autoMedia Auto News Blog : Chrysler

Future Product Plans: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:23:00 GMT

Chrysler LLC hosted a multi-hour business plan meeting last week where the reborn automaker detailed its strategy for the next few years. Enabled by its new partner Fiat, Chrysler will consolidate platforms, expand product offerings, and aim to boost sales volume and profit. All while significantly increasing product quality. Sounds good so far. The basic breakdown begins with reducing the number of unique platforms. Aside from pickup trucks, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep count 11 platforms today. For 2014, the aim is to use just six, and that includes expanding into the A/B subcompact/compact-car segments thanks to Fiat. The trick is to move C and D segment vehicles, including small and midsized crossovers and sedans, onto a single, versatile platform. The Jeep Wrangler will have the distinction of having its own platform. (There’s only one, as they say.) The large sedans, minivans, and larger SUVs will each ride on three distinct platforms. There are several tangible benefits to this strategy. Chrysler lost its engineering partner with Daimler divested its interests. While Chrysler continues to use variations of Mercedes platforms, access to such resources is finite going forward. New...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. ...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 10-30-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:52:00 GMT

It's the week ending October 30, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. First, it's too obvious to forget, but this weekend is Halloween, and there are sure to be lots of kidlets swarming the roads in costume on Saturday evening. AskPatty knows Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for children to walk and offers up a selection of tips to help drivers do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm. Love this one: "Empire Strikes Back: White House calls out Edmunds on Clunkers story, Edmunds responds" The facts in the case of the White House versus Edmunds are essentially indisputable - but they are open for interpretation. Thanks to AutoBlog for summarizing this excellent -- and entertaining -- case of "He said, They said." Daylight savings time ends this weekend, be sure to take extra care when driving in residential neighborhoods and approaching intersections and stop signs as you adjust to the added darkness along your familiar roads. Automotive Traveler advises your children to be extra careful if they're walking in a parking lot or crossing the street as the sun sets...(read more)

Chrysler To Offer Live, Mobile TV In Cars And Trucks

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:04:00 GMT

Too much time spent watching television may rot your brain, but video entertainment on the road can make long trips pass by more quickly for all aboard. A clever new digital pacifier will be available on select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models starting late December providing live television on the go. And, with 20 channels to select from, there will be much more than cartoons to entertain travelers. Where previous mobile television systems have focused on the kids, Chrysler is touting a broad selection of cable-type channels that includes CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, and Nickelodeon. The Flo TV system will cost $629 plus installation, and it includes one-year service subscription. Offered as a Mopar accessory, the entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country , Jeep Grand Cherokee , Jeep Commander , Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey , Dodge Nitro , Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500. The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 9-25-09: This week in auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending September 25, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Everyone's multi-billion dollar tax drain, aka the Cash Allowance Rebate System, aka CARS, aka Cash for Clunkers, is back in the headlines again.

Soon after Cash for Clunkers ended, many supporters were boasting that the average mileage for the first quarter million trade-ins improved from 16.3 mpg to 24.8 mpg. That's a great fuel savings, right? Wrong: research shows that C4C participants intend to drive almost twice as many annual miles, which will certainly offset any efficiency-based fuel savings. Find out more at AutoBlogGreen.

More bad news about cash for clunkers: Exotic cars were also sent to the crusher! Though the most popular vehicle destroyed under Cash For Clunkers was the Ford Explorer, Jalopnik says buyers also smashed AMGs, Rolls-Royces, and even a LaForza. We can't imagine crushing a $130,000 Aston Martin DB7 Volante for a $4500 credit. That's just wrong.

Hey, not ALL the clunkers have been traded in! If you're looking for some classic American haulers, TruckTrend.com has found three 1960s-era passenger vans for sale on eBay. Take your pick from a 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier, a 1966 Ford E-100, or a 1966 Dodge.

