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[Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/jeep-patriot-and-compass-being-replaced-by-models-from-fiat-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/jeep-patriot-and-compass-being-replaced-by-models-from-fiat-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/jeep-patriot-and-compass-being-replaced-by-models-from-fiat-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2011 Jeep Phoenix Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.

As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It's also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.

Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.


Gallery: 2011 Jeep Phoenix

Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 jeep panda2011JeepPandacompassfiatfiat pandaFiatPandajeepjeep compassjeep pandajeep patriotjeep phoenixJeepCompassJeepPandaJeepPatriotJeepPhoenixpandapatriotWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[New for Chrysler in 2010: Not much]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/new-for-chrysler-in-2010-very-little/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/new-for-chrysler-in-2010-very-little/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/new-for-chrysler-in-2010-very-little/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler's in a tough spot right now. The beleaguered automaker survived the Daimler fiasco only to be picked up by an indifferent Cerberus team before ultimately ending up in bankruptcy court. Chrysler came out of those proceedings with a new dance partner in Fiat, and while the new company has a healthier balance sheet, a lack of funding has left the Pentastar with a nearly empty cupboard when it comes to new 2010 products.

In fact, Chrysler's new-product roster for the coming model year can be counted on one finger. The heavy duty 2010 Dodge Ram arrives with new sheetmetal, a significantly improved interior, a new crew cab configuration, and upgraded gasoline and diesel engines. It'll eventually be followed by commercial versions, with model designations ranging from 2500 to 5500.

As for the rest of the lineup, Chrysler did the most it could with its limited resources. Among the running changes for the 2010 model year are an improved Dodge Caliber interior, an updated, smooth-hooded Chrysler Sebring (as if anyone's going to notice) and plenty of fuel economy-related updates. The Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty and light-duty Ram receive a fuel cutoff feature during deceleration. The Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot add entry-level 2.0L four-cylinder models that deliver nominal fuel economy gains (2 mpg in the Dodge, 1 mpg in the Jeeps). The 3.5L Dodge Journey, a car that we'd all but forgotten about, will also see tweaks that will allow it to pick up an additional mpg as well.

Finally, Chrysler hopes to entice buyers by making previously optional equipment standard for 2010, while also adjusting pricing. The Dodge Caravan cost of entry has been lowered by $2,180 to $21,800, giving families a budget-priced option in the minivan market. Oh, and one last thing -- a limited edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be offered in Plum Crazy for 2010. Now that sounds genuinely interesting.


Gallery: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty



[Source: The Detroit News]

New for Chrysler in 2010: Not much originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dodge CaliberDodge Nitrododge ramdodge ram 2500DodgeCaliberDodgeNitroDodgeRamDodgeRam2500jeep compassJeepCompassSun, 06 Sep 2009 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/future-chrysler-alfa-romeo-and-fiat-product-plans-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/future-chrysler-alfa-romeo-and-fiat-product-plans-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/future-chrysler-alfa-romeo-and-fiat-product-plans-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


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

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

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

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


Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept


[Source: Global Insight]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo gtxalfa romeo kamalalfa romeo mitoalfa romeo suvalfa romeo suv crossoverAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoGtxAlfaRomeoKamalAlfaRomeoMitoAlfaRomeoSuvAlfaRomeoSuvCrossoverbelividere assmebly plantBelividereAssmeblyPlantdodge hornetDodgeHornetglobal insightGlobalInsightihs global insightIhsGlobalInsightjeepjeep compassjeep libertyjeep pandajeep patriotJeepCompassJeepLibertyJeepPandaJeepPatriottoledotoledo jeeptoledo jeep plantToledoJeepToledoJeepPlanttolucatoluca mexicotoluca plantTolucaMexicoTolucaPlantFri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/paris-preview-chrysler-to-unveil-25th-anniversary-minivan-jeep/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/paris-preview-chrysler-to-unveil-25th-anniversary-minivan-jeep/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/paris-preview-chrysler-to-unveil-25th-anniversary-minivan-jeep/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the Jeep Compass Overland

We already took a look at MOPAR's first concept due to be displayed at the Paris Motor Show next week, and it turns out that it has a twin. This one is based on the unloved Compass mini 'ute and reuses the Overland moniker that's been popular with the Jeep brand, once owned by Willys-Overland. It's painted in a classically-Jeep dark green color that covers almost the entire exterior, minus some silver accent panels on the sides (why?) and a mesh grille that's actually kind of cool. On the inside, it's been tarted-up with new sill plates and seats with stitched-in Overland logos.

