24hcar: Jeep

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Chrysler Group's Sales Numbers are More Confident than they Should Be

Posted by Mr Dung Friday, March 12, 2010

Despite all the negative publicity, it seems that Americans would still rather be driving a Toyota than a Chrysler product. According to Edmunds, Chrysler's consumer sales are down a HUGE 44% this year, versus Toyota's 14% drop.

Anyone quoting a 3% drop by Chrysler is factoring in fleet sales, and that isn't exactly fair. However, a Chrysler spokesperson says, "Fleet is part our businesses strategy...We have to rebuild consumers' confidence in the company...The fact that large companies are willing to buy our vehicles helps rebuild that confidence." Hopefully.

Here's what you can learn from some industry analysts:

Jesse Toprak, TrueCar: "You cannot viably survive with fleet and rental sales over 50%...The math just doesn't work."

Erich Merkle, President, Autoconomy.com: "The fact that [Chrysler's] losing share on the pickup side, it says to me that this goes beyond the product itself...I think Chrysler in the near term will be at the mercy of the market. They'll continue to lose market share, but they've got to hope that a rising tide will lift all boats."

Jeff Schuster, J.D. Power & Associates: "It really is survival mode for the next 18 months until they see product in the showroom...They're not finished with the turnaround yet. This is not something that can happen overnight."

If the Pentastar's lineup over the next couple years ends up being as promising as it looks, perhaps Chrysler won't have to keep leaning on fleet sales like an old man with a cane.

Maybe then, finally, we'll have a chance to see some legitimate, luxurious Chrysler compacts and small, sporty Dodges. And what if they try to pull another Sebring or Compass? I can't speak for anyone else here, but if that happens, take it easy guys. No tears shed on this side of the table.

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Jeep Wrangler Mountain and Islander Limited Editions to Show in Detroit

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, January 10, 2010

Two different Jeep limited edition vehicles will get their debut next week at the North American International Auto Show. The Jeep Wrangler Islander and the Jeep Wrangler Mountain will each feature 17-inch Moab wheels wrapped in 32-inch tires, but the similarities end there.

Nostalgic customers purchasing the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models will be able to add the Islander package for the first time in 20 years. Included is a new exterior color, Surf Blue Pearl Coat, unimpressive graphics, and the "Tiki Bob" decal emblazoned outside and embroidered onto the dark gray seatback. Each seat comes with Surf Blue insterts and blue stitching. Rubber floormats and a blue-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel are also included. Those not liking the new blue paint color may instead opt for Stone White, Bright Silver, or Black Crystal. Total cost for the Islander upgrade is $1,120.

For another $700, customers can instead choose the Mountain package. Based on the Sport S option, the Mountain kit comes with glossy gray wheels, grille and bumper mods, tubular side step, tail light guards, and a new fuel door. Similar boring decals are present on the vehicle inside and out. The car is available in Rescue Green metallic Clear Coat, but Black Crystal and Deep Water Blue are also available. Anodized graphite rings around the interior vents rounds out the kit.

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Fiat Terminates Chrysler's All-Electric Car Plans

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, November 8, 2009

Just over a year ago, the Chrysler Group's newly formed Envi division unveiled a series of production-based electric cars that it planned to put on sale. Fast forward a few months, Chrysler went in and out of bankruptcy, sealed a deal with the Fiat Group and then, in August 2009 under the leadership of its new CEO, Sergio Marchionne, secured a $73 million grant from the Obama administration for the manufacturing of 220 plug-in hybrid and electric pickup trucks and minivans in St. Louis and in Michigan. Well, guess what;

According to a news report from Reuters, as part of the Marchione's recently announced five-year business plan to revitalize the Chrysler Group, Fiat has pulled the plug on the automaker's Envi division as well as the development of the test fleet for which it had received the government grant.

Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa told Reuters on Friday that Envi, which was responsible for the EV range, will be absorbed in the normal vehicle development program and its former chief Lou Rhodes will head an electric car division for both Fiat and Chrysler.

The group's CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters that for the time being and with the current technology available, he doesn't believe much in EVs and that electric cars would represent just "one or two per cent" (less than 60,000 vehicles) of Chrysler's sales by 2014.

"Until the (battery) storage gets resolved, I think electric vehicles are going to struggle," Marchionne said.

As of yet, there's no official word from Chrysler, but if the report from Reuters concerning the part about the scrapping of the 220 plug-in hybrids turns out to be true, one should wonder what's going to (or what should) happen to the $73 million grant that the automaker received. Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Via: Reuters

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Chrysler Preview Four Mopar Image Vehicles

Posted by Mr Dung Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Two Dodge and two Jeep custom jobs will be wheeled out by their parent company, Chrysler Group LLC, at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show next month in Las Vegas. Topping the four vehicles is the Mopar Dodge Challenger 1320 Image Vehicle, a straight-line racer with an all-aluminum V8 Hemi pushing out 556 horsepower and up to 540 ft-lb of torque.

The Challenger features the Drag Pak option, which strips the Challenger of a substantial amount of weight. Gone are the center console, radio, and rear seats. Normally meant for race cars only, this Challenger features the package while maintaining a street-legal status. It uses wheels meant for cop cars, street-legal-yet-race-ready tires, an adjustable coil-over kit, and an ARB locking differential.

The other Dodge is a luxe version of their signature pickup truck. Painted in Arctic Ice, the Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco Image Vehicle is meant to convey an upper-class look on what is supposed to be a blue collar truck. Built off of a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport using a 5.7-liter V8 engine. Inside the truck bed is a plush, easy-to-clean rug. Although they added 22-inch contrasting wheels, the vehicle has been lowered using a Ground Force kit. Performance upgrades include a cold-air intake and dual-exhaust. Inside, Arctic Ice and Piano Black contrasts are augmented by Katzkin white and black seats. The truck also features an upgraded audio system.

Being able to use a "normal" ride as a camping shelter has been toyed with for decades. Likewise, the Mopar Jeep Wrangler Overland Image Vehicle is meant to be a "stop-anywhere, camp-anywhere Jeep." Based on a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the special edition has no rear seats, a rubber floor, and a roof-mounted two-person tent with awning. The Jeep has been modified to be more water resistant, with a three-inch raised suspension and 35-inch tires to be more off-road capable. Added lighting and steel bumpers has been included for this purpose.

Last is the Jeep Lower Forty Image Vehicle, a heavily stripped version of the Jeep Wrangler. Meant for "extreme trail" driving, the vehicle gets 20-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 40x13.5-inch tires. Fenders are wider and higher, and three inches has been cut off the windshield frame. Despite the stripped look, the interior was color matched and the seats were covered in leather. The truck also takes advantage of a new, 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with a Getrag 238 six-speed manual transmission.