Chrysler Corporation LLC

2011 Chrysler 300 D

2009-11-25T14:01:00.001-08:00

2009-01-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

DUE TO STEVE"S HEALTH GROWS WORSE, TODAY IS THE LAST ISSUE OF THIS BLOG.

We like to thank all those who did contribute time and energy to the blog site.

Thanks again.

Chrysler considering car-based 'lifestyle' pickup to replace Dakota

2009-01-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week General Motors announced the death of the G8 ST program because it wouldn't make money for them and the 'sport truck' didn't fit the Pontiac brand image. Today news has emerged that Chrysler is now considering building its own car-based pickup truck as a solution to its need for an efficient and profitable alternative to compact pickups.

Compact pickups have been slow-sellers even in good times, but of late they are particularly hard to move. Chrysler's prospective solution to that problem, voiced by Frank Klegon to The Detroit News, emphasizes low pricing and efficiency as the motivating factors. "What is needed is a lighter-duty, multipurpose vehicle from a lighter, more fuel-efficient car platform that allows the vehicle to be priced significantly different from what your full-size trucks are," said Klegon. It is expected to feature unibody construction, FWD as standard and AWD as an option, but beyond that the specification is kept secret.

The pricing factor may be the most attractive aspect of the idea for Chrysler, since cutting prices means opening the vehicle up to a wider market while at the same time allowing for more comfortable profit margins. The situation for small trucks was made all the worse when prices of full-size trucks began plummeting in the face of 2008's nose-diving sales.

Another aspect Chrysler is banking on is the different perceptions buyers would have of the car-truck as opposed to a compact pickup. Rather than seeing the vehicle as a miniature version of a full-size truck that should be able to haul, off-road and tow, it would be perceived as an urban utility vehicle, intended for light loads and paved roads. That difference in perception enables smaller, more efficient engines to be put to the task, making the cars both cheaper and less expensive to operate.

If Chrysler does choose to build the car-based urban utility vehicle, it would likely take the place of the Dakota compact pickup (pictured) in the Dodge lineup. It's not yet clear if it will take the design path of the El Camino-like G8 ST or other similar vehicles, or if it will veer nearer the unibody construction but pickup-like design of Honda's Ridgeline.

2009-01-07T06:28:00.001-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

1.8.1907
Thomas E. Rush succeeds Jacob Sulzbach as President of the MackBrothers Motor Car Company
1.8.1944
"William K. Vanderbilt Jr., patron of automobile racing and the LongIsland Motor Parkway, dies in New York City at age 65"
1.8.1960
"B. Frank Jones, retired Chief Engineer of the White Motor Company,dies at age 68"

2009-01-07T06:25:00.002-08:00

All-new HEMI(R) with Fuel-Saving MDS Technology Earns Ward's 2009 '10 Best Engines' Award

Refined 5.7-liter HEMI Delivers Improved Fuel Economy, Even More Power and Torque

- All-new 5.7-liter HEMI engine recognized by Ward's for powertrain excellence

- Sixth "10 Best Engine Award" for 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine

- Expanded utilization of Chrysler's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) operation

- More power: as much as 390 horsepower

- More torque: as much as 410 lb.-ft. of torque

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ --

Now in its second generation, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine has once again earned a place in Ward's distinguished "2009 10 Best Engines" list again. Relentlessly delivering powertrain excellence, Chrysler LLC has earned Ward's "10 best" award six times in the last seven years with the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI engine.

"The HEMI earns the honor not on pure emotion or brute force but with advanced new technology such as variable valve timing, which allows cruising in four-cylinder mode about 40 percent of the time, which is twice as much as the previous-generation Multi-Displacement System cylinder-deactivation system," said Tom Murphy - Executive Director of Ward's AutoWorld magazine. "A number of Ward's testers managed to top 19 mpg (12.3 L/100 km) with the HEMI, putting it in line with certain premium V-6s tested."

With improved Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology for increased fuel efficiency, added refinement and more power, the all-new 2009 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers world-class performance and technology in nine Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with MDS technology is available on 2009 Chrysler 300C, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty series and the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 and Dodge Challenger.

"We are honored to have our iconic HEMI engine recognized by Ward's for a sixth time," said Bob Lee, Vice President - Powertrain Product Engineering Team, Chrysler LLC. "HEMI is synonymous with performance, and now -- thanks to VVT, expanded four-cylinder mode in our MDS system, and a host of other technologies -- Chrysler's new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers more fuel efficiency and refinement, along with even more power."

While the new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine maintains the key architecture that makes "HEMI" synonymous with "performance," Chrysler powertrain engineers improved engine breathing and added new technologies -- including Variable Valve Timing (VVT) -- that substantially improve fuel economy and refinement.

The HEMI's new VVT improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. Essentially, VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

Dodge's fuel-saving MDS system seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the new 5.7-liter HEMI engine is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

An expanded MDS operating range in the new-for-2009 HEMI will allow customers to realize an even-greater fuel economy benefit. Chrysler estimates that since its inception of MDS in 2005, more than 100 million gallons of gasoline have been saved, along with reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of close to one million

When MDS is operating, it is indicated by a "Fuel Saver" readout in the vehicles Electronic Vehicle Information Center.

In addition to VVT and expanded MDS operating range, the HEMI's fuel economy and performance improvements result from an increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems.

Numerous other hardware upgrades were implemented to build on the quality, reliability and durability reputation of the HEMI engine. These include crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, new piston design, improved valve-spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT.

The new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is manufactured at the Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

About Chrysler LLC

Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest ever with an increase of 8 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. In the fall of 2008, Chrysler introduced three advanced electric-drive vehicle prototypes -- the Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV. One is targeted to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010.

The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

SOURCE Chrysler LLC

2009-01-07T06:25:00.001-08:00

Don Garlits Back Racing the “Drag Pak” Challenger

January 6, 2009 by pikesan

Story Submitted by John C. Hill or MoparMagic
Don Garlits to compete in 2009!

Don Garlits has planned a comeback to drag racing for 2009, his 60th anniversary competing on the nation’s drag strips. Is he going to run a new Top Fuel car? The answer is no. Neither his doctor nor his wife will ever let him run an NHRA competitive Top Fuel car again. After countless thousands of parachute stops at the end of 300mph runs, the retinas in Don’s eyes had become detached. Further racing of this type could have caused permanent blindness.

So, what is Don going to run this year? Well, as a long time Mopar representative, Mopar stepped up and has allowed Don to purchase the first Dodge Challenger equipped with the Drag Pak. For those of you thinking a factory backed “Drag Pak” was a dream, it ain’t! Based on the 6.1L equipped hot rod SRT8, the drag pak Challenger will be eligible to run in NHRA’s Super Stock, Stock, and Comp Eliminator.

Garlits will run his Drag Pak Challenger in NHRA Division 2, but right now, it is uncertain which class. Don’s excited to challenge some of the nations best sportsman drivers and is looking forward to tuming a car like this to become competitive against other muscle cars and specialty drag race vehicles.

Garlits ran the first promotional vehicle at Bandimere Speedway near Denver and recorded an 11.24 quarter mile which is quick considering Bandimere’s mile high track. At sea level tracks in Division 2, the car could dip into the 10’s right out of the box! Garlits also plans to attend and run at the U.S. Nationals this year to commemorate his 60th year in active drag racing.

I for one will follow this story very closely in the Division 2 race results pages of National Dragster. Can Garlits work his old magic? First, I will admit that I am a big Don Garlits fan. But, there will be a huge difference between running the unlimited class of Top Fuel versus the very restrictive class rules of Super Stock, Stock and Comp Eliminator. In Top Fuel, tuning knowledge is king and the almighty dollar can bring absolute victory. Garlits was fantastic at tuning and driving, but he didn’t always have the almighty dollar. It was his tuning skill and driving that made him stand out, so much so, that his Top Fueler is the ONLY drag race vehicle of any type enshrined at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.

What really interests me is how well Garlits will do against the Southern Divisional racers who have raced their cars day in and day out for decades. Its going to be a tall order and it will be the ultimate test of Garlits as a tuner and driver. I mean, can a man in his mid-70’s still pull off .000 reaction times when needed? Can he win races without “bombing his index” or “breaking out”? After all this is class racing not Top Fuel! I’ll keep you posted as I find results from the races.

2009-01-07T06:14:00.002-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

1.7.1974
Edsel B. Ford II joins the Ford Motor Company as a product analyst
1.7.1986
"International Trucks, the non-agricultural side of the defunctInternational Harvester Company, is reorganized as the NavistarInternational Corporation"

Chrysler expenses stay a secret

2009-01-07T06:14:00.001-08:00

Public disclosure not part of $4-billion loan

BY MIKE RAMSEY • BLOOMBERG NEWS • January 7, 2009

Chrysler LLC, operating with a $4-billion, taxpayer-funded loan from the U.S. government, isn't required to report financial information to the public and has no plan to do so.

Chrysler, closely held by Cerberus Capital Management LP, won't disclose operating results, a spokeswoman said. The loan agreement requires the Auburn Hills-based automaker to report its finances only to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Treasury spokeswoman Brookly McLaughlin declined to say whether the department would disclose Chrysler's financial information.

Since Cerberus bought the company in August 2007, Chrysler executives have said that the company's private status allowed it to sell assets and close factories without concern for accounting charges that might alarm a public company's shareholders.

"At the very least, Chrysler should have the same level of transparency that General Motors has," said Peter Morici, a University of Maryland economist who testified at congressional hearings in November about the industry. There should be a level of accountability, he said, "that is not present here."

The treasury, trying to avoid a collapse of the companies, pledged as much as $17.4 billion to Chrysler and Detroit-based General Motors Corp. on Dec. 19. Chrysler got $4 billion Jan. 2 and must show by Feb. 17 how it will return to viability. Chrysler also must submit weekly status reports, biweekly cash statements and monthly certifications to the treasury to show that it's complying with policies on expenses.

The agreement doesn't require Chrysler to disclose results to the public.

"We are not in a position to mirror publicly traded companies, as our investors remain private," Chrysler spokeswoman Lori McTavish said in an e-mailed response. "However, the company is obligated to our private investors and lenders, and as such, keeps them apprised."

Cerberus spokesman Peter Duda declined to comment.

Chrysler has revealed select information during the past year. Through the first half of 2008, the company said its losses amounted to about $1.08 billion. During congressional hearings in November, CEO Bob Nardelli said the company had $6.1 billion in cash at the end of September.

Chrysler was partly forced into reporting financial information because Daimler AG, which owns 19.9% of the automaker, has been reporting losses -- with a three-month delay -- for its stake.

Chrysler has been saying that Daimler's accounting for Chrysler's losses -- which equal 3.62 billion euros ($5.52 billion) for the first half of 2008 -- vastly overstates actual losses because of the differences in accounting between U.S. and international accounting methods.

Without a loan from the government, Nardelli said, the company could run below the $3-billion minimum level of cash required to operate sometime this month.

Chrysler finished 2008 with a 53% decline in December U.S. new-car and light-truck sales. U.S. sales fell 30% for the year, the most of any major automaker.

2009-01-07T05:32:00.001-08:00

Saleen reveals future plans for SMS Limited brand

Posted Today, 2:42 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

The 570 Series Dodge Challenger will be joined later in the year by new 460 Mustang and Camaro packages

At the start of last year American performance workshop Saleen announced plans to establish its new SMS Limited brand. The company then rolled out a stunning supercar concept to coincide with the launch of the brand, but unfortunately financial hard times put an end to plans for production of the mid-engined concept.

Instead, the SMS label will be used for a new range of modified muscle cars, based around the new 2009 Dodge Challenger, 2010 Ford Mustang and upcoming 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Based in Anaheim, California, SMS is currently building the first of its new hotted-up muscle cars, the Dodge Challenger 570 Series.

Starting at $60,000 for a complete car, the SMS prepped Dodge Challenger 570 delivers more than 500hp (373kW) from a highly modified 5.7L V8 engine. Also on offer is a 700hp (522kW) version, which is priced at $70,000.

Later this year, SMS will reveal plans for a new 460 Mustang package based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. While the car is still in the design stages, The Detroit News reports that it will come with a patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction hood over a supercharged V8 engine. Towards the end of the year, or possibly in early 2010, SMS will add a modified Chevrolet Camaro to its lineup.

All the cars will eventually be available through Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet dealers.

The story doesn’t end there as the man behind the company and the owner of the Saleen name, Steve Saleen, insists that there are plans still in place to launch a unique supercar model, as well as possible hybrid and electric vehicles.

Gallery: Saleen SMS 570 Dodge Challenger preview

2009-01-07T05:31:00.001-08:00

Couple appeals Chrysler lawsuit

BY SCOTT F. DAVIS Northwest Arkansas Times

Posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Email this story | Printer-friendly version

An Avoca couple is appealing a product liability lawsuit against Chrysler Motors after a Washington County jury exonerated the automaker during a 13-day trial in November.

The appeal filed Monday by Shadrick and Lydia Adams seeks to recover damages for head injuries their two children sustained while riding in the back seats of a 1994 Dodge Caravan during an accident on Sept. 25, 2005.

The Adams blame faulty seat design that allowed the front seats to give way upon rear impact and the parents' heads to smash into the front of their children's heads.

The Adams are also appealing damages totaling almost $342,000 against Linda Childers Knapp, who was talking on her cell phone when her 2004 white Jeep Cherokee rear-ended the Adams' minivan.

Ray Niblock, a Fayetteville attorney representing the Adams, said the appeal focuses on three rulings:

· One allowing four preemptory strikes to each party, which in effect allowed the defense to have twice as many as the plaintiff.

· A second denying the plaintiff's request to eliminate certain jurors for cause and court overruled motions.

· The third over a jury instruction relating to the cause of the injury.

The Niblock firm and the Atlanta-based firm of Butler, Wooten and Fryhoffer were betting on a big award from Chrysler to recover their substantial investment - estimated in the hundreds of thousands - in a case requiring lots of paperwork and six days of hearing on pretrial motions.

Chrysler argued that its vehicle meets all federal safety standards and that the intrusion of Knapp's vehicle prevented the children's seat from giving way backwards as designed and avoiding impact from the front passengers.

One key fact in dispute in this case was how fast Knapp's vehicle was going when it hit the minivan. Knapp testified she was driving about 53 mph, and Chrysler's experts said it was between 65 and 77 mph, based on the damage to the vehicles.

The crash occurred in the left, eastbound lane of the Fulbright Expressway in Fayetteville, south of the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Knapp did not realize that traffic had stalled because of a parade for Fayetteville's Bikes, Blues & BBQ festival, her attorney said.

2009-01-06T08:47:00.001-08:00

U.S. December sales fall; up from November

Posted Monday, Jan 5, 2009 at 3:08 pm in Company News

Chrysler LLC today reported total December 2008 U.S. sales of 89,813 units, up 5 percent versus November 2008 (85,260 units), and down 53 percent from the same month in 2007.

For the year, Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge U.S. sales decreased 30 percent (1,453,122 units) compared with total 2007 sales (2,076,650 units). Total sales were significantly affected by the industry’s largest reductions in fleet sales, 63 percent for December and 31 percent for the year.

“Last year Chrysler and all of our stakeholders persevered through extraordinarily difficult economic conditions, made the necessary adjustments and always kept our focus on serving our customers,” President and Vice Chairman Jim Press said. “As a result, our company and our dealer network start this year stronger and better positioned to succeed in today’s marketplace.

“From a customer perspective, we see consumers selecting vehicles based on their long-term transportation needs and committing to keeping vehicles for longer periods. As a result, characteristics such as utility, flexibility, efficiency and quality will grow in importance. In terms of product focus, Chrysler will continue to invest in quality and fuel efficiency improvements on its current lineup, while developing all-new vehicles for the next generation.

“From an organizational viewpoint, we will work with all of our stakeholders to continue the restructuring our Company. We have a special bond with the American people now and pledge to continue our efforts to provide the best quality and best value in the marketplace. We are committed to help drive America forward.”

December sales highlights

All Jeep brand vehicles achieved sales growth over November 2008 sales. Jeep Wrangler, the brand’s top-selling model, marked sales growth of 15 percent (7,048 units) from November.

Sales of the Jeep Patriot were up 6 percent in December (2,597 units) compared with November 2008. Year-to-date, Patriot sales grew 38 percent to reach 55,654 units.

Minivan sales gained momentum from November. Chrysler Town & Country sales in December grew 9 percent (8,152 units) and Dodge Grand Caravan sales increased 14 percent (6,927 units).

Dodge Ram light duty pickup sales were up 10 percent (10,601 units) compared with November 2008, fueled by the availability of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram.

The company finished the month with 397,569 units of inventory, or a 115-day supply. Inventory is down 9 percent compared with December 2007 when it totaled 438,390 units.

January incentives

Chrysler continues to offer customers highly competitive discount and financing programs to kick off 2009. In addition to offering discounts of up to $6,000 on 2008 model year vehicles and up to $3,000 on 2009 model year vehicles to all customers, the company also is working with Chrysler Financial and additional financing companies around the country to create packages that offer customers a wide range of options for lease and purchase financing. On select 2008 models, zero percent financing is available for 72 months, and rates as low as 1.9 percent APR are available on select 2009 models.

For the new year, Chrysler has entered into a partnership with credit unions across the nation to offer an additional $500 to $1,000 discount when any of the 90 million members of credit unions purchase or lease a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. This program was successfully piloted in December in 12 states.

2009-01-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

Ram hauls in Truckin’s ‘Truck of the Year Award’

Posted Tuesday, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:41 am in Company News

The game-changing all-new 2009 Dodge Ram continues to win praise by consumers and media. The all-new Dodge Ram was named 2009 Truck of the Year in the current issue of Truckin’ magazine.

“It’s an honor to have Truckin’ magazine recognize our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with this significant award,” Scott Kunselman, Vice President—Jeep®/Truck Product Team, said. “This award speaks loudly about the design and capability of our Dodge Ram along with its benchmark interior and unmatched ride and handling.”

“Overall, the sleek design represented the most dramatic change in Ram design since the ‘94s love-it-or-leave-it big-rig look, and we think it’s a hit,” Bob Ryder, senior tech editor, Truckin’, said. “The Dodge Boys have really done their homework on this one. The quality of materials, including wood trim, chrome accents and leather is miles ahead of the previous generation and really makes the Dodge look luxurious.”

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes the first-in-segment RamBox™ cargo management system that includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated, drainable storage bins, pickup bed dividers, a 2-foot bed extender, and a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats. The 2009 Ram also includes the first-in-segment coil-spring, five-link rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle providing ride and handling not found on any other pickup truck. A new 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with fuel-saving MDS technology provides more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.) and its best-in-class aerodynamics—.387 Cd—helps improve fuel economy and performance.

In addition, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes first-in-segment, factory-installed 4-inch dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper, first-in-segment store-in-the-floor storage bins with nearly twice as many bins (42) than the previous model (26) and 35 safety and security technologies. Standard features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which includes all-speed traction control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS). Significantly upgraded interiors with segment-first surround-sound audio system and live Siriius Backseat TV round out the interior.

Recently, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab earned five-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest ratings in the U.S. government’s safety crash test program.

