Autoblog

Feds escalate Jeep Liberty airbag investigation

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

In September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a probe of 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty models. Owners were reporting that airbags were deploying when there hadn't been an accident. At the time, there were 39 complaints filed: seven to NHTSA and 32 field reports from Chrysler. Ten of those complaints resulted in injuries.

A report by The Detroit News says the probe has been upgraded - there have now been 87 complaints, with 50 of them resulting in injury. Chrysler hasn't been able to nail down a single cause of, or even a single protocol for the problem; the airbags have deployed on startup and when the car is running - sometimes it's just the driver's side unit and sometimes it's both driver and passenger bags.

There are 386,873 Liberty vehicles included in the probe from those two model years. Chrysler says it is cooperating fully with the investigation and trying to find the source of the issue, with one suggestion being "a transient voltage spike" in a circuit.

Feds escalate Jeep Liberty airbag investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler planning Dodge Avenger successor after all?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo

Don't cry for the Dodge Avenger just yet. According to USA Today, Chrysler is set to introduce new midsized sedans to replace both the Chrysler 200 and the much-maligned Dodge Avenger. The vehicles will be built on a version of the same platform that underpins the 2013 Dodge Dart. That news runs contrary to word that the Avenger is headed to the great scrap pile in the sky after the current generation runs its course. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is looking to shore up the company's small car efforts and spread the cost of platform development across as many models as possible.

Marchionne also made mention of introducing a new hybrid hatchback under the Chrysler 100 nameplate, though details are scarce at the moment.

USA Today reports the same platform may be used for the next-generation Jeep Liberty and Compass, which are slated to debut sometime in 2013. Marchionne says both vehicles will be trail-rated and capable of standing up to the kind of abuse Jeep buyers demand. Even so, the CEO says the vehicles will have their "origins in the architecture of a sports car."

Speaking of sports cars, Marchionne also made it clear Alfa Romeo is still coming to the States, though the Italian brand's strategy has shifted somewhat. The models headed to the U.S. market will be lightweight and powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine offering 300 horsepower. Certainly sounds good to us.

Chrysler planning Dodge Avenger successor after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler investing $1.7B in Jeep Liberty replacement

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Jeep

There will be a new Jeep model to replace the Liberty. It will be built at the Toledo North Assemby Plant, and the plan will include creation of a second shift that will augment the Ohio plant's workforce by 1,100-plus positions. The 2013-model Jeep SUV will be developed with a $1.7 billion investment from parent Chrysler, and that bankrolling includes a $500 million renovation to the plant itself to add 260,000 square feet to the body shop, upgrade the facility overall, and also implement a Metrology Center where quality will be put under a microscope by verifying key measurements to make sure fit-and-finish standards are being met.

The plan, announced in Ohio by Chrysler Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne, gets underway before the close of 2011, and the second shift will begin in late 2013. It's more evidence that Marchionne is having success shepherding Chrysler and all its brands back from the brink. The Liberty replacement will ride atop a platform shared with Fiat, and the vehicle will be exported worldwide. Read the full announcement posted after the jump for more info.

Continue reading Chrysler investing $1.7B in Jeep Liberty replacement

Chrysler investing $1.7B in Jeep Liberty replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep previews Wrangler and Liberty Arctic special editions ahead of LA Auto Show

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep continues to roll out a slew of special edition vehicles, this time creating Arctic variations of the Wrangler and the Liberty. Both vehicles are set apart from their more pedestrian kin by the addition of winter-themed accents inside and out.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic comes equipped with a body-color hard top and fender flares along with special Arctic badges and a Yeti footprint decal that wraps over the driver's side fender and hood. Each model will only be available in one of three colors: Winter Chill, Bright Silver or Bright White. Inside, buyers will be treated to polar white accents with orange piping on the seats. Semi-gloss black 17-inch wheels are also part of the package, though curiously enough, snow tires are not part of the standard equipment.

