Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In the same week that Audi said "not so fast" to some claims from Tesla, Chrysler has responded to a new press release from the California-based EV-maker by saying "not exactly, Tesla." The statement, released through the company's blog, comes in response to Tesla claiming it was "the only American car company to have fully repaid the government." Chrysler notes that it, too, recently paid back Uncle Sam from its 2008 bailout. Similar to Audi's recent press release, which was eventually and mysteriously deleted from the German automaker's site, Chrysler is both right and wrong in its statement.

Tesla specifically said that it had paid back the Department of Energy loans that many automakers received - including Fisker and VPG Autos - while Chrysler's retort argues Tesla is "unmistakably incorrect" since it repaid the government in 2011 a full six years early. Technically, the statements from both automakers are correct, but Tesla's startup loan originated from the DoE, while Chrysler's loan came in bailout form from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Further, as The Detroit News notes, Chrysler's loan still cost taxpayers well over a billion dollars after all was said and done - those negative assets tied to "old Chrysler" in the bankruptcy did not require repayment.

Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler bailoutDepartment of Energydoe loansgovernment loansteslatesla doe loansThu, 23 May 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/20581223/article-detail.xml 20581223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chrysler-tesla_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chrysler-tesla.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne offers belated apology for 'wop engine' comment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne talks with microphone and his hand up

Automotive News reports Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has issued a written apology for his comments regarding his decision to stick with an Italian engine for the upcoming Alfa Romeo 4C. As you may recall, back in January, Marchionne was quoted as saying, "I cannot come up with a schlock product, I just won't. I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it has to be a wop engine." The CEO penned an apology to the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition for using the racial epithet, saying that he made the comment in jest. Marchionne also said he realizes his remarks were unacceptable.

ONE VOICE, an organization aimed at fighting discrimination and stereotyping of Italian Americans, thanked Marchionne, Chrysler and Fiat for the apology. Marchionne is an Italian-born Canadian citizen, and he's gotten in trouble for other comments in the past. In 2011, he called high interest rates Chrysler was paying to the Canadian government "shyster rates." He apologized a day later.

Marchionne offers belated apology for 'wop engine' comment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeochryslerfiatmarchionneone voiceracial epithetsergio marchionnesergio marchionne apologyslurwopWed, 22 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/20579631/article-detail.xml 20579631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-hand_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-hand.jpg <![CDATA[Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dodge Dart production line worker

Most domestic automaker assembly plants traditionally take a couple of weeks off during the summer. The shutdowns give each plant time for much needed repairs and maintenance, and in some cases, help better align production with demand. Not this year, though, as demand for many models is outstripping what Ford, Chrysler and General Motors plants can produce.

Ford has announced that it will shorten its annual summer shutdown for most North American plants from two weeks to one. The shorter shutdown will increase the carmaker's annual North American production by 40,000 units on top of the 200,000 extra units that it was already planning to produce this year versus last. Automotive News reports that Ford produced 2.8 million vehicles on this continent in 2012, and that output this year has already increased 13 percent through April.

Chrysler, meanwhile, is also operating at full tilt and plans to run some plants through the summer with no shutdown at all. Those not getting a break include Jefferson North where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are assembled, Toledo North that will assemble the new Cherokee, and Conner Avenue, home of SRT Viper production. Other assembly plants will be down for a single week, while all of Chrysler's engine and transmission plants except one in Indiana will continue operating with no shutdown this summer.

Lastly, GM is keeping its cards closer to its chest. The automaker declined to comment to Automotive News about its summer production plans, instead saying that the company "does things a bit differently" now compared to the past, tying plant shutdowns to model life cycles and market demand rather than traditional annual timetables.

Continue reading Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns

Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfordgeneral motorsgmplant shutdownshutdownsummer shutdownWed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/20579690/article-detail.xml 20579690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler readying Hellcat V8 with Viper-like power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A monstrous supercharged V8 engine could be in store for Chrysler and SRT products, if recent rumors are to be believed. Allpar is reporting that the forced-induction V8 - Chrysler's first, if this goes down - could make its debut this summer.

