- Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Tech, Chrysler, LLC.
One of the more useful bits of technology we encountered at the Chrysler What's New for 2009 event last week was "Rear Cross Path Detection," a byproduct of the new blind spot monitoring system on 2009 minivans that employs two radar sensors mounted on the corners of the rear bumper. Blind spot monitoring has become increasingly common on luxury vehicles in recent years, but Chrysler is claiming that the 2009 Caravan and Town & Country are the first minivans to be equipped with the technology.
If you've found yourself in a parking space flanked by two mondo SUVs, you've found it difficult, if not damn near impossible, to back out safely, and all too often drivers trolling parking lots are too busy looking for an empty slot to pay attention to cars backing out. When in reverse, the cross path detection uses the radar sensors to look to the sides for oncoming vehicles. If someone is in your path of travel the system audibly warns you of impending disaster. Check out the videos after the jump to see how both systems work.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler blind spot detection and rear cross path detection
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- Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Videos, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge
Follow the jump to watch the video
Those of you steeped in drag racing lore are undoubtedly familiar with the 1968 HEMI-powered Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas. These limited edition, track-bound '68 package cars brought out some of the biggest names in drag racing and helped solidify the automaker as a force to be reckoned with down the 1320. When Dodge unveiled the Challenger drag race package at SEMA, we knew the Mopar crew had something serious up its sleeves, and we've got an exclusive clip of what's to come.
Chrysler isn't releasing the details on this non-street-legal, drag-race ready model yet, but earlier reports suggest an overall weight savings of around 800 pounds by stripping the interior down to the bare essentials (one seat, a set of gauges and no sound deadening material), nixing the wipers and A/C and replacing many of the body panels with composite material. The front brakes will also be modified, along with the rear end and front crossmember, and a roll cage is assuredly part of the package. As for power, expect a big HEMI V8 under the hood producing over 500 hp and close to 500 lb.-ft. of torque. All of that is speculation for now, but expect official word from Mopar shortly. Check out our exclusive video after the jump to keep you satisfied in the interim.Continue reading EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Dodge Challenger Mopar drag package cometh
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- Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep
Sales of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehciles are down a scary 36 percent year over year, which means even the somewhat interesting marketing gimmick of the $2.99 gas guarantee isn't working very well. Unfortunately, gas for just under $3 is all Chrysler, LLC had up its sleeve this summer, as the Pentastar has extended the deal through July 31. We'd reported earlier that only 5-10 percent of all Chrysler product buyers were opting for the seemingly attractive promotion, which leads us to believe that the deal isn't much of a deal after all. Maybe Chrysler can borrow the tried and true "Do you have a job? Do you have $199?" from Kia, because the Korean automaker's sales are up 21%.
[Source: Chrysler]
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- Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Toyota
Automakers had until July 1st to plead their case to the NHTSA overlords before the government agency set off to finalize the 2011-2015 CAFE standards. After hearing comments from Detroit automakers, Toyota, Daimler, and others, it seems that the new standards are going to have a sweeping effect on both consumers and auto industry employees. The Auto Alliance states that the cuts would hasten the exit of 82,000 jobs, cost $29 billion for consumers, and raise the cost of your favorite truck by $4,000 or more. The added cost of vehicles will also cut annual production by up to 850k units industry-wide.
Complaints from automakers are in stark contrast to claims from NHTSA, which says the added fuel economy will result in 9,000 more jobs. The two sides do agree that the new standards will cost a lot of money, as NHTSA estimates that the new rules could cost $47 billion by 2015, though automakers estimate it will cost even more. While the Alliance wants some slack in the new rules, Congress wants to see even tougher regulations. The wise guys and gals on the hill say the proposal doesn't reflect $4-per-gallon gasoline, and automakers feel the regulation doesn't reflect common sense. Since the new rules begin to take effect in late 2010, automakers contend that the product cycle is already baked in, and changing at this stage in the game would be like moving an Egyptian pyramid with Two Guys and a Truck.
