Chrysler (Page 37)

Amid all the hoopla surrounding the Chrysler introductions at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show is the little known fact that its resurgence until now is largely due to increased sales to rental car fleets – and that’s a problem for the brand a few years from now.

Heide Performance Products (HPP) of Madison Heights, Michigan has become a regular with their custom-built modern muscle cars at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas but with the help from the folks at Mopar, HPP used the 2011 Detroit Auto Show to expose the sinister side of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 with the Mopar Super S Concept.

Ford’s resurgence is shown with the announcement that it has the highest rate of overall customer loyalty with its win at the 15th annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, presented at the Automotive News World Congress as part of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Kia is the brand with most improved loyalty.

Some years at auto shows like the Detroit Auto Show are more visionary than others. No matter what the mood, though, you can always depend on the two major creative displays by students: Michelin Design Challenge and the College for Creative Studies (CCS).

The final numbers from 2010 are in from around the auto industry and the one good thing about the terrible year that was 2009 is that 2010 numbers show strong growth for everyone – except for Toyota.

We are only a few days from the Fiat brand making its official Motown debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and along with the introduction to the new Italian compact, the company’s Mopar aftermarket division will offer a modified 2012 Fiat 500.

Only the weekend stands between us and the opening of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and with companies preparing to show off their best and brightest for the new year, Chrysler has offered up a single rendering of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 will make its formal debut next week at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show but today, the Chrysler Group announced pricing for the new flagship sedan, starting at just $27,995.

Dodge has taken the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 and Charger R/T around the country to show off the beefed up coupe and redesigned sedan, and while they were on the road they hit a dyno shop to see just how much power these two modern Mopar muscle put to the road.

Annual sales reports from around the American auto industry are in and with them, we have a clear picture of the Top 10 best-selling vehicles in the US market with the Ford F-Series taking the top spot once again.

December 2010 sales numbers from around the industry are in and although the Dodge and Chrysler brands saw a decline in sales compared to December 2009, the Ram and Jeep brands had big months – helping to make the Chrysler Group to be the strongest of the Detroit automakers in terms of monthly growth.

The Chevrolet Camaro saw a 26% decline in sales last month compared to December of 2009 but thanks to steady sales throughout the year, 2010 marked the first time since 1985 where the Chevrolet Camaro outsold the Ford Mustang in annual sales.

Chrysler has announced a recall for about 65,000 2009 Dodge Journey crossovers over a wiring issue in the front doors that could lead to the side impact airbags not opening in the event of an accident.

Details remain sketchy at best, but a news report reveals that the relationship between the European automaker Fiat and its U.S. holding, Chrysler Group, continues to evolve. Fiat currently owns one fifth of Michigan's third largest automaker. But Fiat's chief executive tells reporters that the company's stake in Chrysler could soon rise to more than one half.

Chrysler is recalling 56,611 2011 Ram 1500 pickups over a problem with the rear axle bearings which could lead to the rear wheels locking up while traveling at speed.

There was a time when collaboration between automakers implied suspicion of collusion and potential price fixing; not anymore, and not with the government. The U.S. DOE's mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States has made cooperation between American automakers much easier.

The 2011 Dodge Journey received a lightly refreshed exterior, a sharpened interior and a revised suspension setup but when this (somewhat) new crossover hits Europe, it will wear the Fiat logo.

Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced a recall of 76,122 2010-2011 Ram HD pickups equipped with the Cummins diesel engine and a hydroboost braking system over a concern of slow pedal return.

Fiat is all about spreading their European-bred technology to the American Chrysler models and when something offers drivetrain efficiency like Fiat’s new 6-speed TCT dual clutch transmission.

TD Bank this morning announced that it acquired Chrysler Financial. The news is so sensitive that Chrysler Group immediately tweeted reminding they have no connection with the acquisition.

The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 is expected to make its grand debut next month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show but today, we have a full spread of images showing what the new luxury sedan will look like.