Jeep sales increase 58 percent to help Chrysler report best August results since 2007
Published: Thursday, September 01, 2011,
For a second straight month, Chrysler Group LLC reported its U.S. auto sales are returning to pre-recession levels. The Auburn Hills-based automaker today said it sold 130,119 vehicles last month, a 31 percent increase from 2010.
"In spite of a volatile market, Chrysler managed to significantly outperform the industry again in August with retail sales up 42 percent," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Dodge Brand and head of U.S. sales.
Chrysler attributed its August sales -- best since 2007 -- to the Chrysler 200, Fiat 500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, and the Ram pickup truck.
Jeep led the pack with a 58 percent sales increase in August, the brand's best sales volume month since December 2007 and its 16th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Followed by Chrysler with a 25 percent increase; Dodge with an 18 percent uptick; and Ram, up 8 percent.
"Last month also represented our 17th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth, and on the back of our 16 all-new or significantly-refreshed products I see that trend easily continuing into the fall."
In July, Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 112,026 units, also its best sales since 2007.
By year-to-year percentage increase, Chrysler beat General Motors Co. for the second straight month. The Detroit automaker reportedly sold 218,479 vehicles in August, marking an 18 percent increase in U.S. sales compared to last year.
GM, Chrysler and Ford Motor Co. this year benefited from limited supplies of Japanese vehicles, as automakers like Toyota Motor Co. continue to recover from the March earthquake and tsunami that devastated auto production in the county.
Jeep® Brand Launches All-new Advertising Campaign for the "Most Awarded SUV Ever" - the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
New advertising campaign for the Jeep® Grand Cherokee's begins today with print, broadcast and digital efforts- The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has received 30 awards from prominent automotive journalist associations, print/on-line/television media outlets and industry organizations
- 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers ultimate combination of real-world 4x4 capability, on-road refinement, fuel efficiency, premium craftsmanship, safety, technology and innovation
Since its introduction, the 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has captured 30 awards from an array of opinion-leading publications, television and on-line media outlets, journalist associations and industry organizations making it the most awarded SUV ever. The Jeep brand is celebrating the vehicle's award-worthy success by kicking off an all-new advertising campaign today that will feature, for the first time, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit model. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to evolve and carve out a refined and unique place in the automotive marketplace, the numerous awards and claims are proof that this legendary icon only continues to improve.
To read more on the Cherokee's success, please copy and paste the link below into your browser:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jeep-brand-launches-all-new-advertising-campaign-for-the-most-awarded-suv-ever---the-2011-jeep-grand-cherokee-125747013.html
All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 Called "The Perfect Combination," Earns "Car of the Month" Award
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 named "Car of the Month" for July by NADA guides
- The new Chrysler flagship's sleek elegant design, ample space, smooth driving performance and a plethora of intuitive technology features were highlighted by NADA guides' analysts
- Chrysler 300 sedan's "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was among the numerous criteria used to determine NADAguides Car of the Month
- From December 2010 to January 2011, NADA guides tracked consumer interest of the 2011 Chrysler 300 increasing by more than 200 percent
- Chrysler 300 series sedans are available now at Chrysler dealerships nationwide with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $27,995
With its stylistic distinction, technological innovation and extensive list of safety features ? combined with a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ? the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan was named NADA guides' "Car of the Month" for July, continuing the momentum for the Chrysler brand.
To read more on the 300's success, please copy and paste the link below into your browser:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/all-new-2011-chrysler-300-called-the-perfect-combination-earns-car-of-the-month-award-125003334.html
2012 Dodge Charger Gains Eight-Speed Automatic for V-6 Models
Motor trend- June 23, 2011Although the Dodge Charger was substantially updated for the 2011 model year, the company isn't done revamping its midsize sedan. In fact, it announced a few new tweaks for the new 2012 Charger, which should hit dealers later this year.