Yeah, we all thought the Segway was a strange invention at first, but it recently had a starring role in "Paul Blart, Mall Cop." Now Honda has released its own personal mobility device, the U3-X, which stands for both "universal" and "unicycle." According to AutoBlog, the large wheel contains a series of smaller wheels that can rotate independently, allowing the awkwardly perched user 360 degrees of movement. Like the Segway, the person piloting the U3-X simply leans in the desired direction to control the movement through the Honda Omni Traction Drive System. Not sure what movie this device will star in, but it causes me to envision human bowling pins, just waiting to be knocked over...

Stranger than fiction: LeftLaneNews is publishing prognostications that Fiat's master plan for the Chrysler Group, includes turning Dodge into a sports car brand and transforming Chrysler into a Cadillac rival. Another proposal reportedly would eliminate Dodge's trucks from its lineup and place them into a whole new division called, not surprisingly, Ram. Hmmm.

Shell will award free V-Power premium gasoline and an all-new 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo motorcycle to the winners of their "Fuel My Passion" Contest and Sweepstakes. All you have to do is submit a creative photo posing with your vehicle and showing the "V" Sign, and also include a short story of up to 100 words on how Shell V-Power has fueled your passion. Details are at AutomotiveTraveler, though we suggest you leave out references to the Mercury Mistress from your entry.

After nearly two years in fleet service, the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle fleet has surpassed more than a million miles on the road. According to AskPatty about 5,000 people have driven the fuel cell Equinox in short test drives. More than 80,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Greater Los Angeles, have volunteered to drive the vehicles as part of Project Driveway's experimental program began in November, 2007.

Consumer Reports asks "Do cars dream of electric beeps?" Many have said the silence of electric cars could be potentially dangerous; Well, Nissan proposes breaking EV silence with 'Blade Runner' whir while moving, to alert pedestrians who can't see or hear them

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment.

Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Automakers Support Texting Ban

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:12:00 GMT

The days for lawful texting while driving are numbered, with several government and academic studies exposing the extreme dangers of this popular distraction. Ahead of a Department of Transportation-led safety conference in Washington, D.C., next week, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has announced its support for banning text messaging using a hand-held device or calling using a hand-held device while driving a motor vehicle. The AAM is an 11-member industry group consisting of BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Several AAM members are developing solutions to facilitate text-based communication, all offer Bluetooth connectivity to allow hands-free phone operation. There is general consensus on the problem and the risks, with some studies equating texting to drunk driving, or worse. However, the debate continues on how to reduce those risks, through legislation and/or technology. (Read “Cell Phones Quadruple Chance of Crash.”)

AAM has come forward with the strong statement: …"texting on a hand-held device while driving is challenging the ability of most drivers to perform the function safely and should be banned."

If and how remains to be seen, and we expect it will be discussed at length next week in the nation's capital.

Also read:
Driving While InTEXTicated: Put Down Your Device & Drive!
AAA Study Shows More Than a Third of Drivers Feel Less Safe

What’s New for Chrysler in 2010?

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:30:00 GMT

Not much in the way of new product. Remember, the company is rapidly reinventing itself, now that it has purged billions in so-called bad assets and almost 800 dealerships, leaving a leaner Chrysler Group to develop a revised product portfolio with its new corporate partner Fiat. (Read: "Like a Phoenix, New Chrysler Group LLC Rises.")

For the imminent future, there simply isn’t much happening. The products are largely in a holding pattern for another model year. However, if you look closely, there are numerous refinements that should make the vehicles more satisfying to own than before, though not the kind of breakthrough changes that are likely to spark showroom traffic. Below are the highlights of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep product updates for the 2010 model year.

