chrysler

Chrysler Brand Replacing Entire Model Lineup in ’11

Chrysler Brand Replacing Entire Model Lineup in ’11

November 15, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Chrysler Brand is experiencing a rejuvenation, and product is at the heart of it, replacing its full lineup with either all-new or significantly improved vehicles in just the next few months. As a sign of that change, the recently introduced all-new Chrysler winged badge logo will rightfully adorn all this new metal as it rolls out to the public.

The Brand itself is further defining itself, as well.

“What Chrysler Brand will be, and what will make it unique, is that it will give people beautiful shapes, which would otherwise be out of reach. It will always deliver a bit more than the customer expects,” said Olivier Francois, Chrysler Brand President & CEO. “At every turn, Chrysler Brand and its vehicles will deliver what people deserve, not just what they expect. It will take appointments – design, technology, and engines, to name a few – that were borne for a few and deliver them to the masses.”

Vehicles like the all-new, next generation 2011 Chrysler 300.

The iconic flagship, which has been the most awarded vehicle in automobile industry history, will debut its much anticipated, all-new model later this year.

Expect more of the head-turning styling, acclaimed driving dynamics and an even more befitting interior when this vehicle comes to market.

Then there’s the Chrysler 200.

With so much change intended for the upcoming 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan, the Company was driven to bestow a new nameplate on the car, as it deserves its own space and identity in the mid-size sedan segment. The Chrysler 200 will provide drivers a beautifully inspired sedan that doesn’t compromise safety or practicality, while offering an extraordinary level of standard content, all at a surprising value.

Including elements from the 200C show car revealed in recent years on the auto show circuit, this vehicle will now compete head-to-head with the best of the mid-size segment, be it in looks, motoring excitement, refinement… what have you. A convertible version, one that is a true four-seat sedan, will follow.

The new Chrysler 200 sedan offers consumers exceptional craftsmanship inside and out, a refined and spirited driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content.

Virtually every system in the sedan is new or upgraded for 2011, giving the Chrysler 200 its own identity and space in the highly competitive mid-size sedan segment. Exterior and sheet metal upgrades include: front and rear fascias and fenders, a new grille featuring the new Chrysler brand winged badge, new hood, LED positioning light pipe in front headlamps, rear deck lid and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps and an LED center high-mounted stoplight.
With the all-new interior for 2011, customers will step into a level of craftsmanship, content and comfort that is world-class. The all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge face and new Chrysler steering wheel transform the driver’s seat into an elegant atmosphere. Upgraded seats with a new design that incorporates more cushion material and revised spring geometry, as well as new leather and cloth seating materials, envelop the driver and passenger.

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The new 2011 Chrysler 200 provides drivers an agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work, a weekend adventure on twisty roads or going out with family and friends. Virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned for 2011. A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the new 200 sedan’s driving experience. The 2011 Chrysler 200 is offered with the proven 2.4-liter World Gas Engine or the available new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which provides an even more exhilarating driving experience that offers customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class V-6 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to the 62TE six-speed transmission.

The 200 sedan is an exciting alternative for customers that want style and substance, all at a surprising value.

Finally, though far from least, is the Chrysler Town & Country.

First, Chrysler created a segment (luxury) in the hotly contested minivan arena, after having introduced the first minivans U.S. consumers had ever seen some 25 years ago.

Next, it refused to rest on its laurels, and upped the ante once again. All the senses will be aroused by the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

It is a beautifully inspired vehicle built with a craftsmanship, elegance and sophistication not found in other minivans. Additionally, the Town & Country provides the safety, security and driving dynamics consumers expect, with the innovative technology that keeps Walter P. Chrysler’s legacy of engineering innovations alive and well.

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Town & Country remains true to the Chrysler Brand credo, including being attainable to all, rather than merely a select few.

The new 2011 Chrysler Town & Country minivan delivers great American design, innovative technology, unparalleled functionality and all the standard safety features a family aspires to have in a vehicle, at a surprising value.

For 2011, virtually every customer touch point was redesigned or re-engineered. From a suspension redesign that delivers an exhilarating driving performance, to a new powertrain with best-in-class horsepower and excellent fuel economy, to the new, exquisitely-crafted interior cabin with clever features a family appreciates, to the beautifully sleek new exterior design, thoughtful innovation was engineered in every aspect of the new Town & Country.

