Jeep brand Chrysler's global focus

Chrysler Group's Jeep brand will become the subsidiary's primary global make in the first half of next year as Fiat emphasises the Lancia nameplate in Europe, a top executive said.

Chrysler's minivan, the Sebring and 300 models will be rebadged as Lancias across most of Europe at the end of the first quarter or early in the second, said Michael Manley, Chrysler Group's international chief.

Manley said sharing models among the brands is part of a plan outlined by Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne in November.

Chrysler aims for Jeep to account for half of Chrysler Group's international sales, up from closer to a third historically, he said.

The goal will be to have two brands - Jeep and one other - from the Chrysler Group in every market, Manley said at an event to introduce the new version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee last week in California.

"The brand is global, it's very well known everywhere around the world," said Manley. "With our partnership with Fiat we can now focus on Jeep as an international brand."

Town & Country Chrysler Jeep Offers up to $4,500 off

Town & Country Chrysler Jeep expands the savings opportunity of the U.S. Government’s Car Allowance Rebate Systems (CARS), more commonly known as “Cash for Clunkers,” by offering up to $4,500 off an eligible new car purchase whether or not customers bring in qualifying “clunkers.”

“The ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program is a great way to get old, gas-guzzling vehicles off the road,” said Carlos R. Martinez, General Sales Manager. “We found a way to make it better by offering the same savings even if a trade-in doesn’t meet the official ‘clunker’ definition.

“If the trade-in is a qualifying ‘clunker,’ then we will add to the government’s rebate for a total savings up to $9,000. We call it ‘Double Ca$h for Your Old Car.’”

The Administration established the CARS program to help consumers replace older, gas guzzling vehicles with new, more fuel-efficient vehicles and to help stimulate the national economy.

The government credit is $3,500 or $4,500 depending on the amount of fuel economy improvement between the old and new vehicle.

Important points for consumers to know about CARS include the following:
• Vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
• Only new vehicle purchases qualify
• Generally, trade-in vehicle must get less than 18 mpg and new vehicles must meet certain fuel economy requirements
• Trade-in vehicle must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in date
• The program ends Nov. 1, 2009 or when the government funds are exhausted (whichever comes first)

“Many drivers want a fuel-efficient new vehicle,’” Martinez said. “But, some customers are discovering their old vehicle doesn’t guzzle enough gas to meet the government’s ‘clunker’ guidelines.”

Town & Country Chrysler Jeep in Milwaukie, OR, is offering $3,500 or $4,500 savings on most 2009MY new Chrysler, Jeep® vehicles. Customers are not required to trade-in a ‘clunker’ to benefit from this savings. However, if customers do have “clunkers,” they can save up to a total of $9,000 off eligible new vehicles.

Consumers can learn more about the CARS program at http://www.cars.gov/ or by calling the U.S. Department of Transportation’s information hotline at 866-(CAR)-7891.

The staff at Town & Country Chrysler Jeep is available to provide estimates on the value of trade-in vehicles and answer individual questions about the program.