We have already blogged on the notable update to Dodge Caliber’s interior. Most other vehicles that receive any update for the new model year are given a light touch. The one exception is the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups to be offered for the first time in a true crew-cab configuration, complimenting the regular and mega cab. All heavy-duty trucks are distinguished from their light-duty brethren by a unique grille, hood, and bumpers. Refinements throughout promise reduced noise, and the cabin boasts more storage locations. The Ram sees its various tow and capacity ratings increased, though these reflect more a change in how Dodge chooses to make its claims, more closely matching the competition, than representing engineering changes. The powerplants for the heavy-duty trucks include the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel. Chassis cab 3500, 4500, and 5500 Rams will be available for 2011.

The Ram Power Wagon returns, with electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, underbody skid-plate protection, 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing, and a custom-built Warn 12,000-lb. winch is accessible through the front bumper. The exterior has been enhanced with a new two-tone paint scheme and graphics package.

Fuel economy tweaks are made on several models, including the light-duty Ram, Dodge Nitro, and Jeep Liberty. These models now have a fuel cut off indicated by an “Eco” light activated during deceleration. Other vehicles, including Jeeps, have had this feature previously. The Nitro and Liberty have some detail updates to their various trims, such as materials updates and larger, standard floor mats.

The Jeep Wrangler receives a long list of minor updates that should add appeal to the legendary rock crawler. On all models fog lamps, tow hooks, compass, outside temperature readout, larger visors, fuel-saver indicator, and front dome lamp are standard. The Sunrider soft-top has been made easier to install. Other changes depend on the trim and options, with changes such as uplevel seating surfaces, new colors, new wheels, and the addition of Uconnect Phone added to the navigation system.

The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee in its final year sees the model line simplified to the Laredo and Limited trims, dropping the Overland. An all-new, larger Grand Cherokee will be introduced for the 2011 model year based on the Mercedes-Benz ML platform.

The Chrysler Sebring convertible and sedan has a minor exterior freshening with a new hood and wheels. Inside, the cars receive a new instrument panel and active head restraints.

And the PT Cruiser lives on for another year, despite its planned discontinuation. There is a new Classic trim that bundles popular features in a value package.

Even the Chrysler 300 receives minor updates, with the 300C now claiming keyless entry/keyless go and rear park assist as standard. Side-curtain air bags are standard on all models. An all-new 300 is expected for the 2011 model year.

The Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans now have active head rests and rear obstacle detection on all models.

The Dodge Journey gains the “eco” feature also added to the Nitro, seeing highway fuel economy increase 1 mpg on the highway with the V-6 model. Active head restraints are standard on all trims, as well we four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Those models with a video entertainment system now have a larger, nine-inch screen.

The Dodge Challenger adds even more performance and excitement for 2010 with the Super Track Pack, includes 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, front and rear Nivomat self-leveling shock-absorbers, a larger rear stabilizer bar, a 3.06 rear-axle ratio, performance brake linings, and enthusiast-desired “ESP-off” stability calibration. A less extreme nostalgia trip can be taken with the SE Rallye package featuring a dramatic stripe package alternative to the R/T Classic with dual hood and decklid stripes, chromed fuel filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck-lid spoiler, and Micro Carbon interior accents.

And finally, the Dodge Viper lives on despite Chrysler’s previous efforts to sell it off. There are four new paint colors and tan Nappa upholstery to mark the new year.

So, while the engineers learn Italian and put together the pieces for what will be the new Chrysler going forward, these enhancements will have to see consumers and dealers through. Again, while there is little drama, the vehicles are more appealing than before.

autoMedia CARnival 9-4-09: This week in the auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:44:00 GMT

It's the week ending September 4, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Cash for Clunkers and Papa John's Camaro remain in the headlines for another week, and David E. Davis says he wishes Jean Jennings was dead, but besides all that, we've also got plenty of other unusual news sure to delight the automotive fan.

Cash for Clunkers rebates undoubtedly fueled robust August car sales, with manufacturers showing increased sales over the same time period a year ago, and even better increases over their sales just one or two months ago. Motor Trend's Todd Lassa shares an astute analysis of these figures, with detailed insights into the best-selling models and manufacturers.

