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[Chrysler planning 'debut' party to hype its return to American roots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/chrysler-planning-debut-party-to-hype-its-return-to-american-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/chrysler-planning-debut-party-to-hype-its-return-to-american-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/chrysler-planning-debut-party-to-hype-its-return-to-american-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Playing the role of the wild and free divorcee, Chrysler is sending out 3,700 party kits and invitation to its dealers to mark the automaker's return to all-American greatness. The celebration will run in conjunction with a new ad campaign (TV, print, etc.) that touts the brand's rebirth, along with a new logo and some form of rewards that will attract new buyers.

No dates have been set, but expect the balloons to drop sometime between July 25th and Aug 10th, when DCX sells off the automaker to Cerberus Capital Management, and the company is renamed Chrysler Corp.

[Source: Detroit News]

Chrysler planning 'debut' party to hype its return to American roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerberuschryslerdaimlerchryslerdcxTue, 03 Jul 2007 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Dodge JC49 Crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/17/spy-shots-dodge-jc40-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/17/spy-shots-dodge-jc40-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/17/spy-shots-dodge-jc40-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Whoopee, just what Dodge needs, another crossover. We're glad that operations are still underway after the sale announcement, but come on, have cars been forsaken? The Jalopnik boys captured an odd duo cruising around; a JC 49 with camo, followed by a PSA minivan. Would it be rude to confess we're more interested in the French van?

Based on the Sebring/Avenger platform, the JC 49 will likely wind up with a 3.5 liter V6 at the top of the range, if the dual exhausts are any indication. The JC 49 will share a familial resemblance to the Nitro, so think squared shoulders, crosshair grille, essentially an Avenger adaptation of the Magnum idea. Look for the camo to come off around the end of the year. We can hardly contain ourselves.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: Dodge JC49 Crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2007 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>49camocamoflagechryslerdcxdodgejcjc49spyspy shotsSpyShotsThu, 17 May 2007 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Iacocca holds back nothing in new book, Slams Bush, Daimler-Chrysler merger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/iacocca-holds-back-nothing-in-new-book-slams-bush-daimler-chry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/iacocca-holds-back-nothing-in-new-book-slams-bush-daimler-chry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/iacocca-holds-back-nothing-in-new-book-slams-bush-daimler-chry/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lee Iacocca has been an automotive icon for so long, it's hard to remember a time when he wasn't in the picture. He was at the apex of the Ford Mustang project, saved Chrysler from ruin, and lead the charge for the minivan. Those credentials have helped Iacocca sell some books over the years, and his new book, "Where have all the leaders gone" takes some big cuts at the leadership in the White House, and a few auto executives, too.

We haven't gotten our hands on a copy of the new book yet, but after reading the book's opening lines as quoted by the Free Press, we'll have to give those pages a turn. "We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car." Ouch.

The book also points out some things that Iacocca has done that he now probably regrets. According to the Free Press, he criticizes former Chrysler CEO Bob Eaton for not fighting for a true merger, but he also points out that he chose Eaton to be his successor in 1992. Iacocca also touches on what he thinks would happen if Chrysler was sold, saying that the company would become "a shell" of its former self.

When you've done as many great things as Lee Iacocca, you get to say just about anything you want. From what we've seen already from his new book, Iacocca is freely exercising that right.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Iacocca holds back nothing in new book, Slams Bush, Daimler-Chrysler merger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdaimlerdcxIacoccaWhere have all the leaders goneWhereHaveAllTheLeadersGoneThu, 12 Apr 2007 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[DCX to delay first quarter report]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/dcx-to-delay-first-quarter-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/dcx-to-delay-first-quarter-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/dcx-to-delay-first-quarter-report/#commentsFiled under: ,



The bean counters at DaimlerChrysler have decided to postpone the automaker's first quarter results, mainly due to a switch from one set of reporting standards to another. Instead of publishing the report in April, as expected, DCX plans to release its quarterly earnings sometime in mid-May.

