Report: Chrysler to have short 2011 model year thanks to bankruptcy

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

chrysler 300

2011 Chrysler 300 – Click above for high-res image gallery

When Chrysler entered bankruptcy protection, its product lineup was decidedly barren. Team Pentastar has addressed that issue in the months since it sought government protection, and the fruits of all that labor have begun to pay off with the launch of 16 new and dramatically refreshed vehicles for 2011.

New products like the 2011 Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee have no doubt helped improve Chrysler’s portfolio, but AutoWeek reports that the sheer scope of the overhaul may have truncated the 2011 model year. Many of the 2011 models in dealerships now didn’t arrive until the first quarter of 2011, while others, like the 300 and Dodge Durango are just now trickling into showroom floors across America.

The late roll-out of 2011 models won’t be repeated for 2012, as Chrysler spokesperson Ralph Kisiel reportedly told AW “most of our 2012s go into production during the month of July.” Dealers will begin ordering 2012 models as early as May.

Chrysler’s shortened run of 2011 models isn’t exactly normal, but we’re guessing that it won’t matter much to dealers. After all, if 2012 models are arriving this summer, then the 2011s will just be getting in the way.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300: First Drive

2011 Chrysler 3002011 Chrysler 3002011 Chrysler 3002011 Chrysler 3002011 Chrysler 300

Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Chrysler to have short 2011 model year thanks to bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: PR guy behind Chrysler Twitter debacle gets new job

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Ford

scott bartosiewicz, twitter f-bomb dropper

Everybody deserves a second chance, even the guy who dropped an F-bomb on the official Chrysler Twitter account. The Detroit News reports that Scott Bartosiewicz, the former New Media Strategies employee who accidently sent an expletive-laden tweet expressing frustration about his fellow Detroit motorists, has been hired by the Arts, Beats and Eats in Royal Oak, MI to bolster the suburban Detroit event’s Twitter presence. The annual art, food, and music festival is sponsored by Ford, which is one F-word Bartosiewicz is sure to drop on a regular basis.

It’s nice to see Arts, Beats and Eats give Bartosiewicz a second chance to earn a living, but unfortunately for his former employer, the marketing firm is still without the Chrysler account. Bartosiewicz has hired a lawyer to look into whether his TweetDeck utility accidentally sent his personal profane text to the wrong account.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: WXYZ-TV Detroit]

Report: PR guy behind Chrysler Twitter debacle gets new job originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pixar licenses Cars 2 AMC villains for a song thanks to Chrysler bankruptcy

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Chrysler, Celebrities, MISC

Pixar's Cars 2 characters Grem and Acer

Joe Mantegna and Peter Jacobson from Pixar’s CARS 2 – Click above for high-res gallery

Earlier this week, we spent the day at Pixar to get a sneak peak at Cars 2. And before you ask, here’s what you want to know: The sequel is an order of magnitude more awesome than the original and chief creative honcho John Lasseter drives a Mercedes-Benz SL65. So with that out of the way…

While interviewing one of the feature’s principles, we asked about vehicle licensing. When the flick hits theaters June 24, you’ll see “Carified” (their term, not ours) versions of everything from Audi to Opel models, but the villains in the film are made up of what the Pixar team contends are the world’s worst cars. So there’s an assortment of unloved Eastern European metal mixed in with two main antagonists: an AMC Pacer (“Acer” – voiced by Peter Jacobson) and a Gremlin (“Grem” – voiced by Joe Mantegna).

Obviously, it would be a tough sell to go to an automaker and say “We need villains, and your cars are perfect representations for the most loathsome creations on wheels,” but the Pixar people came to AMC’s owners – Chrysler – at precisely the right time.

When Pixar approached the automaker about licensing the names and likenesses of two vehicles for the film, Chrysler was in the throes of bankruptcy, it was divorcing itself of Cerberus, and it wasn’t sure who its next parent would be… if indeed it was to have one at all. Pixar – knowingly or otherwise – took advantage of the situation and managed to snag usage rights to the vehicles for the film just when the automaker was in turmoil and strapped for cash. The results are spectacular, but you’ll have to wait for our full story and the animated feature to come to your local cineplex to find out why.

Gallery: CARS 2

Gallery: CARS 2 Characters

GremAcerShu TodorokiRaoul ÇaRouleCarla Veloso

[Images: Pixar]

Pixar licenses Cars 2 AMC villains for a song thanks to Chrysler bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler debuts S-Concept 300 models at Spring Festival of LXs [w/video]

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Chrysler, Design/Style

Chrysler 300 S-Concept

Chrysler at Spring Festival of LXs – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Chrysler has a hardcore group of owners who have taken their Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger models to the next level of aftermarket bliss. For those Mopar super fans, Chrysler throws a little party called the Spring Festival of LXs. The event draws owners from all over eager to show off their customized rides, and this year, Team Pentastar had a little something special for those in attendance.

Chrysler unveiled the 300 S-Concept models, modded versions of its already hot-looking 2011 Chrysler 300. In the case of the featured video car, the big rear-drive Chrysler receives updates ranging from bigger, more audacious wheels, body-color moldings and an a new grille that looks like the outline of a brick wall. The interior has also received some custom touches, including a sea of red leather just about everywhere one’s body touches, along with an italic ‘S’ on each throne. Hit the jump to watch video of the unveiling, and be sure to click the gallery below for images of the 300 S-Concept at the event.

Gallery: Chrysler 300 S Concept

Chrysler 300 S Concept

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler debuts S-Concept 300 models at Spring Festival of LXs [w/video]

Chrysler debuts S-Concept 300 models at Spring Festival of LXs [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler seeks injunction to stop sale of ‘Imported from Detroit’ shirts

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler

Imported From Detroit logo

Chrysler has asked a judge to enforce a preliminary injunction to prevent clothing store Pure Detroit from selling t-shirts bearing the slogan, “Imported from Detroit.” Chrysler asked for the injunction on the grounds that the public may be misled into thinking that the shirts came from Chrysler.

This round of legal squabbling is the latest in a series of trademark battles Chrysler has dealt with since it unveiled the slogan during the Super Bowl. Chrysler filed a lawsuit against Pure Detroit’s parent company Moda Group, LLC on March 15.

According to Chrysler, Pure Detroit agreed on Feb. 24 to stop selling the shirts via its website, but hasn’t stopped sending them to stores. Chrysler applied for two separate trademarks on the slogan, one for use on cars on November 23, and one for use on clothing on January 18. Pure Detroit says it plans to fight Chrysler’s injunction.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler seeks injunction to stop sale of ‘Imported from Detroit’ shirts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM, Chrysler sue Allied shippers over cars “held hostage”

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, UAW/Unions

Chevrolet Camaros on a lot

A situation has developed between Allied trucking and automakers General Motors and Chrysler that has deteriorated to the point of hostage-taking. The Detroit News reports that GM has filed a lawsuit against the car-hauling company that alleges it’s holding 1,700 of the automaker’s valuable Chevy Silverado and Camaro models that should be on their way to dealers. The vehicles in question are worth $47 million, and many of them are reportedly already bought and paid for by customers. The suit also claims that the inventory will depreciate in value if dealers don’t receive the vehicles, while at the same time dissatisfying customers.

The problems between Allied, GM and Chrysler started when the car hauler asked for a 15-percent raise. Allied had previously tried to cut the pay of Teamster union members by 20 percent, but was unable to do so due to a provision in the company’s labor contract. GM then severed ties with Allied on March 16.

One day after GM filed suit against Allied, Chrysler filed its own lawsuit in Ontario Superior Court. Team Pentastar claims Allied has 700 of its vehicles at Allied locations. The court has already granted Chrysler the right to recover 200 of those vehicles. Chrysler has resourced its vehicle hauling to other car hauling companies as a result of the dispute.

[Source: The Detroit News | Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Report: GM, Chrysler sue Allied shippers over cars “held hostage” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler puts the kybosh on Jeep dealer’s ‘Imported from Toledo’ schtick

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Jeep, Off-Road

Imported from Toledo t-shirtChrysler has reportedly brought the hammer down on a group of Ohio Jeep dealers who cooked up their own version of the company’s “Imported from Detroit” slogan for the brand’s 70th anniversary. According to the Toledo Blade, Jeep dealers in the Buckeye State are being told the riff will weaken the impact of Chrysler’s most popular ad slogan in decades.

