Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Party's Over: No Chrysler press conference at Detroit Auto Show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/partys-over-no-chrysler-press-conference-at-detroit-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/partys-over-no-chrysler-press-conference-at-detroit-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/partys-over-no-chrysler-press-conference-at-detroit-auto-show/#comments Filed under: ,



The photo above, from Chrysler's press conference at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, is nothing but things that are no more. The gorgeous 200C EV has evaporated. The gentlemen on the podium, Jim Press and Tom LaSorda, have gone their various ways. And the background is arrayed with ENVI electric cars that are all (most likely) gone, as well as the division that created them. Everything swallowed by waves in Chrysler's Year of the Storm.

This year Chrysler is practically avoiding the hubbub entirely, in that it will have no press conference at next month's Detroit Auto Show. It won't be for lack of cars: they'll have items from all four brands, including some limited-edition models. Chrysler's head of marketing, Olivier Francois, said that after the big event last month to reveal the long-term plan, "We presented our plans and the next step is to present the cars."

Understandably, industry observers seem to think that it's a bad idea for Chrysler to go mum in Detroit. Chrysler's a private company and no outsider knows what the real situation is inside the castle walls. If Chrysler does go for the splash of a press conference, with no new models to show or even talk about they'll be ripe for charges of "All that's great talk now show us the cars!" That makes it sound like a case of being damned either way. But at least they'll be there, unlike Saab...

[Source: The Detroit News]

Party's Over: No Chrysler press conference at Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowenvi Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Christmas List 2010: Rattner's book to debut in time for next Christmas]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/christmas-list-2010-rattners-book-to-debut-in-time-for-next-ch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/christmas-list-2010-rattners-book-to-debut-in-time-for-next-ch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/christmas-list-2010-rattners-book-to-debut-in-time-for-next-ch/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Planning for the future is perhaps an alien concept to big business - even automakers, with their protracted product development cycles. Take a cue of what not to do from them, then, and start planning now for next Christmas. May we suggest that your 2010 wishlist starts with what's destined to be a hotly-anticipated tome: Steven Rattner's memoir of his spearheading the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler. Tentatively titled "Overhaul," the cloyingly-named book will tell the story of the quick-rinse bankruptcies Rattner presided over.

A fascinating piece that Rattner wrote for Fortune Magazine back in October gave us a glimpse of how riveting such a seemingly-dry subject can be. The book is on track for a debut in the fall of 2010, and might be even more interesting in a year depending on how Rattner's deals work out. The hardest part is going to be behaving well enough for an entire year so this thing gets stuffed in our stocking.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty]

Christmas List 2010: Rattner's book to debut in time for next Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bailoutbailout planBailoutPlanbailoutsbankruptcychryslerchrysler bankruptchrysler bankruptcyChryslerBankruptChryslerBankruptcygmgm bailoutgm bankruptgm bankruptcyGmBailoutGmBankruptGmBankruptcyrattnerSteven RattnerStevenRattner Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST <![CDATA[Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/chrysler-announces-179-million-investment-in-dundee-plant-to-bu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/chrysler-announces-179-million-investment-in-dundee-plant-to-bu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/chrysler-announces-179-million-investment-in-dundee-plant-to-bu/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In a none-too-shocking announcement, Chrysler announced plans to invest $179 million to convert its engine plant in Dundee, MI, from building the so-called World Engine to Fiat's 1.4-liter Fully Integrated Robotized Engine. Back in September, Chrysler bought out its former partners Hyundai and Mitsubishi so that it could utilize the Dundee facilities to build the new Multiair powerplants.

Both Chrysler and Fiat are likely to use powerplants built at the facility, with the first application being the diminutive Fiat 500 that's slated for North American production by the end of 2010. Fiat's Multiair technology is said to increase power by up to ten percent while offering a similar reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Later, a turbocharged unit will be built at the plant that will offer V6-level power using 25 percent less fuel. Multiair technology will eventually be added to the rest of the Chrysler engine lineup, including the new Pentastar V6.

