2010 Chrysler 300 Preview

Chrysler’s big rear-drive sedan will be re-invented sometime during the 2010 calendar year, by the fine engineering people in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and some of its design and engineering aspects might even be leveraged by the parent company, Fiat, for its big Lancia and Alfa Romeo products.


In the meantime, there are a few new items of note for model-year 2010…

300 Touring and 300 Limited are equipped with the 250-hp 3.5-litre V6, while 300C gets its motivation from the 360-hp 5.7-litre HEMI V8, and 300C SRT goes one better, with the 425-hp 6.1-litre HEMI V8.

Standard transmission is a 4-speed automatic. But optional on V6 models and standard on AWD and V8 models is the 5-speed automatic with Auto-Stick. Models equipped with this 5-speed debuted Chrysler’s fuel shut off technology (iDFSO), as a running change in model-year 2009.

Another recent Chrysler advance that debuted on the 300, is adaptive speed control, which uses radar to maintain a specific distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it.

This year 300 also gets a Fuel Saver Indicator (FSI), and Passive Entry. The latter is an enhancement to the remote keyless entry system, which allows you to lock and unlock the doors without having to press the transmitter lock or unlock the buttons.

Available on all Chrysler models for 2010 is the new uconnect Hands-Free Communication System, which allows you to place and receive calls over the stereo system (with your Bluetooth phone), and connect your i-Pod to the stereo via a factory-installed cable.

Pricing starts at $32,995.

Chrysler will display electric car at Detroit auto show

Chrysler Group LLC will show off new products at the Detroit auto show, after all, a source familiar with Chrysler's planning told The Detroit News.

The Auburn Hills automaker will show a battery-powered version of the Fiat 500 subcompact, a product of the company's partnership with Italian automaker Fiat SpA, the source said Tuesday. It also will present a Chrysler model based on Fiat's Lancia Delta, the source said.

Details of the company's plans are not public, and Chrysler recently said it would not show anything new at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, saying its plans were to show new vehicles that were actually ready for consumers to buy.

It isn't known whether Chrysler has decided to put the car into production, the source said. Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne, who holds the same title at Fiat, said last month the company plans to produce about 56,000 electric vehicles annually by 2014, and Chrysler may base its initial model on the Fiat Doblo van.

The cars to be shown in Detroit will signal how Fiat's designs will be incorporated into the lineup of Chrysler's products to help the company attempt to end losses after it emerged from bankruptcy.

Even with the news Chrysler will show two new vehicles, the company isn't on the press conference list.

The show opens to the media Jan. 11-12 and the public Jan. 14. Gualberto Ranieri, a Chrysler spokesman, declined to comment.

Chrysler 300 LX Platform To Be Used In Fiat’s Two New Sedans

Fiat announced that it will be bringing out two sedan models based on the Chrysler 300 LX platforms. This new development is as a result of Chrysler’s newly formed with the Italian auto giant. The news arose after a recent report that a former Bertone plant in Italy lately acquired by Fiat, is in preparation to build several new car models based on the existing Chrysler platforms.

Senior Vice President of Business Development of Fiat Group Automobiles and Fiat Powertrain Technologies Chief Executive Officer Alfredo Altavilla told the company’s union that the new vehicles would be based on Chrysler’s large car platform. Also, he announced that the company’s recently revealed Pentstar V-6 engine would be used for those cars. Based on latest reports, Fiat will build 50,000 units of Lancia and Maserati, two large rear wheel drive sedans. The former Bertone plant, renamed Officine Automobilistiche Grugliasco (OAG), will give the lead to the productions. The choice of LX platform from Chrysler can be justified with respect to the reports as they are rear-wheel drives commonly used in full-size cars. Introduced in 2005, it is also used in Dodge’s Magnum Charger.

2010 Chrysler Spotted

Though plans of Chrysler’s new vehicle’s announcement came as early as in February itself, and a few pictures were also released, the outcome was not yet clear as certain crucial details were left out. However, now that we have seen what the car looks like, it does cast an opinion that this is going to be one hell of a show stopper. The spy shots make it clear that Chrysler has gone for a rounded exterior instead of its usual pimp look.

From the front it has a definitive executive image, displaying an exceptionally smooth front side that looks less ferocious and more like a diplomat. Good combination of leather and wood paneling in the interior too adds up to the same result. Even though no official statement about the performance is out, fuel economy is said to be better by 22 percent. Options in the engine are a 2.7-litre, a 3.5-litre, a 5.7-litre and a 6.1-litre HEMI V8.

Also, for the diesel lover, there is a 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine. Since the news of the Fiat-Chrysler tie-up, there has been a rumor that in the very near future, Maseratis and Lancias would be on the road running on the RWD 300 platform. Also expected is the Lancia, featuring a new V6 engine that would be debuting in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, for the moment the focus is on the 2010 Chrysler. These pictures make it clear that the diplomat in Chrysler is finally out to ride the roads. What remains to be seen in this regard is will it rule the world or will it join the sidelines.

