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[2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/jeep-grand-cherokee-launch-threatened-by-parts-dispute/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/jeep-grand-cherokee-launch-threatened-by-parts-dispute/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/jeep-grand-cherokee-launch-threatened-by-parts-dispute/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high res image gallery

Chrysler and Daimler have been divorced for nearly three years, but the two automakers are still very much entwined when it comes to product. The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger use a platform and several components sourced from Daimler. Chrysler's short-term product plans include more Daimler DNA in the the Mercedes-Benz M-Class architecture that forms the basis for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango underpinnings.

Unfortunately for the Pentastar, Daimler doesn't seem to want to play parts pimp for its former underling, as it is shorting the company of vital components required to continue operations. In August, Chrysler filed suit against Daimler because the German automaker was withholding parts like torque converters and steering columns. That suit has reportedly been settled, but now Chrysler alleges that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch is now in jeopardy. As such, Chrysler has filed a second suit to force Daimler to provide rear axles and other components in a timely fashion, stating that the company needs the parts to build new Grand Cherokee models for testing in advance of the vehicle's May launch.

Daimler spokesman Han Tjan reportedly told The Detroit News that his company feels the situation could be handled outside the courts, but Chrysler doesn't seem inclined to agree. It appears Chrysler is trying to hedge its bets by filing suit, as company spokesman Michael Palese told the News that the company needs the parts in the next 20 days and the company wants Daimler to finalize the contract to supply the parts. Palese added, "Chrysler has too much at stake to take a chance. These are important vehicle programs at a critical point in their launch cycle. We can't afford any delays."

This parts battle is part of a larger war (so to speak) between Daimler and Chrysler over diesel engines. Daimler wants $80 million from Chrysler to cover expenses the former incurred when Chrysler didn't purchase as many diesel engines as expected from Daimler to service the overseas market. Daimler wants the $80 million as a make-good for the lost volume. Chrysler says its recent bankruptcy shields it in this particular conflict, saying that the process resolved any lingering contract disputes, and that its new master, Fiat, isn't on the hook for the money. Ultimately, it boils down to this: Auburn Hills wants the courts to rule that all past contracts are still in effect -- ensuring a parts supply flow from Daimler for the affected new vehicle programs -- and that the Detroit automaker doesn't owe the Germans any money. If things don't go Chrysler's way, it looks as if life could get really ugly for Fiat's new ward.


Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee


[Source: Detroit News]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 300Chrysler300daimlerdaimler chryslerDaimlerChryslerdodge challengerdodge chargerdodge durangoDodgeChallengerDodgeChargerDodgeDurangogrand cherokeeGrandCherokeeparts disputePartsDisputeSun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: If Chrysler goes down, it could cost Daimler $1 billion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-if-chrysler-goes-down-it-could-cost-daimler-1-billion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-if-chrysler-goes-down-it-could-cost-daimler-1-billion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-if-chrysler-goes-down-it-could-cost-daimler-1-billion/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nerves are frazzled in Stuttgart over the troubles facing Chrysler. Let's not forget that Daimler still has a skin in the Chrysler game, and while everyone natters and frets about whether or not Fiat will prove to be the Savior Of Auburn Hills, execs are also thinking about the worst-case scenario in the halls of Daimler.

