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Chrysler Group News

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1 millionth compact rolls off Belvidere line

Chrysler Group LLC’s Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant passed a significant milestone this morning when the 1 millionth compact vehicle currently produced at the plant rolled off the assembly line.

The natural green Jeep® Patriot, which will be delivered to B.Z. Motors Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge in Lewisburg, Pa., is one of three models produced at the plant. The other two models are the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass. Production of the family of vehicles began in 2005 with the Dodge Caliber.

“The Belvidere plant has been producing some of Chrysler’s most popular models for the past 45 years and the Jeep Patriot is just the latest model to add to the list,” Kurt Kavajecz, Belvidere Assembly Plant Manager, said. “We are honored to be part of this significant milestone. The success of the Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber is a testament to the dedication of our workforce and their commitment to producing a high quality product.”

The 2010 Jeep Patriot that rolled off the line was equipped with a 2.4-liter engine, a five-speed manual transmission and premium features including satellite radio, power heated seats, keyless entry, speed control, leather wrapped steering wheel and aluminum wheels. Overall, sales of the Jeep Patriot through June have totaled nearly 16,500 units, up 21 percent from 2009. Since production began, more than 550,000 Patriots have been produced.

Belvidere Assembly Plant was constructed in 1964-65. The first car was produced on July 7, 1965, and the product line from 1965 to 1977 included the Plymouth and Dodge two-door, four-door models and station wagons, and the Chrysler Town & Country station wagon.

In 1977, the plant was converted to front-wheel-drive production. From 1978-1987, the product lines included Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni.

In 1987, the plant underwent a $367 million state-of-the-art, 16-week model changeover to produce the Chrysler New Yorker and Dodge Dynasty, the company’s full-size front-wheel drive four-door sedans. Two years later, the plant underwent a $72 million model changeover for production of 1990 models that included the Chrysler Imperial and New Yorker Salon.

In 1994, the plant was converted to produce the Plymouth and Dodge Neon. Production of the Neon ended in September 2005. The Dodge Caliber was launched in December 2005, followed by the Jeep Compass in May 2006 and Jeep Patriot in December 2006.

Published: Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:10:26

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Review: Ram 1500 adds features, boosts towing

More capable this year, the Ram 1500 aggressively sticks out its chest with a forward leaning grille that sends a clear message that this truck is ready to do business, wrote Steve Wheeler in his review in Advocate Wheels.

Wheeler was especially pleased with the Ram Box®. “The Ram Box Cargo Management System marks a revolutionary improvement for pickup trucks,” Wheeler said.

Ram Boxes are waterproof, lighted, lockable storage spaces in the walls of the truck bed; “they basically use the heretofore unusable space around the wheel wells, but still leave the bed of the truck wide and square, wide enough for many 4-wheelers or a sheet of plywood,” Wheeler said.

The Ram Box cargo management system also incorporates a bed divider and rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for a wide range of tie-down capacity, he said. The tailgate has a lift-assist for easy opening and closing, he added.

“Inside the cabin, the crew cab is cavernously luxurious,” the reviewer said. (Advocate Wheels)

Published: Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:48:49

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Challenger tops category in Strategic Vision study

Strategic Vision Inc. announced the results of their 2010 Total Quality Index study yesterday and the Dodge Challenger shared the top spot in the “Small Specialty Coupe” category.

The study measures how vehicles are judged when the “complete” ownership experience is measured, which is Strategic Vision’s Total Quality measure. In simple terms it measures “things gone right” in the design and construction of a vehicle.

The Total Quality Index asks buyers to rate all aspects of the ownership experience from buying and owning to performance and driving. “Simply counting how many problems a vehicle has or design characteristics that buyers do not find ‘completely satisfying’ or ‘excellent,’ is inadequate when determining why people spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new vehicle,” Strategic Vision President Alexander Edwards said. 

