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Dodge Ram Hemi Hybrid Coming In 2010
 It seems Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks has uncovered information from Chrysler regarding their next generation Dodge Ram Hemi Hybrid, stating in a recent interview that the "The hybrid Ram is still on track for 2010". There's no word however whether or not the hybrid option will use the same technology found in the Dodge Durango or Chrysler Aspin SUV's.
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2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon Spy Shot
 Earlier this month we brought you spy shots of the 2010 Dodge Ram R/T but now our spy photographers have caught the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon roaming the streets of Detroit. This latest photo is a rare one as Dodge have not brought much attention to their heavy duty pickups in a while, as the market conditions and fuel prices have axed the popularity of the pickup trucks. This particular photo is of the "Power Wagon" edition, which includes a 4.56 rear axle with locking front and rear differentials, electronic war bar disconnect, beefier tires and special aluminum wheels.
[Pickuptrucks]
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2010 Dodge Ram R/T Spy Shots
 New spy shots of the 2010 Dodge Ram R/T were posted by SEMA last week. The latest generation features 22 inch five spoke painted wheels with 285/45R22 Goodyear Fortera tires and a removable soft tonneau cover which is believed to be used to "help the 2010 R/T gain back some of the fuel efficiency sacrificed for its strong off-the-line performance". Check out other photos at SEMA.org.
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Chrysler Cancels Dodge Ram 1500 Light Duty Diesel Engine
 Chrysler LLC has temporarily canceled plans for a diesel engine for the Dodge Ram 1500 model pickup truck. Mark Land of Cummins commented on the reports, "We've been trying to rework development of the [light-duty diesel] engine over the last several months, given the current economic climate" and "this is not a surprise". Chrysler on the other hand have neglected to comment on the news. The reason for cancellation is being blamed on the terms with the new government owned Chrysler and their declaration of bankruptcy. All future plans have been put on hold.
[Pickuptrucks]
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Chrysler Truck Chief Called to Head of Product Development
 Chrysler's chief truck engineer, Scott Kunselman just received a huge promotion to "Head of Product Development" at the newly formed Chrysler LLC. Responsible for being the chief engineer on the new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, Kunselman brings with him much experience in the "body on frame" department regarding trucks and SUV's and is now expected to lead all of product development. Hopefully that means more focus on the Dodge Ram and Jeep segments!
Source: Automobile Magazine
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Ford Expected To Pass GM In Production
 IHS Global Insight are forecasting Ford Motor Company to surpass General Motors in production for 2009 with 1.9 million units to be produced in North America. The IHS ranks Honda in third with 1.1 million units, Toyota in fourth with 904,000 units, and Chrysler taking up the rear with 903,000 units (don't know how that is possible when they're not really selling any vehicles?).
The IHS also predicts North American sale to fall around 8.4 million units, down 156,000 from last month. North American sales are still down 37.8 percent compared to a year before.
Source: Autoblog
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Chrysler Offers Incentive To Existing Owners
 Chrysler have issued an announcement that existing customers (nearly 9 million of them) will receive a $1,000 dollar certificate towards the purchase of a new Chrysler vehicle of their choice ranging from the Chrysler brand to Dodge and Jeep brands that is good till the end of June.
Source: Autoblog
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Nearly 40K 2009 Dodge Rams Recalled For Faulty AC Controls
 Chrysler has issued a recall of nearly 40,000 2009 Dodge Ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with the manual temperature control where the software programmed for the heating ventilation and air condition module may cause the defrosting and defogging functions to become non-functional. The result of this can lead to a decrease in visibility and raise the chance of crashing. Owners can contact Chrysler directly at 1-800-835-1403.
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Pickup Trucks and SUVs Now More Affordable Than Ever
 The Detroit News have found that customers purchasing vehicles, specifically pickup trucks and SUV's, are paying less now than they have over the past 30 years. The study was held by Comerica Bank and their Auto Affordability Index, which shows customers are paying off their vehicles 1.3 weeks faster than exactly one year ago and incentives have grown over $1,700 per vehicle, averaging at just shy of $3,000. The study also noted domestic incentives being significantly higher with an average of $3,400 and up to $6,000 off for Chrysler vehicles. It's a buyers market people.
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| Chrysler Builds New 6.4 Hemi for Dodge Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
 Chrysler sources close to Pickuptrucks informed Mike Levine the company may deliver a new 6.4 liter Hemi V-8 by 2011 with expected power ratings of over 450 horsepower and torque. Based off of the current 6.1 liter Hemi V-8, the new engine would be an SRT8 performance option with a "larger bore and longer stroke". The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 also may get the new motor in 2012.
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2011 Jeep Phoenix May Come to U.S.
 According to Hubpages, Chrysler's new alliance with Italian automaker Fiat may introduce some of Fiat's vehicles here in the United States. One of those European models would be the Panda Cross 4x4, a small capable 4x4 SUV. Chrysler may introduce the vehicle in 2010 or 2011 as the 2011 Jeep Phoenix, which looks more like a cross between the Jeep Compass and a Dodge Nitro. Ugly if you ask me.
Sources: Hubpages via Google
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Chrysler Not Expected To Repay Gov $4.5B Loans
 If Chrysler potentially canceling the Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota this morning didn't piss you off, then this probably will (Mort especially). The Detroit News has reported that a federal judge has approved Chrysler LLC to receive a $4.5 billion dollar aid package from U.S. and Canadian government loans in order to "stay in bankruptcy". A Chrysler adviser said "it's highly unlikely the company will repay" their loans to the government. Chrysler's bankruptcy attorney called the loan a "lifeline" for Chrysler and "to let this company live" with the current aid money. The attorney continued with "The survival of Chrysler's business is at stake in these proceedings, as is the fate of hundreds of suppliers and thousands of Chrysler dealers around the country".
Hooray for progress!
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| Chrysler To Delete Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Ram, Dodge Dakota
 Edmunds Inside Line have uncovered information regarding the state of Jeep and the liquidation of Chrysler LLC. The liquidation reports detailed as part of Chrysler's filing of bankruptcy point at a possible deletion of the Jeep brand. "assumes that certain car lines and the plant assets supporting them will be sold as going-concern enterprises. These lines include Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Viper and Dodge Ram and Dakota truck lines". The report goes on to say "These additional costs include in excess of $100 million for signage to establish a dealer network, supplier-related costs exceeding $250 million and upwards of another $150 million in associated marketing costs to relaunch the car line. There are likely other significant costs that a potential buyer would have to incur in order to re-establish the brand. In addition, recent market experience reflected in the efforts to sell Saturn, Opel, Saab and Hummer brands indicates an extremely depressed market for stand-alone automotive brands". We think if these news breaks are indeed true and Chrysler makes these moves as stated in their bankruptcy reports, the company will fail guaranteed.
Sources: Edmunds via Jalopnik
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Chrysler Financial Turns Down Gov Loan Due To Executive Pay
 Chrysler Financial turned down a $750 million dollar loan from the United States' government which was set to provide funding to Chrysler dealerships, because of "a condition of the loan having the top 25 executives sign waivers regarding their compensation". A spokesperson with the company stated "Executives have not been presented with any new demands with regard to executive compensation" and "As a TARP recipient we remain in full compliance with current executive compensation requirements".
Sources: Washington Post via Google News
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Chrysler Issues Recall For Jeep Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler Models
 Chrysler has issued another recall for their products this week, this time effecting their Jeep brand. Over 42,000 2002 to 2003 Jeep Liberty models have been recalled due to an issue with the front suspension upper control arm ball joint that may experience corrosion and separate while driving, leading to an increased risk of a crash occurring.
Additionally, over 4,300 2009 model year Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler's have also been recalled due to an issue with the vehicle's wiring under the steering column that involves the driver airbag. The module controlling the air bag may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injuries.
Owners are encouraged to contact their local dealer as soon as possible or Chrysler directly at 800-853-1403.
Source: Safecar.gov
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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Preview
 Chrysler released details about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee last week and have now released concepts of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. If rumors across the web are true, the Jeep will also receive a 6.4 liter HEMI V8 which puts out over 500 horsepower and 510 foot pounds of torque and a matching all wheel drive suspension system.
Source: Jalopnik
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2010 Dodge Ram Will NOT Have Rear Coil Spring Suspension
 According to Sean Holman of Four Wheeler Magazine, Chrysler will be abandoning their revolutionary coil spring rear axle on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 in return for leaf sprung suspension again. After facing pressure from Chrysler hierarchy, the skeptical multi-link rear suspension is not competitive enough with other manufacturers, dipping below the 10,000 pound towing capacity mark. Deleting the 3/4 ton capability the Dodge Ram 1500 currently has will grant the truck an immediate 225 pound increase in payload and a much higher towing capacity. Expect the changes to occur next year in February.
