First 2008 Dodge Viper destroyed in dealership fire

Spilled gasoline ignites blaze that destroys car dealership

JONESBORO — An electrical work lamp knocked into a pool of spilled gasoline ignited a fire that destroyed a downtown car dealership Thursday morning, authorities said.

No one was injured, but several firefighters were treated for dehydration, Jonesboro Fire Chief Aaron Keller said.

The fire was reported at Cavenaugh Lincoln-Mercury at 300 W. Huntington Ave. at 10: 40 a. m.

Employees of the automobile dealership’s shop were repairing a fuel pump and had spilled gasoline from a car’s fuel tank. A worker accidentally tipped over a electric light that was on a stand into the gasoline, Keller said.

Witnesses told firefighters they heard several small explosions in the shop building. A rising column of black and dark brown smoke could be seen from the eastern edge of Jonesboro.

The workers ran from the shop safely, Keller said.

“It’s a miracle some of those workers weren’t hurt as fast as that fire was burning,” the fire chief said.

Because of the day’s heat and humidity, the gasoline fumes did not evaporate and instead added to the combustion.

The shop’s metal roof buckled and collapsed by noon, and the fire spread into an office area used by salesmen and to an older showroom. Firefighters were able to save a few cars inside a newer showroom, but the dealership is considered a total loss.

Several cars inside the old showroom, including a 2008 Dodge Viper, were destroyed, along with several customers ’ cars in the shop area, Keller said.

The dealership had been located downtown for over 40 years.

Two weeks ago, owners announced they would move the company to south Jonesboro where numerous other car dealerships are located.

Chrysler Trademark: truck name

Word Mark	SNOW CHIEF
Goods and Services	IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: Motor vehicles, namely trucks
Standard Characters Claimed
Mark Drawing Code	(4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Serial Number	78768427
Filing Date	December 7, 2005
Current Filing Basis	1B
Original Filing Basis	1B
Published for Opposition	February 21, 2006
Owner	(APPLICANT) DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMPANY LLC LTD LIAB CO 1000 CHRYSLER DRIVE CIMS 483-02-19 AUBURN HILLS MICHIGAN 48326
Assignment Recorded	ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Type of Mark	TRADEMARK
Register	PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator	LIVE

Chrysler eyes Yucca test site

By JIM SECKLER/The Daily News

Thursday, August 2, 2007 7:38 PM PDT

KINGMAN - The Arizona Proving Ground in Yucca could be the new home to the Chrysler Company.

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors will be asked Monday to join Kingman and Lake Havasu City in providing incentives to attract the automobile company to the Yucca test site, Mohave County Deputy Director of Economic Development Jonas Peterson said.

Last year, Ford Motor Company chose to close its Yucca proving ground and merge its proving ground in Romeo, Mich., into one facility.

Chrysler is looking at the former Ford proving grounds off Interstate 40 as a hot weather testing grounds. The company is also looking at sites in Laredo, Texas, and Chelsea, Mich., Peterson said.

The Arizona Commerce and Economic Development Commission has offered to contribute $250,000 in matching funds as incentive to Chrysler to locate the proving grounds in Yucca. The ACEDC would also loan the county $150,000, or 60 percent, with Kingman and Lake Havasu City contributing a total of $100,000 or 40 percent. The county would pay back the loan in 10 years at a rate of 4.5 percent.

If the 3,840-acre Yucca site is selected, at least 75 high-paying jobs could be created and create $10 million in capital investment in testing facilities and infrastructure. The site has 50 miles of test roads and a 109,000-square-foot building.

Property tax contributed to the county's general fund was more than $51,000 in 2006 with more than $159,000 in total property tax. By 2010, that is expected to be more than $49,000 contributed to the general fund with more than $157,000 in total property tax if Chrysler picks the Yucca site.

That could also mean up to 167 jobs with $8.5 million in wages as well as employee sales, income, vehicle license and other taxes to the county and state.

Before Ford left the Yucca test site, the company also purchased more than $600,000 in supplies, $450,000 in utilities and $1.7 million in local hotel and restaurants visits a year.