In addition to winning Truckin’s magazine’s top honor, the all-new Dodge Ram has picked up several key awards since its introduction:

Ward’s AutoWorld: Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 HEMI engine)

Texas Auto Writer’s Association (TAWA): 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas

Edmunds.com: Inside Line Editors Most Wanted 2009

Autobytel.com: 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editor’s Choice Awards—Truck of the Year

Maxim: Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox)

Automotive Journalist Association of Canada: Best New Pickup

Sobre Ruedas: Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for ‘08

Report: Chrysler Prepping More Dodge-Like Dodge EV For Detroit

2009-01-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

jalopnick By Wes Siler, 9:30 AM on Tue Jan 6 2009, 270 views

Chrysler may be bringing an updated ~~hopes and dreams~~ Dodge EV to the Detroit Auto Show. What’s new? Styling going further than a badge swap and possibly four seats. So, a Lotus Evora?

Well, we don’t know for sure. First unveiled in September, the Dodge EV was the first of four smoke and mirrors-like electric concept vehicles developed by Chrysler’s ENVI program. Allegedly, the company claims it'll have one electric vehicle on the road in 2010. To cut costs, instead of developing an all-new model it’s looking to drop some batteries into an existing vehicle. In the EV’s case, that vehicle is the Lotus Europa.

Since that time Chrysler chose to unveil its future product line to a selection of media outlets that purposefully excluded Jalopnik readers. We'd been told one of the vehicles included was an electric version of the Jeep Patriot, but we'd also been told to expect a concept vehicle to be unveiled at Detroit. We guess this is it.

Now, according to the real journalists over at Automotive News, Chrysler plans to show off an updated EV in Detroit next week:

The Dodge EV shown in September was a Lotus-derived electric sports car. Look for the show version to have more Dodge styling cues and possibly be a four-passenger coupe.

Since the Dodge EV was basically just a Lotus Europa with batteries, it stands to reason a four-seat coupe version would be based on the four-seat Lotus Evora. “More Dodge styling cues?” We’re guessing that means they’ve grafted on a crosshair grille.

Is it just us, or is everyone sick of Lotus-based smoke and mirrors electric sportscars? Thankfully, Lotus says it’s developing its own EV, possibly in time for the Geneva Motor Show. [source: Automotive News]

2009-01-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

1.5.1891
"Glenn Dale Angle, Chief Draftsman of the Welch Motor Car Company1909-1911 and for the Dort Motor Car Company 1916, is born in ImlayCity, MI"
1.5.1914
"The first Rayfield Cyclecar is completed amid great optimism, butonly one more car would be built"
1.5.1925
"Ralph DePalma drives a stripped down Chrysler Model B-70 touringcar 1,000 miles in 786 minutes at the Culver City, CA track to setnumerous stock car records"
1.5.1932
The Hupmobile 1931-1934 ``Stylized H'' mascot is patented bydesigner Raymond Loewy 1.5.1950 The 1950 Chryslers are introduced

2009-01-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

1.4.1893
"Mason M. Roberts of General Motors is born in Anderson, IN"
1.4.1930
The 1930 Auburns are introduced at the New York Automobile Show
1.4.1944
"David W. Rodger, Vice President and Secretary of the Federal-MogulCorporation and an employee of the firm since 1915, dies at age 50"
1.4.1955
"The 1955 Packards are introduced, featuring the marque's first V-8engines and the ``cathredral'' taillights designed by Richard A. Teague"
1.4.1974
"Yves Boisset, an Argentine Peugeot official, is kidnapped byguerillas"

2009-01-06T05:55:00.002-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

1.3.1905
"Dante Giacosa, a Fiat stylist 1928-1975, is born in Rome, Italy"
1.3.1921
The Studebaker Corporation announces that they have ended farmwagon
1.3.1928
The Packard Custom 443 is introduced along with a rumble seatcoupe and
1.3.1939
"The experimental Rolls-Royce ``Big Bertha'', a Wraith chassis witha straight-8 engine, is completed"
1.3.1944
"Robert Lacey, biographer of the Ford family, is born inGuildford, Surrey, "

2009-01-06T05:55:00.001-08:00

email.gif

This Day in Auto History:

1.2.1864
"Albert Fisher, a builder of bodies for motor trucks and an uncle ofthe Fisher brothers of General Motors, is born in Peru, OH"
1.2.1897
"A steam-powered London-built Thornycroft truck is sold to the SouthWales Motor Car & Cycle Company of Cardiff, the first sale of a motortruck in Great Britain"
1.2.1923
Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company is forced into receivership
1.2.1935
The 1935 Chryslers are introduced
1.2.1947
"Production of 1947 Cadillacs officially begins, although the carsare essentially identical to the 1946 models"

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

2009-01-06T05:50:00.001-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

1.1.1892
"Samuel Broers of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company is born inAmsterdam, Holland"
1.1.1906
Pennsylvania's state-issued license plates debut
1.1.1910
"The (Societa) Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili is founded inMilan, Italy by Ugo Stella to manufacture the A.L.F.A., with GiuseppeMerosi officially named as Technical Director"
1.1.1913
"George W. Killebrew is elected President of the Marathon MotorWorks, the struggling Nashville, TN automobile manufacturer"
1.1.1870
Francis E. Stanley married Augusta May Walker

2009-01-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

Excessive power is just enough, right? If you abide by that rule of thumb, perhaps you’d be interested in RDP Motorsport’s latest offering, which trumps the Challenger’s SRT8’s 6.1L Hemi and its 425 horsepower with a stroked version displacing a classic 440 cubic inches.

That block is topped with a duo of superchargers that offer an astounding 1,000 horsepower. Oh yeah, it’s also boosted with two nitrous kits. That’s enough grunt to catapult the portly Challenger down the 1/4 mile in the nines, and if that’s not fast enough for you, we suggest therapy.

This outrageous pony car was recently unveiled at the PRI Show in Florida and is definitely a bit overkill for most people’s needs. So, while the Australian company will be happy to replicate this powertrain combination for you for a price, it’s good to know that RDP will work with you to design pretty much whatever you need on a custom basis. source

2009-01-06T05:38:00.000-08:00

1,000hp Dodge Challenger SRT8 by RDP Performance

Posted Sun Jan 4 2009 4:35 AM by James Martinez

Ohio tuning firm RDP Performance has cooked up a special version of the new Dodge Challenger SRT8 for last month's Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Florida. Taking a stock SRT8, which comes with an already impressive 425hp when it rolls out of the factory, RDP Performance has extensively modified the car to produce a stunning 1,000hp - all channeled through the car's rear wheels.

RDP Performance's goal with the car was to create a Dodge Challenger capable of completing the quarter-mile sprint in nine seconds. To put that goal in perspective, the $1 million, 1,001 hp Bugatti Veyron takes around 10 seconds to complete the quarter-mile, so the engineers over at RDP Performance knew that they would have their work cut out for them.

To give the Challenger all that power, a slew of modifications were made, with various parts manufactured by RDP themselves and other parts bought from performance parts companies. The massive horsepower increases come largely from two items - a one-of-a-kind Twin Bullet/RDP Harrop Supercharger system and a nitrous boosting system from Nitrous Express.

The other modifications include a new fitted rear end with custom 1/2 shaft and a quaife centre, a 3,800rpm high stall converter to help launch the car with more torque, new step headers from Kooks and a custom exhaust system manufactured on site by RDP Performance at their Ohio headquarters.

Amazingly, despite making the Challenger put out more than double its factory output, RDP Performance is still using the factory transmission, although they have implemented their own transmission control module to control it.
Via: Challenger Blog

U.S. auto sales post sharp decline Chrysler numbers down 53% in Dec.

2008-12-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

From staff and wire reports • January 6, 2009

The Associated Press

Unsold Compasses and Grand Cherokees sit at a Chrysler/Jeep dealership in the west Denver suburb of Golden, Colo., recently. Chrysler said Monday that its December U.S. sales plunged 53 percent. The company blamed the tough economy.

Chrysler LLC's December U.S. sales plunged by more than half, and it sold 30 percent fewer vehicles in 2008, dwarfing the steep declines at the other major automakers as consumers remained uncertain about the economy and their jobs.

Chrysler said Monday its December sales dropped 53 percent because of the recession and fewer fleet sales, while Toyota Motor Corp. reported a 37 percent slide and Honda Motor Co. said its sales tumbled 35 percent.

Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales fell 32 percent in December. General Motors Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. both posted 31 percent declines.

Ford's sales for 2008 fell 21 percent from a year earlier, keeping the Dearborn automaker in third place in the U.S. auto sales race, falling behind Toyota for the second straight year.

Toyota's 2008 sales fell 16 percent to 2.22 million, compared with Ford's 1.98 million. Detroit-based GM's 2008 sales totaled 2.95 million, down 23 percent from the year before. Honda's 2008 sales fell 8 percent.

The auto Web site Edmunds.com predicted sales for the full year will total just over 13 million, down 18 percent from 2007 and the lowest level since 1992. Final industrywide results were expected later Monday.

Noel Daniels of the Gray-Daniels chain of car dealerships in Mississippi said the first half of 2008 "was great for us."

"Thank God for the first six months, because the last six months were as challenging" as any Daniels said he can remember.

Gray-Daniels closed Yazoo Motor Co. in December and will focus its energy on its Jackson-area dealerships. Daniels said sales in the last two weeks of December at those dealerships were encouraging, as even customers with less-than-ideal credit were able to secure financing.

Daniels says he's optimistic 2009 will be better for the industry than 2008, adding credit should be more readily available.

Paul Moak, who sells a number of brands in metro Jackson, said his dealerships saw mixed results in 2008. There were slight drops in sales of his Volvo and GM vehicles as well as used cars, but sales of Subarus and Hondas held steady from 2007, he said.

"Every year is different. Each year has its own challenges," he said.

Moak and Daniels agree that a newly elected president and members of Congress could bring about at least some economic recovery. Moak added gas price fluctuations throughout the year will influence greatly the number of cars sold and what types of vehicles people will want to buy.

Despite lower gas prices in recent months, Daniels said demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles will remain strong and will be a major focus of automakers' production plans.

Ford said it sold 138,458 light vehicles in December, down from 204,787 in the same month in 2007. The automaker doesn't see much hope for improvement in early 2009, but predicted a small uptick later in the year.

"We expect the first few months of 2009 to feel much like last three months of 2008," Emily Kolinski Morris, Ford's senior economist, said during a conference call with reporters and industry analysts.

GM sold 220,030 light vehicles in December compared with 319,837 a year earlier. The recent month's results were boosted by heavy sales incentives, including financing offers announced near the end of the month after the Treasury Department said it would give $5 billion in federal aid to GM's ailing financing arm, GMAC LLC.

Subaru of America Inc. said its U.S. sales crept higher in 2008, making the Japanese company likely to be the only major automaker with a yearly sales increase. Subaru's U.S. sales rose by 0.3 percent to 187,699 vehicles from 187,208 in 2007, as consumers snapped up its top-selling Forester and Impreza.

Chrysler's December sales totaled 89,813 vehicles, compared with 191,423 in the year-ago month. Despite the plunge, the recent month's sales represented a 5 percent increase over November levels. the Auburn Hills, Mich., carmaker said the December drop included a 63 percent decrease in fleet sales.

Aaron Bragman, automotive marketing research analyst for IHS Global Insight in Troy, Mich., said large incentives such as zero-percent financing and rebates will continue well into 2009 as automakers try everything they can to boost sales.

Full-size truck incentives ran from $7,000 to $8,000 in December.

"You look in the paper and the deals on brand new GM pickups are astonishing," Bragman said. "The discount that you get buys a heck of a lot of gasoline."

Hyundai Motor America is trying to woo buyers by promising to let them return cars free for up to a year if they lose their jobs and can't make the payments.

The "Hyundai Assurance Program" applies to customers stricken by misfortune outside of their control, such as losing their job, becoming disabled or losing their driver's license for medical reasons. It covers depreciation up to $7,500.

Similar bold moves might be necessary throughout the year. Global Insight predicts U.S. sales will drop from 13 million in 2008 to 10.3 million this year as the economy continues to sputter.

While that may bring deals for consumers, it's bad news for automakers. GM and Chrysler were forced to go to the government for loans to hold off bankruptcy, and Ford says it may need government money if sales don't recover in 2009.

But Bragman said the sales drops are not unique to the U.S.-based automakers and encompass the entire domestic market.

Toyota said it sold 141,949 vehicles in December, down from 224,399 a year earlier. Sales of the Prius hybrid dropped 45 percent as gas prices fell from their record highs in July. Toyota is scheduled to unveil an updated Prius at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.

Toyota has retooled a plant it is building in north Mississippi to manufacture the Prius. It initially announced it would produce the Highlander SUVs. The Blue Springs plant was slated to go online in 2010. Toyota announced last month it is postponing the opening indefinitely.

Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, said he was optimistic hybrid sales would rebound.

"We're going to see fuel prices creep up a bit," he said. "I think the overall greening of America is going to see an increase in hybrid (sales) as well."

Fewer Recalls at Ford, Chrysler Improve Industry Total in 2008

2008-12-31T06:34:00.002-08:00

By James M. Amend

WardsAuto.com, Dec 31, 2008 10:58 AM

GM’s total recall campaigns and affected vehicles represent industry highs in 2008, while Toyota suffers one of the largest year-over-year recall increases.

Auto History - 31 Dec

2008-12-31T06:34:00.001-08:00

12.31.1890 - Don E. Ahrens of General Motors is born in Lodgepole, NE
12.31.1923 - Philip Eglin Benton, Jr. of Royal Dutch/Shell Group is born in Charlottesville, VA
12.31.1932 - Jose Joseph Dedeurwaerder of American Motors and Renault is born in Halle, Belgium
12.31.1948 - The first redesigned “second series” 1949 Plymouth is produced
12.31.1951 - The Henry J Vagabond is introduced

2008-12-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

How Much Rent Does Chrysler Pay Cerberus?

By Robert Farago

President Bush has pledged $4b of your taxes to Chrysler. Ultimately, the money will be under the control of the ailing American automaker’s owners, Cerberus Financial. Despite the enormous call on the public purse to fund a company whose prospects are dimmer than a 70’s porno theater, the secretive private equity group that pulls ChryCo’s strings has not opened the company’s books to full public scrutiny. Fortunately, we have a little something called the free press (and I don’t mean you Freep) ready to poke its nose into the dealings of the company about to poke its nose into the federal trough. The Wall Street Journal [sub] reports that “Public documents filed in Oakland County, Mich. show a Cerberus subsidiary called Auburn Hills Owner, LLC, bought the 458-acre complex on Aug. 3, 2007, for $325 million. That same day, Cerberus completed the deal to take over 80.1% of Chrysler from Daimler.” While the Journal seems obsessed with the fact that ChryCo employees didn’t know that Chrysler proper doesn’t own the Auburn Hills campus, the accounting behind the transaction is more interesting…

“While trying to sell Chrysler, Daimler put a higher value on the property. The sales binder that Daimler showed to potential buyers of Chrysler said the headquarters had a book value of $800 million and that Daimler had received an offer of $1.2 billion for the complex in August 2006, according to people who have seen the two-inch thick prospectus.

“The city of Auburn Hills assessed the property’s value at just over $460 million last year, down from a peak of approximately $620 million in 2005… On the day the acquisition of Chrysler closed, Cerberus secured a loan of $225 million against the headquarters building from Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., public documents show.

“A person familiar with the matter said Cerberus used that money to pay part of the $325 million it owned [sic] Daimler for the building.”

The bottom line: Cerberus owns the property and Chrysler pays rent to cover the nut. What’s the nut? What’s the rent? Unknown. As “investors” in Chrysler, taxpayers should demand to know every detail of their business. What other skeletons lurk in Cerberus’ closet?

2008-12-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

Chrysler appealing assessed value

Company seeks a 48 percent reduction

By KEN de la BASTIDE
Tribune enterprise editor

Chrysler Corp. is seeking to reduce the amount of property taxes it will pay this year for the two transmission plants on the north side of Kokomo.

Chrysler officials have filed an appeal of the assessed value of the two plants, which opened in 1998 and 2003, with Howard County Assessor Jamie Shepherd.

The two plants currently have an assessed value for 2007 taxes payable in 2008 of $106,542,000 for the 283.64-acre site and the buildings.

The company wants the assessed value reduced to $55 million. Shepherd said the plants have never been assessed at $55 million.

Shepherd said Chrysler is not appealing the personal property (equipment) in the two facilities or at the Kokomo Casting Plant and the Kokomo Transmission Plant.

“In the past, the assessor and company officials would do a walk-through of the plants and agree on a price per square foot,” she said. “We couldn’t get a walk-through this year.”

Shepherd said the county was close to reaching an agreement with Chrysler in which it would drop the appeal and a walk-through would take place in 2009. She said the person negotiating for Chrysler no longer works for the company.

The county, using state guidelines, has set the assessed value at $49.62 per square foot and Chrysler wants the assessed value set at $25.

“The assessed value of the two plants increased by less than 2 percent,” Shepherd said of the 2007 pay 2008 rate.

The county has hired R&E Research to perform an analysis of the data provided by Chrysler and the county.

“We need to know why Chrysler believes it should be the lower assessment,” Shepherd said. “The data they are using is comparable to sales in several other states, including Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Nevada.”

Shepherd said Indiana uses a market-value comparison based on use of the industrial space and several other states use market-value based on an exchange. She said the two Indiana transmission plants were built and designed for the automotive industry.

Once the analysis is completed there will be a township conference to discuss the evidence presented by Chrysler and R&E Research.

“I would like to reach an agreement,” Shepherd said. “Chrysler is a big component of our community, beyond the payment of taxes.”

Shepherd said during the appeal process, Chrysler will pay taxes on the two plants based on the 2006 pay 2007 assessment.

“Once I received notice of the appeal, I discussed it with all county officials,” she said. “It would be a big loss of our tax base.”

Shepherd said companies across Indiana are filing appeals on their industrial space and precedents could be set that impact appeals in other counties.

2008-12-24T06:14:00.002-08:00

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Manual - Short Take Road Test

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Leave a Comment

The R/T model trumps its SRT8 big brother in our book.

The most breathless talk about the Dodge Challenger tends to center around the letters S, R, and T, and the number 8. The high-po–est form of Dodge's muscle car was the only choice offered for the initial 2008 run, and while still fun, it made do with a five-speed slushbox. Things have changed for 2009 with the addition of a 5.7-liter Hemi R/T model and a manual-transmission option for both V-8 cars. After testing an R/T model, we'd be happy to sacrifice the S and 8 from the badge, especially since the R/T comes with a price tag that's roughly 11 grand less.

I'm So Happy, I Could Shift

Big news for the Challenger is that it's the first (modern) Hemi-powered Chrysler car with an optional manual transmission. We're already fans of the tried-and-true Tremec TR-6060 six-speed gearbox, which is used in the Viper and many of GM's high performers. The Challenger's pistol-grip shifter is canted toward the driver, and allows for quick shifts via relatively short throws. Clutch-pedal travel, however, is longish, with an engagement point near the top of its movement. We were also annoyed by the 1–4 skip-shift that forces a two-gear upshift under light acceleration at low speed in the name of fuel economy. (Aftermarket kits are thankfully available to bypass this bothersome "feature," but no one's figured out yet how to relocate the foot-operated parking brake.)