Chrysler has also made known that it is also not okay with word of a Wrangler with the slogan emblazoned on its doors driving on to the ice at Toledo Walleyes minor league hockey games. The slogan reportedly originated from Monroe Dodge Superstore in Monroe, Michigan (a short drive from Toledo), when owner Ralph Mahalak Jr., had 600 of the shirts printed up as part of a celebration to introduce Chrysler’s 16 new or redesigned 2011 models.

The shirts were selling for $19.41 a piece as a tribute to Jeep’s birth year, and were emblazoned with the “imported from Toledo” slogan and “Jeep 70th Anniversary.” To stave off a trademark battle, Mahalak has apparently agreed to give the shirts away to anyone who test drives a Jeep, and then kill the slogan.

[Source: Toledo Blade via Jalopnik]

Report: Chrysler puts the kybosh on Jeep dealer’s ‘Imported from Toledo’ schtick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler suing Motown clothier over ‘Imported From Detroit’

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler

imported from detroit logoChrysler is very proud of its “Imported from Detroit” slogan that debuted during the Super Bowl to much fanfare. It’s taken the necessary steps to protect the phrase, which includes applying for for the trademark rights as it pertains to both vehicles and clothing.

This was a wise move, because some enterprising folks have apparently already tried to cash in on the phrase. A company called Pure Detroit has started selling clothing with the tagline, while also claiming to be an exclusive clothing provider for the automaker.

Chrysler is not exactly thrilled with Pure Detroit, but according to The Detroit News, it initially attempted to solve the matter away from the court system. It asked Pure Detroit to stop using the phrase, and to send a portion of any proceeds received to charity. Pure Detroit has evidently decided to give Chrysler a Bronx Salute, leaving the automaker with no choice but to make this an official legal matter.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Chrysler suing Motown clothier over ‘Imported From Detroit’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Media Strategies loses Chrysler contract after F-bomb tweet *Update

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

On March 9, 2011, a now-former employee of New Media Strategies – the company responsible for managing Chrysler’s Twitter account – thought they were using their personal account to push out a message related to the less-than-stellar driving abilities of Detroit’s residents. It contained the F-word and, unfortunately, was accidentally sent out on Chrysler’s Twitter account. Whoops.

As a result, New Media Strategies was forced to terminate that employee, but now it seems that the company lost even more than one foul-mouthed worker. In a statement released today, Chrysler has announced that it will not renew its contract with NMS and that it will work with the social media company while a new agency is sought. There is no mention of exactly why Chrysler is choosing to sever the relationship but, in the wake of the F-bomb tweet, we’re pretty sure we have a good idea.

Is one errant tweet enough to torpedo an entire relationship? It seems to be the case for Chrysler. Click past the jump for the Pentastar’s brief statement.

*Update: Chrysler has posted a follow-up message on its corporate blog, where it is explained that Chrysler did not fire the employee who made the mistake. Further, Chrysler explains why it reacted the way it did in letting go of NMS. Check it out here.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading New Media Strategies loses Chrysler contract after F-bomb tweet *Update

New Media Strategies loses Chrysler contract after F-bomb tweet *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Lancia Thema ad embraces Chrysler partnership, history

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Luxury, Lancia

2012 Lancia Thema ad screencap

2011 Lancia Thema – Click above to watch video after the jump

The new Lancia Thema is little more than a rebadged Chrysler 300, which gives Lancia a clear opportunity to celebrate the merger with an ad that references not only the Italian marque’s history, but Chrysler’s as well.

The first allusion in the ad is not to the original Lancia Thema, but to the 1950s Chrysler 300 – a bold move for Lancia. Despite the fact that there is very little Lancia to the new Thema, the addition of Chrysler’s pedigree to its marketing campaign is an interesting move. The only question is, will Lancia loyalists buy it? Check it out for yourself after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Lancia Delta, Thema, Flavia, Flavia Cabrio and Grand Voyager

[Source: Lancia via YouTube via Caradisiac]

Continue reading Video: Lancia Thema ad embraces Chrysler partnership, history

Video: Lancia Thema ad embraces Chrysler partnership, history originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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