Automakers think big by thinking small

Bush Bernard
Tennessean Jan. 26, 2007 12:44 PM DETROIT - The next big thing in the new car market might be small.

Growing consumer interest in subcompacts, and rumblings that China may be able to make a small car that sells for less than $10,000 stateside, have major automakers evaluating the feasibility of making U.S. versions of the tiny vehicles they already sell in Europe and Asia.

Analysts predict that sales of low-cost compact cars will rise 40 percent to 60 percent in the next six years in the United States amid increased demand from cost-conscious consumers.

"I think that's an area where we have to keep our eyes open and see what kind of market could develop," said Brad Bradshaw, head of sales and marketing for Nashville-based Nissan North America.

Nissan has no immediate plans to unveil another subcompact in this country, but the introduction of the Versa last summer has surpassed even the automaker's sales goals for its new entry-level model.

Nashville-area resident Lou Palet, 63, who drives an Isuzu pickup now, said he's eager to see what sort of low-cost products the world's automakers can offer.

"We just returned from an 11-day holiday in Italy; the small cars such as the Smart and many models by Renault and Toyota were stylish and comfortable," Palet said. "I think if they can produce a similar-size vehicle for $10,000, the demand would be limitless."

The subcompact segment is a relatively small part of the overall car market, accounting for around 300,000 vehicles, less than 2 percent of all U.S. new car sales last year.

But DaimlerChrysler has stirred up the industry with recent announcements that its Chrysler Group has a preliminary agreement with Chery Automobile Co. of China to build a small car for the U.S. market sometime after this year. And its Mercedes unit plans to introduce the Smart ForTwo, a version of its popular European car, to the U.S. early next year.

While the Smart ForTwo will sell for around $15,000, Chinese-made cars could sell for between $6,700 and $10,000, says a recent study by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.

There are fewer than a dozen subcompacts sold in the U.S. today. Base models range in price from around $10,000 to more than $15,000, depending on brand.

While the little guys are a tiny percentage of sales in the U.S., small cars are a dominating force elsewhere on the planet. By 2012, sales of new cars valued at less than $10,000 will reach 18 million units, the Roland Berger study says.

"The key driver for growth is that consumers globally are looking for better value for their money," said Wim van Acker, managing partner of Roland Berger's Detroit office.

Price would be a motivating factor for Sam Davidson, 26, a Nashville resident who drives a 1997 Nissan Altima with 118,000 miles on it.

His wife bought the Altima as a used car before they were married, and it's holding up well. But he said he wouldn't mind getting a new small car if the price is right and it comes with radio, a CD player and air conditioning as standard equipment.

"I don't need a big car," said Davidson, who owns a part-time Web-based business. "I don't spend a lot of time in my car. For me, it's just not a priority."

Chief competition for small cars in the U.S. comes from used car sales, said Michael Robinet, vice president for global vehicle forecasts for CSM Worldwide, a consulting group.

"It's all going to come down to perception of safety," Robinet said. "Cost will be important, but I think what you'll find is that the used car market will sub in here."

Dodge Roadster by Robert Hunwick

Robert Hunwick

Dodge Slingshot by Justin DiCocco

Justin DiCocco

DCX Patent: SRT4 & SRT6 Troque Sensor

Click on image for super-large photo

DaimlerChrysler knew in advance Schrempp would go, watchdog claims

Reuters / FRANKFURT (Reuters) -- DaimlerChrysler knew nearly three weeks before an official announcement that former CEO Juergen Schrempp was likely to step down, Germany's financial regulator BaFin has determined.

The finding is outlined in a letter obtained by Reuters that BaFin sent in 2005 to Stuttgart prosecutors. It has a bearing on lawsuits filed by investors who say they lost money by selling DaimlerChrysler shares just before news Schrempp would leave.

The surprise announcement of July 28, 2005, sent DaimlerChrysler stock shooting around 10 percent higher.

The BaFin letter noted that a handful of people at the world's fifth-biggest carmaker were aware of Schrempp's plans to leave before a supervisory board meeting on that day which cemented his departure and named Dieter Zetsche his successor.

"The decision that Schrempp would end his contract at the end of 2005 had been made with strong likelihood on July 10, 2005, at the latest," the letter states. That was when the company began drafting a news release and staff announcement, it said.

Insider trading investigations into the case have been dropped but around 60 investors are seeking compensation for what they see as getting word out too late of Schrempp's leaving.

A ruling is due by mid-February.