Keep Reading: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Manual - Short Take Road Test

2008-12-24T06:14:00.001-08:00

12.24.1889 - Henry Grady Weaver, a draftsman with the Haynes Automobile Company in Kokomo, IN 1913-1916, Assistant General Manager of the Sun Motor Car Company in Elkhart, IN 1916-1917, and longtime General Motors Director of Customer Research, is born in Eatonton, GA
12.24.1904 - The (Societa Anonima) Fabbrica Automobili Isotta-Fraschini assumes the assets of the original 1900 Isotta-Fraschini organization 12.24.1920 Automobile parts manufacturer Chester E. Clemens dies near Madison, OH at age 57 12.24.1930 - The unique Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 with custom “windblown” coupe body by Brewster is completed and delivered to owner Tommy Manville
12.24.1949 - Racer Warwick Brown is born in Sydney, NSW, Australia

2008-12-24T05:32:00.000-08:00

Chrysler LLC's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Selects Alcoa's Dura-Bright(R) Technology for Dodge Viper and Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee

Tue Oct 21, 11:52 AM

Enlarge Photo
(Business Wire)

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa Automotive Wheels, a division of Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, announced today that it has been awarded platform placement of Dura-BrightÂ® technology wheels with Chrysler LLCâ€™s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) engineering organization. Two new wheels within the Chrysler SRT family, including both Dodge and JeepÂ® platforms, will begin placement with the 2009 model year.

â€œOur innovative Dura-BrightÂ® technology has enjoyed commercial success for many years in the heavy duty truck market and more recently with leading Global automobile manufacturers. We are honored that Chryslerâ€™s SRT organization has recognized that this wheel surface innovation can add value and product differentiation through easy to clean maintenance benefits extended to their new vehicle owners,â€ said Kevin Kramer, President, Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products.

Chryslerâ€™s SRT organization has selected the patented surface treatment for the standard 5-spoke wheel fitted to the Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe and roadster. Alcoa forged wheels treated with Dura-BrightÂ® technology allow Viper owners to maintain their sports cars appearance with minimal maintenance effort. Vehicles fitted with aggressive brake packages, like the Dodge Viper SRT10, typically generate a high level of brake dust. Viper owners will now be able to maintain the appearance of their vehicle with less effort to keep their wheels cleaner with Dura-BrightÂ® technology.

Chryslerâ€™s SRT organization has also selected Dura-BrightÂ® technology for fitment on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Owners will appreciate the exclusive wheel surface treatment to easily clean away brake dust, dirt and road grime whether they use the vehicle for on-road or off-road performance.

Alcoa began supplying one-piece forged aluminum SRT wheels on the Dodge Viper SRT10 in 2002. The company has supplied wheels for all SRT8 fitments, including Chrysler 300C, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Jeep Grand Cherokee since 2004. 2009 will signal the first applications of Dura-BrightÂ® technology to the Chrysler SRT organization. Look for â€œdbâ€ engraved on Dodge Viper SRT10 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 wheels, to identify them as being specially treated with Alcoaâ€™s patented Dura-BrightÂ® technology.

Along with the benefits of easy to clean Dura-BrightÂ® technology, all SRT wheels by Alcoa are forged from one piece of aerospace grade 6061-T6 aluminum. The forging process aligns the grain of the metal producing a strong and durable wheel with light weight benefits to enhance vehicle performance and fuel economy. Forged aluminum wheels by Alcoa are typically twice as strong while reducing weight by over 20 percent as a comparable cast aluminum wheel.

All aluminum wheels for Chryslerâ€™s SRT organization are forged at Alcoaâ€™s Cleveland (Ohio) Works Plant. For more information, visit www.strongwheels.com.

2008-12-23T06:07:00.001-08:00

12.23.1904 - Hon. C. S. Rolls contracts with Royce, Ltd. to take all automobiles of 2-cylinders/10 hp through 6-cylinders/30 hp manufactured by the latter company
12.23.1922 - Salmson #001, rebodied after a racing accident, is sold in England
12.23.1939 - Edmund Coleman Craft of the Borg-Warner Corporation is born in Plainfield, NJ
12.23.1956 - Racer Michele Alboreto is born in Milan, Italy
12.23.1971 - Alessandro Cagno, winner of the first Targa Florio, dies at age 88

2008-12-23T05:50:00.002-08:00

Dec. 22 letter from Bob Nardelli to Chrysler employees

Dear Employees,

As this eventful year draws to a close, I'd just like to take a moment and once again express my personal appreciation and thank you for your commitment and dedication to Chrysler LLC. Reflecting back on the year, I'm sure we can all agree that this one stands out for the extraordinary challenges we faced, as well as for the many accomplishments we can look back on.

We are grateful to the U.S taxpayers and the U.S. Treasury Department that they will provide a loan to Chrysler to help bridge the current financial crisis. And we appreciate that the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario have offered to provide financial assistance as well to protect Canadian manufacturing. This support underscores their confidence in Chrysler's plan for future viability and their recognition of the importance of the automotive industry to North America.

Despite the difficult economic conditions and financial crisis we faced this year, we continued to make significant progress in improving the fundamentals of our business, while strengthening our focus on customer first and quality period.

We continued to invest in and deliver great new products, launching the crossover Dodge Journey, the exciting Dodge Challenger and Challenger SRT8, the Liberty re-launch and the all-new Dodge Ram, which has received glowing accolades from the media, including a nomination for North American Truck of the Year. We also celebrated the 25th anniversary of our invention of the minivan, which still wears the crown as the world's best-seller.

Chrysler's ongoing commitment to safety is evident in government ratings.

For the 2009 model year, more than 88 percent of Chrysler vehicles achieved NHTSA's highest possible rating - five stars for frontal crash tests.

Eighty-six percent of Chrysler vehicles achieved the Government's highest rating for side-impact protection.

the Caliber, Patriot, Compass, Sebring, Sebring Convertible and Avenger.

And in September, we shocked the industry with the unveiling of our ENVI family of all-electric and range-extended electric vehicles, a major step on the path to national energy security and reduced environmental impact.

We will put our first electric-drive vehicle into production for North America by 2010 with three additional models by 2013.

Our long-range product plan is robust, realistic and green. The plan features 24 major launches from 2009 through 2012. Many of you had the opportunity last week to attend the future products open house in the Design Dome and saw the all-new versions of key models such as the Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, our electric vehicle prototypes and the sketches of other products like a new fuel-efficient small car. You also had a chance to see the tremendous strides we are making in the quality of our interiors, which will have a major impact on pleasing our customers, as well as the latest generation of our uconnect family of consumer technologies for in-vehicle information, communications and entertainment. Our future plans also include a hybrid Ram truck.

We made steady progress in productivity and quality this year. According to the Harbour Report, we have increased our manufacturing productivity by 32 percent over the past seven years and now equal Toyota as the most productive automaker in North America as measured by hours of assembly per vehicle. Due to a focused product quality improvement effort during the past year, we've seen our warranty claim rates drop by 29 percent and the improvement trend continues.

Since the economic downturn began in 2007, we have faced this harsh reality and consistently acted quickly to reduce operating costs, adjust production schedules and prioritize product investment to mitigate the effects of this historic recession and financial crisis. We've taken out 1.2 million units of capacity, eliminated 12 production shifts and closed two manufacturing plants. We've reduced our fixed costs by $2.4 billion. The difficult restructuring, combined with the recent retirements and voluntary terminations, has reduced Chrysler employment by 32,000 since 2007. We've all said good-bye to many colleagues and friends who have served Chrysler so well over the years.

We have a realistic and achievable plan to turn Chrysler around and return the company to profitability. With the government bridge loan forthcoming, we'll have the financial backing to implement that plan. In the weeks ahead we will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to achieve the shared sacrifice that we need in order to achieve long-term viability.

Throughout the government loan request process, I've received many letters, calls and e-mails of support from our extended Chrysler family, our customers and many Americans who support the automotive industry. To show our appreciation, we will be placing an advertisement in several national newspapers today, thanking America for investing in Chrysler. A link to a copy of the advertisement is attached.

In closing, I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holiday seasons.

Enjoy your family time together, wherever your travels may take you. I look forward to rejoining you in January to take on 2009 with a resolve to return our business to profitability and viability.

God Bless you all. Best wishes and warmest regards,

Bob

2008-12-23T05:50:00.001-08:00

Jim Press says Chrysler could be America's Benz, BMW

What American automaker best matches up with the uber-machines from the Germans? Lincoln... no, probably not. Cadillac? Getting warmer. How 'bout Chrysler, asks ChryCo. co-Prez Jim Press. After a quick review of Chrysler's current line-up, we're not really buying the comparison; but it's fun to dream, so we'll bite. The Sebring is roughly the size of the C-Class and 3 Series, but it's driving the wrong wheels to go head-to-head with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so that would need a complete rework, to say the least.

The 300C is a very nice car with an appropriate engine up front, rear-wheel drive and a relatively attractive price compared to the Germans. That could work, but it's clear that Chrysler would need to pump lots more money into the car to keep it up to date with it's competition from Germany. Minivans don't equate very well to any Germanic rivals, especially since the R-Class from MB has been a major disappointment.

One possible area that Chrysler has over its supposed competition is trucks. The new '09 Ram may be a major step up from its predecessor, but we're not so sure we're ready to call it the Mercedes-Benz of pickups, which is pretty much how Press says he sees it. We're all for the idea of an American competitor for Mercedes and BMW, and we'd love to see the Pentastar emerge from its financial problems a leaner, more focused manufacturer. Still, we wonder if Chrysler should set its sights on cross-town rival Cadillac before jumping all the way to Germany.

2008-12-22T14:45:00.001-08:00

http://www.thescoop-cg.com/wp-content/uploads/us-senate-viablity-plan.pdf

2008-12-22T06:01:00.000-08:00

Message from Bob Nardelli

Posted Monday, Dec 22, 2008 at 4:32 pm in Messages From Our Leaders

Dear Employees,

As this eventful year draws to a close, I’d just like to take a moment and once again express my personal appreciation and thank you for your commitment and dedication to Chrysler LLC. Reflecting back on the year, I’m sure we can all agree that this one stands out for the extraordinary challenges we faced, as well as for the many accomplishments we can look back on.

We are grateful to the U.S taxpayers and the U.S. Treasury Department that they will provide a loan to Chrysler to help bridge the current financial crisis. And we appreciate that the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario have offered to provide financial assistance as well to protect Canadian manufacturing. This support underscores their confidence in Chrysler’s plan for future viability and their recognition of the importance of the automotive industry to North America.

Chrysler’s ongoing commitment to safety is evident in government ratings. For the 2009 model year, more than 88 percent of Chrysler vehicles achieved NHTSA’s highest possible rating - five stars for frontal crash tests. Eighty-six percent of Chrysler vehicles achieved the Government’s highest rating for side-impact protection.

We continue to boost the fuel economy of our vehicles. For the 2009 model year, 73 percent of our products offer improved mileage compared with 2008 models, with six vehicles offering 27 mpg or better highway fuel economy: the Caliber, Patriot, Compass, Sebring, Sebring Convertible and Avenger. And in September, we shocked the industry with the unveiling of our ENVI family of all-electric and range-extended electric vehicles, a major step on the path to national energy security and reduced environmental impact. We will put our first electric-drive vehicle into production for North America by 2010 with three additional models by 2013.

We made steady progress in productivity and quality this year. According to the Harbour Report, we have increased our manufacturing productivity by 32 percent over the past seven years and now equal Toyota as the most productive automaker in North America as measured by hours of assembly per vehicle. Due to a focused product quality improvement effort during the past year, we’ve seen our warranty claim rates drop by 29 percent and the improvement trend continues.

Since the economic downturn began in 2007, we have faced this harsh reality and consistently acted quickly to reduce operating costs, adjust production schedules and prioritize product investment to mitigate the effects of this historic recession and financial crisis. We’ve taken out 1.2 million units of capacity, eliminated 12 production shifts and closed two manufacturing plants. We’ve reduced our fixed costs by $2.4 billion. The difficult restructuring, combined with the recent retirements and voluntary terminations, has reduced Chrysler employment by 32,000 since 2007. We’ve all said good-bye to many colleagues and friends who have served Chrysler so well over the years.

However, these and other difficult but necessary actions have positioned Chrysler to begin 2009 as a leaner, more efficient and focused organization characterized by fewer layers of management with broader spans of control. We have a realistic and achievable plan to turn Chrysler around and return the company to profitability. With the government bridge loan forthcoming, we’ll have the financial backing to implement that plan. In the weeks ahead we will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to achieve the shared sacrifice that we need in order to achieve long-term viability.

Throughout the government loan request process, I’ve received many letters, calls and e-mails of support from our extended Chrysler family, our customers and many Americans who support the automotive industry. To show our appreciation, we will be placing an advertisement in several national newspapers today, thanking America for investing in Chrysler. A link to a copy of the advertisement is attached.

In closing, I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holiday seasons. Enjoy your family time together, wherever your travels may take you. I look forward to rejoining you in January to take on 2009 with a resolve to return our business to profitability and viability.

God Bless you all. Best wishes and warmest regards,

2008-12-18T06:12:00.002-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

12.22.1896
Fahrzeug-Fabrik Eisenach, an ancestor of BMW, is organized
12.22.1920
Genevieve Marguerite Delcuze, the second wife of Ettore Bugatti, is born in Courbevoie, France
12.22.1931
Noel Goutard, Chairman of the French automobile parts manufacturer Valeo SA, is born in Casablanca, Morocco
12.22.1952
Johan Jan Beeckmans of ITT Automotive Inc. is born in Antwerp, Belgium
12.22.1962
Francis B. Davis, Chairman of the United States Rubber Company 1929-1949, dies in Wilmington, DE at age 79

2008-12-18T06:12:00.001-08:00

Chrysler Financial May Curb Loans as Dealers Tap Cash (Update2)

Email | Print | A A A

By Greg Bensinger and Mike Ramsey

Dec. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Chrysler LLC’s credit arm said it may temporarily halt the loans used by dealers to buy vehicles as the retailers pull money from an account that helps finance their borrowing.

Losing access to the lending, known as floorplan, from Chrysler Financial would be a blow to dealers struggling with a 28 percent plunge in 2008 U.S. sales. Dealers put money into the account to pay off loans early. They get a 2 percent bonus if the cash stays in the fund for a set period of time, while still being able to pull it out and make scheduled repayments instead.

Almost $60 million a day is flowing from the account, a rate “that is troubling,” Chrysler Financial Chief Executive Officer Thomas Gilman wrote to dealers on Dec. 12. More withdrawals may “force us to suspend wholesale financing.”

“All the dealers got scared when Chrysler started talking about bankruptcy in front of Congress, and they pulled their money out,” said Dick Mullen, a Chrysler dealer in Southold, New York. “If a dealer can’t get floorplan from Chrysler there’s almost nowhere else to turn. It’ll be a disaster.”

Withdrawals from the fund have totaled more than $1.5 billion since July, Gilman wrote. That adds to the cash squeeze at Chrysler and Chrysler Financial, which are both owned by New York-based buyout firm Cerberus Capital Management LP.

“Chrysler Financial finances 75 percent of all vehicles shipped to U.S. dealers and will continue to support our dealer body with uninterrupted wholesale financing,” Amber Gowen, a company spokeswoman, said today.

Pressure on Chrysler

Chrysler is being pressed by a small number of suppliers for payment in advance as it seeks federal assistance to avoid running out of cash as soon as year’s end, people familiar with the matter said last week. Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Chrysler has said it needs $4 billion to operate to March 31.

Gilman said Chrysler Financial has been in talks for more than a month with the U.S. Treasury Department and the office overseeing the Troubled Asset Relief Program to help “break the logjam” in the market for so-called asset-backed securities such as car loans.

That may help Chrysler Financial “in the form of liquidity to fund wholesale and retail loans,” Gilman wrote.

Auto lenders raise capital by issuing securities backed by car loans, enabling them to offer more credit.

Separately, Chrysler said yesterday it joined a financing program with about 2,500 credit unions to offer low-cost auto loans to buyers in 12 states. Under the program, consumers are eligible for rebates of as much as $1,000.

The credit unions have said they have pledged as much as $12 billion to the program, which runs to June 30. U.S. industrywide auto sales fell 16 percent through November.

Ontario leader says more auto bailouts to come

2008-12-18T06:03:00.002-08:00

Associated Press, 12.17.08, 12:44 PM EST

Canada's potential $2.8 billion rescue package for the U.S.-based automakers is just the first of what could be several payments, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says.

McGuinty said Wednesday the 3.4 billion Canadian dollars promised jointly by Ottawa and Ontario to the Detroit Three is simply a lifeline to sustain the industry. General Motors Corp. (nyse: GM - news - people ), Chrysler LLC and Ford Motor Co. (nyse: F - news - people ) all have large operations in Ontario.

McGuinty warns it's too early to speculate on how high the aid could go because the province is still assessing documents and plans.

His comments come one day after Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant called the possible loss of the auto industry in Ontario a "doomsday scenario" that cannot come to pass. Canada could lose more than 580,000 jobs within five years if Detroit's Three automakers go out of business, according to a Ontario government commissioned report.

Last week, Ottawa and Ontario announced they would provide the equivalent of 20 percent of whatever emergency aid Washington provides - a figure proportional to the number of vehicles produced in Canada.

Bush administration officials were still evaluating options and attempting to avoid a disorderly bankruptcy of the companies. Congress failed a week ago to reach consensus on a $14 billion aid package for struggling GM and Chrysler.

But the Canadian aid for the automakers won't come until the U.S. makes its plans known.

Governments in Canada have helped the U.S automakers before. Ottawa and Ford Motor Co. announced in September that a new research center for environmentally friendly technologies will be launched in a government partnership that includes up to 80 million Canadian dollars ($66 million) in government funding.

Videos

Ontario has helped the auto sector with a 500 million Canadian dollar ($413 million) fund that was designed to attract and keep jobs in the province.

Canada is attractive to the U.S. automakers because the government provides universal health care to all Canadians, unlike in the U.S. where the automakers subsidize workers' health care tabs.

2008-12-18T06:03:00.001-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

12.18.1898
Theodor Parsons Hall, develop of the Hall flying automobile, is born in Wallingford, CT
12.18.1919
Racer Henri Fournier dies in Paris, France at age 48
12.18.1941
Racer Wayne Baker is born
12.18.1955
Racer Ted Musgrave is born in Franklin, WI
12.18.1991
Racer George Abecassis dies in Ibstone, Buckinghamshire, England at age 78

2008-12-18T05:52:00.002-08:00

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 HHP/BES 426 1/4 mile Drag Racing timeslip specs 0-60

1/4 Mile ET:	11.791
1/4 Mile MPH:	117.380
1/8 Mile ET:	7.570
1/8 Mile MPH:	92.300
0-60 Foot ET:	1.709
Temperature F:	0.0
Density Altitude (DA):	DA Calculator
Timeslip Scan:
Car Make:	Dodge
Car Model:	Challenger SRT8
Car Type:	HHP/BES 426
Car Year:	2008
Driver:	Trojan
E-Mail:	Private
Videos:	Challenger-SRT8 Videos
Web Site:



Horsepower @ wheels:	Click HERE to estimate
Torque @ wheels:	0.00
Dyno Type:
Dyno Graph:

Classifieds:	Challenger-SRT8 For Sale
Parts:	Challenger-SRT8 Parts Challenger-SRT8 Videos

2008-12-18T05:52:00.001-08:00

Chrysler shutdown to idle 46,000 for month

A signal of dire future if no auto aid comes?

BY JUSTIN HYDE and KATIE MERX • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITERS • December 18, 2008

Chrysler LLC announced Wednesday it would shutter all 30 of its factories for one month and idle 46,000 workers, while General Motors Corp. said it was delaying a key supply plant for the Chevrolet Volt, as both attempted to avoid imminent collapse while the Bush administration pondered a rescue.

