It is expected that the technology, which shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and starts it back up when the brake pedal is released, will improve fuel economy by about five percent. Hybrid vehicles are equipped with similar systems, including GM’s “mild hybrids.” Stop/start technology is also currently in use on conventional engines in Europe by both BMW and Smart.
Chrysler’s decision to eliminate the four vehicle models and cut up to 10,000 U.S. factory jobs over the next 14 months angered critics in the United Auto Workers union who said a four-year labor contract that was narrowly ratified last month did not go far enough to protect U.S. factory jobs.
The hybrid versions of Chrysler’s large sport utility vehicles, the Dodge Big V8 meets environmentally friendly Hybrid. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press) Durango and Chrysler Aspen have just made their official launch at this year’s LA auto show. It seems that the Two-Mode hybrid system that these SUVs and a number of other vehicles feature is quickly picking up momentum.
One of the hardest hit American automakers with the surge of Japanese automakers is Chrysler. But the automaker acquired Jim Press from Toyota and is now in the middle of its turnaround plan. The automaker is looking to be back to profitability by next year. And the automaker is moving in the right direction as it recorded its highest sale of used cars last month.
In terms of new products, Chrysler has boasted it would introduce a record 10 new models in the U.S. this year, most of which are just now hitting the market or will in the fourth quarter. Chrysler kicked off the year with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 followed by the Dodge Caliber , which is selling well the plant that produces it runs on three shifts to keep up with demand.
Despite consumer concerns, Chrysler LLC sales are off only 2 percent showing customers are still purchasing quality and value. High fuel prices and falling home prices continue to impact vehicle sales in November which remain below trend, said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - U.S. Sales. We remain optimistic moving into December due to the growing availability of new models, including Chrysler Town Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and the Jeep Liberty.
The company touted a 9% increase in Chrysler brand car sales and a 10% increase in the sale of the Chrysler Town & Country, the recently redesigned minivan. “Despite consumer concerns, Chrysler LLC sales are off only 2 percent showing customers are still purchasing quality and value. High fuel prices and falling home prices continue to impact vehicle sales in November which remain below trend,” Darryl Jackson, vice president of U.S. sales, said in a statement.
Chrysler car sales were led by the Sebring convertible, which increased sales to 2,039 units compared with 195 units a year ago, up 946%. Chrysler town and country sales rose 10% to 12,629 units versus November 2006 with 11,507 units. The car maker finished the month with 480,424 units of inventory, or a 75-day supply. Inventory is down by 4% compared to November 2006 when it was at 499,036 units.
When Chrysler announced that it was slashing its product offerings by four vehicles, killing off the Magnum, Pacifica, Crossfire, and the PT Cruiser Convertible, it at least would be filling the Magnum and Pacifica range with new or updated models. These are low-volume vehicles at the end of their product lifecycles, so it all makes sense.
DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler LLC faces a serious financial crunch and is trying to sell assets to raise cash, just months after the automaker was bought by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Chief Executive Bob Nardelli told employees at a meeting earlier this month that the company is headed for a substantial loss this year and is scrambling to sell assets to raise cash, the newspaper said, quoting two people present at the meeting.