Is the Chrysler Gas Deal Really a Deal?

Say what you will about Chrysler, but you can’t fault its marketing department. In a world staring down an impending $4 gallon of gas, Chrysler’s latest incentive program — in which the automaker offers to pay any cost over $2.99 a gallon for gas over three years — is a brilliant marketing strategy. It sounds great, right? Cheaper gas! But is it actually a deal?

Turns out, the answer is yes only when compared to Chrysler’s own newly reduced incentives. Given the choice of the gas deal or $1,000 cash back on new 2008 models, consumers would be wise to select the gas. If Chrysler had kept its old incentives, however — which featured up to $2,500 cash back on selected car models — Let’s Refuel America wouldn’t come close.

The math is slightly convoluted, but let’s do it anyway.

Chrysler Execs Phone Your Home

Starting next week, Chrysler is going to get serious about quality.

That's when each of its top 300 executives will get on the phone and call a customer who recently bought a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle and ask a simple question: "Having any problems?"

This won’t just be one call to one person, then a toss of the cell phone into the drawer, either. Those 300 executives are going to call one customer a day every day until Chrysler chairman and chief executive officer Bob Nardelli is satisfied that if his customers have troubles, their problems will be fixed. Nardelli, by the way, is going to make the calls, too.

Suzuki Offers to Pick Up Summer Fuel Tab

Automakers know what's on customers’ minds and what’s keeping them away from dealerships: the price of gas. On the heels of Chrysler's promotion guaranteeing car buyers pay no more than $2.99 a gallon over the next three years, Suzuki has introduced its own promotional fuel ploy.

Less ambitious, Suzuki is promising to pick up the entire cost of gas for the summer if you buy a Suzuki vehicle before June 30. You'll get 0% financing and a debit card good for three months of fuel, up to 1,000 miles driven per month. That means the value of the card is different depending on the vehicle you purchase.

Suzuki's plan differs in scope from Chrysler's, which immediately took a flogging from the Union of Concerned Scientists, an advocacy group that called the plan a "cynical deal" and an attempt to "fool customers." The group points out that if Chrysler increased the fuel economy of its vehicles by just 3 mpg, drivers would save $3,000 over the life of the vehicle rather than the roughly $400 over three years that it anticipates coming with the gas deal.

Read the value of Suzuki's gas debit card for each of its vehicles after the jump.

Chrysler, GM Struggle to Manage Truck Incentives

By now, the slumping economy is no secret, and neither are gas prices. Separately, each "crisis" would be bad enough; together they create a hugely damaging environment for a traditionally popular automotive segment, trucks.

A cursory look at truck incentives (or the Cars.com Top 10 list, where five of the entries are trucks) reinforces that point. Trucks almost always offer the highest incentives, but rarely are those incentives this high; select California Dodge dealers are offering up to $13,000 off the MSRP of popular trucks in an effort to get huge backloads off the lot. The clock is ticking, too, because those 2008s need to move before the redesigned 2009s come in.

In the meantime, GM dealers are clamoring for more incentives to sell their load of trucks, but the Detroit automaker seems a little less willing to take Chrysler's must-sell-now approach.

The question remains: Would you buy a truck in this climate? How much cash back would it take? Or are you going to wait for the new designs?

Chrysler Promises Cheap Gas

In exchange for buying one of its vehicles, Chrysler wants to render the unfathomably complicated fluctuations in the global oil market irrelevant. Beginning tomorrow and running through June 2, anyone who buys a Chrysler vehicle will get a "Let's Refuel America" card that will fix the price of gas, diesel or E85 at $2.99 a gallon for the next three years.

As gas prices flirt with - and in some areas surpass - the $4 per gallon mark, Chrysler has certainly found a highly marketable incentive as a way of bolstering languishing sales.

Customers will pay $2.99 a gallon with their card at participating stations, and Chrysler will pay every cent of the difference. So if gas hits $5 a gallon, Chrysler's out $2.01 a gallon. With a 20-gallon tank, that's a $40 hit.

