Chrysler Announces New Incentives: 0% Financing or up to $4,000 Rebates

The Chrysler Group LLC is the latest automaker to join the incentive war that car makers have been waging for the past month in order to increase sales to individual customers in the U.S.

The Detroit company said that it has began offering 0 percent financing or discounts (e.g. Dodge Charger buyers can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 72 months or a $3,000 rebate) on most 2010 model year Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck vehicles when financed through GMAC Financial Services.

The incentives announced are valid until June 1, 2010. For more details, check out the official release after the jump.

From Chrysler Press Release:

Chrysler Brand

Consumers purchasing 2010 model year Chrysler brand vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or 1.9 percent financing for 72 months through GMAC Financial Services, or Consumer Cash of up to $3,000.

Jeep Brand

Consumers who purchase Jeep brand 2010 model year vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months or attractive financing rates for longer terms or up to $4,000 Consumer Cash.

• Consumers who purchase a Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Jeep Commander can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or Consumer Cash of up to $4,000
  
  • In addition, consumers who purchase or lease a Liberty, Grand Cherokee or Commander and finance through GMAC Financial Services are eligible for up to $1,000 in GMAC Bonus Cash
    
• Consumers purchasing a Jeep Wrangler are eligible for $500 in Mopar® Bucks
  

Dodge Brand

Consumers purchasing most 2010 model year Dodge brand vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for 36 months or Consumer Cash of up to $3,000.

• Consumers purchasing a Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan or Dodge Nitro can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or up to $2,000 Consumer Cash
  
• Consumers who purchase Dodge Charger can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 72 months or Consumer Cash of $3,000
  
• Consumers purchasing a Dodge Challenger can choose from attractive financing rates from GMAC. In addition, the consumer receives $2,000 in Mopar Bucks with the purchase or lease of a 2010 Dodge Challenger
  
• Consumers who purchase a Dodge Journey or Dodge Caliber can choose from 0 percent financing for 36 months, or Consumer Cash of up to $1,500
  

Ram Truck Brand
Consumers who purchase most 2010 Ram truck vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or Consumer Cash of up to $3,000.

• In addition, consumers purchasing or leasing a Dodge Dakota or Ram 1500 and finance through GMAC are eligible $1,000 GMAC Bonus Cash
  

Leasing
Chrysler Group is offering attractive lease rates on several 2010 model year vehicles.

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Chrysler Announces New Incentives: 0% Financing or up to $4,000 Rebates

The Chrysler Group LLC is the latest automaker to join the incentive war that car makers have been waging for the past month in order to increase sales to individual customers in the U.S.

The Detroit company said that it has began offering 0 percent financing or discounts (e.g. Dodge Charger buyers can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 72 months or a $3,000 rebate) on most 2010 model year Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck vehicles when financed through GMAC Financial Services.

The incentives announced are valid until June 1, 2010. For more details, check out the official release after the jump.

From Chrysler Press Release:

Chrysler Brand

Consumers purchasing 2010 model year Chrysler brand vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or 1.9 percent financing for 72 months through GMAC Financial Services, or Consumer Cash of up to $3,000.

Jeep Brand

Consumers who purchase Jeep brand 2010 model year vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months or attractive financing rates for longer terms or up to $4,000 Consumer Cash.

• Consumers who purchase a Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Jeep Commander can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or Consumer Cash of up to $4,000
  
  • In addition, consumers who purchase or lease a Liberty, Grand Cherokee or Commander and finance through GMAC Financial Services are eligible for up to $1,000 in GMAC Bonus Cash
    
• Consumers purchasing a Jeep Wrangler are eligible for $500 in Mopar® Bucks
  

Dodge Brand

Consumers purchasing most 2010 model year Dodge brand vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for 36 months or Consumer Cash of up to $3,000.

