truth about domestics

The Jeep Wrangler is built right here in the U.S. of A. (Toledo, Ohio in case you were wondering) and the local newspaper, the Toledo Blade, is reporting that the Wrangler has some updates planned.  First and foremost, the Wrangler will not be getting a diesel engine option, but it will be getting Chrysler’s new V6 and hopefully a new transmission with something higher than 4 speeds.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Jeep)

In the past week, Chrysler has released information on special edition Jeeps, Dodges, and Chryslers, but I never stopped to think about Chrysler’s newest brand, Ram.  Will the Ram be getting new models too?  Well, according to PickupTrucks.com, Chrysler has two names trademarked that haven’t been mentioned yet, and those names are Laramie Prospector and Laramie Western Sky.  They believe these models will be released at next month’s Chicago Auto Show.  I guess only time will tell, so stay tuned for the latest from Truth About Domestics.

(Image source: Ram)

While it may be awhile before we see any products here in the U.S. from Fiat, it may not be so long before we see Chrysler products featuring Fiat technology.  Chrysler and Fiat will be sharing powertrain technologies in future products going forward, a move that Chrysler says will help increase their overall fuel-efficiency by 25% by 2014.  There will be two new four-cylinder engines and a new V6 as well.  The four-bangers will displace 1.4L and 2.4L and may feature turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve displacement too.  All versions of the engines should produce 10-15% more power while decreasing emissions by 10%.  For more details, including what products we can see these engines in, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Chrysler)

Jeep hasn’t had a ton of success lately, what with the current economic crisis and general public fear over rising gas prices looming.  So new models are hard to come by these days, so to help spur sales, Jeep will be announcing three special edition models next week.  Two are based on the Wrangler and one off the Liberty.  The Wrangler will be available in new “Islander” and “Mountain” trims, while the Liberty can be had in “Renegade” trim.  These optional packages are really just upgraded trim and some fancy details, but supposedly new powertrain options are in the works.  For more details and pretty pictures, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Jeep)

Chrysler’s new ad (seen above) shows how long Chrysler has been around, and hopefully they will be around for another 85 years (at least.)  Did you know, Walter Chrysler invented the “ridged rim” for tire wheels, designed to keep tires from flying off when deflated?  For more, head on over to Autoblog.

Jeep has a new advertisement out that shows women getting haircuts and fancy do’s and then hitting the road with the top down on their Jeep Wranglers.  Jalopnik apparently doesn’t get the message but I think I do.  Women are usually very particular about how their hair looks, hence the women in the commercial getting their hair styled.  What Jeep is trying to say next by having the women drive with the wind in their hair is that driving a Jeep is so much fun, you won’t care how your hair looks!  Or something like that.  Eh, cute girls driving American products, doesn’t get much better than that.

While the current Jeep Grand Cherokee is not a bad looking vehicle, its lackluster interior and poor fuel economy have made it a slow seller during the economic downturn.  That should all change when the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee hits the market sometime in 2010.  The vehicle features a much upgraded interior, a very sharp exterior design and the promise of better fuel economy and a competitive interior package.  Well, a new Jeep was recently spotted and the spy photos are up at Accelerating Perspectives.

(Image source: Accelerating Perspectives)

Some might see this list and say, “that’s why I refuse to buy American!”  However, when I look at this list created by Forbes, I see two things.  The first thing I see is that the article is totally biased in the fact that it fails to mention that 4 of the top 10 dirtiest vehicles are from German manufacturers.  The second thing I notice when looking at this list is that it appears that the Domestic 3 are learning.  Of the 6 American made vehicles on the list, 3 are out of production, another 1 is nearing its end and the other 2 are being substantially reworked to put them among the best in their class for fuel efficiency.  The list is below, along with the air pollution / greenhouse gas scores next to each vehicle.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee (3/1)
2. BMW M5 (6/0)
3. BMW M6 (6/0)
4. Chevrolet Trailblazer (6/0)
5. Mercedes-Benz CL600
6. Mercedes-Benz S600
7. Chrysler Aspen (6/1)
8. Dodge Dakota (6/1)
9. Dodge Ram 1500 (6/1)
10. Dodge Durango (6/1)

The other small annoyance to me is the fact that the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango showed up on the list even though they are basically the same vehicle and received the same score.  I know it’s not good to have a vehicle fall on this list, but the American 3 are making a comeback in this area with vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Ford Fusion hybrid.  (Note: vehicles in red are out of production/nearing the end of production, vehicles in blue are up for significant updates.)

Chrysler and Fiat have been trying to restructure and bring customers back into the showrooms.  So they decided to set out and define what each of their brands should target.  Chrysler will become a Cadillac competitor, Dodge will focus on driving dynamics and Jeep will focus on the rugged outdoors.  Where does that leave the Ram?  Well speculation exists that the Ram will become its own brand, focusing on trucks, vans and SUVs. 

I’m not really sure why they feel the need to move the Ram to its own brand, I mean, GM and Ford sell plenty of trucks and vans without making them their own line.  Hopefully this strategy works out for Chrysler in the future, I guess only time will tell.  For more information, head on over to InsideLine.

(Image source: Chrysler)

In what seems to be a really interesting turn of events, Chrysler is scaling back its incentive programs as dealers complain of low inventory levels.  When the C.A.R.S. program started, Chrysler was giving an additional $4,500 cash back on its cars.  Now however, they will be adjusting the cash back amount based on the vehicle brand and model.

Dealers are reporting low inventories of vehicles like the Chrysler Town and Country minivans and the Jeep Wrangler.  For more details, head on over to The Wall Street Journal and Autoblog.