We have to wonder if Chrysler was thinking clearly. All it would take in the next three years is a rebel coup in Nigeria, or Hugo Chavez feeling ornery, to cause the price of gas to explode and turn this promotional gambit into a real boondoggle.

Also note that Chrysler is still offering a choice of incentives. According to Beverly Thacker, Chrysler's manager of sales communications, customers will have a choice between the gas deal, a special APR rate or more typical cash-back rebates. With the gas incentive it wants to give customers a sense of stability by trading those initial, traditional incentives for long-term peace of mind at the pump. Of course, figuring out if this is a good trade-off would require a solid idea of how gas prices will behave over the next three years. We wish you the best of luck.

Chrysler, Nissan Team Up on Trucks, Small Cars

Chrysler builds a good truck — the Ram. Nissan builds a good small car — the Versa. The two companies are now acknowledging their own strengths and tapping the other’s to boost their respective lineups.

In an agreement announced yesterday, Chrysler will build a full-size pickup for Nissan at its Mexico assembly plant. The resulting Nissan truck will replace the current Titan and go into production in 2011.

In exchange, Nissan will build an all-new (“all-new” meaning “not based on the current Versa”) fuel-efficient small car that is based on a “unique Chrysler concept.” It will be sold in North America and will hit the streets in 2010. Just because the agreement says “Chrysler” does not mean the small car will be branded a Chrysler; it could be a Dodge or Jeep.

Currently, Chrysler is still working with Chinese automaker Chery on a global small car. There’s no word on how the Nissan agreement may impact that deal or if the two models will overlap. Check out a number of recent Chrysler small car concepts below and let us know which one you’d like to see make it into production.

Midsize Cars Improve in Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently concluded crash tests on seven midsize sedans and discovered that while they had improved in side crash tests, they still lacked enough head protection to earn top marks in rear crash tests.

Tested were the 2008 model year Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Infiniti G35, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant (which was updated for the 2009 model year on sale now), Nissan Altima and Saturn Aura.

Only the Kia Optima did not earn the top score of “good” for side impact crash tests – it received the second highest nod, “acceptable.” However, the Optima was the only car in the test to receive a “good” score in rear crash tests.

The difficulty in scoring the top rank in rear tests involves head and neck protection for those rear-end collisions that produce whiplash. The IIHS claims that those types of accidents and injuries lead to losses of $8.5 billion annually. Most vehicles need to equip active head restraints to pass this test.

The Audi A3, A4, Honda Accord, Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy – with optional stability control – earned good ratings in all tests previously and earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick designation for midsize cars. 

A full chart of how the cars scored is below.

Chrysler Dishes Out New Features for 2009 Models

Minivans and cars with all-wheel drive are two of the most popular topics over at Ask.cars.com. In keeping with the popularity of both, Chrysler is adding two new safety systems to its 2009 minivans, the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, as well as adding a fuel-saving feature on the all-wheel-drive 2009 Chrysler 300C.

Two new detection systems, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Path, will keep Chrysler minivan drivers aware of what’s happening outside their vehicle. Blind spot detectors are commonly found on luxury and near-luxury cars, not necessarily minivans. Like the current systems available, Chrysler’s will warn drivers with an icon that illuminates in the side-view mirrors when a passing vehicle enters their blind spot.

Recall Alert: 2007-08 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler is recalling its two new midsize sedans, the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, due to defective electrical connectors. Nearly 181,000 2007- and 2008-model-year cars are involved in the recall, but the company says there have been no accidents involving the faulty equipment.

The bad connectors are part of the tire pressure monitoring system and can corrode and short out, leading to various electrical problems, including stalled engines, dead batteries and failing cruise control systems.

Owners will receive a notice from Chrysler regarding the problem, and dealers will fix it.

Chrysler recalling 181,000 Avengers and Sebrings (Motor Trend)

Some Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Incentives Beat Employee Deals

We’ve been covering the rollout of April incentives this week, and so far the deals coming from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep are the most jaw-dropping. The weak economy and double-digit sales slump in March spurred major incentive spending from Ford, while GM has kept incentives about even for the past few months. Chrysler, however, has incentives so large that, in some regions, they even beat the radical employee discount sale from the summer of 2006.