August 6, 2007

2008* DaimlerChrysler Cars RED Indicates changed or new information
The lead time represents the estimated order to delivery period under normal conditions and does not take into consideration holds or delays. Extended lead times (when available) are noted under the Key Production Hold or Delay column. *All models and constraints are for the 2008 MY unless noted otherwise. ** Orders should be placed at least 30 days prior to the option’s final build date for all DaimlerChrysler vehicles. Due to various assembly plant assignments for specific model lines or ordered options; the DaimlerChrysler constraints listed below may or may not apply at the time an order is placed.
MODEL	ESTIMATED LEAD TIME IN WEEKS	KEY PRODUCTION HOLD OR DELAY

	Chrysler 300/300C, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger		TBD	(RER) AM/FM CD MP3 w/o (4DS) navigation radio has a Job #1 of 9/3/07 (REN) AM/FM CD/DVD w/o (4DS) navigation radio has a Job #1 of 9/3/07 (29S) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/4/07 (LXCS48) (AHB) Police Group has a Job #1 of 9/10/07 (PKG) Light Sandstone has a Job #1 of 9/17/07 (29R) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/10/07 (LXDP48), 9/17/07 (LXDP49) and 9/25/07 (LXCS48) (ESF) 6.1L SRT Hemi V8 engine has a Job #1 of 9/28/07 (26P) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 10/1/07 (LXCP48) (PBG) Clearwater Blue Paint has a Job #1 of 10/8/07 (RSV) Satellite video has a Job #1 of 10/8/07 (LMP) HID headlamps have a Job #1 of 11/1/07 (29V) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 12/3/07 (LXDP48)
Chrysler Pacifica		TBD		(29W) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/3/07 (PKG) Light Sandstone paint has a Job #1 of 9/5/07 (PHF) Deep Crimson Crystal paint has a Job #1 of 10/22/07
Chrysler PT Cruiser		TBD		(PA4) Silver Steel paint has a Job #1 of 9/3/07 (PBS) Borden Blue paint has a Job #1 of 9/24/07 (2DP) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 10/1/07 (PTCP44) (PPL) Melbourne Green paint has a Job #1 of 2/4/08
Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Dodge Avenger		TBD		(EDG) 2.4L 4-cyl PZEV engine has a Job #1 of 9/4/07 (24P/28P) Packages have a Job #1 of 10/1/07

Dodge Caliber	TBD	(*V8) Cloth seats w/ color-keyed insert and (CXP) blue seat insert has a Job #1 of 9/28/07 (AJU) Sport Appearance Group w/ (CXP) blue seat insert has a Job #1 of 9/28/07 (*Z5) Yes Essentials cloth seats have a Job #1 of 11/26/07
Jeep Compass	TBD	None

2008* DaimlerChrysler Trucks RED Indicates changed or new information
The lead time represents the estimated order to delivery period under normal conditions and does not take into consideration holds or delays. Extended lead times (when available) are noted under the Key Production Hold or Delay column. *All models and constraints are for the 2008 MY unless noted otherwise. ** Orders should be placed at least 30 days prior to the option’s final build date for all DaimlerChrysler vehicles. Due to various assembly plant assignments for specific model lines or ordered options; the DaimlerChrysler constraints listed below may or may not apply at the time an order is placed.
MODEL	ESTIMATED LEAD TIME IN WEEKS	KEY PRODUCTION HOLD OR DELAY
Chrysler Town & Country Dodge Grand Caravan	TBD	(PBD) Marathon Blue paint has a Job #1 of 9/24/07 (PBG) Clearwater Blue has a Job #1 of 10/1/07 (PHF) Deep Crimson Crystal has a Job #1 of 10/1/07 (CY4) 2nd row swiveling bucket seats has a Job #1 of 10/15/07 (AVM) Cargo Van Group has a Job #1 of 10/22/07 (CKL) Cargo compartment floor mat has a Job #1 of 11/19/07 (PXR) Brilliant Black paint has a Job #1 of 12/3/07 (RER) AM/FM CD MP3 navigation radio Job #1 is TBD (WFX) Aluminum wheels have a Job #1 of TBD
Dodge Dakota	TBD	None
Dodge Durango	TBD	None
Chrysler Aspen	TBD	(2TG) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/4/07
Dodge Nitro	TBD	None
Dodge Ram Pickup DR 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mega Cab	TBD	(AR9) Single Rear Wheel Group w/ (DG3) 6-speed auto transmission has a Job #1 of 9/10/07 (DC8L63)
Jeep Grand Cherokee	TBD	(ESF) 6.1L SRT Hemi engine with (PS2) Bright Silver paint has a Job #1 of 9/4/07 (RSV) Sirius satellite streaming video has a Job #1 of 10/1/07 (26Y) and (28Y) Packages have a Job #1 of 2/1/08
Jeep Commander	TBD	(26R) and (28R) Packages have a Job #1 of 9/17/07 (RSV) Sirius satellite streaming video has a Job #1 of 10/1/07 (26Y) and (28Y) Packages have a Job #1 of 2/1/08
Jeep Liberty	TBD	(JHC) Rain sensitive wipers have a Job #1 of 1/14/08
Jeep Wrangler	TBD	None
Jeep Patriot	TBD	None

Release pricing?