• Consumers purchasing a Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan or Dodge Nitro can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or up to $2,000 Consumer Cash
  
• Consumers who purchase Dodge Charger can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 72 months or Consumer Cash of $3,000
  
• Consumers purchasing a Dodge Challenger can choose from attractive financing rates from GMAC. In addition, the consumer receives $2,000 in Mopar Bucks with the purchase or lease of a 2010 Dodge Challenger
  
• Consumers who purchase a Dodge Journey or Dodge Caliber can choose from 0 percent financing for 36 months, or Consumer Cash of up to $1,500
  

Ram Truck Brand
Consumers who purchase most 2010 Ram truck vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or Consumer Cash of up to $3,000.

• In addition, consumers purchasing or leasing a Dodge Dakota or Ram 1500 and finance through GMAC are eligible $1,000 GMAC Bonus Cash
  

Leasing
Chrysler Group is offering attractive lease rates on several 2010 model year vehicles.

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Malignant Rumors: The SRT8 Super Jeep Returneth

Car and Driver is under the impression that Jeep engineers are crazy enough to create a second-generation of their hi-po SRT8 Grand Cherokee. The basis? No one will confirm or deny anything (good enough for me!).

According to their contacts, SRTs come out in the opening years of a newly-released model. That means a preview this year would make for a prime 2012 SRT8 Grand Cherokee.

With Chrysler woes and reorganization, we shouldn't expect anything super-new with the power plant. Look for is a stroked version of the current 6.1 liter engine (at 6.4 liters), still naturally aspirated, and putting out over 500 horsepower / lb-ft.

Everyone's screaming that to go big, it'll have to best the BMW X5M's 4.0 second sprint to 60 and its 555 under-hood steeds, and I agree (even though "between 505 and 525 hp" would be a HUGE increase). For comparison, the old SRT8 Grand Cherokee hit 60 in the mid 4s.

With mega output, an established reputation, an old M-Class platform underneath, and a target dead in its sights, this new high performance stormer will likely be a kick when it officially comes out. Expect more info as it's released.

By Phil Alex

Via: C&D

*Outgoing 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Shown in the Photos

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Mopar at Moab: 2010 Rock Crawlers

While Chrysler's on-lot product seems to be significantly lacking in the appeal department, the company's Mopar tuning division continues to impress. Being showcased during the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah (is there any way to say that WITHOUT sounding like a PR executive?) between March 27th and April 4th) will be some of Mopar's more hardcore concepts.

Much like last year, when Mopar unveiled such hosses as the Lower Forty and J8 Sarge, Mopar will be bringing a variety of Jeeps and trucks.

This year's stars include two Wranglers (J7 and Trail Boss), a Ram (Power Wagon), and a Patriot (Extreme). From spy shots and press pics, it looks like it's gonna be an off-road bonanza full of color and big tires.

The J7 is a said to be a 4-door Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited which is rumored to be a stripped down model in the G.I. vein, while the Trail Boss is probably yet another heavy-duty Wrangler 2-door that can handle anything and then some.

The Ram Power Wagon is shaping up to be another Baja-badass like Chevy's SEMA-fied ZR2 Silverado and Ford's too-legit-to-quit SVT Raptor, albeit with a short cab / short bed layout. All that, AND it has a color scheme eerily similar to Techart's Concept One. Wonder if it has the snakeskin (or cerbero) trim?

Lastly, the Jeep Patriot Extreme is a dream come true, finally looking like the Cherokee successor it's supposed to be (as a Cherokee owner, I refuse to accept that the Liberty is a fitting substitute). Lifted and wearing fender flares. Now the Cherokee can finally rest in peace.

- By Phil Alex

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Chrysler Group's Sales Numbers are More Confident than they Should Be

Despite all the negative publicity, it seems that Americans would still rather be driving a Toyota than a Chrysler product. According to Edmunds, Chrysler's consumer sales are down a HUGE 44% this year, versus Toyota's 14% drop.

Anyone quoting a 3% drop by Chrysler is factoring in fleet sales, and that isn't exactly fair. However, a Chrysler spokesperson says, "Fleet is part our businesses strategy...We have to rebuild consumers' confidence in the company...The fact that large companies are willing to buy our vehicles helps rebuild that confidence." Hopefully.