According to the Detroit Bureau, Bodo Uebber, Daimler's Chrysler guy, reported recently that concerned shareholders are rightfully nervous, as Daimler could be stuck with a $1 billion liability if Chrysler ist kaput. Unfunded pensions and potential claims from suppliers could result in very bad things for Daimler. Cerberus and the German automaker are also duking it out over whether Chrysler's health was honestly disclosed at the time of the deal, tying up any developments with the remaining 19.9 percent of Chrysler that Daimler still owns. Both Uebber and Dieter Zetsche, Daimler's CEO, are actively trying to unload the company's stake in Chrysler to Cerberus, but predictably, that conversation isn't going anywhere at the moment.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: If Chrysler goes down, it could cost Daimler $1 billion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerberuscerberus chryslerCerberusChryslerchrysler daimlerchrysler llcChryslerDaimlerChryslerLlcdaimlerdaimler agdaimler cerberusdaimler chryslerdaimler-chryslerDaimlerAgDaimlerCerberusdaimlerchryslerFri, 10 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Who's the Boss? Daimler still wants to offload remaining stake in Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/whos-the-boss-daimler-still-wants-to-offload-remaining-stake-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/whos-the-boss-daimler-still-wants-to-offload-remaining-stake-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/whos-the-boss-daimler-still-wants-to-offload-remaining-stake-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For over a decade, ownership of Chrysler has been bouncing back and forth over the Atlantic like an Airbus jet. Since its founding in 1925, it was independently owned and operated right out of Detroit, then Daimler bought controlling interest in 1998, only to sell it to U.S.-based Cerberus Capital Management. Now Fiat is poised to assume a 35% stake in the company. So the question is, who holds controlling interest? Well in short, nobody does. Daimler holds nearly 20%, Fiat's taking over 35%, leaving Cerberus with 45% - the lion's share, but short of controlling interest.

But while the majority of Chrysler's shares may be back in Europe, Daimler isn't interested in holding onto its stake. Daimler and Cerberus had been talking about transferring ownership of the remaining 20% for a while already, but with America's financial institutions in shambles, who knows if the capital management company can even manage to find the capital to buy the rest of the company. In the meantime, it looks like Chrysler's at the whim of European automakers... yet again.

[Source: Reuters]

Who's the Boss? Daimler still wants to offload remaining stake in Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerberuscerberus fiatCerberusFiatchryslerchrysler fiatChryslerFiatdaimlerdaimler cerberusdaimler chryslerdaimler fiatdaimler shares chryslerDaimlerCerberusdaimlerchryslerDaimlerFiatDaimlerSharesChryslerfiatfiat chryslerFiatChryslerWed, 21 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[What's Chrysler worth to Daimler? Zip, Zero, Nada, Donut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/whats-daimlers-stake-in-chrylser-worth-zip-nada-donut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/whats-daimlers-stake-in-chrylser-worth-zip-nada-donut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/whats-daimlers-stake-in-chrylser-worth-zip-nada-donut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So, just what is a 19.9% stake in America's third largest automaker worth? Um, nothing. So says Daimler, which owns exactly that amount. The German company claims that, for accounting purposes at least, there is absolutely no value in its part-ownership of Chrysler. Just about a year ago, Daimler estimated that its share of Chrysler was worth some $1.17 billion. The remaining 80.1% was sold to Cerberus Capital Management last August for $7.4 billion.

According to Chrysler, Daimler's idea of its stake in the company is a totally different animal than its own. The two companies use different accounting techniques to arrive at earnings figures and net worth, and the privately-held American automaker doesn't release its internal figures. As we've covered, Daimler is currently in talks with Cerberus to rid itself of any attachment to its former partner by selling its remaining shares of Chrysler to the American company, which it would need if it were to make any sort of deal with General Motors, Renault or any other automaker for that matter. So, just how much is Chrysler worth as a whole? We could soon find out.

[Source: The Detroit News]

What's Chrysler worth to Daimler? Zip, Zero, Nada, Donut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerberuscerberus capital managementCerberusCapitalManagementchrysler llcchrysler valuechrysler worthChryslerLlcChryslerValueChryslerWorthdaimlerdaimler agdaimler chryslerDaimlerAgDaimlerChryslerFri, 24 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #66]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/15/autoblog-podcast-66/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/15/autoblog-podcast-66/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/15/autoblog-podcast-66/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The last couple of days, we've all been inundated with news of Chrysler's sale to Cerberus, and that's what we lead Podcast #66 with. As much as it makes analysts and pundits foam at the mouth, news about the sale is a pretty dry affair. We'll be keeping an eye on how things go with the newly independent Chrysler, though.

