The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Toyota Showcases Eco-Sensitive Twins at 2009 SEMA Show Toyota showcased a pair of eco-friendly modified Priuses at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas. Both the exterior and interior of Aerius and Aemulus concepts were outfitted using environmentally friendly materials.
AutoObserver: Chrysler Outlines the Plan, Can it Work? Chrysler conducted a marathon eight-hour press conference Wednesday highlighting its all-encompassing, five-year business plan. This AutoObserver post includes a breakdown of that plan and analyzes the possibility of its feasibility and effectiveness.
Green Car Advisor: GM Gets Grant to Develop Prototype Exhaust-Heat Generator GM, which has been working on energy recovery from exhaust heat for decades, has just received a small federal grant to develop a prototype exhaust-heat generator using a material called Shape Memory Alloy. Green Car Advisor explains the significance of that.
Chrysler made a number of significant announcements today at its press conference, where the company laid out its five year product plan. In terms of product highlights, expect to see fewer V8 engines and more 4 cylinder engines in the coming years. Unfortunately, EV's and hybrids won't surface until their next five year plan. The Ram brand is now officially separated from Dodge. This will be their truck division.
The Dodge Challenger will live on, but the Viper's days are numbered. Dodge also announced a small hatchback based on their Hornet concept car. Fiat and Chrysler will now begin to share their powertrain technology. In late 2010, the Fiat 500 will make its way into U.S. showrooms. A diesel version of the Jeep Wrangler was announced. Also, Jeep will become an more SUV focused brand.
For several years Chrysler has been the only automaker offering satellite TV as an add-on option for its rear-seat entertainment systems, and now it will be the only automaker offering broadcast TV as well. The service will be provided by FLO TV, which was developed by Qualcomm, and offers around 20 channels, including CBS, NBC, Fox News, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.
Audiovox will supply the hardware for the Chrysler system, which will be available for through the company's Mopar parts division as a dealer-installed option. Audiovox introduced the product at the Consumer Electronics Show last January and recently announced that it will soon launch it nationwide through the Audiovox brand Advent's "expeditor" network, which works with car dealerships -- not just Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers. Possibly at a price that could undercut Chrysler.
Chrysler is recalling an estimated 12,674 vehicles because of a possible tire and wheel separation issue. Possibly effected vehicles are the 2009 and 2010 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300. It only affects those models with rear-wheel drive (therefore all Challengers).
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration summary of the problem, "these vehicles may have been built without a front wheel spindle nut. While driving, a tire and wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash."
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Chrysler Annoyed at Grand Cherokee Recall Chatter The Center for Auto Safety is requesting an immediate government recall of 2.3 million 1993 -'04 Jeep Grand Cherokees, claiming that faulty fuel tank design puts occupants at high risk of dying in fire after a crash. On its ironically named corporate blog, thefirehouse.biz, Chrysler called the Center's research findings "unsubstantiated" and "flawed."
Auto Observer: Chevy is General Motors In an exclusive interview, Chevy's global vice president Brent Dewar told AutoObserver.com how he plans to take his brand from 52.3 to 70 percent of GM's global sales: Hit 'em young, hit 'em green, and make 'em swoon.
Green Car Advisor: Electric Smart on Schedule for 2012 Launch Large-scale production of the Smart Fortwo EV will begin in 2012, with a limited production series of 1,000 test cars beginning next month. The two-seater model will be sold in the U.S. and Europe, has a 62 mph top speed, a 70-mile range, and can be recharged from a standard 220-volt outlet.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Ram Brand Is Born, as Chrysler Purges Ranks and Elevates Designer Gilles As part of its new brand focused strategy, Chrysler has announced that the Ram brand will break off from Dodge and become its own truck and SUV label. Meanwhile, a similar change in direction is occurring in the corporate ranks, with new executives being hired and others resigning.
Green Car Advisor: Nissan Leaf Video Campaign Launches to Promote New Electric Car Nissan kicked off the first in a series of informative videos that promote its new electric vehicle. This minute-long video establishes the history that Nissan has in producing electric vehicles powered by lithium Ion batteries. The Nissan Leaf is expected to launch in selected U.S. cities next year.
