Trademark: New Yorker update

(words only): NEW YORKER

Standard Character claim: Yes

Current Status: Opposition period completed, a Notice of Allowance has been issued.

Date of Status: 2006-08-22

Filing Date: 2005-08-25

The Notice of Allowance Date is: 2006-08-22

Transformed into a National Application: No

Registration Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)

Register: Principal

Law Office Assigned: LAW OFFICE 113

Attorney Assigned:
AMOS TANYA L Employee Location

Current Location: 700 -Intent To Use Section

Date In Location: 2006-08-22

Trenton wants DaimlerChrysler to build a new engine plant next to its existing one.

The Detroit News, David Coates / The Detroit News - -Trenton's aggressive push to land a DaimlerChrysler engine plant is the type of strategy needed to secure auto jobs in Michigan. But more study of the proposal to permanently close Van Horn Road is in order.

The four-lane road is the main access to Grosse Ile and closing it without a viable alternative leaves island residents in the lurch. About 16,000 cars a day travel along Van Horn between Grosse Ile and Trenton, and it's a main connector to Interstate 75.

Closing it would force island residents to detour about 30 minutes through downtown Trenton, Grosse Ile Supervisor Kurt Kobiljak told The News.

Trenton officials say the land is needed for a new DCX engine plant, which would be situated next to an existing 2 million-square-foot factory. DaimlerChrysler is expected to announce within two weeks where it will locate the $800 million factory. About 700 jobs will be created to build V-6 engines. Kenosha, Wis., and Toledo also are in the running.

Trenton's thinking is in the right frame of mind. Aggressive actions are needed to prove that Michigan is still the best place to locate auto plants. The Downriver city has been working on its plan for three months, and about three weeks ago was told Van Horn had to be closed to accommodate the DCX design, says Trenton Mayor Gerald Brown.

"Right away we thought about Grosse Ile," he says. "I understand the concerns, and we're going to try to find alternatives."

Installing "smart" traffic lights that would better control traffic flow along adjacent roads at a cost of about $1.5 million is one option. Widening other east-west roads and adding turn lanes are others. Wayne County officials also have been involved in the discussions and would have to approve most actions.

A careful balance must be met. Grosse Ile residents shouldn't be massively inconvenienced and Trenton must be willing to shoulder some of the costs to ensure that doesn't happen. If a plan can be hatched that appeases both communities, it will send a strong signal to DaimlerChrysler and other automotive companies that Michigan is willing to be creative to get their business.

This Day in Auto History: 25 AUGUST

8.25.1880 - Albert Gerry Partridge of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is born in Jamestown, NY

8.25.1910 - Walden W. Shaw and John D. Hertz form the Walden W. Shaw Livery Company, ancestor of the Yellow Cab Company

8.25.1922 - Fred Gilbert Secrest of the Ford Motor Company is born in Lakewood, OH

8.25.1941 - The Packard Twentieth Series is introduced

8.25.1958 - The Volvo PV544 is introduced

Default Chrysler CEO Downplays Noise About Auto Maker Alliances

John D. Stoll, DOW JONES NEWSWIRES DETROIT -- The chief executive of DaimlerChrysler AG's (DCX) U.S. unit said Thursday he isn't spending much time evaluating what-if scenarios related to the potential of another major alliance in the global auto industry.

Tom LaSorda, speaking during an interview at Chrysler Group headquarters, said he expects consolidation to take place in the global auto industry in coming years, but said "it will be very slow and calculated." He said he doesn't foresee "a lot" of consolidation between auto companies in the near future and said he expects most of the merger activity to take place on a regional basis.

"I think what you'll find is there may be consolidation taking place in regions of the world that had never had that taking place," he said. Small Japanese companies, such as Suzuki Motor Corp. (7269.TO) or Isuzu Motors Ltd. (7202.TO), may be strong alliance candidates for some auto makers, LaSorda suggested. He also said there are a slew of Chinese companies that might be ripe for partnering up with bigger auto makers looking to make inroads in China.

LaSorda's comments come as the potential of a tie-up involving General Motors Corp. (GM) and the existing alliance between Renault SA (13190.FR) and Nissan Motor Co. (NSANY) has dominated auto industry headlines in recent weeks. The possible tie-up was first publicly floated by GM investor Kirk Kerkorian on June 30 and the companies began discussing potential synergies in mid-July. The preliminary talks are set to conclude in October.
Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ford Motor Co. (F) Chief Executive Bill Ford has called Renault/Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn concerning forging an alliance if talks with GM fall through.

A new alliance involving any of the companies promises to shake up the global auto industry and would impact key players, including DaimlerChrysler, which is the sixth largest auto maker in the world in terms of production volumes, according to Ward's Automotive Reports.

Renault/Nissan is the fifth largest player when production volume is combined for both companies.

LaSorda said a GM/Renault/Nissan alliance would result in a mega-player. Indeed, such an entity would dominate the global production landscape, owning 24% of the world's vehicle output share with a presence in virtually every market in the world.

When asked if Chrysler has followed on the heels of other auto makers, such as Ford, and begun game-planning to prepare for such an alliance, Lasorda said, "No, what I have to game-plan is great products, quality and (market) share. If somebody joins forces with someone else, I wish them limited success."

Chrysler merged with DaimlerBenz in 1998. It has spent the past eight years combining various functions of the company, including engineering, while trying to sharpen the focus of DaimlerChrysler's various high-volume and luxury brands. The company has cited various instances where it has achieved cost savings thanks to the partnership.

DaimlerChrysler is now utilizing the Chrysler business, which includes the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, to grow in various global markets. Chrysler has begun an aggressive push in China, for instance, and recently launched the Dodge brand in Europe. DaimlerChrysler's Smart brand, run by the Mercedes car unit, is headed for the U.S. in 2008.

LaSorda is preparing the U.S. arm of the company for its next push into global markets as he finalizes a plan to partner with another auto maker to build sub-compact cars in Asia or Europe. LaSorda said the company is in talks with more than one auto maker about the joint-venture and it plans to utilize the small car to grow in various regions, including Europe, while capitalizing on growing demand for fuel-efficient cars in the U.S.