Here's what you can learn from some industry analysts:

Jesse Toprak, TrueCar: "You cannot viably survive with fleet and rental sales over 50%...The math just doesn't work."

Erich Merkle, President, Autoconomy.com: "The fact that [Chrysler's] losing share on the pickup side, it says to me that this goes beyond the product itself...I think Chrysler in the near term will be at the mercy of the market. They'll continue to lose market share, but they've got to hope that a rising tide will lift all boats."

Jeff Schuster, J.D. Power & Associates: "It really is survival mode for the next 18 months until they see product in the showroom...They're not finished with the turnaround yet. This is not something that can happen overnight."

If the Pentastar's lineup over the next couple years ends up being as promising as it looks, perhaps Chrysler won't have to keep leaning on fleet sales like an old man with a cane.

Maybe then, finally, we'll have a chance to see some legitimate, luxurious Chrysler compacts and small, sporty Dodges. And what if they try to pull another Sebring or Compass? I can't speak for anyone else here, but if that happens, take it easy guys. No tears shed on this side of the table.

- By Phil Alex

Via: CNN

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Chrysler Group's 2011MY Lineup: 8 Redesigns, 7 Face Lifts, and a Fiat 500

In what's probably the least-shocking news of the day, Chrysler is working hard to bring its product line up date. Specifically, fifteen vehicles are being "reworked", eight of those "being redesigned or re-engineered".

Automotive News indicates that Chrysler is looking to get its vehicle portfolio up to snuff for Fiat's upcoming product merger.

This means that Chrysler will be throwing its new V6 into just about anything with wheels while redesigning, re-engineering, and renaming just about all of its vehicles (while also making use of a Fiat-developed dual-clutch transmission... about time, guys).

So, what do we know? The Sebring name is being dropped; Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne considers the changes "extensive" enough to call it a new model (this is good news). Also, it will be the first vehicle to come with the DCT from Fiat.

Then, beginning with Jeep's 2011 Grand Cherokee, we see the real-world application of the new V6. While the Jeep's V6 doesn't feature direct injection, Chrysler's 5-year plan indicates a few different variants including 3.0, 3.3, and 3.6 liter displacements, along with direct injection and turbocharging. Very good news. Also, Jeep's overseas, diesel-equipped Wranglers will gain start/stop technology.

Last but certainly not least, Fiat's long-anticipated 500 mini that will be sold through Chrysler dealerships starting from the fourth quarter of the year.

Redesigned/re-engineered models debuting this year and featuring Chrysler's new V6:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee (Quarter 1 2010)
  
• Chrysler Town & Country (face lift ; Q4 2010)
  
• Chrysler 300 (face lift ; new sheet metal / interior / rear suspension; Q4 2010)
  
• Chrysler Sebring replacement (Q4 2010)
  
• Dodge Durango (unibody construction ; 7-seater ; shares platform with Grand Cherokee ; Q4 2010)
  
• Dodge Charger (face lift ; new sheet metal / interior / rear suspension; Q4 2010)

Refreshed models debuting this year:

• Jeep Liberty ("styling tweaks" ; Q1 2010)
  
• Jeep Wrangler (start/stop for overseas diesels in Q3 2010 ; Pentastar V6 in 2011)
  
• Jeep Patriot (face lift ; Q3 2010)
  
• Jeep Compass (face lift ; Q4 2010)
  
• Dodge Avenger (face lift ; Pentastar V6 ; suspension/interior upgrades ; Q4 2010)
  
• Dodge Grand Caravan (face lift ; Pentastar V6 ; new interior ; Q4 2010)
  
• Dodge Journey (face lift ; pentastar V6 ; new interior ; Q4 2010)
  

If anyone can think of a good name for Chrysler's replacemo-Sebring, throw it down in the comments below.

-By Phil Alex

Via: Autonews (sub. Req)

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Fiat Terminates Chrysler's All-Electric Car Plans - What's Going to Happen to the $73 Million Gov. Grants for the EV Test Fleet?