Chrysler promises that the Dundee plant will add 573 new jobs to the local economy including 155 directly at the Dundee plant for a single shift of engine production. That was enough to earn a series of incentives from the state of Michigan and tax credits from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Village of Dundee that could add up to $4.6 million over the next ten years. For more, click past the break for the dueling press releases from Chrysler.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines

Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler multiairChryslerMultiairDundeedundee facilitydundee midundee plantDundeeFacilityDundeeMiDundeePlantfiatfiat multiairfiat multiair chryslerFiatMultiairFiatMultiairChryslerMultiAirMultiair Enginemultiair fiat chryslermultiair technologyMultiairEngineMultiairFiatChryslerMultiairTechnology Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Old Carco (read: "Bad Chrysler") to not repay $4B in TARP loans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-old-carco-read-bad-chrysler-to-not-repay-4b-in-tar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-old-carco-read-bad-chrysler-to-not-repay-4b-in-tar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-old-carco-read-bad-chrysler-to-not-repay-4b-in-tar/#comments Filed under: , ,



Before Fiat and prior to bankruptcy, the old Chrysler, LLC needed $4 billion just to keep the doors open. The Bush Administration came through with the company-saving cash at the 11th hour, keeping the Pentastar solvent long enough to make it to bankruptcy court. Chrysler was reportedly given $15 billion in total aid, and it appears much of that money will be repaid through future payments and through incentives for Fiat to increase its stake in Chrysler from 20 percent to 35 percent. But that original $4 billion? Don't expect that money to come back any time soon - if ever.

The Detroit News reports that what's left of the old Chrysler LLC (which has been renamed Old Carco), has filed court papers saying that the $4 billion will likely never be repaid. New Chrysler is not legally responsible for that debt and Old Carco doesn't exactly have considerable assets. And the government isn't the only debt-holder that isn't going to get its cash. Many secured and unsecured creditors will be unlikely to see their cash, thought some $21 million in secured debt could be paid. Old Carco contains the bad assets not purchased by the new Chrysler when it exited bankruptcy in the spring. The sale of those bad assets, which includes plants, tooling and miscellaneous items like old company cars, will help pay back some of the money creditors lost.

Lawyers working on the bankruptcy case say it take years before the book is finally closed on Old Carco. One item that could help drag matters out is a $25 billion lawsuit Old Carco filed against former owner, Daimler.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Old Carco (read: "Bad Chrysler") to not repay $4B in TARP loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bailoutbankruptcychryslerchrysler llcChryslerLlcgovernment loansGovernmentLoansold carcoOldCarco Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!


Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw z4bmw z4 mbmw Z4 sDrive35isBmwZ4BmwZ4MBmwZ4Sdrive35isE-ClassE-Class Cabrioe-class cabrioletE-Class ConvertibleE-classCabrioE-classCabrioletE-classConvertibleelectric slselectric sls amgElectricSlsElectricSlsAmgfeaturedmercedesMercedes BenzMercedes SLS AMGmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-benzE-classMercedesBenzMercedesSlsAmgmike levineMikeLevinePickupTruckspickuptrucks.compodcastpower wagonPowerWagonram power wagonRamPowerWagontoyota hybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridToyota Prius PHEVtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaHybridToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPhevToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybrid Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #157Autoblog1:35:19podcast; autoblog podcast; toyota hybrid; phev prius; plugin prius; e-class cabrio; mercedes e; toyota; bmw z4 <![CDATA[VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon gets dirty with PickupTrucks.com]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-gets-dirty-with-pickuptrucks-c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-gets-dirty-with-pickuptrucks-c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-gets-dirty-with-pickuptrucks-c/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is one very capable full-size pickup truck. Its 383-horsepower HEMI V8 engine is but a small part of a rock-traversing equation that includes a solid front axle, electronic sway bar disconnect and a pair of limited-slip differentials. And while the Power Wagon has its way with the desert rocks, it can also tow over 10,000 pounds and tote nearly 2,000 more in the bed.

The Power Wagon appears to be the heavy duty, no-nonsense off-roader that Ram fans have come to expect since the variant first came online in 2005. Our friend Mike Levine over at Pickuptrucks.com took Dodge's freshly updated gravel king out for some fun at the Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle park in Southern California, and he brought cameras to properly document their adventure. Hit the jump to watch as the Power Wagon goes all Kama Sutra with a raft of contorted poses in the name of articulation and traction.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD


[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon gets dirty with PickupTrucks.com

VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon gets dirty with PickupTrucks.com originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 power wagon2010PowerWagondodge heavy dutydodge ram power wagonDodgeHeavyDutyDodgeRamPowerWagonmike levineMikeLevinepickuptrucks Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Fed predicts it will lose $30B on auto industry bailout]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-fed-predicts-it-will-lose-30b-on-auto-industry-bailout/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-fed-predicts-it-will-lose-30b-on-auto-industry-bailout/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-fed-predicts-it-will-lose-30b-on-auto-industry-bailout/#comments Filed under: , , ,



2009 isn't quite over yet, but we're pretty sure most automakers would rather forget that it ever happened. And while General Motors and Chrysler suffered the pain and humiliation of bankruptcy and workers lost thousands of jobs and many plants and dealerships closed, the good news is that the General and the Pentastar are now more fiscally healthy than they've been in ages. The bad news is that it cost U.S. taxpayers an estimated $82 billion to save what has been called hundreds of thousands of jobs.

