Autoblog

Chrysler's internal documents question Ram quality as workers protest

Zach Bowman — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Chrysler, Ram

Chrysler is reportedly having a hard time ramping up production of its 2013 Ram 1500. According to The Detroit News, only 16 of the 58 trucks built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant during the model's first hour passed final inspection. While quality eventually improved over the course of the day, just over half of the units built on Thursday were approved for shipment. Even with workers ordered to stay late to fix their mistakes, some 1,078 units remained outside the facility with defects. The problem, according to workers at the plant, is morale.

According to the report, Chrysler recently changed the shift schedule at the plant and workers are unhappy with the new situation. The new plan has workers split into three shifts, each covering four 10-hour days. With the shifts staggered, some workers now have to work nights and on Saturdays. Some employees are so upset that they've taken to protesting, though the move isn't sanctioned by the United Auto Workers.

Meanwhile, Chrysler admits there were internal issues with the launch, but that the company was able to contain them. A spokesperson has said "plant quality indicators are getting progressively better."

Chrysler's internal documents question Ram quality as workers protest originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #321

Dan Roth — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Porsche

2013 Ram 1500 Diesel, unibody Ford Ranger replacement, 2014 Chevrolet SS, Mitsubishi doubles its US marketing budget

Episode #321 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2013 Ram 1500 getting a diesel engine, rumors of a unibody replacement for the Ford Ranger, the 2014 Chevrolet SS and Mitsubishi doubling its US marketing budget. We wrap with a couple of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #321:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2014 Porsche Cayman
2013 Ram 1500
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:15:12

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #321

Autoblog Podcast #321 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #321 LIVE!

Dan Roth — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Mitsubishi, Australia, Ram

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #321 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #321

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #321 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac ATS, Ram 1500 named 2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:39:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan

As is tradition, the 2013 Detroit Auto Show kicks off with the announcement of the 2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the year awards. And without further ado, we present your winners: the Cadillac ATS and Ram 1500.

Runners-up for the award are the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord in the car category, and the Mazda CX-5 and Ford C-Max in the truck/utility class. The winners were determined by a non-profit, independent jury of 50 American and Canadian journalists, including some members of the Autoblog staff.

This is the first win for Cadillac as a Car of the Year, though the CTS was a finalist in 2008. General Motors brands have won the Car of the Year award five times. This win for the 2013 Ram 1500 marks the third truck win for the Chrysler Group. The Ram (well, Dodge Ram) first won the award in 1994.

Continue reading Cadillac ATS, Ram 1500 named 2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year

Cadillac ATS, Ram 1500 named 2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year finalists announced [w/poll]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, Ram

2012 is almost in the books and automakers are spending December gearing up for the 2013 auto show season, which tips off next month at the Detroit Auto Show. Traditionally, the latter opens up with the announcement of the North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year awards, and this year figures to be no different.

But up until this moment, we didn't know which six vehicles would be parked ahead of the stage as finalists, with executives and engineers waiting for the winners to be disclosed. Whittled down from October's "short list" of nominees (11 cars and 10 truck/utility vehicles), the finalists are as follows:

2013 North American Car of the Year:

2013 North American Truck/Utility of the Year:

As determined by a non-profit, independent jury of 50 US and Canadian journalists(*), the pair of lists above arguably feature a surprise or two, and they open up some potentially interesting story lines. Will the Ford and Honda, which compete against each other in the marketplace, split votes among jurors who only want to vote for one family sedan? Did the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins miss making the finalists' list because they were listed as separate entries, or did they just not win over enough jurors? Until the voting patterns of the jurors are released (after the awards are announced), we won't really know if any of these scenarios played into the calculations.

What do you think of these six vehicles? Which would you vote for? Which do you think will win? Participate in our polls below by guessing which vehicles will win, then state your case for who should win in Comments.

*Full disclosure: Author is a NACTOY jury member.

View Poll

Continue reading 2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year finalists announced [w/poll]

2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year finalists announced [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ram 1500 tows away Motor Trend Truck of the Year laurels

George Kennedy — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Ram

Motor Trend has named their 2013 Truck of the Year, and this time, the coveted honor goes to Chrysler's 2013 Ram 1500. The Ram unseats the Ford F-150 pickup from Truck of the Year with a package that the magazine argues fulfills owners' needs for everyday usability as much as worksite utility.