Chrysler Group continues its industry-leading innovation in the minivan segment with minivan-first features for 2011 including a heated steering wheel, new Stow ‘n Place™ roof rack system that allows roof bows to be stored in the rails when not in use, a new, integrated, super center console for first- and second-row passengers, and new fuel economizer mode that changes the transmission shift schedule, helping the driver maximize fuel efficiency

With exquisite styling, a beautifully crafted interior, more than 40 standard safety and technology features, smart, cutting-edge entertainment features and clever seating and storage options, the new Chrysler Town & Country delivers on the Chrysler promise to provide every owner a vehicle that satisfies their dreams.

Chrysler Group LLC Reports Operating Profit of $239 Million at end of 3rd quarter

Chrysler Group LLC Reports Operating Profit of $239 Million at end of 3rd quarter

Net Revenues increased to $11.0 billion in Q3 2010, up 5.2 percent from Q2, and Net Loss reduced to $84 million from $172 million in Q2 2010
Positive Cash Flow of $419 million in third quarter, further strengthening Cash Position to $8.3 billion as of September 30, 2010
Based on continued operating performance improvement, full year guidance is revised upwards to an Operating Profit of ~$0.7 billion (from $0.0-0.2 billion), Positive Free Cash Flow of ~$0.5 billion (from negative $1 billion)

November 8, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today issued its financial results for the third quarter 2010 and revised upwards its full year 2010 guidance based on continued operating performance improvements.
Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC stated, “A year ago, Chrysler Group laid out clear and concise five year financial goals and after three consecutive quarters of better than forecasted results, we are not only living up to our commitments but we are also exceeding our 2010 financial objectives.

“Chrysler’s financial success is dependent upon the vehicles we design, build and sell. In a mere 16 months, the Company is delivering 16 all-new or refreshed products led by the critically acclaimed all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and including the Fiat 500, signaling the return of the Fiat brand to the U.S. and Canada. We are committed to ensuring that every new vehicle this company launches has the same high quality and technological advances as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Our 2010 accomplishments are just the beginning of building Chrysler Group into a vibrant and competitive auto maker,” Marchionne added.

Chrysler Canada Reports Highest July Sales since 1997

Chrysler Canada Reports Highest July Sales since 1997

Chrysler Canada press release

  • Eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth
  • Calendar year to date (CYTD) sales up 37 per cent
  • All-time sales record for Ram Pickup, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey
  • Best July sales ever for Jeep(R) Wrangler

WINDSOR, ON, Aug. 4 /CNW/ – Chrysler Canada today announced total sales of 22,319 for the month of July, an increase of 40 per cent compared with July 2009 (July 2009: 15,958). This figure represents the best results for the month of July since 1997. Two of the top three selling nameplates in the country are Chrysler Canada vehicles – the Dodge Grand Caravan (No. 2) and the Ram Pickup (No. 3).

“These numbers really speak for themselves,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Chrysler Canada. “In June our sales were up in excess of 100 per cent and now this is our best July in over a decade. When you couple these sales numbers with Corporate operating profits in the first and second quarters of this year, I don’t think there is any doubt that our restructuring efforts last year and alliance with Fiat are paying early dividends.”

“During July, we smashed many of our previous sales records,” said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales – Chrysler Canada. “While fleet sales continue to be solid, our real strength has been in incredibly robust retail sales at our dealerships.”

The Ram pickup beat its own all-time sales record, set in April of this year, with sales of 6,436, an increase of 166 per cent over July 2009 sales of 2,421. With calendar year to date sales through July of 31,746, the Ram is up a significant 24 per cent over the vehicle’s previous 2007 record for the same time period.

Dodge Grand Caravan also beat its previous all-time record on sales of 6,083, climbing 102 per cent compared with July 2009. Calendar year to date, the company has sold more Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles in this time period than its previous record set eight years ago.

Sales of the Dodge Journey soared 46 per cent over July 2009, with 2,268 units sold (July 2009: 1,553). This represents yet another all-time sales record.

The legendary Jeep(R) Wrangler set a sales record for the month of July with 1,483 units sold, up 183 per cent versus July 2009.

August Incentive Program

In July Canadians showed their interest in the company’s great products and endorsed Chrysler Canada’s value-priced incentive offers by purchasing more new Ram Truck, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey vehicles than during any other month on record.

