Thursday, March 30, 2006

New 2007 Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase Will Have Extended Run at the New York International Auto Show, April 14-23


  • New Chrysler 300 is six inches longer than current models, providing an additional 10.2 cubic feet of interior space
  • Engine options include the 3.5-liter V-6 and the 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI®
It will soon take just a bit longer than usual to linger over the Chrysler 300.

Chrysler Group announced today that a new model - the 2007 Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase - will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, in the Jacob K. Javits Center, April 14-23 in New York City. The Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase is six inches longer than the current models, providing more than 46 inches of rear legroom and an additional 10.2 cubic feet of interior space. Available this fall, the lengthier Chrysler 300 is expected to
attract sales from the livery/limousine industry, as well as retail customers.

"The 300 Long Wheelbase will have six inches more of the elegant, distinct design that made the Chrysler 300 the most-awarded new car in automotive history," said David Rooney, Director -Chrysler Marketing Communications.
"In addition, limousine-like features have been added and custom options are available. The result is a truly distinctive and personalized experience for commercial and retail customers, all for what will be an affordable price."

Both the 300 Touring and 300C Long Wheelbase models can be ordered with unique, personalized features, including lighted rear writing tables, two 12-volt power ports for computers/cell phones, footrests, lighted vanity
mirrors and directional reading lights for rear passengers, and available custom paint colors or pinstriping.

The Chrysler 300 Touring Long Wheelbase model will be equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, providing 250 hp, more than some domestic V-8 competitors. The 300C Long Wheelbase will have the 5.7-liter V-8 HEMIR engine, generating 340 hp, and the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly reduces the number of cylinders from eight to four when less power is required, improving fuel economy.

The 300 Long Wheelbase will be modified by Accubuilt, a leading custom specialty vehicle manufacturer with more than 128 years of experience, based in Lima, Ohio, and will be sold through Chrysler dealerships.

Pricing and production information will be provided closer to launch this fall.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Dodge Set for Marketing Launch of All-new 2007 Caliber

Caliber Campaign Is "Anything But Cute"

  • Starting at $13,985, Caliber offers new slant on global compact car market
  • Currently arriving in U.S. showrooms, will arrive in international markets starting in the second quarter
  • Continues Dodge barrage of nine new vehicles in 2005 and 2006
  • Cutting-edge campaign starts next week, communicates on customers' terms utilizing target technology

The Dodge barrage continues.

This Sunday, Dodge, the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand, will begin marketing efforts to communicate the global launch of its all-new 2007 Caliber. The Dodge Caliber is one of nine new vehicles launched by the brand in 2005 and 2006.

"With bold styling, five-door functionality, space-efficient packaging and clever innovations, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber is designed to appeal to global consumers looking for value in a vehicle that stands out from the crowd," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Starting at $13,985, Dodge Caliber is not your typical small car, and our target market is not your typical consumer.

"In fact, this target demographic is extremely influential and equally difficult to reach," continued Murphy. "They prefer brands that are perceived as hip and popular, but not too commercial; they respond best to messages that are available where they congregate, both on- and off-line. For Dodge Caliber, one of our keys to success will be connecting with consumers on their terms using their technology."

The primary U.S. target market for Dodge Caliber is a single 25 to 35-year-old male or female (50/50 split) with a college education and a median income of $45,000. Many will be first-time new car buyers. The secondary target market is a 40-plus-year-old parent in search of a new car for their child. These parents demand affordability and safety, and consider the overall cost of ownership before purchasing a vehicle.

The underlying theme that runs through all Dodge Caliber creative is "Make Your Presence Felt," which translates uniquely across various markets. For the national market, this translates into "It's Anything but Cute." In the African American market, this translates into "Respect the Unexpected" and "Lightweight, a lot of Character" (Peso Ligero, Mucho Caracter) for the Hispanic consumer market.

"It's Anything But Cute"
The tagline for the national marketing campaign is "It's Anything But Cute." The campaign pokes fun at the traditional perception of small cars as "cute" and strategically positions the Caliber as anything but. Messages are delivered in a humorous, irreverent manner which appeals to this specific target demographic.

