Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Detroit supplier organizing March of Green Vehicles to Washington]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/detroit-supplier-organizing-march-of-green-vehicles-to-washingto/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/detroit-supplier-organizing-march-of-green-vehicles-to-washingto/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/detroit-supplier-organizing-march-of-green-vehicles-to-washingto/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Bad idea: Detroit 3 CEOs showing up for a Congressional hearing to beg for money in private jets. Good idea: said CEOs showing up at Congress' curb in their respective company's greenest vehicles. Just such a caravan has been proposed by Tim Leuliette, CEO of supplier Dura Automotive Systems Inc., and it's gaining steam. The idea is to highlight how integral the Detroit automakers are to the lives of many who work outside the companies themselves, and to showcase their latest fuel efficient models.

Expect the march to Washington to remain a grassroots effort. Each of the Detroit 3's spokespeople have commented that they are in support of the plan but are not interested in organizing it. It is also highly unlikely that any Detroit 3 CEO would travel to D.C. in the motorcade, as well. To be as effective as possible, some are suggesting that the organizers create a central website with information for those who want to participate like where they should go and when they should be there. Now, if Bob Lutz lead the procession in a Volt mule, that'd send a message. Do it, Bob!

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Detroit supplier organizing March of Green Vehicles to Washington originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravanceo private jetCeoPrivateJetmarch of green vehiclesMarchOfGreenVehiclesprivate jetprivate jet travelprivate jetsPrivateJetPrivateJetsPrivateJetTravelWed, 26 Nov 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Out 'n about: Dodge Caravan R/T goes shopping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/out-n-about-dodge-caravan-r-t-goes-shopping/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/out-n-about-dodge-caravan-r-t-goes-shopping/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/out-n-about-dodge-caravan-r-t-goes-shopping/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Caravan R/T in the wild

Reader Joe Donaldson was out taking photos over the weekend when he happened upon a more-interesting-than-normal Dodge Caravan parked outside a Best Buy. While we generally find the terms "interesting" and "Dodge Caravan" to be mutually exclusive, we'll grant an exception here, because what Don stumbled upon was none other than a Caravan R/T sporting manufacturer tags. Is it the very same Caravan R/T that we saw in Detroit back in January? Who knows, but from the looks of things, it's identically equipped, with the hood scoop, darkened grille area, big wheels, Brembos, dual exhaust, and the requisite badging. We're not particularly big on minivans, but we thought that the Caravan R/T show car was pretty cool, and seeing it in the wild does nothing to change that opinion. Hey Chrysler, Dad might not feel as lame driving around in one of these boxes if you were to, you know, actually offer this.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T in the wild


[Source and Photos: Joe Donaldson]

Out 'n about: Dodge Caravan R/T goes shopping originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravancaravan rtCaravanRtdodgejoe donaldsonJoeDonaldsonrtMon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spotted in Illinois: Dodge Caravan "hybrid"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/spotted-in-illinois-dodge-caravan-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/spotted-in-illinois-dodge-caravan-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/spotted-in-illinois-dodge-caravan-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for a high-res view.

An eagle-eyed reader has spotted a hybrid Dodge Caravan in the Chicago, Illinois area. Don't get your panties in a bunch, though, as this hybrid is not the sort consumers have come to know and love as of late. This Caravan has no electrical propulsion system, but rather two front ends. Before Honda and Toyota forever tied the hybrid term to gasoline-electric drivetrains, it was used to describe vehicles constructed out of various donor parts, such as this one. After all, no one has yet marketed a better name for dual front fascia automobiles. Now obviously this Caravan looks nothing like the one in which your mom carpooled you to soccer practice. Especially since hers probably had a rear end. However, that might be where the differences end, at least from what we can tell. Besides the obvious exterior alterations, there are no hints at what other tricks the minivan might have up its sleeve. It makes for a pretty clever advertisement for an alignment shop though. Nothing quite screams we're good at getting the wheels straight more than a vehicle equipped with two steering racks. Not to mention the fact that the paint happens to be the color of the Incredible Hulk. Although, as far as utility goes, we can't image it would make a good shop runner since chopping off the rear hatch looks to have significantly reduced available cargo space. Be sure and check out the lime green Dodge Caravan that couldn't help but catch a reader's eye in the gallery below and judge for yourself. Thanks for the tip Bdubb!