A DaimlerChrysler spokesperson assured Automotive News that the delay was strictly due to the changes necessitated from shifting from the U.S. GAAP standards to the pan-European International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Although many publicly listed companies made this transition in 2005, DCX was one of the few that put off the shift until 2007.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

DCX to delay first quarter report originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerDaimlerChryslerdcxearningsmercedesmercedes benzMercedesBenzWed, 28 Mar 2007 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[GM still possible suitor for Chrysler, but not going to the prom yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/gm-still-possible-suitor-for-chrysler-not-going-to-prom-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/gm-still-possible-suitor-for-chrysler-not-going-to-prom-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/gm-still-possible-suitor-for-chrysler-not-going-to-prom-yet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not much has been heard about GM's acquisition of Chrysler recently, and with parts supplier Magna partnering with two private equity firms, the General has taken a back seat in the bidding. According to both Automotive News and the Detroit News, GM's proposal is still on the table, although at first, it was rejected by DCX's execs.

The original bid, outlined by Fritz Henderson, GM's CFO, proposed that no money would be exchanged for Chrysler, however, DCX would receive a small amount of GM stock and DaimlerChrysler would actually pay General Motors $1 billion to help cover "unfunded health care liabilities." DCX felt that this bid was far too low to even consider.

Additionally, GM wants the unions in both the U.S. and Canada to make concessions for the General and Chrysler if such a purchase was to take place.

While GM's acquisition of Chrysler is still considered a long shot by many, the fact that the General Motors' bid is still being measured confirms Dr. Z's initial "all options" quote.

[Sources: Automotive News (Sub. Req.), Detroit News]

GM still possible suitor for Chrysler, but not going to the prom yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DaimlerChryslerdcxgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmMon, 26 Mar 2007 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: JC49 Dodge Crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/spy-shots-jc49-dodge-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/spy-shots-jc49-dodge-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/spy-shots-jc49-dodge-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Times have been tough lately for the Chrysler group, so we're happy to see the company is soldiering on. Dodge may be late to the crossover game, but with a best-selling minivan, the automaker hasn't had the need to bring another people mover to market. However, with minivan sales stagnant and competitors ushering in a greater variety of products into the showroom, we think it's a good idea for Dodge to take a stab at the crossover segment.

The folks over at Allpar say the new Dodge crossover will be named "Crew" and will do battle with the likes of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Edge. The crossover will be underpinned by the Dodge Avenger platform, with top-end power likely to come from the
Avenger's 3.5L V6 or the 4.0L V6 that motivates the Pacifica, while Chrysler's 2.4L world engine is a possible candidate for the base model. Beginning in December 2007, the "Crew" is going to be built along side the PT Cruiser at the Toluca plant in Mexico. Chrysler may use the JC49 platform to replace the PT Cruiser in 2010, with little or no connections to the looks of the current PT. Word is that the vehicle will be priced from around $20,000, which we think would be necessary to meet Chrysler's lofty goal of 150,000 units per year.

[Source: Allpar.com]

Spy Shots: JC49 Dodge Crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercrossoverdcxdodgejc49Mon, 26 Mar 2007 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #61]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/autoblog-podcast-61/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/autoblog-podcast-61/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/autoblog-podcast-61/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

We're fired up about a few things for episode #61. We eventually get to an enthusiastic discussion of the American LeMans Series, but we wind our way through a few subjects to get there. We start off with the snub to Chrysler by some DCX shareholders who suggest a return to Daimler-Benz AG name. Not only is that a kick in the pants to the Chrysler group, but it's incredibly arrogant and illustrates that it was never really a merger of equals. In a froth, we move on to the anti-surprise that Nissan has nixed the heavy-duty Titan. In the death match that is the US pickup truck marketplace, the Japanese are having a tough fight. The Titan has its own charms but low sales, and the Tundra is taking criticism and underperforming in crash tests. We get the truck wars out of our system and move on to rhapsodic descriptions of the GT2 finish at this weekend's ALMS Sebring kickoff. Oh yeah, there were some kind of Audis there, and Acuras, too. We can't get the last-lap dogfight between the Ferrari and Porsche for the GT2 crown out of our heads, though. Before we go, we touch briefly on Smart's recently-opened registration for US buyers, as well as marvel at the low price for the practical city car that will end up as an effette bauble, as well. That's it in a nutshell, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #61 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALMSautoautoblogbenzblogdaimlerdaimler benzDaimlerBenzdaimlerchryslerdcxFerrariGT2heavy dutyHeavyDutynamepodcastPorscheracingSebringsmarttitantundraWed, 21 Mar 2007 11:32:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #61Dan Roth37:15autoblog; podcast; ALMS; Smart; pricing; racing; Tundra; crash; test; Daimler Chrysler; board; memo; Titan; Heavy duty<![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[Will consult for food: Wolfgang Bernhard hired by potential Chrysler Group bidder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/will-consult-for-food-wolfgang-bernhard-hired-by-potential-chry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/will-consult-for-food-wolfgang-bernhard-hired-by-potential-chry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/will-consult-for-food-wolfgang-bernhard-hired-by-potential-chry/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Rumors have been flying around about which companies and/or equity groups are interested in purchasing the Chrysler Group. Buyout firm Cerberus has shown it is definitely in the running by hiring former Chrysler COO Wolfgang Bernhard as a consultant. Bernhard could be an asset to Cerberus since he knows Chrysler's strengths and weaknesses and was one of the architects of Chrysler's last restructuring and short-lived resurgence in the new milennium.