Interactive/Integrated Marketing
Dodge will allocate 20 percent of its Caliber advertising budget to non-traditional, interactive on-line outlets and gaming. The brand will focus on specific outlets including comedy, music, animation and sports.

Caliber content and games will be found on various lifestyle Web sites including The Onion, Daily Candy, The Knot and Office Pirates. In addition, Dodge will tap into social networking opportunities on MySpace.com, Friendster.com and Avatar on Yahoo! and MSN, where these target consumers typically self-express, self-publish and discover new ideas.

On Dodge.com, 30 modules will highlight and demonstrate key product features including the Chill Zone TM beverage storage bin, illuminated front cup holder rings, and the MusicGate Power TM Boston Acoustics sound system.

The Chill Zone is a cooled beverage storage bin that can hold up to four 20-oz. bottles or cans. Illuminated front cup holder rings glow an electroluminescent blue to match other center stack lighting. The MusicGate Power is an available 458-watt Boston Acoustics nine-speaker premium sound system with a subwoofer and two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities.

Television
Dodge Caliber commercials begin airing Sunday, March 26 and will run on both network and cable stations. Following are brief descriptions for five of the commercials:

"Too Tough" opens on a big city skyline. A fairy flies into the scene intent on changing the tough into cute. With a wave of her magic wand, she turns a gothic-looking building into a gingerbread house. Next, she turns an elevated train into a cute old-fashioned toy train. Then she notices the new Dodge Caliber. She pursues the Caliber and tries to turn the Caliber into something cute. On her last attempt, her magic spell reflects off the side of the Caliber and knocks her to the ground. A tough guy walking his tough dog walks by and laughs. She flicks her wand and turns him into a cute guy walking several small, wimpy dogs. The spot is brought home with the tag line, "Introducing the all-new Dodge Caliber. It's anything but cute."

To view this video with Windows Media Player, click:

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"Moon Dog" opens on a Dodge Caliber driving in a city. The Caliber passes a cute car with a cute dog looking out the side window. The dog whines as the Caliber passes. The Caliber passes another cute car with another cute dog staring outside. The dog whimpers as the Caliber passes. Scene cuts to inside of the Caliber. The driver glances over his shoulder and sees his dog looking at him. The driver says, "You are one sick puppy." The commercial cuts to the exterior of the Caliber to reveal that the dog inside is "mooning" the other dogs. Another cute dog reacts to the moon. The Caliber drives away with the dog still mooning, "Introducing the all-new Dodge Caliber. It's anything but cute."

To view this video with Windows Media Player, click:

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"Focus Group" opens on a moderator pulling a sheet off of and revealing the new Dodge Caliber. A group of automotive executives watch the scene from an observation room. "So what do you think?" the moderator asks. The focus group consists of five ultra-cute little creatures. "It doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside," says the first fluffy little critter. "It's not adorable. It's not huggable. It's not cuddly," the rest chime in. One even says that it scares him. Back in the observation room, car executives are all smiles. "Just the response we were looking for," says one to his colleague. The spot concludes with, "Introducing the all-new Dodge Caliber. It's anything but cute."

"Wave" opens with a young woman as she walks down the street and passes a beauty salon offering free facials. Passing up the offer, she continues on her way and gets into her new Dodge Caliber. She plugs her iPod into the built-in connector and starts driving out of the city. The voice-over points out the bold styling and agility expected from a Dodge vehicle. The spot transitions from the urban environment to a coastal environment. It is clear the woman is headed for the beach. At the beach, she pulls out a water bottle from the Chill Zone and lowers the vehicle's music gate. The viewer sees the spacious cargo area as the rear seats fold. The voice-over describes all of the unexpected features of the Caliber (Chill Zone and MusicGate Power Boston Acoustics sound system) as the woman grabs her surfboard and heads for the beach. Instead of attending a beach party or sunbathing, she hits the water on her surfboard. Voice-over ends with the tag line, "Respect the Unexpected."