2006-08-25 00:44 (Mw 6.4) SALTA, ARGENTINA -24.3 -66.9

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: SALTA, ARGENTINA
Geographic coordinates: 24.323S, 66.887W
Magnitude: 6.4 Mw
Depth: 156 km
Universal Time (UTC): 25 Aug 2006 00:44:43
Time near the Epicenter: 24 Aug 2006 21:44:43
Local time in your area: 25 Aug 2006 01:44:43

Location with respect to nearby cities:
112 km (69 miles) W (261 degrees) of San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
152 km (94 miles) WNW (289 degrees) of Salta, Argentina 290 km (180 miles) SE (135 degrees) of Calama, Chile
936 km (582 miles) W (274 degrees) of ASUNCION, Paraguay

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rvab

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist at NEIC For subsequent updates, maps, and technical information, see:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usrvab.php

2006-08-24 21:50 (Mw 6.4) NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA 51.2 157.5

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
Geographic coordinates: 51.188N, 157.522E
Magnitude: 6.4 Mw
Depth: 70 km
Universal Time (UTC): 24 Aug 2006 21:50:39
Time near the Epicenter: 25 Aug 2006 10:50:39
Local time in your area: 24 Aug 2006 22:50:39

Location with respect to nearby cities:
113 km (70 miles) ENE (60 degrees) of Severo-Kuril'sk, Kuril Islands, Russia
218 km (135 miles) SSW (201 degrees) of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia
2232 km (1387 miles) NE (34 degrees) of TOKYO, Japan

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rucu

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist at NEIC For subsequent updates, maps, and technical information, see:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usrucu.php

Car Sales Indicate Recession

THE TIMES - - A newly unveiled car-sales indicator suggests that the U.S. economy is about to go into a recession ? or is already there.

News last Friday that Ford was cutting 20 percent of its production may be the first of coming problems faced by the auto giant ? and industry analysts expect GM and Chrysler to make similar cuts soon.

But the bad news is that falling car sales is one of the strongest indicators of recession.
The New York Times reported this weekend that since World War II, car sales have been a near-perfect barometer of the nation?s economic health.

According to the indicator, if sales by new-car dealers are down by 2 percent or more over 12 months, compared to the 12 previous months and adjusted for inflation, then a recession is either underway or set to begin within a few months.

And the figure stood at minus 2.4 percent when June sales figures were released by the Census Bureau.



The indicator has correctly called five recessions since 1968, and has never warned of a recession that did not occur, according to an analysis by The New York Times.

For instance, the indicator dipped to minus 2.9 percent in November 1979, and a recession began two months later; it dropped to minus 2.6 percent in May 2001, just two months after a recession began.

The indicator measures all sales by new-car dealers, including the sale of used cars, parts, and service. It does not measure sales by dealers who sell only used cars.
The accuracy of the new indicator ?makes sense, in part because there are often cheaper alternatives to new-car dealers, whether for service or for buying used cars that may be older or have more miles than the preowned vehicles that new-car dealers feature on their used-car lots,? the Times reports.

Consumers tend to look for these cheaper alternatives when the economy slumps, and right now they are being pinched by higher fuel prices at the same time the slumping real estate market is making it more difficult to take money out of home equity to purchase a vehicle.

If a recession is indeed underway, the recent economic recovery coming out of the recession that began in 2001 ?will have been the least beneficial one ever for the new-car dealers,? according to the Times.

The best yearly increase in sales during the recovery was a paltry 6.9 percent, ?far below the peaks of other recoveries.?

A key reason for lagging car sales during the recent recovery is the real estate bubble. Residential real estate accounted for more than two-thirds of recent GDP growth ? and other key sectors never saw the same overall rebound. Now, the real estate boom has come to an end . . . and the consequences may be dire for the U.S. economy.

Chrysler chief prepares for $4 gas

Tom LaSorda also says company continues to push UAW for conessions

JOSEPH SZCZESNY, Press Automotive Editor - -The Chrysler Group is now focusing on what happens to car sales when gasoline hangs around $3 or $4 per gallon as it prepares for the future Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group chief executive officer, said Wednesday he still believes their is room for reaching a new agreement with the United Auto Workers on health care.

"I don't have anything new to report. We're going to keep dialoguing. The third quarter isn't done yet. We've still got a month and half. We know the competition and we know what has to be done," LaSorda told reporters after presiding over a kick-off of the company's United Way Torch Drive.

Moreover, the principal of pattern bargaining, which has long prevailed in the UAW's relations with the Big Three indicates that the Chrysler Group will get the same kind of deal as General Motors and Ford Motor Co.

The UAW signed agreements last year that have placed new limits on health care benefits for both full time employees and retirees at both companies.

The UAW, however, has reacted coolly to Chrysler's request and local union officials representing Chrysler workers have said they doubt they could get an agreement ratified. Failure to act on Chrysler's request could set the stage for a bitter clash during negotiations next year.

LaSorda also said he was pushing the group to put more emphasis on fuel economy. "Internally we're saying 'what if it sits between $3 and $4 per gallon.' I'm telling our team 'assume $3 per gallon and assume $4,' " he said.

"What do we do? I hope it goes down but that's like waiting for disaster so we preplan. We just got some fuel economy ratings on the 2.4 Sebring," he said. "We'll get 32 miles per gallon on the highway, which is great for a mid-sized sedan. We are looking at other applications for how we can use our powertrains and how to mix stuff around and get better fuel economy."

The Sebring built in the company's re-tooled assembly plant in Sterling Heights is due in showrooms this fall.

LaSorda also said the automaker was looking for a subcompact or B-class car to add to its current model line. "Hopefully we'll have a pretty good story," said LaSorda, who along with his other duties has decided to take a lead role in guiding the small car plan to fruition.

"We haven't said China. We've looked at Asia and Europe. We've got a couple of things in dialogue," said LaSorda, noting the company is trimming production of fullsize sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Sales of the big vehicles have stalled as gasoline prices have increased.

"In trucks you can move the market a little. Fully 40 percent of the pickups are in the south. Our (market) share is holding but it's more expensive to hold," LaSorda said. "We have had a swing of about 4 percentage points from trucks and SUVs to mid-sized SUVs and smaller cars. Were adjusting production from bigger trucks to smaller vehicles."

Sales of big SUVs have been particularly slow, he said.

The company's new smaller vehicles are doing well, he added.

"We have 90,000 orders for the Caliber and Jeep Compass."

LaSorda also encouraged employees to give generously to the United Way this year. "It's no secret just how tough it's been for both our community and the United Way of Southeastern Michigan over the past few years. The Chrysler Group is known for its generosity and leadership and I know that I can count on you to maintain this tradition."

DCX puts dealers in a bind - No Calibers without taking overstocks

KATIE MERX, FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER - - Chrysler Group dealers say the company won't give fast-selling Calibers to dealers who won't buy excessive stock of big trucks, SUVs and less-popular cars. The company is even threatening to hold back other upcoming fuel-efficient vehicles, they said.

Dealers say that during a satellite broadcast last week, the company asked them to take on 50% more inventory than they want, or at least 90 days' worth. But it offered to help them foot the financing costs for anything above 80 days' worth.

"They're incentivizing the dealer to take more product," Gary Ran, an analyst at Telemus Capital Partners in Southfield, said Wednesday. "It's just like the incentives Chrysler has already made available to the customer."