The Detroit News is reporting that after wading through the wreckage of the auto bailout, the Obama Administration only expects to get back an estimated $52 billion of its original investment. That's horrible news, right? Not so, says Gene Sperling, the senior counsel to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. He said the $30 billion estimate is better than the $44 billion the government thought it would lose a few months ago. And with the perceived stabilization of the auto industry, Sperling feels the numbers could improve.

The DetNews reports that President Obama stressed during a speech on the economy that while the bailout of the auto industry wasn't politically popular, it was absolutely necessary to save "hundreds of thousands of jobs." The president then added "these were not decisions that were popular or satisfying; these were decisions that were necessary."

There are signs that at least GM will start paying the government back $6.7 billion as early as the end of the year. Chairman and interim CEO Ed Whitacre has reportedly intimated that the company could pay the money back in one lump sum. And once the auto industry is in a little better shape, the government could recoup much more cash when the General goes public. For the moment, though, Uncle Sam (e.g. the U.S. taxpayers) still owns 61 percent of the new GM.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Fed predicts it will lose $30B on auto industry bailout originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 30 billion30Billionauto task forceAutoTaskForcebailoutbarackchryslerEd WhitacreEdWhitacregmgovernment bailoutgovernment task forceGovernmentBailoutGovernmentTaskForceobamaobama administrationObamaAdministrationPresident obamaPresidentObamaWhitacre Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:27:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-chrysler-dealers-unhappy-over-new-ads-want-regional-mar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-chrysler-dealers-unhappy-over-new-ads-want-regional-mar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-chrysler-dealers-unhappy-over-new-ads-want-regional-mar/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

New Jeep spot - click above to view commercial

Spend any time in the advertising business, and you'll see this kind of struggle. So called "high-concept" advertising is what tends to be what consumers emotionally engage with and remember. Usually, only big brands with a national presence and lots of money can pull off advertising that is more about the spot than the product it's hawking. Running with the big boys requires vision on the part of decision makers. While big companies have marketing specialists with high falutin' degrees and summat, the retailers that close sales and take the money from your hand focus much more on product.

According to Bloomberg, Chrysler and its dealer body are playing out this very struggle. Dealers are unhappy with the company's new advertising efforts and budget changes that have been made as part of the recently enacted five year business plan. Facing sales that were down twenty five percent in November, dealers have asked that the new ads focusing on lifestyle and brand-building, such as the latest Jeep spots, be stopped. Advertising that shows vehicles and their features, along with a harder sell on the price and incentive front would be preferable to the dealers.

Cash on the hood is down, however, and Chrysler has some vehicles that are challenging to sell. Regional advertising budgets have been readjusted, as well, siphoning off funds from some higher-volume dealers to regions without enough volume to get any help in the fourth quarter otherwise. The plan in Auburn Hills is to aggressively rebuild its brands over the next five years, which is an image-building operation where the new campaign makes sense. In the meantime, however, the company needs to sell cars to stay solvent until its touchy-feely advertising takes root; an effort that may be better served by the product-centric advertising the dealers want. While everyone loves clever advertisements, sometimes it's just best to scream about the deals on Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!

Hit the jump to see an example of the new commercials.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Continue reading REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Chrysler dealers unhappy over new ads, want regional marketing spending restored [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brandingchryslerchrysler advertisingchrysler brandingchrysler dealersChryslerAdvertisingChryslerBrandingChryslerDealersdodgedodge advertisingDodgeAdvertising Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Marchionne will choose to lead either Chrysler or Fiat within 24 months]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-marchionne-will-choose-to-lead-either-chrysler-or-fiat-w/#comments Filed under: ,



Sergio Marchionne appears to be very well regarded within the auto industry and his work making Fiat a viable automaker has been pretty remarkable overall. Now Marchionne is charged with saving the beleaguered and product-starved Chrysler while also keeping momentum back home in Italy. That's a big job that Marchionne won't be able to do for long. The dualing CEO reportedly said in a speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington that he will decide which company to run within the next 24 months. It appears Marchionne is no Carlos Ghosn, for better or for worse.