In its press release, Strategic Vision said the Challenger led its segment “with outstanding retro styling, driving excitement and a sense of prestige.” Categories leaders were:

Small Car: Honda Civic Coupe
Small Multi-Function: Volkswagen Golf
Medium Car: Ford Fusion
Large Car: Ford Taurus
Near-Luxury Car: Hyundai Genesis
Luxury Car: Mercedes S-Class
Small Specialty Coupe: Dodge Challenger/Volkswagen GTI
Premium Coupe: Audi A5/S5 Coupe
Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Entry Utility: Volkswagen Tiguan
Medium Crossover: Ford Flex
Medium SUV: Toyota 4 Runner
Large SUV: GMC Yukon/Chevrolet Suburban
Near-Luxury SUV: Audi Q5
Luxury SUV: Audi Q7
Standard Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Full-Size Pickup: Ford F-150

The Total Quality Index was calculated from 29,037 buyers who bought 2010 models in September to December of 2009. Strategic Vision, which was founded in 1972, has presented Total Quality Awards annually since 1995. The company studies consumer and constituent decision-making for a wide variety of major companies and institutions.

Published: Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:35:34

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Busch holds on to 10th at Brickyard 400

Kurt Busch describes the process of improving track position in a stock car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as “root and gouge.” Passing is a difficult task for the 3,400-pound cars at the 2.5-mile track. It was certainly true at Sunday’s Brickyard 400 as has been the case since NASCAR first brought its premier series to the Speedway, Ind., facility 17 years ago.

Busch started 14th in the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger. He maneuvered his way inside the top 10 early in the 160-lap event, using quality on-track passes complimented by quick pit work with his over-the-wall crew. Crew Chief Steve Addington elected to add one final element into the mix—pit strategy. The opportunity came when the fifth caution appeared on lap 139.

All teams headed to pit road for tires. At issue was whether to take two or four. Six teams, including Busch and race winner Jamie McMurray opted for two. The rest of the cars on the lead lap would take four. Busch picked up eight spots and restarted fifth.

Addington’s strategy took a setback on the restart. Going into Turn One, a car at the front checked up. Busch tired to slow, but made contact, damaging the front end of the Blue Deuce which affected the handling. Busch managed to hold on to finish 10th, his 12th top-10 finish of the season.

“We really had to grin and bear that one,” Busch. “The car was good early on and we came up through the pack, made it inside the top 10. We tried a little pit strategy late in the race, taking two tires. We got some damage on the restarts when somebody checked up. These double-file restarts are tough.  I didn’t know how bad the damage was. We might have finished better, but under the circumstances, that’s all we had today.”

Busch moved to within two points of third place in the season standings. He’s currently fifth, 262 behind the leader.

“We were loose yesterday in practice, so we overcompensated with our setup for the race,” Addington said. “We were able to make changes early and get back up through the field.  We took a gamble on two tires. It gave us good track position (fifth), but somebody checked up on the restart in Turn One and we ended up with damage to the nose of the Miller Lite Dodge. Having the nose pushed in didn’t help us at all. From there, Kurt just couldn’t go anywhere, get around anybody. Under the circumstances, it was a good day.”

Brad Keselowski finished 19th in his first outing at Indianapolis. He started 11th, best among the Penske Racing teams. He had overheating problems early in the race, but once the teams resolved those issues, he began working his way back inside the top 20.

“It was a solid run for our Penske Dodge,” Keselowski said. “We really recovered from what should have been a long day. We kept fighting and clawing. That’s a great feeling. We had debris in our grille and the car started to overheat badly. We had to make extra pit stops to get our front end cleaned off. Then I thought I had tire problems and pitted again, so it was a busy day. We threw everything we had at it today. It could have been a lot worse, so we’ll take a top 20.”