Classic Car Examiner Jim Cherry knows cars have had a long and colorful history on TV from the 1966 Batmobile, to Entourage's Maserati Quatroporte, to Starsky & Hutch's Grand Torino. Knight Rider's Kitt car was so popular that Hasselhoff's series was revived years later in the vain hope of selling more lunchboxes. The right car makes the right statement on TV. They hop things up, express characters' characters, provide dramatic action and provide plenty of merchandising oppoutunities. Check out his slideshow of the top nine classic TV cars at examiner.com

AutoBlog files this under "No Cool, Wacky Deed Shall Go Unlitigated." John Schnatter, Papa John of Papa John's Pizza, put out a $250,000 A.P.B. to find his long lost 1971 1/2 Camaro Z28. Papa John Schnatter says the money was for the person whose name was on the title of the car as a reward for selling the car back to him. When the Sloanes of Indiana helped point Schnatter to Jeff Robinson, the current owner, Schnatter offered them $25,000 for the assist. Now the Sloanes aren't happy about "only" getting $25,000 and want a bigger piece of the pie. More details can be found at this local Kentucky news website. Naughty, greedy people get no sympathy from me. Take your finder's fee and quitchurbitchin...

The Detroit Bureau asks if U.S. buyers are ready to return to Motown and buy American for their transportation needs? According to Paul Eisenstein, that's the rather surprising indication of a new survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. This first-ever survey of motorist intentions found that about 80% of new-car buyers said they would be likely or very likely consider a Detroit product, compared with just 47% who said the same thing about an Asian model, and 46% who'd similarly consider a European offering. The CR survey results show good news for the American automakers, as most respondents said the most important consideration in deciding which vehicle to buy is price, followed by fuel economy, safety, and quality.

It's difficult to find the words to describe the highlight of this segment of "Autoline After Hours" being served at TheTruthAboutCars. Let the headline be your guide: "David E. Davis: Fired for Truth Telling, Wants Jean Jennings Dead." Fast forward 15 minutes in, when David-E wishes a piano would land on her head. Yeah: He says that.

In one article, AutoBlogGreen says Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen, says the Chevy Volt is "a car for idiots," and says pure electric vehicles are "for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are." In another article he denies using those words. Well, of course, he has to, especially now that Audi is revealing an all-electric R8 concept car at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Harrumph.

Honda fans across the internet unleashed "Haterade" on first official Crosstour photos released at Facebook: Honda responds by blaming it on insufficient photography and promises additional photos will come soon. Jalopnik says "We're sorry, but if your vehicle is ugly from 3/4 front and 3/4 back it's just ugly and we doubt more detail is going to change that."

If you've heard the accusations that the rare metals required for production of hybrid car motors and batteries are in short supply and that the mining of such metals is disastrous for the environment, then you'll want to read this report at HybridCars.com which declares such concerns are overblown. In fact, the article states that if domestic and other Canada-based mining concerns go back into production at currently dormant mines, hybrid and electric car production will "not only be on track, it could be done in the United States," within three to four years.

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

autoMedia CARnival 8/28/09: This week in the auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:25:00 GMT

It's the week ending August 28, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each.

Once again, the biggest news involves the end of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program AKA "Cash for Clunker" rebates, culminating in 690,114 transactions valued at $2.88 billion, with stories galore on its "wildly successful" outcome. LeftLaneNews reports on some of the downfalls of the program, saying the clunkers' Web site crashed several times, resulting in a bottleneck of applications. Moreover, only about a third of dealers have received their first clunkers check, leaving many dealerships with cash flow problems. Consumer Reports shares the environmental impact, saying the average new car bought with the rebates got 9.2 mpg more than the average clunker traded in, for an annual average fuel savings per driver of 277 gallons of fuel or about $720.