Chrysler declined to comment on the specifics of the call, but a spokesman said the company tries to provide a balanced variety of vehicles to its dealers. No dealers are being singled out, and there are no repercussions for not accepting vehicles, he said.

It is not uncommon for automakers and dealers, which are independent but closely linked businesses, to push and pull each other over slow-selling vehicles.

"Dealerships don't have full control of what they're going to get. This is especially true of domestic dealerships," said Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis at Edmunds.com.

On Wednesday, Chrysler announced that it would offer, for one week, $750 to $1,500 to customers who buy vehicles that haven't sold for at least 146 days -- those with invoice dates of March 31 or earlier.

In July, the automaker revived employee pricing and 0% financing on slower-moving inventory such as the Dodge Durango SUV and Dodge Ram 1500 pickup.

A change in what drivers want

Gas prices hovering around $3 per gallon have slowed sales of large vehicles. Customers instead are moving to small vehicles such as the new Dodge Caliber, which can get an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Chrysler, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. all have said in the last week that they will cut production of their large pickups and SUVs in the fourth quarter in response to the decreasing demand for the vehicles.

And Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda said Wednesday in Auburn Hills that the company is "upping production of all the cars and mid-size SUVs."

But dealers and analysts say the companies were too slow to see the turn in the market.

Edmunds.com reports that last month, while the Caliber sold 17 days after arriving on dealer lots, on average, Rams sat for 92 days -- about three months -- before a sale, and Durangos sat for an average of 136 days, or 4 1/2 months.

LaSorda said the incentives should help clear out that old inventory. But dealers and analysts say the incentives aren't good for anybody.

"They're just another indication that things haven't turned around a bit," Ran said.

Two dealers, who wished to remain unnamed to avoid possible repercussions from Chrysler, said the company's offer to share the cost of financing more inventory seems to be a move to unload its own excessive inventories off storage lots near its manufacturing plants. Chrysler offered to pay dealers who carry more than 80 days' worth of inventory a flat per vehicle fee of $100 to $150 per month to cover the cost of financing those vehicles. The amount depends on how long the vehicle sits before it sells.

But dealers said Chrysler's financial incentive doesn't cover the whole cost and doesn't do anything to sell them.

The two dealers said they were hopeful that the offer announced Wednesday would help move old inventory off their lots.

Chrysler's profits fell 91% in the second quarter, and the company has forecast that it could lose $600 million the three months ending Sept. 30.

Chrysler dealers said they believed part of Chrysler's motive for forcing more inventory onto sales lots is to reduce the overall number of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers nationwide, much like Ford said last week that it plans to do.

This Day in Auto Histroy: 24 AUGUST

24.1881 - Vincenzo Lancia is born in Fobello di Valsesia, Italy

8.24.1916 - John Herbert Gerstenmaier of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is born in Saint Paul, MN

8.24.1931 - Eugene John McMullen of Oldsmobile dies at age 44 from injuries resulting from an automobile accident

8.24.1946 - Charles H. McCrea, President of the National Malleable & Steel Castings Company since September 1942, dies in Cleveland, OH at age 56

8.24.1957 - Daniel S. Eddins, President of Oldsmobile 1925-1933 and President of Plymouth 1934-1952, dies at age 70

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Dodge: We will be top ten [Sydney Australia]

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, AUSTRALIA - -The boxy Caliber hatch marks the return of iconic American brand Dodge to Australia, but don't expect the muscle cars it's famed for, reports GLENN BUTLER.

Iconic American brand Dodge has returned to Australia full of boasting, bravado and big claims, determined to forge itself a top-ten share of Australian new car sales.

And while long term plans involve muscle cars and coupes the likes of which forged Dodge's reputation in the past, Dodge will initially offer economy-focused cars with more visual aggression than physical power.

The $23,990 Caliber hatchback may be the first Dodge passenger car on sale in Australia since the Phoenix was withdrawn in 1981, but it won't be the only one. Far from it, says Dodge – and Chrysler – managing director Gerry Jenkins.

"We will follow the Caliber with an additional new model roughly every six month," he told drive.com.au at the launch last week. Jenkins confirmed that the next Dodge would be the Nitro four-wheel drive, which shares underbody mechanicals with its Jeep Cherokee stable-mate, but wears its own distinctively Dodge body.

He said a Mazda6-size sedan – quite possibly the replacement for the US-only Sebring model – would land sometime in 2007, followed by a large sedan – Dodge Charger, perhaps – in early 2008.

"Our goal," says Jenkins" is to be among the top ten in Australia."

The entry point for top ten status is more than 25,000 sales per annum, or roughly 2000 per month. That is a lofty aspiration for a brand that expects to sell just 150 Calibers a month in the hot small car market – a segment ruled by the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Holden Astra, each racking up more than 2000 sales every month.

"When I say top ten, I'm not referring to Dodge alone," clarifies Jenkins. "I'm talking about the Chrysler Group which includes Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler".

In 2005 Jeep and Chrysler racked up more than 7500 sales, still a long way short of the top ten. But Jenkins is not deterred. He believes Dodge will slowly but surely build a strong following.

"Our research tells us that customers are tired of the bland offerings,"" said Jenkins. "The Caliber will appeal to owners looking for a car that stands out from the crowd, a car with attitude that gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear".

There are two Caliber five-door hatchback models at launch: a 1.8-litre manual and 2.0-litre CVT automatic. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a 2.4-litre R/T sporty version will arrive by year's end.

The Caliber's styling may stand out from the crowd, its engine performance does anything but. The entry model 1.8-litre engine is glacially slow – Dodge's claimed 0-100km/h of 11.9sec seems overly optimistic - and the 'cooking' 2.0-litre model is little better.

The Caliber will enjoy stronger appeal for its fuel economy, rated at a miserly 7.4litres/100km on the combined city/hwy cycle. However, big sales aspirations will no doubt be kept in check by the high $28,490 entry price of the CVT auto – automatic transmission are preferred by small car buyers.

Chrysler to cut fourth quarter output of Durango SUVs, Ram pickups

Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News AUBURN HILLS -- DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group will cut fourth-quarter production of Dodge Durango SUVs and Ram pickups as sales continue to slump and the automaker tries to keep bloated truck inventories from growing.

Most of the cuts will be at Chrysler's Newark, Del., Durango plant, CEO Tom LaSorda said Wednesday during a charity event at the automaker's Auburn Hills headquarters.

Chrysler will also ramp up output of some models to meet consumers' growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles amid high gas prices.

LaSorda did not specify which models would see a production gain, but they likely will include the Dodge Caliber, a small crossover, and Jeep Compass, a small SUV.