The Stuttgart judge handling the case said in December the matter hinged on when the information about Schrempp's departure was concrete and probable enough to warrant releasing.

A DaimlerChrysler spokesman said the company was convinced it had fully met its obligations. It has said it could not have released the information before the supervisory board approved the move.

DaimlerChrysler sells aviation unit to ATON

Reuters / January 26, 2007 - 10:00 am

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -- DaimlerChrysler has sold its DaimlerChrysler Aviation GmbH unit to a subsidiary of Germany's ATON GmbH for a sum the world's fifth-biggest carmaker did not disclose, it said today.

The unit provides air transport to business travelers. It employs 200 people and had 2006 revenue of around $83.9 million (65 million euros).

The deal is part of DaimlerChrysler's drive to divest non-core activities and increase its return on net assets.

This Day in Auto History: 26 JANUARY

This Day in Auto History: 1.26.1871 "Sir Arthur Philip Du Cros of the Dunlop Rubber Company Ltd. is bornin Dublin, Ireland" 1.26.1906 "Fred H. Marriott, driving the Stanley steam-powered ``Wogglebug''at Ormond Beach, FL, raises the land speed record to 127.659 MPH - thiswould be the last time that a steam-powered vehicle would hold thisrecord" 1.26.1922 Sidney Kelly of the Ford Motor Company is born in New York City 1.26.1932 "Automotive parts manufacturer James D. Sutherland dies in NewHaven, CT at age 59" 1.26.1953 Charles E. Wilson resigns as President of General Motors to becomeSecretary of Defense in the cabinet of President Dwight D. Eisenhower

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

DCx Trademark Update: TomaHawk

Mark


(words only): TOMAHAWK

Standard Character claim: No

Current Status: A request for the fourth extension of time to file a statement of use has been granted.

Date of Status: 2006-05-05

Filing Date: 2003-02-04

The Notice of Allowance Date is: 2004-07-06

Transformed into a National Application: No

Registration Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)

Register: Principal

Law Office Assigned: LAW OFFICE 102

Attorney Assigned:
COLEMAN CIMMERIAN Employee Location

Current Location: 700 -Intent To Use Section

Date In Location: 2006-12-18

---

LAST APPLICANT(S)/OWNER(S) OF RECORD

---

1. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Address:
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
1000 CHRYSLER DRIVE, CIMS 483-02-19
AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326
United States
Legal Entity Type: Corporation
State or Country of Incorporation: Delaware
Phone Number: 248-944-6517
Fax Number: 248-944-6537

---

GOODS AND/OR SERVICES

---

International Class: 012
Class Status: Active
MOTOR VEHICLES, NAMELY AUTOMOBILES, TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINIVANS AND MOTORCYCLES, AND STRUCTURAL PARTS THEREFOR; ENGINES FOR LAND VEHICLES
Basis: 1(b)
First Use Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)
First Use in Commerce Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)

---

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

---

Design Search Code(s):
23.01.25 - Blowpipes; Boomerangs; Clubs, Weapons; Nunchakus; Sling shots; Spear guns
26.01.02 - Circles, plain single line; Plain single line circles
26.11.03 - Incomplete rectangles; Rectangles (incomplete)
26.11.21 - Rectangles that are completely or partially shaded
26.13.21 - Quadrilaterals that are completely or partially shaded
26.17.13 - Letters or words underlined and/or overlined by one or more strokes or lines; Overlined words or letters; Underlined words or letters
27.03.05 - Objects forming letters or numerals

---

MADRID PROTOCOL INFORMATION

---

(NOT AVAILABLE)

---

PROSECUTION HISTORY

---

2006-12-15 - TEAS Extension Received

Geneva debut for Dodge roadster

AUTOBLOG.COM | Sam Abuelsamid

Apparently Dodge hasn't completely given up on the the idea of a smaller cheaper sports car than the Viper. After showing a number of concepts over the last decade including the Copperhead, Slingshot and the Razor (shown above), Dodge may be showing off another new two seater at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show. According to the UK-based website Autocar, Chrysler will unveil a Dodge-branded MX-5 clone with styling based on that of the 2002 Razor Concept. Unless Dodge were to build it based on the underpinnings of an existing vehicle like the Crossfire (itself based on the first generation Mercedes SLK) it probably wouldn't be economically viable. The Crossfire platform is probably too expensive for a car like this, and so it seems improbable that such a vehicle would ever come to market, although it sure would be fun to have another option.

