All-New Jeep Classic Exterior Styling, Functional Interior Space, Refined
Ride and Handling for Under $21,000 - and with Legendary Jeep 4x4
Capability for Under $23,000
-- Industry exclusive Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open canvas roof
-- Most advanced four-wheel drive system available in segment with Jeep
Trail Rated(R) Selec Trac(R) II full-time four-wheel-drive system
-- Jeep(R) Liberty Limited offers the most combined comfort and convenience
features available in segment
-- More standard features including side curtain air bags, body color
fascia and wheel flares, and aluminum wheels
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler
Group today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty.
Completely redesigned from the ground up, the mid-size SUV features classic
Jeep exterior styling paired with a functional interior, increased cargo
length and rear seat legroom, and the industry-exclusive Sky Slider(TM)
full-length, open- canvas roof.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the all-new
Jeep Liberty is $20,990, including $660 destination. Two models are
available: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. The Jeep Liberty
will begin to arrive in dealerships later this summer. "The 2008 Jeep
Liberty offers more value than ever before starting at under $21,000 for
4x2 models and under $23,000 for 4x4 models," said John Plecha, Director -
Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "We've
reduced the MSRP by an average of $1,000 and added approximately $1,400 in
features and content to both models. And, the Jeep Liberty Limited sets the
bar high with the most combined comfort and convenience features available
in its segment."
Standard on both models is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that generates
210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N*m) of torque at
4,000 rpm. On-road ride and handling is improved with the addition of a new
independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems. Staying true
to legendary Jeep heritage, the Liberty offers two four-wheel-drive systems
to meet customer needs, including Selec-Trac(R) II -- the most advanced
four- wheel-drive system available in its segment.
MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment System, remote start, memory seats,
mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows are added to the
vehicle's list of available features and options. Making its world debut is
the new Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open-canvas roof, an industry
exclusive; giving the Liberty that "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep
experience. The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive
safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment are side-curtain air
bags, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, all-speed
Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes and tire pressure
monitoring. Available options include rain-sensing wipers and ParkSense
Rear Park Assist System.
2008 Jeep Liberty Sport
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 is $20,990 and $22,600 for 4x4
models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 has been
reduced by $1,270 and has added $800 more content. The Jeep Liberty Sport
4x4 has been reduced by $1,170 and has added $900 more content.
The Jeep Liberty Sport comes standard with a proven and durable
3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine (210-hp/235 lb.-ft. torque) that is mated to a
six-speed manual transmission.
Standard on the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 is the Command-Trac(R)
four-wheel- drive system. The part-time, shift-on-the-fly, fully electronic
system provides peace of mind with available four-wheel-drive capability
delivered through a two-speed transfer case for use on slippery or loose
surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. Standard features include side curtain
air bags; body color fascias and wheel flares; cloth, low-back bucket
seats; 16-inch aluminum wheels; P225/75R16 all-season black side wall (BSW)
tires; tire pressure monitor; reversible cargo floor; fold-flat, reclining
second row seats and AM/FM stereo with compact disc player and four
speakers.
2008 Jeep Liberty Limited
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 is $25,175 and $26,785 for 4x4
models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 has been
reduced by $720 and has added 2,000 more content. The Jeep Liberty Limited
4x4 has been reduced by $620 and has added $2,100 more content.
Standard features include Command-Trac(R) part-time four-wheel-drive
system (4x4); YES Essentials seat fabric; fold-flat passenger seat; power
front driver seat; Infinity premium audio speakers (eight) and a subwoofer;
four-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch aluminum wheels; P235/65R17
all-season BSW tires; security alarm; speed control; universal garage door
opener; tire pressure monitoring system with display; SIRIUS Satellite
Radio; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror;
auto up-down driver window; auto down passenger window; power heated
folding-exterior mirrors, full-size spare tire and 115V power outlet.
Available on the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 is the all-new Selec-Trac(R)
II full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel
slip before it occurs. The system is ideal for a range of road settings
including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional
part-time four-wheel-drive systems typically seen on competitors.
Industry-Exclusive Sky Slider(TM) Full-length, Open Canvas Roof
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty brings the "Have Fun Out There" open-air
Jeep experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length,
open-canvas roof.
With an MSRP of $1,200, the Sky Slider roof is versatile and can be
moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially
open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.
The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced-acrylic cloth, similar to a
convertible top, that is weather resistant and leak proof. The top panel
nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof uses
anti-pinch software that prevents the roof from moving should it detect an
object in its path. The Sky Slider roof was designed and tested for safety
to meet all regulatory and Chrysler Group requirements.
The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Liberty
Sport and the Jeep Liberty Limited.
The Jeep Liberty is built at the Chrysler Group's Toledo North Assembly
Plant in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the Dodge Nitro.
Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand has expanded to seven nameplates in the 2007 model year,
the most available to retail consumers at one time in the brand's 66-year
history.
At the start of 2004, the brand's trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs
included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside
North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler. In 2005, the
Jeep Commander was introduced. In 2006, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was
unveiled. Also debuting in calendar year 2006 were three more all-new Jeep
vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited.