Chrysler Dreams of Electric Fiats

Chrysler will show some signs of life when it rolls into the Detroit auto show with — get this — an electric version of the Fiat 500.

Sweet!

Chrysler is bringing the electric 500 and a Lancia Delta sporting a Chrysler grille to the show, says Automotive News, citing “two sources familiar with the plans.” They’re just showpieces, and the sources tell Automotive News Chrysler has no plans to produce either one, but at least we’re seeing something outta Chrysler– even if it isn’t holding a press conference at the show.

We already knew Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne planned to bring the Fiat 500 to America, and if he includes the hot Abarth 500 in the deal we’ll ask to have him canonized. Chrysler reportedly disbanded its ENVI electric car team, but Marchionne’s plan included having many of those engineers work on other EVs.

The 500 — which, by the way, we love — is perfect for electric power. It’s small, it’s reasonably light and it’s perfectly suited to urban driving, so big range won’t be an issue. Finding room for the battery could be tricky, but that’s what engineers are for.

Chrysler to show electric minicar at 2010 Detroit auto show

A Fiat 500 vehicle is shown during a media preview of the 2009 New York International Auto Show in New York,
So Chrysler will display a battery-powered version of the Fiat 500 minicar at the show, but no decision has been made whether the car will be offered for sale in the U.S., according to people familiar with the plans.

The company will also show a version of the Lancia Delta mid-size hatchback with a Chrysler grille, as well as one or two models from Fiat’s luxury nameplates, Ferrari and Maserati.

Micro-Vett SpA, an Italian company, has produced a few Fiat 500s powered by a lithium polymer Kokam battery with 22 kilowatt-hours of capacity and a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour. The vehicle, which was unveiled at the London Motor Show in July 2008, can be driven 70 miles between recharging, which take between six and eight hours.

Last month, when Chrysler executives laid out their five-year plan there was no plan for a mass-market gas-electric hybrid or plug-in hybrid car before 2015. A hybrid powertrain offered in 2008 on a handful of Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs will be available in 2010 on the Dodge Ram light-duty pickup truck.

In 2011, Chrysler will launch a test fleet of 200 plug-in minivans and pickups developed through a federal grant.

Fiat’s green and gas-saving technologies revolve less around electric vehicles than its small cars and its Multiair electric valve technology, which it will fit to future Chryslers, said John Voelker editor-in-chief of GreenCarReports.com.

Chrysler will build the 500 at its plant in Toluca, Mexico, beginning late 2010. Initial plans are to produce 100,000 of the car a year -- half for sale in North America and half for sale in Brazil and Argentina. In addition, Chrysler is investing $179 million in its Dundee, Mich., engine plant to produce Fiat’s 1.4-liter engines with Multiair technology.

Multiair is a sophisticated technology that delivers up to 10% more power while cutting fuel consumption and carbon emissions by as much as 10% compared to similar engines.

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Preview

Not too long ago it looked like model-year 2009 would be the last for the Chrysler PT Cruiser.


It is the only Chrysler vehicle still based on the Neon platform, and the only one still using the Neon's old 2.4-litre engine.

Chrysler has now said that 2010 models will definitely be built, though maybe not a whole year's worth. And that there will only be one model — PT Cruiser Classic.

The sold powerplant for Cruiser Classic will be that 2.4-litre I4 hooked up to a 4-speed automatic.

The model is equipped, with standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, 16-inch aluminum wheels, tire pressure monitoring, cruise, air conditioning, and traction control.

There is also a bit of cosmetic razzle-dazzle to distinguish it as the last of the breed: Inside and outside are more chrome pieces.

But maybe 2010 won't even be its last year. Fiat boss, Sergio Marchionne, has gone on record that he likes the PT Cruiser. Considering it is already sold in Europe, maybe Fiat will find some future niche for the PT brand, either here in North American or elsewhere.

PT was one of the original "tall wagons," and its style is weathering well. Might it even be timeless?

Time has been harsher to other aspects of PT. The dash is definitely more dated, with lots of hard plastic and long-ago conceived switchgear. But the rear seats, and the front passenger seat fold forward, and there's that "parcel shelf" which PT pioneered.

With that older engine and a 4-speed automatic, the PT has never been a fuel economy leader. It handles quite well, even though it does exhibit some body roll.

If you've ever hankered for one of these retro-styled ride, model year 2010 might be your last chance to buy one new off the lot.

Chrysler to build new engine for Fiat 500

Chrysler Group LLC has announced it will invest US$179 million to build a new, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine in Michigan, using Fiat technology, that will be used in the North American-built Fiat 500 in 2011.

The 1.4-litre Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) will be built at the company’s Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Michigan, creating up to 573 new jobs industry-wide, with up to 155 of them in the Chrysler Group.

FIRE is a collaboration between Chrysler Group and Fiat powertrain groups, and will include Fiat’s advanced technologies to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

Engine production will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. The first application will be the Fiat 500, which will go into production in 2011.

