Dodge (Page 57)

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.

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.

Mopar (the aftermarket division of the Chrysler Group) introduced the radical Ram Runner last Easter along with showing off the Raptor-hunting Ram at a variety of shows but at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show the Ram Runner package will be introduced as an orderable package.

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.

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.

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.

The Dodge lineup has remained fairly steady (for some, stagnant) for the past few years but in 2011, the automaker will roll out 6 new or heavily refreshed models and to show off those new models, Dodge will put together a massive advertising effort early in 2011 which will include an ad during Super Bowl XLV.

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.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango and refreshed 2011 Dodge Journey are all packed full of reasons to belong in your short list for your next new car but in case you needed one more reason, Dodge has just announced a free maintenance program for the highline versions of their crossover and new SUV.

Chrysler Group announced that they are issuing a recall for 367,350 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravans for a concern over airbags opening when they are not needed.

The 2011 Dodge Durango is completely redesigned from top to bottom, inside and out, and yesterday these new SUVs began rolling off of Chrysler’s assembly line at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.

Dodge announced today that their Dodge Viper Cup, a spec series featuring an entire field of the race-ready Dodge Viper ACR-X will be returning in 2011 after the inaugural season ended up this October.

Thanks to the folks at Dodge, the modern horsepower war is about to heat up even more with the 470hp Challenger SRT8 392 but for now, the Chevy Camaro claims to the top spot in the muscle car class.

Chrysler’s Ram and Jeep brands were tops in the American auto industry last month in terms of growth over last year, helping the Chrysler Group to show a 17% improvement over November 2009.

The 2011 Dodge Charger has gotten a midcycle refresh that has added a ton of Dodge attitude, and the 2011 Dodge Challenger has received a new 392 cubic inch engine to make it one of the most powerful cars sold in America. These vehicles will make their formal public debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show but for those who can’t make it to LA, Dodge is touring the country with a 2011 Charger and 2011 Challenger SRT8 392.