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[REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-chrysler-rehiring-white-collar-workers-to-get-new-produc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

The new product picture at Chrysler appears to be mighty thin, as the only new products scheduled to come out of the Pentastar over the next year are redesigns of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and the Chrysler 300. As you may recall, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently said that he was surprised to see how little has been done in the way of product development over the past two years, which is hardly a ringing endorsement from the new boss.

Marchionnne and his management team are now putting the final touches on a new plan to reverse Chrysler's fortunes, and the key to the company's renaissance will be new product. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Marchionne's plan includes quick turnarounds on the refreshing of the Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Patriot and Compass. According to company sources, the PT Cruiser is also scheduled to be redesigned in a compressed time frame, with the expectation of a mid-2011 arrival.

To execute the aggressive plan, Marchionne is reportedly calling for design and engineering workers to work overtime, and some workers who took packages or were separated involuntarily will be hired back on a contract basis. Beyond the refreshes already mentioned, Fiat has already committed to build the hot little 500 in Mexico by mid-2011, and the Pentastar will also complete the launch of its Phoenix V6 engine program.

Marchionne is scheduled to deliver his latest proposal to overhaul Chrysler to the Obama Administration's Auto Task Force by next Wednesday. It looks like there is finally going to be some serious action in Auburn Hills, MI, and we're hoping that Fiat and Chrysler can buy two years' time to bring the greatly-needed product to fruition.


Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge caliberDodgeCaliberfiatgrand caravanGrandCaravanjeepjeep patriotJeepPatriotmarchionnept cruiserPtCruisertown CountryTownCountryFri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/chrysler-to-restart-seven-north-american-plants-by-end-of-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/chrysler-to-restart-seven-north-american-plants-by-end-of-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/chrysler-to-restart-seven-north-american-plants-by-end-of-month/#commentsFiled under: ,



Hot on the heels of news that the Dodge Viper's Conner Avenue facility would be the first Chrysler plant to fire up after the company's bankruptcy proceedings/Fiat tie-up comes official word that the automaker will resume production at seven plants the week of June 29. In addition, Chrysler will bring the supporting powertrain and stamping plants online that supply the assembly factories listed below with parts.

According to Ed Garsten, Chrysler's manager of electronic media communications, the following assembly plants will resume production as part of a "phased production ramp-up" -
  • Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, MI) - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
  • Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, MI) - Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
  • St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, MO) - Dodge Ram
  • Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, OH) - Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
  • Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger
  • Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
  • Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) - Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser
Despite the start-ups, all Chrysler plants will again idle for two weeks in the second half of July as part of a previously scheduled summer break.

Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BramptonChryCoChryslerChrysler 300Chrysler PT CruiserChrysler SebringChrysler Town and CountryChrysler Town CountryChrysler300ChryslerPtCruiserChryslerSebringChryslerTownAndCountryChryslerTownCountryDodge AvengerDodge CaravanDodge ChallengerDodge ChargerDodge DakotaDodge JourneyDodge RamDodge ViperDodgeAvengerDodgeCaravanDodgeChallengerDodgeChargerDodgeDakotaDodgeJourneyDodgeRamDodgeViperEd GarstenEdGarstenGrand CaravanGrandCaravanJeep WranglerJeepWranglerPT CruiserPtCruiserst. louisSt.Louissterling heightsSterlingHeightsToledoTolucawarren MichiganWarrenMichiganWindsorWranglerWed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/dodge-in-danger-of-losing-1-minivan-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/dodge-in-danger-of-losing-1-minivan-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/dodge-in-danger-of-losing-1-minivan-title/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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

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

Follow the jump for more.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Caravan


Gallery: 2008 Honda Odyssey

Continue reading Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravandodge caravanDodgeCaravangrand caravanGrandCaravanhonda odysseyHondaOdysseyminivanstop selling minivanTopSellingMinivanMon, 10 Dec 2007 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler releases Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/chrysler-releases-dodge-grand-caravan-cargo-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/chrysler-releases-dodge-grand-caravan-cargo-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/chrysler-releases-dodge-grand-caravan-cargo-van/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for commercial-grade photo gallery

Grand Caravan Cargo Van interiorChrysler has just released details on its commercial-grade Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van, which has tradesmen, small business owners, and other small fleet customers in its crosshairs (pun fully intended). Since it's a work vehicle, the second and third row seats have been eliminated. This creates 143.8 cubic feet of storage capacity in back, and to keep it from getting instantly trashed, the cargo floor is covered with an industrial-grade material. The interior trim for the second- and third-row seating areas can also be deleted completely, as the working man's Grand Caravan is designed to be a blank slate that upfitters can customize for role-specific duties.