Whether automakers can meet these stringent deadlines on time or not, the industry is being turned on end. With gas approaching $5 a gallon, automakers don't need the government to tell them that they need more efficient vehicles. Cash-carrying customers are doing that just fine, thank you.
[Source: Detroit News]
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- Filed under: Trends, Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials
Click above high-res gallery of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
Now that General Motors and Ford have completely abandoned the minivan market for good, the American originator of the species faces only Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia and soon Volkswagen as manufacturers that also offer competitive choices. Perhaps you'd think that Chrysler would be benefiting as the only domestic automaker currently playing in the segment, but it seems that sales are down this year by 13 percent for the Chrysler Town and Country while the Dodge Grand Caravan is down an alarming 35 percent. High gas prices are the obvious reason why the minivan market is seeing such a harsh downward trend, and likely the culprit behind Chrysler's impending move to idle its St. Louis South minivan plant as early as December, which would leave some 1,500 employees jobless.
Utility vehicles have been the biggest gas-price casualties, and slow sales are said to be forcing the Jefferson Avenue assembly plant in Detroit where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander are assembled and the Toledo, Ohio North assembly plant which builds the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro into extended shut-downs, as well.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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- Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, LLC., Earnings/Financials, Rumormill
Despite the fact that Chrysler shares are no longer sold on the stock market, rumors regarding the company's financial standing continue to haunt the number three domestic auto manufacturer in America. Last week, rumors regarding the negative cash flow were so rampant, a company spokesperson went out of his way to deny that the automaker was headed towards bankruptcy. Now, despite constant assurance from Chrysler that it's hitting all of its internal goals, the lack of announced future product and credit warnings from major firms such as Merrill Lynch and Fitch Ratings are causing some industry insiders to predict major changes from the automaker. Some analysts even believe that Cerberus is looking to offload or break up the company, allegations that Chrysler vehemently denies.
Because the automaker is privately held, the world will just need to sit back and wait to see how Cerberus' so-called "buy, fix and hold" strategy will work out. Despite what took place back in the '70s, Chrysler shouldn't get its hopes up for much federal assistance. It goes without saying, though, that Chrysler is going to need some major revamped products if it plans to make it in the tough U.S. market much longer.
[Source: The Detroit Free Press]
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- Filed under: Economy, Government/Legal, Green, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials
Back in the late seventies and into early eighties, Chrysler had gotten itself into such horrid financial shape that the U.S. government decided to step in and fix the situation itself. Considering the sorry state of affairs that all three of the Detroit automakers find themselves in today, some may wonder if a government-funded bailout is in the cards. Not so much... at least according to John McCain. "Frankly I just don't see a scenario where the federal government would come in and bail out any industry in America today," says the Republican.
So, what plan does McCain have in store for the Detroit 3? More Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s for one, as the Arizona Senator said the above words after touring the plant in Lordstown, Ohio where the GM compact cars are made and a where third shift has just been added. "I am convinced that what is being done at the Lordstown assembly plant is the future of the American auto industry," added McCain.
In more related good news for the U.S. automakers, McCain says he supports nationwide CO2 standards and would oppose any state's individual plans -- California, we're looking at you. The Presidential hopeful also wants to see more fair-trade standards implemented with the other various auto-building nations and quicker violations for unfair practices. We await a response from the Democratic side.
[Sources: The Detroit News, Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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- Filed under: I.C.E., Chrysler, LLC.
Click above to view a video of Chrysler's uConnect in action.
