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When Tweeting Goes Wrong: Chrysler accidentally throws out F-bomb *Update

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

chrysler f-bomb tweet

chrysler f-bomb tweet For those of you who don’t use Twitter, these next few sentences will be rather odd. Most companies maintain a Twitter account these days as a means of directly reaching out to potential customers and the public in general. The Chrysler account had an interesting message broadcast to the world this morning.

While we find it hilarious, it’s also rather unfortunate. Chrysler has deleted the tweet, stating its “account was compromised earlier today” and “We’re taking steps to resolve it.” The Twitter account was handled by third-party company New Media Strategies, and it seems highly likely that someone there thought they were tweeting on their personal account. Whoops.

*Update: Chrysler’s official response can be found after the break. Spoiler: the NMS employee responsible was terminated.

[Source: Twitter via Jalopnik]

Continue reading When Tweeting Goes Wrong: Chrysler accidentally throws out F-bomb *Update

When Tweeting Goes Wrong: Chrysler accidentally throws out F-bomb *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit City Council honors Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial [w/video]

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

Chrysler 200 Super bowl ad

Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Chrysler’s two-minute long Super Bowl commercial won nationwide praise for its uplifting, can-do message about the embattled city of Detroit. And if you think the novella-sized spot for the Chrysler 200 was popular across the U.S., then you can imagine how the ad played within the borders of the city itself.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit City Council paid homage to the Eminem ad with an official recognition on Tuesday. The council tipped its hat to Team Pentastar for painting the city in a positive light, adding that the spot “helped to paint a positive portrayal of our beloved city on a national level by filming the entire commercial inside the city of Detroit and showcasing all of our great landmarks.” Chrysler brand CEO Olivier Francois said that the ad paid homage to a great city and the home of the auto industry.

When we first saw the two-minute commercial we couldn’t help but think that Chrysler should have featured the hot-looking 300 instead of the Sebring-derived 200 (even though the former is built in neighboring Canada). But in retrospect, we’re thinking that the power of this ad made the car itself an afterthought in the long run. Hit the jump to watch the commercial again.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading Detroit City Council honors Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial [w/video]

Detroit City Council honors Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalls nearly 250,000 minivans and crossovers over ignition key woes

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan (top) and 2010 Dodge Journey (below) – Click either image for high-res image gallery

2010 Dodge Journey Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced that the Auburn Hills automaker is recalling 248,437 vehicles due to potentially faulty ignition systems. According to the company, certain 2010 Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey vehicles were built with ignitions that could accidently switch from the “run” position to “accessory,” thereby causing the engine to shut off.

Both the company and NHTSA are concerned that the issue could cause an accident. As such, Chrysler will replace the ignition modules free of charge beginning in April of this year.

The recall includes vehicles manufactured between August 3, 2009 and June 17, 2010, and owners can contact Chrysler for more information. Click past the jump for the full recall notice.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Journey

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Chrysler recalls nearly 250,000 minivans and crossovers over ignition key woes

Chrysler recalls nearly 250,000 minivans and crossovers over ignition key woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler looking to boost Japanese sales by 21% with launch of new Grand Cherokee

Filed under: Japan, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is selling like hotcakes here in the States, with sales of the new crossover up 130 percent in January. Chrysler hopes the Grand Cherokee will find similar success overseas, with Automotive News reporting that the automaker is hoping the new Jeep will help boost sales by 21 percent in Japan.

By the numbers, this means that Chrysler is counting on the Grand Cherokee to bump sales up from 2,350 units in 2010 to something closer to 3,000 in 2011, with the Jeep accounting for anywhere between 500 and 1,000 of those transactions. That’s only a few days worth of sales here in the United States, but considering the fact that Jeep sold only 88 units in all of 2009 in Japan, being able to move 1,000 units is indeed a big step forward.

