Latest Chrysler News

[MoparDan]

From the AllPar Site

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php...r-march-sales/
Rays of sunshine in Chrysler March Sales

April 1st, 2009
by Bill Cawthon
Top news for Chrysler fans: GM has out-slumped Chrysler and now has the worst sales record of the Big Six automakers. Chrysler sales were down 39.3 percent in March compared to a 40.8 deficit at Ford and a 44.7 percent plunge at GM. In year-to-date [[YTD) sales, Chrysler’s shortfall is 45.5 percent, trailing Ford’s 43.3 percent but ahead of GM’s 48.8 percent dive compared to March 2008. Incidentally, Chrysler’s estimated average incentive was just $91 more than GM’s new record.
Chrysler’s shortfall was the smallest since last October.
The Caravan and Town & Country were nos. 1 and 2 in the minivan segment and now lead the Odyssey and Sienna in both monthly and YTD sales.
The Jeep Wrangler, with 10,000 sales, not only outsold every traditional body-on-frame SUV, it outsold every light GM truck except the Chevy Silverado.
Chrysler LLC [[Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep) sold more light trucks than Ford Motor Company [[Ford, Mercury, Lincoln and Volvo).
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http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php...es-break-100k/
Chrysler’s March U.S. sales break 100K [[down 39%)

April 1st, 2009
by Bill Cawthon
Chrysler today reported March U.S. total sales of 101,001 units, which is the first time since Sept. 2008 that the Company has surpassed 100,000 units, albeit at a a 39% decrease versus 2008. Retail market share stayed steady, at an estimated 10.0% versus 9.9% in March 2008. Total March sales include a fleet reduction of 44% year-over-year for the same period.
“The market is starting to show small signs of life which need to be nourished like seedlings,� said Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. “The fact that we exceeded 100,000 units for the first time since last fall is encouraging, and evidence that our improved quality, improved mileage as well as value represented in Employee Pricing Plus Plus are just what the doctor ordered for recession-wary customers who are reluctant to make long-term purchases. It’s too early to see a trend, but spring shows signs of hope.
“It’s business as usual as we stay focused on our customers and dealers, listening to what they have to say and building their confidence and trust,� Press added. “The U.S. government provided a critical vote of confidence in the Company’s alliance with Fiat SpA. The Administration’s announcement gave Chrysler a clear path to finalize plans for the future. Moving forward, our goal is to translate the confidence to our customers through our continued focus on quality, reliability and service.�
According to Press, “Our internal warranty data shows that we have achieved the lowest claim rate in our Company’s history, with a 30 percent improvement in the last 12 months. And reinforcing the Company’s improved quality and customer satisfaction initiatives, as reported by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler had the industry’s lowest number of recalls in 2008. We attribute this to a focus on designing and building in quality during previous years.�
The Company finished the month with 349,612 units of inventory, or an 87-day supply. Inventory is down 17 percent compared with March 2008, when it totaled 423,607 units.
Chrysler LLC will extend through April 30 the Employee Pricing Plus Plus program, which offers the employee price to all customers purchasing or leasing a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. With feedback from our dealers, they brought back 0% for 48 months through Chrysler Financial on select products to provide qualified customers with more financing options [[or flexibility). In addition, customers are eligible for cash discounts of up to $3,500 for 2009 model year vehicles.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Company’s minivans, customers can add at no change a DVD player on Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan.
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Note: There was a summary table for sales but it wouldn't format properly on this post.

[ccbatson]

All automakers are tanking for sales right now, these reports are a spin to reduce anxiety and its' effect on the markets.

[MoparDan]

Well friggin' hell! Can't format that table without it going whacked in a heartbeat. Here are sales figures from CNBC that are probably going to wind up looking like gobbledygook!
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29995742