The story goes that the Hellcat would be based on a 6.2-liter Hemi engine, rather than on the existing 5.7- or 6.4-liter versions of the company's vaunted mill. In any case, the general consensus is that the motor will have gobs of power. Modest estimates call for between 500 to 570 horsepower, with some outliers predicting a figure as high as 600 hp. That figure would put the output of the Hellcat awfully close to that of the 640-hp V10 in the SRT Viper, too. Allpar contends that a slightly less powerful version would allow Chrysler to keep costs below that of the more powerful Ford Shelby GT500, which might be a sweet spot.

The Hellcat could debut in a number of SRT products. SRT versions of the Charger, Challenger and 300 are all up for grabs, as is the rumored SRT Barracuda.

Chrysler readying Hellcat V8 with Viper-like power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barracudachryslerchrysler 300dodgedodge challengerdodge chargerhellcathellcat hemi v8hemisrtsrt viperTue, 21 May 2013 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577853/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/20577853/article-detail.xml 20577853 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-dodge-charger-srt8-engine-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-dodge-charger-srt8-engine-628.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit automakers gain Q1 market share simultaneously for first time in 20 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler logos

While monthly sales figures might be an easy way of tracking the progression of the auto industry and individual automakers, looking at market share might be more indicative of how each company is actually standing up against its competitors. For the Detroit Three automakers, they have collectively lost almost 30 percent of the market over the last 20 years, but now, for the first time since 1993, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have each posted market share gains at the same time in the first quarter of 2013.

According to Automotive News, Ford's share increased the most by 0.7 percent, GM was up 0.5 percent and Chrysler rose marginally by 0.2 percent, giving the Detroit automakers a total market share of 45.6 percent. As for the Japan's Big Three, the article reports that Toyota is up by 0.7 percent, Nissan is down the same amount and Honda has seen "little change."

Detroit automakers gain Q1 market share simultaneously for first time in 20 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big threechryslerdetroit threedomestic automakersfordgeneral motorsgmus market shareWed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/20553655/article-detail.xml 20553655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/big-three-logos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/big-three-logos.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee - live on stage, front three-quarter view

Preliminary first-quarter results from 2013 have been announced by Chrysler, and the company is reporting a net income of $166 million on revenue of $15.4 billion. Compared to this period last year, net income is down $307 million and revenue has dropped $1 billion.

Chrysler says that its quarter was negatively affected by the costs associated with launching its 2013 Ram Heavy Duty, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and preparation for the return of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee pictured above. The launches should provide a strong second half of 2013, says the automaker. "We remain on track to achieve our business targets, even as the first-quarter results were affected by an aggressive product launch schedule," said Chrysler Group LLC Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne.

On a positive note, the automaker says worldwide vehicle sales are up 8 percent from one year ago, a number pushed by a 12 percent bump in U.S. retail sales. In addition, domestic market share has risen slightly, up to 11.4 percent from 11.2 percent last year. Read more in the official statement below.

Continue reading Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012

Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler first quarterchrysler saleschrysler sales figuresfirst quarter incomefirst quarter revenuejeepsergio marchionneMon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/20551949/article-detail.xml 20551949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt.png <![CDATA[Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In 2011, Chrysler announced a $72-million investment in its Toledo Machining Plant to modernize production of the eight- and nine-speed torque-converters for automatic transmissions made there. That upgrade work won't be finished until Q3 of this year, but Chrysler has already announced a further $19.6-million investment to increase production capacity for the nine-speeders.

The extra units will be necessary because the nine-speed transmission they'll be mated to is going into three popular models: it will debut on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, then go into the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. The company predicted that this year alone it would sell 200,000 units equipped with the nine-speed tranny, and it is spending some $374 million in addition to the investment in Toledo to upgrade production capacity for it.

The work attached to this new investment won't begin until Q3 of 2014, and it will be finished by the end of that year. There's a press release below with all the details.

Continue reading Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production

Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 200dodgedodge dartjeepjeep cherokeenine-speed transmissiontoledotoledo machining plantSun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550350/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/20550350/article-detail.xml 20550350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne with hands on face

At the moment, Fiat is in court with the United Auto Workers, waiting for the justice system to provide some guidance on a fair price for 41.5-percent of Chrysler it doesn't own. Fiat owns 58.5 percent of the company and wishes to buy the remainder, which is owned by the union's VEBA retiree trust, but the Italian company and the UAW are on different sides of the galaxy when it comes to assigning a fair price to that outstanding stake.

