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.

Continue reading"Chrysler Appoints Jethro Joseph to Lead Supplier Diversity Development"

Posted by Frank at 12:18 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Chrysler | Dodge | Finance | Jeep

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.

Continue reading"Chrysler Achieves Three Straight Years of International Sales Growth"

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.

Continue reading"Report: Chrysler Productivity at Benchmark Levels"

Posted by Frank at 6:48 AM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Chrysler | Dodge | Jeep

June 5, 2008

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.

Continue reading"Chrysler reports 7% sales increase in Canada"

Posted by Frank at 2:11 AM | Filed under Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Industry Statistics | Jeep

June 4, 2008

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

June 3, 2008

Cerberus Denies Selling Chrysler Stake

What we have here is a case of splitting communication hairs:

The Financial Times has reported that private equity firm Cerberus has sold a significant chunk of its Chrysler stake to a pool of about 90 investors. Chrysler denies the report, saying the firm hasn't sold any equity since the deal was closed.

Apparently both stories are accurate. What the FT is pointing out is that as Cerberus took over Chrysler, it distributed the investment among a number of its funds and investors, and Chrysler acknowledges this.

What's more important is what it means for the future of the company. With such a widely distributed investment pool, as the automaker continues to hemorrhage cash and needs increasingly more money to stay afloat, it will get harder to go back to the pool for more cash. It seems likely that some of the investors will begin to agitate to dump the dog, so to speak.

Related: Will the Credit Crunch Sink Cerberus/Chrysler?

Posted by Frank at 11:51 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Finance | Jeep

Chrysler Reports May Sales Down 25%

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC today reported total May 2008 sales of 148,747 units, which is 25 percent below the same period last year.

Total May sales reflect a combination of record sales of Chrysler's newest highly fuel-efficient vehicles, an unusually high 40 percent cut in monthly fleet vehicle sales and a continued industry wide slowdown in pickup truck and SUV sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.

Continue reading"Chrysler Reports May Sales Down 25%"

Posted by Frank at 4:42 PM | Filed under Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Industry Statistics | Jeep

June 2, 2008

Chrysler LLC Lends Support to Northern Colorado Communities Affected by Severe Tornado Damage

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The Chrysler LLC Denver Business Center has donated $25,000, on behalf of The Chrysler Foundation, to the Weld Food Bank in support of relief efforts for residents affected by a severe tornado that hit multiple Weld County, Colo., communities including Windsor and Greeley, on May 22. This contribution will be used by the organization to distribute emergency food supplies to victims of this recent natural disaster.

Continue reading"Chrysler LLC Lends Support to Northern Colorado Communities Affected by Severe Tornado Damage"

Posted by Frank at 8:56 AM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Finance | Jeep

May 30, 2008

Video: Chrysler Military Tribute

Four significant stories from Chrysler LLC the week of May 30, 2008: Stories include: a military tribute, Kasey Kahne wins again, minivan safety ratings and one wild marketing campaign.

Posted by Frank at 1:20 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Jeep | Video

Chrysler is rocking the Great White North

Stuart_Schorr.jpgby Stuart Schorr, Chrysler Senior Manager, Sales, Mopar and Dealer Communications

For the 450 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers in Canada, things are looking pretty good: 21 straight months of sales growth to be solidly the 2nd best selling lineup in the country, the best sales month ever for Dodge Ram, and the best April results in over five years and 2007’s top market share and sales volume gain. It’s good to be in Canada. I should know, I worked there for four years.

Continue reading"Chrysler is rocking the Great White North"

Posted by Frank at 1:15 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Finance | Jeep

Chrysler Hiring Part-Timers at $14.12 an Hour

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Temporary positions are approximately 40 hours per week with limited duration employment up to 119 days. Part-time positions are weekly on-call employment.

Successful candidates at the Milwaukee Parts Distribution Center will be picking, packing and loading automotive parts and accessories onto trucks for dealership delivery while successful candidates at the Kenosha Engine Plant will assemble automotive engines.

Continue reading"Chrysler Hiring Part-Timers at $14.12 an Hour"

Posted by Frank at 1:05 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Chrysler | Dodge | Finance | Jeep

May 29, 2008

Meador Chrysler Jeep Competes in Dodge Journey Drive for the Kids School Challenge

E. Ray Elementary School will compete in the National Dodge Journey Drive for the Kids School Challenge on Thursday, June 5, 2008 to raise money in support of literacy and student enrichment programs.

The Drive for the Kids program encourages student family members and friends who are adult-licensed drivers to visit the elementary school to test drive the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey and complete a short questionnaire.

Continue reading"Meador Chrysler Jeep Competes in Dodge Journey Drive for the Kids School Challenge"

Posted by Frank at 8:09 AM | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Finance | Jeep

May 27, 2008

Video: Chrysler's $5,000 Prize YouTube Contest

Chrysler is running a YouTube contest through June 23, where the winning videographer can gain a $5,000 prize.

Called "From Where I Sit," the purpose of the contest is to submit a video that captures your favorite place that energizes you, with an eye toward showing how that place can inspire automotive design.

Entries can be submitted through June 23, public voting will take place from June 24 to July 14, and Chrysler judges will select their top 5 between July 15 and July 31, with the grand prize winner being announced on August 1.

Link: Chrysler's From Where I Sit YouTube contest page

Posted by Frank at 5:50 PM | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chrysler | Dodge | Jeep | Video