"We're adjusting production in the fourth quarter from bigger vehicles to smaller vehicles," LaSorda said. He did not detail how deep the production cuts will be for the three months ending December 31.

For the current quarter, which ends Sept. 30, Chrysler is trimming between 65,000 and 75,000 units, or 10 percent of its quarterly output, as it tries to trim ballooning inventory, reduce incentive spending and react to faltering truck sales.

The fourth-quarter cut will amount to about 20,000 vehicles, or a 3.3 percent decline compared to the same period last year, when Chrysler built 605,054 cars and trucks, said Catherine Madden, an analyst with Global Insight Inc., a Waltham, Mass.-firm that follows the auto industry.

Those figures do not include a 10 new cars and trucks Chrysler is launching mainly in the remainder of the year.

"The production schedule should work," Madden said. "But should that situation become worse than what we're forecasting, then it's possible that they'll need to cut more."

Chrysler joins Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. in slashing vehicle output.Last Friday, Ford said it would reduce fourth-quarter truck output by 21 percent, or 168,000 vehicles, the automaker's biggest production cut in three decades.

Earlier this month, GM said it would slow the production of its biggest SUVs in the second half of the year by eliminating overtime at some factories.

GM has not said if it will reduce output of other vehicles in response to sluggish demand. GM is expected to update its fourth-quarter production plans when it releases August sales results early next month

Domestic automakers may be moving toward producing vehicles in response to demand rather than driving sales with incentives, said Matt Vicenzi, an analyst with J.D. Power and Associates in Troy.

"One of the main issues that is being addressed with some of these production cuts is the extent to which the summertime incentive programs were affected this year," he said. "We didn't see as big a response this year as we did to inventory programs last year."

To avoid further output cuts, GM, Ford and Chrysler have to continue to try to attract buyers by pricing vehicles competitively and keeping designs fresh.

Chrysler is attempting to do that with its 2007 Dodge Nitro midsize SUV, which arrives in dealerships in November.

On Wednesday, the automaker announced that the base price for the Nitro, which comes with a standard 210-horsepower V-6 engine, will start at $19,885 -- less than such competing models as the Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra and Chevrolet Equinox with V-6 engines.

"For its competitive set, the pricing seems to be correct," said Christian Wardlaw, an analyst with Autobytel.com, a research Web site for car buyers. "It's lining up very well with the Xterra and the FJ Cruiser. The Nitro has a more moderate design theme so it will appeal to a much broader audience."

The Nitro is expected to sell well when it hits the market, which would give Chrysler a much needed boost after sales for its Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands slipped 37.4 percent in July, according to Autodata Corp.

"There's a contingent of loyal Chrysler buyers in this country who have been waiting for a vehicle like this from Dodge," Wardlaw said.

The Nitro, which is built on the same underpinnings as the Jeep Liberty, is Dodge's first midsize SUV. But the heavier Nitro, weighing in at about 4,000 pounds, isn't expected to be as fuel-efficient as its Rubicon Trail-rated Jeep cousin.

"Because it's an SUV and not a (crossover), Nitro's appeal could wane quickly after production," Wardlaw said.

Increasing its presence in the commercial truck segment, Chrysler also announced a starting price of $22,535 for its 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab -- almost $2,000 less than Ford's F-350 chassis cab.

Photo Credit: www.autoviaggiando.com

Chrysler Group's Toledo Supplier Park Opens the Doors to Production of All-New 2007 Jeep(R) Wrangler

  *  Innovative supplier co-location manufacturing model officially unveiled
 *  Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda, supplier executives,
    Governor Bob Taft and other dignitaries host event announcing
    production
 *  Chrysler Group continues community support with new manufacturing plant
 *  Media briefing and plant tours scheduled for August 28

WHAT: Announcement of the start of production of the all-new 2007 Jeep(R) Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited at the new DaimlerChrysler Toledo Supplier Park (TSP) Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio. TSP is the first North American auto plant to have three major vehicle-building operations run and managed by suppliers. The body shop will be operated by KUKA, the paint shop by Magna International's Magna Steyr and chassis assembly by Hyundai Mobis-owned Ohio Module Manufacturing Corp. (OMMC). The Chrysler Group will have the responsibility of final trim and assembly operations of the product. The unique co-location project is part of a $2.1 billion total program investment into Chrysler's Toledo Assembly operations, a $900 million total capital investment.

The event will feature speeches by Chrysler Group executives, the United Auto Workers, dignitaries and supplier representatives. Prior to the press conference, a media tour of the facility will be offered. Following the press conference, media guests are invited to attend a roundtable and luncheon with Chrysler Group executives, the UAW and the supplier partners.

  WHO: The following will be available for interviews:
 *  Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer
 *  Cindy Sidoti, Toledo Supplier Park Plant Manager
 *  Bruce Baumhower, UAW President Local 12
 *  Larry Drake, KUKA Flexible Production Systems Corp.
 *  Manfred Remmel, Magna Steyr
 *  Kyu-Hwan Han, OMMC

 WHEN:  Monday, August 28, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
        Media tour Toledo Supplier Park: 8:30 a.m.
        Press conference: 11 a.m.
        Media roundtable and lunch: 12 p.m.

 WHERE:  Toledo Supplier Park
         (Enter from Stickney Parkway Road, Gate 3)
         4400 Chrysler Drive
         Toledo, Ohio

Exit I-75 S at I-280 Closed/Manhattan Blvd. turn left to Chrysler Drive, continue to Expressway Drive, turn left. At Stickney intersection, turn right, proceed to Gate #3 and enter TSP parking lot. Directional signs will be posted.

2006-08-23 23:15 (Mw 5.6) NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G. -4.3 152.8

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
Geographic coordinates: 4.274S, 152.833E
Magnitude: 5.6 Mw
Depth: 35 km
Universal Time (UTC): 23 Aug 2006 23:15:21
Time near the Epicenter: 24 Aug 2006 09:15:21
Local time in your area: 24 Aug 2006 00:15:21

Location with respect to nearby cities:
72 km (45 miles) E (95 degrees) of Rabaul, New Britain, PNG
295 km (183 miles) SE (130 degrees) of Kavieng, New Ireland, PNG 370 km (230 miles) NW (306 degrees) of Arawa, Bougainville, PNG
702 km (436 miles) ENE (67 degrees) of Lae, New Guinea, PNG
848 km (527 miles) NE (47 degrees) of PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rtci

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist at NEIC For subsequent updates, maps, and technical information, see:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usrtci.php

Phoenix Engines: Chrysler - Mercedes V6 Engines for 2010 and Beyond

MOPAR AUTO NEWS - -The Phoenix engines were first discussed by "superduckie" way back in March 2006. “ask1919” wrote in April, “Phoenix will be a collection of V6 engines to replace the whole line.” oh20, whose track record has been 100% accurate on such breakthroughs as the Caliber and Sebring, wrote in July that the engines would include:

• 1... 3.0L V6 base Phoenix (next gen LX, J1, L2, R2)
• 2... 3.0L V6 premium Phoenix (L2)
• 3... 3.3L V6 base Phoenix (current gen JS Avenger/Sebring, next gen RT Minivan)
• 4... 3.3L V6 premium Phoenix (current gen JS Avenger/Sebring, next gen RT Minivan)
• 5... 3.6L V6 base Phoenix (current gen JS Avenger/Sebring, current and next gen KA Nitro, next gen KK Liberty, next gen RT minivan, next gen LX, Grand Cherokee current and next gen, next gen Commander)
• 6... 3.6L V6 HEV Phoenix Engine (next gen RT minivan)
• 7... 3.6L V6 premium Phoenix Engine (current and next gen LX, next gen RT minivan)
• 8... 3.6L V6 PZEV Phoenix Engine (next gen RT minivan)
• 9... 4.0 V6 base Phoenix (next gen Pacifica, next gen NE Dakota, next gen Ram, next gen KK Liberty, current and next gen KA Nitro, next gen LX, next gen Grand Cherokee, next gen Commander, next gen JL Wrangler)
• 10... 4.0 V6 premium Phoenix (vehicles unknown)

Apparently the design is advanced enough that the oil pan is being subbed out: “Oil pan for a Phoenix Engine from Chrysler had some very odd oil diverters...nothing I've seen before.”

The new Phoenix line of V-6 engines will debut for model-year 2010 vehicles, which is to say, probably in the year 2009. Chrysler has announced details, including the investment in plants ($2 billion, not including engineering of the engines themselves) and the fact that Mercedes will share the basic engine architecture. The Phoenix engines, long discussed on Allpar's news and rumors forum, will be made in Kenosha, Wisconsin and Trenton, Michigan (with parts machined in Toledo, Ohio), as well as in Germany for Mercedes. Allpar at least is happy that development of these engines appears to be centered in the US though no doubt Mercedes will get most of the credit for their success.

The old Trenton Engine plant will close in 2014; the new Trenton Engine plant, if one is indeed built within Trenton, will cost $800 million and open in time for the 2010 model year, with groundbreaking scheduled for or before November 1, 2006.

At the latest, the current V6 engines (dating back to around 1990 but with strong reliability and nice power/economy) will be phased out in 2013 and the 3.8 and 4.0 V6 should finished by 2014.

Dieter Zetsche, DCX and Mercedes CEO, said the new engine family would operate on a modular base, reducing the corporation's V6 engine families to one (from five - four at Chrysler and one at Mercedes). The World Engine experience may provide some illustration of how that will be done, though hopefully the Phoenix will prove to be quieter and less peaky. The world's best V6 engines are being benchmarked; and Mercedes has a camless design that may be integrated into Auburn Hills’ work, since Zetsche is determined that all corporate divisions share technology as needed.

The engines will, not surprisingly, be built on flexible assembly lines that will allow the mix to be changed quickly and easily, to adjust to market demands.

Plants will switch to new job rules that include 10 hour four-day work weeks and a much smaller number of job classifications (two). Production will begin for the 2010 model year, with final phaseout of the existing Chrysler V6 engines in calendar-year 2012.

Mercedes versions will most likely have more expensive features such as direct injection.

NYPD to Add Dodge Chargers to Fleet

FLEET NEWS,

NEW YORK – The New York Police Department (NYPD) has acquired 14 Dodge Chargers at a cost of $28,511 per car. The NYPD is testing new Dodge Chargers, with 5.7L engines that can hit up to 150 mph. The department’s 3,000-plus fleet is now dominated by Ford Crown Victorias and Chevrolet Impalas.

According to the NYPD, it is trying to diversify its fleet. “If you only have one or two makes and there’s a recall, it can really cause problems,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

“This is the last car I’m introducing to the NYPD,” said Leonard Lesko, director of NYPD Fleet Services, who is retiring in November. “The first car I brought in was the 1972 black, green, and white Plymouth Fury with no power steering or air conditioning.”

Ciotech up sign DaimlerChysler

Citotech Systems Inc. has entered into a proprietary rights agreement with DaimlerChrysler Corp. to develop automotive engine starter/restarter technology that could reduce the cost and weight of future vehicles, to provide increased function and improved fuel economy, and to reduce emissions.

Citotech will grant to DaimlerChrysler certain intellectual property rights with respect to its proprietary information, including the Microstart engine starting system. Accordingly, Citotech entered into a license agreement with the owner of intellectual property which authorizes it to enter into the proprietary rights agreement.

Microstart is both an apparatus and a method for starting an internal combustion engine. It eliminates the need for a starting motor/flywheel arrangement and significantly reduces the size and power supply required from the vehicle battery. Engine starts with this new system will not require battery power for engine cranking. Microstart technology would allow for the automotive engine to be turned off at idle and when the vehicle is stopped, resulting in greater fuel economy. The engine will restart and the system will operate in a manner totally transparent to the driver.

Citotech is continuing to work towards the acquisition of the intellectual property and continues to engage in discussions with the Canadian Venture Exchange and the British Columbia Securities Commission regarding details of the proposed transaction.

Chyrsler Sticking to Second Quarter Plan

John D. Stoll, DOW JONES NEWSWIRES DETROIT -- Chrysler Group Chief Executive Tom LaSorda said Wednesday that the company is sticking to a plan to cut its production in the third and fourth quarters in order to deal with rising inventory of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Chrysler, the U.S. unit of DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX), is weathering a downturn in U.S. sales and, like its domestic competitors General Motors Corp. (GM) and Ford Motor Co. (F), is trying to cope with falling demand for its highest-profit models.

LaSorda, speaking to reporters at a charity event at the company's U.S. headquarters, said the auto maker hasn't been surprised by the significant shift by consumers away from large SUVs and pickups. He said the auto maker is planning to offset the shortfall by introducing a spate of more-fuel-efficient models in coming months.

Chrysler plans to cut approximately 10% of its production in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2005. LaSorda declined to give specifics of the fourth-quarter cuts, but said the cut will be smaller than the current quarter and "slightly down" from year-ago.

In recent years, the majority of Chrysler's sales mix has been made up of trucks and SUVs, but the balance is changing. "We've had a swing of about 4% from trucks and big SUVs to midsize SUVs and smaller cars, so we're adjusting from that," LaSorda said. He said the Dodge Durango large SUV has seen the highest production cuts.

