Edmunds Daily
Jeep
November 4, 2009
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.
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- Ron Montoya November 4, 2009, 1:50 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
November 3, 2009
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.
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- Doug Newcomb November 3, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Technology, Car Audio and Electronics, Car Tech Tuesdays, Chrysler, Dodge, Family Cars and Concerns, Jeep
September 25, 2009
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.
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- Mark Takahashi September 25, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Chrysler, Dodge, Edmunds Roundup, Honda, Jeep, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Chrysler, Edmunds Roundup, Honda U3-X, Toyota 4Runner
September 17, 2009
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.
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- Joanne Helperin September 17, 2009, 5:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Leasing, Automotive Consumer News, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
August 6, 2009
There was a time when the mention of an SUV congered up images of Ford Explorers, Chevy Blazers, Nissan Pathfinders and Toyota 4Runners. These were vehicles that could tow, travel off the beaten path and have the ability to carry the entire family and a lot of their stuff. Thanks to factors such as rising gas prices and consumer's desire for a more compliant ride, SUV's have given way to CUV's like the Ford Flex, Chevy Traverse, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is clearly in the SUV camp, exemplified by its unmatched off-road capability. While it may not have the fuel economy or car-like ride of its CUV cousins, where the Grand Cherokee can go (or tow), those CUV's can't follow. That capability, along with its choices of four different powertrains and handsome styling, means that for some consumers, their needs can be satisfied "only in a Jeep."
Some enticing incentives never hurt either. See what is available on the Grand Cherokee this month, after the jump.
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- Lee Scott August 6, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Deal of the Week, Jeep
- Technorati Tags:
- Deal of the Week, Financing, Incentives & Rebates, Jeep Grand Cherokee
May 21, 2009
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.
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- Doug Newcomb May 21, 2009, 12:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Buying, Car Loans and Financing, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
- Technorati Tags:
- Chrysler, Chrysler Financial, Dodge, Fiat, GMAC, Jeep
May 15, 2009
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.
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- Lee Scott May 15, 2009, 2:50 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Buying, Car Negotiating, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
- Technorati Tags:
- Bankruptcy, Chrysler, dealership closing, Dodge, Jeep, negotiation, residual value
May 14, 2009
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?
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- Philip Reed May 14, 2009, 11:42 AM
- Categories:
- Chrysler, Dodge, General Motors, Jeep
- Technorati Tags:
- bankruptcy, Chrysler, dealerships, GM, metro, parts and service, rural, service, warranty
May 1, 2009
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?
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- Joanne Helperin May 1, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Advice Articles, Chrysler, Dodge, FAQ Friday, Jeep, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn
- Technorati Tags:
- Bankrupt Brands, Chrysler, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn
March 19, 2009
The Jeep Wrangler is an icon, the quintessential American off-road vehicle. In a world of do-everything cross-overs, the Wrangler makes no excuses for its intentions as a vehicle with the singular purpose of being the best off-road vehicle it can be. While this results in the Wrangler being unmatched off-road, it limits its ability (and appeal) on-road. Despite this single-minded objective, Wrangler sales have usually been particularly strong, especially when compared to its competitors. Strong sales have usually resulted in limited incentives being placed on the Wrangler. However, this month, there are deals to be had. Read the details after the jump.
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- Lee Scott March 19, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Deal of the Week, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Deal Of The Week, Dealer Cash, incentives and rebates, Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Xterra, Toyota FJ Cruiser
February 26, 2009
As they say, in life, timing is everything. The Kia Borrego is suffering from bad timing. Kia launched the truck-based Borrego SUV at the same time last summer when gas was hitting an all-time high. An all-new SUV that is rated as low as 15 mpg and gas prices over $4/gallon are like oil and water, they don't mix. Gas prices are down now, but so are overall vehicle sales. We all know that the recession has continued to decimate the sale of all cars and trucks. As a result, last month, Kia sold 272 Borregos. Do I smell a deal of the week?
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- Lee Scott February 26, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Acura, Deal of the Week, Ford, Fuel Economy, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- 0% Financing, Ford Explorer, Fuel Economy, incentives and rebates, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Borrego, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Warranty