With the introduction of the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty mid-size sport-
utility vehicle (SUV), Jeep offers customers the freshest, most capable and
widest range of sport-utility vehicles under one brand in the industry.
2008 Jeep Liberty Pricing
-- Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 $20,990 (including $660 destination)
-- Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 $22,600 (including $660 destination)
-- Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 $25,175 (including $660 destination)
-- Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 $26,785 (including $660 destination)
ON THE INTERNET Visit DaimlerChrysler's Media Services Web Site at
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com for additional DaimlerChrysler news.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Price Lowered and More Standard Content Added to the All-New 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty
Monthly Statistical Report
Summary
Vol. 31 No. 6
Published July 18, 2007 JUNE 2007
SUMMARY
Gasoline deliveries (a measure of demand) and industry production of gasoline both set first-half records in 2007. Gasoline deliveries averaged more than 9.2 million barrels per day for January-June, up 1.5 percent from a year ago. Industry production of gasoline rose 3.4 percent to a first-half high of 8.9 million barrels per day. In addition, gasoline imports, which had lagged during the first quarter, rose to a second-quarter record of over 1.3 million barrels per day.
Meanwhile, deliveries of distillate fuel oil, including diesel fuel, also reached a new high for the first half of nearly 4.3 million barrels per day, up 1.9 percent from the first half of 2006. Deliveries of jet fuel rose a much weaker 0.6 percent, as airlines have continued to seek ways to use fuel more efficiently. Resid deliveries rose 4.8 percent, contributing to an overall increase in U.S. petroleum deliveries for the first half of 1.3 percent.
The first half’s record gasoline production came despite continued unexpected difficulties at some refineries. Refining activity for the first half of 2007 was below 2006 levels by 0.4 percent due to lower input levels in May and a counter-seasonal drop in June. Nevertheless, the industry managed to produce not only record amounts of gasoline, but of distillate fuel oil, as well. Output of distillate fuel oil exceeded 4 million barrels per day for the first January-June period ever, up 2.5 percent from the same period in 2006. Production of jet fuel declined 2.4 percent.
Crude oil inventories ended June at 350.3 million barrels, their highest level since May 1998, and the highest level for June since 1993. Total motor gasoline inventories (including blending components) fell by a larger-than-average 6.6 million barrels from May to end June at 201.9 million barrels. Although that figure was the lowest level for June since 1972, it remained 5 million barrels above April’s recent low.
First-half imports of crude oil and products held nearly steady compared with a year earlier, with a 2.4 percent, year-to-year decline for product imports more than offsetting a slight increase for crude oil. Jet fuel was the only major product to show a year-to-year increase, rising to a record first-half level of 233,000 barrels per day.
Domestic crude oil production in 2007’s first half was 1.3 percent higher than the first half of 2006, when offshore production was still in recovery from the effects of the 2005 hurricanes. Offshore production in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico through June averaged 1.4 million barrels per day, up by a daily average of 125,000 barrels from the first half of 2006, when a cumulative 58.7 million barrels of shut-in production had gone unproduced. While this helped boost lower-48 production from year-ago levels, Alaskan production fell 5.2 percent from the first half of 2006.
U.S. gasoline production sets records, API report shows
| Bill Bush | 202.682.8069| bushw@api.org WASHINGTON – Record gasoline supplies were delivered to U.S. consumers for the first six months of 2007, API said today. Major-product output overall also reached an historical high. “The industry pulled out the stops to meet unprecedented consumer demand,” said API chief economist John Felmy, noting that deliveries for distillate fuel oil, including diesel fuel, also set a record. Deliveries increased for residual fuel oil and jet fuel. January-through-June gasoline deliveries – a measure of demand – were more than 9.2 million barrels a day, according to API’s Monthly Statistical Report. Record gasoline production of 8.9 million barrels a day and strongly recovering imports of gasoline in the second quarter contributed to the record supplies. June gasoline production achieved an all-time monthly high of 9.3 million barrels per day. Sluggish imports in the first quarter of 2007 had contributed to supply tightness and the rise in gasoline prices that peaked in May. “The continued, long-term expansion of existing refineries was a key reason the industry managed to produce record amounts of gasoline and diesel fuel, even with difficulties at some refineries,” said API statistics manager Ron Planting. Gasoline inventories strengthened in May, in part a function of higher prices and weakening demand. However, as prices declined in June, demand rose and inventories declined. In June, total motor gasoline inventories (including blending components) had fallen 6.6 million barrels compared with May. In contrast, crude oil inventories ended June at their highest level for any month in over nine years, topping 350 million barrels at month’s end. First-half imports of crude oil and products held nearly steady compared with a year earlier, with a 2.4 percent, year-to-year decline for product imports more than offsetting a slight increase for imported crude. U.S. crude oil production for the first-half of 2007 was up about 1.3 percent over the same period in 2006, but offshore production then was recovering from the effects of the 2005 hurricanes. First-half Alaskan crude oil production fell 5.2 percent against last year. |
Oil rises past $77 as supply worries mount
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil rose above $77 a barrel on Thursday, within sight of a record high due to gasoline supply concerns in the United States and production problems in OPEC member Angola.