Trouble came early for Sam Hornish Jr. as his No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger was caught up in a seven-car mishap on the opening lap. When Hornish got out of the throttle to elude a spinning car in front of him, he was hit from behind and sent into a spin. The rear of his car made contact with the outside retaining wall, causing some sheet metal damage. A couple of stops were needed to make repairs and the situation was complicated when NASCAR assessed a penalty of speeding on pit road. That left Hornish two laps down. He finished 30th.

“A tough start pretty much cemented our fate today,” Hornish said. “I was just trying to let things sort out at the start of the race when the 18 (Kyle Busch) got loose. I went underneath him. There was no point driving behind him. I’m not sure who hit me, but I got clipped in the right-rear. I tried to keep it from spinning out and just needed twelve inches to keep it off the wall. We work so hard and looked forward to racing here. We don’t make it half a lap before trouble finds us.”

Nationwide Series

Keselowski and Justin Allgaier posted top-10 finishes in Saturday night’s Kroger 200 at nearby O’Reilly Raceway Park. While both started in the top 10 and raced with the leaders throughout the 200-lap event, a Dodge Charger win just wasn’t in the cards. In fact, the start of the race was almost a disaster for both drivers.

Keselowski started eighth and lined up on the outside for the start of the race. Allgaier was ninth and on the inside. When the green flag appeared, the cars at the front checked up, probably because someone brake checked, missed a gear or spun the tires. Keselowski’s Dodge was sandwiched between cars. His vehicle received slight damage to the hood and rear bumper.  Allgaier swerved to the left and managed to elude contact.

NASCAR started the event a bit early due to threatening weather in the area. That played into team strategy when the event moved into the latter stages. The fourth caution on lap 142 gave teams the opportunity to pit for tires and fuel, but the fifth caution 20 laps later prompted decision time—pit for fresh tires or stay out and maintain track position. Rain was expected to start failing before the end of the race.

Keselowski and Allgaier elected to stay out as did race winner Kyle Busch. Others made a visit to pit road for fresh tires. Add in the fact Keselowski was dealing with a clutch issue, the decision not to pit was made easier because there was doubt the clutch could stand the stress of pulling off pit road and going through the gears following a stop.

A final caution set up a green-white-checkered finish with Allgaier and Keselowski battling for position on the final lap. Allgaier finished seventh in the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger with Keselowski eighth in the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Charger.

“It was the right pit call (to stay out and not pit),” Keselowski said. “We had clutch problems and were afraid to stop because we weren’t sure we could get back rolling again. You’re going to lose a bunch of positions if that happens. I support Paul (Wolfe, crew chief) in that (decision). We just didn’t catch any breaks all night. Before we even caught the green flag, we were all tore up. It was just one of those days. I’m really happy to get out of here with an eighth-place finish instead of being behind the wall putting a radiator in it. Looking at it from that perspective, you kind of count your blessings and take your eighth and move on. We ran solid all night, but just didn’t catch the breaks we needed.”

Keselowski remains the leader in the season standings with a 205-point advantage over Carl Edwards. Allgaier is third.

“It was a good solid run for the Verizon Wireless Dodge,” Allgaier said. “Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t work with us. We made a pit call to stay out, thinking the rain was going to come. It didn’t. At the end of the day, it’s another top 10 and a long way from last year. Man, I’ll tell you, last year we were not good at all. To be able to come back and salvage a top 10, that was great. That was the most fun 200 laps I think I’ve ever had in my life. We just had a blast out there, really enjoyed it. It was fun racing my teammate there on the last lap for the spot. Clean racing, that’s what it’s all about.