On a more amusing note, we marvel at the confidence GM has in its new Malibu. The suggested sales tactic is to put the new Malibu beside a Camry in Chevy showrooms and guide the customer through how the Malibu is better. Of course, it's mainly a sales stunt - as the only way to tell anything about a car is by driving it. We wonder if Malibus will start popping up in Toyota stores - it'd improve the scenery compared to all the Joe Camel-looking cars, that's for sure. Perhaps the most momentous item we cover this week is Autoblog's first purchased spy shots, capturing the new Honda Accord in the wild. On the spy shot tip, our discussion moves on to the Saab 9-3 and we eventually end up talking about cellphone shots of the Blue Devil. Betwixt the Saab and hot 'Vette, we briefly ponder why German companies are filling their trophy cases with engine awards. German Engineering, ja. We finish up with a simple request - that Motor Trend, Automobile and their sibling buff books be well treated by their new stewards, which devolves into a confessional about who bought a back issue on eBay that featured one of their favorite cars. It's a 36 minute affair this week, enjoy!


SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Autoblog Podcast #66 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20089-393accordautoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastawardblue devilBlueDevilbmwcamrycerberuschevroletchevychryslercorvettedaimler chryslerDaimlerChryslerengineengine awardEngineAwardgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhondamalibupodcastsaabsalespy shotsSpyShotsssTue, 15 May 2007 15:33:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #66Dan Roth35:27chrysler, sale, cerberus, deal, motor trend, sale, automobile, corvette, spy shots, polycarbonate, window, bmw, engine, awards, saab, spy shots, honda, accord, camry, malibu, dealerships, gm, dealership, showroom<![CDATA[Lorinser takes on the new Merc C-class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/17/lorinser-takes-on-the-new-merc-c-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/17/lorinser-takes-on-the-new-merc-c-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/17/lorinser-takes-on-the-new-merc-c-class/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The C-class is the entry-level Benz in the North American market. As such, every nouveau riche new graduate seemingly goes out and treats themselves to a slice of flashy bourgeois pie. That can be alarming for the Euro-car fan, as you risk being lumped into that precocious category along with Johnny Overachiever from down the block. There's no denying that the Stuttgart Swabians build nice vehicles, and we've certainly considered parking one in our driveway. We wouldn't want to deny ourselves the pleasure just to avoid being lumped in with a group of lecherous climbers, either. Lorinser has given the C-class a once-over and made it possible for true car-guys to have their Mercedes pleasure while standing apart from the schmuck brigade.

We love the look of the cosmetic upgrades. The turbine-style wheels look like impellers from a turbocharger with a wacky pituitary gland, and we wonder if they can slice, dice and julienne at speed. We're not normally fans of unnecessary extra ventilation, but the revised front quarter panels have gained a nice pair of extractors. We do find the "gills" in the lower rocker covers sorta strange, and they don't appear to have any purpose other than serving as a visual element. The front airdam has also received some tasteful attention, and Lorinser offers performance upgrades to back up the high-powered looks. Unlike some of the entry-level MBZ crowd, we'd rather the car be the high-powered one in a zoot suit.

Gallery: C Class by Lorinser


[Source: World Car Fans]

Lorinser takes on the new Merc C-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketbenzcc classc-classCClassdaimlerdaimler chryslerdaimler-benzDaimlerChryslerdcxexteriorlorinsermercedesmercedes-benzperformancestylingtunerupgradeSat, 17 Mar 2007 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sterling Bullet set to enter full-size HD truck segment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/22/sterling-bullet-set-to-enter-full-size-hd-truck-segment/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/22/sterling-bullet-set-to-enter-full-size-hd-truck-segment/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/22/sterling-bullet-set-to-enter-full-size-hd-truck-segment/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Got eight tons of stuff to haul? Sterling Truck Corporation is taking a shot at it with its new Bullet-class 4/5 truck. The new mid-range worker looks to be based off the Dodge Ram chassis cab that recently debuted. Sterling is part of Freightliner, which is part of DCX, and if you look through the smoke in the teaser pic, it's pretty clear you're looking at a Ram-derived vehicle. Powering the Bullet will be the Mercedes diesels familiar to Sterling customers, driving either the rear wheels, or optionally, both axles. Regular and quad-cab configurations are available for hauling your entire crew, as well. This would make a nice command post for Autobloggers as we criss-cross the country to bring you the latest news. Look for the debut at the NTEA show on March 6th.