Strong economic news from China, the world's second biggest energy consumer, showing economic growth surged to an 11-1/2 year high of 11.9 percent in the second quarter also pushed oil prices higher.
London Brent crude rose 46 cents to $77.22 by 1724 GMT, closing in on last August's $78.65 all-time high. U.S. crude gained 32 cents to $75.37 a barrel.
Total (TOTF.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) declared force majeure on exports from its 220,000 barrel per day (bpd) Dalia oil field in Angola after a technical problem shut half its output.
The French firm said it expects to resume in the next day or two, but the disruption heightened concerns about supplies from OPEC's members in Africa. Output from Nigeria is down nearly 20 percent, or 547,000 bpd, due to militant attacks.
"Angola got (the oil rise) started, but the China GDP was very supportive," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Alaron Trading.
"The combination, with yesterday's data, is pushing prices higher," Flynn added. "Everybody is ratcheting up their demand expectations from where they were a few months ago."
Prices leapt on Wednesday after U.S. inventory data showed refineries running harder in the week to July 13 and failing to build up fuel stocks.
Gasoline stocks fell by 2.3 million barrels against forecasts of a 900,000-barrel rise as refiners continued to struggle to keep up with summer driving demand in the giant consumer.
"The data showed surprising declines and we now have to prepare for more upside. There is good potential for Brent to test its record $78.65," said Sano Keiichi at Tokyo-based Sumitomo Corp.
Rising crude imports from China, up 11.2 percent in the first half of the year, also helped support prices.
Despite ongoing supply concerns, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has shown no sign of relaxing its output curbs, which have helped push prices up.
"There's now a strong expectation that the crude oil market's going to tighten up significantly in the next few months," said Kevin Norrish of Barclays Capital. "I think prices will go higher in the short term."
Barclays on Wednesday raised its 2008 forecast for Brent crude by $7.40 to $73.60, citing its view that there will be no growth in supply from countries outside OPEC next year.
Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles for Spring 2007: Toyota Yaris Holds Top Spot, Infiniti Debuts
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) July 19, 2007 — Gaywheels.com, the sole source of information specifically targeted to and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) car-shoppers, today announced its list of the Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles during the second quarter of 2007. For the fourth straight quarter, the entry-level Toyota Yaris maintained the top position, while for the first time ever, a Nissan product, the Infiniti-branded FX sport-utility vehicle, joined the list.
“After being added to the gay-friendly list late last year, Nissan’s overall ranking as a brand moved up steadily from just outside of the Top 25 to inside the Top 10, while its Infiniti luxury brand saw a similarly dramatic rise,” said Gaywheels.com founder Joe LaMuraglia. “As the first model from either brand on the Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles list, the appearance of the Infiniti FX clearly shows the advantage of offering equal benefits to all employees when reaching gay consumers.”
Since the inception of this list, the Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles have always come solely from gay-friendly automakers, delineating the importance to LGBT consumers of a brand’s corporate policies and positions in regards to the gay community
Gaywheels.com Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles
1 Toyota Yaris
2 Saab 9-3
3 Mazda MX-5 Miata
4 Volkswagen Jetta
5 Volkswagen Eos
6 Dodge Caliber
7 Toyota Camry
8 Audi A3
9 Volkswagen Rabbit
10 Infiniti FX
Although information, specifications and pricing on all new car and truck models are available on Gaywheels.com, each vehicle on the Most-Researched list is offered by a gay-friendly brand. Gaywheels.com classifies vehicle manufacturers as gay-friendly or not based on their corporate policies for offering domestic-partner benefits to their employees in the U.S.
“Since the inception of this list, the Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles have always come solely from gay-friendly automakers, delineating the importance to LGBT consumers of a brand’s corporate policies and positions in regards to the gay community,” added LaMuraglia. “As Gaywheels.com expands its reach across PlanetOut, Inc’s media properties, millions of LGBT consumers will now become aware of which automakers are gay-friendly.”
The Top 10 Most Researched list is based on website statistics gathered from April 1 - June 30, 2007, from Gaywheels.com’s New Car section. Gaywheels.com publishes its Most-Researched list quarterly.
Chrysler Group's Brampton Assembly Celebrates Plant Investment and Significant Production Milestone
<<
- $1.2 Billion (U.S.) total program investment for next generation of
Chrysler Group full size vehicles
- $500 Million (U.S.) manufacturing investment to prepare for European-
market (BUX) "LX" platform product loading
- One millionth LX model rolls off the final assembly line
>>
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 19 /CNW/ -- Chrysler Group officials today
announced that the company will invest $1.2 billion (U.S.) in its Brampton
(Ont.) Assembly Plant for the next generation of the Chrysler 300 series,
Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger. The Brampton Assembly Plant today also
celebrated the one millionth LX rear-wheel drive vehicle platform will
roll-off the line with employees and CAW officials.