Naturally, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is considering his options. A new report in the The Wall Street Journal says one of the scenarios being considered now is - depending on the outcome of the court case - to purchase the 41.5-percent stake and then issue an IPO to recoup some of the cost. About two months ago, Marchionne put the odds of an IPO for a wholly combined Fiat/Chrysler at 50 percent. Even with the WSJ report, it's not clear if those odds have changed.

The current company structure leaves a lot of options as to how a potential IPO could be issued, but it's said that Marchionne is against it, preferring "to be one company," under Fiat, indivisible. If Fiat is finally able to purchase all of the Pentastar, it would get access to Chrysler's war chest, pegged at $11.9 billion at the end of Q3 in 2012, and that money can't come soon enough for a brand taking a beating in Europe and delaying product over cash concerns.

Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler ipofiatfiat ipoinitial public offeringiposergio marchionneuawunited auto workersvebaWed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/20548386/article-detail.xml 20548386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler museum to open one last time on June 8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/chrysler-museum-to-open-one-last-time-on-june-8/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/chrysler-museum-to-open-one-last-time-on-june-8/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/chrysler-museum-to-open-one-last-time-on-june-8/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Due to a lack of funding, Chrysler closed the doors to its Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, MI back in December, but it sounds like the facility will be open next month for one last hurrah. According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, the Chrysler Museum will be open to the public one last time on June 8 for the annual Chrysler Employee Motorsport Association car show.

While the car show will take place in the museum's parking lot from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM on June 8 with a theme dedicated to muscle cars past and present, all attendees will be able to be among the last people to tour the museum - with free admission. The museum is known for housing some of the more important production and concept cars from Chrysler's history. Check out the car show's flyer for more information.

Chrysler museum to open one last time on June 8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler museumWalter P. Chrysler museumThu, 18 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/chrysler-museum-to-open-one-last-time-on-june-8/20544965/article-detail.xml 20544965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/walter-p-chrysler-museum_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/walter-p-chrysler-museum.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler to veer away from 'Imported From Detroit' message?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/chrysler-to-veer-away-from-imported-from-detroit-message/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/chrysler-to-veer-away-from-imported-from-detroit-message/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/chrysler-to-veer-away-from-imported-from-detroit-message/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chrysler full line

Claim some ground, control that ground and then expand. Chrysler, wandering the Earth like Kane from Kung-Fu when it came to brand message after the bailouts, pulled off the first two feats in only 120 seconds when its "Imported from Detroit" commercial aired during the 2011 Super Bowl. Two years later and now that the brand has a center in the minds of consumers, the Chrysler Group's head of marketing, Olivier Francois, says it's time to move away from the "Detroit" component of that slogan and express the "Imported" aspect.

It is, more precisely, about positioning Chrysler as genuine competition for imports and not Ford or General Motors, but rather Toyota on quality or Audi on technology. A report in Forbes said that Francois not only "wants to attract import owners to Chrysler vehicles by focusing on quality, technology, fuel economy and style," but to "take back the lead in these four things." That is the new understanding he wants people to infer from the idea of Detroit - that the nation's car capital isn't just a patriotic rallying point but a lively competitor for established giants.

Chrysler has been running ads that no longer refer to Detroit, and recent efforts have linked a specific character to each brand - like Jenny with Jeep and Steven with the Chrysler 300 - to create brand separation. Francois hasn't detailed what he plans to do to bolster Chrysler's upscale pretensions, but his efforts would be helped by CEO Sergio Marchionne loosing the pursestrings and the arrival of strong new product.

Chrysler to veer away from 'Imported From Detroit' message? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingchryslerimported from detroitmarketingolivier francoisWed, 17 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/17/chrysler-to-veer-away-from-imported-from-detroit-message/20542290/article-detail.xml 20542290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-line_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-line.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Reid Bigland, newly appointed Ram brand president and CEOChrysler is busy shuffling executives around in the wake of Ram head Fred Diaz's departure. The automaker has named Reid Bigland (pictured, right) as Diaz's successor in the role of president and CEO of Ram, though Bigland will continue his duties as the head of US sales and the president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. Bigland first came to Chrysler in 2006 from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, so the guy knows a thing or two about trucks.