The last (and least?) vehicle Chrysler is set to show off in Paris is a 25th Anniversary Chrysler Grand Voyager, which has French-stitched leather seating surfaces and "Blackwood accents." Outside are 17-inch rims, chrome trim and special badges. All in all, pretty mundane stuff. Oddly, nobody ever asks us for our opinions. If they did, we'd tell them they could leave these two at home. Chrysler has issued a press release detailing everything it's bringing to Paris, see it after the break.

Gallery: Jeep Compass Overland


Gallery: 25th Edition Grand Voyager


[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland

Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25th grand voyager25thGrandVoyagerchryslerchrysler grand voyagerChryslerGrandVoyagercompass overlandCompassOverlandjeep compassjeep compass overlandJeepCompassJeepCompassOverlandparis motor showparis motor show 2008paris2008ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2008Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First images of new Compass, Patriot interiors surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/first-images-of-new-compass-patriot-interiors-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/first-images-of-new-compass-patriot-interiors-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/first-images-of-new-compass-patriot-interiors-surface/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to enlarge the 2009 Jeep Compass and Patriot interior

Chrysler has taken a beating from both consumers and the media regarding the poor quality and materials inside the majority of its products, particularly the Jeep Patriot and Compass. Recognizing the problem, Chrysler made the announcement earlier this year that it would be seriously revamping both model's interiors in short order, and judging by these leaked images from the 2009 Mopar Accessory brochure, they weren't lying.

Looking at the pictures from the brochure, the model with the gray and black interior is the refreshed version, while the beige picture (with heated seats!) seems to be the new '09 dash with the pre-2009 door panels. The dash is all new and looks to be a step-up, while the leather seats have been revised and look more upscale than before. Perhaps the greatest difference will be the door panels, which featured hard plastics, chintzy buttons and switches that were directly in the way of where your arm should go. The new 2009 interior puts these items in recesses, which was sorely needed. We'll reserve final judgment until we get to see and feel the updates in person. Thanks for the tip, TJ!

Gallery: 2009 Jeep Compass and Patriot interiors


[Source: Allpar Forums]

First images of new Compass, Patriot interiors surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 jeep compass2009 jeep patriot2009JeepCompass2009JeepPatriotjeepjeep compassjeep compass interiorjeep patriotjeep patriot interiorJeepCompassJeepCompassInteriorJeepPatriotJeepPatriotInteriorFri, 01 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler selling Pacifica Design Studio to Mercedes-Benz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/chrysler-selling-pacifica-design-studio-to-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/chrysler-selling-pacifica-design-studio-to-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/chrysler-selling-pacifica-design-studio-to-mercedes-benz/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Chrysler Pacifica Advance Design Center, first opened in 1983, is credited with penning the Plymouth Prowler concept (pictured above), Dodge Challenger concept, Jeep Compass, and Dodge Intrepid concepts. Unfortunately, the Design Center closed earlier this year as Chrysler streamlined operations. Now, Mercedes-Benz will bring it back to life as they move their design studio from its current 13,000 square foot location in Irvine, to the larger 35,000 square foot former Chrysler location in Carlsbad, California. While both parties have confirmed the pending sale, terms and move-in dates have not been released.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Chrysler selling Pacifica Design Studio to Mercedes-Benz originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerConceptDodge Challenger ConceptDodge InterpidDodgeChallengerConceptDodgeInterpidJeep CompassJeepCompassMercedes-BenzPacifica Advance Design CenterPacificaAdvanceDesignCenterPlymouth ProwlerPlymouthProwlerSaleTue, 20 May 2008 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Press: Chrysler to cut its SUV offerings in half]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/press-chrysler-to-cut-its-suv-offerings-in-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/press-chrysler-to-cut-its-suv-offerings-in-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/press-chrysler-to-cut-its-suv-offerings-in-half/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's no secret that Chrysler has some overlapping models in its lineup. Case(s)-in-point: it's hard to make a rational argument that Jeep should be offering both the Compass and Patriot (not to mention Dodge selling the Patriot's platform sibling, the Caliber) or the Grand Cherokee and the Commander. The Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango barely pretend to be different vehicles and there's no reason to sell both the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro when they're basically the same machine. This revelation is as obvious to Chrysler's new management as it is to us, and Chrysler President Jim Press, says as much. "We're going to stop overlapping, we're going to bring everything under one roof. By doing that we will have more products in the markets we are not covering."