Chrysler has two plants at the GEMA complex and will produce the FIRE at the South Plant. The North Plant, opened in October 2005, produces the World Gas Engine, a family of naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines.

2009 Chrysler Aspen

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is available in two trim levels, Limited and Limited HEV. The Limited is available in two-wheel drive and 4WD, while the Limited HEV (hybrid) is 4X4 only. Standard equipment includes 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, foglamps, rear park assist, a rear parking camera, a power tailgate, a power driver seat, a tilting steering column, a 40/20/40-split reclining second row, a 60/40-split-folding three-passenger third row, rear climate control, stain-repellent cloth upholstery, wood trim and an eight-speaker stereo with touchscreen controls, 30GB of digital music storage, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player.

2009 Chrysler Sebring

2009 Chrysler Sebring offers hard top convertible as well as versatile entertainment options and optional all wheel drive

Chrysler redesigned the Sebring sedan two years ago and the convertible just last year. While the convertible’s performance won’t exactly light your hair on fire, it comes with your choice of three tops: a vinyl or cloth soft top or a retractable hardtop. The optional retractable hardtop is of particular interest. When raised, the hardtop hushes wind noise and creates a more all-weather-friendly car. The Sebring convertible also offers more top-down trunk space than other retractable hardtop convertibles — particularly the Pontiac G6, its closest competitor.

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Affordable lots of room and a smooth ride are just a few things to like about the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

When the Chrysler PT Cruiser was introduced eight years ago, its retro look made it a heartthrob of sorts and inspired the sort of manic adoration not seen since Cabbage Patch Kids sparked soccer mom brawls in toy store aisles. In other words, it had all the earmarks of a fad — hot today, dead tomorrow. But its sales figures have shown surprising resiliency. Although the PT Cruiser falls well short of being the must-have superstar it was years ago, it continues to be one of the top sellers in the Chrysler stable.

In recent years, Chrysler has streamlined production of the compact hauler, and that trend continues for 2009. The GT model got its pink slip last year; this year, it’s the convertible body style that gets the axe. Also, a turbocharged inline-4 is no longer offered as an option on Touring models; it’s currently available only on top-of-the-line Limited models. The reduced availability of the turbo engine is unfortunate, since the Cruiser’s naturally aspirated engine offers rather lethargic performance.

2009 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is a big car that handles like a small car with an aggressive body style. The Chrysler 300 is a nice affordable car that everyone is sure to love.

The Chrysler 300 has distinctive styling that created high demand for the vehicle when it first debuted in 2004, but high gas prices have changed the automotive world significantly since then. The 300’s selling points are its commanding appearance and its range of powerful V8 engines. But with consumers looking for more fuel-efficient cars and questions about Chrysler’s long-term survival circling in the press, the market may have left the 2009 300 behind. At the end of 2008, the 300 was one of the slowest-selling vehicles in America.

The 300 is still an appealing car in many ways. It’s a cultural icon with its huge chrome grille and 20-inch wheels. It offers vast interior room and a top-notch V8 trim with competitive pricing. It loses points for a fairly low safety rating compared to its competition, and for Chrysler’s mixed reliability reputation.

Chrysler Crossfire Review

Chrysler Crossfire Review

The Chrysler Crossfire was officially unveiled on the 15th November 2003 and we were invited to drive both the automatic and manual variants at a Chrysler press day.

We brought our initial findings to you in our first Chrysler Crossfire review and nearly a year on we bring you a more in-depth road test and review.

The Crossfire is built in Germany in collaboration with Karmann who also produced the Ghia Coupe & Cabriolet the most beautiful bodies ever to adorn a VW chassis. The Crossfire combines a stunning American design with proven German engineering (39 percent of the new cars components are adapted from existing DaimlerChrysler technology) and the result is a larger than life coupe set to challenge the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350Z and Porsche Boxster.

The Crossfire is built around the outgoing Mercedes Benz SLK platform, and Chrysler have made a good job of shoehorning a Sports Coupe into a convertible platform, although it does compromise the interior layout. The advantage to Chrysler was that they could bring the car from concept stage to production car in less than two years, which is no mean feat.

We tested the Crossfire 3.2 V6 Coupe to find out if Chrysler's rear wheel drive, high performance Coupe can out perform Germany's finest.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio Review

Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

Cast your mind back to the original Fiat Multipla, with its unusual shape. People either loved it or hated it - the PT Cruiser evokes similar emotions.

The Cabrio version is no different and during the test week, it gained a lot of attention. However, not all interest was positive. Someone even went as far as saying that it looked like an upturned boat, so you can guess which side of the fence they were on.

But there’s no denying that it’s a head-turner, especially with the roof down. It sits some 62mm lower than the hatchback but has the same wheelbase and front track measurements and carries much of the styling from the hatch, which was updated last year and now features a smoother front and rear end and scalloped headlights.

