"Hello. my name is Ed Dancel. I've been selling cars for Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram since 1997. Yup, that long. I really love this dealership and what I do here. In fact I still find it very excting when I see my customers drive off in their brand new cars with big smiles on their faces. It's amazing how many relationships I've made over the years just selling cars. My customers know and trust me and they come back to me again and again. My job is to make sure that they get the best possible service, the best possible deal and to make sure that their buying experience is fun, easy, painless, quick and convenient."
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Detroit— Sales of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs are so strong that their factory will stay open through the normal two-week summer shutdown.
Automakers typically close plants around the July 4 holiday to update cars and trucks for the new model year and maintain the machinery.
But Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson says the Jefferson North factory in Detroit that makes the SUVs will stay open all summer. The plant is working overtime on two shifts and running two of every three Saturdays.
Chrysler sold nearly 38,000 Grand Cherokees from January through March, up 44 percent from a year ago. Durango sales were up 33 percent at just over 11,000.
Tinson says Chrysler can make changes for the 2013 model year while the plant is running.
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Jeep® Wrangler "Dragon" Design Concept Debuts at 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition
Jeep® Wrangler "Dragon" design concept blends two powerful icons and showcases opportunity for special editions in China
Concept features tone-on-tone dragon motif, inspired by Year of the Dragon
Jeep brand portfolio on display reflects presence in three core SUV segments for China market
April 23, 2012 , Beijing - Today, the Jeep® brand introduced the Jeep Wrangler "Dragon" design concept at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. The concept integrates two icons together in one: the Wrangler, as the off-road icon of the Jeep brand, and the honored Chinese dragon. Belief holds that both possess incredible capabilities, making them a perfect combination.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Dragon, which is held with high regard in Chinese culture. The dragon symbolizes strength and power and is an aspirational character normally associated with royalty and good fortune. It was these characteristics that inspired the upscale design of the Jeep Wrangler Dragon concept.
"The Jeep brand is committed to China and therefore we must design and tailor our vehicles to the specific tastes and preferences of Chinese consumers," said Mike Manley, Chief Operating Officer for Asia and President and CEO -- Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The Wrangler Dragon design concept is the first Jeep vehicle designed specifically with Chinese elements in mind and showcases the opportunity for special editions that might be available for China in the near future."
Jeep Wrangler Dragon Design Concept
The Jeep Wrangler Dragon design concept is based on a China-market Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon painted black with a black body-color three-piece hard top. From there, the designers incorporated numerous bronze-gold details -- a color associated with the dragon. These bronze-gold details can be found inside the front grille slats, headlamp surrounds and Jeep badging front and rear.
The unique 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are matte black with a bronze-gold high-gloss outer edge and feature 35-inch off-road tires. Other bronze-gold touches include a pad-printed engine cover, bolts for the fuel-filler door and the taillamp assembly, a Chinese dragon character side badge and wheel center caps.
The exterior also has black highlights such as painted fenders, a gloss-black applique on the front bumper, and a tone-on-tone dragon decal that starts on the hood and runs down the driver's side of the vehicle. There is also a dragon motif on a unique carbon-fiber insulator mounted under the hood and on the gloss-black spare tire cover. Final exterior touches include a Mopar® fuel-filler door and a black-finish LED exterior lighting package that features aftermarket projector headlamps, fog lamps, turn lamps and taillamps.
Moving to the interior, the black and bronze-gold theme continues with black leather seating surfaces with bronze-gold accent piping and stitching. Magic Wand metallic leather is on the side bolsters and the sides of the head restraints, while a laser-etched dragon pattern is on the face of the head restraints. Dragon-scale patterned bronze-gold leather covers the outside edges of the seats and front center arm rest.
Other interior touches include high-gloss piano black instrument panel bezels, bronze-gold accent trim on the steering wheel spokes, instrument cluster, passenger-side dashboard grab handle and door handles, and gold accent stitching on the leather-wrapped door bolsters. Finishing the interior modifications are dragon tags on the front and rear floor mats.
