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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Chrysler developing TR Ram Life Style Truck to compete with Honda Ridgeline]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/chrysler-developing-tr-ram-life-style-truck-to-compete-with-hond/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/chrysler-developing-tr-ram-life-style-truck-to-compete-with-hond/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/chrysler-developing-tr-ram-life-style-truck-to-compete-with-hond/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/" rel="tag">Chrysler</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/" rel="tag">Dodge</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/canada/" rel="tag">Canada</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2006-dodge-rampage-concept/"><img alt="2006 Dodge Rampage concept" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/dodge-rampage-concept.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div class="iphone_hide" style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">
	2006 Dodge Rampage Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery</div>
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Does the world need a competitor to the <a href="http://autoblog.com/honda/ridgeline">Honda Ridgeline</a>? While sales figures of Honda's half-truck would lead us to believe consumers aren't clamoring for such a vehicle (<a href="http://autoblog.com/make/honda">Honda</a> only sold <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/07/report-honda-says-its-sticking-by-ridgeline/">16,142 Ridgelines in all of 2010</a>, barely more than the 13,047 Dakotas that Dodge moved), recent reports indicate that <a href="http://autoblog.com/make/chrysler">Chrysler</a> seems to think otherwise.<br />
<br />
We've known for some time that Dodge was considering a small urban-style pickup - ever since it showed off the Rampage Concept (shown above) at the 2006 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chicago-auto-show/">Chicago Auto Show</a> and then mentioned it <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/">again in Chrysler's rambling five-year plan announced in 2009</a> - but talk of the so-called Lifestyle Pickup had cooled off... until now.<br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://www.wheels.ca/article/795719">wheels.ca</a>, Chrysler suppliers were recently briefed on the automaker's future product plans, and a replacement for the unloved <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/dakota">Dakota</a> is on the docket. It's thought that Chrysler may build the vehicle in Windsor, Ontario atop its minivan platform, which lends credence to the Ridgeline comparison.<br />
<br />
We have to wonder if the crossover platform employed by the latest (and very well-received) <a href="http://autoblog.com/dodge/durango">Durango</a> might be a better bet, but we'll surely reserve judgement until something more concrete than these rumors begin to surface. We're also curious as to whether the small pickup would wear a Dodge or Ram badge. Stay tuned for more...<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/chrysler-developing-tr-ram-life-style-truck-to-compete-with-hond/">Chrysler developing TR Ram Life Style Truck to compete with Honda Ridgeline</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 18 May 2011 14:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/chrysler-developing-tr-ram-life-style-truck-to-compete-with-hond/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19944016/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/chrysler-developing-tr-ram-life-style-truck-to-compete-with-hond/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>chrysler</category><category>dakota</category><category>dakota replacement</category><category>dodge</category><category>dodge rampage</category><category>ram</category><category>rampage</category><category>small pickup</category><category>unibody pickup</category><category>unibody truck</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 14:29:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[GM reportedly pondering new small truck, return to minivans]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/06/gm-reportedly-pondering-new-small-truck-return-to-minivans/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/06/gm-reportedly-pondering-new-small-truck-return-to-minivans/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/06/gm-reportedly-pondering-new-small-truck-return-to-minivans/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/minivans/" rel="tag">Minivan/Van</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gmc/" rel="tag">GMC</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/opel/" rel="tag">Opel</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/chevrolet-mid-size-pickup-patent-drawings/#3240485"><img hspace="0" border="1" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/pickup-rendering-gm-patent-draw.jpg" /><br />
</a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Chevrolet mid-size pickup patent drawing - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/general+motors/">General Motors</a> CEO Ed Whitacre was apparently quite chatty during his visit to the Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse City, MI this week. In addition to his comments about possibly <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/05/report-whitacre-says-gm-anticipates-offering-entire-company-in/">selling all of GM's stock</a> during the upcoming IPO, he also revealed that the product planning staff under Stephen Carlisle is looking at getting back into market segments the company has or will soon abandon. <br />
<br />