With retail sales up over 50 per cent versus last year, Chrysler Canada is pleased to announce the extension of all retail incentive offers through the end of August. With great offers like this being continued for one final month, Canadians are encouraged to visit their local Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership to see Chrysler Canada’s full lineup of award-winning and segment-leading vehicles, including the all-new 2010 Motor Trend Truck of the Year – Ram Heavy Duty; the most awarded Ram ever – Ram 1500; the No. 1 selling minivan – Dodge Grand Caravan; the No. 1 selling crossover – Dodge Journey; and the most fuel-efficient and affordable 4×4 in Canada – Jeep Patriot.

Chrysler announces Fiat 500EV for US market but not for Canada

Yesterday Chrysler released a rather important press release announcing that they would be releasing an all electric version of the Fiat 500 for the US market in 2012. This is pretty neat stuff for all of you who feel that electric vehicles are the way to go. Even cooler is the fact that all drivetrain development will be done at Chrysler’s home in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The one thing that struck me about the press release was the statement US Market, which appeared over and over again in the press release. Normally it would read North American market and it might be mentioned once or twice.

I’ve checked with the PR types in the US, who have confirmed that indeed the 500EV will be for the US market only. As I write this, I haven’t heard back from the Canadian PR office.

So that’s the deal folks, for now it seems like Canadian greenies will not have the opportunity to buy an electric Fiat 500.

Editor’s note: Chrysler Canada has confirmed that the 500 EV is indeed scheduled for the US market only.

Cars of NAIAS: Chrysler Lancia Delta

The Chrysler booth at Detroit was a bit odd, with the Italian laneway up the middle, but perhaps the oddest thing was this great looking car set off in a corner. Ok, so it was a very front corner. That made it even weirder. Why? It was sitting there rotating on a turntable, surrounded by journos, many of whom had no idea what it was. There were no signs, no staff, nothing to indicate what the car was. There wasn’t even any name badges on the vehicle, beyond the Chrysler logos. Those of us who knew, spotted it instantly as a Lancia Delta sporting Chrysler branding.

Great idea, why no info? I asked the PR types at the other end of Mopar city and they just said it was a Chrysler/Lancia Delta “design study” but had no other knowledge of the vehicle. Apparently they didn’t even know it was there until they arrived at the show and there was no info for them either! It seems this great idea, like so many in the auto industry was lacking in execution.

Gallery after the break. What do you think of it?
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Chrysler Canada Retail Sales Climb 20 per cent in January – 2nd highest selling Automaker in the Country

Chrysler Canada press release

WINDSOR, ON, Feb. 2 /CNW/ – Chrysler Canada today announced that retail sales climbed 20 per cent for the month of January 2010 compared with January 2009 . The company recorded total sales for the month of 11,940, and started the year as the No. 2 selling automaker in the country.
“We are very pleased to start the year as Canada’s No. 2 automaker, with retail sales up 20 per cent,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada . “We spent much of last year in the locker room sharpening our skates and taping our sticks, and this year we’re back on the ice and ready to compete.”
January Sales Highlights
Sales of Canada’s No. 1 selling crossover, the Dodge Journey, surged in January with 1,337 units sold, an increase of 71 per cent over the same month last year. Sales at the retail level doubled compared with January 2009 .
The award-winning Ram pickup recorded total sales of 2,986 units, climbing 75 per cent year-over-year. Sales of the light duty Ram grew 110 per cent for the month.
Combined sales of the company’s minivans (Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country) captured an all-time high 82 per cent share. The Dodge Grand Caravan, the J.D. Power Most Dependable Van, dominated the segment with total sales of 3,174 units.
The Dodge Charger reported sales growth of 19 per cent, with 208 units sold.
Sales of several Jeep(R) brand nameplates grew year-over-year in January:
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Chrysler Group LLC Named Corporation of the Year by the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council

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Chrysler press release

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 21, 2009 – Chrysler Group LLC has been named “Corporation of the Year” by the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC). The award recognizes Chrysler Group’s extraordinary commitment to supply chain diversity and the development of Canadian Aboriginal and minority-owned businesses.
Over the past several years, Chrysler Group has increased its procurement to Aboriginal and visible minority-owned businesses in Canada to more than US $464 million. This was accomplished by exposing these suppliers to a range of Chrysler Group programs — including the Matchmaker event — that are designed to connect minority suppliers directly with Chrysler Group’s procurement, engineering and marketing organizations, as well as with its Tier 1 supplier community.

“Chrysler Canada is honoured to be named Corporation of the Year by the CAMSC for our company’s commitment to minority and aboriginal suppliers,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada. “This recognition truly reflects the depth of Chrysler Group’s commitment to our customers and communities in Canada.”

“Chrysler Group has worked for many years to build and strengthen our minority supply base,” said Kevin Bell, Senior Manager – Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler Group has and will continue to create opportunities for Canadian Aboriginal and minority-owned suppliers in Canada because these businesses are often the most nimble, innovative and resilient in confronting the challenges and opportunities of today’s global automotive marketplace.”

Chrysler Group accepted the award at CAMSC’s Annual Business Achievement Awards Dinner held last night at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The awards dinner is CAMSC’s premier fundraising event to support the delivery of programs to promote and facilitate Aboriginal and minority economic development through access to purchasing opportunities with corporations.

“Diversity and inclusivity are critical components to the success of corporate Canada, both for workforce retention and growth, as well as supply chain renewal and innovation,” said Orrin Benn, President of CAMSC. “We are inspired by the efforts of companies like Chrysler Group, who stay true to their values in challenging times that the pursuit of supplier diversity is invaluable to our mutual economic future.”

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Chrysler Group LLC is First Automaker to Provide Digital Owners’ Manuals

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* For all 2010 model-year Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles, automaker will provide a consolidated, customer-friendly user guide and DVD in Canada and in the United States
* Digital move to save 930 tons of paper, the equivalent of 20,000 trees annually
* Easy to read printed user guide includes photos and diagrams to quickly find assistance for basic operating procedures or emergency situations such as changing tires, jump-starting a battery or assessing warning lights
* Customers that prefer to get the traditional owners manual may still request one at no charge

New Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicle owners will soon have room to put gloves in their glove boxes instead of 4-pound owners’ manuals.

Chrysler Group LLC is the first automaker to provide digital owners’ manuals for its complete lineup of 2010 model-year vehicles. The switch will save 930 tons of paper, or the equivalent of 20,000 trees on an annual basis.

Traditional owners’ manuals may be longer than 500 pages and weigh nearly 4 pounds. Beginning next month, each new 2010 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle will come with a comprehensive DVD and a full-color printed user guide – most between 60-80 pages – that highlights commonly needed information.
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The 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger Earn Highest Possible Safety Rating From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

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Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 25, 2009 –

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger have earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“We are proud to receive the highest possible ratings from IIHS for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “These sought-after achievements highlight Chrysler’s leadership in safety and security technology and occupant protection.”

When it comes to safety and security, the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger employ a two-fold approach: passive features, including pre-tensioning seat belt retractors and supplemental side-curtain air bags, are combined with accident-avoidance features, including responsive steering, braking, handling and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

“A vehicle that earns the Top Safety Pick designation provides the best overall protection in the three most common kinds of crashes,” said Adrian Lund, President – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Top-level crash-test performance plus electronic stability control to help keep drivers out of crashes are the tough criteria needed to earn this award.”

Available safety equipment on the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger includes ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and ABS, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags. The two vehicles also are equipped with Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) for child safety seats.
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Chrysler Canada Announces Cash for Clunkers and Official Partnership with Retire Your Ride Program

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WINDSOR, ON, Aug. 21 /CNW/ – Chrysler Canada today announced the most
aggressive cash for clunkers in the Canadian industry. The current federal
program is being turbo-charged, with Chrysler Canada kicking in $500 to $1,500
over the incentives offered by Retire Your Ride.
“This is the responsible thing to do,” said Reid Bigland, President and
CEO, Chrysler Canada. “Facilitating the removal of these vehicles from the
road is the right move for our country, our health, and our environment. In
many instances the turned-in vehicles release 19 times more smog than a
current model year vehicle. As a result, Chrysler Canada is proud to offer the
most aggressive scrappage incentive in the Canadian industry, and we are
pleased to be the first official Retire Your Ride automotive partner.”
Consistent with the federal government’s program, qualifying customers
must be owners of a 1995 or older model year vehicle that is in running
condition and has been registered and insured in Canada for the previous
consecutive six or twelve months, depending on the province.
To date, 13,000 Canadians have done the right thing and turned in their
old vehicle under the Retire Your Ride program. Chrysler Canada salutes these
individuals, and encourages them to visit any of our 440 Chrysler, Jeep(R), or
Dodge dealerships and receive an additional $500 to $1,500 in savings towards
their purchase. Full program details are available at:
www.chryslercanada.ca/cashforclunkers.
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