Chrysler Group Repays US and Canadian Government Loans in Full

The Chrysler Group announced the repay of U.S. and Canadian government loans totaling $7.6 billion (€5.39 billion), more than six years ahead of schedule. More specifically, the Detroit automaker made a payment of $5.9 billion to the U.S. Treasury (UST) and $1.7 billion to Export Development Canada (EDC) to retire the loans granted in June 2009. EDC is the holding company through which the Canadian federal and Ontario provincial governments provided loans to Chrysler Group. Read more »

Chrysler Reports Net Profits for the First Time Since Emerging from Bankruptcy

On Monday, the Chrysler Group LLC reported its first quarter gains since exiting bankruptcy almost two years ago in June 2009. The Auburn Hills-based automaker, which is now operated by Fiat S.p.A., said net income totaled $116 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to a net loss of $197 million in the same period last year.

At the same time, the company’s revenues grew 35 percent from $9.7 billion in Q1 2010 to $13.1 billion in Q1 2011. In addition, the automaker said it had $9.9 billion in cash reserves at the end of the first quarter compares to 2.5 billion in December 31, 2010.

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Chrysler Group to Repay $7.5 Billion of Government Loans by the End of June

In order to pave the way for Fiat to reach 51 percent ownership of the Chrysler Group, the Auburn Hills-based automaker announced today that it intends to repay in full the loans provided by the U.S. and Canadian governments back in 2009 ($7.53 billion in total).

The Chrysler Group said it plans to complete the repayment during the second quarter of 2011 (ending in June). The company will use money from a new term loan facility plus a new issue of debt securities that will be sold to institutional investors in a private offering along with proceeds from Fiat’s recent cash infusion to increase its stake in Chrysler.

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Jeep Betting on Three New SUVs to Boost European Sales Five-Times by 2014

Jeep has disclosed plans to increase European sales from 25,000 units this year to 125,000 units by 2014. Europe will play a key role in Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne’s plans to double the brand’s global sales from 420,000 units last year to 800,000 units in 2014.

"Our plans for Europe are ambitious but doable. Europe for Jeep is an incredibly important market. We have been here for 30 years and half of our international sales historically were in Europe," Jeep CEO Mike Manley told Autonews Europe.

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New Footage of Jeep’s Build-it-Yourself Wrangler JK8 Independence Pickup Truck

Earlier this month, the Chrysler Group’s Mopar division unveiled a new do-it-yourself pickup conversion kit for the latest generation of the Wrangler modeled after the 1980’s Scrambler CJ-8. Called the JK-8 Independence, the kit allows the transformation of a four-door 2007-2011 Wrangler Unlimited into a two-door, two-seater pickup truck with a 50-inch long cargo bed.

Now, the Detroit automaker has released new running footage of the JK-8 Independence pickup conversion shot at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, as well as a walkaround clip with Steve Hautman, a Mopar Performance Offroad Team engineer, providing us a brief explanation on the build. You can watch both clips right after the break.

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2011 NYIAS: Jeep Launches New Wrangler Mojave with Bespoke Features

The refined 2011 Wrangler has only been a few months into its U.S. market introduction but Jeep is already rolling out a special editions of its rugged 4x4. The latest addition to the Wrangler range is the Mojave, which is named after the western desert Mojave Trail, and comes with unique features inside and out, including an aggressive wheel and tire package. Read more »

465 Horses Make the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 the Fastest Jeep Ever

Jeep has given the SRT treatment to its flagship Grand Cherokee and the result is the creation of the firm’s fastest and most potent production model ever. How does a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration of 4.8 seconds or a quarter mile time in the mid-13 second range sound? This is what the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is capable of, and the reason for these figures lies under the SUV's bonnet.

The Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology division (SRT for short) equipped the performance SUV with an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.