Chrysler's move signals the first of a cascade of dire actions that will result if the automakers don't receive government aid, a person close to the situation said. Following a 47% decline in sales last month, some Chrysler plants are to be closed until February.

The Wall Street Journal reported late Wednesday that merger talks involving GM and Chrysler had resumed. The talks were suspended in late October when the Bush administration expressed reluctance to provide money for a merger that could result in thousands of jobs lost.

But the Journal said Chrysler's majority owner, Cerberus Capital Management, under pressure from some members of Congress to put more money into Chrysler, restarted the talks and indicated willingness to surrender part of its stake in the company.

Chrysler and GM have said they need at least $8 billion by the end of the month to avoid bankruptcy and at least $14 billion to get through the first quarter.

"It's clear that the automakers are in a very fragile financial condition, and they're taking steps to deal with it," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. "We're aware of their financial situation and are considering possible policy options to provide assistance in an appropriate way. As we've said, a disorderly collapse of the auto industry should be avoided."

While President George W. Bush and other officials have promised to act since the Senate blocked a rescue last Thursday, auto dealers and other industry supporters say the wait is damaging the rest of the economy.

"Manufacturing makes up the backbone of this economy, and that backbone is being broken," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. "This administration must act now to preserve the middle class and protect our economy."

"Time is of the essence," said Annette Sykora, chairwoman of the National Automobile Dealers Association. "A lot of people are depending on the White House to provide the bridge loans to prevent a collapse of the auto industry. We need action now."

Chrysler said Wednesday that it would double a planned shutdown of all 30 North American plants from nearly two weeks to one month -- starting Friday through Jan. 19 -- citing sluggish sales. Chrysler said a lack of consumer credit had kept even willing buyers from closing on sales over the past couple of months.

"The dealers have stated that they have lost an estimated 20% to 25% of their volume because of this credit situation," the company said in a statement.

Chrysler spokeswoman Shawn Morgan said the Windsor minivan plant and Detroit's Conner Avenue sports car assembly plants are to be closed for the entire month of January. Both Toledo Jeep plants are to be closed until Jan. 26.

Chrysler's plants typically are shut down from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. This year, they already were scheduled to be idled from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.

Workers are to be considered laid off for the additional two to four weeks their plants are shut down.

"It comes as no surprise to me," said Eddie Gordish, a skilled trades worker at Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit. "All of a sudden, everything seems so crazy, so dire."

Meanwhile, GM said it was temporarily halting work on a new engine plant in Flint that is slated to build four-cylinder engines for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle and Chevrolet Cruze compact car. GM said the move did not change the deadline for building the Volt in late 2010, and would save money on construction materials in the near-term.

"It's temporarily on hold as we assess our cash situation," said GM spokeswoman Sharon Basel. "I don't think it's a surprise that we're studying and reviewing everything given the position we're in."

Ford Motor Co., which isn't seeking immediate federal aid, also said Wednesday that it would add an extra week to its two-week holiday shutdown at 10 North American plants, with the exception of two plants, which build the F-150 pickup.

GM announced plans to build the $349-million engine plant in Flint in September and told Congress it was spending $758 million on developing the Volt and its engine technology through 2012.

Both the Volt and the Cruze, a sedan expected to get 40 miles per gallon, have been touted by GM as examples of its commitment to more fuel-efficient models. The delay by GM follows word from Toyota Motor Co. on Monday that it was halting work on a Mississippi factory that would have built a new version of the Toyota Prius hybrid.

"These delays due to a cash crunch make it clear that without federal investment, the green revolution could come to a screeching halt," said U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich. "The sooner we get this bridge loan to Detroit, the better chance we have of getting more green cars into showrooms quickly."

2008-12-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

(Possible) China Buyout Watch: Chrysler And Great Wall

By Bertel Schmitt
December 17, 2008 -

Two weeks ago, Chrysler terminated its joint venture talks with Chery. This doesn’t stop Chrysler from talking to the Chinese. The talks go in two directions: One, Chrysler needs low cost cars, and the Chinese have them. Two, Chrysler is looking for a buyer, and a Chinese company may just have mercy and cash and take Chrysler off the sweaty hands of Cerberus. Hell, you never know. Now, Chrysler has been spotted chatting up Great Wall Motors, Gasgoo reports. Great Wall is known for its large portfolio of SUVs and MPVs. They also got into hot legal waters with Fiat who claimed that Great Wall’s Peri (called Jing Ling in China) is a copy of Fiat’s Panda.A court in Turin said Fiat is right and Great Wall is wrong. A copyright claim in China is slowly grinding through the wheels of the Chinese courts.

According to Gasgoo, Philip Murtaugh, Chrysler Asia CEO, went to inspect Great Wall Motor’s facility last week to look into the code-named CH041 model and CH031 hatchback, which could be the A-class model Chrysler needs. Murtaugh was supposedly satisfied with the two models. Great Wall Motor said the two parties will launch “CH031″ first if the projects fare well. The two automakers are still in talks and nothing is definite yet, said Great Wall Motor. If the models see the light of mass production, they will go on sale in overseas markets with the Chrysler label. A Chrysler China executive said Chrysler was in - duh - “a transitional period.” They might need Great Wall, one way or the other.

Chrysler latest Trademarks

2008-12-17T06:24:00.002-08:00

Serial Number	Reg. Number	Word Mark	Check Status	Live/Dead
1	78976488	3030758	U C O N N E C T	TARR	LIVE
2	78976487	3024822	UCONNECT	TARR	LIVE
3	78975421	2857019	WHERE ADRENALINE AND TECHNOLOGY MEET	TARR	LIVE
4	78972570		EXTRA CREDIT	TARR	LIVE
5	78971401		COMPLETERENTAL	TARR	LIVE
6	78951523		STARPARTS LITE	TARR	LIVE
7	78938650		SNAKESKIN	TARR	LIVE
8	78938042		TRAILHAWK	TARR	LIVE
9	78920255		ROLLOVER MILES	TARR	LIVE
10	78920215		DODGE CREW	TARR	LIVE
11	78918584		DISCIPLINED PIZZAZZ	TARR	DEAD
12	78907664		GREAT RIVER ROAD	TARR	DEAD
13	78907244	3354295	MYGIG	TARR	LIVE
14	78907048		LATITUDE	TARR	LIVE
15	78907019		LIBERTY LATITUDE	TARR	LIVE
16	78877458	3420519	NASSAU	TARR	LIVE
17	78866661		TOMAHAWK	TARR	LIVE

Chrysler LLC Latest Patents

2008-12-17T06:24:00.001-08:00

1	D581,326	Vehicle hood
2	D580,312	Vehicle grille
3	7,448,357	Air induction system and assembly method for an intake manifold with a single shaft and sensor for activating air control valves
4	D579,839	Vehicle side mirror
5	D579,832	Vehicle hood
6	7,445,751	Creep resistant magnesium alloy
7	7,445,237	Air bag vent
8	7,445,236	Venting canister for airbag system
9	7,444,845	Retainer for a door lock
10	7,440,833	Clutch fill volume learning strategy for transmission control
11	D578,436	Automobile body
12	7,434,646	On-demand four wheel drive system
13	D577,841	Vehicle headlamp
14	7,429,058	Passenger airbag door
15	7,426,701	Interactive drill down tool
16	7,424,925	Hybrid vehicle with integral generator for auxiliary loads
17	D576,529	Vehicle rear bumper
18	D576,524	Automobile body
19	7,424,344	HVAC control using modulated evaporator outlet temperature
20	7,422,130	Retractable cross rail for vehicle roof rack
21	D576,090	Vehicle front fender
22	7,421,325	Automatic transmission calibration method
23	7,418,950	Fuel pump and tank assembly for an automotive vehicle
24	D575,701	Vehicle hood
25	D575,697	Vehicle rear bumper
26	D575,696	Vehicle front bumper
27	D575,695	Vehicle rear bumper
28	D575,694	Vehicle front bumper
29	7,416,510	Control of a vehicle powertrain with multiple prime movers
30	7,416,247	Retractable vehicle roof system
31	7,416,242	Reinforcement plate
32	7,416,235	Dual sliding center console
33	7,416,211	Safety system for an automobile
34	7,415,954	Rocker shaft arrangement for an engine
35	7,415,903	Method and system for an impact sled footwell intrusion test
36	7,415,872	Method and code for determining characteristic of road surface beneath moving vehicle
37	7,413,259	Hub and extension arrangement for an axle having dual wheels
38	7,413,231	Truck cargo bed management system
39	7,413,229	Holder for an electronic device
40	7,413,211	Deactivation arrangement for a vehicle park assist system
41	D574,298	Automobile body
42	7,406,845	Steering column lock assembly and method of operating the same
43	D573,507	Automobile body
44	D572,640	Vehicle hood
45	D572,638	Vehicle front bumper
46	D572,392	Vehicle headlamp
47	D572,183	Vehicle front fender
48	D572,179	Vehicle grille
49	7,393,043	Method and system for determining full open position of a power liftgate
50	7,393,036	Slide out cargo floor

2008-12-17T05:46:00.002-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

12.17.1909
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds its grand opening, complete with the ceremonial laying of the last “golden” brick by Indiana Governor Thomas R. Marshall
12.17.1925
“The New Stutz Vertical Eight, with Safety Body”, the first Stutz designed during the Frederic E. Moskovics era, is unveiled to dealers
12.17.1945
William F. Milward, designer of the Charron-Laycock automobile, dies at age 66
12.17.1956
Great Britain begins emergency gasoline rationing because of the Suez Canal crisis in Egypt
12.17.1973
A Buick Apollo with a reworked 1960’s V-6 engine is driven by Chief Engineer Phillip C. Bowser from Flint, MI to the General Motors’ building in Detroit, MI where President Edward N. Cole drives it to the former Kaiser-Jeep Corporation plant in Toledo, OH - the end result was Buick’s return to the V-6 engine and one of the more successful reactions to the OPEC crisis

Chrysler rescue has strings

2008-12-17T05:46:00.001-08:00

Chrysler rescue has strings

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans roll off the assembly line at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Windsor in this 2007 file photo.

Rob Ferguson
Robert Benzie
QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU
Tony Van Alphen
BUSINESS REPORTER

Rescue cash for Chrysler will have strict terms to prevent the privately-owned automaker from taking advantage of Canadian taxpayers, warns Ontario's economic development minister.

"Chrysler will have to be treated differently," Michael Bryant said yesterday.

He promised the Detroit Three automakers will get the life-saving financial "CPR" they need to prevent the eventual loss of over 500,000 jobs in Ontario predicted in a new study if General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were to go bust.

But there will be strings attached, particularly with Chrysler, which has major assembly operations in Brampton and Windsor.

The company's American parent is controlled by Cerberus Capital Management LP, a New York-based firm that manages $27 billion (U.S.) in assets and has been under fire in Washington for not putting more of its own money into the faltering automaker, which is seeking $1.6 billion (Cdn.) in Canada.

Details are "yet to be determined" but could include special warrants placing restrictions on any profits taken by Chrysler at the expense of taxpayers, Bryant added.

"We are working on the assumption that ... the government is just not going to be providing (money) and kissing goodbye."

But a leading auto industry analyst said it will be "extremely difficult" to put any conditions including job guarantees on financial aid for the reeling auto companies.

"They need to shed jobs, not create them," said Dennis DesRosiers, noting none of the automakers are investing so guarantees for future spending are difficult.

"There could be long-term promises regarding intellectual capital like research and development and some broad guarantees regarding greening," he said, referring to more green friendly vehicles. "But it's impossible to get into specifics."

Cerberus, a giant private equity firm, bought most of Chrysler from Daimler in 2007 but has been trying to unload it for months as losses mount.

Discussions involving Cerberus selling Chrysler to GM in exchange for GMAC Financial Services fizzled recently. Cerberus already owns 51 per cent of GMAC.

Chrysler has indicated it could run out of money to operate plants within weeks. The Detroit Three are seeking $6.8 billion (Cdn.) from the federal and Ontario governments.

The Bush administration yesterday said it was still evaluating options and suggested any deal would require major concessions by all sides. Complicating its task, lawmakers in both parties – having failed in their efforts to push a $14 billion rescue through Congress – were pressing for an array of terms and conditions they said should be part of any alternative plan.

"We are not going to be rushed into it," said presidential press secretary Dana Perino.

While the federal and provincial governments worked on conditions for aid, Prime Minister Stephen Harper met privately with Frank Stronach, chair and founder of auto parts giant Magna International Inc., in Ottawa.

One government official said the meeting was part of pre-federal budget talks. A source close to Stronach would not say if they talked about the auto aid package.

Bryant said the aid package is not just for the auto companies but more to preserve the jobs and livelihoods of tens of thousands "in the public interest" and protecting the economy from a deep recession.

His comments came at the release of a new report disclosing that Ontario would lose 517,000 jobs by 2014 if the Detroit Three go under.

The study by the Ontario Manufacturing Council, an arm's length provincial government panel, warned 582,000 jobs would be lost nationally within five years under that scenario as the impact of lost auto, supplier and dealership jobs rippled throughout the country.

Even if domestic output were cut in half, the province would lose up to 141,000 jobs and the country as a whole 157,400.

Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan acknowledged the bailout – which now hinges on the prospect of U.S. government aid that remains in limbo – will put the province deeper into the red than its forecast $500 million budget shortfall this year.

Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement last week pegged Canadian emergency aid at 20 per cent of the U.S. level, which given the $14 billion congressional assistance package means $3.4 billion from Ottawa and Ontario.

No decisions have been made on how that amount might be split between the two governments.

Ontario NDP Leader Howard Hampton said the governments must get job and product guarantees for Canadian plants before handing out any money – particularly to Chrysler.

"Because the owner of Chrysler really doesn't have a commitment to making cars, they're only committed to making money quickly and getting out the door," he said.

2008-12-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

Hurst Performance announces 50th Anniversary Viper

by Jonathon Ramsey on Dec 16th 2008 at 5:02PM

Hurst is at it again, breathing their 50th anniversary magic on a Dodge Viper. Fifty cars will be made, each featuring a number of details already seen on the Hurst Hemi Challenger, including the Hurst pistol-grip shifter and Hurst wheels. The interior will be stitched up by Katzkin leather, and sound effects will come via a Corsa exhaust. As for colors, you will be offered the usual two: black with gold stripes, and white with gold stripes.

The car you see peeking through in the picture above is a 1-of-a-kind that will go under the gavel at next month's Barret-Jackson auction. That one is matte gold with matte black racing stripe and black chrome wheels. But we have a feeling that if you don't get the car at Barrett and you really want one just like it, Hurst will be happy to exchange some of your green for some of their gold. Check out the press release after the jump, and the well-heeled among you should make your reservations for Scottsdale now.

PRESS RELEASE

LIMITED EDITION HURST/VIPER CELEBRATES THE ICONIC BRAND'S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

The 50TH Anniversary HURST/Viper is the latest in a long line of highly-collectible performance cars to feature the famous Hurst "H" logo.

Irvine, Calif. (December 16, 2008) - To celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, Hurst Performance Vehicles announced today that it will build a limited edition series Hurst/Viper. Featuring an impressive list of performance enhancements and classic Hurst color combinations, only 50 of these unique supercars will be built beginning in December, 2008.

The Hurst/Viper will feature the new Hurst HARD-DRIVE® gold pistol-grip shifter, Hurst forged aluminum wheels, Katzkin leather interior, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, Corsa exhaust and Moton Club Sport adjustable coil-over suspension with Eibach springs. In honor of the Golden Anniversary the vehicle will be available exclusively in Hurst's legendary color combinations of Black with Gold stripes and White with Gold stripes. The interior features a special Katzkin charcoal leather with Hurst embroidered logos, gold thread detailing and perforated leather inserts.

"We are extremely proud to offer another milestone Hurst vehicle," states Nate Shelton, Chairman of Hurst Performance Vehicles. "The 50 year legacy of Hurst is matched by very few companies; it is truly something to celebrate. We are looking forward to 50 more years of delivering Hurst performance and value to our fans and enthusiasts."

Hurst Performance Vehicles has partnered with the Woodhouse Auto Family of Blair, Nebraska to build a very special Hurst/Viper for charity. HURST/Viper #01 features a unique flat-finish Hurst Gold exterior paint, black racing stripes and black-chrome Hurst wheels. This vehicle will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction on January 17th, 2009 with a portion of the proceeds donated by Woodhouse to Victory Junction, a year-round camping facility for children for chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. The new camp will be built in Kansas City, Kansas.

Lance Pittack, Owner/Principal of Woodhouse Automotive Family states "We are thrilled to partner with Hurst to help Victory Junction to provide a life-changing experience for these very deserving children and their families. We are donating the profits from the sale of this very special #01 HURST/Viper to help build the newest Victory Junction camp here in the Midwest".

Joining Woodhouse and Hurst with donations for this vehicle are suppliers Moton Suspension Technology, Corsa Performance Exhaust, Hurst Shifters and Katzkin Leather. HURST/Vipers are available for individual order though Hurst Performance Vehicles and Woodhouse Dodge.

Perhaps Chrysler should buy up SSC

2008-12-16T10:57:00.002-08:00

2009 Ultimate Aero has 1287 hp and a top speed of 270 mph

Posted on Dec 17 2008 by admin

Subscribe to our RSS feed or get updates by Email for all the latest spy photos, videos, news and reviews!

Shelby Supercars unveils refined 2009 Ultimate Aero that gets a 15% increase in horsepower and a new top speed of 270 mph (434 km/h).

2008 year model had 1183 hp and it successfully held the “World’s Fastest Production Car” title for the past year. Now with extra 104 hp they have made it even harder for competitors to snatch the title. Closest company they should worry about is 9ff who is working on a 1120 hp GT9R.

More horses are available thanks to the newly designed 1-piece billet aluminum engine block that improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities.

SSC also revamped front fascia design, added the AeroBrakeTM rear spoiler system that deploys when you hit the brakes and upgraded the interior.

Detailed press release below:

After holding the “World’s Fastest Production Car” title for the past year, the Shelby SuperCars’ Ultimate Aero is receiving several refinements for the 2009 model year. The SSC engineering team equipped the 2009 Ultimate Aero with a 15% increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and an array of important interior upgrades. The most substantial change is an SSC-designed, 1-piece billet aluminum engine block. A milestone for the limited-production automobile manufacturer, the new block improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing SSC to boost the power output to 1287 horsepower while improving durability.

2009 SSC Ultimate Aero

2008-12-16T10:57:00.001-08:00

Chrysler to follow GM's lead, partner with credit unions to offer loans

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

Chrysler LLC will announce today that it is following the lead of General Motors Corp. in making credit available to customers in a partnership with a number of credit unions.

Last week, GM announced the "Invest in America" initiative with the Michigan Credit Union League to offer new or current members of 1,200 credit unions access to lower loan rates and about 4.5 percent off manufacturer's suggested retail price. The program made $10 billion in auto loans available to car buyers.

Chrysler will join the program that is designed to help consumers who cannot get credit in today's tightened lending market, and is expanding it from four states to 12. And Chrysler will offer a larger amount up front: a minimum of $500 to $1,000 depending on the vehicle, layered on top of other incentives. GM's bonus cash offer is for $250 in a deal good until Jan. 5.

At GM., the campaign that runs through June 2009 is available in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. GM spokesman John McDonald said the automaker will monitor it before deciding whether to expand nationally.