"Because of Brampton's ability to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost
and morale metrics, we're pleased to announce that Brampton will be the future
home of Chrysler Group's full-size car platform," said Frank Ewasyshyn. "We
appreciate the support of the CAW and employees in assisting the Company in
moving forward with investment decisions."
The Brampton Assembly Plant will also gain plant product loading volumes,
adding production responsibility for all international (BUX) LX-based vehicles
in calendar year 2010. The total plant program investment for the additional
product is $500 million. The international LX vehicles are currently produced
at Magna Steyr's facility in Graz, Austria. The Magna Steyr facility also
produces the Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander and Chrysler minivan
vehicles for markets outside of North America.
The one millionth LX was an award-winning Chrysler 300, rolling-off the
line as part of today's employee celebration. The Chrysler 300 was launched in
January 2004, followed by the Dodge Magnum two months later. The AWD models
began production in mid-2004. In April of 2005, the Dodge Charger was added to
the Brampton Assembly manufacturing portfolio.
"We are very pleased that our commitment has allowed Brampton Assembly to
gain not only an additional product, but also a significant production
commitment moving forward," said Alberto Gonzalez, Plant Manager - Brampton
Assembly Plant. "We are also extremely proud to be celebrating the one
millionth LX, as this represents the significant market success of this
product."
The Brampton Assembly Plant was built in 1968 and acquired by Chrysler
Corporation with the purchase of American Motors Corporation in 1987. The
facility produces the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger, and will
produce the Dodge Challenger on a three-shift operation and employs
approximately 4,000 hourly workers.
Today's announcement has no effect on Chrysler 300C production at
Beijing- Benz DaimlerChrysler for the Chinese market.
2008 Jeep Liberty Prices Announced
In a continuing trend from the Chrysler Group, Jeep has announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty, and it’s less than the outgoing model’s MSRP — roughly $1,000 less on some models. Jeep, of course, is touting the new Liberty’s additional standard features that appear to make the value even higher. The base Jeep Liberty Sport will start at $20,330, not including $660 in destination charges.
Side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, rollover mitigation, traction control, brake assist, antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system are all standard. The new Liberty is very similar to the Dodge Nitro, which has a truck-like ride — something Jeep fans might enjoy. The Liberty also features an optional cloth sliding roof called the Sky Slider, at a $1,200 option price.
Full prices are below.
- 2008 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 $20,330
- 2008 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 $21,940
- 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 $24,515
- 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 $26,125
Prices do not include $660 destination charge
Jaguar tops Power Customer Service Index
Jim Henry
Automotive News
July 19, 2007 - 11:01 am
Jaguar dealerships may not be selling many cars these days. But they are wowing U.S. service customers, as Jaguar is the top brand in this year's Customer Service Index from J.D. Power and Associates.
Lexus Division, which led last year's study, dropped into a tie for third with Cadillac. Buick was No. 2 in the 2007 study, which Power released today.
The CSI study measures customers' satisfaction with their dealership service experiences. Jaguar also was No. 1 in Power's 2006 Sales Satisfaction Index, which measures customer satisfaction with the sales experience.
In the first six months of 2007, Jaguar's U.S. sales were down 27.4 percent from the year-ago period. But Tom Gauer, Power's senior director of automotive retail research, said Jaguar's top performance in the service and sales studies could stimulate a turnaround.
Other brands in the top 10 of this year's Customer Service Index, in order: Mercury, Saturn, Mini, Lincoln, Pontiac and Infiniti.
The bottom five brands: Isuzu, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Land Rover and Jeep.
Power based the 2007 study on responses compiled between January and April from 84,495 owners and lease customers of cars and trucks built for the 2004 to 2006 model years.
Ford Expeditioin versus old Dodge Caravan
Chrysler confirms cash for Brampton
Jul 19, 2007 10:01 AM
Chrysler confirmed today it will invest $1.2 billion on vehicle development and retooling at the company's Brampton assembly plant.
Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice-president of manufacturing for the Chrysler Group, told workers at the plant this morning it will shift output of the Chrysler 300 sedan from a Magna International complex in Graz, Austria to the Brampton operation and move ahead a new generation of the model by one year to 2010.
Furthermore, he said the Brampton plant will build right and left side steering models for overseas markets and add a diesel version of the vehicle.
"You've done a helluva job this year," Ewasyshyn said.
Workers have improved productivity in recent years and agreed to a concession of about $5,000 in premium pay annually that will take effect in a month as a result of the investment.
The Star reported the company's plans earlier this week.
The spending includes about $500 million in retooling and upgrades in Brampton plus development and engineering for the new generation of the Chrysler 300 which turned into a hit after arriving in showrooms in 2004.
The plant also assembles the Dodge Magnum wagon and Charger sports car. It will start building the Dodge Challenger sports car next year and there is speculation it may eventually add a fifth vehicle.
More than 4,000 workers produced about 315,000 vehicles at the plant last year.
Earlier this week, the company said it would not proceed with production of the concept Imperial luxury car. Chrysler had planned to build it in Brampton.