Compared to the outgoing model powered by the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 unit, the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 has an extra 45HP and 45 lb-ft (61 Nm) of torque. About 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 can do 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range and has a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

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Teen Girl Rams Stolen Jeep Wrangler into a Church During Police Pursuit [with Video]

A police video camera has captured the pursuit of a speeding Jeep Wrangler that ended with the 4x4 plowing a Church in Socastee, South Carolina on Friday. The driver turned out to be a 15-year-old girl who had stolen the red-colored Wrangler. Despite the severity of the crash, the teenage girl managed to escape with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Read more »

Chrysler Group to Unveil New Production Model and a Race-Inspired Study at New York Auto Show

We’re used to the Chrysler Group unveiling new or heavily refreshed models lately, and it looks like the company will keep the product momentum going at next week’s New York International Auto Show. According to a brief statement from the Detroit automaker, the company is planning the premiere of an unnamed production model and what is being described as a “race-inspired project vehicle” at the Big Apple. Chrysler is being quite secretive about the debuts as the company did not give out any other details. Read more »

Project Kahn Does its Thing on the Jeep Wrangler

The tuners over at Project Kahn have released photos and details on their latest offering based on the Jeep Wrangler. The restrained tuning programme is limited to a cosmetic touch up of the popular 4x4 model. On the outside, Project Kahn’s team added a set of new 20-inch RS alloy wheels wrapped around beefy 275/55 tires. Upon request, the Wrangler can be finished in either black or silver with matching alloy wheels.

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Jeep Compass Priced from £16,995 in UK, Sales to Start on April 15

The refreshed Jeep Compass SUV will go on sale in the UK on April 15 with prices ranging from £16,995 ($27,783) for the base model to £23,995 ($39,227). Available in 2WD versions as well as 4WD, the Compass is offered with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty.

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Jeep’s 2011 Moab Easter Safari Specials in Pictures and on Video

Earlier today, we showed you the Jeep Wrangler JK-8 Independence pickup truck [DIY] conversion, and now its time to give you a sneak peek of the rest of the vehicles Jeep and Mopar are planning to bring to the upcoming 45th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah on April 16.

The list includes the Jeep Compass Canyon, Cherokee Overland, Grand Cherokee Off-road Edition, Wrangler Renegade, Wrangler Pork Chop, Wrangler Blue Crush and the Mopar Ram Truck Runner.

One of the most impressive looking models is the Jeep Wrangler Blue Crush, which is said to combine “high-speed off-road racing and rock-crawling capability.” The high-riding Wrangler packs a Mopar 426 cubic-inch HEMI V8 with 540 horsepower that is paired with a 545RFE performance transmission and a gear-drive transfercase.

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Jeep Wrangler JK-8 Independence: DIY Mopar Kit Allows Owners To Turn Wrangler Into a Pick Up Truck

Some of you may remember the 2005 Jeep Gladiator concept study for a pickup truck version of the Wrangler, which for many reasons, never came to fruition. But if you happened to like the idea of a light-duty hauler based on the Wrangler, then Jeep may have the answer for you with its new JK-8 Independence package.

The do-it-yourself Mopar kit allows owners to convert a 4-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a two-door pickup truck with seating for two and a pickup style bed. After the conversion, the bed length is 50 inches and the width between wheel wells is 44 inches. The package includes all the necessary parts such as the bed floor, inner and outer body panels, half hard top (works with Freedom Top panels), and a new bulkhead.

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Report: Fiat to Raise Chrysler Stake to 30 Percent within the Next Few Weeks

Fiat SpA is planning to increase its Chrysler LLC Group stake to 30 percent in the next few weeks, according to insider sources quoted by Bloomberg news. The Italian company, which currently holds a 25 percent stake in Chrysler, will get an additional 5 percent from the U.S. government after it will meet two performance criteria.

The first condition is that 90 percent of Fiat's Latin American dealers must offer Chrysler vehicles as well. To satisfy this request, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to sell Chrysler models rebadged as Fiats in Brazil, Latin America's largest market, where the Italian brand holds the number one spot.

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Jeep to Show Six New Vehicles at Moab Easter Safari

At the upcoming 45th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari event that takes place in Utah from April 16-24, the Chrysler Group will display six new vehicles, including two Jeep Wrangler concepts. The company revealed two teaser sketches of the Jeep Wrangler “Renegade” and “Pork Chop” editions, which are modified versions of the standard Wrangler. Further details are to be released closer to the event. Read more »

Chrysler Group to Boost Ad Budget by 70% to $2.9 Billion in 2011

As the Chrysler Group continues its product renaissance with new or facelifted models, the Auburn Hills automaker is now looking to boost its marketing presence in the United States by increasing its advertising budget nearly 70 percent this year, from $1.72 billion in 2010 to around $2.9 billion in 2011.

