Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler
Chrysler has announced a rash of personnel changes. Ralph Gilles will now serve as the President and CEO of the company's Street and Racing Technology brand, which be responsible for crafting performance products across the various Chrysler camps. The SRT brand will also take charge of the company's various motorsports activities. Gilles will still hold onto his duties as head honcho of exterior and interior design.
While SRT has long been familiar to car buyers and enthusiasts, this is the first time Chrysler will treat the performance division as a distinct brand. This probably doesn't mean that SRT will replace Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler branding on a particular vehicle, rather, it's simply an effort to put the company's SRT projects together under a common head, Gilles.
In addition to the SRT changes, Fred Diaz has been appointed President and CEO of Chrysler de Mexico, and Reid Bigland has taken over duties as President and CEO of the Dodge car brand and head of U.S. sales. Bigland will also continue to serve as President and CEO of Chrysler Canada.
David Buckingham will now fill the newly created Chief Operating Officer of Chrysler Canada position, and Joe ChamaSrour will now report to Mike Manly as part of International Operations for the automaker. Click past the break to view the brief press release.
Continue reading Ralph Gilles named President and CEO of SRT brand
Ralph Gilles named President and CEO of SRT brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedan, Chrysler, Reviews
Sebring Replacement Gets A Seat At The Big Kids Table - Barely
2011 Chrysler 200 - Click above for high-res image gallery
You don't have to take a trip to Egypt to know what the pyramid of Gisa looks like. It's an amazing feat of engineering, the construction of which continues to confound scientists to this day. But while Gisa is a true world wonder, Egypt is also home to many structures that were never completed. Half-built pyramids, obelisks that were intricately cut out of solid bedrock only to be left un-hoisted and 1,000-ton rocks that were dragged by hand for miles and left sitting unused. Why would anyone go through all that effort without finishing what they started?
We've long asked the same question about the Chrysler Sebring. Engineers took the time to come up with all the components needed to craft a new sedan for Chrysler, yet the steering, chassis and engines were woefully unfinished works. When looking at the Sebring, it's like designers threw darts at a wall to find the right sketch, and the same lack of completeness could be felt on the inside, where rubbery materials materials were assembled with the precision of a sofa cushion fort.
Luckily for Chrysler, the Sebring and those unfinished Egyptian objects have one more thing in common: They're both consigned to history. Chrysler's designers and engineers have worked together to right the wrongs of the Sebring, and those efforts have led to the newly named 2011 Chrysler 200. We spent a week with a nicely equipped Limited model to see if Chrysler's mulligan can go toe-to-toe with its peers in a very competitive mid-size sedan segment. Continue reading...
Continue reading 2011 Chrysler 200 Limited
2011 Chrysler 200 Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Auburn Hills, Mich. , Apr 21, 2011 - TIME named Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group LLC, to the 2011 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The full list and related tributes appear in the May 2 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, April 22, and now at time.com/tk.
The list, now in its eighth year, recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals. As TIME Managing Editor Richard Stengel has said of the list in the past, “The TIME 100 is not a list of the most powerful people in the world, it’s not a list of the smartest people in the world, it’s a list of the most influential people in the world. They’re scientists, they’re thinkers, they’re philosophers, they’re leaders, they’re icons, they’re artists, they’re visionaries. People who are using their ideas, their visions, their actions to transform the world and have an effect on a multitude of people.”
Marchionne was named CEO of Chrysler Group LLC in June 2009. On January 1, 2011, he was appointed Chairman of Fiat Industrial S.p.A., resulting from the demerger with Fiat S.p.A., and maintains his role as Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A.
Previously, Marchionne was appointed Chairman of Case New Holland (CNH) in April 2006 and Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Group Automobiles in February 2005. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A. in June 2004 and has been a member of the board since May 2003.
In 2010, he joined the board of directors of Exor S.p.A. Marchionne also serves as a member of the board of Philip Morris International Inc. and a member of the General Council of Confindustria (the employers association of Italy), of Assonime (the association of Italian joint stock companies), and of ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association). He is a permanent member of the Fondazione Giovanni Agnelli. He is also a member of the board of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the Chairman of the Italian Branch of the Council for the United States in Italy. Marchionne continues to serve as Chairman of SGS SA headquartered in Geneva. He previously served as the non-executive Vice Chairman and Senior Independent Director for UBS.
Marchionne is a barrister, solicitor and chartered accountant. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto, Canada. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Windsor, Canada.
The list, now in its eighth year, recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals. As TIME Managing Editor Richard Stengel has said of the list in the past, “The TIME 100 is not a list of the most powerful people in the world, it’s not a list of the smartest people in the world, it’s a list of the most influential people in the world. They’re scientists, they’re thinkers, they’re philosophers, they’re leaders, they’re icons, they’re artists, they’re visionaries. People who are using their ideas, their visions, their actions to transform the world and have an effect on a multitude of people.”
Marchionne was named CEO of Chrysler Group LLC in June 2009. On January 1, 2011, he was appointed Chairman of Fiat Industrial S.p.A., resulting from the demerger with Fiat S.p.A., and maintains his role as Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A.