[Source: Autocar]

Spied: Dodge crossover surfaces again

LEFTLANENEWS - - The prototypes for a new Dodge crossover vehicle to do battle with the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and the rest of the burgeoning crossover crowd has been spied yet again. This all-new model–known internally as the JC49–is based on the Chrysler Sebring and Avenger sedans, but displays a clearly larger platform. The JC49 was originally spied in mid-decemmeber with sparse details.

Dodge styling cues seen in these new pictures include the cross-hair grille design, headlights which appear to have some of the Nitro's detailing, along with a chiseled shoulder line, flared wheel arches and chunky lower body sculpting appear somewhat Caliber-inspired. The new spy shots offer us a brief glimpse of the new vehicle's interior.

This new crossover from Dodge is expected to be on sale in early 2008 as part of the late 2008 or early 2009 model years. Pricing could reportedly be as low as $20,000 and availability will begin in early 2008. A Chrysler spin-off is still looking likely for 2010, and is referred to as by the code name JZ49. The uniquely styled Chrysler model may serve as the replacement for the Pacifica or PT Cruiser.

CNN Video Showcases Fortune Magazine's $8Mil Maybach Exelero Test Drive

Posted January 25th, 2007 At 11:30 AM CST EMercedes Benz - - While going through our inbox this early afternoon an astute reader by the name of Derek directed us to a recent video published by CNN - one which showcases Fortune magazine's Sue Callaway test driving the impeccable Maybach Exelero. Although the video doesn't showcase Callaway terrorizing LA's streets at anywhere near the Exelero's full potential, any video depicting a car that cost roughly $8 million to create is still entertaining, regardless of whether it's going 20 or 200 miles per hour. To learn more, head over to CNN for Callaway's full writeup describing her time with the Maybach Exelero along with several links throughout the page which will take you straight to the Exelero test drive video. And to Derek - thanks for the tip my good sir; we sincerely appreciate it.

Automakers push to standardize parts

AP PHOTO/DAVE CHIDLEY Auto workers work on the production of the General Motors' Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and the Suzuki XL7 at the CAMI Automotive facility in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.

By TOM KRISHER
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT - You’ve probably never seen the firewall, that slab of steel between you and the heat of your car’s engine, nor do you care about it.

But the way it’s designed and welded into vehicles may be the key to financial survival for U.S. automakers, and the key to how much you pay for cars in the future.

Currently, Ford Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group and General Motors Corp. have dozens of firewalls.

But Toyota Motor Corp., the recognized leader in manufacturing efficiency, has only a few, and the only difference in those is the width. All the holes for wires and ducts are in the same place, and a worker at any plant worldwide can install one in almost any of Toyota’s models because they fit together the same way.

It’s the commonality of thousands of parts from the firewall to the frame, combined with standardized manufacturing techniques across the globe that make Toyota and Honda Motor Co. more efficient.

With losses piling up in Detroit, U.S. automakers are racing to become more efficient. Industry officials say consumers will benefit because car companies will dramatically reduce costs, resulting in stable prices, increased quality, more features and new models coming out at a faster pace.

‘‘This is it for so much of everything else,’’ said Laurie Harbour-Felax, president of the Harbour-Felax Group, a Royal Oak, Mich., consulting company that has studied competitive differences between U.S. and Asian automakers. ‘‘It enables everything else in terms of competitiveness.’’

The lack of common parts is one reason why Ford, GM and Chrysler made an average of $2,400 less per vehicle in 2005 than their Japanese competitors, according to a study by the Harbour-Felax Group released late last year.

Of the Big Three, GM is farther ahead in the race to base more of its models on ‘‘common architecture,’’ Harbour-Felax said.

Ford is the farthest behind, according to Harbour-Felax, but the company says it, too, is working to globalize its car parts and manufacturing.

GM now builds a small sport utility vehicle (the Saturn Vue and Chevrolet Equinox in the U.S.) with standardized parts in factories across the globe, and later this year will debut a globally designed and manufactured mid-sized car.

Company leaders saw the need for globalization in the 1990s and began moving in that direction, but a corporate bureaucracy that rewarded managers based on regional performance stood in the way, GM officials said.

GM, which lost more than $10.6 billion in 2005 and more than $3 billion in the first nine months of last year, was forced to change by need, said Jim Queen, vice president of global engineering.

‘‘We saw the train wreck coming in North America many years ago,’’ Queen said. ‘‘You began to recognize that we could not afford to do vehicles the way we were doing them."

Globalization picked up momentum in 2001, when GM hired industry icon Bob Lutz and gave him the mission of consolidating numerous engineering and design shops worldwide. Lutz, now vice chairman of global product development, found the company’s four global regions, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe, operating independently.