The 2012 Jeep Liberty Arctic, meanwhile, offers up a similar smattering of aesthetic tweaks. The vehicle's option sheet includes one additional color over the what's available on the Wrangler, but expect to see the same Arctic badges outside. Additionally, the Liberty gets its own Yeti decal along with 16-inch semi-gloss black wheels of its own. Inside, the seats are shod in special edition colors with an Arctic logo embroidered on the seat backs. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Jeep previews Wrangler and Liberty Arctic special editions ahead of LA Auto Show

Jeep previews Wrangler and Liberty Arctic special editions ahead of LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA opens investigation into Jeep Liberty over rust-related suspension failures

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

Does the Jeep Liberty have an addiction to rust? Back in 2003, approximately 326,000 2002-2003 Liberty SUVs were recalled because their lower control arm ball joints could corrode excessively. Just three years later in 2006, the issue popped up again, which prompted a recall of 826,000 potentially rust-happy 2002-2006 Jeep models. Another three years passed when, in 2009, Chrysler sent out a recall notice to 42,469 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty owners located in cold-weather states. This time, the problem was related to the upper ball joints.

Now it seems the Jeep Liberty is ready to jump the gun on its next every-three-years recall because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 370,000 vehicles... for the same issue. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA has opened up an investigation that involves 2002-2005 Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles. It's still just an investigation at this point, but given the round-eyed CUV's track record, we'll be keeping an eye out for more on this situation.

[Source: The Detroit News]

NHTSA opens investigation into Jeep Liberty over rust-related suspension failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New Jeep Liberty on the way in 2012; Dodge Nitro replacement uncertain

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

2010 Jeep Liberty Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has been mighty busy these past few months. The Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker has launched all-new versions of the Dodge Durango and Charger, the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. That's a very full product onslaught, yet Team Pentastar also found the time to give thorough (if overdue) refreshes to most of the other vehicles in its lineup. One vehicle missing from that long list of re-dos is the Jeep Liberty, but a report from Kicking Tires suggests that may change for 2012.

KT cites a Securities and Exchange Commission filing submitted by Chrysler that shows that the Liberty will be remade next year. We're not sure if the Liberty will be refreshed or if Chrysler is planning a more comprehensive makeover, but we do know that any and all changes are welcome. The second-generation Liberty went on sale in the 2008 model year.

The Liberty's fraternal twin, the Dodge Nitro is in need of some refresh love itself, but interestingly enough, the slow-selling vehicle wasn't mentioned in the report. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne mentioned during the Detroit Auto Show that the Nitro "needs to be replaced," adding that the midsize SUV is "the most significant hole in our product portfolio."

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Liberty Sport: Review

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Sources: Toledo Blade via Kicking Tires]

Report: New Jeep Liberty on the way in 2012; Dodge Nitro replacement uncertain originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Jeep rolls out premium Grand Cherokee and Liberty trims

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Jeep, Luxury, Off-Road

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit - Click above for high-res image

Jeep is preparing to rumble in to the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show with a pair of upscale variants on two of their most popular models: the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and the Liberty Jet.

The Overland Summit edition of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee stands among the most luxurious and equipped vehicle the Chrysler division has ever made. Jeep has chromed the grille, fog lamp bezels and 20-inch rims and painted it a new shade of Rugged Brown (optional alongside gray, beige and black), decking out the interior with Black Olive veneers, two-tone Nappa leather and Berber floor mats.

The Liberty Jet edition also adds a load of chrome to the wheels, lower grille, side moldings, tailgate, roof rails and mirror housings, while blacking out the headlamps to compliment the silver, charcoal, black or blackberry colors available. Inside the Liberty Jet packs a nine-speaker audio system and a host of optional features bundled as standard.

The Overland commands a $42,495 MSRP (before destination) in two-wheel drive spec and $45,995 for the 4x4, while the Jet package adds $1,495 to the Liberty Sport or $995 to the Liberty Limited. Both will be unveiled at the LA show before opening the order books in December, but you can check out the details in the press release after the jump right now along with the pair of high-res preview images in the gallery below. Hat tip to Brian!

Gallery: Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading LA Preview: Jeep rolls out premium Grand Cherokee and Liberty trims

LA Preview: Jeep rolls out premium Grand Cherokee and Liberty trims originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler delays planned expansion of Toledo plant

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat

It's no secret that Chrysler's future plans are in a constant state of flux right now. After all, the automaker just went through a ridiculously fast bankruptcy where bits and pieces were shed before stewardship was handed over to Italy's Fiat. It's only natural that Chrysler's new management would need some time to get itself organized.