Muscle Car of the Week - Mikethesike
Uploaded by: jgruett on April 22, 2006
1970 Dodge Challenger 528 Hemi Injected Blown on Achohol
News Alert for: "Cerberus Capital Management"
Delphi accepts $2.55-billion investment <http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070719/BUSINESS01/707190365/1014>
Detroit Free Press - United States
Appaloosa became the lead investor in Delphi after another buyout firm, Cerberus Capital Management LP, dropped out last week. A bankruptcy court hearing to ...
Delphi aided by $2.55bn equity deal
MSNBC - USA
Cerberus Capital Management withdrew from the investor group earlier this year to focus on its acquisitions of controlling stakes in GMAC, the financial ...
See all stories on this topic
<http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19837520/>
AAA Grades on Subprime CDOs May Give Cold Comfort: Mark Gilbert
Bloomberg - USA
Cerberus Capital Management LP this week boosted the interest rate on $12 billion of loans to buy automaker Chrysler, boosting the number of companies ...
See all stories on this topic <http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news%3Fpid%3D20601039%26sid%3DanqRdcz.pc6I%26refer%3Dhome>
Ford expected to receive bids for Jaguar, Rover - reports
Reuters.uk - UK
Bidders for the two British car companies are expected to include Cerberus Capital Management [CBS.UL], the investment group that purchased the Chrysler ...
See all stories on this topic <http://investing.reuters.co.uk/investing/financeArticle.aspx%3Ftype%3DallBreakingNews%26storyID%3D2007-07-19T071147Z_01_N19356817_RTRIDST_0_FORD-JAGUAR-LANDROVER.XML>
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Chrysler plans new 300s from Canada in 2010
July 18, 2007
While scrapping plans to build a luxury car at a plant near Toronto, Chrysler still plans to pump a lot of money into the facility to make Chrysler 300s.
Chrysler is expected to announce Thursday that it is moving up its timetable to begin production on a new version of the popular Chrysler 300, from 2011 to 2010, and that its Brampton, Ontario, Canada, assembly facility will begin making versions of the 300 now made in Europe, Canadian Auto Workers union President Buzz Hargrove said.
Chrysler builds the 300 for North America at the Brampton facility and uses supplier Magna International to assemble the 300 for European markets.Hargrove said the plant will take over additional production of the 300s from Magna’s assembly plant in Austria, meaning the Brampton plant will be making both right- and left-hand drive vehicles, as well as a diesel version.
The Brampton plant also makes the Dodge Charger and Magnum. The assembly and stamping operations employ 4,200 people, according to a Chrysler Web page.
Chrysler signed an agreement with the local union Tuesday promising to invest $1.2 billion in developing the new 300, Hargrove said.
It’s expected that will mean a $500 million investment into the actual Brampton facility. A company spokeswoman declined comment.
“People will be extremely happy,” Hargrove said about the announcement.
Union leaders expect Chrysler Executive Vice President Frank Ewasyshyn to be at the Brampton plant for the announcement Thursday.
In March, the local union approved contract concessions, hoping to secure the Chrysler investment. Many feared that company products would be moved elsewhere and plant jobs lost if the changes weren't approved.
The current version of the 300 was introduced in the spring of 2004 and was wildly popular, pushing Chrysler’s sales up and helping the company’s image and bottom line.
 | NOTICE OF APPROVAL OF EXTENSION REQUEST MAILING DATE: Jul 11, 2007 |
A Notice of Allowance issued for the trademark application identified below on Oct 17, 2006. The FIRST request for extension of time to file a Statement of Use has been approved. Applicant must continue to file extension requests every 6 months calculated from the date the Notice of Allowance was issued until a Statement of Use is filed. Please note that a Statement of Use cannot be filed more than 36 months from the issuance date of the Notice of Allowance. For further information, visit our website at: http://www.uspto.gov or call the Trademark Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199. |
| SERIAL NUMBER: | 78607238 |
| MARK: | CHALLENGER |
| OWNER: | DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMPANY LLC |
Side - 2 |
|
Dead
| Word Mark | TRACK RATED |
| Goods and Services | (ABANDONED) IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: Passenger vehicles, namely, automobiles |
| Standard Characters Claimed | |
| Mark Drawing Code | (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK |
| Design Search Code | |
| Serial Number | 78661025 |
| Filing Date | June 29, 2005 |
| Current Filing Basis | 1B |
| Original Filing Basis | 1B |
| Published for Opposition | August 8, 2006 |
| Owner | (APPLICANT) DAIMLER CHRYSLER CORPORATION CORPORATION DELAWARE CIMS 483-02-19 1000 Chrysler Dr. Auburn Hills MICHIGAN 48326 |
| Prior Registrations | 2872653;2975740 |
| Type of Mark | TRADEMARK |
| Register | PRINCIPAL |
| Live/Dead Indicator | DEAD |
| Abandonment Date | May 1, 2007 |
| Word Mark | STARPARTS LITE |