The Cabrio is only available as a three-door, which is a shame because two extra doors would add greatly to the convenience factor. However, it isn’t feasible - the lowered height and the arc of the folding roof doesn’t allow for it. The compromise is extra-long front doors, which allow passengers to get in and out of the two rear seats. With the roof down, this isn’t too difficult but the seat belts are anchored to the inside of the car, almost adjacent to the rear passengers and again on the side of the front squab.

Chrysler Grand Voyager Review

Chrysler Grand Voyager Review

The all new Chrysler Grand Voyager was launched in March 2008 - replacing the popular outgoing model which had been with us since 2001. It also marks the demise of the more popular smaller Voyager.

The new Chrysler Grand Voyager is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and three equipment levels: LX, Touring and Limited. Prices start at £26,000 for the 2.8 CRD LX 6-speed automatic and rise to £33,000 for either the 2.8 CRD Limited 6-speed automatic or 3.8 V6 petrol Limited 6-speed automatic.

We drove the top of the range diesel model - the Chrysler Grand Voyager Limited fitted with a 2.8 CRD diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Chrysler Grand Voyager offers a choice of two engines: a petrol 3.8-litre V6 engine and the far more popular and sensible 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that is commonly seen in the Jeep range.

Our test car was fitted with the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine which outputs 161 bhp at 3800 rpm and produces 265 lb/ft of torque between 1600 rpm and 3000 rpm. Which propels the Grand Voyager from 0-62 mph in 12.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 115 mph.

The 2.8 CRD engine does seem to run out of puff up hill, which is especially apparent on the motorway. Of course the automatic gearbox changes down but it can all feel a little too lethargic to be enjoyable.

Chrysler Appoints Seven New Dealerships

The Chrysler 200C EV Concept

With the continued development of the network structure, founded on the key principles of network profitability and franchise cost reduction, Chrysler UK Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of seven new dealerships.

This is further to the announcement in July when Chrysler introduced four new dealers, bringing the total to 11 new dealerships appointed in the last three months.

Strategically placed around the UK the new dealerships will allow new customers easy access to the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle range as well as providing flexibility for current owners.

The seven new dealerships recently opened are Chrysler Stevenage, Chrysler Bishop's Stortford, Chrysler Hertford, Lancaster Southend, Triangle Chesterfield, Sunwin Derby and Drayton Chrysler Jeep & Dodge Shrewsbury.

Chrysler Stevenage, located at Gunnels Wood Road, has become an authorised sales and service dealership and oversees activity at two further dealerships; Bishop's Stortford on Stansted Road and Chrysler Hertford at Foxholes Business Park on John Tate Road.

Nick Spang, Dealer Principal at Chrysler Stevenage, said: "We are proud to be bringing the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands to the Stevenage area and look forward to an exciting future.

"Customers will receive the very highest level of care and service from a team whose goal is to turn the operation into a leading player in the region."

Located on Stephenson Road, Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, Lancaster Southend added the Chrysler franchise to its existing site. The dealership opened last month and have both sales and aftersales facilities.

Dealer Principal at Lancaster Southend, Paul Ivory, said: "With a strong and competitive product line-up and more great models on the horizon, these are exciting times for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. I look forward to playing my part in maintaining the standards of excellence that our customers expect."

Chrysler Dealers Ask for New Ads to Slow Sales Plunge

An assortment of new vehicles sit at a Chrysler dealership in Rochester Hills, Michigan

Chrysler Group LLC dealers have asked the company to pull new television ads and restore regional marketing budgets after U.S. sales declined 25 percent in November, people familiar with the matter said.

Members of Chrysler’s national dealer council, an advisory body to the automaker, called for the ads to be stopped in a phone call with the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company’s sales leadership this week, said two people with knowledge of the request who asked not to be identified because the conversation was private.

Dealers, frustrated that narrower incentives and plunging sales are hurting their profits, are pushing back against Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne’s strategy. His five-year business plan, presented last month, aims to rebuild the company’s brands and reduce incentive spending. The transition could be “painful,” he said.

“It is a little difficult for us to understand because it is far different from what we were used to seeing,” said Larry Reid, owner of White Bear Dodge in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Reid was not on the call with management. “The message to us is that it is branding, branding, branding, and maybe that will work.”

The advertisements, which began in September, focus on lifestyles, and dealers complained that some only briefly show vehicles. One that began running last month shows ticking clocks while a voice describes a Jeep owner’s desire to not be constrained by the daily grind. In the final moments, it shows a Wrangler along with the tagline “I live. I ride. I am. Jeep.”

Show Vehicles

The dealers would like to have Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge ads that show the vehicles more and highlight features, price and available bargains to counter marketing claims of other automakers, the people said.

November Auto Sales: Chrysler

Chrysler Group said Tuesday its U.S. sales fell 25 percent last month from a year earlier on steep declines across major brands.

BY THE NUMBERS: Total sales in the month fell to 63,560 vehicles from 85,260 a year earlier. So far this year, sales are down 38 percent from the same period a year ago.