Pizza magnate Papa John Schnatter has finally been reunited with his Camaro. In celebration, he gave away nearly 36,000 free pizzas. Click here to read the detailed story of how Jalopnik helped make it happen -- and if you want, you can even browse the gallery of photos snapped by Camaro owners when they used their car as the ultimate coupon.

You wake up in the morning and suddenly everyone is driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Sound freaky? Well, that is exactly what is going to happen in Samoa on September 7th of this year. All Cars All The Time predicts this move will be an epic fail. The Wall Street Journal seems to agree. We suggest travelers stay away until they get their drivers retrained.

Are we there yet? Jaime Case and Chris Hodges hopped into a Fusion sedan provided by Ford, and took off on a six-week pre-wedding road trip around the country to see friends and family prior to signing their marriage certificate. Well, they've finally tied the knot, apparently the road trip is nearly over, and to celebrate the couple plans to change their names.... to Ford. Jeez, I hope Ford lets them keep the car after all that!

Get this: AutoBlogGreen.com suggests watermelon juice could be the next great automotive fuel, saying there's enough watermelon juice available to brew 2.5 million gallons of ethanol, which would displace up to 15 percent of corn or molasses, cut down on water usage, and supply needed nitrogen to the mix. Seems like the perfect use for the 360,000 tons of watermelons left to rot and spoil each year!

Chrysler and Nissan have decided to part ways, scrapping three joint-vehicle programs originally intended to fill yawning gaps in their respective line-ups. With Nissan officials recently telling TheDetroitBureau.com they were still open to working with their Detroit counterpart, it appears that the announcement was heavily influenced by Chrysler's new parent, the Italian automaker Fiat. It also appears Nissan is the loser in the latest developments. A separate agreement calling on Nissan and Chrysler to share transmission remains unchanged.

AutomotiveTraveler.com has snagged spypix of the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta -- only not the little Euro hatchback version we've seen so many Fiesta Agents driving! This article features several remarkably clear road shots of the four-door sedan version destined to arrive in American dealerships in the second quarter of 2010. I'd like one in magenta, please?

We all hate sitting in traffic, and in the Los Angeles area, it's notoriously bad. AutoBlog.com shares the results of a study that demonstrates having a GPS system with real-time traffic can save drivers four days per year and reduce emissions by 21%!

If you're writing a research paper on the history of electric vehicles, then look no further than cleancartalk.com which shares everything you ever wanted to know -- but were afraid to ask -- about the electric car. With detailed info from its origins in the 1830s to modern-day options, this article is good reading for green gearheads.

Mark Tapscott may very well be THE founder of the Carnival of Cars concept, and he had the wisdom to include ME in one of his first editions, nearly three years ago! If you want to keep up with Tapscott's current content, favorite him at Examiner.com

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Cash for Clunkers: Senate Approves $2 Billion Extension

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:49:00 GMT

In a last-minute vote before August recess, the U.S. Senate approved H.R. 3435, a bill that extends the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) with $2 billion more in funding. The bill was passed with 60 yeas and 37 nays. It now goes to President Obama for signing into law.

Obama has been a strong proponent of the cash for clunkers extension, and it is expected that he will swiftly put pen to paper. Government officials had forecasted that the initial CARS funds would have run dry this Friday. It is estimated that upwards of 500,000 clunkers could be traded in and replaced with more fuel-efficient, and likely safer, vehicles as a result of this continuation.

The original program has exceeded expectations, fueling a massive sales rush over the past few days. Buyers have been exchanging older, worn-out SUVs and pickup trucks for fuel-efficient small and midsized cars. Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors have claimed 45 percent of the CARS sales during this period. (See “Cash for Clunkers – Top 10 Trade Ins, Purchases.”)

"Our customers and dealers appreciate Congress' help in keeping the program's momentum going and providing the stimulus to put more clean, fuel-efficient vehicles on the road. CARS is one program that has given consumers, the economy and a vital industry a much needed boost," said GM Sales Vice President Mark LaNeve.