To view this video with Windows Media Player, click:

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"Boxer" opens with a tight shot of the Dodge Caliber radio volume button and a gymnasium combination lock on a split screen. A Caliber speaker and wheel are also displayed side-by-side with a split screen. The spot continues showing the Caliber and a boxer in a variety of activities, including a grille shot while the boxer is bench pressing, and a shot of the Caliber rear hatch and MusicGate sound system next to the boxer flexing his back muscles. As the boxer's workout intensifies, the camera shows the Caliber Chill Zone as a cold bottle of water is taken from the compartment. Additional scenes show the Caliber's speakers resonating as the boxer hits a speed bag. Caliber performance is demonstrated by showing the piston movement as the boxer jumps rope beside it. The Caliber's speed and agility is demonstrated as it sprints down an open stretch as the Boxer runs alongside it and up the gymnasium stairs. The spot concludes with the Caliber navigating through gymnasium beams as the boxer bobs and weaves under an intense light. The Caliber then slides into frame as the boxer hits a punching bag in the background and the announcer says: "The New Dodge Caliber: Lightweight; lots of Character."

To view this video with Windows Media Player, click:

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Print
Print advertising launches in March weeklies/May monthlies and includes a variety of publications including Maxim, Stuff, Spin, Rolling Stone, Mad Magazine, Marvel Comics, ESPN, Sports Weekly, Entertainment Weekly and MPH.

Following are some of the print advertisements with brief descriptions:

  • "Copier" shows Dodge Caliber in a traditional office setting with its rear end parked on top of a copy machine
  • "Principal" features Dodge Caliber parked outside of a traditional school principal's office
  • "Tattoo" features Dodge Caliber in a tattoo parlor getting a tattoo on its rear bumper
  • "Bumper Cars" features an image of Dodge Caliber as a bold bumper car along with cute, wimpy bumper cars

Following are multi-cultural print advertisements with brief descriptions:

  • "Rock Climber" features an image of Dodge Caliber and an African American male rock climber
  • "Respect the Unexpected" features an image of Dodge Caliber with an African American female surfer
  • "Lightweight. A Lot of Character" features an image of Dodge Caliber with a Hispanic boxer

Dodge Brand
With more than 1.4 million vehicles sold globally in 2005 (1,179,008 in the U.S.), Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the number five nameplate in the U.S. auto market. This year, Dodge will expand into international markets with Caliber and Nitro.

Dodge has a seven percent market share in the U.S. In the minivan market, Dodge has a 19.5 percent market share. In the truck market, Dodge has a 16 percent market share and in the car market, Dodge has a 3.7 percent market share.

With nine all-new vehicles launched in 2005 and 2006, momentum for the Dodge brand will continue. Dodge Caliber joins a stable of new vehicles including Dodge Nitro, Charger, Ram Mega Cab, Ram 1500, Viper SRT10 Coupe, Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Caliber SRT4 and Charger SRT8.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

The 2006 Crossfire

First available for 2005, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster was developed in parallel with the Coupe from its inception, which enhanced the Roadster's structural rigidity. Combined with stunning design features from the Coupe, the 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster's proven engineering ensures that drivers will enjoy a tight, solid and quiet ride, with exceptional body torsional stiffness of 29.2 Hz.

Under the hood, a 3.2-liter 90-degree, 18-valve, V-6 SOHC engine delivers 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 229 lb.-ft. (310 N•m) of torque at 3,000 rpm to both Coupeand Roadster drivers.

Coupe and Roadster versions of the 2006 Chrysler Crossfire are equipped with a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is designed to help drivers maintain control during extreme steering maneuvers and low traction conditions. The Crossfire's ESP senses when the car is starting to spin (oversteer) or plow (understeer) and attempts to correct the vehicle's course by automatically controlling the throttle and applying the brakes at individual wheels. This provides directional stability in turns, even on uneven surfaces.

All-speed traction control also is standard on all Chrysler Crossfire models. This feature senses drive-wheel slip and individually brakes the slipping wheel and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained. This enhances the Crossfire's mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. It also provides a measure of directional stability control and helps keep the car on its intended course.

The Crossfire Coupe and Roadster's standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist keeps the cars straight and retains steering capability while braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lock-up.