press release after the jump

[Source: Sterling]

Continue reading Sterling Bullet set to enter full-size HD truck segment

Sterling Bullet set to enter full-size HD truck segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chassis cabChassisCabclass 3class 4Class3Class4daimler chryslerDaimlerChryslernteasterling trucksSterlingTruckstruckThu, 22 Feb 2007 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[The plot thickens; Hyundai may be angling for Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/18/the-plot-thickens-hyundai-may-be-angling-for-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/18/the-plot-thickens-hyundai-may-be-angling-for-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/18/the-plot-thickens-hyundai-may-be-angling-for-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Hyundai and Chrysler already share their 2.4 liter "world engine" (along with Mitsubishi), and they may share much more in the future. Rumors are trickling in from all quarters about potential suitors for Chrysler, should DCX decide to cut loose its American vessel, and Hyundai is the latest one to grab headlines. The main value in purchasing Chrysler, which is suffering from crippling pension and healthcare costs, geriatric factories and indifferent product, is the dealer network.

Hyundai is making an aggressive effort in the US. The oldest thing in their fleet is the Tiburon (though it is newly-facelifted), and quality is way up. Hyundai and Kia vehicles represent good value for the money, and the instant sales organization they'd gain from a potential purchase of Chrysler would give Hyundai a further toe-hold. We're not sure how the brand change might play in Peoria, but we very seriously doubt that the rest of the Chrysler brand would be discarded just to acquire the sales organization.

There's a lot of value in Auburn Hills besides sales mooks. The Caravan and Voyager vans have been redone and are back in the game, and the LX cars still carry cachet, if not sales volume. Were the arranged marriage to occur, there would be some redundant products - such as the aforementioned vans. We're not sure how that would shake out. We bet that it costs Chrysler more to build a car than Hyundai spends, but we'd hope that the better car would win out in the corporate joust. A Sonata wearing a Chrysler badge (with some restyling, of course) wouldn't be such a terrible thing, would it?

Thanks to tipster Avinash!

[Source: timesonline]

The plot thickens; Hyundai may be angling for Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbuyoutchryslerdaimler chryslerDaimlerChryslerhyundaikiamergersaleSun, 18 Feb 2007 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[MB's next major innovation: Vented Taillights?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/09/mbs-next-major-innovation-vented-taillights/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/09/mbs-next-major-innovation-vented-taillights/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/09/mbs-next-major-innovation-vented-taillights/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back when my whip was a Volvo 740, I ventilated my taillights, too. Actually, it was more like drilling drain holes, but once all the trapped water escaped, you can bet that the compromised seal allowed plenty of air to flow through the lamp. Mercedes has applied intelligent thought to using the taillight as a hidden aerodynamic diffuser on the new C-Class, resulting in a slick Cd of .27. Instead of marring the design with some kind of tacky, nasty lip spoiler on the trunklid, the aerodynamic wunderkinds at MBZ have applied some clever trickery to keep the arse of their newest kostspieliges auto looking slick.

A lip spoiler changes the airflow behind the vehicle by interrupting the smooth flow coming over the top of the car. That interruption reduces lift. The problem with a spoiler, is that they require a specific shape to attain their spoiling effect, dictating styling direction. The C-Class engineers have taken an alternate route to addressing the vortices out back. The taillights act as diffusers, pulling air from underneath the vehicle and venting it out of slits in the lamps. The high pressure air under the car now has somewhere to go, which reduces lift. An elegant alternate solution that achieves the same result as the old spoiler. The air coming out of the taillight lenses also affects airflow along the sides of the car for the better, keeping turbulence behind the new C-Class down. We can't say how close you'll have to ride your bicycle to this thing to get sucked along by the bubble, or how badly it'll mess up your hair when it passes by, what with all that air blowing all over the place, but it sounds like a clever trick.