Also marked as redundant by Press are the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans, but as easy as it may be to pinpoint overlapping models, fixing that problem may prove more difficult. Dealers will need to begin offering the whole Chrysler line of vehicles if this strategy of "bringing everything under one roof" is to succeed. Expect to see drastic changes taking place in the next four to five years.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Press: Chrysler to cut its SUV offerings in half originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler aspenchrysler minivanchrysler minivanschrysler-aspenchrysler-minivanchrysler-minivansChryslerAspenChryslerMinivanChryslerMinivanscompasscompatriotdodge durangododge-durangoDodgeDurangojeep commanderjeep compassjeep patriotjeep-compassjeep-patriotJeepCommanderJeepCompassJeepPatriotminivanpatriotMon, 24 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/chrysler-to-idle-compatriot-caliber-plant-for-two-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/chrysler-to-idle-compatriot-caliber-plant-for-two-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/05/chrysler-to-idle-compatriot-caliber-plant-for-two-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Having learned from the sales bank debacle of the past, Chrysler is now throttling back production to draw down inventory levels. Sales of the PM/MK platform cars - Dodge Caliber and Jeep ComPatriot twins - are down roughly 23 percent compared to last year. Part of that is due to a move away from fleet sales, but whatever the cause, the 3,400 workers at the Belvidere assembly plant will get a two week vacation starting Monday. It's a great time of year to take a trip, enjoy some of the last warm days before winter tightens its grip, or just get out and rake the yard. By the time the line starts back up again, the backlog of unsold vehicles will be reduced, and the looming catastrophe of UAW contract talks will be looming.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caliberChryslercompassdodgedodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeepjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotmanufacturingpatriotsalesFri, 05 Oct 2007 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeep helping Chrysler retain market share]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/jeep-helping-chrysler-retain-market-share/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/jeep-helping-chrysler-retain-market-share/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/jeep-helping-chrysler-retain-market-share/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Compass, and Patriot are helping Chrysler defend its market share in a declining sales environment. Between these new models and incentives on Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, Chrysler has managed to stay 0.1% ahead of the market's year-on-year drop in sales. The Wrangler Unlimited is proving a noteworthy boon, helping lift Wrangler sales by 71% year-over-year. Steve Landry, Chrysler's EVP of North American sales said, "The four-door has really created a halo effect for the Jeep brand, bringing people into the Jeep showrooms and it has improved our two-door sales."

Although Chrysler-brand vehicles lead the way among the Big Three in incentives, Jeep has placed little reliance on them. The numbers mean that Chrysler's market share has actually improved a tiny bit, from 12.85% to 12.86% in the US. It's a minuscule improvement to be sure, but for a company that has been through the wringer over the past few months (years, some would say), it's still a great statement.

[Source: Freep]

Jeep helping Chrysler retain market share originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercompassdodgejeepjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotmarket shareMarketSharepatriotsalesus marketUsMarketwranglerwrangler unlimitedWranglerUnlimitedFri, 14 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Lipstick on a... It's STARTECH's Jeep Compass!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/lipstick-on-a-its-startechs-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/lipstick-on-a-its-startechs-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/lipstick-on-a-its-startechs-jeep-compass/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click to enlarge

With the tunerrific Essen Motor Show upon us, we've received more info on what Deutsch masters of mayhem, Brabus/Startech, prepared for the show (Startech is Brabus' Chrysler Group vehicle specialist). We'll start with their Jeep Compass.

The Compass is a pretty ugly car, which is tragic, because the original 2002 Compass Concept was super-duper-looking (photos after the jump). And give Startech a little credit -- they've made the retail version look a bit better just by referencing the concept for inspiration and trying to apply more cues from it to their version. (How novel. If only Jeep had done the same thing.) The stock, ridiculous-looking fascia has been jettisoned in favor of a Startech unit that mimics the concept car's frontal appearance, with a metallic-look bumper cover that features foglights covered in protective grilles.

