Chrysler (Page 32)

Compared to last years SAE World Congress, this year’s event has major OEMs like GM, Kia and Nissan showing off their electrified technology; but, as usual, Ford wins the race in displays.

Thanks to cell phone shots and information on the enthusiast forum Moparts.com, we have learned that in the last week a limited edition 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 caught fire and burned inside of the automaker’s Brampton, Ontario assembly facility.

The Chinese auto industry has become a key to global success but the Chrysler Group received a set recently as the Chinese government has suspended importation of the Jeep Wrangler due to alleged fire risks.

Chrysler Corporation announced this morning that the company has reached the second of three performance requirements set by the government, allowing Fiat to raise their ownership of the Chrysler Group from 25 to 30%.

When the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) debuts later this month, New Englanders will have the opportunity to see some of the most stylish and innovative vehicles ever. From the most powerful car in the world to the very first crossover convertible and the incredible debut of a hybrid Porsche, these are the cars turning heads and making headlines.

The 2011 Dodge Durango has been completely redesigned from the previous generation of the full-sized SUV but Chrysler will have to face some questions after a new Durango Citadel burst into flames during the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Parade.

Once again, the SAE 2011 World Congress will provide more than just engineering exhibitors, but a Career Fair which will provide the opportunity for mobility industry engineers and professionals to explore available jobs and network with auto industry and engineering professionals.

Last year, Mopar unveiled their off-road ready Ford Raptor-fighter known as the Ram Runner and after a year of touring auto shows around the country, Mopar will bring the Ram Runner back to Moab to introduce the production version of this high performance off-road package.

The Jeep Wrangler JK-8 Independence comes to Moab to show off the pickup-Jeep style that enthusiasts have been clamoring for since the last Scrambler CJ-8 rolled off the line in the 1980s.

Among the 7 Mopar-modified Jeep vehicles that will be in attendance at the 2011 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah will be the Jeep Grand Cherokee Off-Road Edition that made its grand debut in the Mopar display at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

While some of the Moparized Jeep models making their public debut at the 2011 Easter Jeep Safari on April 16th are production vehicles with a handful of Mopar accessories added to make them even more capable – the Wrangler Blue Crush is an outrageous purpose built vehicle that would be hard pressed the fit in on any public road.

The SUV pictured below is commonly known as the Jeep Liberty to American consumers but to outside of the US, the Liberty is known as the Cherokee so to show a little Mopar love to a non-US model, the 2011 Easter Jeep Safari will introduce the US to the Jeep Cherokee Overland.

Jeep looks to shed the less-than-trail-rated capabilities of the refreshed Compass compact SUV and along with the Grand Cherokee front end for 2011 models, Mopar has added a variety of items to make this the first Compass that will tackle the off-road world of Moab, Utah.

The Jeep Wrangler is known for its off-roading capacities bolstered by its lightweight but when you start adding accessories and optional items, the topless Jeep can get heavy in a hurry so Mopar has “trimmed the fat” with the Wrangler Pork Chop for the 2011 Easter Jeep Safari.

The Jeep Wrangler Renegade headed to the 2011 Easter Jeep Safari looks like a pretty standard production-issue Wrangler but under the hood of this topless Jeep is the 6.4L Hemi from Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division.

Every year, the Chrysler Corporation sponsors the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah with thousands of hardcore off-roaders coming from around the country to show off their machines and Jeep makes its presence felt each year by bringing out a handful of Mopar-modified models sure to turn heads.

In February the Ram Truck brand debuted a new entry-level half ton pickup packing the 5.7L Hemi engine with the code name “Adventurer” and today, Chrysler’s truck crew unveiled the production version with the name Ram 1500 Express.

The Chrysler Group has announced their first work stoppage due to the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis as the Detroit automaker has cut planned overtime at the Brampton, Ontario and Toluca, Mexico production facilities in an effort to conserve electric components sourced from Japan.

Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne wants Fiat SpA to increase ownership of the Chrysler Group from 25 to 51% by the end of 2011 and if new reports are correct, Fiat could increase their stake in Chrysler by 5% in the coming weeks.

March sales numbers are in and with a gain of 31%, the Chrysler Group leads the US auto industry in terms of year over year sales growth among major automotive groups.

he numbers from around the industry are trickling in on this April Fool’s Day and GM has won the battle for March 2011, as the Chevrolet Camaro lead the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger in monthly sales – marking the third straight month that the Bowtie bruiser has lead the segment in sales.

Chrysler executives invited members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press association (RMAP) to a luncheon at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Denver yesterday where the 2011 Town and Country, 200 Convertible, 200 and 300 models were on display. They were understandably proud of what Chrysler hath wrought.

Motor Village LA is one of Chrysler’s newest projects, combining all five of their American-sold brands in one (immaculate) LA-based dealership but according to the California New Car Dealers Association, Motor Village LA is in violation of California law that prevents automotive manufacturers from owning dealerships within 10 miles of any other related dealership.

Reports indicate that the 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio (convertible to most in the US) will make its grand debut for the North American market at the 2011 New York International Auto Show starting in late April.