The forward compartment is equipped with YES Essentials fabric seats, a decent stereo, the to-be-expected variety of cupholders, power outlets, and storage areas, and a rubberized floor capable of withstanding daily punishment. Powered by Chrysler's 175-horsepower 3.3L flex-fuel V6, the Grand Caravan Cargo Van sports a 17/24 city/highway EPA rating. 16-inch steelies and a heavy-duty suspension are standard, and both the dual sliders and rear hatch are manually operated. While a panelized version isn't currently offered, the existing rear glass is tinted dark for maximum privacy, so you'll have to moosh your face right up against it to see what goodies your local bakery's hauling back there.

[Source: Chrysler LLC]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Caravan Cargo Van

Continue reading Chrysler releases Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van

Chrysler releases Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo vanCargoVancommercial minivanCommercialMinivangrand caravangrand caravan cargo vanGrandCaravanGrandCaravanCargoVanWed, 29 Aug 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler first to offer Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/chrysler-first-to-offer-sirius-backseat-tv-in-2008-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/chrysler-first-to-offer-sirius-backseat-tv-in-2008-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/chrysler-first-to-offer-sirius-backseat-tv-in-2008-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chrysler announced today that it will nab another exclusive for its upcoming redesigned 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. In addition to their popular Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go options, the new soccer mom-mobiles will be the first available with Sirius Backseat TV. This extremely handy technology beams three channels of kid friendly programming right into your minivan. Video can be displayed on either both flip down screens in the back, or also the third screen embedded in the dash if the vehicle is parked. Mom and Dad can also choose to listen to Sirius audio programming up front while Dick and Jane rot their brains on cartoons in the back.

The channels being offered are particularly appropriate for children, just the type of people that often frequent the back seats of minivans. Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and the Cartoon Network will all be beamed and received via two small roof-mounted antenna. We're particularly pleased the Cartoon Network was thrown in there, and hope to all hell that Adult Swim comes in.

What's more, this technology will only cost $470 as an option, which includes the first year of service. Considering that it's the first of its kind on the market, we think the price is reasonable. Although, by this time you've likely checked off the box for the MyGIG entertainment system, which costs a heady $1,700 on some vehicles. We imagine that money is of little concern when trying to mute the little ones, and Chrysler comes through again with an exclusive feature for its new minivans. The Sirius Backseat TV function will also concurrently be offered on the 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it makes the most sense in these vans.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler first to offer Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 models

Chrysler first to offer Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Backseat TVBackseatTvgrand caravanGrandCaravansatellite radioSatelliteRadioSIRIUStown and countryTownAndCountryThu, 29 Mar 2007 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: Bread & Butter - The Chrysler Group's Minivan Unveiling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/07/detroit-auto-show-bread-and-butter-the-chrysler-groups-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/07/detroit-auto-show-bread-and-butter-the-chrysler-groups-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/07/detroit-auto-show-bread-and-butter-the-chrysler-groups-minivan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click on above image to view high-resolution gallery of live shots


We're back from Chrysler's minivan unveiling, where, truth be told, not a whole lot of new stuff happened, as leaks on the web revealed most of the juiciest features of DCX's new family haulers last week. In any case, The show hosted by Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda still had its moments.

The theme for the program was "Recipe for Success," which Chrysler drove into the assembled media's heads with all the subtlety of a jackhammer. Feature lists thrown on the projection screens were configured to look like e recipe cards, and the press kit that was distributed looks like a cookbook. The stage was set up with giant breadboxes on either end, which ultimately opened up to reveal one of the original Plymouth Voyagers and a '96 Chrysler Town and Country - earlier examples of Chrysler's bread-and-butter vehicles (more on that theme in a separate post later on). LaSorda reminded everyone that Chrysler invented the segment and pointed at the innovations that the first two generations of the minivan brought to the marketplace.

The initial part of the presentation was dominated by a cooking demo during which celebrity chef and Food Network star Bobby Flay joined LaSorda on stage. Flay actually injected a little levity into the proceedings, making a crack that based on his technique, LaSorda had been spending some time in a hot kitchen, prompting LaSorda to reply, "The kitchen's been pretty hot lately, I can tell you that," to laughs all around. It was actually one of the better moments, because for the most part, the banter was of the blatantly pre-prepared, unintentionally amusing variety. The best way to describe it is that you felt like you were watching characters in a Christopher Guest film up on stage.

Follow the jump for info and click here to view our high-resolution gallery of live shots.

Check out all the debuts and galleries from the Detroit Auto Show here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Bread & Butter - The Chrysler Group's Minivan Unveiling

Detroit Auto Show: Bread & Butter - The Chrysler Group's Minivan Unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008grand caravanGrandCaravantown and countryTownAndCountrySun, 07 Jan 2007 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brings its A-game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-brings-its-a-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-brings-its-a-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/05/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-brings-its-a-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for high-resolution gallery of 20 pics

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

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



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

Continue reading 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brings its A-game

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008caravangrand caravanGrandCaravanFri, 05 Jan 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/28/spy-photos-2008-dodge-grand-caravan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/28/spy-photos-2008-dodge-grand-caravan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/28/spy-photos-2008-dodge-grand-caravan/#commentsFiled under: ,

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

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

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

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

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