DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group today announced a three-year Recovery and Transformation Plan that seeks a return to profitability by 2008 while also taking steps to change its business model for the long run. The plan will result in an employee reduction of 13,000 people from 2007 to 2009. Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda outlined the plan at the DaimlerChrysler AG Annual Press Conference, held in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Chrysler Group has unveiled two new special editions for spring 2007 – the PT Cruiser ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ and the Grand Voyager ‘Signature’ models. The ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ model makes the great looking Chrysler PT Cruiser even more striking with Ocean Blue metallic paint and a matching interior. The new PT Cruiser is based on the standard Touring model, and adds cruise control, leather steering wheel and chrome gear knob plus a six-disc CD/radio. The exterior styling has been enhanced with 17” alloy wheels, lowered suspension, chrome bodyside mouldings and tailpipe and a body colour roof spoiler.
Combining refinement, function and style, the Chrysler Nassau concept explores a new expression of the Chrysler brand. The four-door, four-passenger Chrysler Nassau luxury coupe is, as Alan Barrington, principal exterior designer of the concept said, “a more emotional and artistic articulation of what it means to be a Chrysler. Though built on a full-size 120-inch wheelbase, the Nassau appears more visually compact than a comparable Chrysler 300C.
Chrysler calls its minivan models its “bread and butter” cars – so with typical showmanship Chrysler president Tom LaSorda donned an apron at the Detroit Show and joined well-known American chef Bobby Flay in presenting the “recipe” for its latest-generation large MPVs. LaSorda helped Flay cook up recipes representing the Dodge and Chrysler versions of the vehicles – a spicy pork dish for the more sporty Dodge Caravan and a rich chocolate cake for the smoother Chrysler Town and Country.
Mopar, DaimlerChrysler’s original equipment manufacturer, announced it has expanded availability of its factory-engineered iPod Integration Kits for most Chrysler Group vehicles. The audio integration system accessory was launched in early 2006. The iPod Integration Kit from Mopar Authentic Accessories provides direct connectivity between the customer’s iPod and the vehicle’s audio sound system. Offering true interface, the iPod attaches to the custom cable port located in the glove box. The iPod adaptor module is concealed under the vehicle dash, translating and then sending the signal to the vehicle’s radio receiver.
For the fifth year in a row – and every year since its 2003 re-introduction — Chrysler Group’s famous 5.7-liter HEMI® engine has earned a place on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list. Joining the HEMI in winning the award is DaimlerChrysler’s 3.0-liter V-6 Turbo Diesel, available in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. “We are pleased that Chrysler Group has delivered two engines among Ward’s 10 prestigious winners,” said Bob Lee, Vice President — Powertrain, Chrysler Group. “The HEMI continues to impress as an engine that offers the combination of power and fuel efficiency our customers demand, while the 3.0-liter V-6 CRD Turbo Diesel boasts an unsurpassed blend of acceleration, torque and fuel economy.”
Chrysler will start 2007 with a bang by launching the Touring version of the sensational 425 horsepower 300C SRT-8. The SRT-8 Touring boasts the same 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine as the SRT-8 saloon and delivers the same impressive levels of performance – 0 to 60 in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 168mph.
Chrysler Group has today revealed the new Chrysler Sebring Cabrio that will be launched in the UK at the end of 2007. All UK models will feature a retractable hard roof that folds into three sections and stows in less than 30 seconds. Standard roof system features include remote control operation from the key fob, standard powered tonneau cover and automatic latching.
Right hand drive models will be available with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine with six-speed automatic gearbox offering 189 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with six-speed manual will also be available with140 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque.
Chrysler Group today shared sketches of two concepts that will be unveiled in January 2007 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit - Chrysler Nassau Concept and Jeep Trailhawk Concept.
The Chrysler Nassau concept is a four-door, four-passenger luxury coupe with an emphasis on driving dynamics. The artistic exterior design leans toward an exploration as to what could be a future sedan in the brand’s lineup. The Chrysler Nassau concept highlights sweeping curves to define the front and rear fasciae.
Shortly after its launch in China, the locally produced Chrysler 300C Sedan debuts at Auto China 2006 to give another hit to Chinese public. With a shape based on the company’s all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Chrysler 300C features classic proportions of the legendary Chrysler brand flagship. A long hood, short deck and dramatic profile complete with 18-inch wheels give Chrysler 300C its stunning presence.