Posts Tagged → Chrysler News
Demand for Remote Start Increases 20 Percent at Chrysler Group LLC
More and More Drivers Start Car from Afar
* Remote Start available on Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram vehicles through Mopar
Auburn Hills, Mich., Nov. 30, 2009 -
Drivers, remote-start your engines.
More and more Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram customers are adding the ultra-convenient Remote Start feature to their vehicles. In 2009, Mopar sales for Remote Start are up 20 percent.
Nearly 90 percent of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles are available with Remote Start. Those customers who want to add the feature after purchase, or who buy a used vehicle without Remote Start, will turn to Mopar for the feature.
“Remote Start is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care. “As we head into winter and the holiday gift-giving season, we expect even more of our customers to warm up to Remote Start.”
Drivers with Remote Start may start their vehicle from up to 300 feet away, allowing the engine to warm up and the interior of the vehicle to heat or cool based on the pre-set temperature. The engine will stay on for 10 minutes and will shut off if a key is not inserted into the ignition.
Unlike other aftermarket offerings, Mopar’s Remote Start system utilizes proven, quality-tested factory components and is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle without any splicing or cutting of existing wires. In addition, Mopar integrates and combines the function into one key fob, eliminating the need for excess fobs. Remote Start is fully covered under the vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper new-vehicle warranty or Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty, whichever is most advantageous to the customer.
Remote Start is available on 2008-2010 model-year Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. Depending on the vehicle, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ranges from $235 to $299, plus installation. The installation process takes approximately one hour and may be done at any Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram store.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
About Mopar
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.
More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960’s – the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts in order to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Jeep® Showcases “Moparized” Wrangler Unlimited at 2009 International Motorshow (IAA) in Frankfurt
* Mopar outfits Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
* Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the brand’s four-door icon, features class-leading off-road capability and everyday practicality
* Jeep Wrangler owners spend approximately $325 on Mopar parts and accessories for their vehicles
* Complete list of accessories and performance parts at www.mopar.com
Frankfurt, Germany, Sep 15, 2009 -
Approximately 40 percent of Jeep® Wrangler customers who order exterior accent packages will purchase chrome to customize their vehicle. A Mopar-outfitted 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, on display this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, showcases a new line of chromed parts and accessories from the minds of Mopar.
Chromed Appearance
The “Moparized” Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features chromed mirror covers and brushed stainless steel door sills–popular accents that hold true to the appearance theme. At the rear of the Mopar-outfitted Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a chromed fuel-filler cap and an upgraded chromed exhaust tip sparkle even in the worst weather and off-road conditions. In addition, tubular side steps double as easy entry points. Further, Mopar’s18-inch chromed aluminum wheels are added to enhance the appearance. Finishing off the iconic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the historical seven-slot grille is upgraded to a chromed grill.
Ultimate Capability, Performance Parts from Mopar
In addition to chromed accents, Mopar offers a vast selection of parts and accessories to further enhance the capability and performance of Jeep Wrangler. These parts and accessories include lift kits, upgraded axles, rock protection, cold-air intake kits and cat-back exhaust systems.
Whether it’s chromed accents or lift kits, new Jeep Wrangler customers spend approximately $325 on Mopar parts and accessories in order to customize their new vehicle. To meet the demand of customer individuality, these parts and a variety of others may be ordered and installed at the dealership. They may also be installed at the factory.
“Right after Dodge Ram, Jeep Wrangler is our most accessorized vehicle,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care. “From chromed parts to axle kits, we offer our Jeep Wrangler owners hundreds of parts and accessories from which to choose.”
Frankfurt “Moparized” Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Part# Item Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price
82210469 Chromed Mirror Covers $121
82210558AC Chromed Front Grille $327
82210564AC Chromed Tubular Side Steps $583
82210268 Chromed Taillamp Guards $183
82208439AB Chromed Exhaust Tip $54.40
82210608 Chromed Fuel Filler Cap $165
82210142 Brushed Stainless Steel Door Sills $111
82210001 18-inch Chromed Aluminum Wheel $411
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality. Wrangler Unlimited is a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design with room for five adult passengers and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler.
Mopar Brand
Mopar distributes more than 280,000 components in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.
More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960’s – the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
Popularity: 2% [?]
‘Big Daddy’ Don Garlits to Return to NHRA Drag Racing in a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak by Mopar® at Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Garlits will make his first appearance in organized drag racing in six years
Center Line, Mich., Aug 31, 2009 - “Big Daddy” Don Garlits is making a comeback to NHRA competition for the first time since 2003, driving his Dodge Challenger Drag Pak by Mopar® into the heat of NHRA Stock eliminations at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals on Labor Day weekend. His historic first run in the Drag Pak will be on Wednesday, Sept. 2, in A/Stock Automatic qualifying at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis. The full U.S. Nationals event is scheduled to begin Sept. 2 with final eliminations on Monday, Sept. 7.