MT points out that the 1500's available air suspension is a quantum leap in the light-duty pickup segment. This system can raise for more ground clearance or lower for highway driving. Chrysler has been pushing for friendly daily-driver manners for some time now - you'll recall it debuted coils in place of rear leaf springs in the 2009 Ram 1500, back when it the truck was sold under the Dodge nameplate. The new optional air setup is another step towards more comfortable everyday driving.

The Ram 1500 can also be paired with the company's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in place of the loveless 3.7-liter unit, in the process getting some pretty surprising fuel economy figures. MT also notes that the interior update - complete with available Uconnect 8.3-inch screen and new rotary shifter - is a welcome upgrade. These attributes have conspired to yield a deserving award for Team Ram, which MT says has nailed the motivations of light-duty truck buyers - comfort and capability in one package.

2013 Ram 1500 tows away Motor Trend Truck of the Year laurels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ram 1500 earns Truck of Texas honors

George Kennedy — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Work, Off-Road, Ram

Auto writers around the country tend to specialize in different vehicles based on the trends of our respective home markets. The New England Motor Press Association, for example, presents an award every year for the best winter vehicle. With that in mind, it is fitting that the Texas Auto Writers Association doles out an annual truck award. This year, the TAWA "Truck of Texas" is the 2013 Ram 1500.

In a announcement from TAWA, the new Ram took top honors based in no small part on, "a new 3.6-liter V6 that boasts 42 percent more power, improved fuel economy, infotainment upgrades and available eight-speed automatic transmission and air suspension." And according to Ram CEO Fred Diaz, "Automotive reporters have reacted extremely favorably to the new 2013 Ram 1500, and our research tells us that resonates with truck buyers." The Ram 1500 unseated the previous Truck of Texas, the 2012 Ford F-150.

The Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo was also an occasion for journalists to award an SUV of Texas, and thankfully, the distinction is made between SUV and CUV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee took top honors in the SUV department, with TAWA pointing to models like the off-road-ready Trailhawk and feature-laden Overland Summit. It is the third consecutive year that the Grand Cherokee has achieved this accolade. The award for top crossover went to the 2013 Buick Enclave, which is in its first year of a new design. To read more on the Truck of Texas award and all the finalists, check out the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 1500 earns Truck of Texas honors

2013 Ram 1500 earns Truck of Texas honors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler launches new Ram ads and gears up for Super Bowl XLV [w/videos]

David Kiley — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities, Ram

Perhaps no car company has made bigger splashes in the last two years at the Super Bowl than Chrysler, and the automaker's marketing chief, Olivier Francois, said today that he plans to be all over the big game again in February.

Last year, the company made an ad featuring Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood. The spot achieved viral status quickly when pundits charged that Eastwood's lines were politically motivated; meant to appeal to progressive voters/viewers favoring a second term for President Obama. In 2011, agency Wieden & Kennedy burst into the game with a now famous commercial featuring Eminem. Both ads have supported Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" marketing platform.

Francois briefed reporters Monday at the Detroit Opera House while he also debuted a new series of ads for the Ram brand.

The new spots for the updated Ram 1500 have a theme of "Heaven and Earth," and speak to the lengths to which Ram will go to win over new buyers (read: Ford and Chevrolet truck owners). The brand, spun off from Dodge three years ago to its own franchise, continues using the deep, manly, seemingly tobacco-choked voice of actor Sam Elliott, who also appears in the ads.

We are going to see a lot of this campaign during the Major League Baseball playoffs and World Series. "With this truck launch we literally swing for the fences," said Fred Diaz, the head of the Ram division as well as president of Chrysler's Mexican operations. Get it?

Ram has been succeeding by focusing its messaging around the iconic Elliott, as well as making serious upgrades to the 2013 Ram 1500. Ram has also been spending resources targeting the Hispanic audience, whose pickup buying has been on the rise. Ram has seen its share of the light-duty pickup market surge 1.7 points to 17 percent among Hispanics in test markets. Ram has seen its overall share of the light and heavy pickup segment rise from 14.6 percent to 18.4 percent for the first nine months of 2012.