Just over a year ago, the Chrysler Group's newly formed Envi division unveiled a series of production-based electric cars that it planned to put on sale. Fast forward a few months, Chrysler went in and out of bankruptcy, sealed a deal with the Fiat Group and then, in August 2009 under the leadership of its new CEO, Sergio Marchionne, secured a $73 million grant from the Obama administration for the manufacturing of 220 plug-in hybrid and electric pickup trucks and minivans in St. Louis and in Michigan. Well, guess what;

According to a news report from Reuters, as part of the Marchione's recently announced five-year business plan to revitalize the Chrysler Group, Fiat has pulled the plug on the automaker's Envi division as well as the development of the test fleet for which it had received the government grant.

Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa told Reuters on Friday that Envi, which was responsible for the EV range, will be absorbed in the normal vehicle development program and its former chief Lou Rhodes will head an electric car division for both Fiat and Chrysler.

The group's CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters that for the time being and with the current technology available, he doesn't believe much in EVs and that electric cars would represent just "one or two per cent" (less than 60,000 vehicles) of Chrysler's sales by 2014.

"Until the (battery) storage gets resolved, I think electric vehicles are going to struggle," Marchionne said.

As of yet, there's no official word from Chrysler, but if the report from Reuters concerning the part about the scrapping of the 220 plug-in hybrids turns out to be true, one should wonder what's going to (or what should) happen to the $73 million grant that the automaker received. Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Via: Reuters

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Chrysler and Fiat Group Reveal 2010-2014 Product Plan, Many U.S. Models to be Based on Fiat Platforms

Today, the Chrysler Group LLC and it's Italian parent company partner Fiat presented the firm's long-awaited five-year business plan that's supposed to show how Fiat will turn the U.S. automaker's fate around and save the company from going down. Many interesting thing were said and shown at the eight-hour long press conference including Chrysler's new logo but in this post, we'll concentrate on the 2010-2014 product plan of the Chrysler Group's core division that comprises of the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Cars and Ram Truck brands.

The company's five-year product strategy that includes many new models based on Fiat platforms was unveiled by the Group's vice president of product planning, Joseph Veltri.

Starting off from Jeep, in 2010, aside from the market launch of the new Grand Cherokee, the Patriot, Compass, Wrangler and Liberty will be freshened. The following year, the Wrangler will receive another update including a new interior. 2013 will see the Jeep brand receiving three new models based on Fiat platforms including a small SUV, a common replacement for the Patriot and Compass, and a new Liberty. The Commander will most likely be dropped off in 2011.

Moving on the Chrysler, next year the brand will present the redesigned Sebring and 300 sedans while in 2012, a new Fiat-based compact sedan will join the range., In 2013, Chrysler will get three new products based on Fiat platforms, including a Fiat Group sourced small car (most likely the Punto), a successor to the Sebring and a new midsize crossover. An all-new Chrysler-developed Town and Country minivan will be presented in 2014.

In 2010, the Dodge Car brand will unveil refreshed versions of the Avenger and Journey, along with a fully redesigned Charger sedan and a new fullsize CUV. The Nitro will receive a facelift in 2011 as will the Challenger pony car while the Viper will be freshened up in 2012. The same year will see the introduction of a new Fiat-based compact sedan that will replace the Caliber which will be discontinued after 2012.

In 2013, Dodge will get yet two more Fiat-based models, a small car and a replacement for the Avenger sedan. The Grand Caravan will be replaced with a new model in 2014.

Finally, highlights of the newly-formed Ram Truck division's plans include the possible presentation of a new mid-size pickup truck based on a car platform in 2011, and the launch of Fiat-based small and large commercial vans in 2012. Furthermore, the company said that it will discontinue the production of the Dakota in mid-2011.

More details can be found in the presentation sheets below.

Chrysler LLC Group Product Plan 2010-2014

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Chrysler LLC Group Product Development

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