Meanwhile, Timothy Kuniskis will take over as president and CEO of Dodge. Previously, he served as the head of Fiat in North America and has been with Chrysler in one capacity or another since 1992. His old title now falls to Jason Stoicevich, who will also continue to work as the director of the automaker's California Business Center. Finally, Bruno Cattori will take over as the president and CEO of Chrysler Mexico.

Diaz left his position to take over as a divisional vice president of sales and marketing with Nissan. You can read the full press release on the Chrysler personnel changes below for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure

Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgefiatfred diazjason stoicevichramreid biglandtimothy kuniskisTue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542424/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/20542424/article-detail.xml 20542424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/reid-bigland-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/reid-bigland-628.jpg <![CDATA[See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SRT Color Kitchen - Viper coupe - screencap

Paint colors are a big deal for any automaker, and choosing hues for a specific brand can take as much fretting and focus as nearly any other aspect of vehicle design. For SRT, that means finding colors that cooperate with everything from the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 SUV and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 sports sedan, to the wilder Charger SRT8, Challenger SRT8 and Viper. That range requires more than a little breadth, and Jim Parker, Head of Exterior Color at Chrysler, recently took the time to sit down for a little video to talk about what goes on in the SRT Color Kitchen.

What start out as computer-generated images move to paint samples from a supplier, which then get sprayed on more complex shapes. From there, SRT may spray a whole car to see how the color looks in the flesh before ever giving the hue the nod for production. You can check out the video below to see how it goes for yourself.

Continue reading See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen'

See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 srt viperautomotive paintchryslerpaintpaint colorssrtsrt color kitchensrt vipervideoMon, 15 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/20540073/article-detail.xml 20540073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/srt-color-kitchen-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/srt-color-kitchen-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.

The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn't bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA's recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month - all three notices are posted below.

In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.

Continue reading Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands

Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 300chrysler recalldodgedodge challengerdodge chargerdodge nitrododge recalljeepjeep compassjeep libertyjeep patriotjeep recallNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationramram 1500ram heavy dutyram recallrecallWed, 10 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536183/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/20536183/article-detail.xml 20536183 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/dodge-challenger-srt8-392_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/dodge-challenger-srt8-392.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler 300 diesel could get green light]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/chrysler-300-diesel-could-get-green-light/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/chrysler-300-diesel-could-get-green-light/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/chrysler-300-diesel-could-get-green-light/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Chrysler 300 S - front three-quarter view

Word has it Chrysler is keen to shove its new turbo diesel V6 into a range of models. Wards Auto reports Chrysler President and CEO Saad Chehab has made it clear the automaker is investigating the possibility of using the 3.0-liter oil-burner in the 300. While speaking at an Automotive Press Association luncheon, Chehab said, "It's a matter of how much the customer is willing to pay for that premium. That's the only issue with it."

The Chrysler 300 is sold as the Lancia Thema in Europe complete with a diesel of its very own, and since the Jeep Grand Cherokee is now available with the diesel V6 here in the States, it only makes sense that the engine could potentially show up on the 300 order sheet. Opting for the 3.0 V6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee will set you back an additional $4,500, however.

Chehab also said the engine could make an appearance in the next-generation Chrysler 200, which is set to debut next year.

Chrysler 300 diesel could get green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 300chrysler 300 dieseldieseldiesel chrysler 300Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20529040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/chrysler-300-diesel-could-get-green-light/20529040/article-detail.xml 20529040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-chrysler-300-s-628-1365016634_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-chrysler-300-s-628-1365016634.jpg <![CDATA[KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Civic Sedan - front three-quarter view

The sixth edition of the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards have crowned a wide range of winners - in a couple of cases the recipient of the laurels might say more about KBB users than they do about the actual winner. Compiled from the responses of more than 12,000 shoppers on KBB.com over the past year, there are 13 categories broken into non-luxury, luxury and truck segments "representing the combined wisdom of the American car-buying public."

The award categories have been revamped this year, with some dropping off, some new ones appearing and at least one other given a new term. What isn't surprising is that Honda won Most Trusted Brand for the second year running, Best Value Brand for the third year in a row and took Best Overall Brand, which wasn't on last year's list of awards.