The League also is talking to Ford Motor Co. about participating. Ford has expressed interest, but details are still being worked out, said Michigan credit union spokesman Luke Capizzo.

Meanwhile, Michigan credit unions have been fielding calls from interested members, Capizzo said. It is too early to see any impact in the showroom, McDonald said.

2008-12-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

email.gif

This Day in Auto History:

12.16.1904
The Timken Roller Bearing Axle Company is reorganized in Canton, OH to succeed the original company of the same name that had been incorporated in New Jersey in 1902
12.16.1920
Racer Les Leston is born in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England
12.16.1931
The Buick 1931-1932 “Winged 8” mascot is patented by designer K. Forbes
12.16.1945
Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat, dies in Turin, Italy at age 79
12.16.1981
Orville Wick, a design engineer with the AC Spark Plug Division of General Motors 1941-1963 credited with many product improvements, dies in Garrison, ND at age 79

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

2008-12-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

Second Chrysler executive leaves

Chrysler LLC 's senior vice president of parts and services has left the company, the second top executive to leave the Auburn Hills automaker in four days. Simon Boag left to pursue other interests, Chrysler said in a statement. His departure follows the departure Friday of supply chief John Campi, who left the company for health reasons. While all salaried ranks were eligible for the last round of buyouts, the high-level departures to date are not executives who have chosen that route, said spokeswoman Shawn Morgan. Steven Landry, executive vice president of North America Sales, will take on Boag's responsibilities.

2008-12-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

A Toyota engine plant in Alabama.

Auto bailout: What went wrong?

Why Toyota wants GM to be saved

A GM failure would cause production problems, crush already weak demand and potentially open the door to low-cost competitors.

By Chris Isidore, CNNMoney.com senior writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Detroit's Big Three aren't the only automotive companies that want to see the government step in with some much needed financial help.

Overseas automakers, most notably Toyota Motor, all endorse some form of federal aid to keep General Motors (GM, Fortune 500), Chrysler LLC and possibly Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) out of bankruptcy.

GM has warned it will run out of cash for operations by the end of this year without federal help, and Chrysler is not far behind. Ford has more cash on hand than its U.S. rivals but has said it could need federal loans if the auto market does not improve.

The Senate killed an effort to get the automakers a stopgap loan last week and now the Bush administration has said it is looking at providing the automakers help from the $700 billion approved to bailout banks and Wall Street firms.

"We support measures to help the industry," said Toyota Motor (TM) spokeswoman Mira Sleilati. "We just want a strong, competitive healthy industry."

This may seem surprising at first, especially when you consider that much of the opposition to the auto bailout was from senators from Southern states home to auto plants operated by Asian auto companies, such as Alabama and South Carolina. But the Asian automakers insist they never lobbied against such help for the Big Three.

And this makes sense once you take a closer look at the dynamics of the auto industry and how intertwined the fates of all the companies are. Here's why Toyota, Honda Motor (HMC) and other Asian auto manufacturers clearly believe they are all better off with GM and Chrysler surviving than if they go out of business.

Collateral damage

The overseas automakers, who between them produce more than 3 million vehicles a year at U.S. plants, all worry their production would be hurt by if one of the U.S. automakers went under. That's because a Big Three failure would likely lead to widespread bankruptcies in the auto parts supplier industry.

Erich Merkle, lead auto analyst with the consulting firm Crowe Horwath LLP said there is much overlap between the automakers' suppliers. Since most parts in an automobile have only a single supplier producing them, the disruptions in production will be severe and prolonged.

"It could take months for a Toyota to work through that and resume normal production," he said.

Merkle said the current network of auto suppliers, manufacturers and dealerships have worked well for the overseas automakers, who have posted steady gains in their U.S. market share during the past few years.

Besides sharing suppliers, many dealers sell both U.S. and overseas brands. So the failure of a U.S. automaker could hurt the overseas manufacturers' dealer network and their sales as well, Merkle said.

"There would be a severe disturbance in the force," he quipped.

Economic shockwaves

A collapse of one of the Big Three would also probably cause an even more severe hit to the U.S. economy. That would further eat into demand for U.S. auto sales, which hit a 26-year low in November.

"The U.S. economy would be in shambles," Merkle said. "The robust U.S. economy that Toyota and the others depend on would suddenly not be as lucrative."

The overseas automakers agree that the last thing they need is for the U.S. economy to slow further. The U.S. is the largest market for Toyota, Honda and Nissan (NSANY). All are expected to report lower U.S. sales this year for the first time ever.

"We want to get the economy back," said Michael Stanton, CEO of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, which represents most of the Asian automakers with plants in the U.S. "Everyone is hurting at this level of sales. Everybody is either cutting back or shutting down."

The latest cutbacks came Monday when Toyota announced it was putting plans to open a new plant in Mississippi on hold indefinitely, even though it is about 90% complete. The plant was set to start building the first domestically-produced Prius in 2011.

While the overseas automakers would be certain to eventually pick up more U.S. market share if a U.S. automaker stopped doing business, Merkle said the need to sell off the inventory of the failed automaker at fire sale prices would depress all prices in the industry in the short-term.

Enter new competition

The final concern for the overseas automakers is a longer-term problem. If a U.S. automaker fails, that could open the door for a Chinese or Indian automaker to buy up the assets of the failed automaker and create a new low-cost competitor in the U.S.

"You could open the door for foreign companies to buy distressed assets at rock bottom prices," he said. He pointed to India's Tata (TTM) and China's Geely, as two automakers in the developing world that are already on record as being interested in expanding into western markets like the United States.

"Tata and Geely would be incredibly open to brownfield sites," he said, referring to the term used to describe companies that buy discarded industrial facilities.

Toyota and Honda have already felt the effects of competition from other upstarts firsthand in the U.S.

Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia have eaten into the sales of Toyota's and Honda's small, inexpensive vehicles, but that growth has taken decades.

Merkle said it might take a year or more for a new competitor to get off the ground. But by grabbing U.S. automakers' assets, vehicle designs and dealerships, an incoming Indian or Chinese manufacturer could quickly become a low-cost threat much quicker than the Koreans.

The established automakers like Toyota and Honda are also unlikely to look to buy the distressed assets themselves because they have never used acquisitions or purchases of other companies' assets as a method of growing.

Instead, they have always built their own facilities from the ground up in order to expand. Merkle said that is unlikely to change, even if the more productive facilities of U.S. automakers were put up for sale by a bankruptcy court, Merkle said.

While companies such as Tata or Geely are likely to eventually enter the U.S. anyway, Merkle said the vacuum caused by the failure of GM or Chrysler could jumpstart those efforts and bring them to the market years earlier than expected.

Dealers pitch in to help Chrysler

2008-12-15T06:51:00.002-08:00

January photo by ERIC SEALS/Detroit Free Press

Chrysler debuted the Dodge Ram with a cattle drive in downtown Detroit at the auto show media preview in January. For next month's show, the automaker is asking its dealers to help defray costs.

Dealers pitch in to help Chrysler

Automaker asks retailers to help pay for Detroit auto show

BY TIM HIGGINS • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Chrysler LLC, which is quickly running low on cash, is cutting back its spending on the North American International Auto Show next month and asking local independent dealers to pick up some of the tab, the Free Press learned Friday.

After Nissan Motor Co. said in November that it was pulling out of the Detroit auto show to save money, Chrysler officials went to local Chrysler dealers for help, according to several people briefed on the discussions who did not want to be identified.

Dealers are trying to do their part to help Chrysler, which sells Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brand vehicles, these people said.

"Chrysler has asked retailers in the area to help ... defray some of the costs," one person said. "It's bad times -- what are you going to do?"

"We're trying to help everybody. Everybody is coming to the party," another person said. "We've got to do what we got to do."

Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau declined to say how much money the automaker is spending at the show this year or how much the dealers are being asked to contribute.

"Certainly, it shouldn't be a surprise that we are planning to spend less in Detroit this year than in years past -- that's just common sense," he said. "We wouldn't be asking the dealers for any extraordinary share."

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli has said Chrysler plans to seek $4 billion in new concessions from all constituents, such as suppliers and dealers, over the next three months. Dealers are expecting to contribute up to $1 million to the auto show.

Traditionally, Chrysler's exhibits at the Detroit auto show have been paid for by the manufacturer and Chrysler, in particular, has been known for its over-the-top show antics, including a January cattle drive through downtown to debut the redesigned Dodge Ram.

"They've gone back to the old way that auto shows were done," one person said, referring to the days when dealers paid for the show.

While the Detroit auto show has become a media spectacle during which automakers from around the globe debut new vehicles, the show also plays a role in local car sales. Dealers are motivated to help ensure the show continues because many of the people attending the show during the public days are looking to purchase new vehicles soon.

"We're caught between a rock and a hard place," one person said. "It's imperative that we have an auto show."

Chrysler is teetering on the edge of financial collapse. It has asked Congress for $7 billion in bridge loans, warning that without immediate help, its cash could fall below the level necessary to sustain the company through the first three months of 2009.

The automaker says it faces $11.6 billion in expenses during the next three months, including $8 billion to suppliers. A plan to help the automakers died in the U.S. Senate.

2008-12-15T06:51:00.001-08:00

Chrysler's supplier issues expand

Top procurement exec to retire for health reasons

BY TIM HIGGINS • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

The health of Chrysler's network of parts suppliers is "increasingly at risk" with the number of companies on its watch list for potential problems increasing by 25% within the past three weeks, the company said Friday.

The revelation came as Chrysler's top procurement executive, who oversees purchases from suppliers, announced his retirement from the company. John Campi, who had a long working relationship with Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, joined the automaker in January 2008 as executive vice president of procurement.

Campi "has elected to leave Chrysler for health-related reasons," Chrysler said in a statement.

On Friday, Chrysler also met with some of its suppliers and gave them "a clear understanding of the viability and accountability plan that the company submitted to Congress in support of a bridge loan," according to Chrysler spokeswoman Shawn Morgan.

She said the primary audience was suppliers who are seeking to alter the terms of their purchase orders to require payment upon delivery. That payment method deprives Chrysler of the flexibility of paying later, but ensures cash flow for suppliers.

However, Chrysler has said it is running out of the cash needed to sustain operations. That means it may need more flexibility.

Chrysler recently requested $7 billion in federal loans and warned that without immediate help its liquidity could fall below the level necessary to sustain the company through the first three months of 2009.

Chrysler Chief Financial Officer Ron Kolka said Thursday that some parts suppliers and vendors have demanded cash on delivery but that the automaker has been able to fend them off.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger warned Friday such a situation is problematic.

"We need to satisfy the suppliers that there is going to be a tomorrow," Gettelfinger said. "If suppliers believe they cannot operate, what are they going to do? They're not going to deliver the goods. If they don't deliver the goods, the plants go down."Chrysler said it has called on everyone to work together.

"Clearly this is an industry concern and a concern for the U.S. economy," Morgan said. "It's important that the automotive OEMs and supply network work together with a sense of calm and discipline. The situation in Washington has created tension in the supply network that threatens the delicate, interconnected relationships this industry needs."

2008-12-15T06:08:00.002-08:00

Click on the image for a larger picture.

Go to Photo Gallery

1966 DODGE CORONET 572 HEMI STREET DOMINATOR

Been naughty but still want a present? Do terms such as 900hp Hemi make you think antisocial thoughts? Time to be your own bad Santa, fella, and get into this smoking hot 10 second sleigh! There are so many new aftermarket parts on this car it's difficult to decide where to start! The 572 ci HEMI was built in the winter 2007 by Muscle Motors in Lansing, Michigan, where it was dyno tested and tuned by Mike Ware. It makes over 900HP and 800 ft-lbs of torque on 93 octane pump gasâ€”now THAT'S a motor! After the first 300 easy break in miles the engine was re-tuned by Mick Bodigon. 200 Miles later it's dialed in and ready to go! A fully CNC Prepped Mopar Performance Mega Block wears Indy Cylinder Heads' 426-1RA CNC 295 heads and 426-2 Intake on top. A Callies 4.5 stroke 4340 crank swings heavy duty 7.15 Eagle H-Beam rods and Weisco 10.75 to 1 pistons. A Comp Cams roller cam (custom ground for Muscle Motors) and HR1 lifter set make the valves dance. Induction duties are handled via a massive 1090cfm King Demon Carb breathing through a K&N Xtream custom air cleaner. Indy polished aluminum valve covers add some shine while a complete MSD ignition from the distributor to the Blaster SS coil to the Digital 6 box handles the fires. A Milodon 8 quart oil pan feeds their high flow oil pump while a Be Cool 1000hp pro street dual core radiator and CSI electric water pump handle the cooling duties. A Competition Engineering motor plate with limiters keeps the power from tearing the car in half. An Optima Red Top battery with an aluminum hold down and a 100 amp alternator provide plenty of cranking power. Here are two figures for you: 932hp@6800rpm and $22,858â€”that's what just the MOTOR would set you back! Power is great but unless there's a serious transmission in the middle that Dana will never see it. The builder stepped up big time and spec'd out a Coan Racing Maximum Performance 727 Transmission. A fully reconditioned case holds a trans brake, alloy hubs, an aluminum direct drum with a 6 clutch pack, their super support kit and 5 pinion planetary, a lightened sun shell, super sprag, fabricated deep pan, billet band apply strut (reversed pattern, big block.) If you know what's going on you're impressed, and if you're lost the Cliffs Notes version is one word: Bulletproof. A CSR transmission shield protects your legs while a polished B&M trans cooler keeps things from exploding. A super duty Performance Torque Converters (PTC) 9, steel stator, 4200 stall converter, spec'd out by Muscle, features all the standard stuff like a precision clearance, reinforced fins, needle bearings, ballooning plates, computer balancing, limited warranty, furnace brazing, and hardened hub and splines. Bulletproof, and just what the motor needs! On the lift it goesâ€”up front you're looking at a Magnumforce tubular K frame and Aldan double adjustable coil-overs and Eibach springs. Wilwood 10 Â¾ rotors and four piston calipers bring the car to a halt and feature a line lock. Magnumforce's 1-1/2 inch drop spindles set the stance while a Flaming River rack turns the wheels. Out back a Strange Engineering Dana 60 awaits the engine's command. Braced with Strange axles, a Strange spool, and 4:10 Richmond gears the rear gets with a professionally installed Chassis Engineering ladder bar set up with Strange coil over single adjustable shocks to put the power down. Billet Specialties Street Lite Race Wheels (15x4 up front and 15x10 in rear) hold Mickey Thompson Sportsmans (28x7.5-15 and 28x13.5-15 ET Streets, respectively.) More Wilwood disc brakes, an adjustable proportioning valve and stainless steel brake lines work with the fronts to haul the car down afterwards. An 8 point cage inside ties everything together on top while sub-frame connectors below do the same. From one end to the other this is a pro level build with top shelf parts! The painstaking and spectacular transformation of this HEMI Coronet started in the summer of 2007 with Randy Booden, owner of B&B Collision out of Royal Oak, Michigan, handling the chores. The paint is an eye-searing 2002 Viper Red laid down over all original body panels. The body is laser straight and paint is show quality. All new rubber seals keep the weather out. All exterior trim is new, re-chromed, or polished with no dings or dents and we have the receipts to prove it. A chromed front grille assembly is a cool touch, especially with the re-chromed front bumper below. The tail panel is in excellent condition and is a custom piece finished in matching red. The Billet Specialties wheels give the car a street racer look, and if the matte black hood with super stock hood scoop doesn't deter poseurs the massive 4 Flowmaster-equipped exhaust sure will! Since this Coronet was destined for street action, the car demanded an interior that exceeded mere sheet metal trim. Dynamat sound deadening and new carpeting were installed under the new high back racing bucket seats. Auto Meter Pro Comp Ultra Lite gauges fitted to the custom Rocky Mountain Dashes panel keep track of the vitals. A Flaming River polished steering column with tilt and a Flaming River steering wheel get together with a mint dash pad to finish off the dash. New reproduction door panels, window cranks, door cranks, and a new headliner join with polished or re-chromed interior trim . G Force Racing 5 point camlock harnesses keep you in place on the street or track. A Cheetah SCS Shifter with command center ensures positive shifts and a professionally installed Painless Wiring kit chases away electrical gremlins. Open the trunk to find a custom polished aluminum fuel cell in a super clean trunk feeding a big Barry Grant fuel pump. Again, top shelf stuff! This car is capable of running low 10's high 9's in the quarter mile...let's see Santa try that! An earth shaking motor with all the trimmings sitting in a go big or go home chassis, built with the best components money can buy, makes for a heck of a street car, and this one's done well enough to knock down trophies! Guys, to build this car as it sits, you would need to spend $100K +, unless you wanna spend 3 years working for free. If you are looking for something that radiates â€œshock & aweâ€쳌, while looking good doing it, call us up right now and reserve this bad boy!

Price: $64,900.

Call Best of Show Automotive
440-350-1480 MENTOR, OH

2008-12-15T06:08:00.001-08:00

Transmission maker Getrag ends deal with Chrysler

Filed under: all news — admin @ 9:40 pm

TIPTON, Indiana: Chrysler LLC has     termination of the agreement comes
terminated a financing options        just weeks after Chrysler filed a
agreement with German manufacturer    lawsuit against Getrag, alleging
Getrag, leaving the supplier          that it misrepresented its ability
without a primary customer for the    to secure financing to build the
transmissions it expected to make     Tipton plant.The Auburn Hills,
at a new factory in Tipton.Indiana    Michigan, automaker said it is
economic development officials        seeking damages for "wrongful
hope Getrag can find a new            conduct" and a release from
customer soon for dual-clutch         reimbursing Getrag's costs related
transmissions that were to be made    to the plant.Getrag said in a
at the $530 million factory."It's     statement Saturday that Chrysler
a Getrag-owned facility, and they     rejected the financing structure
have put a lot of money into it,      Getrag offered, which required
so they are certainly going to        Chrysler to secure some of the
want to make it productive," said     obligations under the
Secretary of Commerce                 supply agreement.Getrag said
Nathan Feltman.A letter Chrysler      Chrysler's lawsuit claims are
sent Friday to Getrag was "written    without merit. The company intends
notice of termination of the          to vigorously defend the lawsuit,
financing options agreement to        the statement said, and could file
Getrag, effective immediately,"       counterclaims against Chrysler.The
according a Chrysler statement        future of the Tipton plant has a
released Saturday.The failure of      been a source of speculation, but
the joint venture has left            Feltman said he's "pretty
Chrysler without a U.S. source of     confident there's a company out
fuel-efficient transmissions. The     there that will see this as
Tipton plant was expected to          an opportunity."Mitch Frazier,
produce up to 700,000                 with the Indiana Economic
transmissions a year."Chrysler is     Development Corp., said Saturday
evaluating its range of possible      that Getrag is actively looking
options to meet its needs for         for opportunities for
fuel-efficient transmissions in       the plant."They are shopping for
future products," the automaker       another partner," Frazier said.$
said in its statement.The

2008-12-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

12.15.1893
Harvey Charles Fruehauf, a cofounder in 1915 with his father August C. Fruehauf of the Fruehauf Trailer Company, manufacturers of truck trailers, is born in Grosse Pointe Park, MI
12.15.1908
Bernard Alfred Chapman of American Motors is born in Detroit, MI
12.15.1915
Marius Albert van Merkensteijn of Kaiser-Frazer, Willys-Overland, Studebaker, and American Motors is born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
12.15.1919
The Locomobile Company is organized by E. S. Hare to acquire the assets of the Locomobile Company of America
12.15.1941
The last 1942 Pontiac Chieftain is produced

2008-12-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

Nissan NV2500 Concept

>> Monday, December 15, 2008

Nissan is headed for the North American commercial-truck market.