The increase is even greater when compared to 2009, when Chrysler had just come out of bankruptcy and joined forces with the Fiat Group. According to the SEC filing, the Detroit firm spent just $677 million on advertising in the second half of 2009.

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XPLORE ADVENTURE SERIES VEHICLES SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL PARKS

The first XPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned with the proceeds donated to the National Parks Foundation.
XPLORE Special Edition packages will be available through participating new car dealerships nationwide in January 2011.



Press Release

Adrian, MI (December 20, 2010) – The National Parks are one of America's greatest treasures and a new line of adventure vehicles now gives you and your family another reason to support and enjoy a vacation this year to your favorite National Parks.

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles will be available at your local new car dealers beginning in January 2011 and each one sold delivers a donation to the National Park Foundation for our National Parks. The first XLPLORE Toyota FJ Cruiser will be auctioned in the Spring of 2011 with the proceeds donated to the National Park Foundation.

"Venchurs is pleased to introduce the XPLORE Adventure Series line of specialty vehicles for all major brands of vehicles", states Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. "It is a privilege to be able to support our National Parks and the automotive new car and Aftermarket communities, with a program that serves America's need for exciting vehicles."

XPLORE Adventure Series vehicles are available in four packages featuring increasing levels of equipment and capability. XPLORE Stage 1 Vehicle Packages featuring Katzkin leather interiors are available for Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

XPLORE Stage 2 Vehicle Packages for select SUVs and trucks include, BFG off-road tires, Method aluminum wheels, Bilstein 5100 Series shocks, Magnaflow stainless steel cat-back exhaust and optional XPLORE/Katzkin leather and suede seats.

XPLORE Stage 3 gets serious; ARB winches, racks, rock-rails, suspension, roof-top tents, Warn winches and IPF lighting are all available as mix-and-match accessories.

XPLORE has partnered with TLC to offer Build-To-Order Stage 4 Toyotas and Jeeps with a multitude of custom personalized options including special paint, electronics and expedition-grade upfits.

Each XPLORE vehicle comes with a free, one-year Annual Pass to over 52 National Parks and other Federal lands. New owners receive a one-year membership in XPLORE CLUB and a subscription to XPLORE Lifestyle Journal; a high-quality quarterly featuring amazing places to go, fun things to do and interesting people.

"XPLORE vehicles are designed to deliver adventure for enthusiasts and families" quotes Ron Flint, XPLORE Program Director. "You can't have one of these in your driveway and not be inspired to get out into the Great American Outdoors!"

For more information, please visit www.xplorevehicles.com

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Jeep Liberty Jet

Jeep launched two new models(Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet) at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Sitting at the top of the Grand Cherokee lineup is the Overland Summit trim, which starts with Overland trappings and adds polished 20-inch aluminum wheels in place of painted 20s, a new grille with chrome mesh, and chrome fog-light surrounds. The instrument panel, steering wheel, and door panels receive dark burl wood inserts, the floor mats are rendered in berber carpet, and the interior is a mix of saddle-brown and black, with the former covering the dash and seats. A safety-tech package including adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot warning system, a $1295 option on the Overland, comes standard.

The Jeep Liberty Jet appearance package is available on Liberty Sport and Limited models. Exterior features include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels; chromed-out lower fascia opening, body side moldings, roof rails and mirror caps; blacked-out headlamps; ‘Jet’ badging: and 4 exterior colors including Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry.

Inside, the Jeep Liberty Jet gets Dark Slate Gray leather seating with accent stitching, heated front seats with six-way power function for the driver and two-way for the passenger, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, nine-speaker premium audio system, a security system and rear park assist sensors.