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Chrysler Recall Remix, 72K Dodge Ram Pickups Recalled
 Earlier this week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall for a handful of brand new Dodge Ram heavy duty pickups and now there is another recall. Chrysler is now recalling over 72,000 2008 to 2009 Dodge Ram light duty and heavy duty pickup trucks for a faulty windshield wiper module that may be susceptible to water intrusion. If the wiper system fails, the driver can have reduced visibility which may result in a crash. Owners are encouraged to contact their local dealer as soon as possible or Chrysler directly at 800-853-1403.
Source: Safecar.gov
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2009 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup Trucks Recalled
 507 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy duty pickup trucks equipped with a manual transmission and power adjustable pedals have been recalled. The recall involves the clutch pedal connecting rod and clutch master cylinder which may separate from the master cylinder. This problem may not allow a disengagement of the clutch assembly when the pedal is depressed, which may involve unintended movement of the truck leading to an increased stopping distance or engine stalling. Owners are encouraged to contact their local dealer as soon as possible or Chrysler directly at 888-327-4236.
Source: Safecar.gov
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Chrysler LLC Restructuring Plan Includes Other Pickup Trucks
 Chrysler LLC's recent restructuring plans that were given to congress include something a bit out of the ordinary, two pickup trucks they have not spoken about yet. One is called the "Lifestyle Truck" and the other "FullSize Pickup". Chrysler's future plans do not include the Dodge Dakota which will be replaced by a unibody "truck" in 2013 similar to the Honda Ridgeline. The full size pickup is slated for 2015 but will probably be released as the next generation Dodge Ram. The same restructuring plan references a second hybrid electric Dodge Ram slated to arrive in 2013 and the first generation Ram 1500 hybrid expected to go on sale in 2010.
Source: Pickuptrucks
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Mitsubishi Kills Raider Pickup Truck
 The mid-size Raider pickup truck from Mitsubishi and Chrysler LLC sucks and both companies knows it, which is the reason why they have officially killed off the truck. Based off of the Dodge Dakota model platform, Mitsubishi sold less than 3,000 units in all of 2008 and will not be offering a new vehicle to fill the Raider's shoes. Peace out suck-truck.
Source: Detroit Free Press
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Total Automotive Manufacturer Bailout Just Shy Of $100 Billion
 The Detroit Free Press have collected, analyzed, and tallied all of the automotive bailout related items and the total comes in at $97.4 billion dollars. That figure includes the initial $25.4 billion given out to automakers, a $25.5 billion issued from the Federal government for automotive suppliers, and a final $39 billion in loans for General Motors and Chrysler LLC. When you add up all those numbers and if the entire amount is paid out to all of the automotive companies, it has been computed that every single American citizen would have contributed $874 dollars to this clusterfuck bailout plan.
Sources: Detroit Free Press via Autoblog
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General Motors and Chrysler LLC Request More Bailout Money
 Yesterday morning, General Motors and Chrysler LLC submitted their "Viability" plans to the United States Treasury Department, requesting additional money in bailouts to help sustain their companies further into the year. GM requested an additional $16.6 billion dollars and Chrysler LLC requested an additional $2 billion, both as "immediate requests". GM also addressed the fates of Hummer, Saturn and Saab, three brands they are hoping to sell or phase out by March 31st.
After the requests were made, Chrysler issued comments about their 2010 model line up which includes a redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 sedan, Dodge Durango SUV and a two mode hybrid Dodge Ram.
No official statements have been made yet by the Treasury Department.
Sources: Jalopnik, MSNBC, Autoblog, Yahoo News
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Chrysler LLC and Nissan Halt Next Generation Titan Plans
 Chrysler LLC and Nissan both announced they are halting all plans and concepts of the next generation Nissan Titan "indefinitely", which was to be built by Chrysler. Based off of the Dodge Ram 1500 model, both companies cited the bad economy as a factor of the decision, "Due to the current economic conditions, Nissan and Chrysler leadership directed their teams working on the two projects to work together in the first quarter of 2009 to improve the financial objectives for both companies before the projects move further forward".
Currently Nissan's plans for the Titan are to end production late next year but no word was said as to the future of the half ton pickup truck.