Not surprisingly, the biggest numbers are on large trucks and SUVs, with the Dodge Ram half-ton sporting a $5,500 cash-back offer. The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen have $2,500-$3,000 cash back, while the Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee have between $3,500 and $4,000 cash back. Those prices don’t quite match the 2006 employee pricing deals of $6,000 in some cases, but they’re nothing to sneeze at.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive car, though, there is significant savings on the company’s lowest-priced models. The Chrysler PT Cruiser is seeing between $1,500 and $3,000 cash back, dropping the MSRP of $15,685 to $12,685 or 19% off. At the height of employee pricing, the PT saw just $1,084 off.

What’s that you say? The PT is an aging model? What about something newer, like the Dodge Caliber? That’s getting $1,000-$2,000 off, with added regional cash back of $1,000 in some areas. That drops MSRP from $14,580 to $11,580 or about 21% off.

Our ultimate pick, though, would have to be the Dodge Magnum, which is being discontinued. It’s still a lot of car for the money, especially with some regions seeing total cash back of $4,000, with $2,000 in additional regional cash-back. That drops the $24,120 MSRP to $18,120 or almost 25% off. 

There are a lot more cash-back offers on these brand’s entire lineups, broken down below, along with the fine print.

Chrysler Tapping Customers for Feedback

While domestic automakers are reducing their employee ranks, Chrysler is looking for a few good men and women to join its company — 2,000 of them, to be exact, to serve on the industry's first Online Customer Advisory Board.

Chrysler spokeswoman Carrie McElwee said that while automakers spend lots of time and money on consumer focus groups to gather information about future products, "focus groups usually are used one time for one product.”

“The advisory board is for ongoing dialogue between the company and consumers, with members serving for several months at a time," she said.

Chrysler Bolsters AWD Fuel Economy

All-wheel-drive vehicles’ fuel economy ratings typically begin about 1 mpg lower than their two-wheel-drive counterparts because of their design. According to the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler has devised a new drivetrain design to fix that, giving all-wheel-drive vehicles like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger the same fuel ratings as their rear-drive counterparts.

All-wheel-drive vehicles lose some efficiency because their engines send power to the front axle even when it’s not necessary. Chrysler's new design will disconnect the front axle from the drivetrain under normal driving circumstances. Only when additional control is needed will the drivetrain reconnect.

This was just one of several new technologies Chrysler unveiled at its technical center in Auburn Hills, Mich., this past Friday and will be included in all AWD 2009 models.

Fuel Economy Boosted in All-Wheel-Drive Cars (Detroit Free Press)

Best Cash-Back Finds: 2.15.08

President’s Day is Monday and you’ve probably seen a lot of commercials about big car sales. Automakers had a pretty dismal January for car sales across the board and they’re looking to pick things up in February. Besides our full list of incentives you can find here, many are offering short-term incentives for just the weekend. Here are some of the best we’ve found in terms of quality, safety and value. Yes, there are three minivans.

2008 Kia Sedona

MSRP: $20,695
Cash back: $1,500
Percent off MSRP: 7.2%   
Expires: 3/3/08
5-Year Ownership Costs

Kia’s minivan has been an underachiever for some time, but still is one of only three minivans to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award. The interior isn’t the best in the class but the base price and long warranty are mighty alluring. Add up to $1,500 cash back depending on where you live and the Sedona seems mighty sensible.

Video: VW Routan vs. Chrysler Town & Country

Volkswagen's minibus is perhaps the most iconic van of all time. Now the automaker is getting back into the van game, but with a model — the Routan — that is completely different from its old minibus; it’s based on Chrysler's minivans. In this video, we compare the new Routan with a Chrysler Town & Country to see where they're the same and where they differ. You can share this video via YouTube.

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Brands to be Sold Under One Roof

How's this for astounding: Chrysler has announced a major initiative designed to eventually bring Chrysler’s three brands — Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep — into single storefront dealerships. The plan is called "Project Genesis," and was announced to dealers over the past few weeks.