TABLE-Chrysler March U.S. vehicle sales off adj. 36.9 pct



By: AFX | 01 Apr 2009 | 02:38 PM ET


April 1 [[Reuters) - Following are Chrysler LLC U.S. sales of cars and light trucks in March 2009 versus the same year-earlier month and for the year to date. March 2009 March 2008 % Change All Vehicles 101,001 166,386 -36.9% Domestic Car 23,618 48,149 -49.0% Domestic Truck 77,333 118,047 -31.9% Import Car 50 190 -72.6% Import Truck 0 0 N.A. Dom+Imp Cars 23,668 48,339 -49.1% Dom+Imp Trucks 77,333 118,047 -31.9% Domestic Vehicles 100,951 166,196 -36.8% Imported Vehicles 50 190 -72.6% Yr-to-Date Prev Year % Change All Vehicles 247,208 453,871 -44.8% Domestic Car 58,056 145,139 -59.5% Domestic Truck 189,007 308,270 -37.9% Import Car 145 462 -68.2% Import Truck 0 0 N.A. Dom+Imp Cars 58,201 145,601 -59.5% Dom+Imp Trucks 189,007 308,270 -37.9% Domestic Vehicles 247,063 453,409 -44.8% Imported Vehicles 145 462 -68.2% ------------------------------------------------------------- Percent changes are based on the daily sales rate, and reflect 25 selling days this month vs. 26 in the month last year, and 75 this year to date vs. 76 last year to date Includes Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands [[[[--Chicago Newsroom, 312-408-8720) .

[ccbatson]

Short term strategies for surviving as an independent/non governmental automaker:

1. Downsize to ride out the sales slump.
2. Play hardball and break the unions.
3. Play hardball and reverse nonsensical punitive legislation aimed at the agenda of the green movement.
4. Get back to the business of making the products customers want to buy at the lowest price possible.

[MoparDan]

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php...-sales-rise-4/

Chrysler Canada sales rise 4%
April 2nd, 2009
by DaveAdmin
Chrysler Canada today announced sales of 15,937 units, an increase of 33% compared with the February 2009 total of 12,015 units, and 4% over March 2008 sales.
General Motors saw car sales plummet by 39%, but truck sales rose by 2%, resulting in an overall 17% net loss - enough for General Motors to stay Canada’s top seller.
Toyota, which continues to make gains against GM and Ford, saw sales drop by 23%; a Toyota-brand drop of 26% was countered by higher Lexus sales. Ford sales fell by 15%, with trucks taking a heavier hit, but market share increased; the new Fusion sales increased. Honda brand sales fell by 20%, Acura by 42%, and Nissan by 9%.
The Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler’s best selling vehicle in Canada, experienced its best March ever, with sales of 3,775 units, a year to year increase of 4% and a 35% gain from last month. In March, the 2006 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan captured the top spot in the van segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study. The Caravan posted perfect scores in the study in three categories: overall, body and interior and features and accessories.
The Dodge Journey remains the top-selling crossover in Canada, with sales of 1,349 units. Dodge Ram recovered from February sales with a 51% February-to-March hike.
The “Canada’s Choice� event has been enhanced by an additional $500 on most vehicles. This incentive program provides as much as $2,000 in added value on Mopar® accessories, extended service plan, no-charge options or bonus cash rebate. Sales have also been spurred by cash discounts of up to $12,500, with a substantial increase on some models from February, made possible by favorable exchange rates.
Discounts on the AJAC Pickup Truck of the Year, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, have been increased by $2,000 for the month of April. This vehicle has the 390 horsepower HEMI® V-8, exclusive rear link coil suspension, and optional RamBox™. The Chrysler Sebring sedan and Dodge Avenger discounts have been increased by up to $2,000, and the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee incentive has increased by up to $6,750 this month.
Chrysler Canada also continues to provide zero percent purchase financing up to 60 months in addition to cash discounts up to $5,750 plus Canada’s Choice Discounts up to $2,000.

[MoparDan]

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php...ork-auto-show/

Jeep unveiling set for New York Auto Show

April 3rd, 2009
by DaveAdmin
Chrysler is expected to unveil the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the 2009 New York Auto Show on April 8 at 10 am; the company will be broadcasting the unveiling by satellite. Also rumored is the launch of the 2010 Chrysler 300C.

The show will be open to the public from April 10th through April 19, 2009. For details, see our 2009 New York Auto Show page.

[Bigb23]

Not to be off topic, but GM seems to be in a better position than Chrysler, but could still be de - listed from the Dow Industrials. I hope the politicos that sponsored this mess, enjoy their retirement.

[MoparDan]

BigB, I believe both companies will get loans, but it will be at a cost. GM is going to wind up shedding a few divisions. The Fiat deal may be Chrysler's last saving grace. I doubt the Obama administration wants either one to go into Chaper 11; the real vocal proponents of that route are the senators of Redneck Nation.