Sources: Auto News & Wall Street Journal
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Chrysler LLC Confirms New Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee Updates Coming
 After lowering costs by $3.4 billion, Chrysler LLC have now announced plans for 24 new vehicle launches from spring 2009 till 2011 which include the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. The programs will include Chrysler's new ENVI electric vehicle program, their new "Phoenix" V6 engine and potential upgrades from Fiat who now own a 35 percent stake in Chrysler. Italian leather Grand Cherokee seats anyone?
Sources: The Scoop via Autoblog
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Chrysler LLC and Fiat Announce Partnership
 Fiat S.p.A., Chrysler LLC (Chrysler) and Cerberus Capital Management L.P., the private investment majority owner of Chrysler LLC, announced today they have signed a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance. The alliance, to be a key element of Chrysler's viability plan, would provide Chrysler with access to competitive, fuel-efficient vehicle platforms, powertrain, and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites. Fiat would also provide distribution capabilities in key growth markets, as well as substantial cost savings opportunities. In addition, Fiat would provide management services supporting Chrysler's submission of a viability plan to the...Full Story... 
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2009 Dodge Dakota Gets 5 Star Crash Test Rating
 The 2009 Dodge Dakota four door pickup truck has received a five star crash test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the front driver, front passenger, side driver and side rear passenger spots. The truck was not equipped with side impact air bags as well as electronic stability control. The NHTSA also gave the Dakota pickup a four star rating for roll overs in both the two wheel drive and four wheel drive models, with a 17 and 19 percent chance of a roll over.
Source: Safecar.gov
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Chrysler LLC Cuts Production Too
 Due to the continued lack of consumer credit for the American car buyer and the resulting dramatic impact it has had on overall industry sales in the United States, Chrysler LLC announced that it will make significant adjustments to the production schedules of its manufacturing operations. In doing so, the Company will keep production and dealer inventory aligned with U.S. market demand. In response, the Company confirmed that all Chrysler manufacturing operations will be idled at the end of the shift Friday, Dec. 19, and impacted employees will not return to work any sooner than Monday, Jan. 19, 2009. Chrysler dealers confirmed to the Company at a recent meeting at its headquarters, that they have many willing buyers for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles but are unable to close the deals, due to lack of financing. The dealers have stated that they have lost an estimated 20 to 25 percent of their volume because of this credit situation. The Company will continue to monitor the production schedules of its manufacturing operations moving forward.
Source: Chrysler
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Breaking News: Automakers Will Get $17.4 Billion Bailout By U.S. Government
 The Bush Administration have announced this morning the approval of a $17.4 billion dollar bailout of the Detroit Big 3, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation and Chrysler LLC. The government will become the stockholder in the companies, much like they are set up with the major banks due to the Wall Street bailout a couple months ago, and will release a second $350 billion hand out some time at the beginning of the year which is being pulled from the financial rescue package. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson commented to Congress "Tapping the fund for the auto industry basically exhausts the first half of the $700 billion total". President George Bush also made a statement saying "Allowing the auto companies to collapse is not a responsible course of action" and would result in "an unacceptably painful blow to hardworking Americans". An official stated that $13.4 billion will be available this month, $9.4 billion going to General Motors Corporation, and $4 billion to Chrysler LLC. Ford Motor Company have reassured they do not need immediate help and have not accepted any offers as of yet.
Sources: MSNBC via Autoblog, ABC News, Ford, GM, Chrysler
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Canada To Help Detroit Big Three, Gives Aid Money
 Details have come through from the Detroit News that the Canadian and Ontario governments have decided to give Canadian subsidiaries from General Motors Corporation, Chrysler LLC, and Ford Motor Company nearly $3 billion in aid money as they try to maintain operation. The $2.8 billion dollar amount does fall short of the requested $4.8 billion by the automakers but is an accepted amount to prevent further job losses in Canada for Canadian Auto Workers. No further details were reported.
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Detroit Big 3 Bailout Stuck In Senate, United Auto Workers Refuses Wage Cuts
 After being approved by the United States House of Representatives with a vote of 237 to 170 and proceeding to the Senate to be voted on this evening, the Detroit Big 3 bailout collapsed after the United Auto Workers refused to approve wage cuts for employees, halting the bill for desperate automakers General Motors, Chrysler LLC, and Ford Motor Company. Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, commented afterward stating he was "terribly disappointed" with the UAW's decision and even hinted at the reaction of the economy tomorrow morning, "I dread looking at Wall Street tomorrow. It's not going to be a pleasant sight". We'll see what happens.
Sources: US House via MSNBC, Yahoo News, Autoblog, Jalopnik.
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| Over 100,000 2007 to 2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Pickup Trucks Recalled
 Chrysler have issued a new recall this morning, this time affecting their 2007 to 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with the 6.7 liter diesel motor. The part effected is a silencer pad that can sag and contact the exhaust gas recirculation cooler (EGR). This contact can result in an engine compartment fire and is highly serious. Owners are urged to contact dealers as soon as possible for a support bracket to be installed. Owners can contact Chrysler directly at 1-800-853-1403 or their local dealer.
Sources: Safercar.gov via Autoblog, Pickuptrucks.
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Detroit Big 3 Looks At Canada For Remaining $7 Billion Bailout Money Requested
 The Detroit Big 3 have now asked the legislature in Canada, our friends from the north, to chip in $6.8 billion to help bail out their companies since over 100,000 employees, factories, and dealerships reside in Canada. General Motors of Canada has requested $2.4 billion, Chrysler Canada Inc. wants $1.6 billion, and Ford wants a line of credit of $2 billion on "stand by", much like the requested bail out money here in the States. GM asked our friends of the North for an immediate $800 million to "make it through the end of the year". Tony Clement, Federal Industry Minister of Canada, responded with "the Canadian government will have to review the requests before pledging any funds". No further details have been reported.
Sources: The Hamilton Spectator via Autoblog, MotorGears.
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| Detroit Big 3 Bailout Draft Hits The Intarweb
The 31 page draft of Detroit's Big 3 bailout has hit the intarweb, but does not include any provisions added yet by Congress. Details of the report include a federal official who will oversee the distribution of funds for each automaker, requires automakers to submit a restructuring plan of their companies by March 31, 2009, and throws in a small fun fact detail about automakers promising to not vote against California's right to own its own emissions standards and for other states to adopt them.
Sources: Detroit Free Press via CNN Money, Autoblog.
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How The Detroit Big 3 Arrived To Congress On Friday, Not Via Planes
So what exactly did the Detroit Big 3 CEO's ride in to Congress this past Friday to help their bailout convincing? Well, Ford CEO Alan Mulally arrived in an Escape Hybrid SUV, Chrysler's CEO Bob Nardelli showed up in a 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUV (which has already been cancelled, by the way), and General Motors' Rick Wagoner rode in an 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and 2009 Chevrolet Volt test vehicle. Wagoner also had a Cadillac CTS waiting to take him back to his hotel after their hearings. Three cars, one man? What's wrong with that equation. Reported by Jalopnik.
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| Detroit Big 3 Bailout Approved
 According to an article by Reuters, the Detroit Big 3 will receive their bailout loans as Democratic leaders and the White House came to an agreement late Friday afternoon approving $15 billion dollars in bailout aid to Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Chrysler LLC. The deal, which auto makers hope President George W. Bush signs as early as this week, will help aid the Detroit Big 3 until January 20, 2009 when President Elect Brack Obama takes office and offers a new rescue plan.
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Chrysler LLC Cuts 5,000 Jobs with Bailout Offer
 The Detroit News is reporting that Chrysler LLC have announced a 5,000 employee buyout cut for its salaried and contracted workers, a 25 percent cut to their work force. Chrysler even made a deadline for the new cuts, giving current employees till next Wednesday to make a decision. A spokeswoman for Chrysler LLC said "Chrysler may still have to make involuntary cuts to reach its goals" and "We anticipate it to be minimal". Analysts from the automotive industry commented about the new cuts, saying it is "so large that it would affect the company's product development plans". Workers are being offered $75,000 dollar bailouts with six months of health care and a $25,000 voucher for a new Chrysler vehicle.
Just in case you were wondering, now you know where your bailout money will go come January 2009 if it passes.
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Congress Places Bailout On Hold Until December, Automakers Plead
 As a follow up to our stories yesterday, Congress have placed the bail out of Detroit's Big Three on hold until after the three automakers can display a time table and plan for their loans. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, stated "Until they show us the plan, we cannot show them the money". The decision to place the bail out on hold would allow Congress to return in early December to vote on the legislation. General Motors CEO, Chrysler LLC CEO and Ford Motor Company CEO all pleaded for the loans to be approved this week, warning that "their industry might collapse without them". I guess we'll find out next month. Reported by MSNBC.
How do you feel about the bailout of Detroit's Big Three? Do you agree with aid money or disagree? Click here to discuss this in our forums.