Chrysler did more to the mid-cycle refresh for the Ram than is usually done on a vehicle. But under Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler has made increasing share for the Ram a priority. "What started out as a minor freshening," said Diaz, "turned into a major overhaul." The 2013 Ram, which was already the pickup with the best road manners, got a new air suspension, and a new powertrain lineup including a V6 mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission that returns a segment-best 25 miles per gallon on the highway; giving Ram bragging rights on fuel economy.

Have a look at four of the new Ram commercials below, where you'll also find the official press release.

Continue reading Chrysler launches new Ram ads and gears up for Super Bowl XLV [w/videos]

Chrysler launches new Ram ads and gears up for Super Bowl XLV [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab SLT 4x4 [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, First Drives, Ram

Putting The Pentastar To Work

It's been over five months since we first heard word that Chrysler was planning to grace the Ram 1500 with the company's do-all Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. At 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, the new-generation six-cylinder handily embarrasses the antiquated 3.7-liter Magnum lump found in the base 2012 model in both power and efficiency. As fuel prices have continued to inch upward, that latter category has evolved into a more critical piece of the capability puzzle for both private and fleet buyers.

Paired with a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2013 Ram 1500 two-wheel drive should return 20-percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. That, sirs, is a huge number. More importantly, the addition of the Pentastar to the Ram line means buyers may now opt for a four-wheel-drive truck with a V6 under the hood - something that wasn't possible with the old 3.7. But as interesting as the drivetrain is, it's a small part of Ram's plan to carve out a larger chunk of pickup sales for itself. Engineers and designers have loaded the 2013 Ram 1500 with more available technology than ever before, as well as the first available self-leveling air suspension in the half-ton class. The result is nothing short of impressive.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab SLT 4x4 [w/video]

2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab SLT 4x4 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Editors' Choice: Top Five New York Auto Show Debuts

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Minivan/Van, Performance, Truck, Work, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Racing, Ram

Despite having a media center that's plagued with bad coffee and prone to the occasional journalist fight, the New York Auto Show is one of our favorite automotive expos. It's not an all-out automotive blitzkrieg like Geneva, but the vast majority of New York debuts are actual, honest-to-goodness production cars rather than spiffy concepts that only show what could be possible. And if you've paid attention to our show coverage, some mighty big nameplates had some show-stopping debuts here in the Big Apple. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

We've walked the show floor, sipped some free coffee, shook hands with plenty of executives, and after two days of New York madness, we've come up with our picks for the five best reveals here at the show. Which of the new cars took top honors? You'll have to scroll down to find out.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five New York Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five New York Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ram 1500 ups the pickup ante with new V6, less weight

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Truck, Work, Ram

Ram is out to make both Ford and General Motors sweat with the Auburn Hills automaker's newest pickup, the 2013 1500. Debuting at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the half-ton pickup bows with less weight, an efficient new 3.6-liter V6 option and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler projects the V6 alone should help yield 20 percent better fuel economy over the old 3.7 lump, thanks in part to a start/stop system. While there are no solid EPA numbers as of yet, our estimations put the vehicle at around 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Throw in aerodynamic tweaks like an active shutter system that closes off the engine bay and a standard air-ride suspension that lowers the vehicle by as much as 1.2 inches for better efficiency, easier loading and load leveling and you have a force to be reckoned with.

The Pentastar churns out 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, besting the 3.7-liter V6 in the Ford F-150 by around three ponies. Chrysler has also increased the output of the optional 5.7-liter V8, from 390 hp to 395 and 407 lb-ft of torque. Engineers managed to free up the extra grunt by using an electronic power steering system in place of the old belt-driven unit. Interestingly enough, the V8 will also boast 20 percent better fuel economy thanks to an eight-speed automatic.

In addition, the new 1500 features a tweaked interior, complete with the company's excellent 8.4-inch UConnect touch screen interface. We love the system in vehicles like the Dodge Charger, and the tech should be right at home on the big pickup.

