June 9, 2008
2009 Dodge Challenger Pricing: Starting in Low $20s
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger. The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will start at $21,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall.
“The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “For less than $22,000, we’ve brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-snapping styling and cutting-edge technology.”
Continue reading"2009 Dodge Challenger Pricing: Starting in Low $20s"
Posted by Frank at 10:01 AM
| Filed under 2009 Vehicles
| Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Finance
June 8, 2008
Chrysler crows over productivity gains
With years of consistent and steady improvement, Chrysler has climbed all the way into a tie for first place in the 2008 Harbour Report, the benchmark study measuring manufacturing productivity.
In the 2008 study, Chrysler’s hours per vehicle improved by 7.7 percent, the best of any manufacturer, to 30.37 hours per vehicle.
Continue reading"Chrysler crows over productivity gains"
Posted by Frank at 11:59 AM
| Filed under Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Jeep
Video: Jay Leno Drives off in Challenger
"Under the Pentastar" is a fast-paced video recap of the significant Chrysler stories from the past seven days: This week's program includes comedian Jay Leno driving away in his new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, celebrities race the Challenger, and the delivery of the first production Challenger. Other highlights include plant productivity awards for Chrysler, recognition for improved quality, and U.S. and Canada sales results.
Posted by Frank at 3:37 AM
| Filed under 5th Wheel
| Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Jeep
| Video
June 7, 2008
Chrysler Appoints Jethro Joseph to Lead Supplier Diversity Development
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC has appointed Jethro Joseph to the position of Senior Executive, Supplier Diversity Development.
In this role, Joseph will continue to be responsible for providing access, growth and development to Minority Business Enterprises (MBE). He reports to John Campi, Executive Vice President - Procurement.
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Posted by Frank at 12:18 PM
| Filed under Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Finance
| Jeep
Dodge Journey Equipped with BorgWarner All-Wheel Drive System
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey crossover offers BorgWarner's award-winning Interactive Torque Management system as an option for drivers who value performance, fuel economy and stability.
Based on Chrysler's global D-segment platform, the Dodge Journey blends the capability of a sport-utility vehicle with the overall efficiency of a passenger car into a "right-sized" package available with best-in-class fuel economy and best-in-class starting price.
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Posted by Frank at 12:04 PM
| Filed under 2009 Vehicles
| Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Chrysler
| Dodge
Chrysler Achieves Three Straight Years of International Sales Growth
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler reached an unprecedented sales milestone in May by achieving 36 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth in markets outside North America.
Chrysler International sales for the month grew by 5 percent (21,505 units) compared to May 2007, establishing a new record for the best May sales in the Company's history. Year-to-date sales were up 7 percent (98,188 units) versus the same time period last year, driven by a vehicle lineup that offers customers fuel- efficient and versatile options.
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Posted by Frank at 3:47 AM
| Filed under Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Industry Statistics
| Jeep
June 6, 2008
Report: Chrysler Productivity at Benchmark Levels
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC announced today that its manufacturing productivity has improved by 31.4 percent over the last seven years, taking nearly fourteen hours out of the average time it takes to assemble a vehicle, including its major components.
In 2007 alone, Chrysler's Manufacturing Operations assembled a vehicle an average of 30.37 total labor hours per vehicle (HPV). Chrysler posted a 7.7 percent improvement in total manufacturing labor productivity to tie with Toyota as industry leaders, according to the Harbour Report(TM) North America 2008, the annual study released today by Oliver Wyman.
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Posted by Frank at 6:48 AM
| Filed under Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Jeep
June 5, 2008
Best Selling Pickups in the United States for May 2008
Pickup truck sales dropped 36.1% in the U.S. in May, and as they say, that's gonna' leave a mark.
For the year to date pickup sales are down 21%, with only the Toyota Tundra selling more than last year [8.5%].
Even with plant idlings and closings, it's becoming pretty obvious there is overcapacity in the market, and we wouldn't be surprised if one of the manufacturers pulls out or shuts down pickup truck production altogether.
Best selling pickups trucks for May 2008:
Continue reading"Best Selling Pickups in the United States for May 2008"
Posted by Frank at 12:58 PM
| Filed under Auto News
| Chevrolet
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Ford
| GM
| Industry Statistics
| Nissan
| Toyota
Top Selling Minivans in the Unites States for May 2008
The minivan segment saw sales drop 16.6% in May, with Chrysler holding on to two of the top three spots, thanks in part to their gas rebate plan.