Chinese dragons symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rain and winds and their more severe weather phenomena. Dragons are symbols of the natural world, adaptability and transformation -- divine creatures capable of doing anything.
While debuting as a design concept at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, the Jeep Wrangler Dragon could become a production model if demand is great enough.
Jeep Wrangler for 2012
Jeep Wrangler -- the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world -- becomes even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel-efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, as well as a new automatic transmission -- both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 engine -- winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award in the U.S. -- delivers 284 horsepower DIN (209 kW) and 347 N•m (256 lb.-ft.) of torque. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is over 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.
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The new 2013 Dodge Dart is entering a very competitive segment -- the compact car segment. RoadflyTV host Elizabeth Kreft spent a few days in Austin, TX getting to know the new Dart.
Our test car came with the Limited package. So we had all the creature comforts like the large center screen with navigation and other information. It also meant our car had the fantastically huge 8.5" center navigation and multimedia information screen.
This segment of RoadflyTV offers a first test drive review of the all new Dodge Dart. We'll have a full car review available in about a month.
Interviews include: Richard Cox, Director Dodge Brand and Joe Dehner, Director Exterior Design at Dodge.
Host: Elizabeth Kreft
Vehicle: 2013 Dodge Dart
Trim package: Limited
Engine: 1.4 liter, turbocharged i4 multi air engine
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel efficiency: 27 MPG City / 39 MPG Highway
Architecture: Based on Fiat Alfa Romeo Giulietta
We also spent a few minutes with Matt Liddane of Dodge's Chrysler group earlier in the year and asked him a few questions about the Dodge Dart.
Uploaded by roadflytv on Feb 4, 2012
The Dodge Dart is back! RoadflyTV host Emme Hall had a chance to talk with Dodge executive Matt Liddane about the all new 2013 Dodge Dart. There are a number of engine and transmission options available in the new Dart. While the drivetrain options are impressive what's most impressive is the array of custom options available. Our favorite is the oversized navigation screen.
If you're wondering if there will be a Dodge Dart SRT you'll have to watch the interview and find out.
Where: 2012 Washington, DC Auto Show
Who: Matt Liddane, Vehicle Line Executive, Chrysler Group
Vehicle: 2013 Dodge Dart R/T
Engine choices include a 2.0-liter normally aspirated "Tigershark" four cylinder (160 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque), and a version of Fiat's 1.4-liter turbocharged and intercooled Multi-Air four-cylinder, (160 hp and 184 lb-ft torque). Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed dry Dual-Clutch automatic.
Host: Emme Hall
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If the 2013 Dodge Dart succeeds -- and based on its price, fuel economy and features, it should -- some credit should go to a meeting that took place before the new compact sedan was even in development.
Early in 2010, Matt Liddane, who is now Dart vehicle line director, was scheduled to give new Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne a presentation on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the first new vehicle the company would introduce under Marchionne's leadership and Fiat control. It wasn't on the agenda, but Liddane figured he was also scheduled to get his butt kicked. Liddane was in charge of developing the Grand Cherokee, and he'd gone over budget during the days when Chrysler's previous owners -- Daimler and Cerberus -- had sucked the blood out of every stone to cut costs.
Liddane had told his team to keep their heads down and keep working. Just get the vehicle right. He'd deal with the consequences when the bosses eventually found out. It was risky, a decision that could get a guy fired.
But Liddane knew building another so-what vehicle was the greater risk. He'd suffered through the ceaseless corner-cutting that had ruined Chrysler.
He made his presentation, told the new boss where and why he'd over-spent -- mostly to make the Grand Cherokee's interior look and feel ritzy and inviting -- and waited for the ax to fall. Another executive at the table began rattling off what features they could drop, where they could scrimp to get back on track.
"I know the numbers. We'll take care of the numbers," Marchionne said, raising a hand to cut off the recitation. "This vehicle needs to be 100% right. That comes first." He went on to approve materials and features that were better than previous management would have considered. The Jeep Grand Cherokee went on to become the new Chrysler's first hit.
We already knew Marchionne, who has degrees in law and accounting, knew how to drive a hard bargain.