Nissan isn’t coming to the North American International Auto Show this year, but that didn’t stop them from gathering a bunch of journalists in Detroit to show off a new concept. Although buyers of the Titan and Armada are growing scarcer by the day, there’s one sector of the truck market that isn’t disappearing quite as quickly: really big trucks.

The commercial trucking industry is one in which Nissan is a major player on pretty much every continent except North America—and Antarctica, where penguin unions make doing any sort of business nearly impossible. Starting in 2010, Nissan will enter the commercial market in the U.S. and Canada with a mix of existing products from outside North America and three all-new vehicles that will be introduced over a span of three years.

Why is That Post-Apocalyptic UPS Truck White?

The NV2500 seen here will not be one of them. A concept built on the Nissan Titan’s F-alpha platform, the NV2500 serves more as an announcement that Nissan is coming to the U.S. than any real indication of what those vehicles will look like when they get here. Even the platform will change. The next-generation Nissan Titan will be built by Dodge on the Ram assembly line—much like the Volkswagen Routan is really just a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country—and the probable scenario is that at least one of the new commercial-grade Nissans will share those bones. But Nissan officials stated clearly that nothing like the NV2500 would be built on the existing F-alpha structure.

The three new vehicles are said to cover classes 3–5 in the commercial market. The Dodge Sprinter, Ford E-series, and Chevrolet Express/GMC Savanna were mentioned, which means smart money is on one of the vehicles being a full-size van and accompanying chassis-cab. Class 3 is covered by heavy-duty pickups such as the Sierra/Silverado 3500 and Ford F-350, so it is likely that the Class 3 offering will be a rebadged version of the new heavy-duty Ram. Nissan says it has partnered with Cummins to provide diesel engines for its upcoming trucks and ZF for transmissions.

You Could Fit a Hockey Net in the Back

As for the third vehicle, this press conference was the first time in at least a few years during which we’ve heard the Chevrolet Astro mentioned. Nissan’s NV200 concept from the 2007 Tokyo show was also present, suggesting that the company is considering the mini-utility van market currently poised to explode to one whole entry with the Ford Transit Connect. Although such a small van falls well short of the load requirements for the commercial classes Nissan is talking about, the company does have nearly a full globe’s worth of products—including buses and flatbed cabovers—it could import to fill those gaps.

2008-12-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

This Day in Auto History:

12.12.1906
The first Brooklands Automobile Racing Club meeting is held with Lord Lonsdale as President
12.12.1916
The Studebaker Corporation breaks ground for its new factory in South Bend, IN
12.12.1946
Racer Emerson Fittipaldi is born in Sao Paulo, Brazil
12.12.1951
Russell A. Firestone, a Director of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and second son of Harvey S. Firestone, dies in New York City at age 50
12.12.1959
F. P. Zimmerli of the Associated Spring Corporation dies at age 65

Chrysler holiday shutdown schedule announced

2008-12-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

TOLEDO - The week beginning Dec. 15 is the last week of work for 2008 in all of Chrysler's Toledo area plants. Toledo South/Supplier park is scheduled to work the week of December 15. Holiday shutdown begins December 22 and workers are scheduled back on the job January 5.

The Toledo North Assembly plant will not run production on second shift the week beginning December 15. However, all second shift, non-skilled trades employees are to call (419) 727-7490 by 4 p.m. Friday, December 12, in order to receive instructions as to where to report to work. All skilled trades employees report to work to your normal shift.

Toledo North Assembly Plant and Toledo Supplier Park will also not run production on December 22 and 23. All skilled trades employees report to work to your normal shift.

Toledo Chrysler machining in Perrysburg holiday shutdown begins December 22 and all first shift workers are scheduled back on the job January 5.

2008-12-12T05:34:00.000-08:00

If the auto industry cannot find the same loan of those of banks and investment businesses, it is time for Congress and the Senate not to endorse any further bailout of any business....

2008-12-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

NASCAR teams Petty Enterprises, Gillett Evernham in merger talks

Paul Kizzle / Associated Press

NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Bobby Labonte has been released from his contract following an announcement by Petty Enterprises' that it has entered into merger talks with Gillett Everham Motorsports.

2008-12-11T14:16:00.001-08:00

House Auto Bailout Bill Lifts 22-Year-Old Tax Restrictions

Provision Would Drastically Lower Tax Bill for Would-Be Buyers

By Kendra Marr

Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 11, 2008; 2:50 PM

The proposed $14 billion bailout for Detroit's automakers includes a provision that would shelter the companies' profits from taxation.

The bill, passed by the House last night, would allow the automakers to deduct their losses from future profits for 20 years in the case of an ownership change. It lifts 22-year-old tax restrictions that were designed to prevent firms from acquiring shell companies with big losses on their books in order to offset gains and avoid paying taxes.

A change in ownership is highly likely in the case of Chrysler. Its chief executive, Robert Nardelli, has said the company is "looking for alliances, partnerships, opportunities to get further synergies across the auto industry."

Himanshu Patel, a JP Morgan analyst, wrote in a note today that the provision included in the bailout bill might be "aimed at making the automakers more attractive to future takeover by a profitable enterprise which could both speed and make more likely repayment of government loans."

For instance, General Motors has $43 billion in debt. Its acquisition would be a huge boon to any successor company, said Robert Willens, a corporate tax expert.

2008-12-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

Auto deaths down 10 percent so far this year

By JOAN LOWY – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal safety officials said auto fatalities dropped almost 10 percent in 2008 through October. If the trend holds up for the year's last two months, highway deaths could reach their lowest level in the 42 years that records have been kept.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday there were 31,110 auto fatalities the first 10 months of 2008. That's a 9.8 percent decline over the same period in 2007, when there were 34,502 fatalities.

The traffic safety administration has been tracking auto fatalities since 1966, when there were more than 50,000 deaths on the highways. The number of deaths peaked in 1972 at 54,589, then generally declined over the next two decades. The total has hovered above 40,000 the past few years.

"For the second year in a row we are seeing historic lows in deaths on our nation's roads," Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said in a statement. "Every American can be more confident than ever they will arrive at their destination safe and sound."

NHTSA did not cite a cause for the dramatic decline in highway deaths, but it overlaps with several other trends.

The Federal Highway Administration, which counts the number of cars on the road, is reporting a significant decline in the number of miles Americans are driving every month beginning in late 2007 and continuing through the first three quarters of 2008.

High gas prices through most of the year accelerated a shift to more fuel efficient cars and to alternatives to driving. Subways, buses, commuter rail and light-rail systems are reporting record increases in ridership. Amtrak, the nation's intercity passenger railroad, said it carried more passengers and brought in more revenue in fiscal 2008 than in any other year in its 37-year history.

Acting NHTSA Administrator David Kelly said it's likely safety measures also played a role in the decline in fatalities: seatbelt use is at its highest level ever, greater numbers of SUVs and other lights trucks are equipped with technology that prevents rollovers, and the federal government has been working with state and local law enforcement agencies on anti-drunk driving campaigns.

"I'm thrilled about these numbers," Kelly said. "When you talk about reductions in traffic fatalities in one year you are usually talking about hundreds in a good year. The fact that deaths are down 3,000 so far this year is staggering."

2008-12-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

Tire valve stem recall

Reported by: Shannon Cake
Email: scake@wptv.com
Photographer: Jim Sitton
Last Update: 5:01 am

Click on the video player to the right to watch the story

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- There has been a recall on a tiny device that we count on to stay safe when we drive. It’s a tire valve stem, the rubber prong that allows the air to flow in and out of your tires.

Contact Five Investigators first warned you about a problem with a bad batch of these valves several weeks ago.

Sara Monk believes the faulty valves were on her S.U.V. and caused an accident on I-75 just north of Tampa last year. Sara and her husband Robert were expecting their first child when their car tire went flat. Their car flipped on the Interstate. Robert died in the accident.

"I just remember thinking, this isn’t happening to me. This isn’t real,” remembers Sara. "One day we were shopping for strollers and baby beds. The next day I’m sitting in a room with strangers and they’re asking me whether I know whether my husband wanted to be buried or cremated.”

Sara and her lawyers are blaming the accident on a bad tire valve, distributed by Dill Air Controls in North Carolina.

Sara filed a lawsuit against the company. Meanwhile, tire valve stem complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are adding up.

Between September 2006 and June of 2007, millions of the bad valves were installed on U.S. cars.

Reporters from our Scripps Sister Station found the distributor, Dill Air Controls, knew about the problem, even posted warnings on the website to help consumers, but the company never issued a recall, until now.

Brian Rigny is Dill’s General Manager. "Dill will honor legitimate claims of ozone cracking of valve stems within or outside the trimeframe,” said Rigny.

The company is issuing photos so customers can tell the difference between Dill’s stems and others and match it with the stems on their cars.

Meanwhile, it’s a good idea to check the valve stems on your cars. Shine a flashlight down onto your tires and look around the base for cracking or peeling.

The following national retailers will replace your valve stems if they are affected by the recall:

Sears, B.O. Tires, Tire Kingdom, Merchant's Auto Center, N.T.B. and Tires by Les Schwab.

For more information on the tire valve stem recall, go to: www.tirevalverecall.net or call, 1-888-364-2982.

2008-12-11T06:12:00.000-08:00

email.gif

This Day in Auto History:

12.11.1904
James E. Goodman of General Motors is born in Union City, IN
12.11.1915
The Hudson Super-Six is previewed to dealers
12.11.1926
The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company (Australia) Ltd. is established in Sydney, NSW, Australia
12.11.1940
William Francis Powers of the Ford Motor Company is born in Philadelphia, PA
12.11.1953
Willard A. Stearns an oil seal and synthetic rubber specialist whose automotive career included stints with Packard and Buick, dies at age 54

US: Chrysler recalls 108,429 Dodge Ram pick-ups

2008-12-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

By David Isaiah
11 December, 2008
Source: Automotive World

Chrysler LLC has issued a recall, which affects 108,429 Dodge Ram pick-ups, due to a defect in the vehicles' engine compartment.

According to the recall notice, pick-ups from model years 2007-08 are affected, and this includes Dodge Ram 2500 and 2500 ...

2008-12-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s Top Safety Picks of 2009

Some hours ago, someone in a press room in Stuttgart put together a news release to announce to the world that the W204 Mercedes-Benz C-class was named in as one of 2009’s Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), adding another star to the C-class’ cap after receiving a five star rating by EuroNCAP. In essence, the IIHS’ crash test IS the United States’ answer to the EuroNCAP.

In the IIHS crash tests, cars are subject to frontal and side crashes, besides a rear impact test where evaluations to the cars’ protection against neck injury are evaluated. According to Mercedes, the W204 scored ‘top marks’ for each of the criteria, but whether the term is defined to mean maximum marks or highest marks among competitors could not be ascertained.

The US spec C-class which was tested had seven airbags, belt tensioners, belt force limiters and NECK PRO crash-responsive head restraints fitted as standard. Buyers can also opt for an anticipatory occupant protection system (dubbed PRESAFE) which pre-activates certain safety systems when it anticipates a collision to be imminent - a system that Mercedes claims would reduce the impact on occupants by as much as 40%.

Merc C-class, one of 72 Top Safety Picks of 2009

But, I was not going to just take Mercedes’ side of the story, and thus I went on to examine the claims at the IIHS’ official website (link here) where they listed no fewer than 72 Top Safety Picks for 2009 with another 26 ‘also-rans’. Here they are: (cars sold in Malaysia highlighted in bold)

Large cars
Acura RL
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Mercury Sable
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Acura TL, TSX
Audi A3, A4
BMW 3 series 4-door models
Ford Fusion with optional electronic stability control
Honda Accord 4-door models
Mercedes C class
Mercury Milan with optional electronic stability control
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy (previously sold in Malaysia)
Volkswagen Jetta, Passat

Midsize convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volkswagen Eos
Volvo C70

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Mitsubishi Lancer with optional electronic stability control
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza with optional electronic stability control
Toyota Corolla with optional electronic stability control
Volkswagen Rabbit (VW Golf)

Minicar
Honda Fit with optional electronic stability control (Honda Jazz)

Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Large SUVs
Audi Q7
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Saturn Outlook

Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX, RDX
BMW X3, X5
Ford Edge, Flex, Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe, Veracruz
Infiniti EX35
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M class
Nissan Murano (only unofficially availabe in Malaysia)
Saturn VUE
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota FJ Cruiser, Highlander
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Ford Escape (new generation not sold in Malaysia)
Honda CR-V, Element
Mazda Tribute
Mercury Mariner
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan

Large pickups
Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tundra

Small pickup
Toyota Tacoma (Toyota Hilux)

ALSO-RANS
These 26 vehicles earn good ratings in front and side crash tests. They have ESC, standard or optional. They would be 2009 Top Safety Pick winners if their seat/head restraints also earn good ratings:

Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler Sebring, Sebring convertible, Town & Country
Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan
Infiniti G35, M35
Kia Amanti
Lexus ES, GS, IS
Mazda CX-7, CX-9
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Endeavor
Nissan Altima, Pathfinder, Quest, Xterra
Saturn AURA
Smart Fortwo
Toyota 4Runner, Camry, Prius, Sienna

2008-12-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Do you think you have a hot car? If it’s on this list, there’s a good chance it will be someday.

The Highway Data Loss Institute of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has released its report on the most frequently stolen vehicles in the United States from the 2005-2007 model years, based on the number of claims per thousand vehicles insured.

Unlike a list of the overall number of vehicles stolen, the HDLI tells you the odds that your car will be snatched based on how many others are on the road. It’s like a bad lottery.

Car thieves must also steal their gasoline, because 9 of the top 10 vehicles are some of the largest cars and trucks on the market, including #1, the big daddy Cadillac Escalade ESV.

Except for the one, they’re all American, too. Go, USA!

Wait, don't go, come back with my car!

Rounding out the top five are the Ford F-250 pickup, standard Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Charger and the Ford F-350.

Least stolen? It’s a three-way tie between the Mercedes-Benz E Class 4WD, Buick Ranier, and Subaru Forester. Only .6

of each were stolen per 1,000 insured.

2008-12-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Ward's Announces 10 Best Engines Awards for 2009

Emotion, brute strength, refinement and fuel efficiency, without compromise

Last update: 11:00 a.m. EST Dec. 10, 2008

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec 10, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Amid the auto industry's financial turmoil and resulting pleas for federal assistance, the winners of the Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2009 reflect the diversity of powertrains that will play a role in reshaping America's automotive landscape.

Selected by the editors of Penton Media Inc.'s Ward's Automotive Group, the 2009 list marks the 15th year for the Ward's 10 Best Engines program, the North American auto industry's only awards honoring powertrain excellence and considered by many to be the "Oscars" for automotive engines.

The Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2009: (Engine and tested vehicle)

-- Audi AG:                 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
-- BMW AG:                  3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
-- BMW AG:                  3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
-- Chrysler LLC:            5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
-- Ford Motor Co.:          2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
-- General Motors Corp.:    3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
-- Honda Motor Co. Ltd.:    3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
-- Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.:  4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
-- Toyota Motor Corp.:      3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
-- Volkswagen AG:           2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

"A decade ago, few consumers in the U.S. paid serious attention to hybrids or diesels. This year, they have to, if they don't want to be pinched the next time fuel hits $4 a gallon," says Tom Murphy, executive editor of Ward's AutoWorld magazine. "The diesels from VW and BMW and the Ford Escape Hybrid all got better than 30 mpg during our testing, and often they topped 40 mpg. And the diesels meet the strictest emissions regulations in the world. If Americans want to find a vehicle that consumes less fuel and is fun to drive, our list is a great place to start."

Some highlights of the winners:

-- Ford Motor Co.'s redesigned 2.5L 4-cyl. hybrid-electric powertrain, which is motivating President and CEO Alan Mulally's Escape Hybrid cross/utility vehicle to and from Washington D.C. for federal-aid talks, makes the cut and serves as a reminder of the innovative spirit found in the domestic auto industry.

-- BMW AG's new 3.0L inline 6-cyl. turbodiesel scores a slot on the list in its first year available in the U.S. Joined by the auto maker's twin-turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline I-6 engine, which returns for the third year, the diesel employs a sequential twin-turbocharger system that provides the 335d sedan with impressive fuel economy and a tire-shredding 425 lb.-ft. (576 Nm) of torque.

-- Volkswagen AG joins the clean-diesel party this year, as well, with its new 2.0L 4-cyl. turbodiesel powering the Jetta TDI sedan. Fun to drive and frugal at the pump, the TDI is an affordable and entertaining alternative to many larger gasoline and hybrid-electric powertrains.

-- Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. appears for the first time on Ward's 10 Best Engines list with its all-new Tau 4.6L DOHC V-8. Introduced in the new Genesis luxury sedan, the engine's velvety power delivery, competitive performance and attainable price epitomize the Korean auto maker's drive for world-class engineering.

Chrysler LLC's venerable 5.7L Hemi V-8 returns to the rankings with added refinement, power and variable-valvetrain and induction technology. Its guttural roar and low-end grunt serves double duty this year in the all-new Dodge Challenger R/T and Ram pickup.

Toyota Motor Corp. scores its fourth consecutive 10 Best Engines win with its Lexus 3.5L DOHC V-6, a brilliant design that employs a unique, combination direct- and port-injection fueling system that helps generate 306 hp and 277 lb.-ft. (376 Nm) of torque.

General Motors Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. also make return appearances with their high-volume V-6 engines exemplifying practicality balanced with precision engineering.

GM's high-feature 3.6L V-6 with direct-gasoline injection returns for the second time. Tested in the Cadillac CTS, yet flexible enough to proliferate through the auto maker's cross/utility vehicles, the advanced V-6 makes a hardy 304 hp on regular gasoline.

Honda underscores its longstanding reputation for great engines with the encore performance of its 3.5L SOHC V-6 in the Accord lineup. Merging exceptional performance with reasonable fuel economy, the engine employs advanced cylinder deactivation in the sedan and engaging power delivery in the coupe.

Audi AG's 2.0L TFSI turbocharged 4-cyl., freshly revamped with 211 hp and a mighty 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque for the all-new A4, rounds out the list with a fourth-consecutive 10 Best Engines placing as one of the best all-around turbo-4s on the market.

This year, six Ward's editors nominated 32 different engines for the 10 Best Engines competition. The nominee list consists of the 2008 winners as well as all-new or significantly improved engines.

Over a nearly 2-month period, the editors evaluated and scored each engine against all others in a number of objective and subjective parameters. Each engine must be available in a regular-production, U.S.-specification model on sale no later than the first quarter of 2009 in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.

The awards will be given at a Jan. 14, 2009, ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.

Complete stories about the 10 Best Engines will be featured soon on Wardsauto.com and in upcoming issues of Ward's AutoWorld magazine and Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update newsletter.

Ward's 10 Best Engines is a copyright of Penton Media Inc. Commercial references to the program and/or awards are prohibited without prior permission of Ward's Automotive Group.