Plenty more to talk about. It continues after the jump.

[Source: Brabus/Startech]

Continue reading Lipstick on a... It's STARTECH's Jeep Compass!

Lipstick on a... It's STARTECH's Jeep Compass! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compasscompass by startechCompassByStartechessen motor showEssenMotorShowjeep compassJeepCompasslpgistartech compassStartechCompassFri, 08 Dec 2006 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo, Ford, Chrysler recalling thousands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/23/volvo-ford-chrysler-recalling-thousands/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/23/volvo-ford-chrysler-recalling-thousands/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/23/volvo-ford-chrysler-recalling-thousands/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The NHTSA says Ford, Volvo and Chrysler are recalling a total of about 300,600 vehicles.

Ford gets off relatively light and is bringing in 422 Crown Vics and Mercury Grand Marquis to replace improperly secured windshields.

Volvo, however, will install new software to fix speed controls on more than 170,000 cars. Models affected include the 1999-2000 C70 coupes and convertibles, S60, S70, S80, V70, V70XC and XC70.

And just as Chrysler is getting rid of the Pacifica, it'll be seeing 127,928 of them coming back for new fuel pumps and powertrain control module software. The affected crossovers were built from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2004. DaimlerChrysler is also sending Jeep Compass owners updates to their cars' manuals. NHTSA said the books omitted a required rollover warning. We imagine the folks over at TTAC could think of a few more warnings NHTSA could have included in the Compass manual.

[Source: NHTSA via The Associated Press via Yahoo Finance]

Volvo, Ford, Chrysler recalling thousands originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The votes are in, the judges have, uh, judged and it's official: Democrats control the House.

No, wait. Wrong election. The Truth About Cars readers and staff have chosen the 2006 winners (losers?) of The Worst Automobile Today award.

For those with stomachs too queasy or hearts too weak to read criticism of the domestic auto industry, we recommend you find something else to read. Those TTAC folks get kinda brutal.

Just to keep you in suspense, the list of TWAT winners, with excerpts of TTAC's witty criticism, is after the jump.

Continue reading TTAC hands out TWAT awards

TTAC hands out TWAT awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Buick RendezvousBuickRendezvousChevroletChevrolet AveoChevrolet UplanderChevroletAveoChevroletUplanderChrysler AspenChryslerAspenHummer H2HummerH2Jeep CompassJeepCompassLincoln Mark LtLincolnMarkLtMonte CarloMonteCarloRendezvousSaab 9-7XSaab9-7xSubaru B9 TribecaSubaruB9TribecaThe Truth About CarsThe Worst Automobile TodayTheTruthAboutCarsTheWorstAutomobileTodayTTACTWATUplanderWed, 08 Nov 2006 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/vote-for-ttacs-worst-auto-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/vote-for-ttacs-worst-auto-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/vote-for-ttacs-worst-auto-today/#commentsFiled under:



Voting is open for The Truth About Cars' first ever Ten Worst Automobiles Today (or TWAT) award that we told you about earlier in the month. The initial list of more than 120 reader nominations contained predictable TWAT-eligible autos like GM's ancient minivans, uh, sorry, Crossover Sport Van, a couple of Saturns, several DaimlerChryslers, and a few Korean models. Some vehicles that were nominated but didn't make the list included highly-respected vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Pontiac Solstice, Ford Focus and Honda Fit.

Using a highly refined proprietary system, TTAC staffers trimmed the candidates to 20. Voting for the Ten Worst Automobiles Today is now open until Wednesday. See the 20 TWAT candidates after the jump.