After 20 years of unsuccessfully trying to get traction in the minivan market, <em>BusinessWeek</em> reports that GM is considering trying again with stretched version of the European <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/opel-vauxhall-adds-ecoflex-zafira-mpv-with-44-4-mpg-us-139-g/">Opel Zafira</a>. Oddly, this comes not long after the automaker decided not to offer the forthcoming similarly sized <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/report-gm-cancels-plan-to-sell-chevrolet-orlando-in-u-s/">Chevrolet Orlando</a> in the U.S. market. GM is also apparently revisiting the mid-sized pickup truck. A replacement for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/colorado">Chevy Colorado</a>/<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/canyon">GMC Canyon</a> twins is under development for overseas markets, but it's not currently planned for sale here. <br />
<br />
Freed of much of its debt, GM appears to now be at liberty to look at the entire vehicle market for new opportunities - particularly at the low end for Chevrolet, where it has always had a hard time making profitable products. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/chevrolet-mid-size-pickup-patent-drawings">Chevrolet mid-size pickup patent drawings</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/chevrolet-mid-size-pickup-patent-drawings/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/dimg-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/chevrolet-mid-size-pickup-patent-drawings/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/dimg-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/chevrolet-mid-size-pickup-patent-drawings/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/dimg-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/chevrolet-mid-size-pickup-patent-drawings/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/dimg-6_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/chevrolet-mid-size-pickup-patent-drawings/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/dimg-1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-05/gm-is-said-to-study-new-models-including-smaller-minivan-midsize-pickup.html">Bloomberg</a>]<br />
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<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/06/gm-reportedly-pondering-new-small-truck-return-to-minivans/">GM reportedly pondering new small truck, return to minivans</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/06/gm-reportedly-pondering-new-small-truck-return-to-minivans/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19583552/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/06/gm-reportedly-pondering-new-small-truck-return-to-minivans/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>chevrolet compact pickup</category><category>ChevroletCompactPickup</category><category>Ed Whitacre</category><category>Ed Whitacre CEO</category><category>Ed Whitacre General Motors</category><category>Ed Whitacre General Motors CEO</category><category>Ed Whitacre GM</category><category>Ed Whitacre GM CEO</category><category>ed whitacre product planning</category><category>EdWhitacre</category><category>EdWhitacreCeo</category><category>EdWhitacreGeneralMotors</category><category>EdWhitacreGeneralMotorsCeo</category><category>EdWhitacreGm</category><category>EdWhitacreGmCeo</category><category>EdWhitacreProductPlanning</category><category>general motors</category><category>GeneralMotors</category><category>GM CEO</category><category>gm ceo ed whitacre</category><category>gm ceo whitacre</category><category>gm compact pickup</category><category>GmCeo</category><category>GmCeoEdWhitacre</category><category>GmCeoWhitacre</category><category>GmCompactPickup</category><category>mid-size pickup</category><category>Mid-sizePickup</category><category>opel</category><category>opel zafira</category><category>OpelZafira</category><category>small pickup</category><category>SmallPickup</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: GM working on new small truck]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/report-gm-working-on-new-small-truck/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/report-gm-working-on-new-small-truck/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/report-gm-working-on-new-small-truck/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gmc/" rel="tag">GMC</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a></p><a href="http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/05/sources-gm-working-on-return-to-small-truck-roots.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/s10-630.jpg" /></a><br />
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The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/colorado">Chevrolet Colorado</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/canyon">GMC Canyon</a> have never exactly been the sales successor to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/rr-of-the-day-1991-chevrolet-s-10-baja/">S10</a> throne. While the original baby pickup from General Motors sold like Tastykakes at fat camp, the public has never exactly warmed to the newest generation of short beds. That fact has grown even more apparent in recent months - according to PickupTrucks.com, sales of the Colorado have fallen off 30 percent since last year. But the Colorado isn't alone - small truck sales have plummeted from their once lofty heights, thanks in part to their mediocre fuel efficiency, outdated designs and often surprisingly high price tags. These days, buyers who really need a truck tend to simply step up to a full-size and call it a day.<br />
<br />
But word on the interwebs is that The General is legitimately considering cranking out another take on the small pickup - something that would offer vastly improved fuel efficiency, relatively small dimensions and pint-sized price tag. When can we expect the new truck to show up? Who knows, but it can't come soon enough for our tastes.<br />