Marchionne also gave some pretty stark assessments of the Pentastar, as he reportedly told the audience that Chrysler walked away from bankruptcy a cleaner company but "but we ended up with the same stuff we had." Ouch. Marchionne also reportedly used his time at the Peterson Institute to discuss what he calls the industry's overcapacity problem. He said that while Chrysler has the post-bankruptcy ability to pick and choose when to grow, in Europe, overcapacity results in billions in lost revenue. Germany, for example, hasn't shuttered a plant since before World War II.

So Marchionne is going to give up one of his CEO posts within the next two years. On one hand, it's nice to see that the Fiat/Chrysler CEO is a realist who doesn't want to stretch himself too thin, and at the same time we like the fact that he plans to stay at Chrysler at least until it begins to receive some new products via its partnership with Fiat. Do we think he'll choose Chrysler over Fiat? The Fiat that resides in sunny Italy with brands like Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo? We wouldn't, but hey, we're not millionaire CEOs, either.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Marchionne will choose to lead either Chrysler or Fiat within 24 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ceoChairmanchrysler ceoChryslerCeoChryslerLlcfiat ceoFiatCeomarchionnePeterson Institute for International EconomicsPetersonInstituteForInternationalEconomicssergio marchionneSergioMarchionne Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: GM, Ford to dramatically increase Q1 production versus year ago numbers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The first quarter of 2009 could best be described as the worst of times in the auto industry. With the full weight of the global financial collapse weighing down on the industry, sales dropped like a stone and production screeched to a halt. General Motors and Ford produced only 371,000 and 349,000 vehicles respectively during Q1 2009, a mere fraction of the industry giants' overall capacity. One year later, the auto industry here in the U.S. is still far from healthy, but many industry experts feel the market has stabilized.

Evidence of that fact presents itself when looking at production data for the fourth quarter of 2009 versus the first quarter of 2010. Automotive News is reporting that Ford plans to build 550,000 cars and trucks in the first quarter while GM plans 650,000 units. While that's a bump of 58 percent and 75 percent versus Q1 2009, respectively, the numbers are within a few thousand units of Q4 production. But even compared to Q4, production is up around four percent for both Ford and GM - a hopeful sign for the industry.

But while GM and Ford appear to have good production news, AN is reporting that the forecast is a bit cloudier for Chrysler. The Pentastar's recent announcement that it would prolong shutdown over the holidays throws some doubt on the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker's reported plan to increase Q1 2010 production by 56% versus Q1 2009. While Chrysler was supposed to up production to 376,000 units, the shutdown could drop production by up to 30,000 units.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: GM, Ford to dramatically increase Q1 production versus year ago numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 production2010Productionautomobile productionAutomobileProductioncar manufacturingcarbuildingCarManufacturingchryslerfordford productionFordProductiongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm assemblygm productionGmAssemblyGmProductionmanufacturingsales volumeSalesVolumeU.S. productionU.s.Production Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Chrysler UK says "Change is coming" on New Year's Day]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/chrysler-uk-says-change-is-coming-on-new-years-day/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/chrysler-uk-says-change-is-coming-on-new-years-day/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/chrysler-uk-says-change-is-coming-on-new-years-day/#comments Filed under: , , ,



There's a Chrysler UK site with the moody, Twilight-esque image you see above called "CHANGE is coming...." It heralds the date of January 1, 2010, and since it has a picture of the Chrysler 300 we'd like to think there will be something new announced for the six-year-old sedan. Perhaps that high zoot dash teased at the New York Auto Show will greet us along with the new year. However, since we haven't seen anything of it or the car since, it could be something more generic.