Chrysler also managed to trim a significant amount of weight from the 2013 Ram 1500. In V6 guise, the truck now uses aluminum control arms, an aluminum hood, a new bed and frame design as well as lighter bumpers for a combined weight savings of around 147 pounds over the previous generation. V8 models get away with a more modest trimming. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 1500 ups the pickup ante with new V6, less weight

2013 Ram 1500 ups the pickup ante with new V6, less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight-speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Truck, Technology, Design/Style, Ram

The Ram 1500 will receive a significant refresh for the 2013 model year, and the majority of the changes are indeed more than skin-deep. That's because the 2013 Ram will hit the showroom floor with a host of powertrain upgrades, including features that have never been offered on American pickup trucks until now.

Chrysler promises that the new 3.6 will improve fuel efficiency by "at least 20 percent."

Many of the Ram's new technologies speak to its fuel-saving nature, including an eight-speed automatic transmission for both six- and eight-cylinder models, stop-start, improved aerodynamics, electric power steering, grille shutters and an auto-adjusting air suspension. The air suspension is essentially a version of the setup used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and features an Aero Mode, lowering the ride height by 1.2 inches to help cut through the wind more efficiently. Ram will also offer the Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the base powerplant, delivering 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. For reference, Ford rates the 2012 F-150 pickup's naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 at 302 hp and 278 lb-ft.

Chrysler promises that the new 3.6 will improve fuel efficiency by "at least 20 percent" compared to the old 3.7-liter unit. Another 20 percent added to 20 miles per gallon on the highway and 14 mpg in the city equates to a class-leading 24 mpg highway and 17 mpg city.

Of course, V8 power is available, courtesy of Chrysler's tried-and-true 5.7-liter Hemi, which now delivers 395 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. That's five more horsepower compared to the 2012 model, and that improvement comes courtesy of the new electronic power steering system. The most impressive part is that the Hemi-equipped model will also boast 20 percent better fuel economy, thanks largely to the fact that the eight-speed automatic is also fitted to this eight-pot mill. Chrysler will announce official fuel economy numbers closer to the Ram's on-sale date.

The Ram 1500 can achieve these substantial efficiency gains because of the aforementioned fuel-sipping technologies, but engineers have also cut considerable weight. The V6 powertrain is an amazing 76 pounds lighter than the outgoing 3.7-liter, and the TorqueFlite eight-speed and Hemi combine for a 30-pound reduction in the 5.7-liter model. Other weight savings come from an aluminum hood (26 pounds), chassis with more high-strength steel (up to 30 pounds), new floor cross-members in the bed (seven pounds), new front bumper (four pounds) and the electronic steering system (four pounds).

Additional improvements include upgraded exterior styling, a richer-looking cabin and a stiffer chassis that promises decreased noise, vibration and harshness. The Ram will also feature improved available infotainment tech, including an 8.4-inch navigation screen and a configurable seven-inch thin-film transistor screen that is standard on Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models.

Scroll down to read over the Chrysler press release, which includes a ton more information. You can also watch a few videos that highlight some of the new features.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight-speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos]

2013 Ram 1500 unveiled with eight-speed auto, start/stop, air suspension [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEC filing reveals new V6 and 8-speed transmission for Ram

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ram

Automotive News reports Chrysler has big plans for its line of Ram pickup trucks. According to a group filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the new Ram set to debut next month will no only boast a Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 option, but an eight-speed automatic transmission and new lightweight axles as well.

The gearbox alone is said to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 12 percent compared to current models. Right now, buyers with an eye toward economy are forced to cope with an anemic 215 horsepower 3.7-liter V6. While Chrysler hasn't released any specifications for the Ram-bound Pentastar, the most powerful form of the 3.6-liter V6 currently available produces 292 hp.

The 2012 Ram 1500 yields just 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway in its most efficient configuration, but the new hardware should help yield significantly improved figures and help the Ram line be more competitive against the Ecoboost-equipped Ford F-150. Chrysler is expected to reveal full details on the upcoming Ram in April.

In related news, Kicking Tires reports that the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango will also be getting new eight-speed gearboxes, which ought to result in similar fuel savings for the 'utes as it does for the Ram.

SEC filing reveals new V6 and 8-speed transmission for Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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