We can see how Japanese car buyers would be interested in the Grand Cherokee, but the attractive and capable ‘ute isn’t the most popular vehicle in Japan. That honor goes to the Jeep Patriot, with 760 sales in 2010.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Chrysler looking to boost Japanese sales by 21% with launch of new Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler fixes Grand Cherokee handling issue identified by Consumer Reports

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Safety, Chrysler, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Consumer Reports, Chrysler has addressed a handling issue with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that the publication discovered during independent testing. During a double-lane-change emergency maneuver, CR testers noted a considerable amount of skidding and hopping at the very limit of traction. Chrysler engineers then went to the magazine’s test track to review the findings before returning to Auburn Hills to come up with a solution. In December, the automaker released a software update for the vehicle’s stability control, and all Grand Cherokee models manufactured since then have come from the factory with the fix.

Consumer Reports was recently able to put the updated 2011 Grand Cherokee through its paces at the track once again and found that the issue had been corrected. The big SUV managed to maintain an average speed of 50 mph through the course and behaved itself at and beyond the limits of the vehicle’s traction. The fix has helped to improve the vehicle’s Consumer Reports rating for the Grand Cherokee from a 66 to a 71.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Chrysler fixes Grand Cherokee handling issue identified by Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler worker files sexual harassment lawsuit against UAW

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

UAW Logo Janet Burney and Pat Byers may have been your average lovebirds back in 2007 when they started dating. Fast-forward a few years to March 2010, however, and the two had ended their relationship. Nothing unusual there, except that Janet was an autoworker for Chrysler and Pat is a union official for the United Auto Workers. Correction: We should say “was a worker,” because after their relationship ended, Burney alleges she was fired… and now she’s suing.

According to The Detroit News, when the two started dating, Burney was given a new position and her hourly wage rose from $30 per hour up to $40.35 per hour. Once they split up, a security guard arrived in Burney’s office with two boxes she could use to pack up her stuff and head out.

Janet Burney has filed a suit claiming sexual harrassment, gender discrimination and retaliation. She is looking to recoup lost wages and benefits, as well as emotional damages.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Chrysler worker files sexual harassment lawsuit against UAW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Pentastar V6 models first to get ZF eight-speed autos at Chrysler

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Rumormill

2011 Dodge Charger – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler’s LX platform cars will pick up a new eight-speed automatic transmission made by ZF for the 2012 model year. The Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 will benefit mightily from the new transmission that will eventually replace the older five-speed unit that’s currently available.

Allpar reports that a reliable source within Chrysler has disclosed that the new transmission will first become available in 2012 Dodge Charger and 2012 Chryler 300 models powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. 2012 Dodge Challenger SE models hang on to the five-speed for a little longer still.

The reason for rolling the new transmission out this way may be to suss out any problems while backing up a less-powerful engine. It may also be that the fuel economy improvement will be larger with the V6, and yet another theory suggests that the engineering and software work for the V6 and eight-speed link-up was further along. It stands to reason that sales of V6 models outstrip Hemi-powered LX cars, and bringing the transmission to market behind the highest-volume powerplant is going to make the biggest CAFE impact. Whatever the reason, the new automatic gearbox is a leapfrog move that further re-modernizes the redesigned LX range.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Charger: First Drive

2011 Dodge Charger

[Source: Allpar]

Report: Pentastar V6 models first to get ZF eight-speed autos at Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler’s Eminem ad almost didn’t happen, pair meeting today to discuss sequel

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities

Eminem

Eminem and Chrysler are Imported from Detroit – Click above to watch video after the jump

The hit single Lose Yourself is the most successful song from Eminem’s career to date. It’s gone platinum four times over and was the first rap single ever to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Countless ad agencies and companies have tried to license it for use in commercials, yet none received permission… that is, until Chrysler’s Super Bowl ad hit TV screens around the world.

