VM: 30,000 – 40,000 engines for Chrysler?

Il Mattino reported that Sergio Marchionne has asked VM Motori  to increase output by 200-250 engines per day. Il Mattino wrote that the engines are designed for the United States, presumably for Chrysler’s use, though they might be shared by Chrysler and Alfa Romeo, which is to start U.S. car production next year.

The increase in output is to start by the end of 2012, presumably for cars built during 2013, for either the 2013 or 2014 model year. The increase amounts to around 40,000 – 50,000 engines per year, making it likely that more than one model would be diesel-powered. It is likely that the Jeep Grand Cherokee will be one of the recipients, and it’s also possible that the increase will be split between one domestic product and several cars made in the US for export to Europe (VM diesels are used by the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Lancia Thema [300], and Voyager [Caravan]). Any of these vehicles would benefit from diesels, given their weight and the engines’ high torque; Jeep Wrangler owners, in particular, have been vocal about wanting a diesel option. A diesel-powered domestic minivan would be a first, and would likely boast superior gas mileage compared with any competitor.

Jeep Patriot one of “10 most versatile cars under $20,000″

NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, has named the 2012 Jeep Patriot 4WD Sport as one of its the top ten most versatile vehicles under $20,000. that take value and feature sets into account. NADAGuides’ top ten are recommended for those in the market for a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers more than the basics; providing features and values while staying within a reasonable budget.

While fuel costs are a major factor in today’s market, subcompacts are not the only option. NADAguides found vehicles in varying categories offering fuel efficiency, advanced technology features and versatility.

In selecting the 2012 Jeep Patriot 4WD Sport, the editors of NADAGuides said it, “…is one of the best values in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment, and is a versatile option for those looking for 4 x 4 capability and excellent fuel economy, with a starting price of $17,745. For 2012, the Patriot Sport offers a wide variety of clever features including a Uconnect media center with iPod interface, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, power sunroof, a premium audio system, illuminated cup holders, fold-flat rear seats and more. The Patriot Sport features more than 30 safety and security features including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start assist and side-curtain airbags that cover all rows. Packed with a long list of standard features, from keyless entry to Bluetooth connectivity, the Patriot Sport is an excellent choice for those needing 4×4 capability without compromising comfort and convenience.”

California Chrysler sales soar in Q1

According to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), the growth in sales of Chrysler brand vehicles outpaced all other brands in the first quarter of 2012. The organization reports registrations of Chryslers rocketed 222.1 percent in the three months from January to March, easily outpacing second-place Kia’s 3.4 percent. Jeep was third in terms of market growth, with registrations up 39.4 percent, followed by Volkswagen, Mazda and Dodge, where registrations were up 29.3 percent. The next-highest gain for a domestic brand was posted by Ford, up 18.5 percent. GM’s big winner was Chevrolet with registrations 10.8 percent ahead of Q1 2011.

The CNCDA publishes a list of new car registrations sorted by segment. They then publish the top five in each segment. Here are Chrysler’s Top Fives.

For some reason, the CNCDA put the Grand Cherokee in with the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander in Mid-Size SUVs and put the Ford Explorer in full-size SUVs with the Chevy Tahoe Ford Flex and GMC Acadia. The Ford Expedition should have been Ford’s full-size entry. However, as it did nationwide, the Grand Cherokee outsold the Explorer in the Bear State, 2,710 to 2,181.

Passenger car sales took the biggest piece of the pie with a 62.7 percent share, up 1.5%, followed by SUVs with 24.4 percent, down nearly two percent from last year, and pickups and vans with 12.9 percent, up slightly from Q1 2011.

Total California sales growth was up 17.7 percent in Q1, well ahead of the national increase of 13.3 percent.

Source: California New Car Dealers Association

New Jeep Altitude

In response to Wrangler enthusiasts’ desire for limited-edition vehicles, Jeep is introducing the new 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude, completing the set begun with the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models last month.

Based Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, the Altitude offers fans a unique appearance including a body-color hardtop combined with a variety of black-gloss exterior appointments, and a distinctive black-and-red interior theme.

“With sales up more than 30 percent year over year, Jeep Wrangler continues to show the special place it has in the hearts and minds of the American public,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “One of the many things Jeep enthusiasts love is the series of limited-volume, special-edition Wrangler models we produce. The new Wrangler Unlimited Altitude builds on the previous models and delivers consumers yet another fun and distinctive Jeep vehicle straight from the factory.

“With a production run of only 4,500 units, we expect the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude to sell out very quickly,” Manley added.

The new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition includes a body-color hardtop with matching painted center sections on the front and rear bumpers. Unique eighteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with black-painted spokes and polished wheel rings combined with a Mopar® black fuel fill door, matte black “Jeep” grille badge and a black tone-on-tone hood graphic.

A black-and-red interior theme includes red accent stitching on the black leather seats, as well as the door panels, center arm rest, floor mats and steering wheel. Vent rings, steering-wheel spokes, door pulls and passenger-side dashboard grab handle and berber floor mats are all finished in black to emphasize the contrast.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude models are available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White and Bright Silver Metallic, and will be available at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,740.