Ward's Automotive Group is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for nearly 80 years. Ward's AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals. The twice-monthly newsletter Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update provides analysis of engineering advancements and technical issues. WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis compiled by Ward's Automotive Group, the world's leader in automotive industry information. A Southfield, MI - based division of Penton Media, Inc., Ward's Automotive Group also publishes the weekly industry newsletter Ward's Automotive Reports, the monthly magazine Ward's Dealer Business, and offers a wealth of other automotive information services including reference annuals, online databases, and customized data reports.

Penton Media Inc. is the largest independent business-to-business media company in the U.S., serving more than six million business professionals every month. The company's market-leading brands are focused on 30 industries and include 113 trade magazines, 145 Web sites, 150 industry trade shows and conferences, and more than 500 information data products. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.

SOURCE: Penton Media Inc.

2008-12-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

Chrysler to ship minivans from Canada to Europe

Bradford Wernle
Automotive News
November 4, 2008 - 12:01 am ET

WINDSOR, Ontario -- Chrysler LLC will begin assembling Europe-bound Chrysler Grand Voyagers in January, Benjamin Winter, Chrysler's chief minivan engineer, said today.

Chrysler officials said left-hand-drive versions of the Grand Voyager will be produced first, and right-hand-drive models will join the mix in March.

Chrysler officials discussed the move today at a ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of the production of the first Chrysler minivan.

The Chrysler Grand Voyager -- the European version of the minivan -- had been assembled since September 2007 at the automaker's St. Louis South plant, which was idled indefinitely on Friday. The previous generation of the Grand Voyager had been made for Chrysler by contract builder Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.

Chrysler already is making the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Volkswagen Routan at its Windsor assembly plant. Windsor will resume operation on three shifts Nov. 10 after three weeks operating on two shifts.

The European Grand Voyager is virtually identical to the Chrysler Town & Country, But Chrysler offers a 2.8-liter diesel engine to European customers that is not offered in North America.

Chrysler's Windsor plant can make more than 1,400 minivans per day

2008-12-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

Mike King, Canwest News Service

Published: Tuesday, December 09, 2008

MONTREAL - The situation with the automotive industry has become so dire, at least one Quebec dealer is resorting to a pizzeria-like promotion strategy in an attempt to clear out this year’s stock of expensive four-by-four models - two vehicles for the price of one.

Girard Automobile Inc., a Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep dealership in Repentigny, for the second time in a month is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal: purchase a 2008 Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen or Jeep Commander until Friday and receive a 2009 Dodge Caliber valued at $17,500 at no cost.

Sales manager Michel Leduc concedes there’s no money to be made with the promotion; it’s simply meant to cut losses next year.

2008-12-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept
Enlarge Photo

2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept - more photos

At the 2008 Detroit auto show, Chrysler rolled out three concepts, each pairing exciting design and glimpse-of-the-future features with environmental friendliness.

All three deliver power through an electric motor system and advanced, yet-to-be-developed lithium-ion battery pack, but each model has a different type of “range extender for the powertrain” — a gasoline or diesel engine that cycles on only when the battery has little charge remaining.

This modular electric/lithium-ion technology that all three employ is being developed by Chrysler’s new ENV1, an in-house organization at the company that’s focused around developing electric-drive vehicles and advanced-propulsion technologies.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept is a sleek, rounded one-box design — looking like a low-sling crossover vehicle — that’s said to celebrate the “romance of automobile travel embodied in a four-door, four-passenger distinctively American design.” Chrysler design chief Trevor Creed named elegance, simplicity, and serenity as design priorities. With an overall length of about 191 inches and width of 75.2 inches, its footprint is similar to that of a mid-size four-door sedan.

Without the powertrain occupying its traditional place in front, the Chrysler promises to be extremely roomy inside and “really makes the most of cab forward once again,” according to design chief Trevor Creed. The entire propulsion system in the ecoVoyager — a fuel-cell stack, electric motor system, and lithium-ion battery — are stored below the floor for maximum utility.

A 200 kW (268-hp) motor system would drive the wheels and power the ecoVoyager with enough gusto to reach 60 mph in 8.8 seconds and go on to a top speed of 115 mph. Regenerative braking would recapture energy lost in braking or decelerating, increasing efficiency. Range from the battery system would be about 40 miles, while total range of the hydrogen fuel cell system in combination would be about 300 miles.

Inside, the ecoVoyager has four bucket seats, with the location of everything rethought for ‘pampered’ passengers — with the rear seats especially roomy — and the instrument panel is of a very smooth, minimalist design, with only current information displayed and other controls normally hidden from view. The instrument panel is designed to be viewed over the steering-wheel rim rather than through it, and a “Direct Sound” feature inside allows personalized entertainment to be focused toward each occupant, without the use of headphones and without disturbing other occupants.

2008-12-10T05:48:00.000-08:00

email.gif

This Day in Auto History:

12.10.1907
John F. Dodge weds Matilda Rausch in his second marriage
12.10.1915
Thomas Aquinas Murphy, Chairman of General Motors 1974-1980, is born in Hornell, NY
12.10.1942
Automotive historian Huw Beynon is born in Eddw Vale, Wales
12.10.1954
Racer Price Cobb is born in Dallas, TX
12.10.1970
Lee Iacocca is elected President of the Ford Motor Company

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

2008-12-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

Cerberus is under fire in Congress

Lawmakers: Why doesn't equity firm aid Chrysler?

BY TIM HIGGINS • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • December 10, 2008

Members of Congress are turning up the heat on Chrysler's majority owner, Cerberus Capital Management, asking why the global private equity firm doesn't open its books and provide some support to the automaker itself.

"Congress should demand an accounting of Cerberus' assets and why those assets cannot be used to bail out Chrysler Corporation before using taxpayer dollars," U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a letter Tuesday.

Cerberus, a leading New York private equity firm, invested $7.4 billion in August 2007 to acquire 80.1% of Chrysler.

At the time, executives said one of the benefits of being privately held is that Chrysler does not have to make its finances public.

Publicly traded companies, such as General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., must regularly file financial information with federal regulators.

GM and Chrysler warned Congress that their companies are in danger of reaching minimum levels of cash needed to sustain operations.

Chrysler is seeking a $7-billion bridge loan while GM is seeking a $12-billion loan and a $6-billion line of credit.

Congress is crafting a plan that would give GM and Chrysler $15 billion in short-term loans until federal leaders can agree on a long-term course of action.

Senator wants explanation

However, Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, wrote that he would not support giving money to Chrysler until Cerberus does a better job explaining why it cannot help the automaker.

"Due to its private nature, there is no public information about its financial position," Grassley wrote in his letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Cerberus responded in a statement by James Olecki that Chrysler has and "will continue to provide Congress with full transparency as to its financials."

The firm said its investors are no different than the shareholders of GM and Ford and noted that in July "Chrysler's shareholders invested an additional $2 billion in the form of loans" to Chrysler.

Cerberus also said that it has promised government officials that it "would contractually agree to forgo any profits that could be earned, directly or indirectly, relative to Chrysler LLC as a result of any financing that the government may choose to provide" and its "investor consortium will accept dilution of their equity interests in Chrysler LLC to facilitate additional necessary concessions."

Grassley noted that Cerberus' Web site lists some of its investments, which include several foreign corporations.

"If Congress does award taxpayer funds to Chrysler, it must ensure that Cerberus and its other investors are not able to access those funds," he wrote.

Grassley also pointed out that Cerberus' investments include 51% ownership of GMAC, GM's financing arm.

A case of double dipping

"As you may know, GMAC recently applied for assistance under the Troubled Assets Relief Program," Grassley said referring to the $700-billion aid package passed earlier this year to help troubled financial institutions. "If Treasury approves GMAC's application for TARP funds, it would seem that Cerberus would be benefiting under both" the bridge loan package and Troubled Asset program.

Rep. Steven Kagen, D-Wis., sent out a similar letter to his colleagues Monday, noting that Cerberus-owned NewPage Corp. recently closed Wisconsin paper mill operations that resulted in job losses and it refused to sell the mills.

Bloomberg columnist Jonathan Weil also called on Cerberus to open its books.

"If a company is so desperate and devoid of dignity that it's willing to beg for a government bailout, the least it should be required to do is disclose its latest financial statements, fully footnoted, independently audited, and sworn to by each of its officers and directors," Weil wrote Tuesday. "It's the only way for taxpayers to know if the mess is as ugly as Chrysler says."

2008-12-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Agreement reached on $15 billion plan to rescue GM, Chrysler

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The White House and congressional Democrats on Tuesday night reached an agreement in principle on a $15 billion proposal for bailing out U.S. automakers and forcing them to restructure or fail, officials said.
A Bush administration official and a Democratic leadership aide said the outline covered key points but final issues needed to be resolved and put in writing.
Democrats have arranged to have the House of Representatives vote on a bill as early as Wednesday and send it to the Senate for consideration.
President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama were both urged by a key lawmaker to help rally support by Democrats and Republicans for the pending measure.
"Bipartisan hard work has paid off," said Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan whose home state headquarters General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC.
"I understand an agreement has been reached," Levin said in a statement.
The bailout is designed to allow GM and Chrysler to avert threatened bankruptcy through March with short-term loans. Ford Motor Co. is not requesting immediate help but would like a $9 billion line of credit in case its finances worsen.
The parties that negotiated the tentative deal agreed last week that the money would come from an Energy Department fund established in September to help Detroit make more fuel-efficient cars. ...
story

2008-12-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

email.gif

This Day in Auto History:

12.9.1907
Ernest Marples, British Minister of Transport 1959-1964 and a proponent of legislating older vehicles off public roads, is born
12.9.1927
Victor and Mildred Bruce begin a record-setting 10-day endurance run at the Montlhery track in France in their 2.0-litre A.C. - the type would later be marketed as the A.C. Montlhery
12.9.1941
Richard Goodyear of the Chrysler Corporation is born in New Haven, CT
12.9.1951
Hudson announces their intent to produce a “light car”, the Jet
12.9.1963
The last United States-built Studebaker is produced as corporate officials announce the closing of the South Bend, IN factory

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Chrysler turns up the heat on Canada

2008-12-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

Car maker warns production from two Ontario plants could be transferred to U.S. as it presses governments for emergency funding

SHAWN MCCARTHY , BARRIE MCKENNA and KAREN HOWLETT AND GREG KEENAN

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

December 9, 2008 at 1:07 AM EST

OTTAWA, TORONTO AND WASHINGTON — Chrysler Canada Inc. has warned Ottawa and Queen's Park that it could close its two assembly plants in Canada, eliminating more than 8,000 direct jobs, and shift the work to the United States if the two governments fail to provide $1.6-billion in emergency financial help.

In a 14-page restructuring plan filed with officials last week, Chrysler compares the two assembly plants in Canada with facilities in the United States that could make the models now being produced here, according to people who have been briefed on the document. “In the context, it could be seen as a veiled threat,” said one of the people. The document talks about the challenges of maintaining a “Canadian footprint” and notes the company has the “same type of plant, set up exactly the same” on both sides of the border, the source said.

Government and industry sources have been worried that the U.S. government would attach strings to its final aid package that, in the absence of Canadian assistance, would favour the companies' operations south of the border.

As officials in the two governments digested the requests by Chrysler, Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd. and General Motors of Canada Ltd. for $6-billion in loans, loan guarantees and lines of credit, U.S. lawmakers reached a deal yesterday that would give their parent companies a $15-billion (U.S.) lifeline.

It is hoped these funds would keep the car makers alive until after the new administration of Barack Obama takes office in late January. The amount is about half of what the car companies are asking for, and the deal gives Washington the right to buy up to 20 per cent of the companies and would put the government ahead of other shareholders in getting its money back. Congress is expected to consider the legislation this week.

The U.S. deal increases the pressure on the Canadian governments to come through with a rescue package for the companies' Canadian arms, which submitted proposals for assistance that could amount to as much as $7.2-billion (Canadian) if the auto slump deepens and GM Canada needs to draw down an additional backstop of $1.2-billion, which would be on top of a $2.4-billion initial request.

Chrysler spells out the grim prospects for its Canadian operations in its restructuring proposal. The company said it could switch minivan production out of Windsor, Ont., to a plant in St. Louis that is now idled, the sources said. Production of large sedans made in Brampton, Ont., could be transferred to a plant in Detroit.

Closing the two Canadian plants would be a devastating blow to Ontario and especially to Windsor, which has already been battered by thousands of job losses at Ford and GM operations in the city.

It would also lead to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs at auto parts makers in the two cities and elsewhere in the province. Chrysler Canada president Reid Bigland said last week that 420 suppliers in Canada account for 50,000 jobs.

“Everything depends on whether there are strings attached to the U.S money,” according the person who had been briefed on Chrysler's proposal. In the initial round of assistance so far in Washington, the Canadian side is not seeing the U.S. government insist on conditions that would disadvantage assembly plants in Canada.

Democratic lawmakers in Washington said yesterday they have a draft $15-billion (U.S.) bailout bill they believe both the White House and Congress will support. The compromise would require the Detroit Three to produce detailed restructuring plans by March 31. The government would also designate a “car czar” to oversee the rescue, according to a draft of the bill.

Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan said last night that he has not seen the restructuring plans proposed by the Canadian subsidiaries of the Detroit Three. “We have to ensure that whatever the outcome of the arrangement in the United States, that it doesn't prejudice the footprint of the auto sector here in Ontario,” he said. “But we will be there to do our fair share.”

Mr. Duncan said the Canadian governments will be asking the auto makers to make a commitment to produce certain vehicles in this country in return for financial aid.

“I think one of the challenges is that any package may not guarantee everything we want guaranteed on either side of the border,” he said.

It would be relatively easy for Chrysler to switch minivan production to the St. Louis plant, which closed this fall amid the slump and a decline in the minivan market. One problem in gearing it back up, however, would be in restoring the supplier base, because some companies, such as Magna International Inc., closed nearby plants that shipped components to the Chrysler factory.

The Windsor plant outperformed St. Louis in productivity last year according to the Harbour Report, an annual study of North American auto assembly plants.

Chrysler's Brampton plant ranked fifth of six in its category – large, non-premium conventional cars. The auto maker's Jefferson North Assembly Plant's performance on the Grand Cherokee topped the mid-size non-premium utility vehicle category.

Switching production of full-sized sedans to Detroit from Brampton “is not something you could do overnight,” said one industry source.

But the source noted that both plants are operating at less than full capacity.

The third shift at the Brampton plant was eliminated earlier this year amid poor demand for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models made there. The reborn Dodge Challenger muscle car has been a hit for Chrysler, but not enough to sustain a full shift of production.

Windsor is producing minivans on three shifts a day, but some of that is production of the Volkswagen Routan, a vehicle Chrysler is building for Volkswagen AG.

The Windsor plant will cease production for all of January because of poor sales, union officials said.

2008-12-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

Dodge EV Spy Photos

by Joe on December 8, 2008

Dodge EV photo from Left Lane News

Will the 2010 Dodge EV look like a Dodge? It appears so.

The concept car unveiled at the L.A. Auto show left onlookers feeling that the front of the car was uncharacteristically un-Dodgelike, with design influences coming from the Lotus Europa. That issue appears to have been resolved in photos taken during a series of double-secret nighttime road tests.

Our friends over at Left Lane News have spy photos of the new Dodge that puts the traditional front face on the car.

Chrysler, Chery go separate ways

2008-12-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

BY TIM HIGGINS • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • December 9, 2008

Chrysler's plans to get into the small-car market with the help of Chinese automaker Chery Automotive Co. are finished.

Chrysler announced Monday the two companies had mutually agreed to stop their discussions on a strategic cooperation under way since July 2007 -- a month before Cerberus Capital Management took control of Chrysler.

The automakers had previously agreed to work together to develop, manufacture and distribute Chery-made small cars in North America, Europe and other major automotive markets under a Chrysler brand.

At the time, Chrysler executives praised the partnership as a way for the Auburn Hills automaker to quickly and less expensively augment its vehicle lineup.

"The economic situation and market environments around the world have changed significantly since the agreement was signed," Mike Manley, Chrysler executive vice president of international sales and marketing, said in a statement. "Moreover, both companies have since gone through major internal changes and evolution, resulting in different business directions and priorities versus a year ago. As a result, many of the original premises the two companies had when entering into the agreement no longer apply."

Earlier this year, Chrysler signed a deal with Nissan Motor Co. for the Japanese automaker to build small cars for Chrysler.

2008-12-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Chrysler submits restructuring plans for Canada

RP news wires

In response to a joint letter from the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Michael Bryant, Economic Development Minister for Ontario, Chrysler Canada submitted its detailed operational and restructuring plan on December 5 to both ministers. Federal Minister Tony Clement and Ontario Minister Michael Bryant had sought further information to support Chrysler Canada's request for assistance.

In its submission, Chrysler Canada provided an overview of its Canadian operations, its impact on the Canadian economy and its plan for long term viability. This information was supplemented with information submitted to the United States Government earlier in the week.

According to Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler Canada, “Our request for a temporary and fully repayable loan from the Ontario and Canadian governments is really two-fold. First, to ensure Chrysler has sufficient funds to complete our restructuring activities during what is an unprecedented downturn in vehicle sales caused by the global financial crisis and second, to ensure Chrysler Canada's substantial Canadian manufacturing and operational footprint is protected.”

Chrysler Canada is a major Canadian corporate citizen. The company has been, and will continue to be, a mainstay of the Ontario economy. Nevertheless, challenges within the global economy in general and the automotive industry in particular present significant obstacles which Chrysler Canada must surmount in order to remain a vibrant pillar of the Canadian and Ontario economies. As a predominantly NAFTA-based manufacturer and distributor, Chrysler is facing continued risk with the tightened credit markets and the resulting slumping auto industry.

During the first six months of 2008, Chrysler was on target with respect to its recovery and transformation plan. In July 2008, prior to the full onslaught of the global credit crisis and the company's forced withdrawal from the leasing market, Chrysler Canada had experienced 23 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth – unprecedented in the history of the company and notwithstanding the restructuring initiatives throughout the same period.

The global credit crisis intervened, creating a liquidity crisis that reduced or eliminated customers’ access to credit, leading to a dramatic and historical downturn in North American vehicle sales, and placed the company's restructuring plan in jeopardy.

Chrysler’s strategic plan is three-fold:

· Reduction of fixed costs

· Investment in new vehicles and technologies

· Formation of strategic alliances and partnerships

This year, Chrysler Canada celebrated its 83rd year as a senior member of Canada’s industrial community. During the last eight decades, the company has grown from 181 employees to the current 9,800 employees making Chrysler Canada one of the largest employers in Ontario and Canada, and in particular the communities of Brampton and Windsor.

For every employee at Chrysler Canada, the company supports more than one retiree. Retirees now exceed 13,000 Canadians who draw direct retirement benefits from Chrysler Canada.

The financial support of the current and former employees of Chrysler Canada, and their families and dependants, make up a population of more than 50,000 Canadians who rely on the health and well-being of Chrysler Canada.

Chrysler Canada’s network of 454 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers across Canada employs more than 24,000 Canadians.

Chrysler Canada is headquartered in Windsor. The company operates vehicle assembly plants in Brampton and Windsor, Ontario and a casting plant southwest of Toronto. Collectively, the plants assemble more than half a million vehicles a year of which 86 per cent are exported to the United States. For the past several years, the assembly plants have supported three shifts, although recently a shift was eliminated at Brampton Assembly Plant to adjust production to the current reduced sales levels in the U.S. market. The Windsor Assembly Plant, the largest plant in the Chrysler manufacturing network, still supports three shifts.