According to The Toledo Blade, Chrysler decisionmakers are still up in the air as to how the Toledo North Assembly Plant figures into the company's future roadmap. Previously, Chrysler said the Ohio facility would build three new SUVs based on Fiat's C-Evo platform to replace the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro.

Apparently, however, Chrysler has three plants that could build the new 'utes - Toledo, Belvedere, Illinois and Sterling Heights, Michigan. The reality is that the Pentastar really only needs two of them to handle the project. Alternately, all three could build the vehicles using fewer shifts. At this point, it's anyone's guess which, if any, of these facilities will be left out in the cold, and what the resulting employee impact will be.

[Source: The Toledo Blade]

Report: Chrysler delays planned expansion of Toledo plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge recalling 22,000 2010MY trucks, SUVs over brake issue

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has found a defect with certain 2010 Dodge Nitro, Dodge Ram 1500, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wrangler models that could hinder braking. An improper flare on a brake tube that connects the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit is being blamed for the problem. The HCU is part of the anti-lock braking system, and the faulty flare may leak and lead to a loss of brake fluid, which could lead to reduced braking performance and heighten the risk of a crash.

Chrysler will replace the tubes on 22,118 vehicles at its own cost under safety recall starting in August. Concerned owners can also phone in at 800-853-1403 or visit The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's safercar.gov website. NHTSA is tracking this effort under campaign ID number 10V315000.

[Source: NHTSA]

Dodge recalling 22,000 2010MY trucks, SUVs over brake issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler goes back to 0% financing for May

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has just announced its newest wave of incentives. Those looking to snap up anything from the company's four brands can look forward to zero-percent financing courtesy of GMAC on most of its products. Chrysler models can be had at the low APR for 60 months or 1.9 percent for 72 months. If that doesn't float your boat, the company is also dishing out $3,000 in consumer cash.

Likewise, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Commander are all now available with either zero-percent financing or up to $4,000 in cash. If buyers sign their car loan with GMAC, the lender will also throw in an additional $1,000 in bonus cash on those Jeep models. Sorry, Wrangler fans, but everyone's favorite go-anywhere machine is only available with $500 in Mopar bucks.

Speaking of Mopar bucks, Dodge Challenger buyers can now take advantage of a hefty $2,000 to be used exclusively toward Mopar accessories. Chrysler has also rolled out similar incentives for other Dodge and Ram Trucks products. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler goes back to 0% financing for May

Chrysler goes back to 0% financing for May originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler, now led by Sergio Marchionne and the rest of the management crew brought in by Italian automaker Fiat, has big plans in place that will replace just about every single vehicle the American automaker currently offers. Judging from the purported list of new vehicle launches secured by the Mopar fanatics at Allpar, it would seem that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will be hitting the market all through 2010 and well into 2011.

Looking over the list of 2010 production start dates, the first date to get excited about (barring the March 29th Viper production launch, of course - we're talking about for the mainstream market), is May 10th, which is when the thoroughly recreated Jeep Grand Cherokee will begin rolling down the assembly line. In mid-August, the 2011 Wrangler will make its initial appearance, and we're really hoping for a new powertrain combination for the venerable off-roader.

Towards the end of 2010, we should begin seeing the heavily revised Pentastar minivans along with the new Avenger and Sebring replacements, though the Chrysler midsizer seems likely to get a new moniker to erase memories of the current car. Finally, the three LX-based cars - those being the Challenger, Charger and 300 - will go into production in November, followed closely by the North American 2012 Fiat 500. Keep it together, Chrysler.

[Source: Allpar]

Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

The Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the recall of some 24,177 late-model Chrysler Group vehicles over potentially faulty brakes. The problem effects the MY2010 Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Nitro, and the 2009-2010 Dodge Ram.

The problem in question involves a retaining clip for the brake booster input rod - part of the brake hydraulics - which could be either be deformed or missing entirely. In such cases, the brakes could fail entirely and, suffice it to say, cause a crash.

If you own one of these 24,000 vehicles, the government agency advises that you contact your local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer for servicing post-haste. Details in recall notice after the jump.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles

Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: C-EVO-based Jeep on the way

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Fiat, Rumormill

Three months ago, Chrysler - under the control of Italian automaker Fiat after going through bankruptcy proceedings in the United States - unveiled a sweeping five-year business plan that would either replace or comprehensively rework every single product in the Pentastar's lineup. Included amongst the casualties will be the Jeep Patriot and Compass twins at the end of 2012.