Previously, Marchionne was appointed Chairman of Case New Holland (CNH) in April 2006 and Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Group Automobiles in February 2005. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A. in June 2004 and has been a member of the board since May 2003.
In 2010, he joined the board of directors of Exor S.p.A. Marchionne also serves as a member of the board of Philip Morris International Inc. and a member of the General Council of Confindustria (the employers association of Italy), of Assonime (the association of Italian joint stock companies), and of ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association). He is a permanent member of the Fondazione Giovanni Agnelli. He is also a member of the board of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the Chairman of the Italian Branch of the Council for the United States in Italy. Marchionne continues to serve as Chairman of SGS SA headquartered in Geneva. He previously served as the non-executive Vice Chairman and Senior Independent Director for UBS.
Marchionne is a barrister, solicitor and chartered accountant. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto, Canada. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Windsor, Canada.
Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities
Ndamukong Suh returns home in a 2011 Chrysler 300 - Click above to watch video after the jump
Chyrsler hit a high note when it employed the services of Eminem to show off the new 2011 200 sedan. That commercial put the exact type of spotlight on Detroit that the city was looking for. The automaker is going back to the same well stylistically for a new spot featuring the 2011 Chrysler 300. It's still tied to The D, but this time shows a person returning to their roots back in Portland, Oregon.
That person is Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He's returning to the place that made him the man he is, and he's using a new Chrysler 300 to take him there. It's not as overtly dramatic as the Eminem ad, yet it still works at both pulling you into a piece of Suh's world and showing off the new sedan. Click past the jump to check it out.
Continue reading Ndamukong Suh returns to his roots with the 2011 Chrysler 300
Ndamukong Suh returns to his roots with the 2011 Chrysler 300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge
Ram Long-Hauler Concept truck - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Ram first showed off its new super-stretch Long-Hauler concept truck, we couldn't help but think those initial photos looked like they were shot with a first-generation iPhone sporting a greased-over camera lens. Now, however, Chrysler has been so kind as to bring in a professional who's pulled a few high-resolution images off their memory card.
We're assuming the photographer stood way back to capture the entire 24-foot-long, quad-cab pickup truck. It's called the Long-Hauler because it can carry enough fuel (170 gallons in total) to keep on truckin' for around 1,600 miles between fill-ups.
Want to see it for yourself? Chrysler is taking its new super-steed out to a few shows. Click past the jump to see if the Ram Long-Hauler Concept will be making a pit-stop near you. Also, click through the gallery to check out this titan-truck from a different few angles, including a shot of the interior.
Continue reading Ram shows off Long-Hauler Concept in high resolution
Ram shows off Long-Hauler Concept in high resolution originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Chrysler, Earnings/Financials
Chrysler has announced a profit of $116 million for the first quarter of 2011, the company's first profit since exiting bankruptcy. This came from $13.1 billion in revenue, which represents a 35 percent increase compared to Q1 2010. Profit from operations was up, as well, as Chrysler managed to earn $477 million, more than tripling the positive cash flow of Q1 2010. Sales were up 18 percent on the quarter to 394,000 vehicles, and the automaker cites its 16 new or refreshed vehicles as reasons for the increase in revenue.
Equally exciting news comes in the form of extra security. Chrysler announced that cash reserves now total $9.9 billion, while available United States Treasury and Canadian government loans bring total cash available to $12.1 billion. Team Pentastar did pony up $348 million in interest payments for its government loans in the quarter. The Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automaker is hoping to cut that number down in future quarters by paying off government loans with bank loans with smaller interest rates.
The quarterly profit has led to many smiles at Chrysler headquarters, and CEO Sergio Marchionne is one of them. "Chrysler Group's improved sales and financial performance in the first quarter show that our rejuvenated product lineup is gaining momentum in the marketplace and resonating with customers." Hit the jump to read over the Chrysler press release.
[Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]
Continue reading Chrysler posts $115 million profit, first since bankruptcy
Chrysler posts $115 million profit, first since bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew York 2011: Chrysler's 200 S Convertible is the emo cousin to standard droptop
Autoblog - Chrysler, LLC.
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Chrysler
2011 Chrysler 200 S Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery
Chrysler has injected a dash of menace into the 200 convertible, and the result is the 2011 200 S droptop. It's not outright evil, since it still packs the same 283-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and the same suspension. However, the S version trends a bit toward the dark side thanks to a host of exterior changes designed to bring a dose of cool to Chrysler's rental lot standby. Naturally, if you prefer your cars with fixed roofs, Auburn Hills will be happy to sell you a 200 S sedan, as well.
The shined-up silver paintwork looks resplendent under the New York Auto Show lights. A Chrysler wing badge sits prominently in the mesh of the black grille, while the headlights also get the black background treatment. The dark theme continues on the S-badged 18-inch aluminum wheels and then winds its way into the cabin.
The front leather seats are heated and the driver can also warm up his or her hands on the heated steering wheel. The S logo is stitched into the headrests, along with a line of contrasting silver accent along the seams.