HOT MODELS: Chrysler Sebring Sedan sales jumped 84 percent to 2,674 units compared with November 2008. Crossover model Dodge Journey sales nearly doubled to 5,434 units. Still, overall sales among Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep brands were much lower than a year ago.

Chrysler Unleashes Incentives on 2010 Models

Chrysler Group LLC will offer 0% financing or as much as $4,000 cash back on its 2010 vehicles in an effort to remain competitive and lure customers into showrooms.

Consumers can choose between 0% financing for 60 months or a cash rebate on all of the auto maker's vehicles starting Friday and ending Jan. 4. There are also free equipment upgrade options—such as the installation of a DVD player or all-wheel drive—on some models.

The incentives highlight the reality new Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne finds himself in as he attempts to revive the third-largest U.S.-based auto maker. Mr. Marchionne, who is also CEO of Fiat SpA, told reporters just over two weeks ago that he wanted to reduce Chrysler's reliance on discounts.

However, auto makers aren't ready to abandon discounts as they still face a slow economic recovery. Chrysler is facing the hardest challenge to generate sales as its filing for bankruptcy protection and its subsequent change in ownership to Fiat may have kept consumers away from showrooms.

Chrysler didn't release its five-year survival plan until November, although the company exited bankruptcy protection in June. This year's sales of its vehicles have fallen 39% through Oct. 31.

The latest offer, called the "Year-end Wrap-up," includes $3,000 cash back or 0% on Chrysler brand vehicles and a no-cost service program for three years or 36,000 miles. Chrysler Town & Country minivan buyers will also receive a free installed DVD player.

The Jeep brand offer $4,500 cash back or 0% and the same free service program as Chrysler.

Dodge cars offers $2,500 cash back or 0% and a free all-wheel drive upgrade on a Dodge Charger.

2009 Chrysler Grand Voyager Special Edition

Chrysler UK Ltd is pleased to introduce a special edition model to its successful Grand Voyager range.

Celebrating 25 years as the world’s best selling MPV, and with over 12 million vehicles sold worldwide, the Grand Voyager special edition comes with significant amounts of extra interior and exterior equipment that help makes the award winning vehicle even better value for money.

The interior equipment includes leather trimmed upholstery, dual screen rear DVD entertainment system and uconnect gps satellite navigation including uconnect phone with voice recognition. The exterior equipment features Xenon headlamps, chrome mesh grille, LED daytime running lights, revised lower front fascia, special paint and badging and an engraved commemorative keyring, all included in the price.

On sale from the 1st May and with only 100 models available, the 25th Anniversary Grand Voyager is priced at £32,600 on-the-road.

Nigel Land, marketing director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “These new models will appeal to motorists wanting a vesatile seven-seat vehicle that comes with class-leading reputation that the Grand Voyager has built up since its arrival 25 years ago.

“It has an unrivalled blend of luxury, equipment, comfort, versatility, performance and load-carrying capacity at a very competitive price.”
The Grand Voyager also features the easy to use Stow ‘n Go seating system, which allows the second and third row of seats to fold flat into the floor.

Powered by a 2.8 diesel engine, it provides acceleration from 0-62.5 mph in 12.8 seconds plus a top speed of 115mph, and with an extra urban fuel consumption figure of 38.7 mpg and a combined figure of 30.4 mpg it gives customers the fuel economy they expect.

As with all models in the Chrysler range, the special edition Grand Voyager is backed by a peace-of-mind owner’s package and comes with three year/60,000-mile mechanical warranty, seven-year anti-corrosion warranty and one year European roadside assistance.

Chrysler launches incentives on 2010 models

Chrysler Group LLC on Friday launched a year-end sale for nearly all of its 2010 model year vehicles with zero percent financing or up to $4,000 cash to draw customers during the typically slower winter months.

Chrysler, which emerged from a U.S. government-funded bankruptcy in June under the management control of Italy's Fiat SpA (FIA.MI), said the program runs to January 4. It covers nearly all vehicles except the Dodge Challenger muscle car.

Chrysler has fared worse than the U.S. auto industry overall this year as the sector has slumped to the worst sales levels since the early 1980s. Through October, Chrysler sales were off 39 percent, while the industry was down 25.4 percent.

Earlier in November, Chrysler announced a five-year plan that would have the automaker break even on an operating basis in 2010 and on a net basis by 2011 based in part on restoring market share lost in its slide toward bankruptcy.

Chrysler has relied on more aggressive incentives than rivals during the downturn. Edmunds.com has said the true cost of Chrysler incentives in October were about $3,219 per vehicle sold, compared with a $2,468 industry average.

The automaker has about 183,000 vehicles in inventory, with roughly 88 percent as 2010 models and nearly all of the rest 2009 model year vehicles.

For the year-end program, Chrysler is offering $3,000 cash or zero percent financing on 2010 Chrysler brand vehicles. It is offering $4,000 cash or zero percent financing on Jeeps and $2,500 cash or zero percent financing on most Dodge cars.

Chrysler is also offering 1.9 percent financing for 60 months on its Dodge Viper sports car.

Chrysler is offering $2,500 cash and low or zero percent financing on 2010 Ram pickups and up to $5,500 cash or zero percent financing on most 2009 Ram trucks.

Chrysler offers new deals for buyers

Chrysler Group LLC is offering discounted financing or cash rebates on most 2010 models through Jan. 4.

Buyers of any Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge car vehicle can get interest-free loans of up to 60 months, or cash rebates of up to $3,000 for Chrysler, up to $4,000 for Jeep and up to $2,500 for Dodge cars.

Buyers of leftover 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks can get no-interest loans of up to 72 months, or up to $5,500 cash back. Buyers of the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, can borrow at 0% for up to 48 months or at 2.9% for 60 months, or choose cash rebates of up to $2,500.

There are other choices in lieu of the cash-back or interest-free loans. For example, buyers of a Chrysler Town & Country van can have a DVD system for no extra cost. Dodge is offering all-wheel drive on the 2010 Charger for no charge.

Chrysler’s U.S. sales in 2009 through October have fallen 39% from a year earlier.

Chrysler to get new small work van from Fiat to compete against Ford's Transit Connect

Fiat's Doblo could end up as a Chrysler vehicle when it comes to the USA to compete against Ford's Transit Connect

CAPTION

By Fiat

Watch out, Ford. Chrysler has its sights on a promising area of new business that you thought you had carved out for yourself -- carlike fuel-efficient cargo vans.

Chrysler plans to import a version of the Fiat Doblo compact van in the U.S., Automotive News reports. The van has the same look and configuration as Ford's just-introduced Transit Connect, built in Turkey and a success across Europe. The Doblo would be sold as a Ram, the truck brand being separated from Dodge. And it won't be alone:

The Doblo will join a large Fiat-based van to be sold in the U.S. by the new Ram truck brand, along with a restyled chassis cab model and light- and heavy-duty Ram vehicles. Fiat has a 20% stake in Chrysler, which is enough to be considered the controlling shareholder.

The latest version of the Doblo starts sale in Europe starting in mid-January with U.S. sales in 2012. No name for the U.S. market yet. The new Doblo offers the most interior room and lowest carbon emissions of any van in its segment, Fiat boasts.

GM, Chrysler not required to make electric cars

The Obama administration's preference for robust electric car production will not influence its oversight of taxpayer equity in General Motors GM.UL and Chrysler, an administration official said.

Ron Bloom, the head of the government task force that facilitated the restructuring of GM and Chrysler this year, said in an interview with Reuters that there is a bright line separating the two issues.

"We obviously would be very happy if Chrysler and GM were making lots and lots of high mileage cars. It's not a prerequisite. It's not an obligation," Bloom said on Tuesday.

The government, which has deferred to directors and management of both companies, wants viable automakers that can compete globally and repay their loans in a timely way.

The Obama administration has extended $30 billion and bankruptcy financing and working capital to GM, and $8.5 billion to Chrysler. Those taxpayer investments translate into a 60 percent stake in GM and a nearly 10 percent share of Chrysler.

Plans at both companies call for more fuel efficient vehicles regardless of engine technology and a variety of smaller cars.

GM has made a big side bet on the Volt electric hybrid due out next year. But Fiat (FIA.MI)-led Chrysler this month set aside its plans to develop a similar mass-market vehicle, concluding the effort did not fit with its accelerated business plan.

The decision raised eyebrows in Washington, and in the environmental and energy communities, since Chrysler secured help from the government partly on its blueprint for battery powered vehicles.

"We're completely separating policy from ownership," Bloom said in response to the Chrysler decision. "We trust that the board has carefully thought through the various options of the company and where it was and made judgments on the electric program based on that."

Chrysler May Drop 145 Dealers on Lack of Inventory Financing

Chrysler Group LLC may have to terminate as many as 145 more U.S. dealers unless the retailers can find lenders to finance their new-vehicle inventory.

GMAC Inc., which replaced Chrysler Financial as the preferred lender for the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automaker’s dealers, has been negotiating with Chrysler retailers, said Sue Mallino, a GMAC spokeswoman.

If dealers can’t get the financing from GMAC, they may lose their franchise agreement unless they can find another lender, said Kathy Graham, a Chrysler spokeswoman.

The outcome may mean fewer dealerships for Chrysler, which has about 2,400 U.S. outlets after terminating 789 as part of a government-aided bankruptcy reorganization. Chrysler exited court protection after six weeks on June 10 under the control of Fiat SpA. GMAC took over preferred financing duties for Chrysler dealers as part of the reorganization.

Of about 1,500 dealers that applied to Detroit-based GMAC to finance their vehicle inventory, about 90 percent will qualify, Mallino said. She said 85 dealers have been refused such financing and 50 to 60 others are still in negotiations.