| Goods and Services | IC 035. US 100 101 102. G & S: ELECTRONIC CATALOG SERVICES FEATURING PARTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
| Mark Drawing Code | (3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS |
| Design Search Code | 01.07.01 - Globes with outlines of continents 01.07.07 - Astronomic orbits; Globes with rings or orbits |
| Serial Number | 78951523 |
| Filing Date | August 14, 2006 |
| Current Filing Basis | 1B |
| Original Filing Basis | 1B |
| Owner | (APPLICANT) DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMPANY LLC LTD LIAB CO 1000 CHRYSLER DRIVE CIMS 483-02-19 AUBURN HILLS MICHIGAN 48326 |
| Assignment Recorded | ASSIGNMENT RECORDED |
| Prior Registrations | 2639761 |
| Description of Mark | The mark consists of GLOBE WITH ORBITAL RING. |
| Type of Mark | SERVICE MARK |
| Register | PRINCIPAL |
| Live/Dead Indicator | LIVE |
| Word Mark | SUPER BEE |
| Goods and Services | IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: Badge for vehicles. FIRST USE: 19691200. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19691200 |
| Standard Characters Claimed | |
| Mark Drawing Code | (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK |
| Design Search Code | |
| Serial Number | 78833351 |
| Filing Date | March 9, 2006 |
| Current Filing Basis | 1A |
| Original Filing Basis | 1A |
| Published for Opposition | May 1, 2007 |
| Registration Number | 3264572 |
| Registration Date | July 17, 2007 |
| Owner | (REGISTRANT) DaimlerChrysler Corporation CORPORATION DELAWARE CIMS 483-02-19 1000 Chrysler Drive Auburn Hills MICHIGAN 48326 |
| Assignment Recorded | ASSIGNMENT RECORDED |
| Type of Mark | TRADEMARK |
| Register | PRINCIPAL-2(F) |
| Live/Dead Indicator | LIVE |
Trademark Update: Chrysler
| Goods and Services | IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: Badge for vehicles. FIRST USE: 19691200. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19691200 |
| Mark Drawing Code | (2) DESIGN ONLY |
| Design Search Code | 03.23.06 - Bees; Hornets; Wasp; Yellowjackets 03.23.26 - Costumed insects, spiders, and micro-organisms and those with human attributes 16.03.07 - Eyeglasses; Frames, eyeglass; Glasses, eye; Glasses, safety; Goggles; Safety goggles; Spectacles; Sunglasses 18.11.01 - Inner tubes; Tire marks; Tires; Tubes, tire |
| Serial Number | 78833423 |
| Filing Date | March 9, 2006 |
| Current Filing Basis | 1A |
| Original Filing Basis | 1A |
| Published for Opposition | May 1, 2007 |
| Registration Number | 3264573 |
| Registration Date | July 17, 2007 |
| Owner | (REGISTRANT) DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION CORPORATION DELAWARE CIMS 483-02-19 1000 CHRYSLER DRIVE AUBURN HILLS MICHIGAN 48326 |
| Assignment Recorded | ASSIGNMENT RECORDED |
| Type of Mark | TRADEMARK |
| Register | PRINCIPAL-2(F) |
| Live/Dead Indicator | LIVE |
Automaker moving European production of sedan from Magna-owned Austrian plant to Ontario site
Jul 18, 2007 04:30 AM
| Chrysler will invest about $1.2 billion in its Brampton assembly complex and shift European production of the popular 300 sedan to the plant during the next few years.
The auto giant was to tell employees tomorrow that it plans to end production of the Chrysler 300 at the Magna Steyr operation in Graz, Austria, when an existing contract expires in 2010 and transfer production here, sources confirmed yesterday.
The company, which already builds the 300 model and three other vehicles in Brampton, had planned to invest about $700 million for another car there but will instead boost spending to $1.2 billion to accommodate changes at the plant, according to sources familiar with the company's plants.
Retooling and other alterations will allow the plant to build Chrysler 300 models with right- and left-side steering plus a diesel version for export to the European market, the sources said.
Chrysler will also move up introduction of a new-generation 300 model by a year, from 2011 to the summer of 2010.
The investment and shift in production will help maintain output and employment levels at the plant.
Last year, production of the Chrysler 300 sedan, Dodge Magnum wagon, Charger and Challenger sports cars increased slightly to almost 315,000 vehicles. The plant employs more than 4,000 administrative and production workers.
"This will make Brampton the company's worldwide lead plant for the 300 model for a long time," said one source.
Sources said Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice-president of manufacturing for the Chrysler Group, is scheduled to meet with workers tomorrow for a "town hall" meeting on the shop floor to discuss the Brampton plant's progress and reveal the company's intentions.
A company spokesperson would not comment on the plant's event.
Vince Bailey, president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 1285, is on vacation and other union leaders could not be reached for comment.
The company had considered assembling a fifth vehicle, the Imperial luxury sedan, at the plant by 2009 but said yesterday it had cancelled that project a few weeks ago.
The loss of production of the Chrysler 300 is another blow to the plant in Austria, which is a division of Aurora-based auto-parts powerhouse Magna International Inc.