Car shoppers may find dealerships have a dwindling supply of the choicest models, as the auto industry transitions to the 2010 model year. Many new models will be shipped to dealers this month for those who can wait, or are willing to reserve a vehicle in advance. It is important for consumers to research their purchase. History shows these buyers tend to hold on to a vehicle for a long time – best to make sure it is one that will serve their needs for many years to come.

Research new vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Cash for Clunkers – Top 10 Trade Ins, Purchases

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:14:00 GMT

The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS), popularly known as “cash for clunkers,” is widely regarded as a success, and now we have further proof. In “Cars for Clunkers Works, Time for a Sequel?” we chronicled the July sales that were buoyed from the program. We now have more detailed information on what vehicles were purchased, with refined figures by brand.

Thus far, 83% of trade-ins under the program are trucks, and 59% of new vehicle purchases are cars. Nearly half of new vehicles purchased under the program were from the Big 3. Detroit’s share in this program (45%) is equivalent to their overall share in the auto market (about 45%) – a couple points less than indicated in published reports yesterday.

Looking at the product mix, the trade ins are all traditional, high-volume models from domestic brands. The popular purchases are from several brands, skewing toward the imports. On average, the new models boast 63% better fuel economy than the models turned in.

A whopping 184,304 vehicles have been exchanged through this program, with car buyers benefiting from $775.2 million in credits. The program is still in effect, with some money remaining. The Senate is expected to pass a $2 billion extension to the program, and automakers and their suppliers are ramping up in anticipating.

So what are people buying? Below are the cash for clunker Top 10s.

Top 10 Trade-in Vehicles

Ford Explorer 4WD
Ford F150 Pickup 2WD
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
Jeep Cherokee 4WD
Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
Ford Explorer 2WD
Chevrolet Blazer 4WD
Ford F150 Pickup 4WD
Chevrolet C1500 Pickup 2WD
Ford Windstar

Top 10 New Vehicles Purchased

Toyota Corolla
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Toyota Prius
Toyota Camry
Hyundai Elantra
Ford Escape FWD
Dodge Caliber
Honda Fit
Chevrolet Cobalt

New Vehicles Manufacturers

18.7% - General Motors
17.9% - Toyota
16.0% - Ford
11.6% - Honda
10.6% - Chrysler
7.0% - Nissan
6.6% - Hyundai
3.8% - Kia
2.3% - Mazda
2.2% - Subaru
1.9% - Volkswagen
0.4% - Suzuki
0.3% - Mini
0.3% - Mitsubishi
0.2% - Smart
0.1% - Volvo
0.1% - All others

Research new vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide. Learn even more from “Cashing in on Clunkers.”

Cars for Clunkers Works, Time for a Sequel?

admin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:27:00 GMT

The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS), popularly known as “cash for clunkers” was executed in a bumbling fashion that only government could manage, yet it was a resounding success. Manufacturers have released their July sales figures, and the news is largely good (or at least, not as bad), with most full-line automakers seeing a lift in the past week from the CARS program. (Learn how cash for clunkers works.)

Subaru boasted the most impressive gain, comparing July 2009 to July 2008, with a stunning 34-percent increase. Although not known for high fuel economy, much of its model line is eligible for consideration, and the AWD-automaker is drawing showroom traffic with its redesigned Legacy and Outback. Volvo saw a 26-percent gain, with the XC60 crossover gaining new buyers to what is otherwise an aging product line. Hyundai issued CARS credits weeks before the program was finalized, and as a result, the crafty company saw a 12-percent gain. (See “Hyundai Honors Cash for Clunkers CARS Rebate – Now.”)

But the real winner is arguably Ford Motor Company. Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln retail sales increased nine percent versus a year ago; total sales (including fleet) were 158,838, up two percent versus a year ago. Ford itself boasted its first sales increase in 19 months. The big winners in the Ford line were Focus (21, 830 sales) Escape, (20,241 sales), Fusion (17,610 sales), and Ranger (7,695 – up 65 percent). Combined, its hybrid models sold 5,353 units.