“Early in the race, we were probably as good as anybody. For whatever reason, we just got off a little bit there at the end and wasn’t able to go for the transition spot like I wanted to. I think the moisture and air kind of freed up the track as well. It stinks that we fell off like we did; but all in all, it was a great night for these guys. They did an awesome job. ”

Race Results
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Brickyard 400
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
1. Jamie McMurray
2. Kevin Harvick
3. Greg Biffle
4. Clint Bowyer
5. Tony Stewart
6. Jeff Burton
7. Carl Edwards
8. Kyle Busch
9. Joey Logano
10. Kurt Busch (Dodge)
19. Brad Keselowski (Dodge)
30. Sam Hornish Jr. (Dodge)

NASCA Sprint Cup
Driver point standings
(After race 20 of 36)
1. Kevin Harvick, 2,920
2. Jeff Gordon, -184
3. Denny Hamlin, -260
4. Jimmie Johnson, -261
5. Kurt Busch (Dodge), -262
6. Kyle Busch, -290
7. Jeff Burton, -305
8. Matt Kenseth, -347
9. Tony Stewart, -376
10. Carl Edwards, -424
11. Greg Biffle, -458
12. Clint Bowyer, -474
25. Brad Keselowski, (Dodge) -984
29. Sam Hornish Jr. (Dodge), -1,152

Race results
Kroger 200
O’Reilly Raceway Park
1. Kyle Busch
2. Carl Edwards
3. Aric Almirola
4. Trevor Bayne
5. Reed Sorenson
6. Brendan Gaughan
7. Justin Allgaier (Dodge)
8. Brad Keselowski (Dodge)
9. Paul Menard
10. Steve Wallace

NASCAR Nationwide Series
Driver point standings
(After 19 of 36 races)
1. Brad Keselowski (Dodge), 3,189
2. Carl Edwards, -205
3. Justin Allgaier (Dodge), -498
4. Kyle Busch, -508
5. Paul Menard, -684
6. Kevin Harvick, -755
7. Steve Wallace, -851
8. Brendan Gaughan, -912
9. Trevor Bayne, -984
10. Jason Leffler, -1,028

Published: Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:15:43

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Review: 300C provides ‘good, old-fashioned fun’

Every time he climbs behind the wheel of a Chrysler 300C, said reviewer Chris Martens of the blog Winding Road, “I’m reminded of what a fundamentally good car this has been and still is.”

There’s a lot to like in the 300C, starting with the stout-hearted engine—the 5.7-liter, 360-horsepower Hemi® V-8. If your goal is to get a fairly large luxury/sports sedan to lunge forward with alacrity, there’s nothing like having a big, stonking V-8 under the hood to get the job done, Martens said.

“Chrysler’s MDS (multi-displacement system) ensures there’s little if any significant mileage penalty to pay for the privilege of having Hemi power on tap,” he said.

The interior is a model of uncluttered simplicity and solid functionality, and the 300C provides adequate room for five full-size adults, with good if not great space for their luggage in the trunk, the reviewer said.

“With help from Fiat, Chrysler will surely replace the 300C soon, but until that happens, let’s acknowledge that the old car was and is a practical and comfortable daily driver that is blessed with a heaping helping of good, old-fashioned fun,” the review concluded. (Winding Road)

Published: Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:08:45

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Siemens to provide design, development software

Chrysler Group LLC announced Monday that it has contracted with Siemens PLM Software to adopt its new digital product development software.

The new system will improve efficiency in the Chrysler Group’s global vehicle design and development process and assist in joint programs with Fiat S.p.A.

The Chrysler Group will initially use Siemens’ NX software engineering tool for new collaborative Chrysler-Fiat vehicle and powertrain development programs beginning with the Fiat 500, Fiat 500EV, the 1.4-liter Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) and the new Chrysler Group C segment vehicle.

Over time, the Siemens software will be fully integrated into all Chrysler Group vehicle design, development and powertrain programs. Chrysler already uses Siemens’ Teamcenter digital product lifecycle data management software to manage product data across its entire product portfolio.

“We are looking at every aspect of our business as a means of implementing and developing the best business practices,” Scott Sandschafer, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, said. “Enhancing collaboration between Chrysler and Fiat is a high priority for our company and sharing technologies enables Chrysler to improve quality, efficiencies and speed to market.”

