler�s TV commercial �Born of Fire�, which aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, won five awards at the 58th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where over 24,000 entries from all over the world were competing.
The commercial for the 2011 200 sedan was created by Chrysler together with advertising company Wideden+Kennedy of Portland, Oregon, and took home four �Gold Lions�, for Best Direction, Best Script, Best Use of Music, Best Automotive Commercial and Best Editing, as well as a �Bronze Lion� awarded to the brand for Best Editing.