Chrysler promotes two execs

March 10th, 2010

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News Chrysler Group LLC today made two executive appointments to strengthen its advanced engineering and product planning efforts. Stephen Bartoli assumes a new position as head of International Product Planning, Business Development and Integration, reporting to Mike Manley, who oversees international operations. Chrysler is working to boost its international breadth with partner Fiat SpA, and has ambitious goals to more than double global sales to 500,000 a year by 2014 and expand the dealer network to handle the increased volume.

Chrysler Group LLC Reports February 2010 US Sales Increase Slightly

March 10th, 2010

Sales improve slightly compared with the same period last year — Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brand sales up compared with the previous year — Car sales improve 38 percent versus the same period in 2009 — Ten vehicles post year-over-year sales gains, 13 nameplates increase sales compared with the previous month — Entire Jeep lineup increased sales compared with the previous month — Ram Truck Brand sales up versus January — March kicks off ‘Truck Month’ celebrating the all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty, Motor Trend Magazine’s ‘2010 Truck of the Year’ Chrysler Group LLC today reported a slight sales increase compared with February 2009.
The company reported total U.S. sales for January of 84,449 units, a slight increase versus the same time period last year (84,050 units) and an increase of 48 percent compared with January 2010 (57,143 units). Chrysler Group finished the month with 197,080 units in inventory, a 44 percent decline compared with February 2009 (350,966 units). Overall industry figures for February are projected to come in at an estimated 10.6 million SAAR. "Chrysler Group sales were up slightly this month, in line with the industry," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer-Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization. "Compared with January, Chrysler Group’s February sales grew more than the industry average, reinforcing the company trend of steady, month-over-month growth." February U.S. Sales Highlights — Car sales increased 38 percent compared with the previous year — Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible), Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town Country, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Charger all post year-over-year sales increases — Chrysler brand sales up 9 percent compared with February 2009 — Jeep brand sales increase 6 percent versus the previous year — Dodge brand sales improve 8 percent sales compared with last year — All brands post sales increases compared with January — Ram pickup sales up 3 percent compared with the previous month — Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town Country, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Grand Caravan and the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty posted month-over-month sales increases "The 2010 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet and Jeep Wrangler Islander vehicles are arriving at dealer showrooms now," said Diaz.

"The 2010 model year Nitro Heat, Journey Crew and Dodge Grand Caravan Hero packages are open for ordering and will soon arrive at your local Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealer." Incentives Chrysler Group LLC today announced March is "Truck Month." Beginning today, consumers who purchase a 2010 model year Ram 1500 can receive a "no charge" HEMI engine, or $500 bonus cash towards the purchase of a Ram 1500 with a 3.7L or 4.7L engine.
March also kicks off 0 percent PLUS on most 2010 model year vehicles. Ram Truck Brand — Consumers who purchase a 2010 model year Ram 1500 can receive a "no charge" HEMI engine, or $500 bonus cash towards the purchase of a Ram 1500 with a 3.7L or 4.7L engine — Consumers who purchase the all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty can choose attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services of 1.9 percent financings for up to 60 months or $1,000 consumer cash — Consumers purchasing a 2010 Dodge Dakota can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or 1.9 percent financing for 72 months plus $1,000 bonus cash from GMAC, or consumer cash of up to $2,000 Chrysler Brand — 0 percent financing for 36 months plus $1,000 consumer cash is available on all 2010 model year vehicles.

In addition: — Consumers purchasing a Chrysler 300 can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or 1.9 percent financing for 72 months plus $1,000 consumer cash, or consumer cash of up to $2,000 or "no charge" all-wheel drive — Qualified customers purchasing a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months plus $1,000 bonus cash, or consumer cash of up to $2,000 — Consumers purchasing a Chrysler Sebring can choose 0 percent financing for up to 48 months or 1.9 percent financing for 60 months plus $1,000 consumer cash, or consumer cash of up to $2,000 — Qualified customers purchasing a 2010 Chrysler Town Country are eligible for 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or consumer cash of up to $1,500 — In addition, the "Minivan Pledge" in which consumers trading in a competitive vehicle for the purchase of a new 2010 model year Chrysler Town Country can return the vehicle, no questions asked, within 60 days if they aren’t happy with the vehicle continues through March 31 Jeep Brand — Jeep Adrenaline Rush continues through March 31 — Consumers who purchase a 2010 model year Jeep Liberty, Grand Cherokee or Commander can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or 1.9 percent financing for 72 months plus bonus cash of up to $1,000 from GMAC or consumer cash of up $4,000 — Consumers purchasing a 2010 Jeep Compass or Patriot can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months plus $1,000 consumer cash, or consumer cash of $1,500.
Attractive financing rates are available for longer terms — Consumers purchasing a 2010 Jeep Wrangler can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months or consumer cash of $750. Attractive financing rates are available for longer terms Dodge Car Brand — 0 percent financing for 36 months plus $1,000 consumer cash is available on most 2010 model year vehicles Consumers purchasing a 2010 Charger can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or 1.9 percent financing for 72 months plus $1,000 consumer cash, or consumer cash of up to $2,000, or "no charge" all-wheel drive in lieu of consumer cash or 0 percent financing — Qualified customers purchasing a 2010 Dodge Challenger are eligible for 1.9 percent financing for up to 60 months — Consumers purchasing a 2010 Dodge Journey, Nitro or Grand Caravan can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months plus up to $1,000 consumer cash, or consumer cash of up to $2,000.

Attractive financing rates are available for longer terms — In addition, the "Minivan Pledge" in which consumers trading in a competitive vehicle for the purchase of a new 2010 model year Dodge Grand Caravan can return the vehicle, no questions asked, within 60 days if they aren’t happy with the vehicle continues through March 31 — Qualified customers purchasing a 2010 Dodge Avenger can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, or $2,000 consumer cash, or 0 percent financing for 36 months plus $1,000 consumer cash Leasing Chrysler Group is offering attractive lease rates on several 2010 model year vehicles.
The incentives announced today are valid through March 31, 2010. About Chrysler Group LLC Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep , Dodge, Ram Truck, Mopar and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products.

With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation - first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 - and Fiat’s complementary technology - from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru February 2010 ——————————————————– Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change —– ——- —– —— ——- —– —— Sebring 3,160 1,448 118% 6,753 3,391 99% 300 4,487 2,778 62% 6,141 5,028 22% Crossfire 0 52 -100% 0 95 -100% PT Cruiser 627 1,218 -49% 1,268 2,165 -41% Aspen 2 1,582 -100% 26 2,468 -99% Pacifica 0 342 -100% 0 666 -100% Town Country 8,649 8,099 7% 13,180 12,391 6% CHRYSLER BRAND 16,925 15,519 9% 27,368 26,204 4% ————– —— —— — —— —— — Compass 1,911 923 107% 3,155 1,742 81% Patriot 2,986 2,161 38% 4,958 4,275 16% Wrangler 5,967 9,088 -34% 10,855 15,450 -30% Liberty 3,659 4,066 -10% 6,646 7,409 -10% Grand Cherokee 6,614 4,725 40% 9,925 7,849 26% Commander 2,202 978 125% 3,515 2,050 71% JEEP BRAND 23,339 21,941 6% 39,054 38,775 1% ———- —— —— — —— —— — Caliber 2,263 2,519 -10% 4,769 4,919 -3% Avenger 3,442 1,931 78% 6,576 4,102 60% Charger 10,363 6,703 55% 12,488 10,731 16% Challenger 2,145 3,283 -35% 3,828 6,040 -37% Viper 24 47 -49% 50 174 -71% Magnum 0 24 -100% 0 51 -100% Journey 4,139 4,615 -10% 8,929 7,707 16% Caravan 9,390 9,003 4% 13,688 12,222 12% Nitro 1,201 1,794 -33% 2,569 3,324 -23% Durango 8 511 -98% 31 1,013 -97% DODGE BRAND 32,975 30,430 8% 52,928 50,283 5% ———– —— —— — —— —— — Dakota 891 1,334 -33% 1,885 2,793 -33% Ram P/U 10,267 14,448 -29% 20,224 27,291 -26% Sprinter 52 378 -86% 133 861 -85% RAM BRAND 11,210 16,160 -31% 22,242 30,945 -28% ——— —— —— — —— —— — TOTAL DODGE 44,185 46,590 -5% 75,170 81,228 -7% ———– —— —— — —— —— — TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP LLC 84,449 84,050 0% 141,592 146,207 -3% TOTAL CAR 25,884 18,786 38% 40,605 34,533 18% TOTAL TRUCK 58,565 65,264 -10% 100,987 111,674 -10% ———– —— —— — ——- ——- — Selling Days 24 24 48 50 ———— — — — —

