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Chrysler Group LLC to Develop New Fiat 500 Electric Vehicle for the United States
 

• New Fiat 500EV demonstrates benefits of Chrysler Group and Fiat Group alliance
• Zero-emission Fiat 500EV provides an environmentally friendly, clean, quiet driving experience freeing customers from escalating fuel costs and costly oil changes
• Department of Energy provides up to $48 million grant toward test fleet of 140 Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
• PHEV technology to improve fuel economy up to 65 percent with up to 20 mile electric-only driving range

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 22, 2010  -

Chrysler Group LLC today announced its plans to engineer and produce a pure electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. Shown earlier this year at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group and the Fiat Group as well as the speed at which the two companies can work together on advanced vehicle programs.

“The alliance with Fiat presented new opportunities to merge Chrysler Group engineering knowledge with new platforms and the Fiat 500EV is an outstanding example of our efforts,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President Engineering—Chrysler Group LLC. “The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology.”

The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler Group will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market. All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market.

Chrysler Group is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group. The company is exploring ways to promote zero-emission transportation and the development of an electric-vehicle charging infrastructure through partnerships to be announced in the future.

Last year Chrysler Group announced the company’s intention to build the Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. The vehicle will debut in late 2010.

Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Chrysler Group has been selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant of up to $48 million as part of a $2.4 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act DOE Vehicle Electrification program. Chrysler Group is planning to build a total of 140 Ram PHEVs for a three-year demonstration project that includes various geographic and climatic locations across the United States.

“This initiative represents how government, automotive industry, suppliers and key partners are reaching common goals and demonstrates how rapidly this type of advanced technology can be brought to market,” said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President—Powertrain, Chrysler Group LLC. “DOE-support for domestic advanced technology is an important enabler for Chrysler Group and its key suppliers in order to understand and test customer acceptance and the capability of PHEV systems in a variety of real-world conditions.”

The Ram PHEV features Chrysler Group’s 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with a two mode hybrid transmission and a 12KwHr lithium ion battery. The vehicle is capable of up to 20 miles of zero-emission, pure-electric range without the need for gasoline. An overall fuel economy improvement more than 65 percent is expected for average drive cycles. Chrysler Group has partnered with Electrovaya Inc. to supply the advanced lithium Ion batteries for the Ram PHEV test fleet.

The DOE grant will expedite the development of vehicle-electrification technology. More than 21 Chrysler Group partners across the U.S., including utility companies, government agencies and Universities will independently test the Ram PHEV and provide valuable data for the advancement of the technology.

In 2008, Chrysler Group announced the company’s intention to bring a Ram Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to market. After closely evaluating the response to hybrid pickups in the marketplace, the company could not formulate an appropriate business case and has decided to cancel development work on the 2011 Ram HEV.

Chrysler Group’s alliance with Fiat Group brings new platforms and technologies that allow the company to create an improved long-term product strategy with greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Chrysler Group’s five-year plan has an uncompromising product schedule, including a progressive vehicle electrification strategy.
 

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Ram 1500 Named Trailer Boats Magazine 2010 Tow Vehicle of the Year
 
Editors cite Ram's powerful 5.7-liter HEMI engine, innovative storage ideas and the "unparalleled ride comfort" from Ram's coil-spring, multi-link rear suspension
 
Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 19, 2010  -

Trailer Boats magazine today announced that it has chosen the Ram 1500 as its 2010 Tow Vehicle of the Year.

The magazine's of-the-year honor, significant to a large pickup customer demographic segment, will add to the Ram's growing list of top automotive awards.

"We're honored," said Ram Truck Brand President and CEO Fred Diaz. "The bond between boaters and their pickup trucks is inseparable. We recognize trailer-boating places big demands on the capability of a truck, and our Ram Truck team has delivered the best truck for those customers.

"The Ram Truck Brand has put a great deal of emphasis on reaching out to outdoorsmen and women," added Diaz. "Boating, as well as hunting, camping and fishing enthusiasts will be getting many opportunities to take a close-up look at Ram Trucks this year as we criss-cross the nation in a 50-event Ram Master Sportsman's Tour."

The 28th annual tow vehicle competition included a trio of 2010 half-ton pickups with crew-size cabs and the largest available gasoline engines, all in four-wheel-drive configurations. Each was tested while towing the same Mako 234 Center Console boat and trailer weighing about 6,000 pounds.

“This year the editors focused on light-duty pickups,” said Jim Hendricks, publisher and editorial director of Trailer Boats magazine. “This class has experienced dramatic improvements in features and ride quality over the past few years, with beefed-up tow ratings approaching those traditionally associated with heavy-duty pickups.

“The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi not only reflects this trend, but its smooth and powerful performance scored consistently high during our examination,” added Hendricks.  “The ride, handling and braking of the Ram 1500 – in both towing and non-towing situations – scored highest among the competitors,” said Hendricks. “After a full evaluation lasting more than two weeks, the editors of Trailer Boats voted the Ram 1500 as the 2010 Tow Vehicle of the Year.”

The test results are detailed in the April  2010 issue of Trailer Boats (on sale now), with coverage going live online at www.TrailerBoats.com beginning April 5.

The Ram Truck Brand continues to raise the bar with the most powerful and capable light-duty pickup truck in the segment with the 2010 Ram 1500.

With its bold exterior design, refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features, amenities and ride quality, the Ram 1500 is a game changer in terms of its ability to “outsmart” and “out-tough” the competition.

The Ram 1500 ranks at the top of Strategic Vision 2009 Total Quality Index™(TQI) in the full-size truck segment.  According to the survey, the Ram 1500 leads the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the 15-year history of the study.

In addition to winning Strategic Vision’s TQI, the Ram 1500 has earned 20 key awards since its introduction. Other awards include:

• American Hunter Golden Bullseye Award – 2010 Vehicle of the Year
• Automobile magazine – 2010 All-Stars Ten Best
• International Car of the Year (ICOTY) – 2009 International Truck of the Year
• Texas Auto Writer's Association (TAWA) – 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas
• MotorWeek – Driver’s Choice Awards (2009 and 2010)
• Maxim – Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox)
• Edmunds' Inside Line – A 2009 Editor's Most Wanted
• Edmunds' Inside Line – Best Full-size Pickup Truck
• Consumer Guide – Large Pickup – Best Buy for 2009
• Cars.com – Work Truck of the Year
• Truckin’ magazine – Truck of the Year
• Autobytel.com – 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editors’ Choice Awards – Truck of the Year
• Ward’s AutoWorld – Interior of the Year
• Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association – Truck of the Year
• New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) – Best-in-Class Pickup Award
• Ward's AutoWorld – Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Ram 5.7-liter HEMI® engine)
• Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Pickup
• AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award
• Sobre Ruedas – Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for '08

For 2010, Ram 1500’s towing capability has increased to 10,450 pounds. Combining Ram's legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine and the segment-exclusive multi-link coil spring rear suspension, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) has increased to 15,500 pounds, from 14,000 pounds, with the 140.5-inch wheelbase, 5.7-liter engine and 3.92 rear axle. This increased GCWR equates to an increase in tow rating. This improved rating, along with Ram’s industry-first features and impressive ride and handling capabilities, make Ram the most capable light-duty pickup on the market.

The 2010 Ram incorporates a first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling without sacrificing payload (as much as 1,900 pounds) and towing capability (as much as an estimated 10,450 pounds).

New interior features include fuel-saver indicator on 3.7-liter models, a new premium Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM) system and Park-Assist indicator in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display.

Other new features include an iPod® Control that connects most iPod-compatible devices using an iPod Control cable. The cable enables iPod devices to be controlled through Ram’s media center radio or steering-wheel radio controls.

New exterior features include available folding trailer-tow mirrors, integrated trailer-brake controller, power trailer-tow mirrors, electro-chromic mirrors and new 22-inch tires and wheels included in R/T package.

Fuel economy enhancements for 2010 include interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO) on all engines. iDFSO turns off the flow of fuel during vehicle deceleration for improved real-world fuel economy without any noticeable changes in engine performance.

Standard on the 2010 Ram two-wheel-drive regular cab and Quad Cab® models is a 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine, generating 210 horsepower (156 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque.

Other available engines include the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Multi Displacement
System (MDS) that produces 390 horsepower (291 kW) and 407 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) of torque and the Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V-8 that generates 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque.

The 2010 Ram Crew Cab 1500 features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both cargo-box sides for effortless access and convenience. The RamBox system includes a bed divider/2-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability.

Ram 1500 is available in a regular cab, Quad Cab and crew-cab configuration and offers three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot 4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and 5-foot 7-inches (crew cab). For 2010, Ram 1500 is available in five distinct trim levels—ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie.
 

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Spring Forward with Chrysler Group LLC’s New and Improved Certified Pre-owned Vehicle Program

• Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPOV) program re-launches with customer friendly attributes and ‘certified peace of mind’ for consumers
• Customers enjoy complimentary three months of SIRIUS Satellite Radio when purchasing a SIRIUS-equipped certified pre-owned vehicle
• New dedicated CPOV Web site and continued partnerships with Autotrader.com, Cars.com and Edmunds.com assist consumers in finding a certified pre-owned vehicle that fits their lifestyle and budget
• More Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck dealers now sell Certified Pre-owned Vehicles
• Increased inventory of vehicles offers better selection for consumers

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 15, 2010  -  As clocks move forward, Chrysler Group LLC’s Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPOV) program springs ahead with improvements that bring customers “certified” peace of mind. The program helps customers enjoy more of their daylight hours with a new Web site, more features they want, more Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck dealers selling certified pre-owned vehicles and more inventory from which to choose.

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck certified pre-owned vehicles offer many benefits, including peace of mind to consumers in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. Chrysler Group CPOV program vehicles have less than 65,000 miles and are less than six model years old. Among the many benefits for consumers purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle are:

• A 125-point vehicle inspection with upgraded reconditioning using MOPAR® parts exclusively. MOPAR parts are engineered to the same standard as the original equipment part
• A Carfax vehicle history report
• A three-month/3,000 mile Maximum Care Warranty that covers virtually all operational components
• A six-year/80,000 mile transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty with 24-hour/365-day “sign and go” roadside assistance
• A three month complimentary SIRIUS satellite radio subscription on equipped vehicles
• A $35 rental vehicle allowance if the vehicle needs to be in for overnight service
• A full range of service contracts, including lifetime warranty upgrades (Chrysler Group LLC is the only manufacturer to offer this option)

“Now is the perfect time to benefit from a certified pre-owned vehicle purchase,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler Group LLC’s Certified Pre-owned Vehicles take the uncertainty out of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle,” added Diaz. “Our program offers consumers ‘certified’ peace of mind with benefits like a Carfax vehicle history report, 125-point inspection, and some of the best warranty options in the business.”

Certified Pre-owned vehicle sales are growing, and participating Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck dealers have increased their inventories, resulting in customers having a better selection of vehicles for customers. Customers purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle reap many of the benefits that new vehicle purchasers receive, such as the ability to service and maintain vehicles at the same point of purchase and the peace of mind that comes with a 125-point inspection and some of the best warranty options in the industry.

“We are excited about, and believe customers will appreciate, the improvements to the program,” said Diaz. “The new Web site, www.certifiedpreowned.chrysler.com, offers a number of features that help customers easily find a vehicle that fits their lifestyle.”