Chrysler positions itself for growth

Quietly, Chrysler positions itself for growth, CNBC, May 2
Don't dismiss Chrysler's earnings as just another story - it's not,
CNBC television said on its website. Chrysler earned $116 million last
quarter thanks in large part to a line-up that is slowly getting
better, the report said. This profitable quarter sets a good base to
show Wall Street this Chrysler is far different than the old one, the
report said. Rebuilding the product pipeline has taken time, and yes,
Chrysler still has a long ways to go, still, today is a big step in the
re-birth of Chrysler, CNBC said.

Chrysler reports first profit since bankruptcy, Los Angeles Times,
May 3
o Chrysler Group reported its first quarterly profit since emerging
from bankruptcy nearly two years ago, helped by a revamped lineup of
cars and trucks as well as higher vehicle prices, the Los Angeles
Times said. Chrysler said 60% of its sales in the quarter came from
its revamped lineup, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the report
said. Chrysler reiterated its full-year outlook, saying it expected
to post revenue of $55 billion and net income of $200 million to $500
million, the Times said.

‘Fast Five’ Dodge Charger is product placement of the year,
Brandchannel.com, May 2
o With Universal claiming that ‘Fast Fives’’ opening weekend is the
most lucrative opening in the studio's history, it was a winning
weekend for Chrysler and Dodge, the brand that poured a lot into the
film including extensive cross-branding and marketing tie-ins, both
onscreen and off, Brandchannel.com said. Simply put, Fast Five will
help move Dodge Chargers off the lot - and that's the greatest
compliment a product placement can get, the website said. There's no
doubt that the Charger's role in what's gearing up to be one of the
biggest blockbusters of the summer will pay off, the website said.
But not just in new interest for the Charger, but also as a
tremendous brand reinforcement for the many who have already bought
in to Dodge's revived model, the article said.

Chrysler reveals Ram Long-Hauler concept, Autoevolution.com, May 3
o Chrysler boasts that “they don’t get much bigger” than its new Ram
Long-Hauler concept truck and at a whopping 24 feet (about 7.3
meters) long they are probably right, Autoevolution.com said. This
bad-boy is so big you could take a whole cow in the back to market
and come back with a flock of sheep, the website said. Based on a
Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, the interior was spruced up using
several options such as a DVD player with overhead screen for rear
seat passengers and a rear center console that includes a
refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables, the report said. The Ram
Long-Hauler will be shown across the country over the next eight
months “to gauge public opinion” for a possible production version,
the article said.

Off-road icon takes on a more sophisticated air, San Francisco
Chronicle, April 29
o For the 2011 model year, the Grand Cherokee enters the marketplace
with an all-new, sophisticated and even elegant persona, the San
Francisco Chronicle said. Each surface of this latest Grand Cherokee
is fresh and focuses on aerodynamic improvement with design fluidity,
which also contributes to improved fuel efficiency, the Chronicle
said. The styling is now much more contemporary and displays a
somewhat European flair, but without having forsaken Jeep®’s classic
design cues, the review said. The interior uses rich materials and
stylish appointments while providing more space for both passengers
and cargo, the article said. Driving this Grand Cherokee proved to be
an exhilarating experience; the on-road characteristics from
acceleration, through braking, ride quality and handling attributes
were admirable, and the off-road performance was even more
impressive, the paper said. This 2011 model Jeep Grand Cherokee is by
far the best Grand Cherokee ever, the Chronicle said, and definitely
deserving of Jeep’s flagship status, the review said.

Dodge makes a good thing better; Grand Caravan packs on value,
Vancouver Sun, May 1
o Special attention to detail is now evident in interior design, plus
an entirely new powertrain places the Grand Caravan in the enviable
position of having value and substance, the Vancouver Sun said. The
2011 Dodge has caught up to many of the imports in terms of fit and
finish, and in some respects has surpassed the vehicles that are
perceived to be premium offerings, the Sun said.

Auto industry shines in annual 'Reputation' survey
o After falling to unforeseen lows amidst scandals, recalls and
self-inflicted demonization economic crises, the American public's
perception of the reputation of corporate America is on the rise.
Overall corporate reputation is experiencing rehabilitation as the
American public gives high marks overall to corporate America,
specific industries, and the largest number of individual companies
in a dozen years, according to 2011 Harris Interactive RQ Study,
which measures the reputations of the 60 most visible companies in
the U.S. The auto industry had a significant increase in positive
perceptions, jumping 15 points from 2010, the largest year over year
gain by any industry in the study's 12-year history. All three
domestic auto companies demonstrate positive momentum compared with
2010 and were among the 10 most improved companies in the study. Ford
is the second highest ranked car company, following Honda. Toyota
ranks third among automakers. GM and Chrysler achieved the 3rd and
4th highest gains in 2011.

The price is right for this luxury 'working truck', Toronto Star,
April 30
o The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab is like a Clydesdale
horse in a Savile Row suit, the Toronto Star said. Hoist yourself
into the beige/dark brown cabin of the Laramie Crew Cab and you'd be
forgiven for thinking Lexus has gotten into the pickup business, the
Star said. "I'd call this the nicest truck interior of the Big
Three," the Star's reviewer said. On the road, the civility of this
Ram surprised; the ride is smooth and quiet, and there is no slop in
the suspension or steering, the review said. In the case of this
high-end Dodge, capability is paired with cosseting luxury at a
reasonable price, the review said.