"Proven engineering features like ESP and traction control give Chrysler Crossfire customers a thrilling ride with all the security that the latest driving technology can offer," said Larry Achram, Director – Virtual Engineering and Crossfire. "Incorporating proven technology ensures that the Crossfire's performance matches the driving expectations promised by its sleek sports-car styling."

Exceptional Styling, Inside and Out, Coupe or Roadster
With a low-slung, sculpted appearance, the 2006 Crossfire features distinctive lines and dynamic proportions.

The Crossfire's rear view is instantly recognizable with a tapered, "boat tail" appearance that emphasizes the sports car's 19-inch rear wheels. Both Coupe and Roadster versions feature a retractable spoiler designed into the rear of the vehicle that activates when the car reaches 60 mph. The center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) runs the width of the deployable rear spoiler on the Roadster.

To achieve an even more dynamic appearance on the Crossfire Roadster, satin silver painted sport bars appear just behind the driver and passenger seats. They ride in two race-inspired fairings integrated into the top of the tonneau cover, which complete the Roadster's rakish look.

With its long hood and fast back, the 2006 Chrysler Crossfire also has a dynamic side view. The car's broad shoulders envelop 19-inch rear wheels, while the front wheels measure 18 inches. The larger rear wheels give the side profile a poised stance.

Both Coupe and Roadster models sport a distinctive side view character line that moves precisely and rapidly from front to rear. The character line "crosses" to a negative formation as it travels from the front through the rear fender, giving credence to the name "Crossfire."

A central spine runs from the bottom of the front fascia through the grille, hood and into the rear deck and fascia. Inside the Crossfire's twin cockpit interior, this same center spine shape bisects the center console, shifter and instrument panel. From the driver's seat, the center spine shape appears to continue from the instrument panel through the windshield and onto the hood.

The Crossfire Limited seats are trimmed in leather with Chrysler's signature winged badge embossed into both headrests. The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel as opposed to the steering column, while the car's precise, white-on-black gauges feature black bezels and satin silver trim rings. The center console has a metallic finish that flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car to achieve a twin cockpit look. Satin silver accents are featured throughout the interior including the doors, steering wheel and instrument cluster.

2006 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe and Crossfire Roadster Features
Available on the 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, the special edition package is offered with either an automatic or manual transmission and is exclusively available with an Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint. SRT6-style cast-aluminum wheels, a black windshield surround and satin silver door handles and hallmark side louvers are included in the special edition package, as are Dark Slate Gray cloth seats.

The 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe includes a standard six-speed manual transmission, a monochromatic Black exterior, a Dark Slate Gray interior, performance cloth seating, Continental SportContact 2 tires, an AM/FM/CD radio with four speakers, power windows, speed control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, ESP and all-speed traction control. Optional Continental all-season performance tires also are available.

The 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe Limited is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®. Standard features on the Crossfire Coupe Limited include power windows, speed control, heated leather power seats, Michelin Pilot Sport 2® tires, a 240-watt Infinity® Modulus® AM/FM/CD audio system with digital amplifier and dual subwoofers, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, ESP, all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, heated mirrors, fog lamps and a universal garage door opener. An Infinity Modulus AM/FM/CD audio system with GPS navigation and Continental All-season Performance tires also are available as options.

The 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster includes a standard six-speed manual transmission, a monochromatic Black exterior, a Dark Slate Gray interior, performance cloth seating, Continental SportContact 2 tires, an AM/FM/CD radio with four speakers, a power convertible fabric top, full power hard tonneau, heated glass back light, power windows, speed control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, ESP and all-speed traction control. Optional Continental All-season Performance tires also are available.

The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Limited is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. Standard features on this model include a power convertible fabric top, full power hard tonneau, power windows, speed control, heated leather power seats, Continental SportContact 2 tires, a 240-watt Infinity Modulus AM/FM/CD audio system with digital amplifier and dual subwoofers, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, heated mirrors, fog lamps and a universal garage door opener. An Infinity Modulus AM/FM/CD audio system with Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation and Continental All-season Performance tires also are available as options.

Color Availability
The 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe Limited is available in seven colors: Oyster Gold Crystal Metallic (new), Machine Gray Crystal Pearl Coat (new), Aero Blue Pearl Coat, Alabaster, Black, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat and Sapphire Silver Metallic. Available interior colors include Dark Slate Gray, Dark Slate Gray/Medium Slate Gray and Dark Slate Gray/Cedar.

The 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Limited is available in eight colors: Oyster Gold Crystal Metallic (new), Machine Gray Crystal Pearl Coat (new), Classic Yellow, Aero Blue Pearl Coat, Alabaster, Black, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat and Sapphire Silver Metallic. Available interior colors include Dark Slate Gray, Dark Slate Gray/Medium Slate Gray, Dark Slate Gray/Cedar and Dark Slate Gray/Cool Vanilla.

Production
The 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster and Crossfire Coupe are manufactured in Osnabrück, Germany, in conjunction with Karmann, a long-time DaimlerChrysler partner.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

DaimlerChrysler's Toluca Assembly Plant Marks 1 Millionth Chrysler PT Cruiser Manufacturing Milestone

To the cheers of a large crowd made up of DaimlerChrysler Toluca Assembly Plant employees and invited guests, Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour announced that the Toluca facility recently reached a major milestone: the production of the 1 millionth Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Toluca Assembly Plant is home of the Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan and convertible models. Production began in March 2000.

The celebration came on the heels of a $1 billion joint investment announcement between DaimlerChrysler and its suppliers to modernize and re-tool its Mexican Manufacturing Operations and to create two industrial parks for suppliers.

"This significant manufacturing milestone reflects the global market demand for the Chrysler PT Cruiser," said Ridenour. "The Chrysler PT Cruiser set new world standards with its unique styling and interior roominess. The bottom line is that consumers are demanding more of our remarkable products, and our Toluca Assembly Plant employees played a key role in the success of this vehicle."

Other special guests at today's ceremony included Mexico President Vicente Fox; Joe ChamaSrour, President and Managing Director – DaimlerChrysler de Mexico; Roberto Gutierrez, Vice President of Manufacturing – DaimlerChrysler Mexico; Jose Chaparro, Plant Manager – Toluca Assembly Plant; Mexico Governor Enrique Pena Nieto; and Hugo Diaz, General Leader – DaimlerChrysler de Mexico Union.

"Six years ago, DaimlerChrysler launched a whole new generation of segment-busting vehicles when we began building the Chrysler PT Cruiser at this plant," said ChamaSrour. "From the beginning, these vehicles have won wide acclaim from automotive writers and from the global car-buying public. It's unique, it's popular and most of all, it's an important part of the DaimlerChrysler family."

Completely updated for the 2006 model year, the Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to lead the segment in style, versatility, quality and performance. In addition to many exterior upgrades, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible feature all-new interiors, improved performance and a boost of horsepower, giving the available High-Output Turbo engine a power boost for 2006, now rated at 230 horsepower (171.5 kW) and 245 lb.-ft. (332 N•m) of torque, up from the previous 220 horsepower. Chrysler PT Cruiser sales have also seen a boost. Sales of this one-of-a-kind vehicle were up 16 percent in the United Sates for the 2005 calendar year.

Since the launch of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, DaimlerChrysler has received more than 30 international awards for the innovative vehicle.

Awards the vehicle has won include:

  • 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Guide, "Best Buy - Compact Cars Category"
  • 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports, "Recommended"
  • 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Edmunds.com, "Most Significant"
  • 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, AutoPacific, "Top Vehicle customer satisfaction"
  • 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, North American International Auto Show, "North American Car of the Year"
  • 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, African Americans on Wheels and Latinos on Wheels, "Car of the Year"
  • 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Strategic Vision, "Compact Car Segment"
  • 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Industrial Design Excellence, "Gold Award"
  • 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Automobile Magazine, "Best Small Car"

The Toluca Assembly Plant is the sole producer of Chrysler PT Cruiser. The vehicle is sold in 60 countries around the world.