Fiat kills Chrysler electric car

The Chrysler/Dodge ENVI The Chrysler ENVI electric car program, which was put on hold shortly after Fiat offered to buy Chrysler Corporation from Cerberus Capital Management, has officially been killed by Fiat executives.

The original plan, which involved $70 million dollars of government funding, called for the electric vehicles to be sold starting in 2010, a decision which some critics claimed was impossible. These same critics are now claiming that the entire plan was a ruse to garner more government bailout money for green initiatives.

The decision-makers at Fiat have been downplaying the importance of electric vehicles, or EVs, for months, saying that, "Until the (battery) storage gets resolved, I think electric vehicles are going to struggle," one Fiat executive said in a press release.

No announcements have been made about the funding received from the United States government.

Chrysler 200C EV Concept Car

12-Jan-2009 by admin

The definitive blend of design and technology, the all-new Chrysler 200C EV concept redefines the idea of responsible mobility with a touch of class and sophistication never before embodied so elegantly in one vehicle.

The 200C EV has a 400-mile total range, and a 40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption.

Chrysler to launch four Special Editions

Much has been made of Chrysler's apparent lack of new products for the 2010 model year. Suffice it to say, while there are big things in store for Chrysler, they will take at least another year to get into production. For instance, while removing the unsightly strakes from the hood of the unloved Sebring sedan and convertible is a nice gesture, it's not nearly far enough to make the car suddenly competitive with its chief rivals in the ultra competitive mid-size sedan arena.

Not entirely surprisingly then, Chrysler is trying its best to add a few reasons to purchase its current models before the major changes happen in the next few years. Each of Chrysler's current nameplates – 300, Town and Country, Sebring and PT Cruiser – get Special Editions that will hit the market in the first quarter of 2010.

First, the 300 is slated to get a complete redesign later on in 2010, probably as a 2011 model vehicle. Regardless, the current 300 will get a Sport Edition that's targeted at the youth market before the reboot button is officially pressed. The Town and Country gets a Fashion Edition and the Sebring gets an Ocean Edition (we have no idea what that means).

Lastly, the long-in-the-tooth PT Cruiser gets a Final Edition (finally final? Promise?) and the nameplate is not scheduled to live on past the 2010 model year. So, if you want one... better hit your local dealer post haste. As a parting note, Chrysler never actually mentioned it, but take a good look at the new Chrysler 300 brochure at the top right of the image above – that doesn't look like the current 300 grille, does it? Hint, hint.

Chrysler May Put On a New Badge

Low-resolution, grainy and barely recognizable--sounds like a spy photo of a top-secret supercar in testing. But this time, it's a new Chrysler logo, dug out of the depths of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The logo, which seems oddly compressed in the vertical axis, is a sort of retro-modern combination of the winged Chrysler logos of the 1990s with a modern typeface and the Chrysler name. It may be yet another visible aspect of the Fiat restructuring and rebranding of Chrysler, though the symbol also bears at least a passing resemblance to Aston Martin's famous winged icon.

Chrysler is no stranger to the whole musical logos game, however, of late a procedure that's tended to coincide with purchase or sale by a parent company, i.e. Daimler. The last such change saw the withdrawal and then reinstatement of the Pentastar logo, which once again appears to have gone the way of the dodo, or the Pontiac, as it were.

An interesting note: the date on the file is from July 2, 2009. That means this new logo has been in the works behind the scenes since the earliest stages of the official merger of the two companies, which was finalized in early June.

Chrysler to Put Television in Its Vehicles

Listen up, TV junkies: You may soon be able to watch some of your favorite shows in the car.

Automaker Chrysler Group will offer live television in its vehicles by the end of the year, according to the Detroit Free Press. The service, called FLO TV Auto Entertainment, costs $629 plus installation costs and offers up to 20 channels, including CBS, CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News, MSNBC, and MTV.

The system includes a 7-inch DVD screen and a small antenna about the size of a computer mouse, which is mounted on the vehicle's roof. Chrysler will offer the system through its Mopar aftermarket unit in more than 100 metropolitan areas.

Chrysler to cut prices on 2010 pickups

The redesigned 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups will offer more content at a lower price, Chrysler Group LLC announced today.

The big rig pickups will start at $28,165 for a regular cab models, $31,415 for Crew Cab models and $36,865 for Mega Cab models.

For this model year, Ram will discontinue the Quad cab heavy duty trucks, replacing that with the larger Crew Cab model. All prices include $950 for shipping.

The new Ram adopts the looks introduced in the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup last year, though additional design features were added to the bigger trucks.

The pickups will come with either a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline six-cylinder engine.

While the powertrains carry over from the previous generation, the exterior and interior have been reworked to provide a quieter and smoother ride.

Interior features, which are similar to the Ram 1500, include: a steering column mounted gear shifter to create more room in the center console, optional navigation system and two-tone leather interior. Other features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and 10-speaker surround sound stereo.

"We believe we do well against our competition because we are aggressively priced and offer a great product," said Mark Heber, director of Dodge Ram marketing, this week during the media launch of the truck.