Chrysler expects to lose as much as $600 million in the third quarter on an operating basis but return to profitability in the final three months of the year as new-model launches take root. "Eight of our launches are starting now until the end of the year," LaSorda said. For instance, the company kicks off production of a redesigned Jeep Wrangler on Monday.

Chrysler's downturn comes after a relatively healthy run for the auto maker. The company in recent years unveiled popular products in key segments, such as the 300 sedan that often sold with an expensive "Hemi" engine option.

The auto maker's effort to supplement falling volume of certain products is gaining steam already, LaSorda said. The company's Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber small hatchback cars are based on the same platform, or chassis, and have receieved 90,000 dealer orders since recently being launched.

Chrysler plans to eventually launch a sub-compact car that is smaller than the Caliber, but has not yet firmed up plans for the model. The company is in talks with a joint-venture partner on the project and is looking at building the car in Europe or Asia, LaSorda said.

Products like the Compass and Caliber are meeting a strong reception because of high gasoline prices that continue to sit around $3 a gallon. Gas prices in the U.S. have backed off in recent weeks, but still influence consumer buying patterns.

Consistently high gasoline prices have been a major factor in the sales slowdown, but LaSorda said the company is prepared to see higher gas prices in the future.

"Internally, we're saying `what if it sits between $3 and $4 (a gallon)?,'" LaSorda said. He said that assuming gasoline prices will continue to fall could lead to "disaster."

DaimlerChrysler Smart Fortwo spy video

Edmunds has a video of the fortwo undergoing hot weather testing. It seems to be prime time in Death Valley right now, so if you've ever been tempted to take some spy shots of your own then you'd better plan your trip now! In fact somebody should offer a spy shot themed tour, kinda like whale watching for car nuts.

Click here to view the video. Click here to plan your trip.

DaimlerChrysler Smart fortwo interior spy shot

ALL CARS, ALL THE TIME NEWS - - Here is a semi-decent shot of the next smart fortwo's interior from Auto Express. If you watched the spy video earlier this week, there was another shot of the interior. As you can see by comparing the current interior, the new car will have a much less quirky interior. Of interest in the Auto Express story is a mention that the next generation smart will have a press preview in November. I was my understanding that the fortwo would make it's grand entrance in Geneva next March.

Energizer Dodge Charger Sweepstakes

Click here to enter.

Dodge Announces Pricing for Two All-new 2007 Vehicles

Dodge Announces Pricing for Two All-new 2007 Vehicles

* Starting at $19,885, all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro priced to spice up mid-size SUV market
* All-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab starts at $22,535, priced nearly $2,000 below comparable Ford F-350 chassis cab

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On the heels of the hot-selling all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber, two additional all-new vehicles
are about to arrive in Dodge showrooms. Today Dodge announced pricing for the 2007 Dodge Nitro and Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab.

"Nitro and Ram 3500 Chassis Cab effectively expand the Dodge brand portfolio," said Tom Loveless, Director - Dodge Marketing and Global
Communications, Chrysler Group. "Nitro is the brand's first mid-size SUV while Ram 3500 Chassis Cab further builds on Dodge's growing presence in
the ultra- competitive commercial vehicle market."

All-New 2007 Dodge Nitro: Bold style and sporty performance starting at $19,885

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro is $19,885, which includes $660 for destination. Dodge
Nitro arrives in showrooms this October.

Nitro comes loaded with performance, space, functionality, flexibility,and safety. With a fold-flat first-row passenger seat and fold-flat
second-row seats, Nitro offers a variety of loading options. Nitro also offers the segment's only LOAD 'N GO(TM) cargo floor, which holds up to 400
pounds and slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading and unloading.

Optional features include heated leather seats, a DVD-based navigation system, and a cutting- edge entertainment system that stores up to 2,500
songs. Standard safety features include electronic stability program (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic roll mitigation and side-curtain
air bags.

"The five-passenger Nitro will appeal to customers seeking distinctive style and sporty performance combined with passenger- and cargo-carrying
flexibility," said Loveless. "Dodge Nitro offers many features not found in a typical mid-size SUV, including a choice of two V-6 engines, 20-inch
chromed- clad aluminum wheels and tires, and a performance suspension."

Three models are available: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT is a
3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine which generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N*m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Dodge Nitro R/T
features a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 255 horsepower (190 kW)at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N*m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Standard on
the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the SLT are a new performance suspension, 20-inch tires and chromed-clad aluminum wheels.

2007 Dodge Nitro SXT
Dodge Nitro SXT comes standard with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to a six- speed manual transmission.

Additional standard features include a chromed grille, 16-inch steel wheels, P225/75R16 all-season tires, ABS, ESP, electronic roll mitigation,
all-speed traction control, sport suspension, tire pressure monitor, side roof rails, low-back two-tone cloth seats, supplemental side-curtain air
bags in the first and second rows, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, fold-flat front-passenger seat, reclining rear seat, power-folding mirrors, 12-volt
power outlet, and cargo floor with a reversible cargo tray.

Following are prices for the 2007 Dodge Nitro SXT. All prices include $660 for destination.
   Dodge Nitro SXT 4x2 $19,885
   Dodge Nitro SXT 4x4 $21,395

2007 Dodge Nitro SLT
Dodge Nitro SLT comes standard with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Additional standard features include body-color fender flares and fascias, P235/65R17 performance tires, 17-inch aluminum wheels, LOAD 'N GO
cargo floor, two-tone seats with Yes Essentials(R) seat fabric, six-way power driver seat, electronic vehicle information with tire pressure
monitor display, power/heated/folding exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls, and chromed interior accents.

Following are prices for the 2007 Dodge Nitro SLT. All prices include $660 for destination.
   Dodge Nitro SLT 4x2 $23,295
   Dodge Nitro SLT 4x4 $24,805

Dodge Nitro R/T
Dodge Nitro R/T comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Additional standard features include a performance suspension, 20-inch chromed-clad aluminum wheels, P245/50R20 performance tires, body-color
grille with bright billets, body-color air dam and sill molding, stitched R/T logo on front seats, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Following are prices for the 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T. All prices include $660 for destination.
   Dodge Nitro R/T 4x2 $25,970
   Dodge Nitro R/T 4x4 $27,630

Dodge Nitro is built at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio.All-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab starts at $22,535, offers
commercial customers abundance of capability, versatility and value The base MSRP for the all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab is
$22,535, which includes $900 for destination.

The MSRP for the all-new 2007
Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab with the available new 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine is $28,090, which also includes $900 for destination. Dodge's
all-new heavy- duty work truck arrives this October.

Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab boasts numerous class-leading attributes including the highest single-rear-wheel Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
of 10,200 lbs., best-in-class rear frame steel strength (50,000 psi), largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), best-in-class standard V-8 power
(HEMI with 330 horsepower), and best-in-class interior cab room of 121.7 cubic feet for Quad Cab models. All chassis components are below the top of
the frame surface -- a segment exclusive -- providing versatility for virtually any upfit application.