AAA and Parents Magazine Names Dodge Charger, Chrysler Town & Country and Jeep® Commander to "Best Cars for Families" List

Three Chrysler Group vehicles have made AAA (American Automobile Association) and Parents magazine's list of "Best Cars for Families" for 2006. The Dodge Charger, Chrysler Town & Country (Grand Voyager in RHD) and Jeep® Commander were chosen based upon their safety, performance and value to consumers.

"We are delighted that AAA and Parents magazine has recognized three of our vehicles to this important list," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing. "Chrysler Group is committed to providing vehicles to our customers that are safe, innovative, fun-to-drive and deliver superior value."

AAA's 100 years of auto safety expertise, combined with Parents' insight into family needs and wants, led to a lengthy list of criteria for 2006 models. A team of reviewers from both AAA and Parents considered everything from air bags and fuel economy to cup holders and cargo space when voting. They installed child safety and booster seats and chose vehicles that are among the top crash-test performers.

The annual list appears in the April issue of Parents magazine, which hits newsstands Tuesday, March 14.

2006 Dodge Charger
Named in the sedan category, the 2006 Dodge Charger is a fresh, contemporary execution of modern muscle with the convenience and interior capacity of a full-size passenger car. Offered at a U.S. Manufacturer's Retail Price (MSRP) starting under $23,000, the Charger is an affordable family car that delivers fun-to-drive performance at a great value. The car is equipped with a 250 horsepower V-6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick and includes standard features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS). The available 340 hp, 5.7-liter HEMI® engine delivers 0-60 mph time of about six seconds and is equipped with a Multi-displacement System (MDS) that transparently shuts down from eight to four cylinders as needed, improving fuel economy by as much as 20 percent without sacrificing vehicle performance. The Charger is equipped with integrated safety and security features providing occupant protection, safety and security on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Dodge Charger five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest rating in the U.S. Government's safety crash test program.

2006 Chrysler Town & Country (Grand Voyager in RHD)
Named in the minivan category, the 2006 Chrysler Town & Country, the first and best-selling luxury minivan, stays true to the original minivan formula by offering innovative features in an elegant package without sacrificing value. Chrysler Group is the only manufacturer with fold-in-the-floor second and third row seats, the Stow 'n Go TM seating and storage system. The system features second row bucket seats that can be folded into the floor and a third row 60/40 split bench seat that can fold into the floor or fold rearward to face out the tailgate when the minivan is parked. When the seats are in the upright position, there are six cubic feet of covered storage space available in the second row, and six cubic feet of storage space available in the third row. The headrests do not need to be removed when the seats are stowed, and the seats can be stowed individually or together. The Chrysler Town & Country delivers families to their destination in a classy, useful and safe minivan.

2006 Jeep Commander
Named in the sport-utility vehicle (SUV) category, the Jeep Commander is the most capable seven-passenger vehicle in the market, offering more power, control, flexibility, advanced safety technology and premium amenities than any of its three-row SUV competitors. The Jeep Commander includes the highest level of standard safety and security technology and features ever offered on a Chrysler Group vehicle. And, Commander offers more Jeep at an incredible value. Because Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats, more passengers — seven — can visit more places to enjoy its go-anywhere, do-anything capability. And, of course, it's Jeep Trail Rated®.




Friday, March 10, 2006

Battle scarred Grand Voyager

When it comes to an MPV, you cannot compromise on safety. As a people mover, safety is of paramount importance. The following pictures were taken off a Chrysler Grand Voyager broadsided by a monstrous ten wheeler truck.


Do note that the left side of the Grand Voyager caved in from on impact of the crash.


Part of the roof collapsed.

The impact of the collison tore across the doors severely damaging the left side of the vehicle. However the chassis remains intact.

Another view of badly damaged sliding doors. Note that the extrusion bars prevented the sliding doors from bottoming in. The seats remain anchored.

The front passenger was injured but the owner escaped unscathed. The vehicle has been totalled and the owner is back to buying a new Grand Voyager. It has to be because if it had been a Japanese MPV, it'd have been a different story. Sometimes it takes pictures like these to grimly remind us that safety cannot be compromised.