Auto Observer: Make Mercedes Payment through iPhone App Need to a way to make your car payment over the phone? Like the commercial says, "There's an app for that." With this new application, you can check your loan balance, make a payment, or locate your nearest Mercedes dealership. The application is free to download, and will work on iPhones and the iPod Touch.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Inside Line: All-New 2010 Toyota 4Runner Debuts at Texas State Fair Toyota chose to unveil the latest 4Runner in the truck capital of the world - Texas. The previous V8 engine has been discontinued, replaced by an even more powerful V6. An economical four-cylinder will also make its way back into the lineup. Returning is the 4Runners insatiable appetite for off-road terrain, as reported on Inside Line.
Green Car Advisor: Honda Shows-Off Segway Alternative Concept The Tokyo Motor Show is known for its wacky concepts and this year looks to be no different. Honda took the wraps off its new U3-X mobility device, a single-wheeled electric personal mobility device that uses a complement of sensors, servos and motors to remain upright. Like the Segway, the rider leans in the direction they want to travel in order to get around. We just hope it's more comfortable than it looks.
Auto Observer: Fiat Plans a Busy 18 Months for Chrysler Chrysler's Italian overlords have noted the lack of new models bearing the pentastar logo and have a rather ambitious plan to bring new models to market. Fiat supremo, Sergio Marchionne, wants makeovers performed to the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot compact crossovers and the newly resurrected Chrysler PT Cruiser. And he wants them ready by mid-2011, along with the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300. We suspect Red Bull will be big part of the Chrysler designer's diet.
Though it is now five model-years old, the current Chrysler 300 still seems to always catch my eye when I see one. The Bentley-inspired styling was bold in 2005, and it is still distinctive today. While there are full-sized vehicles that might offer more room and/or luxury, subjectively, none have the visual presence of the 300.
The 300 also offers attributes that enthusiasts drool over, namely rear-wheel drive and HEMI V8 power (and even more power in SRT8 guise). Those less-enthusiastic drivers can still enjoy the style without the need for a V8 as a V6 is available, as is AWD for those in less hospitable climates.
Of course you wouldn't be reading about the 300 unless there were some pretty good incentives available. Now through the end of the month, buyers can choose between $4500 customer cash or 0% financing for up to 72 months on the 2009 300. Most regions also offer $500-$1000 in bonus cash.
With those incentives, and some new Italian managers who seem poised to find a way to make Chrysler thrive and survive, the 300 is a sedan that buyers shouldn't overlook. Of course, that mug makes it hard to overlook too. For the latest incentives and rebates on all models, click here. (Sparta!)
Effective tomorrow, Chrysler Group will resume leasing on all 2010 model year Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles, courtesy of its recent lending partnership with GMAC Financial Services.
"Special" vehicle lease rates through Sept. 30, 2009 will be available on the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram 1500 and Journey, and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty. Current Chrysler Group vehicle owners are also eligible for $1,000 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash for the lease or purchase of select 2010 vehicles or the purchase (only) of select 2009 vehicles.
I'm not a fan of the way the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies went down. The case of GM is particularly vexing: billions of taxpayer dollars later, we've still got members of the old guard calling the shots. Maybe we should have saved our money and let 'em go bankrupt the hard way, eh?
Nonetheless, there are some signs that Detroit is finally getting it. Well, GM and Ford, at any rate; the most notable news out of Chrysler lately has been the removal of the hood strakes from the 2010 Sebring, a godsend for car-renting aesthetes across the country. Seriously, though, GM and Ford have been making moves. Here's three encouraging signs of life.
Remember when Mercedes-Benz thought it would be a good idea to take Chrysler under its wing? Didn't exactly pan out, did it. However, one pleasant legacy for Chrysler has been the Dodge Sprinter van, a rebadged version of Benz's Euro-market hauler of the same name.