As far as the stock goes...chances are the majority of shareholders would lose their investment & then some should it get delisted or file for bankruptcy. When it was hovering around $10, I was very tempted to buy in. Seriously, who would've though the mighty General would drop below $3? Fact is stranger than fiction.

[ccbatson]

Not bad, and the picture looks like it is rigged to be the next SRT8....Could it be?

[MoparDan]

From the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee article:
"Ryan, another established source wrote, “I can tell you a few things that are certain. Jeep will be moving the Grand Cherokee to the North Jefferson plant, along with the Durango. Both vehicles are already done being designed, and production starts in the spring I believe [this may indicate the Grand Cherokee will be a 2010 model]. Both vehicles will be quite different than what they are now. The Aspen will be kicked because for some reason, people still like Escalades better.� He agreed on the Phoenix, put in the new Hemi at 380 hp, and suggested an SRT model."

On the 300C article, the rumor is they're expecting to eventually use the 392cid [[6.4L) Hemi engine. Currently you can get that as a crate motor; in the 50s & 60s, drag racers used them before the the advent of the 426.




If they can manage to stay afloat it seems some pretty wicked stuff is coming down the pike. And if the merger with Fiat goes well...maybe even some decent small cars that will sell.

[ccbatson]

380 for the base V8 hemi?? I hope it isn't vaporware.

[MoparDan]

380 for the base V8 hemi?? I hope it isn't vaporware.

The current 6.1L Hemi which powers the SRT models puts out 425HP. I'm led to believe they're referring to the 5.7L which is currently the base Hemi & puts out roughly 370+HP.
If they're actually planning to use the 392cid[[6.4L), the crate motor version pushes around 525HP. For street use it would have to be detuned to make it feasible for a daily driver. How much the MDS would actually aid in MPG on something like that is probably left to some engineer in a backroom somewhere.
A link to Mopar Crate Motors: http://www.mopartsracing.com/parts/blocks.html

[ccbatson]

Detuned from 525 comes to?? The 6.1 is already 425 [[as you point out).

I thought the current 5.7 was more like 330-340hp.

[MoparDan]

Detuned from 525 comes to?? The 6.1 is already 425 [[as you point out).

I thought the current 5.7 was more like 330-340hp.

About the detuning, I'm basing it on the original 426 Hemi which was modified for street use back in the 60s. Even though it kept the 425HP rating, I believe it went from solid lifters/cam to hydraulic so daily use wouldn't be such a pain in the ass. I'm just speculating on what they'll do with the 392...it wouldn't surprise me if they dropped it to sub-500. One aspect may be the perception by the public at large having a cow over it. Then again they may keep it at 525 just because it's pretty outrageous.
The 5.7 had a rating one time of 345HP...I'll have to research it some more, but the last figure I saw was 372HP.

[ccbatson]

Hard to compare the precomputer/fuel injected solid lifter monsters to today's powerplants.

[MoparDan]

Hard to compare the precomputer/fuel injected solid lifter monsters to today's powerplants.

Exactly & that's why I'm saying it's speculation on my part. The angle I'm looking at is the PR over such a high HP engine in a production model; particularly in the current atmosphere where the US Auto Industry is concerned. We'll just have to see how things unfold.

[MoparDan]

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2009/04/chrysler-selects-battery-maker/

Chrysler selects battery maker

April 6th, 2009
by Bill Cawthon
Chrysler has selected A123Systems to supply batteries for the first ENVI electric vehicles due to make their debut next year.
“This is a great example of two American companies working together to put cutting-edge technology on the road,� said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President-Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “The most significant challenge to electric vehicles is battery technology. The diligent selection of strategic partners like A123Systems helps Chrysler achieve its leadership in electric-drive systems and vehicles.�
A123Systems, based in Watertown, Massachusetts, will produce next-generation Nanophosphate-Lithium ion batteries, including the cells, modules and packs, at a new facility in Michigan.
“We’re very proud to have been selected to supply advanced battery systems for Chrysler’s family of ENVI electric-drive vehicles,� said David Vieau, President and CEO of A123Systems. “This bold move by Chrysler changes the game and greatly improves our country’s ability to modernize our transportation fleet. We’re confident that our collaboration with Chrysler will serve as proof that American innovation is alive and well and ready to lead the new global market for fuel-efficient electric vehicles.�

[MoparDan]

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2009/04/jalopnik-aev-working-on-j8-package/

Jalopnik: AEV working on J8 package?