The big news is there's a new transmission in town ? at least for cars without eight cylinders nestled underhood. Much like its platform-mate, the Chrysler 300, the 2012 Charger will now be offered with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler says mating the eight-speed 'box with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 yields a 10-percent increase increase in fuel economy. If true, expect Chargers so equipped to return EPA figures in the neighborhood of 20/30 mpg (city/highway). Steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are also a new option.
If you're looking for an eight-speed transmission for a Charger with an equal amount of cylinders underhood, you'll have to wait a little longer. Although sources tell us the ZF-designed transmission can theoretically be used with Chrysler's V-8 engine range, presently, 2012 Charger R/T cars with the 5.7-liter Hemi will continue to utilize aging five-speed automatics. That said, buyers can now opt for the same flappy paddles offered on the V-6 model.Jeep To Get 6-Speed Automatic
All-Par.com -May 31, 2011
Even as Jeep Wrangler steps up to a five-speed, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee will come with a six-speed automatic, most likely the 65RFE, according to source MooseEater. In addition, Jeep will switch to an electro-hydraulic power steering system on V6 models, cutting weight and parasitic engine losses.
Grand Cherokee Overland will, late in the model year, get new 20 inch polished wheels (optional), while some Laredo models will get 18 inch polished aluminum wheels (optional). Jeep will also change the various option packages, adding an 18? tire-and-wheel delete to Laredo X, separating some options on some models, and changing wheel designs.
The Grand Cherokee SRT8, already announced, will also be available. Chrysler claims a 0-60 of 4.8 seconds, mid-13 quarter miles, and an estimated 13% increase in gas mileage over the prior Jeep SRT8 despite a boost to 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. New Pirelli 295/45ZR-20 tires deliver skidpad results of up to 0.9 g, and buyers will be able to get a luxury package similar to Overland.
The Wrangler itself will move the premium 18 inch Anniversary Model wheels to a free-standing option on Sahara; and add a Max Tow package including the 3.73 axle, hitch, and wiring.
The 2012 Compass and Patriot expand the popular North All Season Group to FWD models, and make remote start available with the off-road CVT. The Patriot also adds fog lamps to the North group.
Liberty continues with package and feature modifications.
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Sep 2, 2010 -
Buckle in and hold tight. Dodge is jumping back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row vehicle spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. Durango will lead the Dodge brands new product onslaught for 2011.
From its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the 2011 Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out. And the changes are more than skin deep. The Durangos stiffened unibody structure is engineered with the driving enthusiast in mind. The end result is a vehicle that delivers premium driving performance combined with SUV capability and crossover versatility.
The all-new Durango features two engine options: the standard fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the available 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode. Both engines feature variable-valve timing (VVT) and are available with all-wheel drive. In addition to great efficiency, the engines provide exceptional V-6 and V-8 towing capability with standard trailer sway control (V-8 - 7,400 lbs. and Best-in-class V-6 6,200 lbs.). When equipped with the HEMI V-8, the all-new Durango can tow more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer.
The Durangos all-new interior is a surprise owners always deserved but never expected. Created by the same interior design studio that designed the much-lauded interior in the Ram trucks and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durangos luxurious interior materials and thoughtful touches will make owners and their crews want to jump in, hunker down and thoroughly enjoy even the longest drive. Everywhere they touch, Durango passengers will feel materials that are refined and soft to the touch. Not only is it a pleasure to behold, it is extremely functional and gives
owners a first-class experience, regardless of the trim level. Durangos interior is also extremely comfortable for all three rows of passengers, and theres a surprising amount of interior flexibility. With 22 different seating configurations, theres plenty of room to store and move plenty of people and their gear.
The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango also offers consumers 45 safety and security features, including standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as
all-new standard active head restraints. Electronic Stability Control also is standard. Other available safety and security technologies include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n Go.
The best part is, consumers will get all of the all-new Durangos capability, functionality and flexibility and still get excellent fuel efficiency. In fact, drivers can go more than 500 miles, thats the distance from San Diego to San Francisco or from Detroit to New York City, without having to stop for fuel.
Built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., the new 2011
Dodge Durango arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.