General Motors figures were down 19.4 percent over July 2008 – a dramatic improvement over past months. Chrysler fared even better, just 9.4 percent off. The Jeep Patriot was up 134 percent, the Dodge Caliber up 63 percent, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser up 24 percent – making the move to continue production seem rather sage. Both companies pulled this off despite significant dealer reductions in the past 12 months. Combined, the Detroit 3 accounts for an estimated 47 percent of the cash for clunkers sales, according to the Detroit News. In addition, the program proved to prime the retail pump and brought many more additional sales.

This overall success was just the boost the auto industry needed, infusing capital and helping to clear away year-end 2009 models. It didn’t come easy. One billion tax dollars went to the cause, and the rush to implement CARS meant many speed bumps along the way.

Last Friday, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) estimated that the funds were at risk of expiring, just days after the program began. Yet the federal government encouraged sales to continue over the weekend, ensuring the funds would be made available and chaos would ensue, as some dealers hesitated to risk reimbursement to make sales. Program overseer the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is struggling to catch up with the filed paperwork that would identify the number of credit claims filed and therefore determine the money spent.

For now, the official word from Cars.gov is that the program is in effect. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives passed a bill to contribute another $2 billion to extend cash for clunkers. It rests with Senate now. This week, the Senate will accept the House bill, revise it, or reject it altogether. There seems to be significant momentum behind supporting CARS. After all, the first deployment exceeded expectations.

Research new vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide. Learn even more from “Cashing in on Clunkers.”

Chrysler Changes Mind: PT Cruiser Will Live On

Editor — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:39:00 GMT

Reversing a decision made earlier this year to kill the PT Cruiser after 2009, Chrysler Group LLC announced this weekend plans to continue production of their retro-style wagon at its Mexico assembly plant.

Chrysler has sold over 1.3 million PT Cruisers in 60 countries since its 2000 debut as a 2001 model. Even though sales have significantly softened during the first half of 2009 - and it has yet to receive a substantial redesign since its launch - the very distinct PT Cruiser has continued to earn awards, model year after model year. In June, the PT cruiser tied with Honda's CR-V for first place in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey IIQS) in the compact truck/multi-activity vehicle category.

While changes - if any - for the 2010 PT Cruiser model have yet to be disclosed, Fiat's alliance with Chrysler appears to reveal a partnership that recognizes the PT Cruiser's popularity around the world.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

Chrysler Offers “Double Cash For Your Old Car” Incentive

admin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:21:00 GMT

With consumers itching to take advantage of the new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program that is rolling out nationwide, Chrysler is looking to sweeten the pot by offering similar additional incentives on many cars and trucks. The “Double Cash For Your Old Car” incentive has the automaker offering $3,500 to $4,500 off the purchase of new 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, potentially doubling the discount some customers can get this summer.

Customers will be able to choose the Double Cash program, or zero percent financing for 72 months. (Run your own numbers before deciding, as in many cases the rebate will save more money in the long run.) The program is in place through August 31, 2009.

Eligible 2009 vehicles and rebate about listed below, notably excluding the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SRT models. Additional local and owner loyalty incentives may be available.

Double Cash For Your Old Car

Chrysler 300 - $3,500
Chrysler Aspen - $4,500
Chrysler PT Cruiser - $4,500
Chrysler Sebring - $4,500
Chrysler Sebring Convertible $3,500
Chrysler Town & Country $3,500
Dodge Avenger $4,500
Dodge Caliber $3,500
Dodge Grand Caravan $3,500
Dodge Charger $3,500
Dodge Dakota $3,500
Dodge Durango $4,500
Dodge Journey $3,500
Dodge Nitro $3,500
Dodge Ram 1500 $4,500
Dodge Ram 2500 $3,500
Jeep Commander $4,500
Jeep Compass $3,500
Jeep Grand Cherokee $4,500
Jeep Liberty $3,500
Jeep Patriot $3,500

Research Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

autoMedia CARnival 7-25-09: This week in the auto blogs.