Industry analysts have widely speculated that America would get a version of the Fiat Panda wearing the famous seven-slot Jeep grille. That vehicle would occupy the small end of the market, meaning that Jeep would need something to fall size-wise between it and the larger Grand Cherokee.

According to Autocar, Jeep will get another new CUV using an as-yet-unknown nameplate (Liberty?) that would be based on the Fiat's C-EVO platform - which will also be used for a number of Chrysler's midsize sedans and crossovers. We would imagine that the Jeep version would get suitably capable off-road equipment, but that remains to be seen.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: C-EVO-based Jeep on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Design/Style, Off-Road

2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jeep is poised to release a trio of special edition vehicles next week at the Detroit Auto Show; two based on the iconic Wrangler platform and a third based on the Liberty. As much as we'd love to tell you about some amazing new powertrain option, that's not happening - at least not yet. Instead, these three models are really just interesting themes on the same basic and well-known packages.

We'll start with the Liberty Renegade, which will be positioned in between the Sport and Limited models. Included in the kit are painted Mineral Gray Keystone 16-inch wheels capped with all-terrain P235/70R16 tires along with dark neutral metallic wheel flares, side sills and fascia. The graphics package continues with Argent Silver on the lower fascia and roof rack plus Satin Black vinyl hood decals. Finally, the interior features new driftwood accent bezels.

On the Wrangler front, the first highlight is the $1,120 Islander package, which returns after a 20-plus-year absence. Unique touches include an optional Surf Blue Pearl Coat, an Islander "Tiki Bob" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates, black side steps and 17-inch Moab wheels shod with 32-inch tires. Tiki Bob makes an appearance inside too, embroidered on the seat backs.

Finally, the $1,820 Wrangler Mountain package is based on the S model and comes with a unique "Mountain" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates (different from the Islander's coordinates, naturally) along with painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués. Other bits include tubular side steps, black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar. Interior improvements are made up of an embossed seat insert with embroidered "Mountain logo" plus anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning rings.

Want to know more? Check out our high-res image galleries of all three models below and then hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Mountain

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade

Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fido Approved: America's top ten pet-safe vehicles

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

America's Top 10 Pet Safe vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Most people don't pay it any mind, but car accidents and pets don't mix. Just like with humans, wrapping your car around a telephone pole can kill Fido dead. Or really injure the cute little guy. To draw attention to this issue, a website called Bark Buckle Up has teamed up with Edmunds.com to bring us their Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles.

As Bark Buckle Up points out, "If you have an accident at 35 mph while toting your 60-pound unrestrained dog, your pet is capable of causing an impact of up to 2,700 pounds, slamming into the seat, the windshield, or even a passenger." Ouch. Now of course, if you have an eight pound pooch, that's only a 360 pound impact. We say "only" to illustrate how violent car crashes can be. And just imagine if you had a really big dog, like a Dogo Argentino. Assuming you got a big 160-pound satin-white boar hunter, the impact would be near the four ton range.

What do the following ten vehicles do to address pets flying through the windshield in a crash? Very little, and we don't want to get into the delusion that CUVs are somehow safer than cars. But they all offer nice amenities for pets -- stuff like room to stretch out, tri-zone climate control, fold flat rear seats, side impact airbags and rear back up cameras. As for an accident, you might want to invest in a doggy seat belt. Says Bark Buckle Up founder Christina Selter, "In the event of a sudden stop or accident, the animal can injure other passengers or be thrown through the windshield, then hinder the efforts of rescue workers or even cause another accident by escaping into the street." All ten vehicles are listed out in alphabetical order, so check 'em out in our gallery below.

Gallery: Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles

[Source: Bark Buckle Up]

Fido Approved: America's top ten pet-safe vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill

Alfa Romeo Kamal concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to automotive consulting firm IHS Global Insight, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineups are going to look drastically different over the next few years under Fiat control. No surprises there, but the report goes on the forecast which current Chrysler vehicles will be dropped and which ones will be transferred to new platforms. We've already heard that the next Alfa Romeo 169 sedan will be built atop Chrysler's LX platform in Ontario, Canada and that the Fiat 500 will be built ASAP in Toluca, Mexico, but that's only the beginning.