Many of Chrysler Group’s suppliers already use Siemens product development and data management software which will ensure a smooth and successful transition.

“Integration of this tool will enhance our ability to engineer new products in conjunction with our Fiat partner, while improving quality and time to market,” Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, said.

Published: Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:23:38

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Dealer arbitration process is completed

Company officials issued the following statement today regarding the conclusion of the dealer arbitration process:
 
Chrysler Group LLC is pleased that hearings in the dealer arbitration process have concluded and is looking forward to completing its dealer network plans. The decisions to select dealers for the company’s optimized dealer network were carefully considered as part of Chrysler’s Genesis Project. The decisions of a great majority of the arbitrators reflect the belief that the company’s dealer network decisions were not only appropriate, but essential to its future success. What is needed are more profitable, better performing dealers to provide better customer service. Indeed, plans to place all of our brands under one roof in well-located facilities has already resulted in enhanced dealer profitability and greater investment by existing dealerships on track with the $500 million investment plan Chrysler announced on Nov. 4, 2009.

Chrysler prevailed in 76 of 108 arbitration decisions. About 3 percent of the 789 dealers rejected during the bankruptcy process prevailed in arbitrations.

About the process: The actions to optimize Chrysler’s dealer network were part of its viability and central to the interim financing and proposed sale to Fiat. Among the requirements placed on Chrysler Group LLC was to reshape its dealer network to better meet the requirements of the market. As such, on June 9, 2009, Federal Bankruptcy Court Judge Arthur Gonzalez approved Chrysler’s motion to “reject” the contracts of 789 dealers.

In its approval, the court concluded the company used sound business judgment, and affirmed the rationale used by the company to determine which dealers were affected. On Dec. 16, 2009, the U.S. Congress passed H.R. 3288 enabling the 789 affected dealers to pursue binding arbitration in order to secure an opportunity to join Chrysler’s dealer network. The bill stipulated that dealers who prevailed in binding arbitration would receive a customary and usual Letter of Intent to enter into a sales and service agreement with Chrysler Group LLC provided they meet financial and operational prerequisites.

The arbitration process began in May 2010 and concluded on July 23, 2010.

Published: Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:03:53

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Review: Grand Cherokee has luxury, grit

The Jeep® Grand Cherokee has traditionally been the vehicle of choice for adventurers willing to camp on the edges of automotive civilization, wrote Tom Wilson of MSN.com. If you want to bike, hike, camp and pack in your own gear, the Cherokee will get you to the campsite in style and comfort—and won’t get stuck in the mud doing so, Wilson said.

For 2011, the grandest of Jeeps is getting a complete overhaul and even more luxury amenities, Wilson said. Every inch of rock-crawling, mud-slogging Jeep capability remains, but the all-new Grand Cherokee adds tremendous refinements both in the mechanical fundamentals and surface-level features, he said. This combination of on- and off-road capability is almost unique in the premium utility-vehicle category, he said.

Most noticeable about the new Grand Cherokee is how upscale the interior has become. Materials and fit are vastly improved over earlier Jeeps, and are downright luxurious in Overland trim, the review said.

On asphalt, the Grand Cherokee makes for good touring but feels large, with a big hood, windshield pillars that are wide enough to notice and a slightly tall ride height, the review said.  

The big driving news, of course, is the Grand Cherokee’s tenacious off-road capability, Wilson said. ”Let’s just say that if the Grand Cherokee can put a tire on it, it can climb it. When it comes to off-road capability, the Grand Cherokee is second to no vehicle,” Wilson wrote in his review.

“Where the Grand Cherokee is unbeatable is in its combination of on-road luxury, off-road grit and good value,” Wilson said. ”In fact, even with all the new styling, engineering and features, Jeep is offering the Grand Cherokee for noticeably less than last year. It’s even designed and built in the good old USA.” (MSN.com)

Published: Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:40:39

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Johnson doubles up at Mile-High NHRA Nationals

 

Team Mopar® NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series pro stock driver Allen Johnson continued his recent stretch of domination at Bandimere Speedway, claiming his first win of the season and second straight at Thunder Mountain Sunday at the 31st Annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Morrison, Co. 