Garlits hung up his helmet after Top Fuel qualifying at the U.S. Nationals exactly six years ago in 2003. He last ran a stock class car in 1963 when he competed in a 1963 Dodge Max Wedge drag package car carrying “Garlits Dodge” graphics. His new Dodge Challenger Drag Pak by Mopar has the same lettering emblazoned on its sides, along with the same Mopar graphics from his historic run last year alongside “Miss Mighty Mopar” Judy Lilly in Drag Pak prototypes at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals.
“I like my Dodge Challenger Drag Pak much better than a dragster,” said Garlits, referring to the current way Top Fuel dragsters are campaigned. “It takes 25 people to get a dragster to the line these days. All I have to do with the Dodge Challenger is turn the key and take it there. When the light turns green I have a ten-second ride—which is almost three times what I used to get—and I even have time to look at the tach and shift gears.”
“Big Daddy’s” 2009 Dodge Challenger is the first Drag Pak by Mopar ever made. He took delivery at the Performance Racing Industry show in December 2008, receiving the keys along with a certificate of authenticity from Mopar. Garlits put the Drag Pak by Mopar through test and exhibition runs at the World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova Dragway Park in Cordova, Ill., last weekend.
Garlits retired for the first time in 1987, but returned for one race at Atlanta in 1992 and made a 300-mph run at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis in 2001. He then ran a limited schedule of four NHRA National events each year in 2002 and 2003 before he stepped out of Top Fuel at the request of his wife, Pat. “I didn’t want to come home and find my clothes all over the front yard,” he said at the time he acquired his new Dodge Challenger, explaining that he had the home-front green light to run a doorslammer in competition, referring to his Drag Pak vehicle.
Garlits statistics
• 17 World Championship Titles and 144 National event wins
• Voted #1 Drag Racer for the past 50 years by the NHRA in 2001
• Won the prestigious U.S. Nationals eight times
• Car Craft Magazine Top Fuel Driver of the Year: 1969-70, 1972-73, 1975-78 & 1986
• Car Craft Magazine “Man of the Year”: 1969, 1971-73
• American Hot Rod Association “Fuel Driver of the Year”: 1971-74
The Mopar Brand: Authentic Motor Parts and Accessories for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Mopar—a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts—was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC.
The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
In addition to its proud muscle-car heritage, Mopar established a solid reputation as a one-stop shop for proven, quality-tested, reliable and original parts. Just this year, in 2009, Mopar has introduced more than 200 new parts and accessories.
“Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered by the same team that creates all of our factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles,” said Pietro Gorlier, President & CEO, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “At Mopar, we offer more than 280,000 parts and accessories for customers who want to customize and refresh their rides.”
Today, Mopar is responsible for the distribution of authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold in more than 90 countries. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Joint Statement From Nissan and Chrysler
Nissan and Chrysler today announced a mutual agreement to end three OEM vehicle-supply projects announced last year.
For the past several months, teams from both companies have been studying the viability of the projects in light of significant changes in business conditions since the projects were announced in January and April of 2008.
Today, it was decided it was in the best interests of both companies to end the projects.
The projects had involved:
1. Nissan providing to Chrysler a compact sedan for the South American market beginning this year.
2. Nissan providing to Chrysler a small vehicle for global markets beginning in 2010.
3. Chrysler providing to Nissan a full-size pickup truck starting in 2011.
A separate agreement involving the supply of transmissions from Nissan affiliate JATCO to Chrysler remains unchanged. That agreement has been in effect since 2004.
Popularity: 1% [?]
The 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger Earn Highest Possible Safety Rating From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
* 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger named Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2009 Top Safety Picks
* Chrysler Group LLC demonstrates quality and safety in mid-size sedan segments
Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 25, 2009 -
Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger have earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
“We are proud to receive the highest possible ratings from IIHS for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “These sought-after achievements highlight Chrysler’s leadership in safety and security technology and occupant protection.”
When it comes to safety and security, the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger employ a two-fold approach: passive features, including pre-tensioning seat belt retractors and supplemental side-curtain air bags, are combined with accident-avoidance features, including responsive steering, braking, handling and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
“A vehicle that earns the Top Safety Pick designation provides the best overall protection in the three most common kinds of crashes,” said Adrian Lund, President – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Top-level crash-test performance plus electronic stability control to help keep drivers out of crashes are the tough criteria needed to earn this award.”