John Matras reports on Chrysler /Fiat hookup at Geneva Auto Show

March 10th, 2010

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Car News, Views, and Reviews Examiner. Read Examiner.com’s terms of use. Email Address Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use If you like this … Just adequate Avenger shows why Chrysler is bankrupt View all Remember the Chrysler-Fiat deal? It kind of got lost in the national debate about General Motors bankruptcy and takeover by the federal government.
But with Fiat now - mostly - calling the shots for Chrysler, we are beginning to see evidence of where this latest iteration of the new Chrysler is headed. Examiner.com s Auto Review Examiner, John Matras, is in Geneva and reports that Chrysler is being paired there with Lancia. Not familiar with Lancia? It s a storied Italian marque, with a rich racing history - remember the Lancia D50? - and is known for strong engineering prowess. As John reports: Chrysler products have been on the market in Europe for some time, with actually the Chrysler Grand Voyager minivan made in Graz, Austria. The decision was made - no doubt by Fiat Group boss and now Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne himself - to feature the Chrysler 300C concept on the American side of the stand.

Chrysler to Support Live In-Car TV

March 10th, 2010

Chrysler is set to begin channeling live, mobile TV into Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. The company will showcase its new technology in a Ram 2500 at the 2010 Dallas Auto Show. Chrysler will become the first automaker in the United States to offer live, mobile TV to consumers in over 100 U.S. metropolitan areas. The system offers something for everyone: college and professional sports, breaking news, children’s shows, primetime sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas. How it works Television signals are delivered through a dedicated multicast network built by San Diego-based FLO(TM) TV Inc., a live, mobile TV service provider, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc.
FLO TV offers live and time-shifted programming from top entertainment brands. The service is available in more than 100 major markets and many interstate driving corridors, however it is not available in some rural areas. Audiovox Corp., of Hauppauge, NY, supplies FLO TV Auto Entertainment hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles’ existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems.

A small antenna, about the size of a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle’s roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants. User-friendly wired and wireless remote controls allow viewers to easily surf channels, similar to TV systems at home. Mopar’s suggested retail price is $629, plus installation. A one-year pre-paid subscription is included with installation. What cars will have it? The entertainment package is available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model-year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.
The service also may be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrests or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased. Mopar’s live, mobile TV option includes a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on new vehicles or a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for hardware and installation. Is this a sign of the apocalypse? Well, it’s probably not an epic crash of civilization, but it can’t be seen as good news for highway safety. As a responsible automaker, Chrysler makes sure that none of the video screens are where the driver can watch a video or turn on the game while cruising down the freeway. The aftermarket will take care of that, however, so look for anti-TV laws modeled on the hands-free cell phone laws to follow the first few avoidable crashes.