With improved airflow, bigger displacement and with variable valve timing achieved from the innovative CamInCam technology, one can see how the ‘08 Dodge Viper’s new 8.4L V10 achieves a 90 horsepower increase from last year, but would you believe that it also gets better fuel economy?! The gas guzzler tax actually goes down for 2008 and results with ‘08 pricing very similar to the 2006 model year. Including this $2,100 gas guzzler tax charge and an $850 destination charge, the new 600 HP Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster price only goes up by $350 over 2006 and the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe actually goes down by $150! The base MSRP, before destination and gas guzzler tax charges, is $83,145 for the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster and $83,895 for the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe.We’re pleased to see how aggressively the new Viper is priced and can’t wait to see some real world performance (10’s?) and dyno numbers. There isn’t a production car with 600 horsepower for anywhere near $83k! How far will these horsepower wars take us? We know Chevy has something in the works!

Here is another shot of a Snakeskin Green coupe with black stripes:

Posted in American |

The 600 HP 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Is A Steal Starting At $83,145!

Wowzers! DragTimes just got themselves the details on pricing for the new 600 HP 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 roadster and coupe. Here's the scoop -- $83,145 for the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster and $83,895 for the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe. That's a helluva lot of horses for a helluva lot of cheap. [DragTimes]

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe

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2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible

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Cerberus takes control of Chrysler

Bradford Wernle
Automotive News
August 3, 2007 - 11:40 am
UPDATED: 8/3/2007 12:28 P.M.DETROIT -- It's official -- the 1998 transatlantic merger that was supposed to change the auto industry has ended.

Private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP took 80.1 percent ownership of the Chrysler group today. DaimlerChrysler retained 19.9 percent.

Citing "highly volatile U.S. credit markets," DaimlerChrysler said it would combine with Cerberus to loan Chrysler's automotive business $2 billion. Of that, DaimlerChrysler will provide $1.5 billion and Cerberus $500 million.

A DaimlerChrysler statement said the loan is "a strong sign of its overall determination to make sure that, under the majority of Cerberus, Chrysler has a good start as a successful standalone car company." Tom LaSorda remains CEO of Chrysler. Bodo Uebber takes over purchasing for the German automaker, as LaSorda, Eric Ridenour and Tom Sidlik leave the board of management. Chrysler officials plan a celebration on Monday, Aug. 6, at its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., to mark the change. A 15-story blue "Get Ready" banner was raised on the headquarters building on Thursday, Aug. 2. DaimlerChrysler will continue to be known as DaimlerChrysler officially until a shareholders meeting Oct. 4 in Stuttgart. You may e-mail Bradford Wernle at bwernle@crain.com

PRESS RELEASE: DaimlerChrysler Closes Transaction on Transfer of Majority Interest in Chrysler to Cerberus
This is the press release issued by DaimlerChrysler:

PRESS RELEASE: DaimlerChrysler Closes Transaction on Transfer of Majority Interest in Chrysler to Cerberus

-- Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of Mercedes Car Group: "Today marks a new chapter in the history of our company."

-- Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting to decide on change of name on October 4, 2007

STUTTGART, Germany -- DaimlerChrysler today completed the closing for the transfer of a majority interest in the Chrysler Group and for the related financial services business in NAFTA to a subsidiary of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., a private- equity company based in New York. A subsidiary of Cerberus takes over 80.1% in the Chrysler Holding LLC, while DaimlerChrysler retains a 19.9% interest, as announced in May 2007.

The effects on the financial statements of DaimlerChrysler will be explained on August 29, 2007.

Basically, the conditions of the transaction and the economic effects have not changed since the agreement was signed on May 14, 2007. Furthermore, DaimlerChrysler and Cerberus have agreed to support the financing of the majority takeover of Chrysler by Cerberus in light of highly volatile US loan markets. Both companies will subscribe $2 billion of second lien debt for Chrysler's automotive business, to be drawn within 12 months. DaimlerChrysler's portion will be $1.5 billion. The debt will be priced at market conditions. One year after the closing, DaimlerChrysler has the right to sell this loan in the credit market. The maturity of this loan is 7 years.

DaimlerChrysler's financing support is a strong sign of its overall determination to make sure that, under the majority of Cerberus, Chrysler has a good start as a successful stand-alone car company.

As of today, the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG is reduced to six members: Tom LaSorda, Eric Ridenour and Tom Sidlik are no longer members. Within the Board of Management, Bodo Uebber additionally assumes responsibility for procurement.

Due to the new corporate structure, DaimlerChrysler AG is to be renamed as Daimler AG. The shareholders are to decide on this change at an Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting in Berlin on October 4, 2007.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group: "Today marks a new chapter in the history of our company. Based on the clearly defined strategies in our Mercedes Car Group, Truck Group, Financial Services business divisions and for vans and buses, and our company's healthy balance sheet, we have every reason to move confidently into the future."