We’re not sure where the company came up with the name Project Genesis, but if you saw "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," the Project Genesis in that movie destroyed a dead and lifeless planet and turned it into a lush new world. Do you see where we’re going with this?

This move is also reminiscent of GM’s recent decision to make all GMC, Pontiac and Buick dealers consolidate under one umbrella. The difference of course is scale. Those three brands are not GM’s biggest sellers, and offer varied types of vehicles, while Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep are significant brands. Getting dealers to agree to the move may prove difficult and it could take a lot of time.

It also makes us wonder at how closely-related products like the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot, or the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, will be sold under the same roof. Despite that, we think most shoppers won’t mind getting to see more vehicles during one stop on their car shopping trip.

Update: CNBC is reporting that Chrysler will slash half of its product line-up as part of the new plan.

Related
Chrysler Discounts, Adds Value to 12 Models, Starting Today (KickingTires)

Chrysler Discounts, Adds Value to 12 Models, Starting Today

Chrysler has had a number of big-name new model introductions over the past few years, including redesigned versions of big sellers like the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Grand Caravan. There’s just one problem: They’re not setting the world on fire. In a stagnant car market, some of the company’s models are at the bottom of the barrel. To help spark some interest, Chysler announced added content to many models across Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep while using a new ad campaign called "New Day" which will debut during the Super Bowl on Sunday.

When we first heard about this story, we made a joke in the office of “Free MyGigs for everyone!” and that actually seems to have come true, along with other options like Stow N’ Go being added standard to base model minivans. Below are the changes you’ll be seeing, copied directly from Chrysler’s press release. We normally don’t copy press materials because the language can often be misleading to consumers. You’ll just have to judge if the “value” numbers add up for you. If these features would make you consider heading into a dealership, let us know in the comments below.

Face-Off Lite: 2008 Chrysler 300C AWD vs. 2008 Mercury Sable AWD

Recently I was scheduled back-to-back in a new Mercury Sable AWD — in the new Premier trim level — and a Chrysler 300C AWD. Besides a big difference in price and engine sizes, the two large family sedans serve pretty much the same purposes, and I thought it might be interesting to see how they match up.

Looks

I was pleasantly surprised with how good-looking the Sable was. Everyone knows the 300C, and you see plenty of them around these days. The Merlot Clearcoat Metallic on the Sable was quite handsome, and I thought the taillights were actually cool with slivers of silver accents cutting through the clear plastic. The 300C’s Dark Titanium Metallic was a little dreary for winter but still looks imposing with the high beltline and small windows.

Winner: Tie

Chrysler Updating 12 Models in February

Next week, Chrysler will launch a promotion called "New Day Celebration" in which 12 vehicles have been earmarked to get 56 new or upgraded features, ranging from optional equipment made standard to deeply discounted "value" option packages.

Chrysler wouldn't say which vehicles will get what changes. Those details will be announced next week, but vehicles with the new features and options will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens Feb. 8.

As an example, however, Stow ’n Go seats that weren't even offered in the base Dodge Grand Caravan SE minivan will now be standard. Also, the base Dodge Charger SE Plus will newly offer a package including a 3.5-liter V-6 upgrade from the 2.7-liter V-6 engine, plus Sirius Satellite Radio and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. The Charger will also get a new "cool vanilla" body color in response to customers who've asked for more subtle colors.

Chrysler also plans to upgrade the interior cabin materials in several of its vehicles over the next year. There have been reports that the Jeep Compass and Patriot, for example, will get softer armrests, but Chrysler wouldn't confirm that.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

• Looks like: Chrysler’s take on the Toyota Prius
• Defining characteristics: Dual vertical skylights
• Ridiculous features: Retractable mousepad to control functions
• Chance of being mass-produced: Zippo, until electric power is commonplace

We don’t like to be totally down on a concept car — they’re supposed to be flights of fancy. But Chrysler begins its press release about the ecoVoyager — and two other electric concepts, the Dodge ZEO and Jeep Renegade — by saying that all car companies have access to the same technology. Meaning that even though Chrysler hasn’t confirmed that it’s developing the electric and gasoline-electric hybrid technology it says will power these concepts, that doesn’t mean it can’t show off the concept. GM, Ford and Toyota have either shown working prototypes or will begin testing them soon.