Which would be a shame, because we have a long list of wishes for the 300, and we'd be thrilled to discover the Pentastar folks had worked through even a quarter of it. The Detroit Auto Show's press days begin on January 11, so we'll be keen for whatever preview Chrysler has coming. But we do wonder why the UK gets the announcement duties while Chrysler's U.S. site is silent. Regardless, stay tuned... Hat tip to Aaron

[Source: Chrysler UK]

Chrysler UK says "Change is coming" on New Year's Day originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerChrysler 300Chrysler300detroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShow Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #156]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> a7 sportbackaston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideaudiaudi a7audi a8audi s8AudiS8autoblogautoblog podcastchryslerdakotadodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotafeaturedjettaLA 2009LA Auto showla auto show 2009la show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShow2009los angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2009los angeles autoshow 2009los angeles autoshow2009LosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesAutoshow2009podcastsportbackunibody dakotaunit body dakotavolkswagenvolkswagen jettavwvw jetta Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #156Autoblog01:41:22la auto show; aston martin; aston martin rapide; rapide; audi a7; sportback; a8; audi; volkswagen; jetta; dakota; dodge dakota; podcast; autoblog podcast <![CDATA[Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



J.D. Power has released its 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index, and 29 of 38 brands improved their standing versus last year's numbers. The industry watchdogs at Power say that sales people improved the most over 2008, which isn't surprising given the fact that fewer vehicles are flying off dealer lots and every customer is a precious commodity. Even with the improved standing versus 2008, J.D. Power says that brands still lost 12% of sales on average due to poor service at the dealer level, a statistic that could have automakers cringing.

Jaguar took top luxury honors for the second straight year with an 898 index score, beating second place Cadillac by a scant five points. J.D. Power says Jaguar excels in both salesperson interactions and the handling of the dreaded financing/paperwork. The top five rounds out with Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Land Rover. Audi performed most poorly of any brand studied, while Infiniti and Volvo also fared poorly.

Mercury was the top non-luxury make with a score of 867, followed by Smart, Buick, Pontiac and Chevrolet. Mercury reportedly scored well on all five categories tested, though we're a bit puzzled how Mercury could beat Lincoln by four points in spite of the fact that the two makes usually share a common dealership. Japanese and Korean brand-dealers scored poorly in the survey as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia and Mazda all scored below the industry average of 832.

General Motors and Ford dealers fared very well in the survey, with all of their brands except Lincoln coming in over the industry average. Chrysler brands, however, did not do as well, with all three makes falling under the industry Mendoza line. Mitsubishi was by far the worst dealership to deal with, with an industry-low 778 index score. Hit the jump to read over the J.D. Power press release and click on the gallery below to view the survey scores for both luxury and mass market offerings.


Gallery: JD Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction Study


[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study

Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jaguarjd powerjd power sales satisfactionJdPowerJdPowerSalesSatisfactionmercurysales satisfactionSalesSatisfaction Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler still considering unibody Dakota replacement]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Dodge Dakota -- as we know it today -- will go away in 2011, but looking at current sales of the mid-size pickup, it may as well be dead already. Chrysler has only sold 10,000 Dakotas this year, with an anemic 663 units cleared in November. But while the Dakota is selling poorly (it's not helped by being too close in price to the much more capable Ram), it doesn't necessarily mean that the enigmatic pickup won't live on in another form.

Coinciding with earlier reports, the Detroit News says Chrysler is contemplating a unibody Dakota to replace the current model. A more fuel efficient car-based platform could yield better efficiency, especially when paired with a turbocharged four cylinder with direct injection. The car-based truck probably wouldn't be a hauler but it would still have a functional bed similar to the Honda Ridgeline, and AWD would likely be an available option. Fred Diaz, the new head of the Ram brand, told the DN that the Pentastar is looking both at Fiat and from within its own stable of vehicles for any platforms that could help make the unibody Dakota a possibility, adding, "The emphasis is going to be on getting a vehicle that is still true to the Ram brand image and also gets excellent miles per gallon rating and at an attractive price point." Chrysler was reportedly already working on a unibody Dakota when money troubles forced the idea to the back burner.

While we like the idea of a fuel efficient pickup that can do most of the things that a body on frame truck can do, we're wondering if the truck-buying public will embrace the idea. The best example of a unibody pickup, the Honda Ridgeline, has been anything but a massive commercial hit and midsize trucks are already a dying breed, with only five percent of the overall vehicle market. But if Chrysler wants to make Ram its own brand, we're guessing that the Pentastar's truck company is going to need more than one vehicle.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Chrysler still considering unibody Dakota replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerdodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotaunibody dakotaunibody truckUnibodyDakotaUnibodyTruck Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Honda to supplant Chrysler as America's 4th largest auto retailer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/#comments Filed under: , ,



Throughout most of the history of the US auto industry, the Detroit Three sat atop of the sales charts with General Motors claiming first, Ford in second and Chrysler placing third. In the past few years Toyota has clawed its way past Chrysler and then Ford, and now it appears that Honda too has now passed the Pentastar. Barring some miraculous (and we mean truly outstanding) development, Honda will officially overcome Chrysler to become the fourth largest automaker in the States. Honda holds a rather insurmountable 200,000 unit cushion against its competition from Auburn Hills, MI -- more vehicles than any automaker sold during the month of November. Speaking of November, Chrysler was the only major automaker to see a sales decline, down 18.5 percent with a mere 65,000 units sold. Honda fared better with over 74,000 products sold.

