Jeep

Chrysler ditching paper manuals, going digital

As cars become more complex, the accompanying user manuals have become proportionally thicker. These days, your average luxury sedan or SUV will often come with a vehicle manual, a navigation manual, separate safety systems manuals and pamphlets, and--in the case of hybrids--a final manual to explain how the powertrain works. That's a good deal of paper that will most likely only be referenced once or twice (if at all).

For its 2010 model Chrysler, Jeep, and, Dodge vehicles, Chrysler Group LLC will be ditching the bulk of its paper manuals and replacing them with digital DVD manuals. The automaker … Read more

Jeep Wrangler on steroids built with military in mind

Jeep stakeholders reasserted their intention to regain a share of the international military market at the Defence Systems & Equipment International Exhibition in London this week.

Chrysler has teamed up with the Jankel Group to market a new tactical version of the commercially available Jeep Unlimited. The Jeep J8 (it's the eighth version of the Wrangler) has been extensively modified but retains the long wheelbase, drive train, and distinctive profile (PDF).

The J8 will be available in 12 configurations including light patrol, pickup truck, personnel carrier, armored, and ambulance variants.

"What the J8 is, really, is a tremendously … Read more

Car dealers offer cash, guns to boost car sales

The Chrysler Group today announced new incentives, "Double CA$H for Your Old Car," that can save consumers up to $9,000 toward the purchase of a new Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge vehicle.

Beginning July 23, 2009, Chrysler Group LLC will offer up to $4,500 Consumer Cash or 0 percent financing for 72 months through GMAC Financial Services on most 2009 model vehicles. These incentives are valid through August 31.

The U.S. Government's Car Allowance Rebate Systems (CARS) program, more commonly known as "cash for clunkers," also starts July 23, 2009. The CARS … Read more

Go off-roading in a military-style Jeep J8

Used overseas by the Egyptian army, the Jeep J8 will be available in the U.S. later this year. Pickuptrucks.com reviews the rugged J8. American Expedition Vehicle dealers will make it available to customers with a rolling chassis, and choice of engine--four-cylinder diesel or Hemi V-8. There is no interior carpeting and no sound system.

The J8 will sell for about $50,000.

Automakers keep big SUVs alive in New York

Astronomical gas prices last year seemed to kill the SUV market, but automakers at the New York auto show disagree. Mercedes-Benz rolls out a hybrid version of its ML-class, offering a high-tech power train in a luxury SUV. Jeep tries to make a case for its continued survival with a modern-looking Grand Cherokee featuring an impressive cabin tech roster. And GMC shows off the Terrain, an all-new model to add to its large line of SUVs.

2009 Jeep Compass disappoints at every turn

The 2009 Jeep Compass is available with a cabin tech package that we've come to love: Chrysler's UConnect system. With hard drive-based navigation and media storage, there's a lot to like about the UConnect suite.

Unfortunately, our Compass was equipped with none of this tech and without that UConnect package, there's not much to like about the Compass. Power delivery was pathetic as the Jeep's 2.4-liter engine struggled to keep up with the vehicle's heft. Handling was also disappointing, despite the fact that our Compass was an all-wheel drive model.

Suffice it to … Read more

Fiat takes a chunk of Chrysler

Today, Chrysler announced it gave Fiat a 35 percent stake in its company, initiating a partnership that gives both companies access to new markets and technologies. Chrysler has suffered over the past few years because of its model line-up of trucks and SUVs, which haven't been selling well, and its lack of presence in international markets. Fiat wants to reenter the U.S. market, and could benefit from Chrysler's dealer network. We might soon see Dodge Challengers ripping across Europe, and Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealerships in the U.S. adding Fiat and Alfa Romeo to their signs.

The … Read more

Chrysler: America's Bimmer, Benz?

DETROIT -- If Chrysler LLC can survive its financial crisis, it will emerge as a boutique enterprise along the lines of Germany's premium carmakers, co-President Jim Press said in an interview last week.

He suggested that Chrysler could show the way to a sustainable model for a smaller U.S. auto industry.

"If there's one company in America that can build high-craftsmanship, innovative vehicles, it's Chrysler," Press said.

Chrysler will build vehicles that have premium features but are affordable to consumers. Press said the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup signals the company's direction.

"… Read more

Video: Chrysler shows off three electric cars

Chrysler surprised everyone with the announcement of three electric vehicle concepts. The company showed working versions of the all-electric Dodge EV sports car, plus a range-extended Chrysler minivan and Jeep Wrangler. The two range-extended models use powertrains similar to that found in the Chevy Volt, an electric motor and batteries to run the car, and an onboard gas engine generating electricity to extend the range.

Chrysler plans for the future

At the Western Automotive Journalists' dinner this week, Jim Press, President of Chrysler, told me exactly what I wanted to hear. When I asked how he plans on differentiating the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands, he put it this way: Jeep will remain an iconic off-roader, with no soft-roaders spoiling the brand; Dodge will be the performance brand, but will also be a volume play; and Chrysler focuses on luxury, competing with brands like Acura. Maybe this type of brand differentiation just fits conventional wisdom, but it seems like a smart plan to me. Yet, in speaking more generally about … Read more