That disclaimer out of the way, we can talk about the Chrysler ecoVoyager. Its futuristic look and slight resemblance to the Toyota Prius are supposed to evoke feelings of environmental friendliness, and at that it succeeds. The bulbous shape should be aerodynamic, and its small size should help keep weight down. Those are two characteristics necessary in ultra-efficient cars.

A small electric motor powers the four wheels. Most similar systems we’ve seen haven’t mentioned such lofty equivalent horsepower numbers, so this concept’s claimed 268 hp sounds quite lofty. The motor alone should go 40 miles on a full electric charge. If it doesn’t, something Chrysler calls a range extender will kick in to recharge the batteries. The ecoVoyager’s range extender is a hydrogen fuel cell that will allow for a 300-mile range. All of this sounds very similar to what GM said when it rolled out the Chevy Volt at last year’s Detroit auto show.

The ecoVoyager is a nifty design, but we’re not sure car buyers will be willing to wait for Chrysler to catch up to the competition simply for design’s sake. There are a lot of photos below, so if the look thrills you — or not — let us know.

100% Recyclable Vehicles?

Detroit’s major automakers announced this week that they would be working together to make their cars and trucks 100% recyclable. Ford Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp. will work through the U.S. Council for Automotive Research’s Vehicle Recycling Partnership to achieve the goal of making every part of an automobile reusable.

Currently, 95% of all vehicles in the U.S. at the end of their automotive lives are processed for recycling purposes—a fantastic number when compared to other recycling sectors. For instance, only 52% of paper products are recycled and only 31% of plastic drink bottles, according to statistics compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ford vehicles are already roughly 85% recyclable, according to the company—meaning 85% of the car is capable of being recycled, not that Ford is using 85% recycled materials. This includes scrap metal (automotive scrap metal accounts for one-third of the material in the entire scrap processing industry), and other non-metallic parts like “battery trays, splash shields, engine fan shrouds and carpet.” The company gave no specific breakdown of what parts of new cars and trucks is derived from recycled materials.

100% Recyclable Vehicles is Detroit 3 Target (Detroit Free Press)

New Minivans Included in Chrysler Sale

The Chrysler Event of a Lifetime might be hyperbolically named. After all, anyone who considers a year-end car manufacturer sale the event of their lifetime probably needs to do some serious self-examination. Therapy might even be in order.

While they're getting those issues sorted out, though, the rest of us can take advantage of the deals Chrysler's event entails. The automaker is offering a variety of savings on 2008 models, including $3,000 on a 300C (excluding the SRT8), $2,000 on Sebring convertibles, $1,000 on a Town & Country, and $1,500 and $2,000 on five- and six-passenger Pacificas, respectively.

Dodge and Jeep are in on the act, too. Dodge trucks get the highest discounts — $3,000 on the 2008 Durango and $4,500 on certain Ram trims — while the 2008 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee get $3,000 each.

A variety of long-term financing deals are also available.

Time is of the essence: current deals expire Monday, Dec. 3, and Chrysler has yet to announce any incentives past the current expiration date. Though surely Chrysler would want to extend the Event of All Our Lifetimes, right? 

Check out Cars.com's Incentives page for a full list of deals.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Eco-Friendly Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Concepts

Chrysler unveiled sketches and preliminary details of three concepts it will show at the 2008 Detroit auto show in early January. All three feature some form of alternative energy powertrain, and all appear to be classic “concepts,” meaning there's little chance they’ll be produced.

It's Official: Chrysler Cuts Four Models

Chrysler announced today it will cut four models from its lineup: The Chrysler Crossfire, Pacifica and PT Cruiser convertible, and the Dodge Magnum. The automaker also announced plans to cut some 9,000 jobs at assembly plants that produce a number of other models: the Chrysler 300 and Sebring; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Charger and Nitro; and the Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot. Though those 11 models – as well as the regular PT Cruiser – will still be sold, expect production to be scaled back. For shoppers, that likely translates to fewer cars with massive discounts clogging showroom floors.