At Chrysler's annual "What's New" gathering at its Chelsea Proving Ground, we were able to get a demonstration of the new uConnect Web system, which transforms any vehicle into a rolling WiFi hot spot. The hardware consists of a WiFi router with a built in wireless 3G modem. The 3G modem automatically connects to the internet and allows any WiFi enabled devices, such as a laptop, iPod Touch, Nintendo DS or XBox to connect, as long as you're within range of a cell signal. Chrysler is offering the system as a dealer installed option through it's Mopar parts division starting this August. Initially, it will only be available for 2009 models, but earlier models will be added further down the road. The system will cost about $500 installed plus $29 a month for unlimited service, and if you sign up for a two-year contract you get two months for free. Theoretically, you could use the system as your home internet service with your car parked in the garage, making the initial cost of installation and monthly service charges a bit more palatable. Check out a video of the demonstration we received after the jump.Continue reading Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO
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- Filed under: Gadgets, Chrysler, LLC.
Though we've known Chrysler has been planning to offer in-car internet connectivity on its 2009 models as an option through Mopar for a few months now, the Auburn Hills-based automaker has now given it an official name and bundled the technology with a suite of in-car tech solutions. Called uconnect web, the in-car wi-fi capability will be offered alongside other technologies called uconnect phone, uconnect tunes, uconnect gps and uconnect studios. uconnect phone is basically bluetooth compatibility that enables hands-free calling, stores your cell phone's address book and also records memos. uconnect tunes includes a 30GB hard drive for storing songs and viewing photos, and also allows playback of movies on the dashboard screen while in Park (no word on whether video can be stored on the in-dash hard drive and played back, though). uconnect gps is a touchscreen navigation system with voice recognition, and uconnect studios is Chrysler's offering of SIRIUS Backseat TV. The latter technologies are all well known and familiar, so it's understandable that everyone's going ga ga over Chrysler's promise of in-car wi-fi. We're currently checking with the automaker to find out what type of hardware the system will use, whether or not a cell phone carrier will be involved and what type of coverage area will be available. Stay tuned.
[Source: Chrysler]
Continue reading Chrysler officially calling in-car internet "uconnect web"
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- Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep
Chrysler's Project Genesis plan has been gaining traction as of late. The goal is to cut out redundant models between the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, which would also mean consolidating its entire product line into one dealership which offers all three marques. While there are some dealership owners fighting the strategy, The Detroit News reports that Chrysler already has fifty-eight percent of its dealerships offering its three brands, and its been able to cut out some smaller, less profitable sites in the process. While franchise laws prohibit Chrysler from requiring the switch, reducing its model line can have the same effect, forcing its dealers to offer the entire product catalog from the company in order to offer a full line of vehicles.
As a side benefit, the automaker hopes that its dealers can upgrade their franchises, offering a modern look and high-tech features such as Wi-Fi and a cafe on site. Of course, Chrysler needs to do its part by producing some good vehicles for those dealers to offer.
[Source: The Detroit News]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC.
The Chrysler Sebring has been a major league disappointment since its introduction in 2007, but execs at Chrysler headquarters have promised that a new, better midsize sedan is on the way. The photo to the right is not that magical new Chrysler, but is what appears to be a warmed-over version of the Sebring we already have. The most obvious change arrives at the hood, where the Sebring's ungainly washboard ribbing is replaced by a smooth surface. There is significant camouflage covering the front bumper and lower fascia, but due to some un-kept grass, we can't see any details. The Chrysler experts over at Allpar say that the updates will mainly improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise, which will also help improve fuel economy.
Chrysler also plans to simplify manufacturing by making many former options standard equipment, adding the Premium and Luxury group as standard on the Limited model. The Touring model a eight-way power driver seat, chrome and leather shift knob, and traction and stability control. What we don't know is whether Chrysler has updated the Sebring's interior, but the automaker has insisted that it was racing to update it quickly. The good news for interior designers is that the Sebring redo can only get better.
[Source: Allpar]
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- Filed under: Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Earnings/Financials
Chrysler, already hurt by slow sales of its bread-and-butter pickups and SUVs, doesn't think things will improve any time soon. According to an email sent by CEO Bob Nardelli to Chrysler employees, he believes that sales will continue to spiral down the drain. So far, though, the third of the Detroit 3 isn't ready to announce any additional layoffs or plant closures. Chrysler must have had some really foresighted, or extremely pessimistic, people on the team who set early '08 predictions, as Nardelli claims that the company he's leading is still on track to achieve its goals.