Chrysler gearing up for Dodge Viper finale

March 10th, 2010

Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne, from partner Fiat SpA, has promised 75 percent of the lineup will be updated by the end of this year, but the company continues to face criticism because most of the launches are in the second half of the year, and many vehicles won’t be upgraded until the fourth quarter.
"It is good that Chrysler appears to be following through and that new products are not far off," said product analyst Stephanie Brinley of AutoPacific in Troy. Chrysler is "doing the best they can reorganizing packages and trim levels of existing products, but they’re starved for product." First up is the Viper at the end of this month, but production will be short-lived: Once the 500 models are done — July at the latest — the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit will be closed while the automaker decides if the business case is there to revive the car in 2012.

Ralph Gilles, Chrysler’s design chief and head of the Dodge Car brand, said in Chicago last month that work continues on what a next-generation Viper would look like if approval is given to bring it back into the portfolio.
Meanwhile, Chrysler is preparing to make its final batch of 2010 Vipers. They will include some special editions and about 50 SRT 10 ACRs, the model that debuted last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show and which Chrysler says will be offered with more than 7,000 color and trim combinations when you factor in options in the interior, the paint colors, six stripe options and four wheel choices.

The all-new Grand Cherokee will be next up. Its launch is May 10, according to the report and confirmed by people familiar with the schedule, while its Dodge counterpart, designed to replace the Durango in the lineup, may not go into production until Nov.
8. A final name for the Dodge has not been decided upon. Magnum was under consideration, but officials have said it is no longer in the running and Durango remains a possibility. Other vehicles include the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Chrysler used a week of downtime at the Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant last week to continue retooling in preparation for the launch of new versions of the 300 and Charger on Nov. 30, said Leon Rideout, president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 1285. The new cars retain much of the same chassis as the outgoing models, but the look has been totally redone inside and out. The third vehicle made in Brampton, the Dodge Challenger, is not receiving the same overhaul, Rideout said. A decision has not been made on whether there will be a replacement for the Challenger when its lifecycle ends in 2014, Chrysler officials said during presentations in November on the company’s five-year plan.

For commercial buyers, the Web site said the new Ram Chassis Cabs are slated to start production next month at the Saltillo, Mexico, plant. Chrysler officials will say only that they will be on sale by fall. November is when redesigned minivans go on sale that further differentiate the Chrysler and Dodge models and upgrade the interiors. That date coincides with what company and union officials have said. And the year will cap off with assembly of the first Fiat product for the United States, the Fiat 500, which will be built in Chrysler’s Toluca, Mexico, plant. The first cars could go into production Dec. 13. Getting positive product news out to consumers is important because post-bankruptcy Chrysler is not perceived to be recovering as quickly as General Motors Co., Brinley said. A just-completed AutoPacific Manufacturer Image Tracking Survey compared consumer responses from March 2007 — before the two companies filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2009 — and again in February 2010.
The survey found 37 percent of respondents thought Chrysler was worse off today than a year ago. That is worse than the 32 percent who felt that way in 2007. "So they are seeing a slide in the wrong direction," Brinley said of the results. "Chrysler needs new products to talk about to generate a good vibe."

Don #39;t underestimate Chrysler lineup

March 10th, 2010

Chrysler Group LLC won’t reap the benefits of its alliance with Fiat SpA until 2012 but that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare. To the contrary. This year, Auburn Hills-based Chrysler plans to introduce three new vehicles that are acknowledged leaders in their segments and one new model that gets it into a growing and potentially lucrative new market.
The first Fiat model, the 500, also will arrive, giving Chrysler dealers a sophisticated and chic little car that’s smaller and considerably less expensive than the Mini Cooper. That’s the formula for a dynamite year for a car company. If we hadn’t fixated on what Chrysler lacks, rather than what it has, we might be talking about the flood of new models coming from Auburn Hills. Chrysler’s deficiencies drove the company into bankruptcy and an alliance with Italy’s Fiat. The new vehicles coming this year, though, are a useful reminder of what Chrysler does well, and why Fiat wanted control of Chrysler. Built-in audience First comes an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, hitting the road in about two months. Sport utility vehicles became emblematic of Detroit’s dysfunction, but there’s still a market for them, and the new Grand Cherokee looks like a winner. Its elegant looks sheath a classy interior and the go-anywhere ability that make Jeep one of the auto industry’s strongest brands. A brand-new seven-seat crossover SUV for Dodge - the brand’s first vehicle in the popular segment dominated by models such as the Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse - is to follow the Grand Cherokee out of Chrysler’s plant off Jefferson Avenue in Detroit in the third or fourth quarter of this year.