Gallery: Dodge Caravan "Hybrid"

Spotted in Illinois: Dodge Caravan "hybrid" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaravanDodge CaravanDodgeCaravanHybrid Caravanhybrid minivanHybridCaravanHybridMinivanMini VanMiniVanSat, 14 Jun 2008 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Chryslers to remain Sirius-equippped through 2017]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/chryslers-to-remain-sirius-equippped-through-2017/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/chryslers-to-remain-sirius-equippped-through-2017/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/chryslers-to-remain-sirius-equippped-through-2017/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We may not know exactly which vehicles Chrysler will still be making by 2009, but we do know the automaker will offer Sirius Satellite Radio through 2017. Chrysler has had plenty of success with its Sirius offerings, so the long-term contract should come as no surprise. The take-rate for the audio technology across the Chrysler product line is a hefty 70%, and Sirius gave the Pentastar first crack at Sirius TV in the company's minivans and SUVs. Let's just hope that Chrysler's deals with interior suppliers don't last well into the next decade as well.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Chryslers to remain Sirius-equippped through 2017 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaravanChryslerSirius SatelliteSirius TVSiriusSatelliteSiriusTvTown and CountryTownAndCountryThu, 14 Feb 2008 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Dodge Caravan R/T Concept spotted!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-dodge-caravan-r-t-concept-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-dodge-caravan-r-t-concept-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-dodge-caravan-r-t-concept-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for more images of the Dodge Caraven R/T Concept

Tucked away among its more pedestrian brethren was Dodge's Caravan R/T concept. We have no details on the powertrain or what else may lie beneath its skin, but the appearance changes are rather obvious. Sporting 20" forged Alcoa wheels and 245/45-20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A rubber, the fast family hauler sits just a bit lower to the ground, as well (we suggest telling your significant other that this feature makes it easier for the kids to get in and out of the vehicle). A scooped hood feeds air to whatever powerplant resides underneath, and a dual exhaust out back facilitates the removal of spent combustion gases. Inside, white-faced gages communicate information to the driver, and each occupant gets two-tone leather buckets with bright-red stitching.

We have no idea when such a vehicle might hit the showrooms, so direct your requests, complaints, and begging towards your nearest Chrysler representative.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T concept

Detroit 2008: Dodge Caravan R/T Concept spotted! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaravanCaravan R/TCaravan RTChryslerDodgemini-vanminivanMon, 14 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/dodge-in-danger-of-losing-1-minivan-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/dodge-in-danger-of-losing-1-minivan-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/dodge-in-danger-of-losing-1-minivan-title/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The moral of a certain African tale is: no matter whether you're the lion or the gazelle, when you get up every morning you better be ready to run. That counts for rams, as well. One of Chrysler LLC's most profitable divisions is getting run down in a historically dominant specialty: minivans. The Dodge Caravan (and Grand Caravan), specifically, is in danger of losing its best selling minivan title to the Honda Odyssey.

The Detroit Free Press reports that year-to-date, Dodge has sold 154,824 Caravans, which is a 21.4-percent decline from last year. Part of that has been explained with the arrival of a new model and the elimination of the cheaper, short wheelbase version. Honda meanwhile has sold 158,139 Odysseys so far this year, which is only a 2.3-percent decline from last year. Honda also has a new version of the Odyseey this year, introduced in August, and has outsold Dodge for the past six months -- which means the new model picked up where the old one left its marker.

Follow the jump for more.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Caravan


Gallery: 2008 Honda Odyssey

Continue reading Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title

Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravandodge caravanDodgeCaravangrand caravanGrandCaravanhonda odysseyHondaOdysseyminivanstop selling minivanTopSellingMinivanMon, 10 Dec 2007 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[To kill a minivan: kid-haulers a dying breed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/13/to-kill-a-minivan-kid-haulers-a-dying-breed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/13/to-kill-a-minivan-kid-haulers-a-dying-breed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/13/to-kill-a-minivan-kid-haulers-a-dying-breed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just 12 years ago, minivans made up 8.5% of the overall vehicle market here in the US. Since that time, a string of SUVs and then later CUVs have cut into those vehicles with the magical sliding doors. In the last couple years, GM and Ford have abandoned the minivan segment all-together and concentrated on crossovers like the Buick Enclave and the Ford Flex. In 2006, minivan production fell below 1 million units for the first time in 15 years, and this year is looking much, much worse. The proliferation of CUVs in the past year and the end of the Uplander and Freestar have contributed to minivan sales shrinking an astonishing 22% in 2007.