Bernhard has had a string of bad luck lately with jobs, beginning with his ousting from DCX in 2004. He quickly moved over to VW where he was recently let go after a management shuffle. Bernhard never seems to be out of work for long, however, and now he gets the chance to advise one of the front runners on how best to approach a potential Chrysler purchase. If Cerberus does, in fact, win the right to own Chrysler, we wouldn't be surprised to see Bernhard as the new Chrysler CEO.

[Source: Automotive News]

Will consult for food: Wolfgang Bernhard hired by potential Chrysler Group bidder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernhardchryslerdcxvwwolfgang bernhardWolfgangBernhardThu, 15 Mar 2007 08:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler sale update: Wall St. more interested than automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/05/chrysler-sale-update-wall-st-more-interested-than-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/05/chrysler-sale-update-wall-st-more-interested-than-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/05/chrysler-sale-update-wall-st-more-interested-than-automakers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since Daimler Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche declared 'all options are open' with regards to a possible Chrysler sale, the rumors have been flying. With the exception of GM and Magna, every automaker that comes up as a potential suitor has politely denied the rumor. VW, Hyundai, and Ford have all denied interest in Chrysler, and the Chinese automakers haven't exactly gotten in line to throw their names in the hat.

Surprisingly, over the past few weeks Wall St. has shown some of the strongest interest in the Chrysler brand. Blackstone Group, an investment company with a whopping $125 billion in its corporate war chest, has emerged as one of Chrysler's potential suitors. In fact, the company was already given access to confidential business data about Chrysler.

Blackstone already has seen success in the automotive sector with a 56% ownership in TRW and a stake in American Axle. Another investment firm that has been eying Chrysler has been Cerberus. The company leads a group of investors looking at bankrupt Delphi and they already own a 51% stake in GMAC.

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading Chrysler sale update: Wall St. more interested than automakers

Chrysler sale update: Wall St. more interested than automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstonebuyoutcerberuschryslerdcxdodgehttp://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070303/AUTO0Mon, 05 Mar 2007 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VW not interested in buying Chrysler Group]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/23/vw-not-interested-in-buying-chrysler-group/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/23/vw-not-interested-in-buying-chrysler-group/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/23/vw-not-interested-in-buying-chrysler-group/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gee, you lose over $1.5 billion in the third quarter of 2006 and all of a sudden you're not an attractive automotive partner. First, news leaks that Daimler wants to kick the Chrysler group out the window, then Hyundai and Nissan decide that they're not interested in purchasing the struggling domestic. Now, Volkswagen has made it known that the five-star isn't on their shopping list, even though Chrysler is currently working with VW to build them a minivan based on the next-generation Town and Country.

As reported here on Autoblog, GM has been mentioned as a potential suitor for Chrysler. We wonder if the General will get a discount if nobody else is interested. It's hard to believe the company that builds the Viper and the 300C could be wanted like a sweater at Walmart in June.

[Source: Yahoo]

VW not interested in buying Chrysler Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerDCXGMVWVW mergerVwMergerFri, 23 Feb 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[DaimlerChrysler stocks skyrockets on talk of Chrysler sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/daimlerchrysler-stocks-skyrockets-on-talk-of-chrysler-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/daimlerchrysler-stocks-skyrockets-on-talk-of-chrysler-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/daimlerchrysler-stocks-skyrockets-on-talk-of-chrysler-sale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We have no idea who will end up with Chrysler once all this madness ends, but we can say that there are already quite a few winners in the process -- DCX stockholders.