Johnson, the No. 1 Qualifier, steered his HEMI®-powered Mopar Dodge Avenger Pro Stock car to a first-round win over Bob Yonke, posting a 6.973-second elapsed time (ET) at 197.83 mph.
The J&J Racing owner and driver knocked off Greg Anderson with a 6.998/197.59 pass, then dispatched former teammate Johnny Gray in the semis with a 6.997/197.45 run. 

Johnson has now earned three wins in four years at his primary sponsor’s headline event. 

Johnson posted a scorching .004 reaction time (.000 is perfect) in his final-round match against Coughlin, his fourth consecutive final-round appearance at the Mopar Mile-Highs. The Team Mopar veteran’s 6.974/198.26 mark was more than enough to beat Coughlin’s 7.858/135.09 pass and earn him his eighth career Pro Stock win in 21 final-round appearances. 

“I’ve got an awesome setup here,” Johnson, a Greeneville, Tenn. native, said. “The engine guys, what they do here is unbelievable. We made perfect runs every time. I just can’t say enough about our guys. And I was real tickled by how I did my job after the second round. We’ve got to continue this pace, be aggressive and go toward that championship. 

“All the folks from Mopar, including the boss, Pietro (Gorlier), and Byron Kearney from Dodge, have been our good luck charms. They’re family to me. It’s not just a sponsor relationship. It’s so special to have them here.” 

Mopar-powered NHRA sportsman racer David Bogner of Kearney, Neb., also brought home a victory for Mopar, taking the super stock class win in his 1992 Dodge Daytona with a 10.333/126.46 pass in a final-round match against Henry Sliwinski.

(Those with Internet access can watch the trophy presentation to Allen Johnson on YouTube at  http://www.youtube.com/moparcaptured )

“This couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Bogner, whose father is longtime Sportsman racer Marlin Bogner. “Maybe this will carry us through the rest of the year. You can’t pick a better place to win than the Mopar Mile-Highs.” 

“The 31st Annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals was a resounding success,” Jim Sassorossi, Director—Mopar Parts, Sales and Marketing, said. “From the Mopar Big Block Event to the reveal of our Mopar ’10 Challenger to the victories by Team Mopar Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson and NHRA Sportsman David Bogner, we couldn’t be happier. These Mopar-powered wins at our brand’s headline event are a testament to the durability and performance of Mopar parts.” 

Matt Hagan, sporting a special Mopar paint scheme on his Dodge Charger R/T funny car, knocked off Jack Wyatt in the first round with a 4.231/294.18 run. The Don Schumacher Racing driver, who posted his Mopar Dodge No. 1, then faced his teammate Jack Beckman in a Mopar vs. Mopar quarterfinals battle. Hagan emerged on top with a 4.276/289.69 pass in his Mopar funny car to Beckman’s 4.336/285.53 mark. Hagan’s run ended in the semis in a losing 4.237/290.51 effort against Robert Hight. 

Mopar also captured a pair of special awards at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. Eaton, Ohio’s Keith Lynch took home the NHRA Best Appearing Car award for his Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak vehicle. The Mopar-powered Maddox Motor Co. Super Comp dragster entry of Craig Maddox of Sidney, Neb., was named Best Engineered Car.

Published: Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:24:30

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Under the Pentastar for July 19-23

This week’s Under the Pentastar features reports on the first stop of the nationwide Jeep® Rocks and Road Tour, which provides on- and off-road driving experiences for Jeep lovers, the Jeep “trail-rated” camper trailers, Mopar® at the Mile-High Nationals and the introduction of new Fiat-Yamaha Team MotorGP motorcycle racing graphics.

Published: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:44:13