While Honda's victory on the sales charts is indisputable, neither automaker is making a big deal about it. A Honda exec reportedly told Automotive News that it only worries about it internal sales numbers and doesn't focus on ranks. Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham told AN that the company is on the right track to improve its standing, adding, "We are taking the steps that are necessary to have a good foundation and to build consumer confidence." Graham also said that the company is expecting better results in the future on account of its increased advertising spending. If Chrysler doesn't reverse its sales slide, the next automaker to pass team Pentastar could be Nissan -- the Japanese automaker finished only 7,000 units behind Chrysler in November.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Honda to supplant Chrysler as America's 4th largest auto retailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler salesChryslerSalesdetroit threeDetroitThreehondahonda salesHondaSalespentastar Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/#comments Filed under: ,

Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for a high res image gallery

During last year's holiday season Chrysler's rank and file were faced with extended holiday shutdowns. The reason was simple: Millions of Americans decided to stop buying vehicles due to the economic downturn. While the market is still down, auto sales have stabilized and the Pentastar isn't dealing with an outrageously bloated inventory, but Chrysler vehicles aren't flying off dealer lots. Chrysler was the only major automaker to see year over year sales down by double digits in November and the automaker's short-turn sales outlook is anything but rosy.

The Wall Street Journal reports that for the second straight year many Chrysler workers will be on extended shutdown during the holidays, with five plants taking three week leaves beginning December 21. Vehicles affected by production shutdowns include the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, the Dodge Viper, Charger and Challenger, the Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Wrangler. Also under consideration for an extended layoff is the Dodge Ram. The Pentastar originally planned to shutter the plants for the typical ten-day holiday shutdown. To help combat continued slow sales Chrysler has increased its advertising budget.

[Source: Wall Streer Journal - sub. req'd]

Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chrysler 300Chrysler300dodge challengerdodge chargerDodgeChallengerDodgeChargerjeep wranglerJeepWranglerplant shutdownsPlantShutdowns Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/#comments Filed under: , ,

Chrysler 300 in political spot - click above to watch the video

This is... different. To summarize, a new commercial by Chrysler is agitating for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's (a.k.a. Burma's) pro-democracy leader and lightning rod who has been under one form of house arrest or another for twenty years. The thirty-second spot was originally created to be part of sister-brand Lancia's sponsorship of the 10th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Says Oliver Francis, the new President and CEO of Chrysler and Managing Director of Lancia:
"We produced the TV film in honor of all those who put their lives at stake in the hopes of making the world a better place. In particular, those men and women who are still prisoners, like Aung San Suu Kyi. For Chrysler, this is a chance to use our brand image to join with others in the fight for peace and to knock down the walls that divide us. We at Chrysler believe in doing the right thing and making a difference."
The spot opens with a Chrysler 300 driving next to the some still-standing sections of the Berlin Wall. It then passes by a mural of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. We then see three Nobel Laureates getting out of the back of 300s: Muhammed Yunus, founder of the micro-lending Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Polish union leader and president Lech Walesa and former leader of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev.

As to whether or not a car company should be advocating in favor of peace and democracy, all we'll say is we're glad Chrysler is not fighting against 'em. Be sure to check out the video and press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 300C2010Chrysler3002010Chrysler300c300300CAung San Suu KyiAungSanSuuKyiChryslerChrysler 300chrysler adChrysler300ChryslerAdGrameen BankGrameenBankLanciaLech WalesaLechWalesaMikhail GorbechevMikhailGorbechevMuhammed YunusMuhammedYunusnobel laureatenobel prizeNobelLaureateNobelPrizeOliver FrancisOliverFrancis Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Fitch Ratings says U.S. auto industry headed for airline-style cyclical bankruptcies]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-fitch-ratings-says-u-s-auto-industry-headed-for-airline/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-fitch-ratings-says-u-s-auto-industry-headed-for-airline/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-fitch-ratings-says-u-s-auto-industry-headed-for-airline/#comments Filed under: , ,



Remember this past spring and summer's super speedy General Motors and Chrysler bankruptcies? If the billions in government loans and White House strong-arming is starting to slip into the recesses of your memory, your mind will likely be refreshed sometime in the future, at least according to Fitch Ratings. Fitch says that high fixed costs, perpetual over capacity and weak sales will lead to more bankruptcies that will mirror the misery of the airline industry.