Dodge has already shut the doors of its Saltillo plant in northern Mexico in an effort to "adjust" inventory levels of the current Ram pickup. The next vehicle set to debut for Dodge is the completely new Ram, which will appear just as gas prices have seriously trimmed truck sales. For Chrysler, the Hornet can't come soon enough.
[Source: The Detroit News, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]
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- Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials
American automotive companies have been doing rather well for themselves these last few years in China. Still, the majority of manufacturing those vehicles is done in China using locally sourced parts. For this reason, the Chinese government has been facing pressure to ink more deals with American companies for the export of goods there, which is apparently now beginning to take place. Ford, for instance, has announced that it will be sending 30,000 complete vehicles (no word on which ones) to China along with other various auto parts. General Motors has also signed on with about $1 billion in vehicles and parts for export to China. Chrysler too will get in on the trading, though its deals will likely be smaller than either Ford's or General Motors'. All in all, the automotive sector will make up about $2 billion of the recently announced deals, which total more than $8.3 billion in exports. And we're pretty sure they're all lead-free.
[Source: The Detroit Free Press, Photo by BYUN YEONG-WOOK/AFP/Getty]
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- Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchbacks, Chrysler, LLC.
It seems as if earlier rumors of the PT Cruiser's death may have been slightly exaggerated. According to PTCruizer.com, the retro-style hatch from Chrysler is still alive, though perhaps on some sort of artificial life support. At least for the 2009 model year, the Cruiser is expected to be built alongside the Dodge Journey, though this could change in the blink of an eye. The plant in Toluca, Mexico where the two vehicles are built is capable of switching at a moments notice between the Journey and the Cruiser. So, if the Journey picks up sales or Chrysler does the unthinkable and launches its own version of the Dodge crossover, the PT could wave good bye for good.
If you are in the market to do some Cruisin' of your own, our suggestion would be to act fast. Reports indicate that Chrysler is reducing the options on the vehicle as much as possible to make them as easy, and therefore as cheap, to build as possible. For instance, the Limited is the only way to get the turbo engine, though air conditioning is now standard across the line. And if the PT makes it all the way through 2009, Chrysler will almost for certain cancel it after that.
[Source: PTCruizer.com]
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- Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge
Click above for high-res gallery of Chrysler's hybrid SUVs
Apparently hoping to avoid the ignominious fate of the full-size hybrid SUVs from two-mode hybrid partner General Motors, Chrysler is getting aggressive with the pricing of its new Durango and Aspen hybrids. At launch this fall, the Chryslers will be stickered at 45,340 and $45,570 respectively, some $8,000 below the four-wheel-drive versions from GM. GM recently had to slap $4,000 cash on the hood to entice customers to check out the Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid. Unlike GM, however, Chrysler has chosen not to offer a two-wheel-drive variant of its hybrid SUVs. At this point we still don't know how equipment levels will compare between the GM and Chrysler models, so it's hard to do a direct comparison of these high-mpg hybrid SUVs.
The last time we talked to Chrysler about the hybrids, they were not planning to implement any of the weight savings measures that GM has used to offset the weight of the two-mode hybrid system in its GMT900 SUVs. On the GM models, an aluminum hood and tailgate, lighter front seats and special wheels drop the weight by about 150 lbs. Chrysler has apparently not given the hybrids unique body work either, which surely added to GM's cost. As for mileage, the official EPA numbers are apparently not in yet, but Chrysler is anticipating 20 mpg at best, which would be equal to the four-wheel-drive GM vehicles.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Chrysler lowballs price of its SUV hybrids, starting at $45,340
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Daimler
A few months back, Tesla Motors revealed that its upcoming WhiteStar sedan would be available in two variants, a pure battery electric like the Roadster and a range-extended electric more like the Chevy Volt. We still don't have many details on the car, although we do know that lessons learned while working on the drivetrain for the heavier sedan have been fed back into the Roadster for its updated 2.0 drivetrain.