If IHS is right, joining the 500 in Toluca will be the Jeep Panda, which, as you may have guessed, will be a version of the Fiat Panda wearing Jeep's trademark seven-slot grille. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo may get two new SUVs that would be built in Jeep factories in Jefferson, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio - one midsize 'ute called the GTX that's based on the WL platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a smaller one built on Fiat's C-EVO platform, which will also underpin the next Jeep Liberty. That leaves the unloved Jeep Compass and its somewhat more likable brother, the Patriot, to die slow and inglorious death.

Fiat's C-EVO platform will also spawn the next-gen Dodge Journey, Chrysler Sebring (and presumably the Dodge Avenger if it survives past its current form), and Dodge Caliber. Moving downward in size a notch will (finally) be the Dodge Hornet, which will forgo Bad Chrysler's old deal with Nissan in order to share its Fiat 199 platform with the Alfa Romeo MiTo, both of which will be assembled in Belvidere, Illinois sometime in 2011. Thanks for the tip, Dad!

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

[Source: Global Insight]

Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Jeep

Chrysler is recalling over 47,000 models, including the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, and Wrangler four-door that may have reversed wiring on the driver's airbag controller, a defect that may inhibit the airbag's deployment. Additionally, the 2002 and 2003 Jeep Libertys sold in New England and much of the Midwest are susceptible to a loss of lubrication in their front ball joints due to salt. The remedy for both recalls is a trip to the dealer, who will inspect and make any necessary repairs. You can read the full press releases after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA (Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler) & NHTSA (Liberty)]

Continue reading Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep adds Rocky Mountain Edition models to Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep

Click above to enlarge

In an effort to revive lagging sales, automakers often create new packages that bundle desirable features into one new trim level at a slightly reduced cost. Such is the case with the new Rocky Mountain Editions of the Jeep Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee for 2009. Included in the package are a sunroof, an uplevel audio package that includes uConnect and SIRIUS satellite radio, alloy wheels and unique paint colors with special badges. As you would expect from Jeep, four-wheel drive is available on all of these models.

Checking the Rocky Mountain Edition box on the vehicle order form will add a total of $1,595 to the vehicle's bottom line. If added separately, the components that make up the package would cost $2,300, which makes for a pretty good deal (though not quite as good as the "approximately $1,000" in savings that Chrysler is touting). Read the full press release after the break.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Jeep adds Rocky Mountain Edition models to Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee

Jeep adds Rocky Mountain Edition models to Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty to merge into one vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Dodge, Jeep

News out of Toledo is that Chrysler plans to drop either the Jeep Liberty or the Dodge Nitro within four years and merge the two vehicles into one. These two 'utes are built on the same exact platform, use basically the same engines and are built in the same Toledo plant. There is no good reason for both of them to exist, which makes us wonder why they ever did in the first place and why it will take three years to correct. Regardless, considering that Jeep will always be the off-road brand, it would make most sense to keep the Liberty name going. Losing the Nitro, meanwhile, might actually help Dodge improve its image as a volume performance brand.

This convergence of duplicate vehicles is part of Chrysler's Project Genesis plan. Under the plan, dealers will begin to offer Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles under the same roof. Other nameplates that are or should be converged include the Jeep Compass/Jeep Patriot and Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen, the latter of which could see themselves replaced by a new model with Jeep underpinnings.

[Source: The Toledo Blade]

Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty to merge into one vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toledo Jeep workers to get four more weeks of "vacation"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Jeep

click above to view more high-res pics of the 2008 Jeep Liberty

Employees at Jeep's factory in Toledo, Ohio reported back to work this week after two months of mandatory downtime. The good news is that they still have their jobs; the bad news is that they've been told to expect another four weeks off before the end of the year. This time, however, the shutdowns will be scheduled in week-long intervals instead of covering an entire four-week period. The slowdown of SUV sales has been widely covered and the Jeep brand has not been immune, including its bread-and-butter Wrangler model that had proven extremely popular a short while back when the first-ever four-door version was unveiled. Of course, back then gas was below $3 a gallon. Besides the Wrangler, Jeep also makes the Liberty and Dodge Nitro at the Toledo plant.

Gallery: 2008 Jeep Liberty

[Source: 13 ABC]

Toledo Jeep workers to get four more weeks of "vacation" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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