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US Senate Cancels Vote On Detroit Big Three Bail Out
The United States Senate have agreed to "call off" their planned vote this week over the $25 billion dollar bail out to Detroit's big three automakers, General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler LLC. Harry Reid, the Senate's Majority Leader, announced that he wanted to "figure out some way to help Detroit's struggling Big Three" but "efforts to do so had stalled". That stalling came as congressional Republicans rejected the Democrats plan to pull $25 billion from the $700 billion dollar package given to Wall Street for the financial crisis. General Motors Corporation CEO, Rick Wagoner warned the company "could run out of money by early next year" and said the company would need "$10 to $12 billion" in loans. Chrysler LLC CEO Robert Nardelli also pleaded, saying Chrysler "could be dangerously close by the end of this quarter" to being bankrupt and is seeking "full financial transparency with the government". The situation seemed to be slightly different for Ford Motor Company's CEO, Alan Mulally, who said the company "didn't need immediate funds unless the economy turned much worse next year" but was interested in seeking some $7 billion in loans. No further details have been announced. Reported by Detroit News.
How do you feel about the bailout of Detroit's Big Three? Do you agree with aid money or disagree? Click here to discuss this in our forums.
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Chrysler LLC Seeks New Buyer, Forgets GM
 Chrysler LLC has decided to seek a new buyer for their failing company, leaving their talks with General Motors behind. Both companies are facing daunting challenges for recovering their businesses and both keep laying off more workers in addition to closing factories. A merger of the two companies would not benefit either one, except for Cerberus Capital Management and their own finances whom own Chrysler LLC. What may help both of the companies is not the merger itself, but economic help from the United States' Federal Government for a bailout. But that bailout will also come as an expense to the U.S. taxpayer, which is not agreed upon with taxpayers. What will happen is still to come. Reported by Freep.
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| | Monday Morning Recap: SEMA Insanity, 2010 SVT Raptor F-150, 2009 F-150 Harley Davidson EditionMore in: Roundup, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, GMC, Hummer, Jeep, MOTORZ TV, New Products, Off-Road, Racing, SEMA, SUV, Toyota, Website | Comments | Permalink | 116,306 Views
 Just in case you crawled under a rock last week and did not get the memo about our SEMA coverage, this weeks "Monday Morning Recap" is comprised of our SEMA coverage from last week including the launch of Ford's SVT Raptor F-150 and sighting of the 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition. MOTORZ also launched their 13th episode, a full how-to installation of an Alpine Electronics stereo system.
For a huge list of all our SEMA blogs from last week, go to live.truckblog.com.
Other Top Stories:
• MOTORZ Episode #13: Alpine Audio Upgrade Installation
• 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition
• Ford Launches New F-150 SVT Raptor Off-Road Pickup Truck
• Ford Motor Company To Add 1,000 New Jobs At F-150 Factory
• Toyota Announces Plans To Export Sequoia And Tundra
• Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R To Race Baja 1000
• Fuel Economy Improvements for 73 percent of 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Models
• Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade to move to Front Wheel Drive Platform
• HUMMER Racing Poised to Cinch Championships at Baja 1000
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Missouri Man Wins All-new 2009 Dodge Ram After Accepting Ram Challenge
 After comparing trucks this August at the Ram Challenge Test Drive in St. Louis, Adam Brittengham, 22, of Montgomery City, Mo., is the winner of an all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, courtesy of Chrysler Financial and Chrysler LLC. More than 11,000 consumers in 12 cities took part in the Ram Challenge Test Drive. Participants received an early look at the 2009 Dodge Ram before it arrived in dealer showrooms and were able to test drive the Ram, and its competition, on challenging on- and off-road courses. While participating in Ram Challenge Test Drives, consumers could enter the sweepstakes to win a new truck.Full Story...
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Fuel Economy Improvements for 73 percent of 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Models
 As 2009 model year vehicles arrive in local Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep showrooms, customers will be pleased to find that fuel economy has increased on 19 of Chrysler LLC’s car, truck and SUV models, representing 73 percent of the entire product lineup. American consumers could see savings of as much as 6.7 million gallons of fuel per year with the 2009 fuel economy improvements. “Chrysler is committed to improving fuel economy for our customers, and we consistently look at viable technologies to help us achieve that goal,” said Bob Lee, Vice-President – Powertrain Product Team. “With offerings such as our Multi-displacement System (MDS), Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect, we are able to deliver consumers fuel economy improvements in a majority of our 2009 models.”Full Story...