BMW informed Magna in May that it would transfer output of the next generation X3 sport-utility vehicle from the Graz operation to its plant in Spartanburg, S.C., in 2010. Magna is talking with other automakers to fill the void in Graz.
A Magna spokesperson would not comment on Chrysler's decision.
The Austrian plant produces about 30,000 Chrysler 300 vehicles annually in addition to several models for other automakers.
The major investment in Brampton follows a decision by workers earlier this year to accept a significant concession in their contract that would reduce operating costs if the company made an investment.
After initially rejecting changes that included elimination of premium pay of about $5,000 annually, the workers accepted the same concession a few weeks later in a so-called "shelf agreement."
The changes would take effect 30 days after the company announced a major investment at the plant. Output of the four vehicles at the plant has slipped from 177,422 in the first half of 2006 to 140,442 in the same period this year.
Production of the Chrysler 300, which was a big hit when it originally appeared in showrooms in 2004, has dropped from 89,148 in the first six months of 2006 to 65,220 in the same period this year.
There is also some speculation that Chrysler will eventually move the Magnum wagon to another plant in the U.S. and add a higher- volume vehicle in Brampton.
Chrysler increases its loan rates for buyout
DETROIT NEWS - - Chrysler increased the interest rates on $12 billion of loans it is seeking to fund a buyout by Cerberus Capital Management LP after investors balked at the money-losing carmaker's original terms, lenders said. The company raised the yield it is willing to pay on a $10 billion term loan for its auto unit to 3.75 percentage points over the London interbank offered rate from 3.25 percentage points it was seeking on June 28. Chrysler is offering Libor plus at least 7 percentage points on a $2 billion second-lien loan, compared with the 6 percentage points initially proposed, said three investors, who declined to be named because the terms aren't public.
Honda to build a new jet engine plan
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 | Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Is the new Jeep the best value compact SUV on the market?
<http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/motoring/is-the-new-jeep-the-best-value-compact-suv-on-the-market-1039056.html>
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The one manufacturer you wouldn't expect to hear about at this point is Jeep. Yes, you read correctly. The American brand, with all its traditional 4x4 ...
2008 Dodge Challenger Singing In The Rain!
JALOPNICK.COM - - We've definitely shown a lot of the new Challenger lately. It seems to be getting caught in every single state of undress and in every single color on the chart. Now we can add weather conditions to that list, thanks to star tipster Evan Kelly. He snagged us these shots of the Challenger getting back in black just off of I-75 where the Challenger's getting flogged by engineers in anticipation of production next year.
2008 Dodge Challenger Spy Photos
US: Soliant to supply paint film for 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Soliant's Fluorex paint film has been selected for the 2008 US model year Jeep Wrangler Sahara two-door and four-door front and rear bumper cover programme.
Under the programme, Soliant is supplying the paint film as a thick sheet laminate for thermoforming. Jeep has selected bright silver metallic as the colour for the Sahara bumper covers. Based on current published industry sales information and projections, Soliant estimates that it will supply around 50,000 components per year.
Soliant claims that Fluorex paint film provides a high gloss Class A finish, outstanding stone and chip resistance, weather resistance and enhanced impact resistance. The company also states that Fluorex paint film can match any colour, including metallics and pearlescents, and has matched 1,400 different colours and finishes, including 'chameleon colours' that appear to change from different lights and angles.
Recently, the company announced that that DaimlerChrysler is using Fluorex paint film on trim components for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Lancaster, South Carolina-based Soliant offers paint films and coatings for applications in the automotive, heavy truck, appliance, recreational, consumer electronics, marine, architectural and signage industries.
Deutsche Bank, Pirelli Re Agree to Buy Cerberus Apartments Unit (Update2)
By Elisa Martinuzzi and Aaron Kirchfeld
July 17 (Bloomberg) -- Deutsche Bank AG and Pirelli & C. Real Estate SpA agreed to buy more than 27,000 German apartments from Cerberus Capital Management LP for 350 million euros ($482 million).
RREEF, a unit of Frankfurt-based Deutsche Bank, will purchase 60 percent of the properties from Cerberus' Baubecon GmbH unit and Pirelli Re will acquire the rest. The total value of the transaction including debt is about 1.7 billion euros, Milan-based Pirelli Re said today in a statement.
RREEF, the world's largest real estate asset manager, and Pirelli Re teamed up last month to buy 29 properties in Italy. The acquisition of Baubecon will increase the value of Pirelli Re's assets under management in Germany to 3 billion euros, or a quarter of the total. Cerberus, a New York-based private-equity firm, bought Baubecon from the country's labor unions in 2005.
``This transaction will also help to accelerate the development of Pirelli Re's asset management activities and specialized services in Germany,'' Chief Executive Officer Carlo Puri Negri said in the statement.
Shares of Pirelli Re fell 36 cents, or 0.8 percent, to 42.70 euros at 1:33 p.m. in Milan. Deutsche Bank's stock declined 45 cents, or 0.4 percent, to 107.78 euros in Frankfurt.