The Dart, with plush materials and features you don't usually see on compact sedans -- a large touch screen and configurable gauge display, to name two -- is the latest evidence that Marchionne knows not just what things cost, but also what they're worth.
Executive involvement
Another series of meetings brings some of Chrysler's top executives to plants preparing to build new vehicles.
Chrysler's chiefs of engineering, quality, purchasing and manufacturing have been holding meetings at the Dart plant in Belvidere, Ill., every six weeks to check progress and clear roadblocks.
Even when a whole company is geared up for a project, it makes a big difference when a handful of senior vice presidents step in.
Extra staffing and resources provide fast solutions to engineering issues, and suppliers get very focused on component problems when their CEO gets a call from one of Chrysler's heavy hitters.
More targets
The Dodge Dart is the first in a range of models that will go a long way toward determining whether Fiat and Chrysler succeed in the world's most important auto markets: China and North America.
The Fiat Viaggio sedan is next in line. The roomy sedan shares most of its engineering with the Dart and is the key to Fiat's Chinese expansion plan. Chinese buyers, like Americans, prefer sedans to the hatchbacks that are Fiat's forte.
Chrysler design and engineering should make the Viaggio a better fit for China buyers than Fiat's previous attempts. The Viaggio goes into production in China next month.
Closer to home, expect the Dart's platform to underpin a new midsize sedan and Ford Escape-sized crossover SUV. Expect more vehicles to follow.
By Mark Phelan Detroit Free Press Auto
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My good friend Eileen Blodgett taking delivery of a 2012 Dodge Durango Crew AWD trading in her 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. No more minivans for this classy lady. She's got a sporty SUV now.
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As Chrysler Group LLC readies its new entry into the hotly contested compact car segment, the company is hoping to stand out from the crowd by allowing its customers to make their 2013 Dodge Dart different from all the rest.
The Auburn Hills automaker is eschewing the menu of option packages most car companies offer in favor of an à la carte approach that allows customers to configure their car their way. Want a manual transmission with an orange leather interior and a navigation system? No problem.
"We've got over 100,000 different ways to configure and personalize the Dodge Dart," said Richard Cox, Dodge brand director. "We've unbundled a lot of options to make it easier for customers to get exactly what they want."
Chrysler is responding to a broader societal trend. Consumers — particularly the younger ones car companies covet — want to put their personal stamp on the products they own. Think cellphone cases and laptop covers.
Cox said the company's market research shows these consumers want to be able to do that with their cars, too. And by allowing them to tailor their Dart their way, Chrysler hopes to give consumers another reason to buy it.
"Today, everyone is competing on fuel economy, price and reliability. We've got all those things, too. But we need to add to that," Cox said. "We haven't really been competitive in the compact car segment for a while. We need to give consumers a reason to give us another chance."
Chrysler's approach is a marked contrast to the streamlining strategy pursued by rival automakers such as Ford Motor Co.
When CEO Alan Mulally came to Ford from Boeing Co. in 2006, he was dismayed to discover how many variants were possible with each of the automaker's products. The 2007 Ford Mustang, for example, was available with more than 16,000 color, upholstery and feature combinations — and that was just the V-6 Deluxe model.
Instead of an opportunity to play to each customer's unique tastes, Ford's CEO saw this as costly complexity that contributed to the company's quality woes. So he ordered a radical simplification of Ford's offerings. The next version of the Mustang offered 200 of the most popular combinations.
But Ford recently was criticized for offering a manual transmission only on its base Focus, forcing customers to choose between a stick and a leather interior. It later reversed that decision.
Japanese automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. practiced this sort of discipline for years. Critics sometimes complained that it made their cars boring, but there was no arguing with their quality. On the other hand, European carmakers have made an art of customization, said Jay Baron, president of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor.
"It's an issue of complexity. This will clearly affect costs and complicate the supply chain and logistics," he said. "Ford has been trying to simplify and reduce their investment costs. That greatly simplifies logistics, too. But it's always a trade-off between lower costs and customer satisfaction. There are different schools of thought, and don't think one is right."
Chrysler understands the challenges, Cox says, adding that the World Class Manufacturing system Chrysler inherited from its Italian parent, Fiat SpA, is up to the task. So is the Alfa Romeo platform the Dart is based on.
"Fiat was already doing this in Europe. They designed the car from the beginning to accept all these different features," Cox said, adding that automated parts sequencing — a system that delivers the required components to assembly workers just as they are needed — is another key to making it work.
But Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says managing customers' desires will be critical. The company might offer 100,000 buildable combinations, but that does not mean it will sell them.
"The market is going to get guided into a selection of those," he said during a conference call with analysts and reporters Thursday, adding that it would be "a bloody nightmare" to actually build 100,000 different Darts. "We will guide the dealer network toward an established set of alternatives."
Customers will be able to choose from one of those 100,000 different combinations, but they will have to wait 30 to 45 days. Marchionne suggested most instead would opt for the choices in their dealer's showroom.
Marchionne said the Dart is a critical product for his company — as important as the Jeep Grand Cherokee that has become the symbol of a resurgent Chrysler since its launch in 2010. And as with the Jeep, getting the quality right will be critical to repairing Dodge's damaged reputation with consumers. Marchionne said he is confident the Dart will do just that.
"If I told you that the launch had been a walk in the park, I would be lying," Marchionne said, adding that his designers, engineers and workers have created what he believes is a great automobile. "(But) until I see customers driving these things, I'm going to reserve judgment."
BY BRYCE G. HOFFMAN THE DETROIT NEWS
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The top stories from Chrysler Group LLC for the week of April 27, 2012: Stories include: First quarter results, 2012 Peace Summit, Lech Walesa visits Jefferson North Assembly, Jeep Wrangler official vehicle of USA Basketball and Board of Directors get together.
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Chrysler Group LLC posted a net profit of $473 million for the first three months of 2012 Thursday— more than four times as much as the company made during the same period a year ago.
Net revenue for January, February and March was up 25 percent to $16.4 billion as Chrysler's global sales increased 33 percent to 523,000 units and it gained two whole points of share in the critical U.S. market.
"Another positive quarter — built on sales gains that have surpassed the industry average — is affirmation that the Chrysler team is maintaining its focus," said Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. "We continue to deliver on the targets in our five‐year plan and are now focused on successfully launching the Dodge Dart, a car that is a true melding of Chrysler's and Fiat's engineering and styling strengths."
Fiat took over bankrupt Chrysler in 2009 as part of a bailout deal put together by the U.S. government. Since then, Chrysler has paid its loans from the U.S. taxpayers and bought out Uncle Sam. It fulfilled the last piece of that agreement in January when it announced plans to produce the economical compact in Illinois.
On Thursday, Chrysler reported free cash flow of $1.7 billion for the first quarter and said it reduced its net industrial debt to $1.3 billion from $3.4 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2011. As of March 31, the automaker had $11.3 billion in cash, up from $9.6 billion at the end of December 2011.
Chrysler said it plans to ship between 2.3 million and 2.4 million cars and trucks in 2012 and now estimates full-year net revenue of approximately $65 billion. The automaker said Thursday that it is on track to earn about $1.5 billion this year.
The company is scheduled to provide more details of its first quarter earnings during a conference call later this morning.
BY BRYCE G. HOFFMAN THE DETROIT NEWS
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Check out the Jeep commercial supporting our partnership with USA Basketball. The spot features Chris Paul and music by Common as well as the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Altitude Edition -- the Official Vehicle of USA Basketball.
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The original Dodge Viper was shown as a concept at the 1989 North American International Auto Show and was sold from 1992 to 2010. The new Viper joins Chrysler’s SRT, or Street and Racing Technology brand.
The 2013 SRT Viper will be equipped with an 8.4-liter V10 engine that generates 640 horsepower and nearly 600 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance sports car will reach dealer showrooms during the fourth quarter of this year.
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Chrysler Group LLC has announced a new marketing deal with USA Basketball that will make its Jeep Wrangler the "Official Vehicle of USA Basketball."
Later this month, Jeep will launch a new advertising and marketing campaign, as well as a new version of its popular off-road truck — the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude Edition.
"Each member of the USA Basketball team embodies inner strength, passion, a drive to win and a true sense of dedication they use to not only represent their team, but also their country," said Jeep brand president Mike Manley in a statement released Monday. "The Jeep brand is proud to be on the same team as these talented men and women. Both symbolize American pride, a strong history, a humble spirit, integrity, courage and leadership."
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo welcomed the sponsorship deal.
"We are proud to have the Jeep brand's support of USA Basketball as we prepare to represent our country both on and off the court this summer," he said. "The defining characteristics of these two American brands make the affiliation feel natural, and the strategic buildup of USA Basketball-themed events, along with the comprehensive advertising and marketing campaign, will put the Jeep brand top of mind with sports fans around the world."
Chrysler said 2012 USA Basketball finalist and 2008 team member Chris Paul will be the official spokesman for the partnership. He will be featured in ads and appear in a series of online videos.
USA Basketball is the official sanctioning body of the sport in the United States and is responsible for the men and women's Olympic teams.
BY BRYCE G. HOFFMAN THE DETROIT NEWS
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Consumer’s perception of Chrysler is on the rise in the wake of a new marketing campaign, its improving sales and positive media coverage of the company in recent weeks and months, according to YouGov’s BrandIndex.
The automaker’s “buzz” score hit 17 on Monday — the highest buzz Chrysler has received since at least March 2009.
YouGov BrandIndex measurement scores range from 100 to –100 and are compiled by subtracting negative feedback from positive. A zero score means equal positive and negative feedback. The company surveys consumers who say they plan to buy a car within the next 12 months.
Chrysler’s score also surpassed the average score for the Detroit Three for the first time in three years, said Ted Marzilli, global managing director of YouGov’s BrandIdex.
“This is about the highest point that Chrysler has been at for brand perception in several years,” Marzilli said. “It tends to show positive momentum for the brand.”
Ford score was 37 on Monday while General Motors’ score was 15.
Chrysler brand perception also surged in January when it rode a wave of positive coverage in generated by the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
However, Marzilli said Chrysler’s brand perception dropped significantly in February after its Super Bowl commercial with Clint Eastwood aired. That commercial was initially attacked by Republicans who charged that Eastwood seemed to be endorsing U.S. President Barack Obama and taxpayer assistance for the automotive industry.
However, Marzilli suspects those charges didn’t stick as consumers watched the commercial again or read media coverage about the commercial. More recently, Marzilli said, Chrysler has launched a set of four new commercials with themes that are similar to the “It’s Halftime in America” Super Bowl commercial that have helped to bump Chrysler’s perception back up.
A "60 Minutes" story that profiled Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and the company’s progress in late March probably also played a role in the score increase, Marzilli said.
By Brent Snavely Detroit Free Press Business Writer
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AUSTIN – The new Dodge Dart — Chrysler’s first compact sedan since it phased out the Dodge Neon — will sell for a price range of $15,995 to $22,495, Chrysler said today.
The Dart, which will go on sale by June, is the automaker’s most important new vehicle this year and also will be a crucial test for Chrysler and Fiat because it is the first to be based on a Fiat platform.
The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five different trim levels that will be priced as follows, excluding a $795 destination charge:
• Dodge Dart SE $15,995: The SE is powered by a 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine, which produces 160 horsepower, 148 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or available six-speed automatic.
• Dodge Dart SXT $17,995: Includes additional features such as well as 17-inch aluminum wheels; remote keyless entry; six-speakers; security alarm and 60/40 split folding rear seat.
• Dodge Dart Rallye $18,995: Adds a customized look with a performance front and rear fascias and a choice of four interior colors.
• Dodge Dart Limited $19,995: Includes an 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen with rear backup camera, projector fog lamps, 10-way power driver seat and automatic headlamps.
• Dodge Dart R/T $22,495: This performance version of the Dart offers more power and a racing-oriented styling but won’t be available until fall. The Dart R/T will be powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or available six-speed automatic.
By Brent Snavely Detroit Free Press Automotive Writer
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Southfield Chrysler 28100 Telegraph Rd Southfield, MI 48034
Seven years ago today, my beautiful twin baby girls, Marli and Chloe were born. They were born by Cesarean section because it was safer.
My babies were what the doctors termed as Monoamniotic twins, meaning they shared the same amniotic sac within their mother’s uterus.
This was serious stuff because there was a chance that they could have gotten tangled up in their own umbilical cords. But that didn't happen.
We had a great team of medical professionals over at Hutzel Hospital in Detroit Michigan who monitored Jill, their momma, for about a month before they deemed it safe for the babies to come out.
I was in the operating room when they were born. Marli came out first then Chloe soon after. Jill and I made sure that our doctor told us which side, right or left, where he took the babies out of because we had already named them even before they were born; Marli right and Chloe left.
Here we are seven years later...I have two lovely, happy and healthy girls. I am so proud of them.
My little babies are growing up so fast. Pretty soon they won't be so little any more. That is why I try and savor as many happy moments and memories as I can with them.
Below is an eight minute video montage of Marli and Chloe growing up. Enjoy!!
Visit the Happy Car Salesman, Ed Dancel at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. 248-354-2950
The rise of gas prices is a concern not just for drivers but for businesses across the nation. Students from Specs Howard School of Media Arts came to Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram to film an interview with sales manager Brian Mejia to find out how gas price hikes are affecting the dealership.
Mejia says, "Every person who buys a car gets a full tank of gas. But sometimes when gas prices are high, new car sales gets a little bit of a hit. Instead of buying trucks people buy smaller cars. When gas prices go down, people come in and buy the trucks. So actually our sales can fluctuate as much as gas prices do. Average fuel economy of trucks and cars are about 19 miles per gallon."
With gas prices the way they are and rising, people everywhere are feeling the effects. But the question is, why are prices the way they are? According to an agent with AAA of Michigan, there are 3 big factors. First is the trouble in the Middle East. Also with the Euro being stronger than the dollar, the price variation makes it harder to get a hold of. And lastly the strong economic reports.
So where can we go from here? With gas prices on the rise, is there any way we can have an engine that doesn't use so much gas?
Mejia says, "You're never going to change the fact that a combustion engine needs 14 parts of air for every part fuel. You're never going to change that. That's chemistry. Unless batteries get better. You can get better gas mileage in these combustion engines now. We have 8 speed transmissions in a lot of our cars. That really contributes a lot."
Some people question themselves if they want to buy or lease a new vehicle. Mejia comments, "65% to 70% of our customers lease cars. You can lease a car versus buy for cheaper out pocket.
Turns out Brian Mejia sold a car to Specs Howard about 16 years ago. The interview ends with Mejia saying, "He's an interesting man."
Visit the Happy Car Salesman, Ed Dancel at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. 248-354-2950
New York— The pickup wars will heat up again today as Chrysler Group LLC unveils a new version of its Ram 1500 truck at the New York International Auto Show.
The 2013 Ram 1500 is chock-full of new technology, much of which is designed to assuage customers concerns about rising fuel prices.
The pickup wars used to be all about towing capability and payload capacity. But with gasoline prices climbing towards $5 a gallon, these battles are increasingly about fuel-economy.
It is a fight Ford Motor Co. seemed to have won when it introduced the 2011 F-150 equipped with its economical EcoBoost motor. Instead of a traditional gas-guzzling V-8 engine, these trucks were powered by a less thirsty V-6 that delivered comparable horsepower and torque thanks to the addition of turbocharging and direct fuel-injection technology.
Now, Chrysler is hoping to one-up Ford with a V-8 Hemi-powered truck that it says will get even better gas mileage than Ford's EcoBoost model. And it will also offer a V-6 version that promises to best Ford's most fuel-efficient offering.
"A lot of people doubted that anyone would want a V-6 in their full-size pickup. Ford has proven that they do," said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales for Chrysler. "It's pretty tough to put a jack hammer in a small car. People need pickup trucks for their work, but they don't want to go broke at the pump just to drive one."
The new Ram 1500 will be available with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that Chrysler says will deliver 13 percent more torque and 20 percent better fuel-economy than its current 3.7-liter V-6 offering or a 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi that promises a 10 percent mileage improvement. Both trucks boast a bunch of other fuel-saving features, including a class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission, thermal management and stop-start system and active aerodynamics such as computer-controlled grille shutters and an air suspension that lowers the truck to make it less thirsty at freeway speeds.
The Pentastar V-6 delivers 305 horses and 269 pound-feet of torque. The V-8 Hemi offers 90 more horses and 407 pound-feet of torque. Chrysler says it will also offer best-in-class towing and payload capacity of 11,500 pounds and 3,125 pounds, respectively, in the Ram 1500 Tradesman version.
The air suspension can also lower the truck to make loading and unloading easier.
"Even towing, it's got fantastic power," said Mike Cairns, vehicle line executive for Ram Truck. "The eight-speed transmission allows it to still be a real truck engine and still pull very heavy trailers."
The whole truck has been given a major style makeover inside and out, too. Chrysler had originally planned only a modest refresh of its current model.
"Instead, we decided to go crazy," said Ram brand chief Fred Diaz.
"We virtually redesigned the truck from the ground up."
And it set its sights on Ford. Diaz noted that the EcoBoost relies on twin turbos, which he suggested would be less reliable than Chrysler's approach to fuel economy.
He noted that the EcoBoost is out of warranty after 60,000 miles.
"Turbos are very expensive to replace," he said, adding Chrysler will also offer a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
"But they don't have the horsepower that Ford has," pointed out analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP, noting that Ford's most powerful motor still outclasses the Ram. He said the real loser in this competition is General Motors Co., which has yet to introduce a modern V-6 offering capable of competing with either the EcoBoost-equipped Fords or the new Rams. And he said that is what more and more truck customers are looking for today.
"If you're ever going to really load the truck up, the six is going to be pretty bad," he said. "But most people never come close to loading their trucks all the way up — and for them, one of these new V-6s is going to be fine."
And a lot cheaper to fill up.
Chrysler says the new Ram 1500 will go on sale in October.
By Bryce G. Hoffman and David Shepardson The Detroit News (313) 222-2443
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New York —Chrysler Group LLC unveiled the 2013 SRT Viper at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, and announced the iconic Detroit two-seat sports car will return to the American Le Mans racing circuit.
Wearing a Detroit T-shirt, Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of the SRT brand, unveiled the bright red Viper on stage as hundreds of journalists looked on.
Gilles said in an interview that the new Viper has stability control and a new "launch control button" to speed the first-gear rollout. It will be the first Viper to have cruise control and will be among the fastest vehicles in the world.
The new Viper has a full leather interior and is about 100 pounds lighter than the last version.
It will have 640 horsepower, 600 pounds of torque and will top out at 206 miles per hour, about 5 miles per hour faster than the previous version.
"It's the highest naturally aspirated torque engine in the world," Gilles said. "It makes more torque off idle than most cars make at full power."
Gilles said the Viper represents what Chrysler is all about.
"I think (the Viper) represents the soul of the company," Gilles said, noting the intense interest in the car among fans, journalists and other auto company executives. "The car is a rock star all by itself."
Chrysler halted production of the Dodge Viper in June 2010 and wasn't sure if it would keep the brand alive, Gilles said. More than 100 owners showed up unannounced on the last day to herald the car and Chrysler held an impromptu car show. "No one knew if it would continue," Gilles said.
The Viper has been a source of American pride, Gilles said.
"Here it is duking it out with some of the best brands in the world. Here's this ruffian American doing it with the big boys," Gilles said. "There's a little bit of this Rocky Balboa story in there that people just love."
Chrysler rebranded the Viper under its SRT brand.
The company is reopening its Conner Avenue plant in Detroit, which will employ about 100 workers to build the Viper by hand. About 50 workers have completely refurbished and cleaned the plant, painting everything white — even the ceiling. The plant added some robotics but it is still largely hand built, Gilles said.
Chrysler considered building the Viper at plants outside of Detroit and even considered importing frames from Europe, Gilles said.
The company began building "full representational" prototypes this week and will launch the vehicle this fall, Gilles said.
In late 2008, Chrysler announced it was putting its Viper brand up for sale as it struggled to stay alive. Gilles noted that was under private equity owners Cerberus Capital Management LP, which he dismissed as the "three-headed dog era."
The company has kept costs low as it redesigned the Viper, and built test cars by collecting and repurposing show cars. "Our budget was pretty tight," he said.
Chrysler started production of the Viper in 1991 and built about 30,000; about 26,000 are still on the roads. Chrysler showed 700 Viper owners in late 2010 a potential new Viper in Utah and no pictures leaked out.
The company has sold 1,500 on average a year and just over 2,000 in a good year. Gilles said he expects to expand exports of the Viper around the world over the prior version. "The car's been designed for every corner around the globe," he said. Gilles said the Viper is profitable, but the company isn't targeting big sales. "We're not obsessed about volume," Viper said.
The plant can build up to 2,200 a year — and Gilles said current Viper owners will get first crack at the new model.
Gilles compares the Viper to the Porsche 911 and updating an iconic vehicle.
Told that Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne had praised the vehicle in a Detroit News interview last month, Gilles laughed. "He didn't tell me that," he said. "That made my day. He's like your father. You just don't know if the grades are good enough."
BY DAVID SHEPARDSON DETROIT NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU dshepardson@detnews.com (202) 662-8735
Visit the Happy Car Salesman, Ed Dancel at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. 248-354-2950
The auto industry looks set to ride the appeal of smaller cars to its best monthly performance in almost four years.
The consulting firm LMC Automotive predicts U.S. sales of new cars and trucks reached 1.37 million last month, up 6 percent from March of 2011 and the highest number since May of 2008. Industry analysts say sales could run at an annual rate of 14.1 million to 14.5 million vehicles, continuing a strong performance in January and February. Some companies could break sales records.
Chrysler Group said its U.S. sales jumped 34 percent in March on strong sales of Fiat small cars and Chrysler sedans. Ford sales rose 5 percent while General Motors reported a 12 percent increase, led by small and compact cars. Other automakers report later Tuesday.
The factors driving sales early in the year continued last month. Americans who couldn't bear a new car payment during the economic downturn are back on the market. They're leaning toward new compacts and sub-compacts to save on gas, although incentives on trucks are good enough to lure buyers who want something bigger.
For Chrysler, it was the best month for the company in four years, while Ford had its best March performance since 2007. The gains come as consumers grow confident enough in the economic recovery to buy new cars.
Chrysler says Fiat sales hit 3,712, compared to just 500 last March when the car was first on the market. The subcompact Fiat is growing in popularity as new dealerships open and fuel prices rise.
Sales of Chrysler's 200 and 300 sedans each doubled over last March. Both cars have recently been revamped and have better fuel economy than previous models, which is attracting new buyers.
Jeep brand sales rose 36 percent on the strength of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Incentives on trucks also helped sales in March. Chrysler said its Ram pickup sales were up 23 percent over last March. General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. also were expected to report big gains in truck sales.
March also saw more growth in loans to subprime buyers. Jefferies analyst Peter Nesvold wrote in a note to investors that non-prime buyers, or those with less than stellar credit, are coming back into the market after being shut out for several years due to lack of loan availability.
AutoNation, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., auto retailer, said Tuesday that its sale rose 15 percent in March, mostly on the strength of Detroit brands, which were up 26 percent.
March could be a month of records. It could be the best sales month in the history of Hyundai Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., and Volkswagen, said Jesse Toprak, vice president of market intelligence for auto buying site TrueCar.com. He also expects Detroit's three car companies, plus Honda and Toyota to post big monthly numbers.
With the nationwide average for gas approaching $4, small cars remain the catalyst for sales. Compact and subcompact models combined are expected to account for 23 percent of retail sales for March, according to LMC. Compacts include cars such as the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cruze, while subcompacts include the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta.
Visit the Happy Car Salesman, Ed Dancel at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. 248-354-2950