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:44:00 GMT

It's the week ending July 25, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. News this week was slow (for a change), with no monumental announcements regarding the state of the automotive industry.

Probably the most popular news item of the week was the announcement by General Motors that they would be releasing a special Transformers edition of the Camaro. Yep. Available on Rally Yellow LT and SS models, the $995 Transformers package is intended to emulate the Bumblebee character from the Transformer movies and features special Autobot badging but no additional performance upgrades. This savory tidbit ran at Left Lane News, USNews, Jalopnik, Motor Trend, The Detroit Bureau, and even here at autoMedia.com.

Jim Cherry, the national classic car examiner knows that for some true car fans, life won't be complete without a vintage car key to the highway. His guide to novices buying a vintage car is founded on solid advice: Do your research! Knowledge is power. And that power will protect you from making expensive mistakes. But he admonishes one additional fact: it's nearly always cheaper to buy a car someone else has restored than restore it yourself.

General Motors made news last week by bringing Bob Lutz out of retirement to supervise all creative elements of products and customer relationships. Well, according to autoblog.com, his first act is to move current North American design head Brian Nesbitt into a new and very different role as the general manager of the Cadillac division. Among his responsibilities in his present design role at GM, Nesbitt oversaw the Cadillac CTS Coupe and SportWagon projects. He officially takes the reins at Caddy on August 1.

Jalopnik has moved from reporting on cars to fashion, with news about a new line of Cadillac-branded products for men. Apparently, as part of the brand's 100th anniversary in 2009, a Dubai-based cosmetic company will be producing a line of cosmetics for men that will include a cologne, aftershave, deodorant, and hair and body wash each scented with grapefruit, chamomile, geraniums, tarragon, cinnamon, sweet spice, and incense.

Generally well-received by the automotive press, Hyundai's new Genesis has recently garnered top marks from J.D. Power and Associates in its Vehicle Launch Index. According to The Car Connection, the Vehicle Launch Index offers a kind of holistic assessment of the vehicle, measuring how well it performs for the manufacturer, the dealer, and the customer. Joining the Genesis in the Index's top five are the 2009 Ford F150, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2009 Nissan Maxima, and the 2009 Subaru Forester. In all, twelve vehicles managed to beat the industry average, including seven other models from Ford, Dodge, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen.

Not quite sure how they're getting away with it, but The Detroit Bureau reports that Chrysler Group will offer to double the government's new Cash-for-Clunkers subsidy, meaning incentives of up to $9,000 on "eligible" Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep products.

Ford revealed plans this week for higher fuel efficiency across its 2010 lineup, promising its new vehicle lineup will improve fuel economy by about 20 percent compared to 2005 levels. The company is also committing to at least four new electrified vehicles on the road in the US by 2012, including a full battery electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid, and new conventional hybrids, according to a report from hybridcars.com.

It's big news that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) withheld research revealing the risks of driving while operating a cell phone. Apparently, according to ConsumerReports.org, "The report details the need for more laws and restrictions on cell phone use by drivers. NHTSA specifically recommends that those behind the wheel not use any device, except in an emergency. They also note that laws that forbid the use of hand-held phones are not effective, don't address the problem, and that it may actually imply that hands-free phones are safe." Wowzer! Put your cell phone down and drive!

Motor Trend took a week-long roadtrip in a Euro-spec Ford Fiesta, covering 2550 miles and burning 80 gallons of gas - that's an average just shy of 32 miles per gallon! And, all while loaded down with two staff members, their personal effects, and a bunch of camera gear. Click this link to read about their road-trip adventures, or click this link to read about the month-long coast-to-coast adventures of Fiesta Agent Danny Grozdich, here at automedia.com

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor