Avoid holiday gridlock with Uconnect and Waze

 

Holiday hustle and bustle? It’s more enjoyable if you avoid the fun-sapping traffic gridlock.

Owners of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and FIAT vehicles with a Uconnect 4, 4C or 4C NAV system can cut the chance of imitating a lawn display in the parking lot by taking advantage of the Waze traffic app with their Uconnect display.

Waze is now available for owners to use from their Uconnect 4, 4C or 4C NAV system that supports Apple CarPlay. Previously, Waze could be used from an Android phone plugged into a Uconnect system compatible with Android Auto. Now you can also use Apple CarPlay and an iPhone to run Waze on your Uconnect 4, 4C or 4C NAV touchscreen.

Waze, a navigation app, helps plot the fastest route to your destination, taking into account traffic flow, construction detours and crash-induced slowdowns. The app collects real-time data from users and offers to change the routing in response to changes in traffic conditions.

No update is needed to your Uconnect system, so long as it is a 4, 4C or 4C NAV system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Apple users should make sure they are running iOS 12 on their iPhone and that the latest version of the Waze app is installed.

That’s just one of the ways Uconnect can put some jolly in your holiday travels. Learn more about Uconnect at www.driveuconnect.com.

2017 Chrysler 100 Rendered

Susan Rand has provided a quick rendering of the Chrysler 100, based on the Fiat Aegean concept, and assuming very few exterior changes for North America. It has the current “wheel-well” sidelights, which conform to both American and European standards, and while it uses a Chrysler grille, keeps the indentations of the Fiat concept.

 

The Chrysler 100 is reportedly to be based on SUSW, a new American version of the old Fiat-GM SCSS platform. It will likely have all American engines, perhaps limited to the 2.0 turbo and 2.0 non-turbo, though a 1.4 Fiat turbo might be used to get high fuel mileage in the ads. European versions are to get engines ranging from 95 to 120 horsepower, including diesels.

Allpar expects the car to have the first nine-speed automatic transmission in its class, with better acceleration and economy than the current Dodge Dart, which will also end up with a nine-speed.

Read more at: http://allparnews.com/index.php/2015/06/2017-chrysler-100-rendered-28848

Two Chrysler engines in Ward’s Top Ten

This year’s winners of the prestigious Ward’s Top Ten were (in alphabetical order) the BMW 5-series electric motor, the Corvette Stingray’s 6.2 liter V8, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat V8, the Ford Fiesta three-cylinder, one-liter turbo, Hyundai Tuscon fuel cell vehicle, Mini Cooper 1.5 turbo three cylinder, the Ram 3-liter VM diesel, Subaru WRX four-cylinder turbo, VW Golf 1.8 liter turbo four, and Volvo S60 with a four cylinder turbo.

Chrysler was the only company to have two engines on the list, though one of them was made by Fiat’s VM.

Ward’s noted that most of the 37 engines proposed for their top ten award were turbocharged fours, with just a handful of naturally aspirated V6 powerplants. There were five diesels in the competition, down from six. Four electrics were included, and three V8s, and three supercharged, two hybrids, three V8s, a fuel cell, and a scattering of other engine types.

On the Hellcat, Tom Murphy said: “Despite brute force, you drive it, not the other way around… it was life-changing, that much torque… crept in under the price cap by $5, that’s with the gas guzzler.” It may have been the first vehicle to make the list despite a gas guzzler tax. They noted it was extremely quiet.

The Ram diesel V6 was “stout-hearted, sturdy… cold starts are no problem.” They praised its technology and quietness. “The real story is diesels in the light duty pickups.” They said the diesel had a 20% share though it has a high price premium. “They dealt with the NVH [noise/vibration/harshness] issues.”

As read on: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/12/two-mopar-engines-in-wards-top-ten

Ram Truck prices ProMaster City

Chrysler Group wants to benchmark its 2015 Ram ProMaster City against the popular Ford Transit Connect in every aspect, including price.

The Auburn Hills subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV on Wednesday announced pricing for the all-new cargo van and wagon that directly competes with Ford’s Transit Connect vehicles.

The starting prices of the Ram ProMaster City Cargo, primarily for commercial use, is $23,130, plus $995 destination. The 2015 Ram ProMaster City Wagon, for passenger use, starts at $24,130, plus $995 destination. Those compare to the Transit Connect Van and Wagon at $22,130 and $24,655, respectively.

Since the ProMaster City’s unveiling in June 2014, officials have touted the vehicle as a proven performer because it is based off of the Fiat Doblo — a two-time International Van of the Year winner with more than 1.3 million units sold.

“The new Ram ProMaster City enters the (small van) market with a long list of customer-focused, best-in-class features, including the highest available payload and cargo capacities,” said Bob Hegbloom, Ram Truck president and CEO in a statement.

With a 2.4-liter Tigershark and exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission, the ProMaster City delivers EPA fuel economy of up to 21 miles per gallon city, 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. That compares to the Transit Connect that offers two engines, including an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city and 25 combined.

The ProMaster City is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships around year’s end. It comes to market as redesigned and new products from General Motors Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co. compete for sales in the growing segment.

Global commercial vehicle sales are expected to grow by 4.8 million during the next several years to 21 million units annually by 2017.

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is the brand’s second shared collaboration with Fiat Professional. The 2014 Ram ProMaster full-size van was the first.

As read on: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2014/11/12/chrysler-prices-ram-promaster-city/18888105/

Are ProMaster diesel’s coming soon?

Buyers who have been holding out for a diesel engine in the Ram ProMaster van may be satisfied soon, as the company has told dealers that the engine, boasting 295 lb-ft of torque, 174 horsepower, and “phenomenal fuel efficiency,” is on the way.

The van market has long been in the doldrums, with buyers having a choice between ancient, fuel-hungry Fords and expensive Mercedes, but is now becoming hotly contested with new entries from Nissan (including one badged as a Chevrolet), Ford, and Ram. The Ram ProMaster has two powertrains, one already on sale — the Pentastar V6 coupled to a six-speed Chrysler automatic — and the other, a Fiat design, reportedly available for ordering this month. The latter is a four-cylinder diesel, created by Fiat Powertrain (FPT), confusing displacing the same 3.0 liters as the VM diesel in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Ram boasted that the Fiat engine has exceptional low-end torque and cold-start capability, with a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods; 5%-biodiesel compatibility; best-in-class 18,500 mile oil change intervals; an efficient M40 six-speed automated manual transmission (which can be treated as though it’s a full automatic); and a standard towing/hauling package.

The package may be attractive not only to normal fleet buyers, but to the upfitters who have started making ProMaster passenger vans and campers.

As read on: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/02/promaster-diesel-this-month

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to be automaker’s new name

Fiat and Chrysler will become Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and its stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange if Fiat’s shareholders approve the proposal.

The proposal, approved by the board of directors, comes eight days after Fiat closed its purchase of the Chrysler shares it didn’t already own. Fiat, which became Chrysler’s controlling shareholder in 2009, acquired the remaining 41.5% of Chrysler shares owned by the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust on Jan. 21 for $4.35 billion.

“Today is one of the most important days in my career at Fiat and Chrysler. Five years ago we began to cultivate a vision that went beyond industrial cooperation to include full cultural integration at all levels,” Marchionne said in a statement. “An international governance structure and listings will complete this vision and improve access to global markets bringing obvious financial benefits.”

Under the proposal, Fiat shareholders will receive one share of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in return for each Fiat share they hold.

■ Related: Fiat earnings fall short, but Chrysler’s 2013 profit rose to $1.8 billion

■ Related: Chrysler workers to get profit sharing, performance bonuses for 2013

All of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ shares will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with an additional listing on the Milan Stock Exchange.

The board also is proposing that the company be incorporated in the United Kingdom for tax purposes. The board said the incorporation location is not expected to affect the taxes the automaker owes in other countries where it does business. The transaction is subject to approval by Fiat’s board of directors and shareholders.

Fiat’s board also wants to establish Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., incorporated in the Netherlands, as the parent company of the two automakers.

Fiat’s board expects to complete the transactions by the end of this year.

“A new chapter of our story begins with the creation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a journey that started over a decade ago,” Fiat Chairman John Elkann said in a statement. “Fiat sought to ensure its place in an increasingly complex marketplace, has brought together two organizations each with a great history in the automotive industry and different but complementary geographic strengths.”

Marchionne has said the location of the new company’s headquarters would have little impact on employment or investment decisions. That’s because the two companies are already managed by a 22-member group executive council whose executives are evenly divided among North America, Europe and Latin America.

Marchionne divides his time among those three continents, often spending more time on an airplane than any one country.

“Talking about a headquarters is almost an anachronistic term,” Marchionne said. “We live in a world where power travels.”

Nevertheless, most people still view the location of a corporate headquarters as a symbol of power that has implications for a company’s community involvement and corporate giving.

As read on: http://www.freep.com/article/20140129/BUSINESS0103/301290078/Fiat-Chrysler-Marchionne-UAW-board-of-directors

2015 Chrysler 200 at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show

The Chrysler Sebring is dead, and has been dead at least in name since the arrival of the rebranded Chrysler 200 for the 2010 model year, but now Chrysler has not just killed off the last vestiges of that reviled sedan but buried it deep in a place the company never wants to visit again.

Behold the new 2015 Chrysler 200, a completely new sedan from the wheels to the wipers, built on an Alfa Romeo chassis, sporting fully modern styling inside and out, equipped with state-of-the-art powertrains and arriving in showrooms later this year. This is the second major collaboration between Chrysler and Italian owners Fiat (the first was the 2013 Dodge Dart), and it looks pretty solid.
Exterior

Outside there is no trace of the old Sebring/200 left, and that’s a very good thing. In its place is a clean, modern design that pulls cues from many different existing cars. That roofline is pure Audi A7; the rear quarter panels are very much Ford Taurus; the rear taillight shapes look like the latest Chevrolet Impala. It’s attractive, but certainly not groundbreaking like the Chrysler 300 was when it was introduced. As a family sedan, however, wild and crazy isn’t what sells — safe and conservative is, as evidenced by the half a million Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords sold every year in this country. The new 200 can take its place beside any of the newest family sedans proudly and without excuses.

If you’re looking for more of a sport sedan, the new 200 will be available in an S trim that either blacks out or paints a lot of the chrome on the car, and brings smoked lenses and dark wheels to the party as well. It’s a more sinister look, and on a black or silver 200, will look pretty fetching indeed.
Interior

The latest Chrysler interiors have been outstanding, and the new 200 continues that trend. Sweeping shapes and unique materials have been used inside, and the result is an interior that looks as if it has had considerable thought put into it. Present is Chrysler’s ubiquitous (and excellent) Uconnect 8.4-inch touch-screen high in the dashboard, but just below it is something new for a mainstream midsize family sedan: a rotary knob instead of a gear shift lever. The electronic selector is housed in a floating console that features a large storage area underneath that’s able to accommodate an iPad, with a pass-through hole that allows electronics stored there to be recharged via plugs in the center console. The storage area also features a rubber mat with the embossed skyline of the city of Detroit, an homage to the “Imported from Detroit” shtick that Chrysler is using for its advertising.

The interior uses considerably better materials than the previous 200, and is available in one of three color scheme themes named after locations in the U.S.: New York’s Fifth Avenue, Sausalito (Calif.) and Detroit (Mich.). Opting for the S trim will bring special dash trim and embossed sport seats with more aggressive pattern stitching.
Under the Hood

The new 200 is based off of the same platform as the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee, albeit stretched to fit midsize sedan proportions. As such, it shares some powertrain components with those vehicles as well. The standard engine is the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine making 184-horsepower, powering the front wheels through a standard nine-speed transmission. The optional motor is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that Chrysler puts in just about everything, making a significantly higher 295-hp. It too uses the new nine-speed automatic, but also offers optional all-wheel-drive. It’s an advanced all-wheel-drive system too, with the ability to disconnect the rear wheels entirely when they’re not needed for traction, eliminating parasitic loss and boosting fuel economy. The front-drive four-cylinder model reportedly achieves up to 35 mpg highway, thanks to that nine-speed transmission’s many gears.
Safety

The new 200 has a number of improvements over the old model, including a significant upgrade in safety equipment and a few segment-exclusive features. The 200 features optional adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, both of which can bring the car autonomously to a full stop under certain conditions if it detects that a collision is imminent. An advanced lane departure warning system uses steering wheel feedback to help with corrective action to keep the car in its lane, and a new standard electronic park brake engages automatically when the transmission is not in Park, the driver’s seatbelt is unlatched and the driver’s door opens.
Price

Pricing for the new 200 has been announced as well. Four trim levels will be offered, starting with the 200 LX at $22,695 (all prices include destination). That trim lands you standard features like keyless entry with push-button start, cloth seats, 60/40 split folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, LED taillights and 17-inch steel wheels. Moving up to the Limited trim will cost you $24,250 and adds projector beam headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker Uconnect 5.0 system and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Then comes the sporty 200S, starting at $25,490, which includes blue leather trim interior, power driver’s seat, paddle shifters, black accent trim, heated mirrors, a sport suspension, more aggressive transmission gearing and 18-inch wheels. The top model is the 200C starting at $26,990, coming with a full complement of luxury items like Nappa leather interior, 7-inch gauge display, backup camera, remote start, dual zone climate control and more. Major options on the 200S and 200C trims include the 3.6-liter V-6, all-wheel drive, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, high-intensity-discharge headlights and navigation system.

The new 200 looks to be a fully competitive entry into the difficult midsize segment, far more than the outgoing model is. Most interestingly, there has been zero mention of a Dodge Avenger counterpart, making it likely that the 200 is taking over the role of the company’s sole midsize sedan. No convertible has been announced either, but given the popularity of the current convertible (especially with fleet business), it would be surprising if one doesn’t eventually appear. The 2015 Chrysler 200 will appear in showrooms in the spring of 2014.

As read on: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2014/01/2015-chrysler-200-at-the-2014-detroit-auto-show.html

Auto sales per dealership could hit record levels this year, say industry insiders

If the positive trends among automotive dealers continue and automotive forecasts of 14 million vehicle sales this year come true, average sales per dealership could reach record levels this year, said John Frith, vice president of Urban Science, a Detroit-based retail consulting firm.

Average sales per dealership – also known as throughput – was 719 in 2011. The forecast is to hit 785 this year, Frith said, beating a throughput of 775 vehicles in 2000.

The number of automotive dealerships in the U.S. grew by 100 last year to 17,767, including four more in Michigan, in further evidence of a healthier industry, according to a report released Tuesday by Urban Science.

“To put this into perspective, in a normal year we see a 2% decline in the number of dealerships nation-wide, which makes an increase, even a small one, very unusual,” Frith said.

He noted this is only the second time since 1990 he has seen the count increase year over year.

While the demise of Mercury and a consolidation of Lincoln dealers in metro markets lowered the number of dealers – including the loss of a couple in metro Detroit – Fiat added 135 dealers in 2011 and Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram added 50 dealerships.

Looking at the number of franchises in the U.S., which refers to the number of brands a dealership sells, there was a 2.4% decrease last year from 30,098 to 29,380, largely because of the loss of the Mercury brand.

Economic conditions forced a downsizing of automakers and their dealer networks in 2009 and 2009 but the ones that survived are more profitable now, Frith said.

But he cautioned that inevitably there will be another downturn and dealers must be careful not to abandon the more efficient practices they have put in place.

After cutting staff and inventory, rebuilding to handle a larger sales volume in the future must be done prudently. “It needs to be done in a controlled way,” Frith said.

And dealers need to recognize the increased role the internet is playing.

More sales leads are coming from third-party internet sites or mobile apps, said Jody Stidham, global practice director at Urban Science.

Internet lead volume could be up 15-20% in 2012 and dealerships need trained staff to handle them with responses that are quick and include enough information to close the deal. That includes price quotes – 30% of dealers don’t provide pricing – as well as arranging test drives and providing information such as hours and directions, models in stock and anything else that will differentiate the dealership from the others that the consumer is planning to cross shop.

“Close rates are higher when dealers do these things,” Stidham said, adding that up to 30% of sales come from internet leads.

One internet sales manager can handle 80-90 leads a month and dealerships receiving more should consider adding more staff, Stidham said.

As read on: http://www.freep.com/article/20120214/BUSINESS01/120214036/Urban-Science-vehicle-sales

Auto dealers gearing up for tremendous year

“The sky’s the limit.”

That’s how Jim Bechtell, owner of the Somerset Buick/GMC dealership, sums up his outlook for the upcoming year. With the 2012 North American International Auto Show in full swing this week, Bechtell and other auto dealers around southeast Michigan are eager to capitalize on the success the industry enjoyed in 2011.

“General Motors for Buick and GMC, they’ve got a nice little niche with the premium vehicle market,” Bechtell said. “They’re not luxury cars like Cadillac, but they’re not Chevys either. The price point is right in the sweet spot for these world-class cars.”

He then pointed to the all-new Verano and the launch of the Encore as examples of how General Motors is gearing up for the year.

“It’s all about the product,” Bechtell said. “We can now offer vehicles that get 32 mpg or 36 mpg and you don’t have to feel like you’re crammed inside. They’ve got capacity and they offer great performance.”

Dick Scott, owner of Dick Scott Dodge in Plymouth, shares the enthusiasm.

“We’ve got great products to start with,” he said Friday. “We’ve got the 2013 Dart coming in June — it’s just a phenomenal car. The banks are really concentrating on auto loans, there are strides in the economy and it’s an election year, which is always good for retail.”

He estimates a 15- to 20-percent increase in sales across the board.

“We had a great 2011,” he said. “We finished December with a flurry and everything is pointed in the right direction, which is good for the entire economy.”

Mike Schrieber, general manager of Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, said the newly-designed 2013 Escape and Fusion are sure to capture the public’s attention.

“Bill Brown Ford is in a unique position,” he said. “We sell more Escapes and Fusions than any dealer in the United States. We’ll be the ones who get the inventory, especially in the beginning ,when they’re hard to get.”

At the same time, Schrieber said leasing deals on 2012 Fusions and Escapes have been sweetened to move the inventory.

“It really is all about the customer,” he said.

Roy Williams, sales manager at Avis Ford in Southfield, adds the stylishly revamped 2013 Taurus to his list of hot-selling products for the coming year.

“We’ve got quite a bit of momentum going right now, and to add to that momentum we’ve got the new Fusion, the new Escape and the new Taurus,” Williams said. “Anyone heading down to the auto show will get a chance to see just how great these cars look.”

Williams added that Ford plans to continue with its aggressive incentive programs to keep people heading into the showrooms.

“Ford is committed to staying aggressive,” he said. “We are always striving to being the best.”

Scott LaRiche, vice president of Lou LaRiche Chevrolet in Plymouth Township, expects the public to be pleasantly surprised by the number of new vehicles being introduced at this year’s car show, not to mention the quality.

“I think the number one thing in 2012 is every manufacturer across the globe has excellent products that people can see at the auto show,” he said. “I spoke to some of the manufacturers at the show and they’re anticipating 14.2 million to 15 million in car sales across the globe this year. That’s a nice uptick from last year’s number, which I think was around 13.5 million.”

Along with better cars, LaRiche said many of the GM dealerships are getting face-lifts to offer nicer showrooms and customer lounges. He also touted the 2013 Malibu that’s expected to arrive in his showroom in the next several weeks.

“They took it to a whole new level,” LaRiche said. “They’re taking cues from the Camaro and Corvette in terms of styling — and it gets up to 38 mpg on the highway. For a mid-sized vehicle, that’s incredible.”

As read on:http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20120115/NEWS02/201150343/Auto-dealers-gearing-up-tremendous-year?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Royal%20Oak|p

Car-Care Checklist for Cold-weather Driving Season

Mopar® Announces Car-Care Checklist for Cold-weather Driving Season

• Ten items to check before winter
• Mopar® services Chrysler, Jeep_®, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat vehicles
• With the addition of Magneti Marelli parts, Mopar also services competitive makes
• Mopar now offers full menu of all-season, winter and performance tires
• Mopar Service Clinic offers free vehicle inspections and dealership tours at select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat dealerships

October 4, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Before winter settles in, fall is the time for owners to get their vehicles into shape.

“Now is the time to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter-driving season,” said Jim Sassorossi, Head of Sales and Product Development at Mopar®, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Preventative maintenance helps vehicles perform at optimum levels in a variety of conditions.

“With original-equipment Mopar parts, our factory-trained technicians provide full service to Chrysler, Jeep_®, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat vehicles,” Sassorossi added. “And with the addition of proven, quality-tested parts from Magneti Marelli, we also service all domestic and most import vehicles as well.”

Mopar’s Fall Car-Care Checklist

1: Brakes
Summer travel gives brake pads a heavy workout, resulting in the removal of thin layers. Now is the time to check pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hardware and the parking brake for wear and tear.

2: Tires
Closely inspect the tread and sidewall areas of tires for uneven or irregular wear. In addition, excessive edge wear, center wear and shoulder wear can act as an indicator for other trouble spots on your vehicle. It’s also important to ensure correct air pressure at all times in order to prevent premature wear. Be sure to check the spare as well. If replacements are needed, Mopar offers a complete lineup of tires and winter tires from BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Michelin, Uniroyal and Yokohama brands.

3: Battery
Summer heat does the most damage to battery life and is why they often fail in the winter. Check for corroded terminals and a bulging or cracked case. Test and replace battery if necessary.

4: Wiper Blades
Winter driving conditions challenge your ability to see the road. Mopar’s lineup of wiper blades now includes Beam Blades, which provide superior all-weather performance and aid driving visibility. The wiper blades boast a skin coating that seals the aerodynamic spoiler in order to protect it from winter weather. Mopar Beam Blades also are constructed to eliminate exposed parts and to resist snow- and ice-clogging.

5: Shocks and Struts
For motorists located in cold and snowy climates, fall and winter also usher in a dreaded time of year: pothole season. Shocks and struts are the most overlooked service parts on a vehicle, but they affect ride control and comfort and can also affect a number of related parts. Mopar shocks and struts optimize vehicle handling, tire life and keep vehicles riding smoothly.

6: Engine Oil
Ensure your engine oil has the correct viscosity in order to endure cold weather. Engine oil should be changed or replenished at recommended intervals. Low or dirty fluids affect how an engine and its components perform and could potentially cause engine damage under extreme conditions.

7: Fluid Levels
All vehicle fluids and lubricants should be checked and changed at factory-recommended intervals. Key fluids include antifreeze/coolant level and concentration, as well as power steering, brake, transmission and windshield washer fluids.

8: Engine Belts and Hoses
Replace belts and hoses at recommended intervals. Quality-tested Mopar belts and hoses offer precision fit, optimal service life and original-equipment performance.

9: Air Filter
The air filter is designed to protect your engine from airborne contaminants. Poor air flow to the engine inhibits performance and generates greater fuel consumption. A new air filter allows clean, unrestricted air flow into the engine and helps ensure proper performance for a longer life.

10: Headlamps and Taillamps
Days become shorter in the fall and winter, meaning more nighttime driving and increased usage of headlamps and taillamps. Inspect and test all lamps on your vehicle to ensure proper function and proper alignment.

Mopar Fall Service Specials and Rebates
Mopar has a full slate of fall service specials and mail-in rebates on tap for consumers, including:

• $70 rebates on select sets of four Goodyear premium tires
• $20 rebates per set of any other four Goodyear tires
• $20 rebates per set of two Value Line struts
• $10 rebates per set of two Value Line shocks
• $2.50 rebates per each Value Line wiper blade (applicable for all makes and models)
• At select Chrysler Group dealerships, one special low price for three services: oil and filter change, Mopar Value Line wiper blades and multipoint vehicle checkup, plus a 10 percent discount on needed repairs
• At select Chrysler Group dealerships, customers can take advantage of the Mopar Service Clinic, a program that offers free vehicle inspections in October and November

Mopar-First Features
Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
• Vehicle-information smartphone apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to introduce new vehicle tracking system that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on set parameters
• 2011 Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
• WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• Brand-specific customer-care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours to customers
• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

About the Mopar Brand
Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand.

Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original-equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles — a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at http://www.mopar.com.

More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s — the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super-stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

As read on: http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=5081CCF289143A683AB95EEB5C70B487?&id=11590&adid=MoparCold&pid=ChryslerFacebook&mid=2?sid=Chrysler&channel=Social