While we all sat and played the Hyundai vs. GM vs. ? game, the stock price shot through the roof. Apparently in the minds of shareholders, any buyer would be better than Daimler at this point. The stock closed up four-percent, trading at its highest price since 2001. At the closing bell, the final price was 56.08 Euro (about $73.74) per share. We first mentioned rumors of the sale on Valentine's Day and within a few days the story had exploded into unconfirmed, yet very probable, negotiations between GM and DaimlerChrysler, with Hyundai appearing out of nowhere and then quickly dropping out. While we figured the buyout was probably not going to happen, and that pickups were the basis of the talks between GM and Chrysler, the rumors persist.

[Source: Reuters]

DaimlerChrysler stocks skyrockets on talk of Chrysler sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutDCXshareholderstock marketStockMarketTue, 20 Feb 2007 06:50:00 EST<![CDATA[China will get Dodge vehicles this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/china-will-get-dodge-vehicles-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/china-will-get-dodge-vehicles-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/china-will-get-dodge-vehicles-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The rumors, innuendo and leaks surrounding the sale of Chrysler and its brands haven't stopped DCX's plans to move into emerging markets around the globe. During the second half of 2007, Dodge will enter the Chinese marketplace, although it hasn't been made clear what models will be offered.

According to Automotive News, suppliers haven't been asked to quote prices for components, so it's expected that the first batch of vehicles made available to the masses in China will be imported, a standard practice by automakers who want to test the waters before an all out assault on the marketplace.

When local production does begin, a joint venture involving Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler will start, with the Mercedes C-class and Chrysler Sebring being the first vehicles built abroad.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

China will get Dodge vehicles this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beijingbenzchinachryslerDaimlerChryslerdcxDodgejeepMon, 19 Feb 2007 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[When will the madness end? GM's talks to buy Chrysler heat up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/when-will-the-madness-end-gms-talks-to-buy-chrysler-heat-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/when-will-the-madness-end-gms-talks-to-buy-chrysler-heat-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/when-will-the-madness-end-gms-talks-to-buy-chrysler-heat-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We were all ready to start this week anew, leaving behind the reports of a supposed sale of Chrysler to General Motors. But alas, that ain't going to happen.

Both the Detroit News and Automotive News came out with stories this morning making it clear that talks between the two automakers are serious and have been going on for some time.

The initial reports about GM sharing its GMT900 truck platform may or may not have been true, but according to Autonews, what's being discussed would go well beyond simply exchanging some engineering for cash.

The high-level talks have been taking place over the course of the past two months, beginning in December, with Rick Wagoner, GM's chairman sitting down with Dr. Z from DCX. The two automaker's CFOs have met on at least four separate occasions to discuss the buyout/merger/absorption, but naturally, both companies have declined to comment.

The Detroit News had some particularly interesting tidbits, including the idea that if GM were to purchase Chrysler, it would no longer exist as a company unto itself. All of Chrysler's brands and products would just become part of GM's overall organization. As an example, Jeep, one of DCX's most valuable brands, might be partnered with HUMMER as the General's off-road arm.

The risk versus reward for GM is tipped further towards disaster than success, with massive cannibalization of products, excessive debt, mismanaged product lines (within both automakers) and we haven't even gotten into the UAW and the catastrophic amount of layoffs that could would take place.

Since we can't encapsulate every morsel of information here, we'd encourage you to read through the Detroit News piece and, if you have a subscription, check out the Automotive News article on the same topic.

[Sources: Detroit News, Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

When will the madness end? GM's talks to buy Chrysler heat up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absorbDaimlerChryslerdcxdr. zDr.Zgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMlayoffsmergeruawwagonerMon, 19 Feb 2007 03:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler set to recall some 2006 Dodge Rams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/17/chrysler-set-to-recall-some-2006-dodge-rams/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/17/chrysler-set-to-recall-some-2006-dodge-rams/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/17/chrysler-set-to-recall-some-2006-dodge-rams/#commentsFiled under: ,

There are cheap recalls and there are expensive recalls. Luckily for the Chrysler Group the current recall of 86,333 '06 Dodge Rams built between Nov. 7, 2005, and April 27, 2006 amounts to little more than adding grease to wheel bearings. Unfortunately for 2006 Ram owners if this issue is left unchecked it can lead to road noise and vibration and can eventually result in a loss of control and a crash. The folks over at Chrysler did a nice job of catching the issue early and publishing the recall without dragging their feet.