Source: Jeep




Press Release

Jeep® Expands Vehicle Lineup with New Grand Cherokee and Liberty Models

Premium editions of new Jeep vehicles to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

• 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Overland Summit the most luxurious, distinctive and comprehensively equipped production Jeep vehicle ever

• 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet combines vehicle's renowned capability with unique upscale appearance

• Both new models available in Jeep showrooms next month

November 16, 2010 , Los Angeles, CA. -

A pair of new Jeep vehicles - the Jeep® Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and the Jeep Liberty Renegade - make their debut today here at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both vehicles expand the reach of the iconic brand's lineup, offering legendary Jeep capability in new, unique, premium editions.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is unquestionably the most luxurious, distinctive and comprehensively equipped Jeep vehicle ever produced, while the new Liberty Jet expands Liberty's appeal, delivering its best-in-class capability in an upscale appearance.

"While core Jeep enthusiasts will certainly love these vehicles, the new Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet models are in direct response to consumers in the premium end of the spectrum asking us for our unique, benchmark capability in stunning, luxurious packages," said Mike Manley, President and CE0 - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "These new vehicles deliver the premium attributes that a growing portion of our customers are asking for, and at the same time, are certain to draw new customers into Jeep showrooms."

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Jeep Liberty Jet models arrive in dealerships next month.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit

Available in a new, exclusive Rugged Brown paint scheme, sporting a unique front appearance that includes a fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels, and riding on 20-inch bright, polished aluminum wheels, the Overland Summit model elevates the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to new levels of indulgence and refinement for drivers seeking the ultimate personal driving statement in a premium sport-utility vehicle.

Inside, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee features unique Black Olive burl real wood trim blended into the instrument panel. The distinctive polished trim wraps into the upper panels of both the front and rear doors surrounding passengers with the highest levels of craftsmanship. The wood trim is also used on the standard, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel.

The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit boasts a Black lower and New Saddle upper interior trim color, along with saddle-color Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats - with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching - and Berber floor mats with Black and Chestnut accent binding.

Standard on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems.

In addition to the unique Rugged Brown exterior color, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is also available in Mineral Gray, White Gold and Black.

The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition available at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,495 (plus $780 destination) for 4x2 models, and $45,995 (plus $780 destination) for 4x4 versions.

2011 Jeep Liberty Jet

The 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet appearance package is available on Liberty Sport and Limited models.

Exterior features on the new Liberty Jet include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels fitted with P245/50R20 all-season tires; chrome lower fascia opening, body side moldings, license plate brow, roof rails and mirror caps; blacked-out headlamps; and unique ‘Jet' badging. The new 2011 Liberty Jet is offered in four exterior colors: Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry.

Inside, the Jeep Liberty Jet edition boasts a 9-speaker premium audio system; a standard security system that includes supplemental side-curtain air bags and Park Sense rear park assist; available Dark Slate Gray leather seating with accent stitching; heated front seats, available with six-way power function for the driver and two-way for the passenger; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; and one-touch up/down power windows.

The Liberty Jet option package is available at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,495 on Liberty Sport models and $995 on Liberty Limited models.

Jeep Brand

Built on 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

With the greatest range of SUVs under one brand, the Jeep vehicle portfolio consists of:

Compass: A compact SUV with a modern, urban design that delivers unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and Jeep 4x4 cachet and capability, all at a terrific value. Compass will receive significant (to be announced) improvements for 2011

Grand Cherokee: The most capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, balancing legendary Jeep capability with sophistication to deliver a premium driving experience for all adventures

Liberty: The mid-size SUV from Jeep that offers Jeep Trail Rated® 4x4 capability combined with on-road refinement and numerous innovative features, including the industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider® open canvas roof

Patriot: A compact SUV delivering the fun, adventure and value only Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy and segment-leading capability. Rugged styling is enhanced for 2011 with new front and rear fascias, grille, cladding and increased 4x4 ride height. Patriot's updated interior features upgraded materials and soft touch points, and retuned steering and suspension systems improve the overall ride and handling experience in all conditions

Wrangler: The icon of the Jeep brand, it remains true to its heritage as the original fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it boasts an all-new interior, and a premium body-color hardtop for Sahara models

Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers, Wrangler Unlimited receives an all-new interior for 2011, and a premium body-color hardtop for Sahara models.

To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models are sold outside North America - and all are available in right-hand-drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.