Continue reading Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today

Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspenAveoBuick RendezvousBuickRendezvousCobaltCrossfireDaimlerChryslerEscaladeFord RangerFordRangerHummerHummer H2HummerH2ImpalaInfinitiInfiniti QX56InfinitiQx56Jaguar X-typeJaguarX-typejeepJeep Commanderjeep compassJeepCommanderJeepCompassLincoln Mark LTLincoln NavigatorLincolnMarkLtLincolnNavigatorMazda B-SeriesMazdaB-seriesMonte CarloMonteCarloSaab 9-7xSaab9-7xSubaru B9 TribecaSubaru Bajasubaru TribecaSubaruB9TribecaSubaruBajaSubaruTribecaTen Worst Automobiles TodayTenWorstAutomobilesTodayThe Truth About CarsThe Truth About Cars TWATTheTruthAboutCarsTheTruthAboutCarsTwatTTACTWATUplanderSun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeep Compass comes in below projections]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/jeep-compass-comes-in-below-projections/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/jeep-compass-comes-in-below-projections/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/jeep-compass-comes-in-below-projections/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Chrysler Group has gotten tons of PR mileage out of the popularity of the Dodge Caliber, to the point where dealers haven't been able to keep them in stock and consumers have to beg for a test drive (new Calibers net more profit than demos, after all). Unfortunately for the automaker, the Caliber's stablemate, the Jeep Compass, isn't enjoying the same successes. As the first car-based Jeep to hit the streets, the Caliber's sales have been lower than projected despite the vehicle's distinctive styling and sharp interior. The problem seems to be the 2006 models glutting dealer lots, giving potential Compass buyers food for thought -- a 2007 Compass doesn't represent the same kind of deal as, say, a loaded up 2006 Jeep Liberty.

Automotive News reports that the transaction price of the Dodge Caliber has risen since its introduction, beginning at $17,059 in March and then up to $18,276 by the end of September, while the Compass' price has lowered from $22,467 at launch to $21,534.

Jeep has quite a predicament on its hands if the Liberty and even Grand Cherokee are cannibalizing Compass sales -- evidently yet another drawback to Chrysler's resistance to cutting production when showrooms first started clogging up. We'll see how the situation evolves when the Patriot comes out.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek]

Jeep Compass comes in below projections originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingdodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotnew carNewCarvehicle salesVehicleSalesTue, 10 Oct 2006 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Caliber selling out abroad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/caliber-selling-out-abroad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/caliber-selling-out-abroad/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/caliber-selling-out-abroad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not only is the Caliber tough to find on dealer lots in the United States, but it's also selling out in Europe as well. According to AutoWeek, Dodge woefully underestimated European demand for its hatchback replacement for the Neon, causing dealers in Europe to put people on a waiting list in excess of six months.

Many questioned whether Dodge's very American design could do well in Western Europe, but that question is now answered, with 3,238 Calibers were sold so far this year. Dodge sold just 311 vehicles in western Europe all of last year, but announced plans earlier this year to push Dodge as an international brand for the automaker.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Caliber selling out abroad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CVTdodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotwestern EuropeWesternEuropeThu, 07 Sep 2006 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeep Compass gets dissed by consumer panel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/detroit-news-automotive-consumer-panel-disses-the-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/detroit-news-automotive-consumer-panel-disses-the-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/detroit-news-automotive-consumer-panel-disses-the-compass/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Jeep Compass might be turning the heads of some consumers looking to the trail-rated brand for something new, but the ten members of the Detroit News Automotive Consumer Panel weren't impressed. While all ten said they would recommend the vehicle's sibling -- the Dodge Caliber -- to their friends, and six said they'd consider buying a Caliber themselves, just two of the ten would recommend the Compass to family or friends and none would consider buying one themselves. Calling the vehicle "ugly" and identifying it as something that is completely at odds with the Jeep brand, the panelists overwhelmingly gave the car two thumbs down after driving a few around town during the month of July.

Said one panelist, "Jeep, to me, no longer can justify having that 'rugged' reputation attached to its brand name. A Jeep is supposed to bellow 'run me into the ground.' Instead, this Jeep says, 'You guys want to go to the mall?'"

Let's hope, for Chrylser's sake, that the new Compass will overcome the opinions of these ten.

[Source: Detroit News]

Jeep Compass gets dissed by consumer panel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit newsDetroitNewsdodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotThu, 03 Aug 2006 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeep believes bobbleheads will help sell the Compass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/22/putting-their-bobble-heads-together-to-sell-the-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/22/putting-their-bobble-heads-together-to-sell-the-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/22/putting-their-bobble-heads-together-to-sell-the-jeep-compass/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chrysler has an interesting advertising campaign coming up to sell the Jeep Compass to the 22-30 year-old urban demographic -- lure 'em in with bobbleheads.

