Tag: chrysler

Chrysler 200 to spawn European Lancia model?

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Chrysler, Fiat, Rumormill, Lancia

2011 Chrysler 200 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumor has it that Fiat is looking to push the Chrysler 200 into a handful of markets around the globe. According to Automotive News, the Italian automaker has its sight set on reworking the car into Lancia and introducing it in mainland Europe. At the same time, the standard Chrysler 200 may debut in the UK and Ireland. Interestingly enough, Fiat isn’t mulling the move because it thinks that the 200 can go head to head with the rest of the small car. Instead, the company is hoping to bolster its fleet sales in various European markets.

That’s not to say that the deal is set in stone at this point. The Chrysler 200 has a major chink in its armor when it comes to doing battle in Europe – it doesn’t come with a diesel option. With only two gasoline engine options, Fiat would have to source its own oil-burning powerplant to make the ploy work. Throw in the fact that the car is set to be replaced in three years and the likelihood of seeing the 200 in Europe is slimmer yet. Still, the company says that it’s currently looking at the numbers to see if there’s a solid business case for the move.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 200

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req’d via Carscoop]

Chrysler 200 to spawn European Lancia model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Will the 200 be enough to get Chrysler back into the family sedan game?

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Design/Style

2011 Chrysler 200
2011 Chrysler 200 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Goodbye, Sebring, thanks for the memories… sort of. Sadly, most of the recollections we can muster that include Chrysler’s mid-size sedan aren’t ones we’re particularly fond of – at least not when thinking of the nameplate’s current generation, which debuted in 2007 to a chorus of boos amongst the motoring press and limp sales directly thereafter. Why? Taking lackluster driving dynamics and a disappointing interior out of the equation, the biggest problem with the Sebring has been that it’s widely considered to be one of the least attractive sedans on the road.

And so it’s with eager anticipation that we look forward to the introduction of the Chrysler 200 for 2011. The Pentastar brand has just pulled the covers (mostly) off its thoroughly updated family sedan, and for the most part, we like what we see, though admittedly it’s a long way off from the more adventuresome 200C concept car that wowed Detroit Auto Show goers in 2009. There may be a few nits that need picking, however, starting with what seems to be a completely carryover greenhouse. Also, the fact that a four-speed automatic gearbox is still available on some models is a disappointment (though it’s likely just for rental car-spec models), and we’ve yet to see the full interior.

We know there are a lot more specifics yet to be revealed, but the question that most needs answering today is whether or not you, dear readers, think that Chrysler has done enough with the 200 to differentiate it from the unloved Sebring. Take a moment to scroll back through the photos (click here if you want a quick refresher on the 2010 Sebring), then be sure to take part in our completely unscientific poll below. Finally, feel free to have your say in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 200

Poll: Will the 200 be enough to get Chrysler back into the family sedan game? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UCS: Honda remains Greenest Automaker, Chrysler named Most Polluting

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Honda

Honda Insight cutaway

In 2009, Business Car claimed that Toyota was still the world’s greenest automaker. That same year, the folks at Dow Jones named BMW the greenest automaker for the fifth time in a row. Apparently, an organization’s methodology has a lot to do with automakers winning titles like this over and over, since the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has just bestowed the Greenest Automaker Award on Honda, again for the fifth time in a row (the last time the award was given was in 2007).

At least this time, the race was close: Toyota and Hyundai (which lays claim to the most fuel-efficient automaker in the U.S.) tied for second, and their rankings were just a single point behind Honda. The most polluting automaker? Chrysler, but both Ford and General Motors were contenders for the title – blame their heavy mix of body-on-frame trucks.

The UCS ranks automakers based on the scores of their “smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet.” The 2010 award was based on model year 2008 data, the most recent information that was available for analysis. You can read a summary of the report here (PDF) or just get the whole thing (PDF).

[Sources: Union of Concerned Scientists, Honda]

Continue reading UCS: Honda remains Greenest Automaker, Chrysler named Most Polluting

UCS: Honda remains Greenest Automaker, Chrysler named Most Polluting originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Chrysler fires 13 workers involved in drinking on the job, suspends two

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, UAW/Unions

Chrysler workers enjoying their break

A group of Chrysler employees have been in the news lately, causing a bit of a black eye for the automaker. Originally, a Detroit Fox affiliate snagged video of the UAW members really enjoying their break – by smoking weed and drinking beer. Chrysler reacted to the news swiftly, by identifying and suspending 15 employees who were ID’d in the clip. Now, after taking time to investigate the entire incident, Chrysler has put the hammer down – 13 of the Jefferson North Plant employees have been fired and the other two get an unpaid, one-month “vacation.”

It’s a shame that this happened, but it’s good to see Chrysler respond so quickly. The automaker has issued a brief statement on the matter, which you can read after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Followup: Chrysler fires 13 workers involved in drinking on the job, suspends two

Followup: Chrysler fires 13 workers involved in drinking on the job, suspends two originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Chrysler workers caught drinking during lunch suspended without pay

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Chrysler Workers Drinking

Chrysler has announced that all 15 of the employees who were apparently caught drinking and smoking pot during their lunch break by a Fox 2 News Detroit crew have been suspended indefinitely without pay. The workers from the company’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant were spotted drinking heavily during their lunch breaks over a ten-day period. Chrysler says that all of the individuals had been identified and relieved of their duty within 36 hours of the company learning of the problem.

The company also says that while the video seems pretty cut-and-dry, it must adhere to its protocol when it comes to removing those workers permanently. Chrysler also stressed that each of its vehicles goes through an extensive quality control system and that it doesn’t condone the behavior documented in the news report in any way. Chrysler’s Jefferson North plant employs a total 2,500 workers.

To see Chrysler’s official response, click past the jump. To read more about the story, head over to Fox 2 Detroit’s website.

[Sources: Chrysler, Fox 2 Detroit]

Continue reading Followup: Chrysler workers caught drinking during lunch suspended without pay

Followup: Chrysler workers caught drinking during lunch suspended without pay originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler UAW employees work hard play hard; busted for drinking, smoking weed during break [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Chrysler, UAW/Unions

Chrysler plant workers enjoying an extended break

Chrysler workers enjoying a break – Click above to watch video after the jump

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away…? Some members of the UAW, employed at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Plant in Detroit, feel the need to do just that. The team at My Fox Detroit received a tip about some auto workers who were using their breaks to catch a little buzz before heading back to the line. The video, which you can watch after the jump, shows several plant employees meeting in a parking lot and throwing back some cold ones. The camera also catches a few folks enjoying some of Michigan’s finest herb. Maybe this is how you respond to working after winning the lottery?

Make the jump for the video and responses from Chrysler and the UAW.

[Source: My Fox Detroit]

Continue reading Chrysler UAW employees work hard play hard; busted for drinking, smoking weed during break [w/video]

Chrysler UAW employees work hard play hard; busted for drinking, smoking weed during break [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Duty-themed Jeep Wrangler coming from Chrysler

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Jeep, Toys/Games, Off-Road

Jeep Wrangler to receive Call of Duty special edition

If you are a fan of both video games and limited-edition theme vehicles, then today is your lucky day. Chrysler has announced that they will be building a Call of Duty-themed Jeep Wrangler to coincide with the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops game. The video game is set to be released on November 9th, 2010 and the CoD Wrangler will be offered for sale around that time as well. According to our friends at Joystiq, the Wrangler will make numerous appearances throughout the game so you can drive your Jeep on screen for hours then hop into the real thing to give your thumbs a break.

Pricing is yet to be announced, but a base 2011 Jeep Wrangler will set you back $22,045. If you’re interested in the Call of Duty: Black Ops Jeep Wrangler then you better start saving your quarters now. Thanks for the tip, Vitor!

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler2011 Jeep Wrangler2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited2011 Jeep Wrangler interior


[Source: Joystiq]

Call of Duty-themed Jeep Wrangler coming from Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Rumormill

Chrysler has a whole cabinet full of pots on the fire, unleashing as it is a slew of heavily revised or completely new cars and trucks over the next couple of years. If you’re thinking that this seems like a good time to leap-frog its way back to the head of the pack in terms of vehicle specification, we’re right there with you.

And according to reports, so is Chrysler’s new management from Italy. We’ve heard rumblings that the Fiat-controlled automaker will introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles in 2012, and now rumors indicate that the Pentastar’s next trick will be a nine-speed slushbox for its front-wheel drivers, which should have a suitably positive effect on fuel efficiency.

According to company head Sergio Marchionne, both the eight- and nine-speed gearboxes will be adaptable for use in all-wheel-drive applications and will come ready to accept hybrid bits and pieces. As of now, there isn’t any timetable on when we should expect to see the new nine-speeder.

*Update: Full text of Marchionne’s speech can be found after the break.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models

Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Marchionne predicts Chrysler IPO in second half of 2011

Filed under: Chrysler, Earnings/Financials, Fiat

The timeline for Chrysler’s IPO is gradually coming into focus. Four months ago Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said he expected to Chrysler’s offering to happen “probably” in 2011. Now he’s narrowed that down to becoming “a second-part-of-the-year event.”

The timing makes all kinds of sense: not only does Marchionne not expect a profit this year, the results of Fiat’s integration with Chrysler won’t begin to bear fruit until the middle of next year, after the 500 has gone on sale and had a few months to find its feet. By then, the company might also have some better news to report about 2011’s finances. Frankly, we wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t happen until early 2012. And speaking of the 500, when it starts rolling in, Fiat will be able to claim another five percent of Chrysler, taking its stake to 35 percent.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req. | Image: Massimo Pinca/Getty]

Report: Marchionne predicts Chrysler IPO in second half of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Chrysler execs file class-action suit over pension losses

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz

More than 450 executives from Chrysler’s white collar force, going all the way back to Lee Iacocca, have sued Daimler and Cerberus for gutting the value of their collective supplemental pensions to the tune of $100 million. They class action suit took the noted step of not suing Fiat-owned Chrysler, with the lead attorney saying that “Everybody involved in this suit loves that company and like everybody else wants to see it succeed.”

Plaintiffs accuse Daimler and Cerberus of not adequately protecting the supplemental pensions from creditors as Chrysler’s health slid from trouble to terminal. Those pensions weren’t moved to the new Chrysler, and now the former execs are paying the price. Follow the jump for a press release from the lead firm handling the case.

[Source: AFP]

Continue reading Former Chrysler execs file class-action suit over pension losses

Former Chrysler execs file class-action suit over pension losses originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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