"We built Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab for the commercial customer looking for more in terms of power, capability, dependability, space,
comfort, upfit- friendliness and overall value," said Loveless. "Armed with a powerful lineup of renowned engines and an all-new commercial-grade
chassis, Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab was built from the ground up for the traditional chassis cab buyer as a tough, heavyweight truck that gets the
job done."

Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab comes standard with the legendary HEMI V-8 engine, while a Cummins engine -- a new 6.7-liter turbo diesel -- is also
available. The all-new Ram 3500 Chassis Cab offers a six-speed automatic transmission (diesel only) with Power Take Off (PTO) capability and a six-
speed manual transmission with PTO capability.

Dodge's latest Ram is available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models, two available cab-axle lengths (60 inches and 84 inches),
single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel versions, regular cab and Quad Cab configurations, and three trim lines -- ST, SLT and Laramie.

2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ST
Powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 mated to a six-speed manual transmission, standard features on the Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ST
include an argent front bumper, argent grille, argent steel wheels, four-wheel anti-lock brake system, black bezel instrument panel, tilt
wheel, trailer tow wiring (seven wires), two speakers, vinyl floor covering, 40/20/40 vinyl seats, and 7x10-inch manual exterior mirrors.

Optional features, which are available on all models, include a new 6.7- liter Cummins Turbo Diesel and new six-speed automatic transmission, a
five- speed automatic transmission, 22-gallon mid-ship fuel tank, 220-amp alternator, an exhaust brake option, Power Take Off (PTO) capability, snow
plow prep package, spare tire and tools, vinyl seats and flooring (SLT only), and Limited Production Options (LPO) that include passenger air bag
delete, radio delete, power window/lock/mirror option with ST, and unique exterior paint colors.

Following are prices for the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ST. All prices include $900 for destination.
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ST Regular Cab 4x2 $22,535
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ST Regular Cab 4x4 $25,485
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ST Quad Cab 4x2 $25,285
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab ST Quad Cab 4x4 $28,225

2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab SLT
In addition to standard features on the ST model, the Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab SLT adds air conditioning, carpet, floor mats, four speakers,
bright chrome grille with black inserts, keyless entry, power-heated mirrors, power windows and locks, Sentry Key(R) Engine Immobilizer, speed
control, bright skins/chrome center cap wheels, 17-inch chromed-clad steel wheels, and 40/20/40 cloth seats.

Optional features include adjustable pedals, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player, leather bucket seats, Infinity(R) sound system, SIRIUS Satellite
Radio, six-way power driver seat, UConnect(R) hands-free communication system, and 17-inch chromed-clad aluminum wheels.

Following are prices for the 2007 Dodge Ram Chassis Cab SLT. All prices include $900 for destination.
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab SLT Regular Cab 4x2 $25,905
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab SLT Regular Cab 4x4 $28,855
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab SLT Quad Cab 4x2 $28,865
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab SLT Quad Cab 4x4 $31,805

2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Laramie
In addition to standard features on SLT, Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Laramie adds AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD player and Infinity speaker system,
SIRIUS Satellite Radio, dual-zone temperature control, fog lamps, glove box, ashtray, under-the-hood lamp, chromed grille with chromed inserts,
leather power-heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-sliding rear window, security alarm, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, and
wood-grain instrument panel bezel.

Optional equipment includes bucket seats, navigation radio and UConnect hands-free wireless communication system with Bluetooth(TM) technology.

Following are prices for the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Laramie. All prices include $900 for destination.
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Laramie Quad Cab 4x2 $33,280
   Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Laramie Quad Cab 4x4 $36,465

The all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab will be built at Chrysler Group's Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.

SOURCE Chrysler Group

---

Patent: Expandable Box Cargo

Patent: Lance's 2007 Dodge Caliber

DCx Trademark: SRT8 [update]

(words only): SRT8

Standard Character claim: Yes

Current Status: Approved by the examining attorney for publication for opposition. This is NOT the beginning of the Opposition period. In approximately two months, please visit the web site to learn the actual date of publication for opposition in the Trademark Official Gazette.

Date of Status: 2006-08-22

Filing Date: 2006-02-17

Transformed into a National Application: No

Registration Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)

Register: Principal

Law Office Assigned: LAW OFFICE 108

Attorney Assigned:
FATHY DOMINIC Employee Location

Current Location: L8X -TMEG Law Office 108 - Examining Attorney Assigned

Date In Location: 2006-08-22

This Day in Auto History -

8.23.1917 - Harry Larrowe Swan of the Ford Motor Company is born in Detroit, MI

8.23.1923 - Coachbuilder Vanden Plas (England) 1923 Ltd. reorganizes and takes over the former premises of The Kingsbury Aviation Company in northwest London

8.23.1939 - John R. Cobb, driving a Railton Special at the Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, raises the land speed record to 369.70 mph

8.23.1959 - Stirling Moss wins the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Monsanto circuit near Lisbon driving a Cooper-Climax, the only Formula 1 race ever staged at this venue

8.23.1974 - Roger Hedlund, driving the Battery Box, sets a land speed record for electric automobiles of 175 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, UT

Chrysler Plant Production Update - 22 august 2006

August 22, 2006

2007* DaimlerChrysler Cars RED Indicates changed or new information
The lead time represents the estimated order to delivery period under normal conditions and does not take into consideration holds or delays. Extended lead times (when available) are noted under the Key Production Hold or Delay column. *All models and constraints are for the 2007 MY unless noted otherwise. Due to various assembly plant assignments for specific model lines or ordered options; the DaimlerChrysler constraints listed below may or may not apply at the time an order is placed.
MODEL	ESTIMATED LEAD TIME IN WEEKS	KEY PRODUCTION HOLD OR DELAY