[Source: worldcarfans]

MB's next major innovation: Vented Taillights? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008aerodynamicsc classCClassdaimler chryslerDaimlerChryslermercedestaillightstechFri, 09 Feb 2007 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't let the door hitcha? - Investors call for spin-off of Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/dont-let-the-door-hitcha-investors-call-for-spin-off-of-chry/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/dont-let-the-door-hitcha-investors-call-for-spin-off-of-chry/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/dont-let-the-door-hitcha-investors-call-for-spin-off-of-chry/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There have been rumblings of late in the halls of Stuttgart that the boys in Auburn Hills are an albatross around the neck of DCX. Dieter Zetsche and company are reportedly in it for the long haul and fighting the good fight for Chrysler, but investors cite thin patience while waiting for a profit. Rumors of potential suitors waiting in the wings abound, but it seems that the real problem would be salability due to large pension commitments. Some have gone as far as speculating that even if Chrysler were to be put on the block, nobody would buy them. Of course, some of this situation seems to have been brought on by feeble cross-pollination, far below what was bandied about at the time of the 1998 merger. Sure, Chrysler got the old E Class platform to go play with, and the first-gen SLK is holding up the Crossfire, but there hasn't been any technology transfer from the smaller Mercedes vehicles to help DCX build a small car that's killer, or from their world-class truck division. One wonders if Chrysler's actually in the worst shape of the big three, but hiding it well. Are we in for a replay of the early '80s?

[Source: Reuters via Automotive News - Sub. Required]

Don't let the door hitcha? - Investors call for spin-off of Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerDaimler ChryslerDaimlerChryslerDr. ZDr.ZlosspensionssplitZetscheWed, 29 Nov 2006 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghosn taking a break from merger manhunt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/17/ghosn-taking-a-break-from-merger-manhunt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/17/ghosn-taking-a-break-from-merger-manhunt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/17/ghosn-taking-a-break-from-merger-manhunt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The dust has settled on the mergerama between Renault/Nissan and GM (plus a few other rumored alliances), and for the time being the CEO of the Franco-Japanese automaker, Carlos Ghosn, has called it quits.

Currently, it's all about timing and right now Nissan has bigger things on the horizon. Impending product launches, in the form of the new Sentra, Altima and Maxima are dominating the Nissan side of things, while Infiniti is focused on the launch of the new G35 sedan and coupe, a new crossover called the Rogue and the all-conquering Skyline.

During his address to the Detroit Economic Club, Ghosn also revealed that he is keeping close tabs on how the Big Two-Point-Five are going to be dealing with legacy costs in the U.S. This is of particular concern to Nissan's North American operations, as the automaker will be facing similar situations within the next decade.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ghosn taking a break from merger manhunt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancecarlos ghosnCarlosGhosndaimler chryslerDaimlerChryslerfordgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsmergernissanrenaultFri, 17 Nov 2006 06:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes' U.S. CEO to step down this September]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/27/mercedes-u-s-ceo-to-step-down-this-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/27/mercedes-u-s-ceo-to-step-down-this-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/27/mercedes-u-s-ceo-to-step-down-this-september/#commentsFiled under: ,

After more than three decades of dutiful employment at Mercedes Benz, Paul Halata, current CEO of U.S. operations, will begin an early retirement starting September 1st of this year.

The man tapped to take the reigns of sales, service and marketing here in the States is current Australia/Pacific CEO, Ernst Lieb. Lieb, who began at M.B. in 1985, is credited with escalated sales in Canada while holding that country's top management position. His focus extended beyond Mercedes to include, Jeep, Dodge and other Daimler-Chrysler brands.

Halata (pictured) had recently signed a new contract extending his tenure through 2009. No reason was given for his early departure.