The 200 S convertible should hit your local dealer later this spring, and will arrive carrying an as-delivered price tag of $32,490, while the sedan rings up at 26,790. You can eyeball the 2011 Chrysler 200 S Convertible in the galleries below, and be sure to click past the jump to read the full press release.
Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL
Continue reading New York 2011: Chrysler's 200 S Convertible is the emo cousin to standard droptop
New York 2011: Chrysler's 200 S Convertible is the emo cousin to standard droptop originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Truck, Jeep, Off-Road
Jeep JK-8 conversion kit from Mopar - Click above to watch the video after the jump
The folks over at PickupTrucks.com recently drove a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with Mopar's JK-8 conversion kit, and they got a Mopar engineer on camera to talk about it. To refresh your memory, one kit will be offered for the at-home "weekend warrior" tinkerer, a second kit will be offered for body shops to make the conversion look like it came from the factory. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the engineer said it would be "competitive," although we have no idea what he could be comparing the price too, it should be less than the "two arms, two legs and a testicle" suggested by a PickupTrucks.com commenter.
Finally, the JK-8 package will be available in every color offered on the Wrangler, meaning you won't get it in the concept car yellow. Follow the jump to see it in action and hear more about it.
Continue reading Jeep JK-8 pickup kit smiles for the camera
Jeep JK-8 pickup kit smiles for the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: New York Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Jeep
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will make its official debut on the floor of the 2011 New York Auto Show today and, according to Chrysler, it's the fastest Jeep ever built. How does 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds on its way to a governed 155-mph top speed sound? For those of you who live your lives a quarter mile at a time, the big Jeep will down the strip in the mid-13-second range.
Even with performance numbers knocking on supercar territory, not to mention a 465-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8, Jeep claims the new SRT8 gets 13-percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. To keep the gas mileage respectable, Jeep has employed a new active exhaust system that lets Chrysler's cylinder-deactivating Fuel Saver Technology operate over a wider RPM band. The fuel economy numbers are so good that the SUV can now travel up to 450 miles on a single tank before needing another drink of dinosaur juice.
Straight-line numbers and (relatively) impressive MPGs aren't this big SUV's only trick. Thanks in part to Jeep's new Selec-Track system with five distinct drive modes (including Sport), Chrysler says the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 will also hold on for a .90-g skid pad performance. Even better, it can haul itself down from 60 mph in an abrupt 116 feet.
Inside there's a list of standard features as long as your arm, including SIRIUS satellite radio, a DVD and MP3-capable stereo and new steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Options include a 19-speaker, 825-watt Harmann-Kardon stereo complete with a 10-inch subwoofer, a dual-pane tinted sunroof and a power liftgate.
Look for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 to hit dealerships this summer, and stay tuned for live shots of the new SRT8 direct from the 2011 New York Auto Show floor later today. In the meantime, there's more details in Jeep's lengthy press release after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]
Continue reading 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 arrives as quickest Jeep ever made
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 arrives as quickest Jeep ever made originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road
2012 Jeep Wrangler Mojave - Click above for high-res image gallery
Jeep will officially introduce the latest in the brand's stream of factory-customized machines (Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition, Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims and the upcoming JK-8 pickup truck conversion kit) at the 2011 New York Auto Show today. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave was designed to pay homage to the legendary Mojave Trail and comes with special interior and exterior additions that set it apart from the rest of the Wrangler family.
The party gets started with a Wrangler Sport and adds a body-colored hard top and fender flares alongside 17-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch tires. Those rollers are the same kit found on the likes of the Wrangler Rubicon. Unique lizard decals on the hood and a blacked-out fuel door cap off the exterior tweaks.
Jump indoors and you'll find dark leather seats with lizard embroidery. Trust us when we say that it looks better than it sounds. Driftwood accents are littered through the cabin and slush floor mats come standard. The final price tag for this machine sits at $29,195 plus a $750 destination fee. Follow the jump for the full press release.
[Source: Chrysler]
Continue reading 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave shows off its lizard
2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave shows off its lizard originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Off-Road, Racing
Six Mopar-tuned Jeep models - Click above for high-res image galleries
Jeep has a big year ahead of it. After finishing 2010 with a 24-percent increase in global sales versus 2009, Chrysler's off-road capable brand is looking for even more in 2011. To make Jeep even more motivated, the brand is also celebrating its 70th anniversary later this year, and it unveiled an entire lineup of new Special Edition models at the Detroit Auto Show back in January.
Jeep also plans to show six new Mopar-tuned models at the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, from April 16 - 24, and we have the full monty from every model. There's a 'pork chop' that went on an 850-pound diet, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8-packing Rambler, a diesel-packing Cherokee Overland and more.
We've got detailed descriptions along with full image galleries of each Mopar-tuned Jeep after the break for your viewing pleasure. So what are you waiting for?
Continue Reading Six Jeep models get the Mopar Makeover...
Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL
Continue reading Six Jeep models get the Mopar Makeover for 2011 Safari in Moab
Six Jeep models get the Mopar Makeover for 2011 Safari in Moab originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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