The Insurance Instutute for Highway Safety just announced that the Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger have all earned its prestigious "Top Safety Pick" award. This is a rather difficult honor to achieve, as a vehicle must have stability control as a standard feature and earn the agency's top rating of "Good" in its frontal offset, side impact and rear crash tests.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Chrysler Kills Lifetime Powertrain Warranty Starting with the 2010 model year, fans of Chrysler's lifetime warranty will have to settle for a five-year/100,000-mile warranty coverage that can be transferred at no charge during the sale of a vehicle. The new program will include the Dodge Viper and Chrysler's SRT performance-car lineup.
Green Car Advisor: Ford Announces Electric Vehicle-to-Grid Communications System Ford's new intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will allow vehicle owner's to choose when the vehicle should recharge, for how long and at what utility rate. Ford and its power company partners will be the first to use these vehicles.
The federal government's automotive task force has declared that the new General Motors and Chrysler, which have emerged from bankruptcy, are ready to stand on their own. Yesterday, new task force head Ron Bloom announced that the feds are withdrawing the government-backed warranty guarantees on new vehicles sold by GM and Chrysler. Those guarantees were designed to make potential buyers feel secure about pulling the trigger while the two companies reorganized.
"With the successful emergence of the new companies, consumers can now feel assured that the companies have the financial wherewithal to meet their warranty commitments on a continuing basis," Bloom told a House Judiciary subcommittee.
The Obama administration invested $641 million in the warranty program, all of which has been returned to the Treasury -- with interest. GM says it never actually needed to use that money, and Chrysler doesn't comment on warranty figures, according to Automotive News.
Chrysler has announced a new "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" incentive program that allows car shoppers to receive up to $4,500 toward the purchase of eligible Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.
The program is open to customers purchasing most new 2009 vehicles. Those shoppers who have trade-ins that qualify for the U.S. government's CARS (aka Cash For Clunkers) program stand to receive even bigger savings, since both the CARS and Chrysler programs may be combined to generate incentives of up to $9,000.
Chrysler's program begins on July 23, 2009. Buyers may choose between two options: up to $4,500 in cash or 0 percent financing for 72 months through GMAC Financial Services. These incentives are set to continue through August 31, 2009.
Note that the CARS program is slated to begin on July 24, 2009. This program allows buyers to receive a credit of either $3,500 or $4,500 on certain gas-guzzling trade-ins.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Green Car Advisor: Chrysler Seeks OK to Cancel 64 GEM Franchises, Cites Poor Sales Chrysler has asked its bankruptcy judge for permission to cancel its franchise agreements with 64 Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) dealers. Owned by Chrysler, GEM manufactures low speed electrical vehicles usually found on private campuses or in government fleets. According to Chrysler, many of the proposed franchise closures are located in areas that have sold poorly.
Auto Observer: Best Buy Gearing Up Electric Vehicle Sales A handful of Best Buy locations have begun to sell electric bicycles, scooters and Segway Inc. transporters. Best Buy views this as a reimagining of their product offerings, and as a way of staying ahead of its competition. Later this summer, they will also sell an electric motorcycle, capable of reaching 45mph.
Green Car Advisor: Toyota Reported Ready to Launch Plug-in Prius For Masses in 2012 The Nikkei business newspaper is reporting that Toyota is getting ready to launch a plug-in version of its Prius hybrid by 2012. Toyota plans to build about 20,000 units in the first year alone. The pricing is expected to start at about $48,000. At this price, the plug-in Prius will cost about $8,000 more than its upcoming competitor, the Chevrolet Volt.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Green Car Advisor: Chrysler to Build Four Versions of Fiat 500 in U.S. Automotive News is reporting that the Italian automaker Fiat will bring its Fiat 500 subcompact vehicle to the United States under the Chrysler nameplate. Fiat, now a 20 percent owner of Chrysler, expects to have the car stateside in about 18 months. It will be offered in four styles plus a possible SUV configuration for the U.S. market.