Fitch gives plenty of reasons that the auto industry is far from out of the woods, chief among them is the continuation of weak sales. The ratings agency predicts 2010 car sales will rise by 7.8% to 11.1 million units, an improvement that is still far shy of the industry's peak sales of 17 million units. Another chief concern is GM and Chrysler's inability to access the credit markets for the foreseeable future. Credit markets are tight enough already, and Fitch doesn't see any bank lining up to loan money to any company fresh out of bankruptcy and still in restructuring mode. And if suppliers don't become more healthy or if gas prices spike again, Fitch sees the potential for more stress and ultimately more bankruptcies. And the Detroit 3 still have to contend with a high dollar union workforce and retiree obligations. Of the Detroit automakers, Fitch unsurprisingly sees the most stability at Ford. The Blue Oval still has access to bank loans and Fitch feels it has the strongest product lineup as well.

While we certainly agree that the auto industry is anything but out of the woods, we're also a bit skeptical of Fitch Ratings' foggy crystal ball. After all, Fitch didn't foresee much of the banking collapse that brought this country to its largest recession in decades until the collapse was painfully obvious, giving AA ratings to banks like Lehman Bros. only one year before that financial institution's dive into Chapter 11 protection.

[Source: Reuters | Photo by David Goldman/Getty]

REPORT: Fitch Ratings says U.S. auto industry headed for airline-style cyclical bankruptcies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bankruptcychryslerfitch ratingsFitchRatingsfordgm Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler piles on even more incentives ahead of the holidays]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In an effort to spur lagging sales, Chrysler has reportedly cranked up incentive spending on nearly all of its models by $1,000 to $1,500 while also offering 0% financing on many of its models. Chrysler is also said to be offering lease incentives of $500 to $1,000 on minivan leases and financing deals on leftover 2008 and 2009 Dodge Vipers.

The move towards additional rebates comes as incentive spending has been down for crosstown rivals General Motors and Ford. And Chrysler was already spending more on incentives than the industry at large - Edmunds says the typical Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep sold had $3,219 on the hood versus an industry average of $2,486. Chrysler is in a tougher position than its Detroit contemporaries, because the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker has seen its sales slide by 39% on the year - more than any other major player in the U.S. market. One thing Chrysler does have going for it is that dealer inventory is largely in check and Automotive News is reporting that 88% of its vehicles are 2010 models.

Chrysler's latest round of incentives is good now through January 4, 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler piles on even more incentives ahead of the holidays originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car buyingCarBuyingchryslerchrysler incentivesChryslerIncentivesdodgeincentive spendingincentivesIncentiveSpendingjeeprebates Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler could lose up to 145 more dealers because they can't get financed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-could-lose-up-to-145-more-dealers-because-they/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-could-lose-up-to-145-more-dealers-because-they/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-could-lose-up-to-145-more-dealers-because-they/#comments Filed under: ,



Chrysler's dealers haven't yet entered the portion of the game wherein they can catch a break. As if the dearth of inventory and lack of new vehicles weren't enough, nearly 150 dealers haven't been able to finalize floorplan financing. Since Chrysler Financial has exited that business, GMAC stepped in, but dealers are having a hard time meeting its terms: 85 have been turned down flat, another 60 or so are still working on it.

In some cases GMAC has asked for more collateral; in at least one other case, GMAC is looking for the dealer to alter the lending structure of his mortgages (not floorplan), held by Chrysler Financial. The former Pentastar piggy bank, again accused of trying to wind down its operations, said it "continues to cooperate" with all involved. If the rumored number of dealers does fall, it would take Chrysler's planned closures up to nearly 1,000, after the 789 announced earlier this year.

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Mark Ralston/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler could lose up to 145 more dealers because they can't get financed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler dealerschrysler dealers rejectedchrysler dealershipchrysler financialChryslerDealersChryslerDealershipChryslerDealersRejectedChryslerFinancialfinancialsgmac Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST