2011 Dodge Journey Lux, an AW drivers review, Autoweek, June 3
o Executive Editor - Autoweek.com Bob Gritzinger: It's a clear winner
on the value equation. To the naked eye, you're not giving away any
features or capability by going with the Dodge, and in some areas you
might even find the Journey more practical in terms of special
storage built-in all over the vehicle.
Editor Wes Raynal: Wow, this Journey is a heck of an improvement
inside. This is much better with good materials, much better fits and
a third row for emergencies. It's a much more refined driver now and
feels better planted. This is definitely in the running for my
most-improved award.
Autoweek.com Editor Dale Jewett: I have to admit to being surprised
by the level of comfort in this SUV. Every penny spent on upgrading
the interior trim was worth it. On surface streets and freeways the
ride of this Journey strikes a nice balance between comfort and
control.
News Editor Greg Migliore: The refresh is most evident inside and
underhood. The cabin has nicer plastics and a better feel all-around.
It's comfortable, well-laid out and displays color, easy-to-read
gauges. Seems like a great environment for families.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Chrysler Miracle, Newsweek magazine, June 5
The Chrysler Miracle, Newsweek magazine, June 5
o Chrysler stands out as an improbable bright spot in a
still-struggling U.S. economy, Newsweek magazine said. Not only is
the company showing faster sales growth than its rivals, but paying
back its $7.6 billion in U.S. and Canadian loans well ahead of
schedule, Newsweek said. While much of Chrysler’s comeback is of its
own making, the company is also benefiting from good fortune, the
article said. As industry expert David Cole points out, Chrysler’s
lower costs post-bankruptcy and favorable currency valuations now
give the company a couple-thousand-dollar price advantage over
Japanese and European competitors, the article said. Challenges
remain—from rising gas prices, expiring UAW labor contracts, and the
urgent need for Chrysler to introduce an appealing, thrifty, small
car, the article said. But CEO Sergio Marchionne has achieved
head-snapping acceleration toward his goal “to bring about, in the
shortest possible time, the birth of a single group†with Fiat and
Chrysler, the magazine said.
o Chrysler stands out as an improbable bright spot in a
still-struggling U.S. economy, Newsweek magazine said. Not only is
the company showing faster sales growth than its rivals, but paying
back its $7.6 billion in U.S. and Canadian loans well ahead of
schedule, Newsweek said. While much of Chrysler’s comeback is of its
own making, the company is also benefiting from good fortune, the
article said. As industry expert David Cole points out, Chrysler’s
lower costs post-bankruptcy and favorable currency valuations now
give the company a couple-thousand-dollar price advantage over
Japanese and European competitors, the article said. Challenges
remain—from rising gas prices, expiring UAW labor contracts, and the
urgent need for Chrysler to introduce an appealing, thrifty, small
car, the article said. But CEO Sergio Marchionne has achieved
head-snapping acceleration toward his goal “to bring about, in the
shortest possible time, the birth of a single group†with Fiat and
Chrysler, the magazine said.
Chrysler Clips Toyota
Chrysler Clips Toyota
By Eric Mayne
WardsAuto.com, Jun 1, 2011 3:27 PM Email a link to this articleEmail a link to this article Printer-friendly version of this
articlePrinter-friendly version of this article
For the first time in more than five years, Chrysler’s U.S. monthly sales total tops that of industry giant Toyota.
Chrysler recorded 114,860 deliveries in May, an 18.9% boost from like-2010, compared with Toyota’s 108,387 – a 27.9% plunge,
according to Ward’s data, which is adjusted for selling days.
ADVERTISEMENT
There were 24 selling days last month, compared with 26 in May 2010.
The last time Chrysler beat Toyota was Feburary 2006, according to Ward’s.
Toyota’s nosedive is linked to inventory woes caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that paralyzed Japan.
The pentastar company’s jump occurred even though its Dodge car lineup and Chrysler-brand light trucks suffered sales declines of
17.4% and 49.8%, according to Ward’s.
But every Jeep nameplate still in production recorded double-digit increases, at minimum. Sales of the upgraded Compass C-segment
cross/utility vehicle soared 108%, a mark exceeded only by the 216.5% surge of the brand-flagship Grand Cherokee.
Jeep sales totaled 35,573 for a 67.9% hike from like-2010.
The Ram fullsize pickup, Chrysler’s volume flagship, did not disappoint. Its sales rose 23.8% for the month.
Related Stories
Chrysler Taking New Shine to Jeep
Meanwhile, the ’12 Fiat 500 and the Chrysler 200 midsize car line, which launched last year along with the Dodge Durango fullsize
SUV, provided key incremental gains.
Chrysler’s May performance is “confirmation that our 2011 models continue to resonate with consumers,†Fred Diaz, Ram
president and CEO and lead U.S. sales executive, says in a statement.
In the 18 months following Chrysler’s emergence from bankruptcy in 2009, the auto maker has launched 16 new or significantly
refreshed vehicles.
Through May, Chrysler sales totaled 516,974 for a 19.3% gain on like-2010.
– with Christie Schweinsberg
emayne@wardsauto.com
http://wardsauto.com/ar/chrysler_clips_toyota_110601/
By Eric Mayne
WardsAuto.com, Jun 1, 2011 3:27 PM Email a link to this articleEmail a link to this article Printer-friendly version of this
articlePrinter-friendly version of this article
For the first time in more than five years, Chrysler’s U.S. monthly sales total tops that of industry giant Toyota.
Chrysler recorded 114,860 deliveries in May, an 18.9% boost from like-2010, compared with Toyota’s 108,387 – a 27.9% plunge,
according to Ward’s data, which is adjusted for selling days.
ADVERTISEMENT
There were 24 selling days last month, compared with 26 in May 2010.
The last time Chrysler beat Toyota was Feburary 2006, according to Ward’s.
Toyota’s nosedive is linked to inventory woes caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that paralyzed Japan.
The pentastar company’s jump occurred even though its Dodge car lineup and Chrysler-brand light trucks suffered sales declines of
17.4% and 49.8%, according to Ward’s.
But every Jeep nameplate still in production recorded double-digit increases, at minimum. Sales of the upgraded Compass C-segment
cross/utility vehicle soared 108%, a mark exceeded only by the 216.5% surge of the brand-flagship Grand Cherokee.
Jeep sales totaled 35,573 for a 67.9% hike from like-2010.
The Ram fullsize pickup, Chrysler’s volume flagship, did not disappoint. Its sales rose 23.8% for the month.
Related Stories
Chrysler Taking New Shine to Jeep
Meanwhile, the ’12 Fiat 500 and the Chrysler 200 midsize car line, which launched last year along with the Dodge Durango fullsize
SUV, provided key incremental gains.
Chrysler’s May performance is “confirmation that our 2011 models continue to resonate with consumers,†Fred Diaz, Ram
president and CEO and lead U.S. sales executive, says in a statement.
In the 18 months following Chrysler’s emergence from bankruptcy in 2009, the auto maker has launched 16 new or significantly
refreshed vehicles.
Through May, Chrysler sales totaled 516,974 for a 19.3% gain on like-2010.
– with Christie Schweinsberg
emayne@wardsauto.com
http://wardsauto.com/ar/chrysler_clips_toyota_110601/
Friday, June 3, 2011
Chrysler Group sales increase 10% in May
Chrysler Group sales increase 10% in May
Showing the power of its fresh-ened lineup, Chrysler Group reported its best May sales since 2008, USA Today reported.
The Wall Street Journal said that Chrysler Group’s U.S. sales rose 10 percent in May on higher truck vol-ume and robust growth at the Jeep® brand. It was the 14th con-secutive month Chrysler re-ported overall growth from prior-year levels. So far this year, Chrysler’s sales have climbed 20 percent from the like period a year earlier, the Wall Street Journal said.
Chrysler Group’s sales in-crease bucked an industry slide last month, CNNMoney reported.
Chrysler Group sales chief Fred Diaz, quoted in a Yahoo! News story, said: “Our retail sales were up 27 percent in May, driven in large part by our new models. Ram pickup trucks and all of our Jeep brand models posted sales increases in May, despite high, fluctuating gas prices."
“Chrysler today has the best product mix they’ve had in a long time,†said Truecar.com industry analyst Jesse Toprak,
The Jeep® brand drove Chrysler Group’s overall gain, the Detroit Free Press said, with Grand Cherokee sales that nearly tripled to 9,484 compared to May 2010.
CNNMoney reported. Chrys-ler’s cars and SUVs have al-most all been changed or re-placed in the past year, CNN-Money added.
Meanwhile, the broader U.S. auto industry suffered its first significant setback in more than 18 months, with higher vehicle prices, Japanese sup-ply shortages and economic jitters, the Journal said. Rivals Ford Motor and General Mo-tors reported respective sales declines of 0.1 percent and 1.2 percent for the month, the story said.
Sales of the revamped Chrysler 200 more than dou-bled the year-earlier perfor-mance of the Chrysler Sebring it replaced with 7,098 units sold in May, the Detroit Free Press said. to 9,484, the news-paper added.
Showing the power of its fresh-ened lineup, Chrysler Group reported its best May sales since 2008, USA Today reported.
The Wall Street Journal said that Chrysler Group’s U.S. sales rose 10 percent in May on higher truck vol-ume and robust growth at the Jeep® brand. It was the 14th con-secutive month Chrysler re-ported overall growth from prior-year levels. So far this year, Chrysler’s sales have climbed 20 percent from the like period a year earlier, the Wall Street Journal said.
Chrysler Group’s sales in-crease bucked an industry slide last month, CNNMoney reported.
Chrysler Group sales chief Fred Diaz, quoted in a Yahoo! News story, said: “Our retail sales were up 27 percent in May, driven in large part by our new models. Ram pickup trucks and all of our Jeep brand models posted sales increases in May, despite high, fluctuating gas prices."
“Chrysler today has the best product mix they’ve had in a long time,†said Truecar.com industry analyst Jesse Toprak,
The Jeep® brand drove Chrysler Group’s overall gain, the Detroit Free Press said, with Grand Cherokee sales that nearly tripled to 9,484 compared to May 2010.
CNNMoney reported. Chrys-ler’s cars and SUVs have al-most all been changed or re-placed in the past year, CNN-Money added.
Meanwhile, the broader U.S. auto industry suffered its first significant setback in more than 18 months, with higher vehicle prices, Japanese sup-ply shortages and economic jitters, the Journal said. Rivals Ford Motor and General Mo-tors reported respective sales declines of 0.1 percent and 1.2 percent for the month, the story said.
Sales of the revamped Chrysler 200 more than dou-bled the year-earlier perfor-mance of the Chrysler Sebring it replaced with 7,098 units sold in May, the Detroit Free Press said. to 9,484, the news-paper added.
Chrysler Group is making a comeback
Editorials laud Chrysler comeback
Chrysler Group is making a comeback, again, according to a column by Paul Ingrassia, deputy editor-in-chief of Reu-ters.
“People have been underes-timating (Sergio) Marchionne for years, and it has always been a bad bet,†Ingrassia wrote. The editorial also said that Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group and Fiat, has done “everything right†with the two companies so far.
A Detroit News editorial also gave “kudos†to Chrysler Group for its payback to the U.S. and Canadian governments six years ahead of schedule. The story said the loan repayment eliminates the stigma of being “beholden to the feds.â€
A Courier-Journal editorial said Chrysler’s edgy “Imported from Detroit†tagline be the slo-gan that applies to an automo-tive industry making a come-back from the Great Recession and that Chrysler could be the “poster child†for that come-back.
“Americans should take pride that their tax dollars paid off in such a big way, and worked to benefit so many of their fellow citizens and one of the nation's signature industries,†the Couri-er-Journal said.
“In rescuing Chrysler and GM, the Obama administration spread pain among workers, dealers, managers, sharehold-ers, bondholders and the tax-payers,†Ingrassia said. “It was shared sacrifice, not entirely voluntary, but it worked.â€
Chrysler Group is making a comeback, again, according to a column by Paul Ingrassia, deputy editor-in-chief of Reu-ters.
“People have been underes-timating (Sergio) Marchionne for years, and it has always been a bad bet,†Ingrassia wrote. The editorial also said that Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group and Fiat, has done “everything right†with the two companies so far.
A Detroit News editorial also gave “kudos†to Chrysler Group for its payback to the U.S. and Canadian governments six years ahead of schedule. The story said the loan repayment eliminates the stigma of being “beholden to the feds.â€
A Courier-Journal editorial said Chrysler’s edgy “Imported from Detroit†tagline be the slo-gan that applies to an automo-tive industry making a come-back from the Great Recession and that Chrysler could be the “poster child†for that come-back.
“Americans should take pride that their tax dollars paid off in such a big way, and worked to benefit so many of their fellow citizens and one of the nation's signature industries,†the Couri-er-Journal said.
“In rescuing Chrysler and GM, the Obama administration spread pain among workers, dealers, managers, sharehold-ers, bondholders and the tax-payers,†Ingrassia said. “It was shared sacrifice, not entirely voluntary, but it worked.â€
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Chrysler Group LLC Reports May 2011 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent, Best May Sales Since 2008
- Retail sales up 27 percent in May compared with same month a year ago
- May marks the 14th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
- New 2011 Chrysler 200 sales up 154 percent compared with sales
of its predecessor a year ago; retail sales of the Chrysler 200 increase
more than five fold
- Chrysler brand named “Top Popular Brand†in 2011 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
- Jeep® brand sales up 55 percent compared with sales in May 2010
- All current Jeep brand models post May sales increases, led by
the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, whose sales were up 192 percent
versus a year ago
- Jeep Grand Cherokee wins “Premium Mid-size SUV†category in AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
- New 2011 Jeep Compass posts 92 percent year-over-year sales increase, second highest percentage increase for Jeep brand models
- New 2011 Dodge Journey crossover voted “Family Car of Texas†at the Texas Auto Writers Association “Spring Roundupâ€
- Ram Truck brand posts a 13 percent increase versus a year ago, the brand’s 13th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
- 2012 Fiat 500 voted “Best Value†and “Best New Design†at the Texas Auto Writers Association “Spring Roundupâ€
June 1, 2011
, Auburn Hills, Mich.
-
Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 115,363, a 10 percent
increase compared with sales in May 2010 (104,819 units), and the best
May sales since 2008.Chrysler Group’s all-new or significantly-refreshed 2011 models continue to drive monthly sales gains. The new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Jeep Compass, and the new 2012 Fiat 500 all significantly contributed to Chrysler Group’s 10 percent sales increase in May.
Sales of the Chrysler 200 were up 154 percent in May, compared to the model’s previous generation. In May, the Chrysler brand was named “Top Popular Brand†in AutoPacific’s 15th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, and the new 2011 Chrysler Town & Country took the top spot in the “Minivan†category. AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award is an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his or her new vehicle.
All Jeep brand models posted year-over-year sales gains in May, led by the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 192 percent sales increase. The Grand Cherokee won AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award in the “Premium Mid-size SUV†category. Sales of the new Jeep Compass, now with Trail Rated® 4x4 capability, were up 92 percent in May compared with the same month a year ago.
“Chrysler Group just posted its 14th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, confirmation that our 2011 models continue to resonate with consumers,†said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Our retail sales were up 27 percent in May, driven in large part by our new models. Ram pickup trucks and all of our Jeep brand models posted sales increases in May, despite high, fluctuating gas prices.â€
The Jeep and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in May. The Jeep brand’s 55 percent increase was the largest of the Chrysler Group brands.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 65-day supply of inventory (311,453 units). U.S. industry sales figures for May are projected at an estimated 12.0 SAAR.
May 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
Jeep® Brand
The Jeep brand posted a 55 percent sales increase in May. All five Jeep brand models contributed to the increase by posting year-over-year sales gains. The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee posted a 192 percent sales increase in May, compared with the same month in 2010. It was the largest year-over-year sales gain of any Chrysler Group model.
Accolades continue to mount for the Jeep brand’s premium SUV as the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee received the highest spot in vehicle satisfaction for the “Premium Mid-size SUV†category in AutoPacific’s 15th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. The Grand Cherokee has captured 30 awards since introduction last summer, including the prestigious Ward’s “10 Best Interiors†award.
The new Jeep Compass posted a 92 percent sales increase in May versus last year, and is up 12 percent compared with sales during the previous month of April. The new Compass offers the Jeep Freedom Drive II® Off-Road package. This available four-wheel-drive system delivers Jeep Trail Rated® capability for the first time in Compass form.
The Jeep brand announced in May that four-time Grammy award winning artist Lenny Kravitz will be featured in the national broadcast advertising campaign for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Kravitz is a long-time Wrangler owner.
Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand posted a 13 percent sales increase in May. Ram pickup truck sales were up 16 percent, compared with the same month in 2010. Both the Light Duty and Heavy Duty pickup trucks, along with the Chassis Cab, saw year-over-year sales gains. This was the brand’s 13th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.
In May, the Ram Truck brand introduced the Ram “Long-Hauler†Concept Truck, a vehicle designed for hauling, range and comfort. On display at select events across the country, the Ram Long-Hauler is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, and is designed to tow multiple or heavy trailers and drive long distances. Designers upped the range between refueling stops with a mid-ship fuel tank. Combined with a second frame-mounted tank and a third, optional, bed-mounted auxiliary tank, total fuel capacity is 170 gallons.
Also in May, Chrysler Group, working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, delivered the first of a demonstration fleet of Ram 1500 plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup trucks to municipal officials in Yuma, Ariz. The 10 PHEV Ram 1500 pickups are part of a national demonstration fleet of 140 vehicles that will be used during the next three years to evaluate customer usage, drive cycles, charging, thermal management, fuel economy, emissions and impact on the region’s electric grid.
Dodge Brand
Sales of the 2011 Dodge Nitro mid-size sport utility continued its string of year-over-year sales gains with a 7 percent increase compared with May a year ago. The Dodge Caravan was the brand’s volume leader in May. Sales of the minivan were up 7 percent compared with sales in the previous month of April 2011.
The totally revamped 2011 Dodge Journey was the proud winner of the 2011 “Family Car of Texas†in May. The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) bestowed the honor after more than 50 journalists had the chance to get behind the wheel and drive the Journey at the group’s annual Spring Roundup at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The Journey received a major overhaul with a completely redesigned and retuned suspension, the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 283 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, along with excellent fuel economy of up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway, and a gorgeous new interior.
Chrysler Brand
Sales of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 increased 154 percent in May compared with sales a year ago by the model’s previous generation. For 2011, every Chrysler brand vehicle is new or significantly refreshed, resulting in beautifully-crafted vehicles with new powertrains, upgraded suspensions and world-class interiors and an exhilarating driving experience.
The brand in May launched a new advertising campaign for the all-new Chrysler 300. The new advertising campaign continues the “Imported from Detroit†messaging featured in the Chrysler 200 Super Bowl commercial and takes it to a new level by delivering insightful stories of people who possess an exceptional capacity for hard work. Carrying the theme launched during the Super Bowl’s “Born of Fire†commercial, each individual featured in this campaign has a direct link to Detroit and shares the spirit of the city.
May 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights
- Jeep brand sales (35,573 units) increased 55 percent compared with the same month last year (22,948 units)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (9,484 units) improved 192 percent versus May last year (3,246 units)
- Sales of the new 2011 Jeep Compass (4,555 units) were up 92 percent compared with May 2010 (2,373 units)
- Jeep Wrangler sales (10,008 units) increased 4 percent compared with May 2010 (9,634 units)
- Jeep Liberty sales (6,048 units) increased 47 percent versus May last year (4,105 units)
- Jeep Patriot (5,470 units) posted an 80 percent year-over-year sales increase
- Ram Truck brand sales (21,467 units) increased 13 percent compared with the same month last year (18,930 units)
- Ram pickup truck sales (20,117 units) improved 16 percent versus May 2010 (17,298 units)
- Sales of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 (7,098 units) were up 154 percent versus sales of the model’s previous generation (2,798 units)
- Dodge Nitro sales (1,900 units) increased 7 percent compared with May 2010 (1,774 units)
- Chrysler Group truck sales (83,105 units) improved 17 percent versus May 2010 (71,222 units)
|
Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru May 2011 |
|||||||
http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=10948&mid=2
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