No cases of lost control have been reported due to the defect.

[Source: Detroit News]

Chrysler set to recall some 2006 Dodge Rams originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerDCXDodgeRamRecallSat, 17 Feb 2007 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Automotive News insists GM and DCX talking buyout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/16/automotive-news-insists-gm-and-dcx-talking-buyout/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/16/automotive-news-insists-gm-and-dcx-talking-buyout/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/16/automotive-news-insists-gm-and-dcx-talking-buyout/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automotive News has filed yet another report that insists DaimlerChrysler is in talks with General Motors about the latter purchasing the Chrysler Group. This time the trade pub claims that sources from Germany, where the rumor originated, and the United States have confirmed that GM is interested in picking up the struggling U.S. division of DCX. The New York Times has already confirmed from inside sources that the two companies are talking, but the topic of conversation is sharing the GMT900 full-size SUV platform.

We've already talked about why GM purchasing the Chrysler Group would be the biggest bone-head move of all time. To recap, the two automakers have many products that compete directly with each other, the Chrysler Group's product portfolio is farther behind GM's with less to be optimistic about in the pipeline, the last thing GM needs is more production capacity in the U.S., and absorbing legacy costs and additional UAW workers would be a nightmare. As a point of fact, automakers talk to each other all the time. It's time media outlets quit screaming "Buy out!" every time Rick Wagoner says hello to someone.

[Source: Automotive News]

Automotive News insists GM and DCX talking buyout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive newsAutomotiveNewsbuy outBuyOutChrysler GroupChryslerGroupDaimlerChryslerDCXGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsmergerFri, 16 Feb 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BorgWarner gets tapped to provide AWD system for Avenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/borgwarner-gets-tapped-to-provide-awd-system-for-sebring-avenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/borgwarner-gets-tapped-to-provide-awd-system-for-sebring-avenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/borgwarner-gets-tapped-to-provide-awd-system-for-sebring-avenge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Following on the heels of the successful AWD adaptation of the Chrysler Pacifica, Borg Warner has been tapped once again to outfit the Sebring and Avenger models with all-wheel motiviation. The Borg will supply the hardware as well as the electronic controls and support for integrating the system with the rest of the platform. BW has a line of products specifically aimed at adapting AWD to front-drive platforms. Known as iTrac, the suite of products is designed to interface with stability and traction control systems. With everything working in concert, the Interactive Torque Management (ITM 3e(C)) system is designed to offer the sure-footed dynamics of an AWD chassis with no fuel economy penalty. At highway speeds, power transfer to the rear wheels is reduced, lowering friction and allowing for better fuel economy.

Whether or not AWD is entirely necessary (a full suite of four snow tires and a prudent driver are often nearly as effective) remains to be seen, but it is popular. With the buying public being sold on AWD as a safety feature, it benefits manufacturers when they can offer it on more of their models, and it's a further benefit when the platform doesn't need much re-engineering for the extra hardware.

UPDATE: PRNewswire has issued a correction stating that the release should not have specified the Chrysler Sebring at all. The news applies only to the Dodge Avenger.

[Source: Borg Warner via prnewswire - Sub Req'd]

BorgWarner gets tapped to provide AWD system for Avenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008all wheel driveAllWheelDriveavengerawdborg warnerBorgWarnerchryslerdaimlerchryslerdcxdodgesebringTue, 13 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the drawing board: DCX working on more rebuilding, more sharing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/12/back-to-the-drawing-board-dcx-working-on-more-rebuilding-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/12/back-to-the-drawing-board-dcx-working-on-more-rebuilding-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/12/back-to-the-drawing-board-dcx-working-on-more-rebuilding-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DCX could end up sharing more platforms going forward

Oh, how time flies when you're paying attention to the domestic auto industry. About a year and a half ago the Chrysler 300 was selling like crazy, the Charger was off to a fast start, and analysts were saying nice things about the company from Auburn Hills. Well the 300 and Charger are still a resounding success, and life for Chrysler has taken a turn for the worse anyway. A $1.2 Billion loss in the 3rd quarter put the scare into the folks over in Stuttgart and now management and share holders are looking for more cost cutting and less payroll.