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[Source: <a href="http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/05/sources-gm-working-on-return-to-small-truck-roots.html">PickupTrucks.com</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/report-gm-working-on-new-small-truck/">Report: GM working on new small truck</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 27 May 2010 09:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/report-gm-working-on-new-small-truck/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19493646/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/27/report-gm-working-on-new-small-truck/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Chevrolet</category><category>Chevrolet S10</category><category>ChevroletS10</category><category>chevy</category><category>chevy pickup</category><category>chevy S10</category><category>ChevyPickup</category><category>ChevyS10</category><category>General Motors</category><category>GeneralMotors</category><category>gm pickup</category><category>GMC</category><category>GMC S15</category><category>GmcS15</category><category>GmPickup</category><category>pick-up</category><category>pickup truck</category><category>PickupTruck</category><category>S10</category><category>S15</category><category>small pickup</category><category>SmallPickup</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2010 09:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Ram still considering small unibody pickup]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/report-ram-still-considering-small-unibody-pickup/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/report-ram-still-considering-small-unibody-pickup/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/report-ram-still-considering-small-unibody-pickup/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/" rel="tag">Chrysler</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/" rel="tag">Dodge</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-dodge-dakota/"><img hspace="0" border="1" align="middle" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/dakotasmall630.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><small>2008 Dodge Dakota - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/chrysler/">Chrysler</a> is dropping more hints about an upcoming unibody pickup that would be positioned below the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/dakota">Dodge Dakota</a>. You may recall that first word of the new small truck came <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/">back in November</a> when Fred Diaz, CEO of Chrysler's newly-created Ram brand, dropped tidbits about the company "considering" a Dakota replacement. We speculated that it could be built on a platform derived from the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/grand+cherokee">Jeep Grand Cherokee</a>/<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/durango">Dodge Durango</a> architecture. <br />
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<div style="border: medium none; text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;" id="TixyyLink">Interviewed at the National Truck Equipment Association's Work Truck Show in St. Louis this month, Joe Veltri, Chrysler Group vice president of product planning, touched on the subject once again. "We're thinking of something that will separate itself from the full-sized truck more than what happens today, both in capability, price and size," said Veltri. While the automaker has reportedly shelved the idea of developing a mid-size truck on a unibody platform (the segment is currently owned by the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/honda/">Honda</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ridgeline">Ridgeline</a> - its sales plummeted 51 percent between 2008 and 2009), the company feels there is a need for a smaller and more fuel efficient pickup without the unnecessary size or capabilities. According to Veltri, buyers still want pickup trucks but they want better fuel economy. "Everybody has gotten the formula wrong," he adds. Well, everyone except <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/ford/">Ford</a> and the ancient-though-still-small <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ranger">Ranger</a>.<br />
<div style="border: medium none; text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;" id="TixyyLink"> </div>
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-dodge-dakota">2008 Dodge Dakota</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-dodge-dakota/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/08dakota_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-dodge-dakota/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/08dakota_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-dodge-dakota/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/08dakota_03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-dodge-dakota/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/08dakota_04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-dodge-dakota/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/08dakota_06_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100322/RETAIL03/303229952/1%20403">Automotive News</a> - sub. req.]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/report-ram-still-considering-small-unibody-pickup/">Report: Ram still considering small unibody pickup</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/report-ram-still-considering-small-unibody-pickup/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19408590/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/report-ram-still-considering-small-unibody-pickup/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Dakota</category><category>dodge</category><category>Dodge Dakota</category><category>dodge ram</category><category>DodgeDakota</category><category>DodgeRam</category><category>Ram</category><category>ram dakota</category><category>Ram unibody</category><category>RamDakota</category><category>RamUnibody</category><category>Small pickup</category><category>SmallPickup</category><category>unibody</category><category>unibody architecture</category><category>UnibodyArchitecture</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[IIHS crash tests small pickups, majority flunk]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/iihs-crash-tests-small-pickups-majority-flunk/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/iihs-crash-tests-small-pickups-majority-flunk/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/iihs-crash-tests-small-pickups-majority-flunk/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/" rel="tag">Safety</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/iihs-side-crash-test-small-pickups/943169/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/012_iihssmallpickupsside_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for