Chrysler brings out new models through Russian distributor

The Jeep Liberty (sold outside the U.S. as the Cherokee) and Journey were introduced to the Russian buying public this week at the 2008 Moscow International Motor Show. Last year, Chrysler signed with Chrysler Russia SAO to be the general importer for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. Russia is now one of Chrysler's top ten markets by volume; the Russian car market has grown dramatically in recent years, with annual sales of over 1.6 million vehicles.

Posted on August 26, 2008. 476 views so far. ID 1576.

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Reported by DaveAdmin at (August 26 2008, 11 AM)

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Chrysler brings out new models through Russian distributor

Reported by DaveAdmin at (August 26 2008, 10 AM)

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Distraction a downside for Chrysler's uconnect?

In-car electronics are all the rage today. From Bluetooth cellular communications to factory-installed DVD and navigation systems, automakers have made it possible for us to stay connected and entertained when we’re on the road.

In June, Chrysler announced the next step: in-car Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity. When you opt for Chrysler’s uconnect system, you can add “uconnect web,” an aftermarket package to be marketed through Mopar. With uconnect web, your next Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle can be a wireless hotspot on wheels.

"We set out to connect customers to the things that matter most to them," said Deborah Meyer, Chrysler Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer LLC. "The role for 'uconnect' in the 2009 model year places the focus on the customer experience and how the features will make their life easier."

But has the trend toward greater connectivity gone too far? In an article published on Sunday, August 24, in the New York Times, Randall Stross, a professor of business at San Jose State University, details some potential problems with Chrysler’s rosy vision.

Even though traffic deaths per 100 million miles are at historic lows, public health groups and the insurance industry point out the gains made by reducing drunk driving and increased utilization of set belts have been negated by the increased use of cell phones will driving. Even the use of hands-free phones doesn’t seem to help; according to studies conducted in Canada and Australia the distraction is the conversation itself. How much worse will it be when drivers are using their laptops for e-mail or surfing the web?

For more on this issue, read Caution: Driver May Be Surfing the Web at the New York Times website.

Reported by Bill_Cawthon at (August 24 2008, 07 PM)

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Dodge continues to build commercial vehicle momentum

Just two years ago, Dodge re-entered the commercial vehicle market in earnest for the first time since the mid-1970s. The result has been considerable success despite a poor economy: in the first half of 2008, Dodge's slaes in the Class 3-5 segments rose 132%, with commercial sales in general growing to 20,177 units for the first half of 2008 (a 123% increase over 2007).

Dodge's total retail market share for Class 3-5 trucks is 21%. The Ram 3500 Chassis Cab has a 27% retail market share; Ram 4500 and 5500 grew to 16%, making Dodge the fourth largest maker of commercial vehicles. The trucks boast best in class fuel economy and low ownership costs, with brakes that last up to three times as long as comparable Ford trucks.

Dodge now offers a full line of Class 2-5 commercial vehicles from the Cargo Van (a modified Grand Caravan whose sales are likely to swing up now that interior window blocks are available) to the Class 5 Ram 5500.

In returning to the Class 3 segment, Dodge set the new commercial standard with the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, which quickly achieved a 29% market share in less than one year, surpassing the historic leader Ford and leading the segment in four out of the last six months of 2007.

Last year, Dodge extended its reach into the Class 4 and 5 medium-duty markets with the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs, with fuel economy that is 14% better than comparable Ford models and 23% better than Chevy and GMC. Dodge continues its climb in the medium-duty segment and achieved a 16 percent share of the Class 4 and 5 retail market in less than one year.

In 2007, Dodge sold 33,500 commercial vehicles, including the Mercedes Sprinter. Through the first half of 2008, Dodge sold 20,177 commercial vehicles.

A new national dealer program, Fleet Elite, was set up to provide a world-class dealer experience to Fleet and Fleet Management Company (FMC) accounts and customers. Fleet Elite is a dealership certification program with specialized facilities, staffing, and processes. Target dealers are selected based on their volume of courtesy deliveries, “fleet-friendly” practices, and expertise with the Five-Star program.

Launched in 1999 and offering no-cost enrollment, Dodge BusinessLink is a full-service commercial program comprised of a select network of Dodge dealers who offer assistance including dedicated account managers and sales teams, next-bay service and technicians, extended hours, and free loaner vehicles. BusinessLink also includes Dodge’s “On The Job” program which offers discounts on upfits and direct cash incentives and savings on almost all Dodge commercial vehicles.

Reported by DaveAdmin at (August 22 2008, 09 AM)

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Chrysler makes vacation plans for 2009

Chrysler will require all of its employees to take the same two-week summer vacation again next year. In an e-mail, the company announced the mandatory 2009 summer break will be during the weeks of July 13 and 20.

In the e-mail, Nancy Rae, executive v-p for human resources, said, "With this early notification, the intent is for the majority of employees to take this time off to improve on the efficiencies achieved in 2008."

North American factories traditionally shut down for a week or two during model break, when assembly lines are switched over to production of the new model year’s vehicles, but 2008 was the first time that Chrysler required all employees, including salaried, to take their vacations during a specified time.

Chrysler spokeswoman Shawn Morgan said the mandatory vacations saved the company a little money, but said the primary benefit was improved efficiency. With all employees taking their summer breaks at the same time, projects did not get out of step because one team got ahead while the other was on leave.

Morgan said Chrysler has not yet decided if it will extend the mandatory vacation program beyond next year.

Reported by Bill_Cawthon at (August 22 2008, 07 AM)

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