April 6th, 2009
by DaveAdmin
Jalopnik reports that AEV, a customizing house that recently expanded their facilities, may be working on a customized Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that includes Jeep J8 features. They have numerous spy shots of an AEV-tagged Jeep Wrangler with military gear and manufacturers’ plates; the vehicle has rear leaf springs, like the J8 [[but not regular Wranglers), not to mention J8 badging. Jalopnik wrote that they are expecting more information from Michael Chetcuti at AEV.

[ccbatson]

Earlier, it was mentioned that the company that bought Saleen was considering Viper, but I just heard that they are looking to sell Saleen to someone else...What gives?

[MoparDan]

Earlier, it was mentioned that the company that bought Saleen was considering Viper, but I just heard that they are looking to sell Saleen to someone else...What gives?

Concerning the Saleen story:
http://www.autoblog.com/tag/saleen+viper/

About the Viper:
From Allpar
"Dodge is shopping the Viper to a new owner which will build and market the car when its Dodge life ends. The Firepower [[a Hemi-powered, Viper-chassis Chrysler) appears to be a goner. "

From the Autoblog site:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/c...ers-for-viper/
Chrysler has been out shopping its Viper line since August of last year, and reports now indicate that there are at least three interested parties that have made offers for America's other sports car. So far, there's no word on who those suitors may be, but past rumors had indicated that both Saleen [[not likely) and Roush were interested.
When the announcement was initially made that the automaker was considering offloading Viper as a brand. The prevailing thought was that the move could save the car from extinction; now, the tables have turned and it's generally acknowledged that Viper's sale may actually help save its struggling parent company. The income from selling the sportscar unit could help bolster the report due to Congress by the end of March regarding Chrysler's long-term viability, but the automaker doesn't expect to have anything finalized by D-day.
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The Viper is built at the Conner Ave plant. If it's sold off to someone else to build & sell, is that plant going to be shut down or will it be part of the deal? I don't think Detroit needs another ruin.

[MoparDan]

Is this going to wind up being one more ruin?

http://www.allpar.com/corporate/factories/PROC.html

Plymouth Road Office Complex [[PROC)
The Plymouth Road Office Complex [[PROC), currently home to part of Jeep/Truck Engineering, has had over 80 continuous years of use by Kelvinator [[as an appliance factory), AMC, and Chrysler. The picturesque complex in an unsavory section of Detroit has multiple buildings, with 1.5 million square feet of space on 50 acres; that includes 370,000 square feet of R&D space, 500,000 square feet of engineering/computer room space, warehousing, and administrative/office space. The complex also has a health activity center, auditorium, and cafeteria. The asking price appears to be $10 million.
The PROC on 14250 Plymouth Road was first put up for sale in 2007.
Development of various Jeeps [[excluding the Patriot/Compass) and the Dodge Ram and Durango was centered at PROC. In 2007, over 1,600 people worked in the complex [[down from 1,900 in 2005).
PROC was built in 1926, to make Kelvinator refrigerators. In 1937, when Nash and Kelvinator merged, the combined company's headquarters was in the main building. Hundreds of helicopters were made there during World War II.
In 1954, when Hudson and Nash merged, PROC became AMC's headquarters, until 1987, when AMC was purchased by Chrysler. At that point, PROC became the central engineering location for all corporate trucks and SUVs, a position it held until now.

[MoparDan]

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php...plants-reopen/

Canadian plants reopen
April 7th, 2009
by DaveAdmin
Chrysler’s Windsor minivan plant and its Brampton car plant in Ontario are both operating today, following a parts shortage that caused a temporary closure starting on April 1 and April 2 respectively. The plants, together, employ around 8,000 people.

A provincial court ordered supplier Transcast Precision to provide Chrysler with any parts already made as well as its tooling for engine and transmission brackets; Transcast had stopped delivering parts to the plants, and hid the tooling when Chrysler tried to install it in the Etobicoke, Toronto casting plant.

[ccbatson]

I don't see how buying Viper makes any sense for anyone right now. CAFE standards will jack the price up far north of what customers are willing to pay for it.

[MoparDan]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090408/..._show_chrysler

Chrysler president: 30 days enough for Fiat deal

[jiminnm]

CC, with a current MSRP of $90-95K, I think the Viper has already entered the realm of those who aren't real price sensitive about buying the kind of cars they want.