At first glance, Chrysler's pending launch of the new Town & Country and Caravan appears to be as poorly timed as Toyota's introduction of the all-new Tundra. Both products would have sold in higher numbers only a few years back, when buyers were less afraid of purchasing a vehicle with less than perfect fuel economy. On the other hand, with improved styling (only so much you can do with a minivan), an even better interior, and more flexibility, Chrysler's new minivans may just help turn the tide.

[Source: Detroit News]

To kill a minivan: kid-haulers a dying breed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaravanChryslerFordGMMinivanMon, 13 Aug 2007 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge-based VW minivan caught on dealer TV - too little, too late?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/dodge-based-vw-minivan-caught-on-dealer-tv-too-little-too-late/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/dodge-based-vw-minivan-caught-on-dealer-tv-too-little-too-late/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/dodge-based-vw-minivan-caught-on-dealer-tv-too-little-too-late/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After teasing fans with a modern interpretation of the classic Type 2 micro-bus a few years ago, Volkswagen decided it wasn't an economically viable project. It ultimately decided to strike a deal with DaimlerChrysler to use the Caravan/Town and Country minivan platform as the basis for a VW van. Unfortunately for VW, the minivan market is shrinking as they finally get their own unit to market.

A poster on the VWVortex forums has reportedly caught the first image of the new Chrysler-based VW van on a VW dealer TV screen and had his camera phone ready. No one should be surprised that from the rear quarter angle it looks like a 2008 Dodge Caravan with Touareg taillights. The question remains whether or not by the time it appears in VW dealerships in the summer of 2008, will anyone still care?

In addition to the new van, the dealer TV system also gave timing for some other new products, most of which we already know about. VW had previously confirmed that the Jetta TDI and Tiguan were coming in the first half of 2008 and the Touareg diesel was coming in the fall of 2008. What hadn't been confirmed previously was the Passat coupe also coming in the fall of 2008.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: VW Vortex forums]

Dodge-based VW minivan caught on dealer TV - too little, too late? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaravanChrysler Town and CountryChryslerTownAndCountryDodgeDodge CaravanDodgeCaravanminivanThe Chrysler GroupTheChryslerGroupTown and CountryTownAndCountryVolkswagenVWThu, 12 Jul 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler prices 2008 minivans well below outgoing models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/chrysler-prices-2008-minivans-well-below-outgoing-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/chrysler-prices-2008-minivans-well-below-outgoing-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/chrysler-prices-2008-minivans-well-below-outgoing-models/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While it's hard to argue with the industry minivan leader, the new-for-2008 Chrysler minivans had us scratching our heads a bit. Their styling appears to take a page from the Chevy Venture book of design, which had us wondering if Chrysler could could keep them on top. Well, it looks like the Chrysler Group might have a few tricks up its sleeve to keep the crown, like offering better vehicles with more standard features for a lot less dough. They just announced the U.S. pricing for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country and the new minivan kings appear to be incredible values.

According to the press release, the new vans will start arriving in dealerships in the fall "...with 35 new or improved features," along with the new 4.0L V6, six-speed transaxles, standard all-row side curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all for about two grand less than the outgoing models. The Grand Caravan SE will start at $22,470 and the Grand Caravan SXT at $27,535. Over at Chrysler, the Town & Country will be $23,190 for the LX, $28,430 for the Touring, and $36,400 for the Limited.