Deutsche Bank and Pirelli Re are acquiring homes in German cities including Berlin and Hanover with an average vacancy rate of 8 percent, the Italian company said. The percentage of empty properties will decline to 5 percent, Pirelli Re forecast.
As part of the deal, Pirelli Re will purchase all of the Baubecon unit that manages about 52,000 apartments, according to today's statement.
The transaction, which has been approved by antitrust authorities, will probably be completed by the end of July, Pirelli Re said.
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| Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter click below |
Jeep Grand Cherokee Makes European Debut
Posted Yesterday 01:31 PM by Melissa
Filed under: Suv News, Jeep
The Grand Cherokee offers an extremely advanced and flexible Hill Descent Control for greatly improved control in off-road situations. A new Hill Start Assist holds the vehicle automatically on steep hills for a smooth and controlled drive away from a stop. Trailer Sway Control minimizes trailer sway during towing. The new Grand Cherokee also features a new 4.7-litre V-8 engine that delivers an improvement in fuel economy of more than 5 per cent, with a 30 per cent increase in horsepower and a 10 per cent increase in torque. The interior and exterior design is restyled and the new Grand Cherokee also features a host of innovative, premium amenities.
"With the addition of a Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control, a choice of five engines, two four-wheel-drive systems and more premium amenities than ever before, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee adds more capability and refinement to the benchmark full-size SUV that created the luxury SUV market when it debuted in 1992," said Thomas Hausch, Vice President, International Sales; Chrysler Group.
The new Grand Cherokee will arrive in dealerships outside of North America in the second half of 2007.
Via: The Chrysler Group
Chrysler Group exceeds phase one job-cut targets: Detroit News
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- DaimlerChrsler AG's (DCX :DCX, , ) Chrysler Group beat its targets for hourly and salaried job reductions during phase one of its three-year turnaround plan, the company said in a memo sent to employees Monday, The Detroit News reported on its Web site early Tuesday.
Chrysler, which lost $680 million in 2006 and is shedding jobs and sharply cutting vehicle production as part of its restructuring, has pared its salaried ranks by 1,100 through buyouts and retirement packages, exceeding its 2007 target by 100 jobs. On the blue-collar side, the company surpassed its target by 125 jobs, eliminating 6,000 positions at plants in the U.S. and Canada this year, the paper reports.
Chrysler is currently responding to an additional 400 blue-collar workers who applied for buyouts or early retirement. The requests are being considered on a plant-by-plant basis.
The Detroit News reported that the latest reduction leaves Chrysler with about 73,356 hourly and salaried employees. The automaker wants to cut a total 11,000 blue-collar and 2,000 white-collar jobs by 2009.
Chrysler shelves plans for Canadian-made luxury car
Tough emissions rules, high gas prices kill deal
Chris Vander Doelen, Windsor Star; CanWest New Service
Published: 1:51 amWINDSOR, Ont. - Chrysler has killed plans to build the Imperial luxury sedan in Canada, citing high gas prices and tightening U.S. government fuel regulations.
The Imperial program would have meant a $700-million US investment in Chrysler's Brampton, Ont., assembly plant north of Toronto and assured work for its third shift after production was to have begun in the summer of 2009.
In return for the proposed investment, in February the company sought and eventually secured a "shelf agreement" from the CAW's Local 1285 to eliminate a special bonus play at the plant.
Monday, July 16, 2007
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| Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter click below |
Competition drives early arrival of '08s
July 15, 2007
Car shoppers venturing into dealerships this summer will face the usual choices -- coupe or convertible, car or crossover, buy or lease -- and something a bit unexpected.
It's only July, yet showrooms are full of 2008 models. Most are all-new vehicles or reflect significant redesigns, although a few are very early versions of cars that are a little different or unchanged from the 2007 versions.
Ask Joe Wiesenfelder, senior editor at the cars.com car-shopping Web site, why it's happening and he'll give you two reasons: because automakers can, and because they want to."Manufacturers can call it a 2008 model if it goes on sale after Jan. 1 of the current year," he said.
More importantly, he said, automakers realized that the traditional start of the model year on Oct. 1 -- in decades past, dealers would soap up windows and cover cars with sheets to keep prying eyes away until that date -- left them all fighting for the same headlines.
"So they started bringing out all-new models, or ones that have been significantly redesigned, at different times of the year, for the competitive advantage," he said. "It basically gives them more press."
Buying a new 2008 is a good thing for consumers, Wiesenfelder said. "For the buyer, it's the most modern version you can get," he said. "On the down side, because it's new, you're going to pay top dollar for it."
Also, the arrival of 2008 models can make 2007 models a bargain, said Meme Moore of vehix.com.
Here are some of the significant 2008 models on the market now:
• Audi TT. • Buick Enclave. • Chrysler Sebring convertible. • Dodge Avenger. • Ford Escape/Escape Hybrid. • Ford F-Series Super Duty. • Ford Taurus/Taurus X. • Mitsubishi Lancer. • Nissan Altima coupe. • Saturn Vue. • Scion xB. • Subaru Tribeca.
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| Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |
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