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SEMA 2008 Project Truck Mega BlogMore in: Dodge, Ford, Hummer, Hybrid, Mercedez-Benz, MOTORZ TV, Off-Road, Project Truckblog, Racing, SEMA, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 145,631 Views
 The 2008 SEMA Show is just days away and over the past couple of months, we've been bringing you the latest project vehicles that will debut next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. These vehicles represent some of the automotive industries most customized rides built by aftermarket parts companies and automotive manufacturers. In addition to these unique vehicles, MOTORZ TV have entered two vehicles in of their own, a 2005 Ford F-150 SuperCrew and a 2006 F-250 SuperDuty Crew Cab. Check out all of the cool rides inside.
Make sure you visit Truckblog.com all week long beginning November 2nd for our Live Blogging! For more details, click here.Full Story...
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| | | | All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Named ''Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas''
 Voting after their annual Truck Rodeo, members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 “Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas,” giving Dodge honors over competitors from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Honda and Toyota. “This is quite an honor,” said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Marketing. “In a head-to-head competition, our game-changing all-new 2009 Dodge Ram un-seated the new Ford F-150, long considered the leader in the market. This is not only the best pickup truck we’ve ever built, it’s the best pickup on the market, period.” TAWA’s competition names three overall winners, including Truck of Texas, SUV of Texas and Crossover of Texas (a new category this year), along with 12 additional categories.
Full Story...
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| | Monday Morning Roundup: MOTORZ, SEMA, Fuel Prices, and moreMore in: Roundup, Chevrolet, Diesel, Ford, Fuel, General Motors, Nissan, Suspension, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 96,680 Views
 Our pre-SEMA show coverage continues with four more project vehicles that were added last week including trucks from Chrysler & Dodge and Screet Scene Equipment. A new episode of MOTORZ was uploaded which covered the install of a AMP Research Bed X-Tender on a 2008 GMC pickup truck, a gas station charged only 35 cents causing a fueling frenzy, and General Motors announced more SUV factory closures.
Check out the list of stories below:
• MOTORZ Episode #12 Bed X-Tender Online
• Oil Prices Drop As Fast As Auto Sales, OPEC in 'Crisis Mode', Calls Urgent Meeting
• Toyota Motor Corporation To Export U.S. Built Pickup Truck and SUVs
• General Motors And Chrysler LLC Merger
• Skyjacker Suspension Releases 2 Inch Leveling Kit For GM And Chevrolet Pickup Trucks
• General Motors Closing SUV Factories in Wisconsin and Michigan
• Chryslers Re-Designed 2011 Nissan Titan Revealed
• Gas Station Accidently Charges 35 Cents Per Gallon, Happy Customers!
• GMAC Financing Now Requires Minimum 700 Credit Score for Auto Loans
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Chrysler Raises Pricing On All 2009 Vehicles
 Chrysler LLC made the announcement late last week they will be increasing the sticker price of every 2009 model vehicle by an average of $500 along with an additional $50 in shipping costs per vehicle. Great way to try to sell more cars huh? Raise all your pricing! The increase is being blamed on slumped sales and increased fuel prices, Chrysler stated. Reported by Automotive News.
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2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Put To The Test
 Edmunds Inside Line have placed the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab under their vigorous tests and concluded that the pickup truck is a "very well-thought-out package" but needs attention to its braking system, stating they are "underachieving". The new Dodge pickup offers a supreme ride quality due to their new rear coil spring suspension which beats other trucks in its half-ton pickup truck class, and continues to go the extra mile with innovative storage solutions. Click here to read Edmunds' review.
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Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept – Designed to Stand Out in the Great Outdoors
 Making its debut at the 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, the Jeep Patriot Back Country concept vehicle combines the fun, freedom and fuel efficiency of the Jeep Patriot with the active lifestyle of the Jeep customer to create a vehicle that exudes a fresh, youthful appeal. Created from the newest Jeep Patriot Limited model, the Jeep Patriot Back Country concept features a redesigned interior, authentic Jeep accessories by Mopar and a blend of unique materials. “The Jeep Patriot Back Country concept was inspired by the outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure, fun and freedom,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. “Using a variety of materials typically associated with active lifestyles and a distinct color combination, the ultimate Jeep Patriot stands out in the great outdoors.”Full Story...
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