[Source: Automotive News]

Mercedes' U.S. CEO to step down this September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CEOdaimler chryslerDaimlerChryslerernst liebErnstLiebmbmercedes benzMercedesBenzpaul halataPaulHalataThu, 27 Jul 2006 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[DaimlerChrysler recalls 300s, Magnums and Chargers due to potential brake defect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/daimlerchrysler-recalls-300s-magnums-and-chargers-due-to-potent/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/daimlerchrysler-recalls-300s-magnums-and-chargers-due-to-potent/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/daimlerchrysler-recalls-300s-magnums-and-chargers-due-to-potent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


DaimlerChrysler's popular LX-platform vehicles, the 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger are being recalled over brake issues. The automaker announced Friday that it will be sending notices to some 45,000 owners about a possible brake fluid leak that has resulted in at least nine engine fires. Vehicles affected are all 2006 models using the 2.7-liter V6 engine.

In addition, DCX also announced that it is recalling almost 7,000 six-speed Jeep Wranglers due to clutch problems. According to the automaker, the hydraulic clutch's master cylinder rod can fracture, inhibiting normal  shifting.

[Source: Associated Press via Los Angeles Times]

DaimlerChrysler recalls 300s, Magnums and Chargers due to potential brake defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 May 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300300CChargerChryslerDaimler ChryslerDaimlerChryslerLX ChassisLX PlatformLxChassisLxPlatformMagnumSat, 06 May 2006 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Ford named Auto Exec of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/bill-ford-named-auto-exec-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/bill-ford-named-auto-exec-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/bill-ford-named-auto-exec-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sure, the North American wing of his company may be floundering a bit, but Bill Ford's frankness in the face of financial hardship has won him the honor of being named the 2006 Automotive Industry Exec of the Year. The Automotive Industry Action Group and DNV, a management systems certification registrar, presented the award to Ford. Along with the man's candor, it was the CEO's constant focus on environmental issues that set him apart from the pack.

What about Dieter Zietsche, though? The Chrysler Group's posting sales gains on an almost monthly basis, Mercedes Benz is quietly emerging from its quality troubles and, mark our words, DCX is poised to make a huge impact in the U.S. with its BLUETEC diesels when Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel becomes the rage in the states later this year.

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Bill Ford named Auto Exec of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Apr 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto execAutoExecawardbill fordbill ford jr.BillFordBillFordJr.Blue OvalBlueOvalDaimler ChryslerDaimlerChryslerDCXDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheexecexecutiveof the yearOfTheYearSun, 09 Apr 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Teutonic titans Benz and BMW battle amidst record March sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/blow-out-march-for-mercedes-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/blow-out-march-for-mercedes-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/blow-out-march-for-mercedes-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New models fired up sales for premium brands Mercedes and BMW in March, as the battle for teutonic bragging rights in the luxury segment kicked into high gear.

BMW group sales hit a record 144,316 units in March, up 13.5 percent, buoyed by double-digit growth in the U.S. and Germany, and solid gains in the hot Chinese market. Meanwhile, Mercedes Car Group racked up sales of 138,400 units, up 17.4 percent, setting an all-time record. But in the all-important core brands, Mercedes-Benz scored 125,400 sales, while arch-rival BMW managed only 122,509 units.

Once again, new models tell the tale. Mercedes-Benz rolled out new or revamped models across the board last year, including fresh versions of the M-Class and S-Class, and the new R-Class and B-Class. The onslaught continues this year with the new GL-CLass SUV (pictured) and freshened SL- and E-Class models. BMW, on the other hand, has been surfing the wave generated by its new 3 Series, which accounts for about 40 percent of all BMW sales.

While Mercedes looks to be surging ahead in the near-term, expect BMW to fight back when its revamped MINI line rolls out.

[Source: Reuters, Mercedes Benz]

Teutonic titans Benz and BMW battle amidst record March sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-seriesBimmerBMWDaimler ChryslerDaimlerChryslerDCXg-classGL-classm-classmarch earningmarch figuresmarch salesMarchEarningMarchFiguresMarchSalesMercedesSat, 08 Apr 2006 14:04:00 EST