Auto Observer: "Good" GM May Not Be All That Good As General Motors hurries through its bankruptcy proceedings, analysts have questioned the viability of the core brands that are left in the wake of their restructuring. The fate of GM will be largely dependent on the success of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. But are these remaining brands ready to provide a solid foundation on which to build a better company? Regardless of the where the company stands in its restructuring process, GM has pledged to honor any product-liability claims made prior to the bankruptcy filing.
Inside Line: 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged Makes Debut, Priced at $68,000 Jaguar XF buyers who are looking for more power, but feel that the XFR is a bit much, now have another option. The 2010 XF supercharged debuted Monday, and commands an $18,000 premium over the base XF. Follow the link for more details on the XF Supercharged and the XFR.
Chrysler isn't getting much respect these days, and rightfully so. My colleagues regularly ridicule many Mopar products, from the Playschool-like Dodge Caliber to the underwhelming Sebring. But did you know that Chrysler offered a stylish coupe and convertible that featured a Mercedes-Benz platform and engine? Well, from 2004 to 2008, they did.
A Supreme Court ruling late yesterday has cleared the way for Fiat to purchase the majority of Chrysler's assets, which should allow the new company to exit bankruptcy. The remade automaker got another judicial boost yesterday when a New York bankruptcy court allowed Chrysler to shut down the 789 dealers it had earmarked for closure, making yesterday their last official day of business.
The sale of Chrysler's assets to Fiat had been temporarily put on hold when the Supreme Court stayed the sale on Monday to review an appeal from three Indiana state pension and construction funds, which hold $42.5 million of $6.9 billion in Chrysler secured loans. The Supreme Court's timely review and approval of the lower bankruptcy court's decision could bode well for General Motors, which also recently declared bankruptcy and hopes to move through the Chapter 11 process quickly.
Fiat is expected to finalize the deal with Chrysler in short order, though the unprecedentedly swift travel through Chapter 11 reorganization and sale to Italy's largest automaker is no guarantee that the ailing Detroit automaker will thrive or even survive. Fiat has promised to rejuvenate the Chrysler brand with fuel-efficient engine technology and a new lineup of small and efficient cars.
While the Supreme Court Monday temporarily hit the pause button on Chrysler's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, today is the final official day of business for 789 Chrysler dealerships. June 9, 2009 is the last day closing Chrysler dealerships will legally be able to sell Chryslers, Jeeps or Dodges as new cars with factory-backed incentives and warranty support.
Many of these closing dealerships will morph into used car lots or auto repair facilities to take advantage of what is hoped to be a loyal customer base.
Car shoppers have flocked to closing lots to buy Chrysler vehicles at record low prices. If you are one of these shoppers, make sure your deal is inked and recorded before the doors close Tuesday. After that, warranties sold at these closing dealerships will not be valid through Chrysler.
With the Supreme Court surprisingly stepping in yesterday, the future of the remaining Chrysler dealerships is more up in the air than ever. Though part of the agreement to sell Chrysler's remaining assets to Fiat has a clause allowing the Italian automaker to abandon the deal after June 15, Fiat's chairman says he will "never" walk away from the proposed deal with Chrysler.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Inside Line: Hummer Brand Finds Buyer, Says General Motors The Hummer brand has been teetering on the edge of elimination for some time now. But GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson has announced that they have found a potential buyer for Hummer. If this deal goes through, it could secure over 3,000 U.S. jobs.
Auto Observer: Chrysler Begins Emerging From Bankruptcy A New York City bankruptcy court has approved the sale of Chrysler's assets to a group led by Italy's Fiat. Judge Arthur Gonzalez was firm in his decision, and rejected any opposing argument on the grounds that it was the only alternative to "immediate liquidation" of Chrysler. However, the struggling automaker emerged from bankruptcy in record time and according to President Obama, has sold more cars in May than it did in April. Auto observer has a percentage breakdown of Chrysler's new stakeholders.
You will be hearing a lot of rumors this week that General Motors is expected to declare bankruptcy soon even though the exact timing of it is still a matter of speculation. GM's bankruptcy has become increasingly likely as poor sales continue and debts mount. Declaring Chapter 11 will allow GM to keep most of its dealerships open (some closings have been announced that will take place in a year) and allow sales on remaining inventories.