On our own shores, in the non-luxury categories Chrysler got Most Refined Brand and Buick took Best Value Luxury Brand. Neither one of those marques won anything in last year's Brand Image Awards, while Cadillac, which won Best Interior Design Brand and Best Comfort Brand last year - those awards disappeared this year - went home without a single accolade.

Winners that made us go "Hmmm..." are Toyota for Best Overall Truck Brand and Mini for Best Performance Brand in the non-luxury segment. Last year's truck award was for the Most Rugged Truck Brand and was won by Ford; the switch to "overall" takes things in a completely different direction for KBB users, it seems. And Mini dominating non-luxury performance is something we'd like to hold some focus groups to find out more about.

Check out the press release below for all the winners and the details.

Continue reading KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners

KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbmwbrand image awardsbuickchryslerfordhondakelley blue bookkelley blue book brand image awardsmercedesminiporschetoyotaSat, 30 Mar 2013 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20518508/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/20518508/article-detail.xml 20518508 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kbbimageawards_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kbbimageawards.jpg <![CDATA[2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition is a Sebring swan song]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2013-5-chrysler-200-s-special-edition-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2013-5-chrysler-200-s-special-edition-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2013-5-chrysler-200-s-special-edition-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition - white - live from 2013 New York Auto Show floor

The world is set to get an all-new Chrysler 200 next year, thereby finally putting the bones of the long-serving Sebring to rest. To tide us all over until then, the automaker has released the 2013.5 200 S Special Edition. As a collaboration between Chrysler and the Imported from Detroit clothing line, the sedan features plenty of aesthetic tweaks to give it a bit more attitude. Those include tinted headlamp and taillamp housings, body-color door sills and 18-inch gloss black wheels. There's also a revised front fascia with a black mesh grille, while the tail end gets a decklid spoiler and a revised valance.

Indoors, the seats are clad in black, water-resistant fabric courtesy of Carhartt. Expect to see the 2013.5 200 S Special Edition in dealers soon with a price tag of $28,870. While there are plenty of questions to be asked here, one is more nagging than the others. Why bother buying the special edition when an all-new model is mere months away? It's an age-old question, but it still bears asking. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition is a Sebring swan song

2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition is a Sebring swan song originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chrysler 2002013 new york auto show2013.5 chrysler 200 s special editioncarharttchryslerimported from detroitnew yorknew york auto showWed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2013-5-chrysler-200-s-special-edition-new-york/20519997/article-detail.xml 20519997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-chrysler-200s-se-new-york_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-chrysler-200s-se-new-york.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chrysler-unveils-dodge-charger-srt8-392-300-srt-concept-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chrysler-unveils-dodge-charger-srt8-392-300-srt-concept-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chrysler-unveils-dodge-charger-srt8-392-300-srt-concept-to-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392 Special Edition Package - white - front three-quarter motion view

Our man Steven J. Ewing recently spent some time in a 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, and while he found a lot to love - particularly underhood - he didn't care for the sedan's retro-steeped visuals, preferring the standard SRT's look instead. Perhaps he'll dig this throwback look instead. Over the weekend, Chrysler unveiled this handsome 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392 Appearance Package at the eighth annual Spring Festival of LXs, a gathering of Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 enthusiasts held in Irvine, California.

Unveiled by SRT CEO Ralph Gilles in front of an estimated 2,500 Spring Fest goers, the 392 features 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome alloys set off by a black-painted roof panel, hood bulge, spoiler and mirror caps. Additional exterior changes include model-specific striping and badging along with the requisite serialized dash plaque inside. The 392 will be available in five colors - Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy and the TorRed pain seen here.

Performance-wise, the 392 remains unchanged from standard SRT8s, but that's hardly a slight - the 6.4 liter Hemi V8 continues to churn out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Like other 2013 SRT8s, the 392 benefits from the institution of a new launch control system and a retuned three-mode adaptive suspension.

The 392 package will make for a rare beast - just 392 examples are planned between the 2013 and 2014 model years, with dealers slated to begin taking orders in April. Interested? Ordering your SRT8 with 392 limited-edition frosting will cost an addition $2,495 on top of the SRT8's $45,250 base price and $995 delivery fee.