At about the same time, dynamic new versions of the exciting Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans are to arrive in dealerships. There’s a built-in audience for those cars, as there is for the new Grand Cherokee. All three are examples of what Chrysler does best. Few, if any, automakers on Earth do it better. They also will be the first models to feature Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6 engine, which should improve performance and fuel economy. –>(2 of 2) Also late this year, 11 of Chrysler’s existing models - vehicles such as the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans - will get what Chrysler design chief and Dodge brand boss Ralph Gilles called "an intervention" when we spoke at the Chicago auto show recently.
More improvements The mild changes the carr-yover vehicles already received earlier this year - new trim levels and equipment packages, interior upgrades for the Dodge Caliber, etc. - are merely a bridge to substantial improvements coming late this year and early in 2011, Gilles said. "We have intensely looked at every source of angst in our existing products," he said, promising changes of the same magnitude the award-winning Ford Fusion got last year - new powertrains, interiors, some exterior design changes.

"We’re taking the platforms to new levels" to keep business flowing at Chrysler dealerships until the much-talked-about Fiat-based compacts and subcompacts begin arriving in 2012, Gilles said.
There’s no question Chrysler needs Fiat technology and engineering to produce world-class compact and smaller cars, but don’t delude yourself into thinking Fiat is providing them out of charity. Fiat expects to benefit greatly from Chrysler’s expertise in developing vehicles like the 300, Grand Cherokee, minivans and pickups.

Hundreds Bid At Chrysler Plant Equipment Auction (Manufacturing.net)]

February 28th, 2010

NEWARK, Del. (AP) — Hundreds of bidders from across the country have snapped up machinery, tools and other equipment from the closed Newark Chrysler assembly plant. More than 300 potential bidders gathered Thursday in the auditorium at Clayton Hall on the University of Delaware’s Laird Campus and another 250 others were participating via a webcast. The university expected to make at least $100,000, which will go toward redeveloping the 272-acre site as a research and technology park. UD officials say they’ll know the final amount on Friday.

Last bits of Chrysler sold at auction (The News Journal)]

February 28th, 2010

NEWARK — A passel of auctioneers and a roomful of bidders were settled in for the long haul Thursday, as the University of Delaware auctioned nearly 1,000 lots of machinery, tools and other equipment from the closed Newark Chrysler assembly plant.
University leaders expected to make at least $100,000 from the auction, money that will go toward redeveloping the 272-acre site as a research and technology park. UD officials said they wouldn’t know the final tally until today. "We think [$100,000] is a conservative estimate," said Jennifer Davis, vice president for administration at UD. "[The auction] is a win, win, win. It’s a way to reuse items the university doesn’t need and all the proceeds will go back into demolition and reconstruction." As the auction’s 10 a.m. start time approached, more than 300 potential bidders were gathered in the auditorium at Clayton Hall on UD’s Laird Campus. About 250 others were participating via a webcast. Packed into a room typically used for business conferences, the audience was mostly male and the majority were clad in jeans and baseball caps, plaid flannel or camouflage. By 10:15, dozens of people were still registering for their numbered bidding paddles. A man rose from the audience and loudly addressed the auctioneers on the stage. "In all fairness, you should start the bidding," he told them. "That’s our competition!" Great American Group, the company running the auction, brought in three auctioneers for the sale, which was expected to last well into the evening — or later. Payment was due within 24 hours and buyers must remove their purchases from the plant by March 12. To remove items wired into the plant’s plumbing and electric systems, buyers had to either hire a professional machinery mover or show proof of at least $1 million of insurance. Several machinery moving businesses were on hand to bid and to offer their services to buyers. Nick Lykon, owner of Morrisville, Pa.-based A&A Machinery Moving, arranged a stack of business cards on the ledge behind his seat. He also brought along a laptop to work on while waiting to bid on machine shop equipment. –>(2 of 2) "There’s bargains at every auction, it’s just a matter of being patient," said Lykon, who said he attends about 50 auctions a year. "I’ve bought stuff for $100 and sold it for $15,000. Some people overpay, but my dad used to say that … if you come to an auction and spend money, it’s not like going to a casino, because you’re not walking home with nothing, at least you’re walking home with machinery." Auctioneer Ross Ettin’s fast-paced patter rose above the din of the crowd.