Available safety equipment on the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger includes ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and ABS, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags. The two vehicles also are equipped with Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) for child safety seats.
The 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger offer more than 30 safety and security features, including:
* Active head restraints
* Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
* All-speed Traction Control
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
* Auto-reverse Sun Roof
* Auto-reverse Window
* BeltAlert
* Brake Assist
* Brake/Park Interlock
* Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH)
* Child-protection Rear Door Locks
* Crumple Zones
* Digressive Load-limiting Retractors
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
* Energy-absorbing Steering Column
* Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
* Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts
* HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
* Inside Emergency Release
* Interior Head-impact Protection
* Knee Bolsters
* Remote Keyless Entry
* Remote Start
* Safety Cage Body Structure
* Seat-belt Pretensioners (both front seat belts)
* Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
* Side Guard Door Beams
* Side-curtain Air Bags
* Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM)
* Uconnect phone
* Vehicle Theft Security Alarm
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Cruisin’ On
Chrysler PT Cruiser will continue production
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 31, 2009 -
Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser will continue. The Chrysler Group Toluca (Mexico) Assembly Plant—the exclusive home of Chrysler PT Cruiser—will continue to build the quality-proven, versatility packaged and “too cool to categorize” small car.
“The heritage-styled Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to be a global success story,” said Peter Fong – President and Chief Executive Officer – Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “With more than 1.3 million PT Cruisers sold in more than 60 countries since 2000, we’re excited to announce we’re re-energizing the iconic and award-winning PT Cruiser.”
The Chrysler Group changed the landscape of the automotive market when it introduced the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser nearly 10 years ago. Its one-of-a-kind exterior styling and Swiss Army knife-like interior flexibility, offered at a compact car price, redefined the small-car segment and became an instant hit with consumers.
High-quality, craftsmanship, performance and functionality continue to give the award-winning Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. For years, leading consumer magazines and third-party studies have recommended the PT Cruiser for its consistently high levels of quality and refinement—tying for first place in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey (IQS) this July.
Some of the Awards the vehicle has won are the following:
• 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports “Recommended”
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Guide, “Best Buy – Compact Cars Category”
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports, “Recommended”
• 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Edmunds.com, “Most Significant”
• 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, AutoPacific, “Top Vehicle customer satisfaction”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, North American International Auto Show, “North American Car of the Year”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, African Americans on Wheels and Latinos on Wheels, “Car of the Year”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Strategic Vision, “Compact Car Segment”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Industrial Design Excellence, “Gold Award”
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Automobile Magazine, “Best Small Car”
Since production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser began in February 2000 (as a 2001 model), the PT Cruiser lineup has been a continuous hit. The latest flavor, the 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser 5 marked the 14th customized version of the segment-busting small car. The Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 joined the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition and Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Editions.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Chrysler Group LLC Announces New “Double CA$H For Your Old Car” Incentive Program
* Every consumer shopping for a new vehicle qualifies
* Consumers can receive up to $4,500 for the purchase of an eligible, new 2009 Model Year Chrysler, Jeep® or Dodge vehicle
* Chrysler Group incentive is in addition to the U.S. Government “CARS” program. Consumers with an eligible trade-in under the CARS program can receive up to $9,000 towards the purchase of an eligible new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 22, 2009 - Chrysler Group LLC today announced new incentives, “Double CA$H for Your Old Car,” that can save consumers up to $9,000 toward the purchase of a new Chrysler, Jeep® or Dodge vehicle.
“Everyone shopping for a new car or truck qualifies for an incentive of up to $4,500 – even if they don’t have a vehicle that qualifies under the U.S. Government’s program,” said Steven Beahm, Vice President – Sales Operations, Chrysler Group LLC. “This incentive is great in that it’s easy to understand and available to everyone.”
Beginning July 23, 2009, Chrysler Group LLC will offer up to $4,500 Consumer Cash or 0 percent financing for 72 months through GMAC Financial Services on most 2009 model vehicles. These incentives are valid through August 31, 2009.
July 23, 2009 also marks the start of the U.S. Government’s Car Allowance Rebate Systems (CARS) program, more commonly known as “cash for clunkers.” The CARS program offers a government credit of either $3,500 or $4,500 for trading in an inefficient vehicle that is not more than 25 years old for the purchase of a new vehicle. The amount of the credit is determined based on the fuel-economy improvement between the turn-in vehicle and the new vehicle purchased.
“The administration’s program is aimed at getting less fuel-efficient vehicles off the road, and for vehicles that meet the requirements, offers a great incentive to do so,” Beahm said. “But we didn’t want consumers without qualifying vehicles to feel left out so we are offering up to $4,500 to everyone.”
Chrysler Group offers consumers 35 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles from which to choose at almost 2,400 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships located across the United States.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line, including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Chrysler Group LLC Announces Changes to Product Planning Organization
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 14, 2009 -
Chrysler Group LLC today announced the following appointments within its Product Planning organization, led by Michael Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer — Jeep® Brand.
* Joseph Veltri has been appointed Product Planning Lead. In this role, Mr. Veltri will ensure continuity across brands for product requirements and engineering capabilities. He also continues his role as Head of Truck/SUV Product Planning. In this position, Mr. Veltri continues with responsibility for leading the Truck/SUV product plan to ensure required business case development and product decisions consistently align with the voice of the customer.
* Kevin Metz was appointed Head of Wrangler Product Planning. In this position, Mr. Metz will be responsible for leading the Wrangler product plan by ensuring required business case development and product decisions consistently align with the voice of the customer. He will also report on a dotted line to Truck/SUV Product Planning.
* Matthew Nyquist has been appointed Head of E SUV Segment Product Planning. In this position, Mr. Nyquist will be responsible for leading the E SUV product plan by ensuring required business case development and product decisions consistently align with the voice of the customer. He will also report on a dotted line to Truck/SUV Product Planning.
* Joanne Sevrain was appointed Head of A and B Segment Product Planning. In this position, Ms. Sevrain will be responsible for leading the A and B segment vehicles by ensuring required business case development and product decisions consistently align with the voice of the customer.
* Richard Kukucka has been appointed Head of C, D, and E Segment Product Planning. In this position, Mr. Kukucka will be responsible for leading the C, D, and E segment vehicles by ensuring required business case development and product decisions consistently align with the voice of the customer. He will also serve as Head of Minivan/MUV Product Planning.
* JoAnn Heck continues as Head of Consumer Insight and Product Research. In this position, Ms. Heck continues responsibility for all customer-facing research performed by the company. This includes product design clinics, Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) studies, customer/market research, component and systems research, brand and customer attitude/behavior, customer measures research, and all other global market trend studies performed by the company.
* Timothy Suchyta was appointed Head of Long Range Product Mix, Volume, Pricing, Demand and Portfolio Planning. In this position, Mr. Suchyta will be responsible for long range activity for volumes, price positioning, and product and portfolio mix which includes segment definition, high level vehicle attributes and long range customer and brand alignment.
Today’s announcements are immediately effective. Further organizational alignments will be announced at a later time.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Sergio Marchionne Named Automotive News Industry Leader of the Year
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 7, 2009 -
Sergio Marchionne, the Chief Executive Officer of both Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat S.p.A., has been named the Industry Leader of the Year and Europe CEO All-Star by Automotive News.
“Over the past year, Marchionne has been the most vocal, visible and successful agent of change inside the automotive industry,” the industry publication said in its annual All-Stars edition. “His audacity and pedal-to-the-metal approach to reshaping the industry has made him Automotive News’ Industry Leader of the Year for 2009.”
Mr. Marchionne also took home the magazine’s top European CEO award.
According to Automotive News: “Marchionne is changing the culture at Chrysler and putting the company on a new track, with a new brand-driven organization and a robust product plan using Fiat-based models. For his bold and decisive moves, Sergio Marchionne is our choice of Europe CEO All-Star and Industry Leader of the Year.”
Mr. Marchionne was named Chief Executive Officer of the Chrysler Group LLC in June.
Previously, Mr. Marchionne was appointed Chairman of CNH Case New Holland in April 2006 and Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Group Automobiles in February 2005. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A. in June 2004 and has been a Member of the Board since May 2003.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Chrysler Statement in Response to House Appropriations Committee Action
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 9, 2009 - Chrysler used sound business judgment during the bankruptcy process to determine the appropriate size for its dealer network. Annual new vehicle sales have declined roughly 40 percent in the last 2 years, which leaves Chrysler at a level that cannot support the previous size dealer network.
Chrysler continues to work with discontinued dealers on issues related to redistribution of inventory, parts and special tools.
The reorganization under the guidance of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court necessitated that tough, painful business decisions be made, including reducing the number of manufacturing facilities, employees and dealers. These decisions were not taken lightly, nor were they made irrationally. The opinion of the Court that approved Chrysler’s motion to reject certain dealer agreements affirmed the necessity of reducing the size of the company’s dealer network and the rationale used to determine what dealer contracts were rejected.
The intent of legislation such as H.R. 2743 would jeopardize the viability of the new company.
Popularity: unranked [?]