Over the weekend, President Barack Obama commented that GM and Chrysler, which is already in bankruptcy, will have to emerge as "leaner, meaner" companies from their restructuring. If they do, he added, a substantial market will await them.
When bankruptcy arrives for GM it is expected to be one of the most complex legal restructurings of our time. Because of the vast reach of GM, and its multinational status, the situation is expected to require the work of legions of attorneys.
As bankruptcy looms, the deal making continues on GM car lots with high incentives and deep discounts. Meanwhile, consumers who own GM vehicles, who are worried about what this will mean for them, can read "What if My Carmaker, Dealer or Warranty Company Goes Under?"
Further proving that there's never been a better time to buy a new vehicle from recession-battered domestic automakers, Chrysler has announced zero-interest financing for 72 months on certain 2008 Chrysler
, Dodge
and Jeep
vehicles through Chrysler Financial
. This is on top of factory-to-consumer cash incentives
that the bankrupt automaker is already dangling to lure buyers into its showrooms.
The financing option is available through June 1, before Chrysler Financial is taken over by GMAC, and comes as Chrysler seeks to sell 2008 models before being merged with Italian automaker Fiat SpA.
With Chrysler's recent announcement that it will close nearly a quarter of its dealerships, consumers might be wondering how this will affect their purchasing decisions if a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep product is on their short list. As the saying goes, I've got good news and bad news (and some sad news). Which do you want first? I'll give it all to you after the jump.
Most Chrysler dealerships that are being closed are in metropolitan areas where their coverage overlaps.
Chrysler today announced that it plans to close 789 of its car dealerships as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring plan. GM is expected to follow suit and shutter about 2,000 dealerships in its attempts to avoid bankruptcy. It's estimated that about 38,000 people will lose their jobs.
It appears that most of the cuts will be made in metro areas where several dealerships selling the same brand are currently competing. While competition is a good thing for consumers by holding down prices, this also means that a service department nearby you will likely remain open. It may require a longer drive to get there, but routine service can be continued along with repairs performed under warranty.
Here's more on the actual closings from Auto Observer.
As tragic as this is for those involved, you still need to keep your wheels rolling. What's the best way to do that?
Automakers have been aggressively muscling in on the aftermarket's dominance in car electronics for about 10 years now. A watershed moment for me was when Lexus linked up with the high-end home-audio brand Mark Levinson in 2000: It was the first time I thought that the sound quality of an OEM system could be seriously compared to what was available from the aftermarket. But you could still get something better from the aftermarket for the same amount of money.
What a difference a decade makes. Not only have auto-audio brand hookups proliferated, but car companies have taken the lead on several tech fronts, such as with the seamless iPod and Bluetooth integration offered by Ford's Sync system -- for which the aftermarket still hasn't come up with a better or less expensive alternative. Talk about a reversal of roles.
And although the aftermarket will always be the place to go if you want the utmost quality, maximum flexibility and the latest features, we wondered whether automakers or the aftermarket now offer the best value for the average consumer. So we considered four categories in which the two camps compete -- audio, rear-seat entertainment, navigation and Bluetooth -- to determine whether you get more for your money from automakers or the aftermarket.
While not an apples-to-apples comparison, our analysis gives a good indication of what it will cost on average to go each route. And the results we found in a recent feature story are surprising.
Hyundai cars, such as the Genesis pictured above, outsold Nissan during April while Ford outsold Honda. Go figure.
When oh when will the "pent-up demand" for cars kick in and flood the lots with qualified and, yes, confident buyers?
That happy day is bound to come eventually since four million Americans postponed car buying last year. And as April sales indicated, we are on track to see only about 9.3 million Americans buy a new car.
But will the bubble burst in time to save Chrysler/Fiat? And what about GM?
More important for you, if you are part of that pent-up demand, is this the time to pull the trigger on that new car?
Ford Fusion Hybrid Sets Hypermiling Record The Ford Fusion Hybrid has set a new record for distance on one tank of gasoline. It traveled for 69 consecutive hours and 1445.7 miles on a single tank, managing an impressive 81.5 mpg.
