Crown Chrysler Jeep Dodge

At the Chrysler business plan meeting this morning, Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge car brand, dropped big news on the Viper. After going back and forth for the past 18 months on what to do with Viper, Chrysler has decided that production of the current Viper will end in July 2010. Before that happens, 500 final cars will be built that, according to Gilles, will be the most special Vipers ever. Gilles explained that the company wanted to preserve the value of existing Vipers by not continuing the current generation indefinitely. He didn't give any details on what would be special with the final 500 cars.

However, Viper fans need not mourn yet. Gilles revealed that an all new car is being developed with a launch targeted in 2012! Even better the Viper will be getting some help from Chrysler's new Italian colleagues? and lets not forget about a certain Fiat outpost that uses a yellow-and-black Prancing Horse for its logo that's based in Maranello. Let's just hope they keep the Viper's elemental nature in the new generation.

The iconic Jeep brand ranks as the top domestic brand in Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com 2010 Residual Value Study.

According to the annual resale value analysis, new 2010 Jeep brand vehicles will maintain 35.7 percent of their original value after five years of ownership - more than 3 percent above the industry average.

"This achievement is a testament to the strength and heritage of the Jeep brand," said James Bell, Executive Market Analyst - Kelley Blue Book. "The word 'Jeep' has long stood for strength, portraying the vision of what a Jeep is, and what it can do. The Wrangler has, and continues to be the backbone of this marque, drawing a strong and loyal following, helping to maintain its value."

While eight of the brands in the study's top 10 declined versus their 2009 values - with the industry average declining 1.6 percent - the Jeep brand's resale value improved 2.8 percent for 2010.

"We are pleased that the Jeep brand has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book for earning the highest resale value among domestic brands, and that Jeep has improved significantly in a difficult year that has seen the industry decline," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The Jeep brand's high resale value is a testament to a legendary, iconic brand that provides consumers an array of SUVs that deliver a unique blend of freedom and adventure, capability, best-in-class claims and value."

Jeep vehicles have always been right-sized, never wasteful and deeply respectful of the environment - traits important to all Jeep owners who share a passion for adventure, fun and freedom in whatever they do. The brand's legendary Go Anywhere, Do Anything(TM) heritage is maintained in the widest range of sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) under one brand.

• Jeep Compass is a compact SUV with a modern, urban design that delivers fun, freedom, utility, best-in-class fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon (mpg) and Jeep 4×4 capability at a terrific value
• Jeep Patriot is designed to reach younger buyers wanting the credibility, capability and cachet of the Jeep brand at an affordable price with class-leading fuel economy of 29 mpg. Patriot was recently named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," and earned the Texas Auto Writers Association's "Compact SUV of Texas" award
• Jeep Liberty offers legendary Trail Rated® Jeep 4×4 capability combined with a new level of on-road refinement and innovative features, including an industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length open-canvas roof
• Jeep Wrangler, the brand icon, remains true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun-and-freedom machine
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers
• Jeep Grand Cherokee, the vehicle that revolutionized the SUV market when it was introduced in 1992, continues as the luxury flagship of the brand with its on-road refinement and off-road capability
• Jeep Commander, with seating for seven, delivers a best-in-class off-road driving experience with superior on-road ride and handling

Source: [melodika.net]

Chrysler Group LLC says it plans to invest nearly $200 million to build an engine manufacturing plant for a growing line of fuel-efficient vehicles in Dundee, Michigan.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chrysler has not made a final decision to build engines at the plant, but does say that there is a possibility that a new Fiat engine, FIRE, will be produced at the plant.

The company plans to spend $179 million to launch the new fully-integrated robotized engine manufacturing plant.  The project is estimated to create 573 new jobs, including 155 directly to the company and 418 indirect jobs.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority has approved a state tax credit of $4.6 million over ten years to help bring the company to Dundee instead of a competing site in Mexico.

"Chrysler Group LLC appreciates the actions of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority in support of the company's efforts to bring new business and jobs to Michigan. Several steps remain in the process, however, and we look forward to working with state and local officials to make this project a reality," a Chrysler spokesperson said.

Source: [Toledo on the Move]

• 2010 Jeep Patriot, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010 Dodge Avenger and 2010 Dodge Journey named Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Picks
• Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Journey earn IIHS Top Safety Pick honors two years in a row for both the 2009 and 2010 model years
• Chrysler Group demonstrates continued leadership in occupant protection and overall vehicle engineering capability with almost 15 percent of the total IIHS 2010 Top Safety Picks

Four Chrysler Group LLC vehicles have earned 2010 Top Safety Pick Status. Chrysler Group announced today that the 2010 Dodge Journey, the 2010 Chrysler Sebring when equipped with available Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the 2010 Dodge Avenger when equipped with available ESC and the 2010 Jeep Patriot with available seat mounted air bag, are 2010 Top Safety Picks according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Journey have been awarded IIHS Top Safety Picks for both the 2009 and 2010 model years. The 2010 Jeep Patriot joins the trio in the highest possible rating from the nonprofit research organization.

For the 2010 model year, Chrysler Group products comprise almost 15 percent of the total vehicles awarded Top Safety Pick status by the IIHS to automakers. The award recognizes automobiles with ESC that perform well in the Institute's front-impact, side-impact, rear-impact and new for 2010, roof-strength evaluations.

"With the addition of the Jeep Patriot, Chrysler Group has received four Top Safety Picks in the 2010 model year-a great accomplishment for our company," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President-Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. "IIHS' recognition of our products underscores Chrysler Group's engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection."

The 2010 Jeep Patriot, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010 Dodge Avenger and 2010 Dodge Journey encompass a two-fold approach to safety-passive features combined with accident-avoidance features. Available safety and security features on all four vehicles include ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags.

"Chrysler showed the most improvement of any automaker for 2010," said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "These Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models are part of an elite group that afford the best overall crash protection and have electronic stability control, which can help keep drivers out of crashes altogether."

Chrysler Group's four Top Safety Picks all feature the company's new active head restraint system for front-seat occupants. This new system augments the head restraints ability to minimize neck injuries caused by rear-impact accidents. In the event of a rear impact, the head restraints deploy to remove the space between the occupants head and the restraint to help minimize whiplash type injuries.

About Chrysler Group LLCChrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mopar and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation - first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 - and Fiat's complementary technology. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Source: [Chrysler]