As Ettin ran the sale, auction staff monitored online bids and communicated with bidders via hoots, hollers, nods and hand gestures. Most of the lots contained dozens of individual tools and pieces of equipment. Some lots were sold as pairs, with buyers getting the choice to purchase one or both. "I’m here all day — my flight’s been canceled," Ettin said. He and other out-of-town attendees faced flight cancellations due to expected heavy snow. Early in the bidding, one man bought an assortment of jigsaws, rechargeable drills and hand tools for $300. The next lot was a single torque wrench that sold for $325. Staten Island, N.Y., machinery dealer Jeffrey Vass and his crew made the early purchase of a broach set — used to cut keyholes — for $175. "We took a shot on it — we’re not sure [of the set's potential resale value]," Vass said. "There’s a big turnout here — we’re not expecting any bargains. Everything is going for top dollar." Although many in the audience spend all year traveling to industrial equipment auctions, there were also plenty of newcomers and local bidders looking for a bargain close to home.
UD juniors Roy Collins and Bill Ogram didn’t have the cash to be successful bidders, but the mechanical engineering majors compared the experience of watching the sale of top-of-the-line milling machines and lathes to sports fans viewing an auction of rare memorabilia.

"A lot of milling machines or lathes cost $10,000," said Collins, a Millsboro native. "I’d like to see what they’ll bring in at auction after being heavily used." Richie Rinehimer, who owns an auto body shop in Newark, had his eye on storage containers and cabinets and automotive sanding stations.
Earlier in the week, he attended an auction preview at the auto plant with an employee who is a retired Chrysler worker. "It was good having someone from there to go in with me," he said. Rinehimer said he looked at the items for sale with more than a shopper’s eye. "I look and see all the job loss for Delaware," he said. "That’s the sad part, there are people’s lives in there; it’s more than tools."

Officials mull new use for Fenton Chrysler plant (Suburban Journals)]

February 28th, 2010

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Chrysler to Fix Crash Sensors in 355,000 Minivans (ABC News)]

February 28th, 2010

Chrysler Group LLC on Wednesday asked the owners of more than 355,000 of its popular minivans to take them to dealers in a few months to replace crash sensors that help to control the air bags. The sensors can crack and fail in 2005 and 2006 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models, Chrysler said in a statement. It is asking owners to wait until June to contact dealers because it needs time to distribute repair parts. The automaker is calling the move a "safety improvement campaign" and says it is not a recall. But National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spokeswoman Oliva Alair says the agency considers it a recall and is monitoring repairs to make sure they are carried out. Chrysler said that in some weather conditions, the front crash sensors can crack, causing water to enter. The company says the sensors help the air-bag control computer decide the speed and manner to deploy the safety devices. Sensors to be replaced are not the main airbag control sensor, the company said. The automaker says it is not aware of any complaints, injuries or property damage from the problem. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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