The decision has been coming for several weeks now, with rumors brewing that Chrysler could cut up to five models. The Crossfire and Pacifica have trailed the competition for years, but it’s a shame to see the Magnum go. With the Hemi V-8, it was one fun cruiser. If they’d asked us, we probably would have advised canning the latest Sebring instead – or at the very least taking it back to the drawing board.

Chrysler spokesman David Barnas told us 2008 would be the last year for all four models. That means in about a year’s time there should be some steep discounts to clear the last of them off the lots.

Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Magnum Could Get Ax Today

A few weeks back, we told you about rumors circulating that Chrysler would cease production of a number of models. Today, the board of Chrysler is meeting to decide the fate of a number of models, and The Detroit News is reporting that the Chrysler Pacifica, PT Cruiser and Dodge Magnum will assuredly be getting the ax, and the Jeep Commander will be on the table as well.

While we don’t mind seeing the PT Cruiser go, both the Pacifica and Magnum were unlike anything else on the market for their time and deserve a second chance. We’d guess the new Dodge Journey will get a Chrysler spinoff to replace the Pacifica, otherwise Chrysler might be missing the boat and losing some loyal fans of the crossover. Again we poll you, our readers, to see if this is the right batch to kill off. And we’ll get confirmation as soon as possible on which models are indeed no longer for this world.

Chrysler to Dump Three Slow-Sellers (The Detroit News)

Chrysler Killing Models: What Would You Euthanize?

Ever since Chrysler changed ownership earlier this year, the new owners have been trying to turn things around, and quick. Today, comes news — or really well-sourced rumors — that the company is looking to cut up to five models in its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge lineups. That could be particularly meaningful for UAW members, whose new contract only ensures their jobs as long as the product they’re working on is being built. There has been talk about dissent over the Chrysler contract, and UAW members at Chrysler will vote on that new contract soon. This news could make winning that vote harder for Chrysler.

The Detroit Free Press story mentions the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Dakota, Jeep Commander and Jeep Compass as likely candidates while the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Durango are also up for review. We wouldn’t miss any of those vehicles, but a new Pacifica would probably compete well in an auto landscape now full of crossovers that mimic its layout and usefulness. 

That’s what Chrysler is reportedly thinking of axing, but we figured we’d poll our readers to see if they agree with the above or have ideas of their own. Sound off in the comments. 

Chrysler Set to Ax Models (Detroit Free Press)

Recall Alert: 2007-08 Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger

No, this isn’t an update of last week’s recall. Chrysler is recalling 102,042 2007-08 model year Chrysler Sebring and 2008 Dodge Avenger sedans with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines for potentially faulty cooling fan motors. The connectors in the motor could lead to fires; there have been reported incidents, but no accidents or injuries.

This news comes on the heels of two other recent recalls by Chrysler, but the company says this year’s recall numbers aren’t unusually high.

Concerned owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information. 

UPDATE: Chrysler To Recall 102,042 Sebrings, Avengers (CNNMoney.com)

Recall Alert: 2008 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler will recall 72,333 Chrysler Sebring convertibles and Dodge Avenger sedans from the 2008 model year because of faulty door latches. The front doors of the two models can become stuck in the unlock position, leading to the doors opening in situations when they shouldn’t, namely, crashes. Dealers will install additional parts to ensure that even if the primary latch does fail, the doors will not open.

In a separate recall, the company is recalling 1,158 2008 Dodge Avenger all-wheel-drive models for faulty fuel tank straps. The straps could separate from the body of the car, leading to the tank potentially loosening.

Owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.

