Chrysler five-year plan in progress

Chrysler’s five year plan is being unveiled, with a limited-entry webcast on Chrysler LLC’s corporate web site, constant updates at Automotive News, and frequent updates here at allpar.com. The plan will take around five hours to describe.

The plan is for a complete repackaging of all current vehicles, with new options mixes, by the end of the fourth quarter of 2009. A complete overhaul of branding, marketing, positioning, and point of sale is to be completed by the end second quarter of 2010.

Follow our regularly updated page at http://www.allpar.com/corporate/chrysler-group/five-year-plan.html

Chrysler cuts prices on Ram HD pickups

Big pickup buyers will get more content for less money with the new 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups. According to Chrysler Group, the big Rams will have a base price of $28,165 for standard cab models, $31,415 for Crew Cab models and $36,865 for Mega Cab models. The Quad Cab has been dropped, replaced by the larger Crew Cab that accounts for a significant percentage of large pickup sales. The premium Laramie trim level will start at $42,240; a Power Wagon starts at $45,780.

2010 Heavy-Duty Rams now shipping

The first 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups are on their way to dealers. Production began last week in Saltillo, Mexico and the trucks should be on dealer lots within three weeks.

The big Rams are the first new products that will be coming from Chrysler for the 2010 model year. New vehicle development came to a halt while Chrysler was owned by Cerberus Capital Management as the financial holding company desperately sought to cut costs over the past year.

The new pickup incorporates many of the changes that appeared on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. A new crew cab is available, giving Dodge an entry into a body style that accounts for nearly half of all heavy-duty pickup sales. In addition, there’s a significantly upgraded interior, increased towing capacity and a smoother ride that uses a hydraulic spring at the rear of the cab to reduce bouncing. Buyers can select a 383-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI or a 6.7-liter, 350-horsepower Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with 650 pounds-feet of torque.

The big Ram pickups recently received the “Heavy Duty Pickup of Texas” award from the Texas Auto Writers Association.

TAWA gives top honors to Heavy-Duty Ram, Dakota and Patriot

The Texas Auto Writers Association named the Heavy-Duty Ram Pickup the “Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas” at their annual truck Rodeo. At the event, held outside of San Antonio this year, the Dodge Dakota was selected “Mid-Size Pickup of Texas” and the Jeep Patriot earned the “Compact SUV of Texas” title.

Selections were made by the 40+ TAWA members, all of whom are working automotive journalists, after two days of on- and off-road trials. All entries are evaluated on performance, styling, comfort and real-world utility.

“The TAWA Truck Rodeo is the most comprehensive evaluation of new trucks and SUVs in the country and manufacturers consider it a great honor to win their category,” Harold Gunn, President of TAWA, said. Gunn also noted, “The wins for Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota are significant because our truck rodeo offers journalists a chance to judge vehicles in side-by-side comparisons and these top awards were given based on individual impressions and by secret ballot.”

“We’re very proud of these awards; they affirm our leadership in the truck market,” said Fred Diaz, CEO for Dodge’s Ram Brand, said. “In a head-to-head competition, our all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty un-seated last year’s winner, right in the pickup truck capital of the U.S. Ram is not only the best heavy-duty truck we’ve ever built; it’s the best heavy-duty truck on the market, hands down. We’re also proud that the Dodge Dakota won its category, affirming Dakota’s capability and versatility.”

Michael Manley, CEO – Jeep Brand, echoed Diaz’s comments. “This is certainly an honor for Jeep. We’re proud the Patriot proved its off-road prowess at the Texas Truck Rodeo. The Trail Rated® Jeep Patriot 4×4 is hands down the most capable and affordable SUV in the compact segment.”

Ram Sport Performance hood can be ordered

The Dodge Ram sport performance hood, sales code MGB, can now be ordered.

In addition, Dodge Nitro buyers can now get dark charcoal paint for 2010 models; the 16 inch aluminum wheel is available on SE, but 17 inch polished aluminum wheels are now available only with the 24F package.

Chrysler still has some ordering restrictions for certain items, but these are expected to ease starting in November.

Dodge declares “final orders” for chassis cabs

Dodge has reportedly set an October 21, 2009 date for final orders of the 2010 model-year chassis cabs, which will be allocated in December. The successful Dodge Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cabs, which come with gasoline and Cummins diesel engines, are due to be upgraded for the 2011 model year, with 2011 production beginning early in the second quarter of 2010.

New ad agency for Dodge Ram

Dallas, Texas’ Richards Group will handle advertising for the Dodge Ram starting in the fourth quarter, and GlobalHue will handle Jeep advertising, according to Automotive News, which broke the story. BBDO Detroit is currently running spots on the Chrysler 300, but may not keep the 300 account after the current review is completed.

A wide variety of large and small agencies bid for Chrysler’s business, which was consolidated under BBDO by DaimlerChrysler and is now being split up. Also up for grabs for fourth quarter ads are the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Journey, and Dodge Charger.

Richards handled Hyundai from around 2002 to 2007.