Eminem and Chrysler both call Detroit home, so getting a real local hero on board for a Chrysler ad is quite a big deal. Oliver Francois, Chief Marketing Officer for Chrysler, met with Eminem and Lose Yourself co-writer Joel Martin to discuss the idea of using the song in an ad.

Martin and Eminem had turned down countless offers and millions of dollars to lend their song out for advertising efforts. Francois, however, approached Slim Shady from an angle that hit home: Chrysler is trying to rise from the ashes, as is Detroit and even Eminem himself.

Around the time when Chrysler declared bankruptcy, Eminem released an album called Relapse that sold poorly. Chrysler cars weren’t selling, Detroit was an undesirable place to call home and Eminem had a weak album flopping on the charts. That was 2009, yet a couple of years later, Eminem finds himself nominated for 11 Grammy awards and Chrysler has a refreshed lineup hitting dealer showrooms.

Eminem decided to let Chrysler use Lose Yourself and also appeared in the Super Bowl spot, which garnered a lot of positive attention. Internet searches for the Chrysler 200 were way up shortly after the spot aired and the commercial is closing in on five million views on YouTube.

With a critical reception like that, it’s no surprise that TheDetroitBureau.com is reporting that Francois and Eminem’s posse are set to meet today in a closed-door session to discuss possible future collaborations, and the discussion is likely to center around a followup ad to the Super Bowl “Born of Fire” spot. Click past the jump for a quick refresher on the epic two-minute commercial.

[Sources: AOL Autos, TheDetroitBureau.com, Chrysler via YouTube]

Continue reading Chrysler’s Eminem ad almost didn’t happen, pair meeting today to discuss sequel

Chrysler’s Eminem ad almost didn’t happen, pair meeting today to discuss sequel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Chrysler factory workers caught enjoying “the plant” at Jefferson North

Filed under: Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant

What is it about working at the Chrysler Jefferson North facility (pictured above) that drives employees to get high? Controversy has bubbled up again in the form of a new report of auto workers at the factory smoking pot during their lunch break.

The last report came in September 2010 when a local Fox News affiliate caught video footage of a group of off-duty Chrysler employees apparently downing a few beers and smoking a joint or two in the company parking lot. This time, Chrysler reportedly busted another three workers – who were evidently not deterred by (or fully cognizant of) the publicity surrounding the previous incident – for partaking in the controlled substance during their downtime.

The automaker reportedly tipped off ~~the man~~ local police to the act on January 24, leading to the workers’ arrests. Formal charges have reportedly not yet been filed, however. Two possible outcomes as a result of the arrests? 1. Workers actually wait until they’re home to light up next time. 2. Afternoon vending machine revenue at Jefferson North plummets.

[Source: The Detroit News]

More Chrysler factory workers caught enjoying “the plant” at Jefferson North originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opinion: Chrysler no longer left for dead, biggest test still coming

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat

Some years ago, sitting in my office with the windows open on a warm spring day, I heard a deep rumble – not unlike the sound of a freight train passing by… but closer, more menacing, and immediately followed by a violent shudder as a rare Midwest earthquakes rolled out from under Lake Erie.

This wasn’t supposed to be a particularly good year for the smallest of the Detroit makers.

I’m starting to hear a similar sound, not quite so loud, but this time emerging from Auburn Hills, Michigan, where Chrysler is headquartered. Call it a hum, maybe a rumble, though definitely not yet the sort of buzz that would follow a similarly seismic event – in this case the turnaround of a company most folks had long written off for dead.

This wasn’t supposed to be a particularly good year for the smallest of the Detroit makers. Its product pipeline, went the conventional wisdom, was all but empty, other than the completely-remade Jeep Grand Cherokee and redesigned Chrysler 300, due later in the model-year. But I think most of us in the media were delivered a pleasant surprise a few months back when we got a first good look at the rest of the maker’s 2011 lineup.

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Opinion: Chrysler no longer left for dead, biggest test still coming

Opinion: Chrysler no longer left for dead, biggest test still coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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