Chrysler Recalls 77,233 Sebring Convertibles, Avengers (Autoblog)

Chrysler Going All Alt-Fuel, Eventually

New Chrysler head honcho Jim Press says alternative-fuel versions of every Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep model will eventually find their way to dealer lots. The former Toyota man isn’t giving a time frame for all these earth-friendly mobiles to go into production, but he does list potential drivetrains, including diesels, plug-in hybrids, diesel hybrids, fuel-cell hybrids and standard gasoline hybrids. Not mentioned is ethanol or other biofuels, but we’re not sure if that's an oversight by the original author of the story, or by Press himself, or if the company simply isn’t considering them at all.

Last month, Chrysler launched a new division called Envi — short for environment — to help speed up implementation of new green vehicles for the company.

Chrysler's James Press: Every Model to Offer Alternative-Fuel Version (The Detroit News)

Friday Fleet Notes: 9.27.07

As I prepare to drive home in a Corvette Z06 — pity me, really — I get a chance to reflect on how varied our revolving fleet of vehicles truly is. This week, Kelsey Mays and I take a look at the all-new Land Rover LR2 and the Chrysler Town & Country. They’re two distinctly different vehicles, and both needed a reworking. Now, where is that Z06 key fob… 

2008 Land Rover LR2

Land Rover fans will love the brand’s latest baby. It has the flavor of its larger siblings — the window switches sit right up on the window sill, the center controls employ lots of scalloped dials, and there’s enough off-road equipment to get you to the Yucatan. Those looking for a regular SUV might take issue with some of the smaller details: Our LR2 SE had an uncovered tray in place of a real center console (the pricier HSE adds one) and it’s too easy to confuse the temperature dial for the stereo volume. As senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder noted in his review, folding the rear seats down requires first flipping the cushions forward. That’s old-school.

Cars.com Reviews New 2008 Chrysler Town & Country

We all know Chrysler defined the minivan segment in the 1980s, but ever since then the role of minivans as family-haulers has been taken over by other vehicle types — large SUVs in the 1990s and full-size crossovers in the new millennium. For 2008, Chrysler is putting its foot back into the ring with a redesigned Town & Country, which Kelsey Mays got to test in two different trim levels and with all the high-tech goodies on board, like Sirius Satellite TV. After you check out his review, don’t forget to watch our related videos.

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Expert Review
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Videos

Nearly 300,000 Dodge, Jeep SUVs Recalled

Chrysler announced today that it’s recalling almost 300,000 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years due to potential brake problems. This includes more than 156,000 2006 and 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs, more than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wranglers and almost 50,000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

There have been 20 complaints about the SUVs’ brakes, which suffer from a delay in braking while going uphill. Chrysler will reprogram the computer that controls the antilock braking system.

The company is also recalling more than 72,000 2008 Dodge Avenger sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles due to faulty front door latches and locks. There were no reported incidents from that recall.

Notices will be mailed out in coming weeks, but owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.

Chrysler Recalls Nearly 300,000 SUVs to Fix Brake Problem (The Detroit News)

Chrysler Adds Hybrid Division

Amid rumors that Chrysler may close its famous go-fast Mopar division comes official news that the born-again domestic is adding an entire hybrid division, called Envi. Short for “environment,” Envi will develop hybrid models from scratch, forgoing the common practice of just adding hybrid technology to existing vehicles.

Chrysler’s first two hybrid vehicles, however, will be versions of existing models: the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs, due next year. Envi is looking to quickly develop and produce a vehicle for market, but we’re not sure if quickly means 2009 or sometime in the next decade.

Chrysler Puts Rush on Hybrid Vehicles (The Detroit News)

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First Drive: 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid (KickingTires)
Hybrid Hemi Chrysler Aspen On The Way in 08 (KickingTires)

Cars.com Faceoff: Retractable-Hardtop Convertibles

Summer is almost over, and that usually means putting the convertible away for the winter. That’s why many automakers have added retractable-hardtop versions to their lineups. This design allows for all-season driving, and it also makes for a good Faceoff. This year we tackled three cars with vastly different demographics: the Volkswagen Eos, Chrysler Sebring and Mazda MX-5 Miata. It was a tough call because all three cars have such different characteristics, but a clear winner did arise.

