Durango, Grand Cherokee, honored in Chicago

Today, the editors of MotorWeek presented the “Driver’s Choice, Best Large Utility” for the three-row Dodge Durango SUV (shared with Jeep Grand Cherokee) at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

MotorWeek has judged the best new cars and trucks of the year for the past 31 years. Its annual Drivers’ Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view, including priorities such as value and reliability, while also taking the latest trends and innovations into consideration. An episode of MotorWeek featuring the Durango and other award winners is scheduled to air Feb. 11 on PBS and on Discovery’s Velocity Network Feb. 21.

“It’s an honor to receive this award from MotorWeek,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Even though it’s still early in 2012, Dodge has already received more than a dozen awards across the line-up, demonstrating the strength of our products.”

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Valiant Charger called one of Australia’s “10 Most Important Cars”

Writing in The Age, Tony Davis picks the ten cars most significant in Australian motoring history. Among these is the Valiant Charger, a muscle car built at Chrysler’s Tonsley Park plant from 1971 to 1978. The Charger was very popular and won Wheels magazine’s “Car of the Year” award in 1971. After production ended, a Valiant Charger had a cameo appearance in the 1982 movie “Mad Max 2.”

“Chrysler Australia would have faded years earlier if not for the shot in the arm that the Charger brought,” writes Davis. “Building a radical coupe on a shortened wheelbase was a leap of faith for a company with such a small market share. Yet it worked, soon becoming the best-selling model in the company’s range.”

“A salute to Australia’s 10 most important cars” is accompanied by a poll allowing readers to vote for their favorite (or favourite).

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Detroit News readers make if seven in a row for Town & Country

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country was named the Detroit News Readers’ Choice “Best Family Hauler” for the seventh consecutive year. A panel of consumer-minded Detroit News readers-turned-judges — rather than industry professionals — selected the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country as the best family vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

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Six Chrysler vehicles named “Best Buys”

Chrysler Group received nine awards in Consumer Guide Automotive’s 2012 list of “Best Buys” and “Recommended Picks.”

Six Chrysler Group models were awarded Consumer Guide’s prestigious “Best Buys” for the 2012 model year; three more were selected as “Recommended Picks” in the 2012 list.

Chrysler “Best Buys” are: Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Journey and the Ram 1500

Models that received “Recommended Picks” by Consumer Guide for the 2012 model year are: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and Fiat 500

“We are honored and thrilled to have nine vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ or ‘Recommended Picks’ by Consumer Guide Automotive,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Chrysler Group launched an unprecedented 16 all-new or substantially-refreshed vehicles in 2010 and 2011, models that continue to resonate with both consumers and objective, third parties like Consumer Guide.”

A “Best Buy” rating signifies that a vehicle is ranked at the top of its class and is strongly approved by the editors. “Best Buy” vehicles represent the finest balance of attributes and price within their classes, and they are the best choices for most consumers. Consumer Guide’s “Recommended Picks” feature vehicles that, though not ranked at the very top of their category, are still worth strong consideration by consumers for their unique combination of attributes and value.

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Dart named “Most Significant Vehicle of NAIAS”

The editors of Autoweek have named the 2013 Dodge Dart the “Most Significant Vehicle” of the auto show.

“We think the Dodge Dart drills the target dead center,” said Bob Gritzinger, Autoweek Executive Editor. “The bold Dodge styling, sport-tuned Alfa Romeo Giulietta chassis and attention to interior detail will draw buyers into the showroom, while the strong fuel economy and $15,995 starting price should close the deal.”

“We’re very proud of this award and think the editors at AutoWeek have hit the bullseye by naming the Dart “Most Significant Vehicle,” at the North American International Auto show,” said Dodge brand CEO Reid Bigland. “With the compact car segment comprising 15 percent of U.S. new car sales and close to 25 percent of new car sales in Canada, we hope many people in both countries looking for a fuel-efficient, powerful, fun-to-drive car loaded with all the latest technology and safety features soon find it a significant part of their lives, too.”

“The Dart gives Dodge a highly competitive entry in the crucial small sedan segment where it hasn’t been a player since the middle of the last decade,” Gritzinger added.

For the latest on the Dodge Dart, visit Dart-Mouth.com.

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2012 Challenger: Cars.com’s “Shopper’s Choice”

Representing the voice of millions of shoppers who visit Cars.com, the Dodge Challenger beat out nine other domestic and import finalists, ranging from small cars to larger SUVs and trucks, to become their favorite car of 2012. The Dodge Challenger was awarded at Cars.com’s annual “Best of 2012” event during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

“The Dodge Challenger’s win proves, once again, that our Cars.com shoppers know what makes a great vehicle,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “The Challenger’s classic muscle car styling, refined handling and spacious interior make this an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a fun and surprisingly practical car.”

The top 10 finalists for the Shopper’s Choice Award were selected based on shoppers’ actions on the site that indicated interest in new vehicles, including searching for vehicles, sending inquiries to dealers on availability and most importantly, filling out a positive review of their vehicle. The Dodge Challenger took home the title after grabbing the most votes from Cars.com Facebook fans in the final round of the competition.

“The Dodge Challenger is the ultimate American muscle machine,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLC. “We’re very proud that interest in the Challenger remains exceptionally high and that our owners are so enthusiastic, they voted for it to win the cars.com Shopper’s Choice Award.”

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