Chrysler Bankruptcy News Had enough Chrysler bankruptcy news yet? On Green Car Advisor, we look at the effect that the company's bankruptcy and reorganization will likely have on its green initiatives. On Auto Observer, we examine the company's plans to temporarily shutter its manufacturing operations. On Inside Line, we shed light on the company's plans to reduce its number of dealers. Finally, on Straightline, we cover GMAC's plans to take over the retail financing of Chrysler vehicles.
You'd have to live way off the grid to not know that Chrysler just declared bankruptcy, and that Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer are in their death throes. But where does it leave consumers?
As Phil Reed noted yesterday, and as we detailed in this article, the immediate impact on consumers should be limited (see the above links for details if you're still worried, but you needn't be unless you work for one of those companies or their dealerships).
Yes, it's a shock to realize that your car's brand may cease to exist -- or be reincarnated as something you don't recognize. But will that change the way you feel about your car?
Declaring that Chrysler has "a new lease on life" President Barack Obama announced at a press conference today that the automaker will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (reorganization) while it forms a new partnership with Italy's Fiat.
Obama also said the bankruptcy will be "quick" and "controlled" and will not affect Americans' chance to buy a Chrysler or get it repaired. He also announced that General Motor's financial arm, GMAC, will soon finance new Chrysler sales to "unlock frozen credit markets" and help more consumers qualify for a new car purchase.
Chrysler owners will not be left in the lurch since warranties will be honored at the remaining dealerships. Even if the company is liquidated, the U.S. Government has already pledged to continue warranty coverage through a third party fund. While the press conference contained few details, a few events seem likely.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere
Straightline Ford Fiesta Outsells Volkswagen Golf in Europe Europe's having a Fiesta and it doesn't involve a mariachi band. Ford's completely redesigned Fiesta compact hatchback was the No. 1-selling car in Europe for March, with 52,805 units sold. It bumped off perennial favorite Volkswagen Golf. This means that the new Fiesta is not only a runaway critical success, but also a runaway sales success. You'd think this would be incentive for Ford to bring it over here as quickly as possible, but you'd be wrong. Don't expect our Fiesta until next year at the earliest. You'd better put away that sombrero.
Green Car Advisor Pack Up the Kids, Low Summer Gas Prices Predicted Domestic gasoline prices are forecast to stay relatively low during the summer months that typically are a high-demand season. The Energy Information Administration calls for regular-grade gasoline to peak $2.30 per gallon, with the summer average falling to $2.23. Last summer's per-gallon average of $3.81. Therefore, expect an increase in family road trips to the Grand Canyon and Mt. Rushmore this summer in newly purchased Suburbans.
Edmunds Auto Observer Take My Pickup, Please Maybe those lower gas prices will help pickup sales, because as of today, they are plunging faster than a grand piano dumped off the Sears Tower. Full-size pickup sales for the Detroit Three in the first quarter plunged 45.2 percent for GM's Silverado/Sierra, 44.9 percent for Ford's F-Series and 32 percent for Chrysler's Dodge Ram. If this trend were to continue, Ford would sell only 326,000 units this year, compared to 888,818 in 2004 (its best year). Chevy would go to 269,132 from 705,951. The only commentary needed is "wow."
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere. Green Car Advisor American Honda Motor Says It Still Hopes To Close FuelMaker Deal FuelMaker Corp., the company that manufactures the Phill home refueling station for the Honda Civic GX, is facing a potential bankruptcy. This technology is important to the future of the GX, the only natural gas vehicle being sold in the U.S., and as such Honda is trying to facilitate the sale of FuelMaker to a company that has similar interests. Despite this potential setback, Honda remains committed to the GX, and will continue to promote the vehicle.