Cars.comparison: Retractable-Hardtop Convertibles

2008 Dodge Dakota: Now With Crate 'N Go

Chrysler created Stow 'N Go — second-row seats that stow in pockets in the floor of its minivans to expand cabin cargo capacity — and Swivel 'N Go, which lets those second-row seats swivel around to face the third row. You can even install a companion table between the two rows so the kids can lunch or play games while you drive.

But Chrysler can't have all the fun.

Mark Kudla, senior manager of product planning at Chrysler, says "We saved an 'N Go for Dodge."

It's called Crate 'N Go, and it's offered as standard equipment in all but the base Crew Cab versions of the redesigned 2008 Dodge Dakota pickup, and it ranks up there with the cupholder as one of the neatest novelties in the industry.

Whoa, Mama: Chrysler's 2008 PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition

Chrysler has announced yet another spinoff for its aging PT Cruiser: The Sunset Boulevard Edition. The SBE gets Sunset Crystal paint – maroon is probably the best descriptor – along with a little more chrome, 16-inch wheels and a moonroof. The interior adds a few chrome fittings and custom fabric seats. Under the hood … is the Cruiser’s base 150-hp four-cylinder.

Prices begin at $16,010 with a stick shift, and an automatic sets you back another $825. Both figures represent about a $1,000 premium over the regular PT Cruiser. Chrysler says 500 SBEs will be built.

Ad nauseum? You decide: This is the 11th spinoff for the aging Cruiser, which hasn't gotten a major redesign since early 2000. We're not sure what Chrysler wants to do with the car, but if the latest edition is any indication, it will be on life support for at least a little while longer.

[Source: Chrysler]

Tires, Toothpaste and Toy Recalls, Oh My! Chinese Cars Coming Soon

About the only thing Chinese that hasn't had to be recalled in the U.S. in recent weeks are the egg rolls from my local Chinese restaurant.

The latest fiasco was the recall of 255,000 Chinese made tires imported here for trucks, vans, and SUVs because, well, tires tend not to run all that well when the tread decides to separate. Such a problem is much better to discover when the car is sitting in your driveway than when passing a semi on the interstate at 80 mph. So while upsetting, the recall is a good move.

But the problem remains: products made in China account for some 60 percent of all consumer product recalls in the United States this year. There are promises that in just a couple of years, inexpensive ($10,000) Chinese made mini-cars are going to be roaming the highways and byways of the U.S.A., so high mileage-minded motorists can conserve fuel and their savings.

We are going to trust the same folks who can't keep tires from falling apart to send us cars that don't fall apart?

Chrysler's New (Old) Logo

Now that Chrysler is under new ownership, things are changing rapidly for this member of Detroit’s Big Three. Besides a number of leadership changes at the top – the car company hired a former Home Depot CEO as its CEO – the company is moving rapidly to rebrand itself.

The most noticeable change is the new Chrysler logo. Or should we say old Chrysler logo? After years of incorporating a stylish winged logo, Chrysler has returned to the pentastar design we all remember from the 1980s.

We’re not too thrilled with the logo, but thankfully it will not be affixed to Chrysler’s vehicles. It will only be used in advertising and other promotional materials. That’s a good thing, because a 300C would look mighty silly with this fixed atop that snazzy grille.

Friday Fleet Notes: 8.03.07

This week saw a real hodgepodge of vehicles in and out of the fleet, with some we hadn’t revisited since they were first reviewed. Some oldies turned out to be goodies, while one newcomer didn’t endear itself to the staff.

2008 Chrysler Sebring retractable hardtop

While there’s plenty of good things to say about Sebring retractable-hardtop convertible, some of those good things have related deficiencies.

The Limited trim level I tested had a smooth 3.5-liter V-6, but the engine is tied to a six-speed automatic transmission that was especially clunky during our test when shifting into gear from Park, and when downshifting. Unacceptable.

With the hardtop up, the Sebring is almost as quiet as a traditional closed-roof car. However, despite adding hundreds of pounds to make the convertible stiffer, it creaks a lot when that top is in place.