Of particular note was the 80% drop in Hyundai Entourage sales, that one can only hope was due to a supply problem -- point being, this is a bad time to be getting into the minivan business, as Volkswagen is about to find out.
The top 8 best selling minivans in the United States for May 2008:
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Posted by Frank at 12:06 PM
| Filed under Auto News
| Chevrolet
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Honda
| Hyundai
| Industry Statistics
| Kia
| Nissan
| Toyota
2009 Dodge Journey Wins 'Clever Utility' Achievement Award
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Ward's judges presented the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey crossover a special achievement award, "Clever Utility," for its well-thought-out and smartly integrated interior features at the 2008 Ward's Auto Interiors Show -- the publication's annual auto interior event.
"'Extreme functionality' sums up one Ward's judge of the Dodge's flexible interior," said David E. Zoia, Editorial Director - WardsAuto.com.
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Posted by Frank at 6:16 AM
| Filed under Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Chrysler
| Dodge
Report: Initial Auto Quality Improves Considerably
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Initial quality in the automotive industry has improved significantly in 2008, with substantial gains demonstrated by nearly three-fourths of the 36 ranked nameplates, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) released today.
Overall quality improves to 118 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2008, down from 125 PP100 in 2007.
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Posted by Frank at 6:11 AM
| Filed under Audi
| Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Dodge
| Ford
| GM
| Honda
| Infiniti
| Lexus
| Lincoln
| Mazda
| Mercedes-Benz
| Pontiac
| Porsche
| Toyota
Dodge Sprinter Chassis Cabs Upfit Allowance Available
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Dodge today announced a $1,000 allowance toward the purchase of an upfit body for installation on all Dodge Sprinter chassis cab models. The term program runs from June 3, 2008 to January 2, 2009.
“With unmatched versatility, the segment’s best fuel economy and the most class-leading advantages, Dodge Sprinter chassis cabs are in tremendous demand by upfitters for a host of aftermarket uses,” said Pamela Niekamp, Senior Manager – Commercial Vehicle Marketing and Product Planning.
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Posted by Frank at 2:38 AM
| Filed under Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Car Tech
| Car accessories
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Finance
Chrysler reports 7% sales increase in Canada
Windsor, Ontario -- Chrysler Canada’s sales grew seven percent in May (27,325 units) and extended the unprecedented streak of year-over-year sales increases to 22 consecutive months.
May sales were driven by Chrysler’s one-two punch of their all-new minivans and the newly crowned most popular crossover in Canada, the Dodge Journey. Sales were also bolstered by the increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber.
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Posted by Frank at 2:11 AM
| Filed under Auto News
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Industry Statistics
| Jeep
June 4, 2008
Top Selling Crossovers in the United States for May 2008
With total SUV sales down 19.5% in May, not even the crossover segment was able to escape unscathed -- the smaller ute/station wagon category was also down 5%, as consumers decided they didn't even want mini-SUVs over more fuel efficient cars.
Besides the usual suspects a couple vehicles did well in consumers' quest for smaller wagons, including the Dodge Journey, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. Also of note is that GM placed both the GMC Acadia and Saturn Vue in the top 15, which is good news for that new platform, and for the parent company that suffered a big blow for the month.
After the jump, the top 15 best selling crossovers for May 2008:
Continue reading"Top Selling Crossovers in the United States for May 2008"
Posted by Frank at 12:56 PM
| Filed under Auto News
| Chevrolet
| Dodge
| Ford
| GM
| GMC
| Honda
| Hyundai
| Industry Statistics
| Lexus
| Nissan
| Saturn
| Subaru
| Toyota
Chrysler Announces Scholarship Winners for Detroit Tales
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC recently announced winners of the "My Journey Through the D" essay contest for high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
Winning students shared a personal account or defining moment that underscores Detroit's impact on their life. There were 16 students chosen for the essay scholarships and the sum of all awards will total $29,000.
Continue reading"Chrysler Announces Scholarship Winners for Detroit Tales"
Posted by Frank at 10:59 AM
| Filed under Auto Marketing
| Auto News
| Chrysler
| Dodge
| Finance
| Jeep