Many European engines wouldn’t fit in U.S. models, and parts ended up being completely different on the same cars, even though the underpinnings were nearly identical, Lutz said.

‘‘We were basically a conglomerate of four autonomous automobile companies that had very little interchange, and all we basically did was aggregate the financial results,’’ Lutz said in a recent interview with the Associated Press.

The issue came to a head when Lutz wanted the recently acquired GM Daewoo unit in South Korea to build a new small SUV based on the existing Vue/Equinox architecture, but the Asia Pacific group wanted to build a completely new vehicle.

Finally CEO Rick Wagoner stepped in and said the vehicle would be built globally, paving the way for a 2005 organizational structure change that took design and engineering away from regional managers and made them global, Lutz said.

‘‘I know we’re dealing with the tough, fundamental issues now, which we didn’t do previously,’’ said Queen, who estimates that GM will save $1 billion in engineering, material and manufacturing costs during the life cycle of every global model.

Save for vehicles like pickup trucks, which are unique to North America, GM plans to manufacture all of its vehicles globally by 2012.

The company’s manufacturing will be analogous to Lego blocks, Lutz said, which always snap together the same way no matter what you’re building. That will allow GM to build multiple models at plants worldwide, so if it gets stung by currency fluctuations in one country, it can ramp up and produce cars where the exchange rate is more favorable.

Key to maintaining different brands is equipping the cars differently for different markets in areas where customers will notice, Lutz said.

At Ford, the company has had success building models globally, with several coming off Mazda and Volvo architecture. But it is still behind in standardizing parts and manufacturing, Harbour-Felax said.

The company is becoming more global with every new model it rolls out, and it is studying its parts to make more of them common to more vehicles, said Joseph R. Hinrichs, Ford’s vice president of North American manufacturing.

‘‘It’s going to take a couple of years to really play itself out,’’ he said.

Ford’s management structure wasn’t set up in the past to take advantage of its global resources, Hinrichs said, but that has changed.

‘‘I’m seeing examples come at me all the time of how we’re doing just that,’’ he said.

Chrysler, too, says it has been making parts more common and manufacturing more efficient.

For example, three models, the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass and Patriot small SUVs are built at a Belvidere, Ill., plant. The vehicles, different but built on the same underpinnings, are built in the same sequence with thousands of similar parts, reducing production costs, said Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice president of manufacturing.

There’s a downside to having too much uniformity, he said, because tight manufacturing and commonality rules can limit design creativity, he said.

‘‘Our rules tend to be a little looser than others to be more creative,’’ he said.

The other downside, Queen says, is that when you have thousands of the same part going into multiple cars, recalls can be huge if there’s a problem.

‘‘If you ever do have an ‘aw crap,’ you have a big number of parts out there,’’ he said.

Toyota, which refused to comment for this story, is still the target of the other automakers, and it’s still honing its manufacturing processes, Harbour-Felax said.

‘‘This isn’t a race that has a finish line,’’ said Ewasyshyn. ‘‘As long as there’s people making things, this race isn’t going away.’’

Any interest in a 1000 horsepower E85 turbocharged Viper? I thought so

AUTOBLOG GREEN | Jeremy Korzeniewski

Well, you'd better be interested! The owner of the 1000 hp E85-capable Viper is Karl Jacob, who says, "The E85 Viper project sets out to prove that we don't have to give up high performance cars in order to save the environment. In fact, we discovered during this project renewable fuel performs much better than today's gasoline."

The higher power is to be expected, as cars generally make more power on ethanol. A sophisticated engine computer system allows the vehicle to run on any blend of gas-ethanol, using 93 octane gas on up. Ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline.

The first modification was twin-turbos, along with a new fuel system and engine computer. The brakes were also upgraded at that time. While determining the next direction to go, Karl and his tuner, Ron, of SVS Power, decided to go all the way with the car... meaning 1000 HP running on 13 lbs of boost using E85 fuel. This, of course, meant a lot more mods needed to be performed, including to the fuel system, as the Viper was not meant to run on alcohol. Nor was it meant to have that much power, so the whole drivetrain was modified to take the power. You can read the whole story at Karl's site and there's an info chart after the jump.

Stay tuned for more information as it comes, as I'll be following the progress.

Related:

• All I can say is WOW. Look at this one-off W9 engine that is set up to run E85!