Full press release with more details can be found after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler prices 2008 minivans well below outgoing models

Chrysler prices 2008 minivans well below outgoing models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>base priceBasePricecaravanchryslerchrysler town and countryChryslerTownAndCountrydodgeDodge CaravanDodgeCaravanlistmsrppricestown and countryTownAndCountryThu, 12 Jul 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds: The 2008 model lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/live-from-chryslers-proving-grounds-the-2008-model-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/live-from-chryslers-proving-grounds-the-2008-model-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/live-from-chryslers-proving-grounds-the-2008-model-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Click above to view more high-resolution images from the Chrysler proving grounds

It isn't just any day when you get to drive dozens of different vehicles that aren't even on sale yet. Chrysler made today just such a day at its Chelsea, MI proving grounds, as the Pentastar rolled out its entire 2008 lineup for automotive journalists to inspect and drive. We were able to drive everything except the 600-hp Viper for 2008 and the new Dodge and Chrysler minivans, which was a bit of a downer, but not nearly enough to spoil an otherwise fun day.

The driving route lined up for us included artificial road hazards, hairpin turns, and a few straightaways that demonstrated just how impressive the 6.1L Hemi SRT engine really is. Other than the aforementioned Viper and minivans, Chrysler left the keys in literally everything else, from the SRT 300C to the Sprinter van and Ram 3500 flat-bed. AutoblogGreen was also on hand to drive Chrysler's new two-mode hybrid system equipped with a Hemi engine in the Aspen SUV, and we'll tell you just how that went as soon as the embargoes are lifted (or as soon as someone else opens the floodgates.)

One of the most popular events of the day was an off-road course where we could see just how capable the Jeep lineup really is. Even the JT concept was on-hand for the rough housing, and the end result was some very dirty metal and a few dinged-up quarter-panels.

We'll be bringing you more posts from this event throughout the day today and tomorrow, but for now you can check out some high-res pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 Chrysler Group vehicle line

Live from Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds: The 2008 model lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvengerCaravanChryslerDodgeSebringSprinterViperThu, 21 Jun 2007 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brings its A-game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-brings-its-a-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-brings-its-a-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-brings-its-a-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for high-resolution gallery of 20 pics

Can you believe it? The Chrysler Group's new minivans for 2008 will mark the fifth generation of these all-purpose people haulers. The 2008 lineup includes the Chrysler Town and Country, which we showed you yesterday, and the Dodge Grand Caravan. Reaction to the styling of the Town and Country in the comments has been mixed, and so we expect a similar reaction to the Grand Caravan. And while the Grand Caravan does bear a resemblance to the Chevy Venture, we actually like its simple, purposeful lines. It actually looks more compact than the egg-shaped model it replaces, which is a good thing.

The point must be made, however, that minivan buyers are generally not placing style at the top of their must-have list when visiting dealerships. For them, it's all about what the vehicle can do for me and my family. DCX knew that to protect its position as the number one purveyor of minivans that it would have to stuff more features and options between its bumpers than the competition. For 2008, that task was made by easier by the decision to cancel the short-wheelbase Dodge Caravan, so now both minivans ride on an identical 121.2-inch wheelbase.



More of our thoughts can be found after the jump, along with an Overview on these minivans from Chrysler, and you can peruse the Chrysler Town & Country gallery of high-resolution images here or check out the new gallery of Dodge Grand Caravan shots.

Continue reading 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brings its A-game

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brings its A-game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008caravangrand caravanGrandCaravanFri, 05 Jan 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[DCX minivans appear online ahead of Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/dcx-minivans-appear-online-ahead-of-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/dcx-minivans-appear-online-ahead-of-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/dcx-minivans-appear-online-ahead-of-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


UPDATE: At the request of the Chrysler Group we've removed the photos of the DCX minivans from Autoblog. In our quest to be seen as a legitimate and professional automotive news outlet, we strive to play this game above board as much as possible. These pics appeared on the forum of a Spanish website, which drew suspicion that someone might have posted them there with the intent they be discovered and widely distributed, which they were. It's one thing if a site breaks an embargo and the rest of the internet community follows suit, but whoever broke the embargo should stand up and take their punishment rather than hiding behind a Spanish forum, if that's the case. Regardless, these minivans are a big deal to The Chrysler Group, and rightly so they are taking action to ensure that their unveiling is protected. Good for you if you got to see the pics while they were up on the site, but if not then don't worry. We'll have dozens and dozens of high-resolution live and official shots when the embargo for these vehicles lift on Sunday.