In related news, Chrysler also used Irvine's LX Fest to test the waters of a 300 SRT Concept which featured a non-metallic paint trimmed by blacked-out mirror caps, taillamps and window surrounds. The Black Vapor Chrome wheels have also been given a matte finish. While purely a concept for the moment, we'd be shocked if something like this didn't show up in dealers sooner rather than later.

UPDATE: Official press shots have been made available. You'll find them in our expanded gallery.

Continue reading Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful [UPDATE]

Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A report in The Wall Street Journal looks at some of the obstacles to the 2014 Jeep Cherokee that go beyond its mootable yet "very contemporary" looks, almost all of them based on Fiat's financial position. Starting with that sheetmetal, in defense of it SRT president Ralph Gilles and Jeep design head Mark Allen said they wanted to "make sure the design still looks modern five years from now."

The WSJ piece doesn't cite longevity as a factor, instead saying that its features originated in a design for an Alfa Romeo, the transformation into a Jeep design meant allowing Chrysler get it to market more quickly and save "hundreds of millions of dollars" in engineering.

The need for Fiat to save money while it weathers the European situation has cut budgets for development, engineering and the pace of retooling the Toledo, Ohio plant to build the Cherokee. In a familiar case of snowballing at work, among the effects will be pushing back the Cherokee's volume sales date and delaying updates to some of Chrysler's other products.

Things will get better when Chrysler can work through its program and get the Cherokee to dealers in bulk - especially if it finds it really can sell 250,000 per year - but the hurdles won't help the financials in the short term.

Jeep Cherokee faces on-sale delay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep cherokeechryslerfiatjeepjeep cherokeeSat, 23 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20515012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/20515012/article-detail.xml 20515012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiatmoneyissues2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiatmoneyissues2.jpg <![CDATA[Ernest Hemingway's Chrysler New Yorker restoration to be chronicled in documentary]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/ernest-hemingways-chrysler-new-yorker-restoration-to-be-chronic/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/ernest-hemingways-chrysler-new-yorker-restoration-to-be-chronic/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/ernest-hemingways-chrysler-new-yorker-restoration-to-be-chronic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hemingway's Chrysler New Yorker Convertible

The last car Ernest Hemingway ever owned was a 1955 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible. After the legendary writer shot himself in 1961, the car effectively vanished from public view. Unbeknownst to the rest of the world, the convertible was in Cuba, getting passed around between the members of one family. Some 50 years after Hemingway died, a determined writer unearthed the car and began the laborious process of restoring it to its former glory. Here in the States, that would be as simple as calling up the local parts store and doing some quick ordering, but the US trade embargo against Cuba put a crimp in that plan.

The documentary Cuban Soul follows writer David Soul as he attempts to overcome the embargo and get the car back on the road with more than a little help from the ingenious craftsmen on the island. You can check out the trailer for the film below. The project is in need of generous supporters, so head over to the Red Earth Studio site to learn how you can lend a hand.

Continue reading Ernest Hemingway's Chrysler New Yorker restoration to be chronicled in documentary

Ernest Hemingway's Chrysler New Yorker restoration to be chronicled in documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chrysler 200 - front three-quarter view

Autoweek reports the next Chrysler 200 will bow early next year. CEO Sergio Marchionne has said the 2015 model will debut next January, and Chrysler plans to cut the 2014 200 model year short to make way for the model's successor. According to AW, internal documents reveal 2014 model production will start this July and run through early January, 2014. The memos don't specify whether its Dodge Avenger twin will also see a shortened model year (the latter was originally rumored for discontinuation, but a successor is apparently back on the table). Chrysler is investing some $1 billion to construct paint and body facilities at its Sterling Heights, Michigan plant for the next-generation 200.

From what we've heard so far, we can expect the 2015 200 to bring a new design language to the Chrysler brand that will eventually bleed into the automaker's other products. Early reports have also suggested the four door will boast a nine-speed automatic transmission and return up to 38 miles per gallon.

Chrysler executed a very successful facelift in 2011, turning the flailing Sebring into the newly minted 200. Buyers responded enthusiastically, with sales jumping 44 percent in 2012. That step up was enough to make the 200 the brand's best-selling car. The momentum hasn't slackened, either, with sales up 21 percent during the first two months of this year.

Chrysler 200 replacement coming in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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