It looks like 1,000 white collar and 10,000 blue collar jobs are now on the block as a large part of the effort to remain competitive. Buyouts will likely surface soon after the announcement plans are announced, and the cost associated with the move will result in more tough quarterly financials for Chrysler. There will be tough times again in Auburn Hills, but some good news may come out of all this for customers and Chrysler employees alike.

Continue reading Chrysler working on secret rebuilding plan

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading Back to the drawing board: DCX working on more rebuilding, more sharing

Back to the drawing board: DCX working on more rebuilding, more sharing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C ClassCClassChryslerDCXDodgeDurangoMercedesMon, 12 Feb 2007 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford is not #4, still part of Big 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/ford-is-not-4-still-part-of-big-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/ford-is-not-4-still-part-of-big-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/ford-is-not-4-still-part-of-big-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After all the sales numbers for the month of January were released, reports began popping up that Ford had fallen to fourth place in sales in the U.S. last month behind General Motors, Toyota and the Chrysler Group. This is nothing more than selective journalism, with journos picking out the numbers that serve a sensational headline like "Ford's #4!". Basically, the battle for third place in sales in the U.S. is between Ford and DCX, and the victor depends on which brands you count in both company's sales numbers. In the past, Ford had always been counted as sales from Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and the Premier Automotive Group that includes Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. If all those brands are counted, which they usually are, Ford sold 166,835 vehicles. Normally DaimlerChrysler sales are split in two between the Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz. The Chrysler Group sold 156,308 units in January, while Mercedes-Benz sold 17,069 last month. Together, DaimlerChrysler as a whole sold 173,377. True, in the battle of Ford vs. DaimlerChrysler, DCX wins. Even in the battle of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vs. Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, the Chrysler Group again wins by a narrow margin of 156,308 to 153,026. However, if the numbers are calculated in the way that have been since we've been paying attention, Ford (including PAG) sold 166,835 units to the Chrysler Group's 156,308 units.

The problem is that, to our knowledge, the standard practice has been to count Ford's domestic brands with all of PAG and to count the Chrysler Group separately from Mercedes-Benz. We've pretty much been following the lead of each automaker, which releases their sales numbers in that fashion. Now, whether or not Mercedes sales should be split off from those of the Chrysler Group is an argument for another day. We just think it's convenient for some journalists to change the unofficial rules of the game to suit a sensational headline.

[Source: the Detroit News - "A NEW BIG 3?"]

Ford is not #4, still part of Big 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big threeBigThreechrysler groupChryslerGroupdcxfordFri, 02 Feb 2007 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: Nassau concept hints towards the future of Chrysler RWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-nassau-concept-hints-towards-the-future-of-ch/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-nassau-concept-hints-towards-the-future-of-ch/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-nassau-concept-hints-towards-the-future-of-ch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image for a high-resolution photo gallery

With a press conference set to the percussion of the Drum Cafe, Chrysler rolled out the Nassau "shooting brake" concept this afternoon to hint at the future styling direction for the brand and especially its RWD line-up.

Based on the LX platform and stuffed with the SRT8 powertrain (that's a 425 HP 6.1L Hemi and 5-speed A580 automatic), the Nassau strikes a far different pose than its 300C predecessor. Viewed from a low front 3/4 perspective, the rear cargo area disappears and the silhouette takes on the popular "four-door coupe" appearance. Viewed from behind, well, it has a rather boat-tailed look.

The impossibly white interior features a center stack that brings a cell phone-like appearance, along with console-mounted multimedia controllers for the front and rear passengers. The driver gets to select gearbox position via pushbuttons on the instrument panel and a pair of paddles behind the steering wheel; the gauge package is said to be inspired by "expensive" watches.



Plenty of high-res shots from the press conference are included in our gallery.

Detroit Auto Show: Nassau concept hints towards the future of Chrysler RWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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