more of the IIHS side impact crash tests for small pickups</span><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.iihs.org/">Insurance Institute for Highway Safety</a> recently performed side crash tests for the first time on small pickups. Their sampling included the Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier and Chevy Colorado. The results were published today and they indicate that small pickup owners might want to start wearing helmets while driving. <br /><br />The IIHS has only three grades for its crash tests: Good, Marginal and Poor. The Dakota, Ranger and Frontier all earned Marginal ratings, while the Colorado could only muster a Poor rating due in part to the moving barrier actually coming in contact with the dummy's head during the simulated crash. The Tacoma, however, was the only vehicle to earn a Good rating. It was also the only small truck tested with side air bags, which are an option for 2008 but will be standard equipment on 2009 Tacomas.<br /><br />If side airbags are an option, the IIHS will, as a rule, test a vehicle without them unless an automaker wants to rerun the crash test with a model that has side airbags and is willing to pay for the cost of the vehicle that's crashed. Not unsurprisingly, the archaic Ranger was the only small pickup that doesn't offer side airbags at all, though it was surprising that none of the other automakers requested their models be tested with side airbags. The IIHS also tells us that small pickups have the highest driver death rates of any vehicles on the road, which makes these tests all the more significant.<br /><br />Check out the official press release after the jump, and peruse the gallery of crash test photos below to witness the utter crappiness that is small pickup crash worthiness. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/iihs-side-crash-test-small-pickups">IIHS side crash test -  small pickups</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/iihs-side-crash-test-small-pickups/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/000_iihssmallpickupsside_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/iihs-side-crash-test-small-pickups/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/001_iihssmallpickupsside_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/iihs-side-crash-test-small-pickups/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/002_iihssmallpickupsside_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/iihs-side-crash-test-small-pickups/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/003_iihssmallpickupsside_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/iihs-side-crash-test-small-pickups/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/004_iihssmallpickupsside_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr072408.html">IIHS</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/iihs-crash-tests-small-pickups-majority-flunk/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>IIHS crash tests small pickups, majority flunk</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/iihs-crash-tests-small-pickups-majority-flunk/">IIHS crash tests small pickups, majority flunk</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:56:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/iihs-crash-tests-small-pickups-majority-flunk/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1265967/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/iihs-crash-tests-small-pickups-majority-flunk/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>chevy colorado</category><category>ChevyColorado</category><category>insurance institute ...</category><category>InsuranceInstitute...</category><category>insuranceinstitutefo...</category><category>side impact</category><category>side impact crash test</category><category>side impacts</category><category>SideImpact</category><category>SideImpactCrashTest</category><category>SideImpacts</category><category>small pickup</category><category>small pickups</category><category>SmallPickup</category><category>SmallPickups</category><category>toyota tacoma</category><category>ToyotaTacoma</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:56:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Jim Press: little trucks could be big]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/jim-press-little-trucks-could-be-big/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/jim-press-little-trucks-could-be-big/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/jim-press-little-trucks-could-be-big/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/new-york-auto-show/" rel="tag">New York Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trends/" rel="tag">Trends</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/" rel="tag">Chrysler</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/" rel="tag">Dodge</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2002-dodge-m80-concept/609433/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/392066cv-0207_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><em>click above for more pics of the 2002 Dodge M80 Concept</em><br /><br />Jim Press thinks that there's an emerging market for small, fuel efficient trucks. You know, the kind of trucks his former employer, Toyota, used to build. Press put in 37 years at Toyota, and he saw the evolution of the HiLux into the Tacoma, which is no longer the diminutive hauler it once was. Press owns a second home in Thailand, and observing how trucks are used in that country leads him to believe that there's a worldwide need for a small, versatile pickup. Dodge's Dakota saw its sales drop by one third between 2006 and 2007, and Press thinks that's likely due to buyers shifting to crossovers. <br /><br />There's not a whole lot of incentive to buy a midsize truck right now - they cost nearly the same as an entry level full sizer, the mileage is only marginally better, and the size differential isn't that great. We can