The vehicle, which marks Jeep's first foray into strictly on-road territory, is expected to appeal to a much more diverse and urban audience than other Jeep vehicles. To reach this audience, Jeep has created four 30-second commercials depicting bobbleheads bouncing along to KRS-One's "Steady Bounce," which conveniently has lyrics about Jeeps on the New York streets.

One ad depicts a bobblehead driving a Compass down the street while other bobbleheads eye his rims. Closing out the commercial, bobbleheads break it down under a disco ball in the club--er, back of the Compass decked out to look like a club.

Jeep decided to go with the bobblehead idea because bobbleheads apparently heavily appeal to the company's target market for the Compass.

Our last foray into a discussion on the urban demographic devolved pretty quickly, so please keep the comments respectful.

[Source: Detroit News]

Jeep believes bobbleheads will help sell the Compass originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jul 2006 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsbobbleheadscommercialscompassjeepjeep compassJeepCompassmarketingtvSat, 22 Jul 2006 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[First Jeep Compass rolls off the line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/first-jeep-compass-rolls-off-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/first-jeep-compass-rolls-off-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/first-jeep-compass-rolls-off-the-line/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Dodge Caliber's Jeep sibling, the Compass, started production at the Chrysler Group's plant in Belvidere, Ill., where the automaker will also start making the Jeep Patriot this fall. Chrysler's flexible manufacturing processes are said to be behind the plant's versatility and efficiency, which makes for the opportunity to build the three different models all on the same production line.

The Compass, which is Jeep's first foray into the world of soft SUVs and crossover vehicles, will start at an MSRP of  $15,985, including a $560 destination charge. The vehicle will go on sale this summer.

[Source: Chrysler]

Related posts:
Chrysler plant adding another 1,000 jobs
Chrysler calls 1,000 employees back to work at Belvidere
First production Dodge Caliber rolls off the line

First Jeep Compass rolls off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 May 2006 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodge caliberDodgeCaliberflexible manufacturingFlexibleManufacturingjeepjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriotkaizenlean manufacturingLeanManufacturingWed, 31 May 2006 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota surpasses Chrysler's numbers... again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/toyota-surpasses-chryslers-numbers-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/toyota-surpasses-chryslers-numbers-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/toyota-surpasses-chryslers-numbers-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota beat Chrysler's sales totals 219,965 to 190,095 in April, part of a larger trend that showed a bad month for domestics and a good month for Toyota. It's not the first time it has happened, but it might just give Toyota the boost it needs to surpass Chrylser's year-end sales totals. However, Chrysler expects strong sales of the Caliber and other forthcoming vehicles to edge the littlest member of the Big Three ahead of Toyota by year-end.

[Source: TheCarConnection.com; DaimlerChrysler]

Toyota surpasses Chrysler's numbers... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 May 2006 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesCarSaleschryslerdodge caliberDodgeCaliberjeepjeep compassjeep patriotJeepCompassJeepPatriottoyotaWed, 03 May 2006 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[DaimlerChrysler announces pricing for new Jeep Compass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/daimlerchrysler-announces-pricing-for-new-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/daimlerchrysler-announces-pricing-for-new-jeep-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/daimlerchrysler-announces-pricing-for-new-jeep-compass/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Jeep's controversial new compact SUV will tap your wallet for $15,985 (MSRP, including destination charges). Arriving in U.S. and international dealerships in the fall, Jeep's first-ever road-biased crossover is targeted squarely at young, first-time Jeep buyers (ages 25-35, with a predicted 60-percent female 'take' rate).

According to Chrysler, 368,000 compact SUVs were sold in the U.S. in 2005, a 24-percent uptick from 2004. The company expects the segment to continue to grow, nearly tripling in size over the next ten years.

The base model ships with FWD, powered by Chrysler's 172 hp, 2.4-liter World Engine through a five-speed manual transaxle. Customers can step up to a full-time 4x4 "Freedom Drive I"-equipped Compass at an MSRP of $17,585. Those with a bit more scratch will have the choice of going for the Compass Limited (FWD) at $20,140, or the full-boat Compass Limited 4x4 at $21,740.

[Source: Chrysler Group]

DaimlerChrysler announces pricing for new Jeep Compass originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeep compassJeepCompasssuvTrail RatedTrailRatedWed, 05 Apr 2006 07:03:00 EST