Chrysler Canada's award-winning research and development centre, located in Windsor, is a partnership with the University of Windsor and has provided engineering support for design analysis and testing for more than 20 years. The University of Windsor/Chrysler Canada Automotive Research and Development Centre has led and supported many advanced technology development programs such as propane fuelled vehicles, natural gas powered vehicles and electric vehicles.

Game-Changing Dodge Ram 1500 Is Designed to Protect and Perform

2008-12-08T06:09:00.002-08:00

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Earns Top Five-Star Safety Ratings in U.S. Government's Crash Tests

Last update: 9:38 a.m. EST Dec. 8, 2008

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec 8, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
   AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec 8 /PRNewswire/--

    - Five-star Front-Impact Ratings Accentuate Chrysler LLC's Commitment to
      Safety and Security
    - Dodge Ram 1500 Offers 35 Safety and Security Features
    - Standard features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic
      Stability Program (ESP) which includes all-speed traction control,
      trailer sway control, hill-start assist and anti-lock brake system
      (ABS)

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab earned 5-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest ratings in the U.S. government's safety crash test program. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is available now at local Dodge dealers.

"We built safety and security into our all-new game-changing truck," said Scott Kunselman, Vice President - Jeep / Truck Product Team. "Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 offers a truck-load of advanced safety and security features including advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), with traction control, hill-start assist, trailer sway control and brake assist."

When it comes to safety and security, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 employs 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 ESP.

35 Safety and Security Features

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 offers more than 35 safety and security features including:

-- Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact

-- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions - advanced ABS modulates each of the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance

-- All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to a slipping wheel(s), and reduces excess engine power until traction is regained

-- Auto-reverse Sun Roof: Advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sun roof to the open position when an object that restricts glass movement is detected

-- Auto-reverse Window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected

-- BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted

-- Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance

-- Brake/Park Interlock: Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied

-- Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats

-- Child-protection Rear Door Locks: Disables the rear doors' inside-release handles via a small lever on the door-shut face

-- Crumple Zones: Designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants

-- Digressive Load-limiting Retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature that limits the maximum force on the belt webbing in order to help absorb the energy of the occupant's upper torso during an impact

-- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input in order to put the vehicle back onto the driver's intended path

-- Energy-absorbing Steering Column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact

-- Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and unlocking doors after air-bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine

-- Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seat belt usage by offering a comfortable fit

-- HomeLink(R) Universal Home Security System Transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio-frequency codes to operate garage-door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices

-- Hill Start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period of time after a driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released

-- Inside Emergency Release: A glow-in-the-dark release handle, which may be activated in the event of an adult or child being inadvertently trapped inside of the RamBox

-- Interior Head-impact Protection: Interior pillars above the belt line and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder-belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head-impact force

-- Knee Bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively

-- ParkSense(R) RearPark Assist System: Assists at low speeds in Reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of visible (interior lights seen with rearview mirror) and audible warnings for the driver

-- ParkView(R) Rear Back-up Camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before backing up. Also aids in lining up a trailer to the vehicle's trailer hitch, when so equipped. The image automatically displays on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse

-- Power-adjustable pedals: Allows brake and accelerator pedals to move toward or away from the driver in order to achieve a comfortable seating position for improved vehicle control

-- Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system

-- Remote Start: Conveniently starts the engine from outside the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry fob while maintaining vehicle security

-- Safety Cage Body Structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact

-- Seat-belt Pretensioners (both front seat belts): During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seat belts, thereby reducing the forward movement of occupants' heads and torsos

-- Sentry Key(R) Engine Immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds

-- Side Guard Door Beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact

-- Standard Side-curtain Air Bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor which autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs

-- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system informs occupants when tire pressure is too low

-- Trailer Sway Control System: Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic. Software monitors the vehicle's movement relative to the driver's intended path, then applies brake pressure to slow the vehicle and increases the pressure on one front wheel to counteract sway induced by the trailer

-- uconnect phone: Uses Bluetooth(R) technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver

-- Vehicle Theft Security Alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door- and liftgate-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry

Automakers in other nations get more government help

2008-12-08T06:09:00.001-08:00

Requests for aid made worldwide

BY BRENT SNAVELY and KATIE MERX • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITERS • December 8, 2008

Only in America are automotive companies being subjected to the disdain displayed by Congress and the country in recent weeks.

Foreign governments generally provide broad support to their home-based auto companies, which employ thousands.

In Europe, Japan and elsewhere, the governments usually provide health care coverage for workers, and in some cases, they even own a stake in their auto companies.

So it's little surprise that automakers around the world are also poised to receive additional government assistance during these tough times.

"There is no way that France, Italy or Germany would let their auto industries disappear for lack of government help," said Paris-based veteran automotive journalist William Diem. "European countries are not afraid to invest in the industry."

In the United States, however, congressional leaders criticized domestic automakers and have engaged in furious debate over whether to provide the industry with $34 billion in loans to help it survive the worst industry conditions in 26 years.

Experts say foreign countries don't shy away from directly funding their automotive companies.

"Other countries are totally different as to how they treat their auto industries," said George Magliano, director of automotive research for Americas at Global Insight.

Everyone needs help

While auto sales in the United States have been crushed to their lowest levels in 25 years -- hurting domestic and foreign sellers alike -- sales also are plummeting globally and are expected to get worse.

In response, automotive companies around the world are asking for government assistance, either through direct funding or through tax or regulatory policy breaks.

"It is quite broad and widespread," said Stephen Collins, president of Automotive Trade Policy Council, whose Washington-based group represents the Detroit Three.

In Canada, GM, Ford and Chrysler are all seeking assistance. In Sweden, Volvo and Saab have asked for aid. General Motors' Opel division is asking for funds from Germany.

Portugal and France have announced plans to craft aid packages for car and parts makers operating in their countries.

Other companies seem situated to receive assistance if they need it from their government owners. Lower Saxony, a state in Germany, is a 20% shareholder of Volkswagen AG. France, meanwhile, owns about 15% of Renault SA.

Even Chinese automakers are now asking for government aid to deal with the global credit crunch.

"I believe pragmatic Asian governments, faced with Detroit's current crisis, would have ... acted decisively to help the auto industry," Desmond C. Wong, president and chief executive officer of Sino Strategies Group LLC, a consultancy, said in an e-mail to the Free Press.

Boost for fuel efficiency

Foreign automakers also seem to get more assistance for research and development than domestic automakers.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association asked the European Union on Oct. 29 for 40 billion euros, about $50 billion, in a low-interest loan package "to help secure a sustainable market for current and newly developed fuel-efficient technologies."

Diem said that request was initially rejected, but is once again under consideration.

The European Union also has set aside $6.3 billion of a $252-billion general economic stimulus package for the 27-country union to help European companies make cleaner cars.

Mark Fulthorpe of CSM Worldwide predicts that if Congress does provide funding to the Detroit Three, the European automakers are likely to get some portion of the 40 billion they have asked for.

During testimony in front of the House Financial Services Committee on Friday, GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner pointed out the advantages that Japanese automakers have had in the development of batteries for hybrid vehicles.

"It's not a coincidence that the leadership in battery technology today" is in South Korea and Japan, Wagoner said.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., provided similar testimony last month during a Senate Banking Committee hearing.

"The reality is we have our companies competing against countries who pay for research, countries who pay for health care, countries that fight for their industry on trade agreements," Stabenow said.

Chrysler's Remarks to Senate

2008-12-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Chrysler's Remarks to Senate

The prepared remarks submitted by Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler, before the Senate Banking Committee.

The following is a transcript of the prepared remarks submitted by Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler, before the Senate Banking Committee

I appreciate the opportunity to represent the one million people who depend on Chrysler for their livelihoods. Before I answer your questions regarding our loan request, let me state clearly why were here: Chrysler requests a $7 billion loan to bridge the current financial crisis.

In exchange, Chrysler is committed to: continue our restructuring, including negotiating cost-saving concessions from all constituents; investing in fuel-efficient cars and trucks that people want to buy and beginning repayment of our government loan in 2012. I also want to reinforce the need for Chrysler Financial to receive immediate assistance from TARP - as its continued vitality is a critical assumption to our plan.

Chrysler requires this loan to get back to our transformation that began just over one year ago. As a newly independent company in 2007, Chrysler was on track for financial profitability.

Since August of 2007, we have eliminated more than 1.2 million units, or 30 percent of our capacity. We reduced our fixed costs by $2.4 billion and separated more than 32,000 workers, including 5,000 on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. And at the same time, we invested more than half a billion dollars in product improvements in our first 60 days, improved our J.D. Power quality scores and reduced our warranty claims by 29 percent. As a result, through the first half of 2008, Chrysler met or exceeded its operating plan and ended the first half of the year with $9.4 billion in unrestricted cash.

We are here because of the financial crisis that started in 2007 and accelerated at the end of the second quarter of 2008. As consumer confidence fell and credit markets remained frozen, the lowest U.S. auto sales in more than 20 years put tremendous pressure on our cash position. U.S. industry sales fell from 17 million a year in 2007, to a monthly annualized rate of 10.5 million last month - a 6.5 million unit decline.

What does that mean for Chrysler? At 10 percent market share, it translates to a loss of 650,000 vehicles, or roughly $16 billion in lost revenue opportunity. With such a huge hit to our sales and revenue base, Chrysler requires the loan to continue the restructuring and fund our product renaissance.

Chrysler has a sound plan for financial viability that includes shared sacrifice from all constituents. We have identified approximately $4 billion of potential cost savings and improvements that have been included in our plan. We are committed to negotiate with all constituents to achieve our savings targets. Our plan also includes producing high-quality, fuel-efficient cars and trucks that people want to buy, while supporting our country's energy security and environmental sustainability goals.

For the 2009 model year, 73 percent of our products will offer improved fuel economy compared with 2008 models. We plan on launching additional small, fuel-efficient vehicles. ENVI is our breakthrough family of all-electric and range-extended electric vehicles - similar to the one parked outside.

Chryslers long-range product plan is robust, realistic and green. The plan features 24 major launches from 2009 through 2012. It includes a hybrid Ram truck and our first electric-drive vehicle in 2010 with three additional models by 2013.

A key feature of Chryslers future is our capability as an electric vehicle company. Through our GEM neighborhood electric vehicle division, Chrysler is the largest producer of electric-drive vehicles in the U.S. today. Combined with the new products from our ENVI group, we expect that 500,000 Chrysler electric-drive vehicles will be on the road by 2013.

Chrysler will continue to aggressively pursue new business models that include alliances, partnerships and consolidations. This model is currently successful in helping Chrysler increase the efficient utilization of our manufacturing capacity. For example, in North America today, Chrysler manufactures all Volkswagen minivans, and beginning in 2011, we will produce all Nissan full-size trucks.

With government collaboration, our industry can accelerate how America drives cutting-edge technology. An Automotive Energy Security Alliance would: coordinate public and private spending already devoted to advanced vehicle technologies; produce basic technology available to all manufacturers; work with national labs and major research universities and draw private investment to meet our national energy and environmental goals. Such an alliance would help ensure that as a country, we do not trade our current dependence on foreign oil for a future dependence on foreign technologies.

I recognize that this is a significant amount of public money. However, we believe this is the least costly alternative considering the depth of the economic crisis and the options we face.

2008-12-04T06:46:00.002-08:00

Chrysler exec visits Toledo, touts electric Jeep

Jeep workers pay attention as Tom LaSorda explains why the auto industry needs billions from the government soon.
( THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY )

Zoom | Photo Reprints

By JON CHAVEZ
BLADE BUSINESS WRITER
With the Jeep Wrangler assembly line behind him and nearly 300 hourly workers in front, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President Tom LaSorda led a rally in Toledo yesterday to drum up support for the U.S. auto industry's request for $34 billion in federal money.

Mr. LaSorda also revealed to The Blade that, if the federal aid is approved, an electric-drive Jeep Wrangler would be built at the Toledo Jeep Assembly complex.

A prototype of the vehicle, which gets the equivalent of 50 miles to the gallon and has a range of about 400 miles, was on display at the rally.

The rally, quickly put together by Chrysler, is part of actions Chrysler, General Motors Corp., and Ford Motor Co. were taking nationwide to generate support for the federal aid. Chrysler is seeking $7 billion.

CHRYSLER'S LASORDA SPEAKS

Mr. LaSorda called upon Jeep workers to contact Ohio's 18-member congressional delegation and urge support for the request.

Bruce Baumhower, president of United Auto Workers Local 12, which represents workers at Toledo Jeep, said at the rally that the union had targeted about 10 congressmen in Ohio for an e-mail and letter-writing campaign.

At union meetings, workers have been enthusiastic about participating, Mr. Baumhower added.

"Sometimes we get 30 people, sometimes 300 attend, but we have gotten good response," Mr. Baumhower said. "Our guys understand that this is a crisis."

BAILOUT PLANS

FORD: Restructuring plan
GM: Restructuring plan
CHRYSLER: Restructuring plan

During the rally, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur made clear that as the automakers suffer, so too do their workers and the communities they live in, and that some in Congress seem reluctant to help the auto industry.

The banking industry asked Congress for help and quickly got $700 billion, Miss Kaptur said. "And they didn't even have to provide any evidence" of their plight, she said.

Mr. LaSorda said lawmakers need to understand that Chrysler, Ford Motor Co., and General Motors Corp. don't want a handout.

"Let's be clear, we're asking for a loan, and we're going to pay it back," he said.

Automakers have said they need the total of $34 billion to fund daily operations and new product development.

Without the aid, the industry's survival is in doubt and the communities it supports are in serious trouble, auto executives have said.

Tom LaSorda said the electric-drive Wrangler, on display during the rally at Toledo Supplier Park, would be built at the Jeep Assembly complex if the $34 billion federal bailout passes.
( THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY )

Zoom | Photo Reprints

At the request of congressmen, Chrysler, GM, and Ford submitted their business plans this week, hearings before lawmakers are supposed to start today, and a vote on the requested aid is expected next week.

Chrysler told Congress it plans 24 major product launches between 2009 and 2012.

Asked after his speech at the Toledo rally whether any of those vehicles would be made in Toledo, Mr. LaSorda turned to glance at the shiny white Jeep EV - electric vehicle - prototype and said, "One is right there."

Chrysler unveiled three electric prototypes in September, including the Jeep EV, a minivan, and a sports car. But officials at that time said only one would be produced by 2010 and they declined to reveal which one or where any would be produced.

The Jeep prototype was a four-door Wrangler that seats five and runs on electricity, but has a back-up gas-burning motor to generate electricity once the battery charge runs out after about 40 miles of use. The so-called "range extended vehicles" rely on a lithium-ion battery system that plugs into a standard household outlet.

To make the vehicle would require retooling at Toledo Jeep, company officials said. But whether it would mean additional workers was unclear.

Toledo Jeep now makes two and four-door Wranglers and the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro.

To illustrate Chrysler's impact in Ohio, Mr. LaSorda said at the Toledo rally that the company last year had nearly 8,000 employees and retirees, 625 suppliers, and 170 dealers in the state. It paid $15 million in state taxes and $737 million in wages and pensions, he added.

"We are talking about neighborhood streets and auto plant streets. This is where the true work begins," Mr. LaSorda said. "This isn't about Joe the plumber. This is about Joe and Josephine the autoworker."

After the rally, the Chrysler president said he was happy to hear that the United Auto Workers union leaders yesterday decided at an emergency meeting yesterday to delay the company's payments to a multibillion-dollar, union-run health care trust fund and to reduce a company-funded "jobs bank," which pays its laid-off workers nearly 95 percent of their after-tax wages.

Mr. LaSorda said he would be willing to meet with UAW President Ron Gettlefinger to discuss contract changes. The UAW leader said yesterday the union is willing to reopen contract bargaining

Chrysler Corporation LLC

2011 Chrysler 300 D

Chrysler considering car-based 'lifestyle' pickup to replace Dakota

Don Garlits Back Racing the “Drag Pak” Challenger

Chrysler expenses stay a secret

Public disclosure not part of $4-billion loan

Saleen reveals future plans for SMS Limited brand

Posted Today, 2:42 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Gallery: Saleen SMS 570 Dodge Challenger preview

Couple appeals Chrysler lawsuit

U.S. December sales fall; up from November

Ram hauls in Truckin’s ‘Truck of the Year Award’

Report: Chrysler Prepping More Dodge-Like Dodge EV For Detroit

1,000hp Dodge Challenger SRT8 by RDP Performance

Posted Sun Jan 4 2009 4:35 AM by James Martinez

U.S. auto sales post sharp decline Chrysler numbers down 53% in Dec.

Fewer Recalls at Ford, Chrysler Improve Industry Total in 2008

Auto History - 31 Dec

How Much Rent Does Chrysler Pay Cerberus?

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Manual - Short Take Road Test

Chrysler LLC's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Selects Alcoa's Dura-Bright(R) Technology for Dodge Viper and Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee

Dec. 22 letter from Bob Nardelli to Chrysler employees

Jim Press says Chrysler could be America's Benz, BMW

Message from Bob Nardelli

Ontario leader says more auto bailouts to come

Chrysler shutdown to idle 46,000 for month

A signal of dire future if no auto aid comes?

(Possible) China Buyout Watch: Chrysler And Great Wall

Chrysler latest Trademarks

Chrysler LLC Latest Patents

Chrysler rescue has strings

Hurst Performance announces 50th Anniversary Viper

Perhaps Chrysler should buy up SSC

2009 Ultimate Aero has 1287 hp and a top speed of 270 mph

Chrysler to follow GM's lead, partner with credit unions to offer loans

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

Second Chrysler executive leaves

Why Toyota wants GM to be saved

A GM failure would cause production problems, crush already weak demand and potentially open the door to low-cost competitors.

Dealers pitch in to help Chrysler

Dealers pitch in to help Chrysler

Automaker asks retailers to help pay for Detroit auto show

Chrysler's supplier issues expand

Top procurement exec to retire for health reasons

1966 DODGE CORONET 572 HEMI STREET DOMINATOR

Transmission maker Getrag ends deal with Chrysler

Nissan NV2500 Concept

>> Monday, December 15, 2008

Chrysler holiday shutdown schedule announced

NASCAR teams Petty Enterprises, Gillett Evernham in merger talks

House Auto Bailout Bill Lifts 22-Year-Old Tax Restrictions

Provision Would Drastically Lower Tax Bill for Would-Be Buyers

Auto deaths down 10 percent so far this year

Tire valve stem recall

US: Chrysler recalls 108,429 Dodge Ram pick-ups

Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s Top Safety Picks of 2009

Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles

Ward's Announces 10 Best Engines Awards for 2009

Emotion, brute strength, refinement and fuel efficiency, without compromise

Chrysler to ship minivans from Canada to Europe

Mike King, Canwest News Service

2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Cerberus is under fire in Congress

Lawmakers: Why doesn't equity firm aid Chrysler?

Senator wants explanation

A case of double dipping

Chrysler turns up the heat on Canada

Car maker warns production from two Ontario plants could be transferred to U.S. as it presses governments for emergency funding

Related Articles

Dodge EV Spy Photos

Chrysler, Chery go separate ways

Chrysler submits restructuring plans for Canada

Game-Changing Dodge Ram 1500 Is Designed to Protect and Perform

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Earns Top Five-Star Safety Ratings in U.S. Government's Crash Tests

Automakers in other nations get more government help

Requests for aid made worldwide

Everyone needs help

Boost for fuel efficiency

Chrysler's Remarks to Senate

Chrysler's Remarks to Senate