recall two Dodge concept pickups of the recent past that we think buyers who miss the small pickup market might take a liking to. First, there's the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/08/chicago-auto-show-dodge-debuts-rampage-truck-concept/">2006 Dodge Rampage Concept</a>, which packed a lot of utility in a small footprint. Then there's the 2002 Dodge M80 Concept, one of the few Chrysler concepts that got a great reception but <em>wasn't</em> produced. Put the M80 into production on a unibody platform with some unique powertrain options, Jim. Trust us, you won't be sorry. <br /><br />[Source: PickupTruck.com]<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2002-dodge-m80-concept">2002 Dodge M80 Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2002-dodge-m80-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/392057cv-0206_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2002-dodge-m80-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/392066cv-0207_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2002-dodge-m80-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/392077cv-0208_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2002-dodge-m80-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/392088cv-0209_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2002-dodge-m80-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/392099cv-0210_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2006-dodge-rampage-concept">2006 Dodge Rampage Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2006-dodge-rampage-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/cn006_029dg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2006-dodge-rampage-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/cn006_030dg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2006-dodge-rampage-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/cn006_031dg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2006-dodge-rampage-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/cn006_032dg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2006-dodge-rampage-concept/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/cn006_034dg_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/jim-press-little-trucks-could-be-big/">Jim Press: little trucks could be big</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news/chrysler/press/roundtable.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/jim-press-little-trucks-could-be-big/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1098742/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/jim-press-little-trucks-could-be-big/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>chrysler</category><category>dodge</category><category>jim</category><category>jim press</category><category>JimPress</category><category>pickup</category><category>press</category><category>small</category><category>small pickup</category><category>small truck</category><category>smaller</category><category>SmallPickup</category><category>SmallTruck</category><category>suv</category><category>truck</category><category>utility</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:29:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Jeep passes on producing Gladiator concept]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/jeep-passes-on-producing-gladiator-concept/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/jeep-passes-on-producing-gladiator-concept/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/jeep-passes-on-producing-gladiator-concept/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/jeep/" rel="tag">Jeep</a></p><a href="http://wardsauto.com/ar/jeep_gladiator_production/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/jeep_gladiator_concept.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" /></a>Though Jeep's lineup will grow to include eight models by year's end, a small pickup based on the Gladiator concept will not be one of them. Introduced at the 2005 Detroit auto show, the Gladiator concept was based on a unique platform though would have likely shared underpinnings with the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited if produced. The Chrysler Group's COO Eric Ridenour told Ward's Auto, however, "It wasn't profitable". <br /><br />Ward's points out that while some Jeep enthusiasts might be disappointed their favorite brand won't be fielding its first pickup since the Comanche was cancelled back in 1992, the decision not to produce the Gladiator shows analysts that Chrysler is practicing some restraint amidst its current product blitz.<br /><br />The small pickup segment has been virtually abandoned by automakers as models like the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier have grown large enough over the years to be considered midsize trucks and adopt five- and six-cylinder powertrains. The small pickup segment is still dominated by the Ford Ranger, a vehicle that hasn't been significantly redesigned in over a decade. Is Jeep passing up on a golden opportunity or has the small pickup segment permanently run out of gas?<br /><br />[Source: Ward's Auto]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/jeep-passes-on-producing-gladiator-concept/">Jeep passes on producing Gladiator concept</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 21 Aug 2006 17:23:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://wardsauto.com/ar/jeep_gladiator_production/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/jeep-passes-on-producing-gladiator-concept/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/657167/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/jeep-passes-on-producing-gladiator-concept/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>gladiator</category><category>gladiator concept</category><category>GladiatorConcept</category><category>light pickup</category><category>LightPickup</category><category>pickup</category><category>small pickup</category><category>SmallPickup</category><category>truck</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2006 17:23:00 EST</pubDate>
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