Chrysler 300/300C, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger	6-8	The following options have a Job #1 of 9/11/06: (AWK) Luxury Group II (PB6) Marine Blue paint (PR3) Torred (LXDX48) (PS2) Bright Silver (LXDX48) (PXR) Brilliant Black (LXDX48) The following options have a Job #1 of 10/1/06: (JHC+AFF) Rain sensitive wipers with Luxury Group (LXCP48) (MXX+2DG) Bodycolor spoiler with 2DG Pkg. (LXDH48) (WEF+2DE) 17” machined aluminum wheels with 2DE Pkg. (LXDH48) (WEF+2DC) 17” machined aluminum wheels with 2DC Pkg. (LXDH49) (LXDX49) Magnum SRT8 RWD model has a Job #1 of 9/1/06 (AHB) Police Group has a Job #1 of 9/15/06 (AFS) Signature Series Job #1 is 10/3/06 (LX*P48) (AWT) Road & Track Group has a Job #1 of 10/19/06 (LXDP48) (AWT) Road and Track Group has a Job #1 of 11/1/06 (LXDP49) (AJM) SRT Design Group has a Job #1 of 12/1/06 (NHP) Adaptive speed control has a Job #1 of 1/8/07 (29R) Heritage Group has a Job #1 of 1/17/07 (LXCS48) (PJV+29R) Cognac Crystal paint with 29R Pkg. has a Job #1 of 2/1/07 (PYG) Linen Gold paint is on hold
Chrysler Pacifica	6-8	(29W) Pacifica Signature Series has a Job #1 of 9/4/06 (PA4) Silver Steel paint has a Job #1 of 9/5/06
Chrysler PT Cruiser	8-10	(PBD) Ocean Blue paint has a Job #1 of 9/4/06
Chrysler Sebring Sedan	8-10	None

Dodge Caliber	6-8	(PMDS49) Caliber SRT4 has a Job #1 of 3/12/07 (REC) Navigation radio has a Job #1 of 10/9/06 (CJ1) Front seat side airbags have a Job #1of 1/1/07
Jeep Compass	6-8	(REC) Navigation radio has a Job #1 of 10/9/06 (CJ1) Front seat side airbags have a Job #1of 1/1/07

2007* DaimlerChrysler Trucks RED Indicates changed or new information
The lead time represents the estimated order to delivery period under normal conditions and does not take into consideration holds or delays. Extended lead times (when available) are noted under the Key Production Hold or Delay column. *All models and constraints are for the 2007 MY unless noted otherwise. Due to various assembly plant assignments for specific model lines or ordered options; the DaimlerChrysler constraints listed below may or may not apply at the time an order is placed.
MODEL	ESTIMATED LEAD TIME IN WEEKS	KEY PRODUCTION HOLD OR DELAY
Chrysler Town & Country Dodge Grand Caravan/Caravan	6-8	The following options have a Job #1 of 9/5/06: (RSP) Hands-free phone (XAP) Power adjustable pedals (RSYH53) Swing model (29P) Pkg. (RS**53) (PA4) Silver Steel paint The following options are on hold: (LAB) Tire pressure monitoring system (AT1) Entertainment Group (PWG) Silver Steel paint has a Job #1 of 9/11/06 (EGM) 3.3L V6 OHV FFV engine has a Job #1 of 11/6/06
Dodge Dakota	6-8	(EVD) 4.7L V8 FFV engine has a Job #1 of 9/1/06 (ND**84) (PB5) Electric Blue paint has a Job #1 of 9/11/06 (AGR) with SXT Group has a Job #1 of 9/20/06 (DMH) 3.92 rear axle ratio w/o (DSA) limited slip differential has a Job #1 of 10/2/06
Dodge Durango	6-8	(GAR) Laminated front and rear door has a Job #1 of 9/12/06 (ANR) Night Runner Group Job #1 is TBD (WEE+EVA/EVD) 17” styled steel wheel w/ 4.7L V8 FFV engine has a Job #1 of 10/2/06
Dodge Aspen	8-10	(GAR) Laminated front and rear door has a Job #1 of 9/12/06
Dodge Nitro	8-10	(MRN) Gray running boards have a Job #1 of 9/5/06 (PV6) Sunburst Orange paint has a Job #1 of 9/11/06 (PB5) Electric Blue paint has a Job #1 of 10/9/06 (DHZ) Quadratrac I full-time 4WD has a Job #1 of 11/13/06 (ASU) R/T Group has a Job #1 of 12/4/06 (AHC) Trailer Tow Group with (NMC) heavy duty cooling has a Job #1 of 9/5/06 (CW5) Portable utility table has a Job #1 of 12/4/06 28G and 28F Pkgs. are on hold The following options have a Job #1 of 11/1/06: (SDD) Performance Suspension Pkg. w/(EKG) 3.7L engine (RER) AM/FM CD MP3 Navigation Radio (TX1) P245/50R20 AS tires (XBM) Remote start system (WP2) 20” aluminum wheels
Dodge Ram Pickup DR 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mega Cab	8-10	(*CJ) Leather trimmed bucket seats w/(2TL) Sport model had a Job #1 of 9/6/06 (2G*) Pkg. w/Cummins Diesel engine w/Aisin auto trans has a Job #1 of 9/18/06 (DC****) (AR9) Single Rear Wheel Group Job #1 is 9/18/06 (DC****) (TXE) Tires have a Job #1 of 11/6/06 (DH****) (TT5) Tires have a Job #1 of 11/6/06 (MRK) Chrome tubular side steps have a Job #1 of 12/22/06 (ETJ) 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine has a Job #1 of 1/8/07 (PB5) Electric Blue paint is on hold (TT4) Tires are on hold (2TT) Pkg. is on hold (DH****)
Jeep Grand Cherokee	6-8	(LNJ+2TE) Fog lamps with 2TE Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/5/06 (WKJH**) (AGS) Sun and Sound Group has a Job #1 of 9/11/06 (ALS) Special Edition Group has a Job #1 of 9/11/06 (AJP) Power Convenience Group w/2TE Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/25/06 (AMA) Premium Sound Group has a Job #1 of 9/18/06 (EXL) 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine has a Job #1 of 1/15/07 (TBB) Full-size spare has a Job #1 of 3/8/07 (EXL+DHX) 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine with (DHX) Quadra Trac II has a Job #1 of 4/9/07
Jeep Commander	6-8	(LNJ+2TS) Fog lamps with 2TE Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/5/06 (AGS) Sun and Sound Group has a Job #1 of 9/11/06 (AMA) Premium Sound Group has a Job #1 of 9/18/06 (JRC) Power liftgate has a Job #1 of 9/18/06 (ADX) Exterior Appearance Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/25/06 (AJY) Popular Equipment Group w/(2TS) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 9/25/06 (WPN) Platinum aluminum wheels have a Job #1 of 1/8/07 (AJP) Power Convenience Group is on hold
Jeep Liberty	6-8	(JPS) 6-way power driver seat w/ (*DL) leather bucket seats has a Job #1 of 9/15/06
Jeep Wrangler	6-8	(TNA, TNB, TYZ) tires have a Job #1 of 10/9/06 (RER) Navigation radio has a Job #1 of 11/1/06 (SHG) Electronic front sway bar w/o Rubicon model has a Job #1 of 1/8/07 (GWK) Sunrider soft top with 2-Door has a Job #1 of 1/17/07 (GCH) Half Doors have a Job #1 of 1/31/07
Jeep Patriot	8-10	None