DCX minivans appear online ahead of Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravantown and countryTownAndCountryWed, 03 Jan 2007 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[The US Minivan's last stand - Chrysler to debut 2008 Minvans at Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/the-us-minivans-last-stand-chrysler-to-debut-2008-minvans-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/the-us-minivans-last-stand-chrysler-to-debut-2008-minvans-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/the-us-minivans-last-stand-chrysler-to-debut-2008-minvans-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford and General Motors have lost their taste for the minivan wars, leaving the Chrysler Group to stand alone as the sole domestic player in the minivan arena. It's just as well -- DCX always had the best American vans, anyway. Having invented the segment, Chrysler has hunkered down and pushed their minivan to be a contender once again. The Caravan and Town & Country will sport new styling, squaring up the edges of the current look, and front-end appearances will offer more distinction between the Dodge and Chrysler brands. Underhood, four-cylinders are banished, and there's a new high-end 4.0 liter V6 hooked up to a six-speed transaxle. The squarer profile will offer more interior room, and there's been talk of DCX ditching the short-wheelbase vans altogether. Speaking of the interior, of course the Stow 'n Go seats will show up, but there are also some slick surprises inside the new vans.

Continued after the jump

[Source: Allpar.com]

Continue reading The US Minivan's last stand - Chrysler to debut 2008 Minvans at Detroit

The US Minivan's last stand - Chrysler to debut 2008 Minvans at Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008caravanchryslerDaimlerChryslerdodgeminivantown and countryTownAndCountryvanWed, 03 Jan 2007 08:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Caravan/Chrysler T&C]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/spy-photos-2008-dodge-caravan-chrysler-tandc/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/spy-photos-2008-dodge-caravan-chrysler-tandc/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/spy-photos-2008-dodge-caravan-chrysler-tandc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Johnathan Stein over at HowBourgeois ran across this heavily disguised prototype of what appears to be a 2008 Dodge Caravan, or possibly a Chrysler Town & Country, or possibly what will eventually be an unnamed Volkswagen minivan. He braved severely aggravated DaimlerChrysler staff to capture the exterior, otherwise we'd be staring at the interior accoutrements, as well. As all spy shots of these gen minivans have been heavily disguised so far, we're not really expecting the final products to show their faces at the L.A. auto show later this year. We'll likely meet them for the first time at the Detroit show in January.

[Source: HowBourgeois]

Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Caravan/Chrysler T&C originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravantown and countryTownAndCountryTue, 06 Jun 2006 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NHTSA investigating 1.16 million Chrysler vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/nhtsa-investigating-1-16-million-chrysler-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/nhtsa-investigating-1-16-million-chrysler-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/nhtsa-investigating-1-16-million-chrysler-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday that it has authorized an engineering analysis of possible defects in 1.16 million minivans, SUVs and trucks from the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler.

Targets of the investigation include front airbag crash sensors in 2005 and 2006 model-year Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans, as well as steering wheel and shaft coupling bolts in 2004-2006 Dodge Durango SUVs and 2005-2006 Dodge Dakota pickups.

The outcome of NHTSA's engineering analysis will determine whether or not any safety recalls are necessary.

[Source: Reuters]

NHTSA investigating 1.16 million Chrysler vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravanchryslerDaimlerChryslerdakotaDCXdodgedurangoRecalltown and countryTue, 14 Mar 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/28/spy-photos-2008-dodge-grand-caravan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/28/spy-photos-2008-dodge-grand-caravan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/28/spy-photos-2008-dodge-grand-caravan/#commentsFiled under: ,

KGP Photography caught these shots of what looks to be a surprisingly muscular 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, likely souped-up to compete with a full slate of new Asian minivans. The lines appear reminiscent of the marque's own Magnum and Durango, losing the overtly-rounded aesthetic that has long been its trademark. With the Asian competition bearing down, expect this one to have a more powerful engine and more safety features compared to the current model.

Oh, and remember the agreement between DCX and Volkswagen? What you see here may be the foundation upon which VW builds its new people-carrier.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaravanChryslerDodge DurangoDodge MagnumDodgeDurangoDodgeMagnumGrand caravanGrandCaravanminivanVolkswagenTue, 28 Feb 2006 10:00:00 EST