Edmunds Daily GM Recalls Mid-Size Cars Made Between '97 and '03 Chrysler Recalls 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler The last thing these companies need is more bad publicity, but with these recent recalls, General Motors and Chrysler hope to get ahead of a few critical safety issues. GM is recalling over 1.4 million vehicles equipped with its 3.8 liter V6. Chrysler is recalling 4,336 of its 2009 Jeep Cherokee, Wrangler, and Commander models. Follow the links to get all the details and the list of models affected.
Inside Line 2010 Cadillac SRX First Drive The redesigned 2010 Cadillac SRX is facing an uphill battle as it tries to compete with the class leader Lexus RX. Cadillac engineers say that the SRX has a different balance than the RX, and that it is more fun to drive. Inside Line's Daniel Pund drove the SRX at a press event and gave us his early impressions. Pricing for the Cadillac SRX has not been announced, but is estimated be in line with the RX's price- around $36,000 to start. The car is expected to hit showrooms sometime this summer.
We live in an age in which car gadgets allow us to do more than ever behind the wheel: make hands-free phone calls, receive and send text messages, search for the best gas prices and restaurants, listen to our entire music library and more. But of all the cool car technology available, the most significant advances are the ones that could save your life. Or at least a trip to the hospital or the body shop.
In a recent Edmunds feature, we highlight the latest safety technology from BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo that you'll see in showrooms soon. From cameras and sensors that help a driver see what's around a vehicle to Volvo's City Safety (shown above) that provides automatic braking in stop-and-go traffic, these innovative features represent the cutting-edge of available auto safety technology.
And could someday become as common as seatbelts and airbags.
Despite the recent popularity of SUV's, nothing can carry people and stuff better than a minivan, and when it comes to minivans, nobody has sold more than Chrysler. They have essentially owned this market ever since they introduced the modern minivan 25 years ago. While they may not be at the top of class (Inside Line's long-term Caravan has taken a beating), the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country are still competitive and popular. VW even thought highly enough of the Chrysler product to put its name on their Routan version. For this week's deal, there are some nice incentives on all three models. heos
This new feature for Edmunds Daily about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America's Car Show on satellite radio. His column will appear weekly on Wednesday afternoon.
Dear Tom, I own a 2004 KIA Amanti with 15,000 miles. At the last inspection, the mechanic said the vehicle would need brakes all around in a couple of months. He quoted me a price of $772, and he said that I should have ceramic brake pads installed. Is it necessary to go with ceramic pads and is this a reasonable price? What type brakes do you suggest? -- Cindy from Rochester, NY
Cindy, Ceramic pads will hold up better to high-speed stops compared to metallic brake pads. In addition, ceramic pads are quieter, they do not produce "brake dust," and they wear less on brake rotors. Overall, I prefer ceramic brake pads. The price you were quoted seems high. Call for a couple more quotes and make sure you tell them the specifics of what the first shop quoted you. That way you will be comparing apples to apples. In my area (Western New York) the going price for pads and rotor replacement is usually about $150-$200 per axle set. -- Tom
Dear Tom, I own a 2004 Chrysler Town & Country minivan (small V-6 engine) with 78,000 miles. I hear a single clicking sound in front under the floor when I shift from drive to reverse or vice versa. The car seems to shift fine (no gap in gears). However, the sound worries me. I don't notice this problem when shifting from low gears to drive or from park to drive or reverse. Could the noise be an indication of a future transmission problem? -- Ed from Jamestown, NY
With it looking like Chrysler edging ever closer to declaring bankruptcy, (rumor has it they will not be getting anymore money from the government come March 31st), it's all too easy to say that the company deserves to die. After all, why throw good money (we're talking billions here) after bad, right? Let's look at what Chrysler offers now and what they've contributed in the past...
Nobody likes those red circular down arrows. They're depressing, and although the three brands on the left have grown used to them, the numbers beneath those arrows should come with a Costco tub of Prozac.
Automakers sold 691,073 vehicles in February, down 40.9 percent from the 1,168,729 they sold one year ago. That marked the lowest level of car sales for any February since 1967, a year in which there were only 103 million registered drivers -- half as many today. There were also significantly fewer Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans on the road (that's the understatement of the day), so imagine the market share difference between 42 years ago and today.