As a small start-up with limited resources, developing a new engine for the WhiteStar would obviously be problematic. Tesla Chairman Elon Musk let slip in an interview with Fox Business News that the company has reached a technology deal with German giant Daimler (formerly of DaimlerChrysler infamy). Without any official comment from Tesla yet (we'll update you when we here something), one possible scenario for the deal is that Daimler will provide engines for the range extended WhiteStar. Daimler has always struggled to make money from Smart and the micro-car builder has a 1.0L three cylinder engine that might make a good range extender. If Daimler supplied 10,000 or so of those engines to Tesla, it could help drive down Daimler's costs. The other possibility is that Tesla might be licensing battery management technology to Daimler, but that scenario seems less likely.
Update: Tesla VP Darryl Siry declined comment on the matter.
[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]
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- Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Daimler, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Tata
The sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata means that the two British marques will have to look elsewhere for the parts normally supplied by Ford. Following the news that Daimler could be a supplier to both automakers comes word from Dr. Z himself that a deal is a distinct possibility.
Daimler holds a seven-percent stake in Tata Motors, which could make an easy case for Mercedes to supply Jag and L.R. with the necessary components to wean them off of Ford. Dieter Zetsche told Auto Motor und Sport that, "If Ratan Tata approaches us regarding the supply of components, we would be open to talks." AMG-powered XF, anyone?
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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- Filed under: Chrysler, LLC., Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials
Daimler may have divested 80.1% of its ownership in Chrysler, but the German automaker is still feeling pain from the Pentastar. The value of Daimler's portion of Chrysler has dropped from $2.18 billion to $852 million not even a year after the two parted ways. The loss of nearly $1.4 billion in value is a fair chunk of change, even for the mighty Daimler, but the news is not all bad for company shareholders. If Daimler hadn't sold Chrysler to the private equity firm Cerberus as fast as it did, the automaker's stock would likely be in much worse shape.
Since the privately owned Chrysler, LLC doesn't have to report earnings, it claims that its fiscal standing is all peaches and cream. According to Chrysler, the company has had positive earnings since it was bought out by Cerberus last year. The official line that explains the discrepancy with Daimler's reporting is that U.S. accounting rules are much more favorable than those overseas. Damn accountants.
[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]
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- Filed under: Daimler, Maybach, Earnings/Financials
Daimler will take the next two years to decide whether to invest more in its failing Maybach flagship marque or else shut it down. This comes from the mouth of Daimler and Mercedes chief Dr. Dieter Zetsche, who inherited the problem-child brand from his predecessor, ex-CEO Juergen Schrempp.
After ditching Chrysler, another deal that was orchestrated by Schrempp, Dr. Z may be inclined to shut down Maybach, too. By all accounts the ultra-premium brand has not been a sales success, barely reaching ten percent of its original sales forecast. In speaking with TheCarConnection.com, however, Zetsche insisted that Maybach's profitability "does not matter" in the face of demonstrating Mercedes' capability of competing with archrival BMW's pinnacle Rolls-Royce (and Volkswagen's Bentley), but that may prove to be all talk if Maybach doesn't present a solid business case. Zetsche confirmed that there are currently no plans on the table for new Maybach products - cutting short speculation over a new baby Maybach positioned between the current 57 and the Mercedes S-Class - and that even the outrageously-priced 62 Landaulet was unlikely to make much headway in turning the brand's fortunes around. We guess P.Diddy and his crew will have to find another ride.
[Source: The Car Connection]
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- Filed under: Hatchbacks, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, SMART
According to the latest reports, Mercedes has finally realized why its A-Class and B-Class compacts haven't been doing so well: they're boring, overpriced and underpowered... and that's a losing combination. So for the next generation of the two model lines that's expected around 2011, Mercedes is reportedly preparing to turn up the volume.
Although the next-gen baby Benzes will reportedly stick with front-wheel-drive, they'll sit lower to the ground - and save production costs - by ditching the expensive current models' sandwich platform. Whereas the 193-hp 2-liter turbo is currently the most powerful engine offered between the two related models, sources indicate that the top engine could offer as much as 230 hp, possibly sourced from BMW off all companies whose 1-Series Mercedes hopes to target with the sportier new A and B-Classes. Meanwhile, reports also suggest that competition from the up!coming Volkswagen models could compel parent company Daimler to bring back the previously slow-selling and subsequently discontinued Smart ForFour.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]
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- Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Daimler
The automaker formerly known as DaimlerChrysler isn't finished making headlines yet. The NHTSA, which levies fines for manufacturers not meeting CAFE standards, has issued its largest penalty to any automaker, ever, by giving DaimlerChrysler a bill for $30,357.635.50.
The fine is for the carmaker's entire fleet, which includes Mercedes models produced here and overseas. According to the NHTSA, "The penalty for failing to meet CAFE standards recently increased from $5.00 to $5.50 per tenth of a mile per gallon for each tenth under the target value times the total volume of those vehicles manufactured for a given model year."
To be fair, it's only the biggest by a (relatively) small margin, seeing that BMW paid $27,985,925.00 in 2001 -- especially if you consider the drop in the dollar in that time. If you're wondering where part of that European car premium goes -- after it goes into the treasury -- CAFE fines seem to be something Europeans specialize in. Of the more than half a billion dollars in civil CAFE fines, not a cent has been contributed by domestic or Asian automakers. Yet.
[Source: NHTSA via The Truth About Cars]
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- Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, LLC., Daimler, Dodge, Ford
Chrysler and Ford have been at the top of the headlines all year long for various reasons, with Ford continuing to slim down by selling off its PAG brands, while Chrysler got dumped by Daimler and went private at the hands of Cerberus Capital Management. 2008 looks to be an equally interesting year in the auto industry, and a recent article in Fortune by senior editor Alex Taylor III suggests that a merger between Chrysler and Ford could be in the cards for the coming year. Talk about your haymakers.
Much of the speculation regarding Chrysler surrounds how Cerberus intends to get itself out from under the prolific paperweight that is the Pentastar. Financial types still feel Cerberus is out to make a quick buck, and that long-term ownership is highly unlikely. We're no big business experts, but it looks to us as though the three headed dog has a very limited list of potential buyers out there, so throwing a blind-folded dart that lands on the Blue Oval is as good a guess as any. It's a crazy Chrysler news day anyway, as TTAC is reporting that Cerberus may be preparing to sue Daimler for tricking the investment firm into buying what a thought was an automaker with nowhere to go but up.
Let us know in the comments what you think about the wild speculation of the day.
[Source: Fortune]
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- Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Commercial Trucks, Daimler
Daimler is joining throngs of other automakers, including Navistar, Nissan and Volvo, to establish India as one of the largest builders of commercial trucks in the world. Its newest venture involves a partnership between Daimler AG and India's Hero Group (great name!), with Daimler investing some $420 million for a 60-percent stake in the India-based manufacturer. The venture will involve the creation of light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks in one of the world's burgeoning production centers that's still got a lot left to build, and although company officials at both corps remained mum on details, expect things to be firmed up in the first quarter of 2008.
[Source: Economic Times via Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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- Filed under: Supercars, Aston Martin, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz
Daimler and Dar, the Kuwait-based investment firm that holds a 50-percent stake in Aston Martin, are reportedly in talks to explore investment opportunities between the two automakers. The folks from Mercedes-Benz' parent company paid a visit to Dar on Tuesday, and the Aston Martin contingent is expected to spend some quality time with its investment firm in the next few weeks, as well.
While the term "investment opportunities" is a far cry from joint vehicle development, we'll leave the pontification about what the outcome of these talks will be up to you in the comments below. However, we'll start the rampant speculation with Aston Martin's engineers working on the chassis development of Mercedes' new SLC supercar.
[Source: Market Watch via eGMCarTech]
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- Filed under: China, Euro, Japan, Tech, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz
Daimler is apparently getting tired of sourcing its turbochargers from outside companies, so it's enacting a three- to five-year plan than will make it one of the top three producers of our favorite power-adder.
The automaker currently gets about 50-percent of its turbos from IHI Charging Systems International in Japan, which produces about seven-percent of snails worldwide. Just Mercedes-Benz diesel models account for over 500,000 turbos used each year, and Daimler is right in thinking that demand for blown engines will continue to grow as consumers look for more fuel-efficient models that create similar power to their naturally aspirated counterparts.
The goal is to produce 600,000 units per year - up from 500,000 in 2006 - in a joint effort with a company based in Italy. The move will solidify Daimler as a leader both in manufacturing and technology that should pay dividends as more consumers look to turbocharged offerings in both North America and Asia.
Follow the jump for a breakdown of the largest turbo producers and their worldwide market share.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Continue reading Daimler wants to be one of the world's largest turbo suppliers
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- Filed under: Economy, Euro, BMW, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, MINI
It's been rumored for some time and the newest comments from BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is further proof that the propeller people are looking to get in bed with other automakers to cut the high costs of engine development and production.
This isn't a first for BMW, which partnered with PSA/Peugeot-Citroen on the engine for the current crop of MINI models, but this newest endeavor could involve one of Bimmer's biggest rivals, Daimler. Mercedes is in need of small, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for its next line of A- and B-class vehicles, and the MINI's mill could be a good fit. The talks aren't exclusive with BMW, however, as Daimler is also sitting down with unnamed Japanese manufacturers to provide petrol and diesel powerplants.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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- Filed under: Euro, Daimler, FIAT
Fiat and Daimler are reportedly in talks that may influence future products offered by each automaker. Fiat has already enlisted the help of Daimler to supply truck engines, at a cost of about $3.5 billion, but the current round of talks don't just involve engines.
Fiat's chief exec Sergio Marchionne is quoted as saying, "... we're talking about everything," which could include joint ventures to develop Mercedes' next generation A- and B-Class vehicles, while Fiat may be utilizing some of Daimler's know-how to develop it's own breed of sedan and SUV.
[Source: Reuters]
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- Filed under: Motorsports, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz
Okay, this is just getting ridiculous. Remember the story we brought you a couple days ago about the Mercedes employee in Spain who trashed Lewis Hamilton on Wikipedia? Yeah, pretty ridiculous, we know. But the British media, if you can believe it, is actually taking it seriously.
The Daily Telegraph referred to the incident as a "cheap shot" fuelled by "Spanish paranoia", while the Daily Mirror claimed that "Spain's Fernando Alonso has inflamed home fans".
Daimler said they're investigating the matter, the IP address of the *ahem* perpetrator having been traced back to its office in Spain. Wikipedia removed the edits and temporarily locked the entry. That any newspaper worth its ink is even acknowledging what amounts to no more than one person's fanaticism is just ridiculous. Stay tuned to see what the Spanish papers have to say...
[Source: F1i.com]
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- Filed under: Etc., Tech, BMW, Daimler, Ford, GM
Popular Mechanics is handing out its breakthrough awards, and Ford's SYNC made its way into the tech magazine's top 10 breakthrough products. SYNC's reasonable $395 price tag and voice recognition capability gave Ford and Microsoft's joint project the edge, and Popular Mechanics also really liked the fact that SYNC can read your text messages to you. SYNC will be available on 12 Ford products for the 2008 model year, with more availability in 2009.
Ford wasn't the only automaker to make its way onto the breakthrough award list, either. GM, BMW, and DaimlerChrysler's joint Two-Mode Hybrid project was also recognized for its ability to save fuel on the gas guzzlers that need it most.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
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- Filed under: Chrysler, LLC., Daimler, Dodge, Jeep, UAW/Unions
A UAW leadership-approved contract between GM and the UAW is only a couple days from a rank and file vote deadline, so the UAW has begun negotiations with its next target, Chrysler LLC. The Cerberus-owned automaker is looking for a similar deal to what GM received, plus the same wage/benefit breaks GM and Ford received the past couple years. Chrysler feels it was slighted then when the UAW denied DCX its wish to even the playing field with Ford and GM when those companies got a benefit break, so that may be a big hurdle. Since Chrysler LLC doesn't have to deal with stockholders or a board, the Auburn Hills-based company can play its cards closer to the vest than others. Analysts are eager to learn if the new, privately-owned Chrysler will follow suit in talks, or try to go in a different direction.
Since GM has laid the framework for Chrysler and Ford labor contracts, we're hoping Chrysler and the UAW can come to a quick resolution without a strike. If Chrysler tries to take the wrong fork in the road, however, this could get interesting. Just this morning an anchor on a TV morning news program commented that if a strike against Chrysler does happen, it could start as early as tomorrow.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Archive for the 'CHRYSLER' Category
Saturday, September 29th, 2007
Filed under: Economy, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Chrysler, Dodge
The Dodge Hornet is about to be officially a go. Dodge’s Euro B-segment entrant will be produced with Chinese automaker Chery, and won’t have a Chrysler-branded counterpart. The show car, from the 2006 Geneva show, had a supercharged 4-cylinder with 170 hp, and got to 60 in 6.7 seconds. Autocar believes the production version may bow as early as this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though we think that’s a bit optimistic.
The good thing is that the Hornet’s impending production is part of Chrysler’s 3-year, $3-billion product renewal program, which has been “confirmed” since Cerberus bought the company. Though it will likely debut at a European auto show, we have high hopes that Chrysler will bring its Chinese-built B-car to the U.S., as well.
[Source: Autocar]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CHRYSLER, DODGE, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Saturday, January 27th, 2007
2007 Chrysler Nassau concept. Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, CHRYSLER | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 27th, 2005
Details info:
Alternative names:
Sales Company:
Available version:
3.5 V6 24v 4wd AutoStick
Previous version:
Variation:
Startech (Germany) Chrysler tuning
Donors:
Posted in CHRYSLER | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 27th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Crossfire (Chrysler Europe - Germany)
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster 2d
Sales Company:
Chrysler Europe (Germany)
Available version:
3.2 V6 18v 160kW
3.2 V6 18v aut. 160kW
SRT-6 - 3.2 V6 18v 246kW Supercharged
SRT-6 - 3.2 V6 18v 246 kW Supercharged aut.
Previous version:
Assembly Plans:
Karmann (Germany)
Info:
Chrysler Crossfire was developed after a concept version of the car was revealed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A production version was unveiled one year later at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show. Manufactured by Karmann in Germany this new sporting coupe is a symbol of the possibilites of the DaimlerChrysler Group. Powertrain and axle components are shared from Mercedes-Benz cars.
11000 cars are scheduled to be produced in 2003.
Donors:
Posted in CHRYSLER | No Comments »
Monday, December 26th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Chrysler Crossfire Coupé 3d
Sales Company:
Chrysler Europe (Germany)
Available version:
3.2 V6 18v 160kW
3.2 V6 18v aut. 160kW
SRT-6 - 3.2 V6 18v 246kW Supercharged
SRT-6 - 3.2 V6 18v 246kW Supercharged
Previous version:
Variation:
Startech (Germany) Chrysler tuning
Startech (Germany) Coupé
Info:
Chrysler Crossfire was developed after a concept version of the car was revealed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A production version was unveiled one year later at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show. Manufactured by Karmann in Germany this new sporting coupe is a symbol of the possibilites of the DaimlerChrysler Group. Powertrain and axle components are shared from Mercedes-Benz cars.
11000 cars are scheduled to be produced in 2003.
Assembly Plants:
Karmann (Germany)
Donors:
Posted in CHRYSLER | No Comments »
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