The Ram heavy duty will also come in the popular high-end Laramie edition, starting at $42,240 as well as an off-road Power Wagon, starting at $45,780.

Chrysler 200C Concept Car

We were beginning to worry that the 300C was all Ralph Gilles had in him. But if the Chrysler 200C Concept is what Chrysler's styling star can bring to the hitherto dull banquet of Chrysler design, then he should have been placed in charge long ago. It is absolutely gorgeous - check out those wheels - and to our eyes, at least, this is what the straked nonsense known as the Sebring should have been (or at least, what it could have looked like).

A range-extended four-passenger sedan, the car is about the size of a BMW 5-Series. A rear-wheel-driver powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that includes a "small gasoline engine" - Chrysler didn't say how small - aided by a lithium-ion batteries and an electric generator putting out 55kW (74 horsepower) of continuous power. The system's combined forces are good for 200 kW (268 hp) of peak power. The car can go 40 miles on electric power alone (a number that sounds rather familiar), and has an estimated range of up to 400 miles. The 200C is not a slowpoke, either, with a predicted 7-second blast to sixty, and a top speed north of 120.

Inside, the 200C Concept is crammed with enough tech to guide a starfleet. The interactive dashboard is infinitely changeable, internet enabled (via Chrysler's uConnect), and tied into security cameras and street cameras when you want to see how long the line is out front of the Delta Terminal at Detroit Metro. Even better, you can control everything from the integrated tablet PC in the glovebox or from an iPhone-like controller - even roll down the windows and check on the status of the car. And the technology leaf for the passenger also gets a huge shoutout.

Chrysler to Launch ‘PeaPod’ Electric Cars Worldwide in 2010

Chrysler has announced plans to launch its PeaPod electric car worldwide in 2010. The compact city EV will be available as a one-seater, a two-seater or a utility van, at prices starting from around $20,000.

Chrysler bankruptcy could delay 2010 updates, 2011 models

Chrysler's bankruptcy filing will undoubtedly affect every aspect of the automaker's short- and long-term endeavors, and not surprisingly, product isn't immune. While testifying in court, Chrysler's manufacturing chief, Frank Ewasyshyn, said the current plant shutdowns and the resulting effect on suppliers will delay Chrysler's 2010 product suite, primarily comprised of minor updates to existing models. While that's not a huge loss, any delay is bound to affect sales, particularly when Chrysler is struggling to maintain a positive public perception. Even worse, Ewasyshyn said that the plant and supplier issues could mean Chrysler's 2011 models could also suffer the same fate. Although he didn't outline exactly what models would be affected, it doesn't bode well for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the redesigned Chrysler 300C.

2010 Chrysler 300 and 300C

A few details and a look at the next-generation Chrysler 300 full-size sedan—as well as the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee—have seeped out via Chrysler’s viability plan recently submitted to the U.S. government.

Slick Styling

As did Audi when redesigning the TT, Chrysler faced the difficult challenge of reinventing an icon when it went to the drawing board for the next 300. The new 300 possesses a shape similar to that of its predecessor, but looks more elegant. Up front, Chrysler moves to a new corporate grille, first previewed on the Imperial concept and most recently, the 200C EV concept shown at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The thin horizontal chrome bars are sleeker than the eggcrate worn by the current car, and they give the new 300 less of a boxy, road-barge look. Headlight clusters are squared and smoothed, while the front bumper is much more integrated, tightening up the chin.

The 300 will again feature fender flares, but the lower part of the arch is much less prominent. The upper body crease creates a gently arching shoulder in place of the straight and sharp line of the current model, and the new 300 also loses the side molding, giving the upper crease more definition. Expect visibility to be improved though slimmer A-pillars, more glass, and a much smaller C-pillar created through the use of a small A-frame window at the rear.

Although there is no view of the rear, expect to see a significant change from the current car. We anticipate the rear will mimic the clean front styling of the car, better integrating the exhaust tips in the lower valance. LED taillights are nearly a certainty.

Improved Interior

With the latest Dodge Ram demonstrating Chrysler’s renewed interest in interior quality, we expect the new 300 to use similarly improved materials. Sticking with the clean theme of the exterior, the new cabin appears simple and refined. The instrument panel houses two large circular gauges—similar to those in the Ram—while a large display operating Chrysler’s UConnect infotainment system tops the center console. The climate controls reside below the screen.

Powertrains and Other Features

Hemi fans can relax, as the V-8 featuring cylinder deactivation will carry over from the existing model, and it should boast increases in both power and fuel economy. Chrysler says that the new 300 will also be available with an all-new “fuel-efficient” six-cylinder engine—likely the Phoenix line the company has been promising—which we think will produce at least 260 hp. New safety features will include rear cross-path and blind-spot monitoring systems. Most, if not all, of these features will likely carry over to a similarly redesigned 2010 Dodge Charger.

No word yet on when the new 300 will be officially revealed, but you can expect to see it and the next Dodge Charger on dealer lots in 2010.