[Source: E85 Viper]

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Safety

Posted January 18th, 2007 At 5:45 PM CST

eMercedesBenaz.Com - - Nothing beats experience – except even more experience. With every new model, Mercedes-Benz increases its more than 60 years of expertise in the field of passenger car safety, translates the latest accident research findings into specific protective measures and develops pioneering, new driver support systems to make driving even safer. Mercedes-Benz has also brought the C-Class - and therefore automobile engineering as a whole in this market segment – a considerable step further where safety is concerned. Once again the specialists in Sindelfingen have learned more from their own accident research, once more their thorough testing has helped to improve occupant protection further with intelligent details, and once again they have ensured that even more drivers benefit from the cutting-edge technology of the luxury class... Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Safety"

More To Play With: Mercedes Introduces Optional New AMG Performance Package For The E63 AM

G

Posted January 24th, 2007 At 7:45 AM CST

Mercedes has announced today that customers looking to add a little extra spice to the already sultry E63 AMG are in luck, with the company introducing an optional AMG performance package for the 514 horsepower saloon. Designed to enhance the handling dynamics, motorsport potential and individuality of the model, the AMG performance package consists of 18" five-spoke AMG alloy wheels painted sterling silver; AMG performance suspension with firmer tuning, based on AIRMATIC DC; multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect, providing more traction when accelerating out of corners; and an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara along with silver-colored shift paddles... Keep Reading "More To Play With: Mercedes Introduces Optional New AMG Performance Package For The E63 AMG"

Only Two Years To Go: Auto Express Looks At Mercedes' Next-Generation E-Class

Posted January 24th, 2007 At 9:10 AM CST Now that the 2008 C-Class has been unveiled and prominently displayed for the world to see, it's only fitting we turn our attention back to the land of body-cladding and conjecture, speculating what exactly we'll see in the next-generation Mercedes E-Class. To do so, we turn our attention to Auto Express, who today has taken the liberty of posting a number of spy photos and details of what they think will be featured in the upcoming model. According to Auto Express... Keep Reading "Only Two Years To Go: Auto Express Looks At Mercedes' Next-Generation E-Class"

DaimlerChrysler Builds First Fuel Cell-powered Fire Fighter Vehicle

		DaimlerChrysler builds first fuel cell-powered fire fighter vehicle. (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group) SACRAMENTO, CA UNITED STATES 01/23/2007

               - Zero-emissions fire protection in Sacramento
- DaimlerChrysler has the largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world
                             -- more than 100
    - DaimlerChrysler works with emergency services to prove fuel cell
                                technology
   - More than $1 billion invested in fuel cell technology and almost 2
         million miles logged -- more than any other manufacturer

   SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler
has introduced the first fuel cell-powered fire response vehicle. The
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District will operate the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell
as a supervisor's vehicle in the Sacramento area.
   (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070124/CLW002 )
   Outfitted with decals, lights, sirens and a healthy coat of bright red
paint, the Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a look into the future use
of fuel cell vehicles. The demanding operation of the vehicle will produce
valuable data to help develop fuel cell technology. The new fire response
F- Cell joins the first fuel cell powered police car, also built by
DaimlerChrysler, which operates in Michigan with the Wayne State University
Police Department. These two vehicles are the first hydrogen fuel cell
powered emergency response vehicles in the world.
   "This program exhibits how DaimlerChrysler is taking on the challenge
for industries and governments to create viable alternative-fuel
solutions," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President - Advance Vehicle
Engineering, Chrysler Group. "We're pleased to be a driving force in this
team effort to develop zero- emissions transportation."
   The Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will be refueled at a BP Energy
hydrogen refueling station located at the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
Delivering hydrogen fuel cell vehicle experience to the fire service, the
F- Cell contributes to the development of appropriate solutions for
hydrogen transportation safety.
   DaimlerChrysler has spent more than $1 billion in fuel cell vehicle
research and development. No other manufacturer has accumulated more data
or driven more zero-emissions miles -- almost 2 million.
   The DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicle fleet is diverse -- in addition
to several research vehicles, it also includes medium-duty fuel cell Dodge
Sprinter vans and more than 35 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses, which
operate in Europe, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore. As
part of the world's largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles, DaimlerChrysler
has 32 fuel cell vehicles in customer hands within the United States and
more than 100 around the world. No other manufacturer comes close to the
efforts of DaimlerChrysler with fuel cell technology.
   The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's
leadership in fuel cell technology. The entire fuel cell system is housed
in the floor of the vehicle, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo
spaces. It has a range of approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85
mph. The electric motor develops 88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from
0 to 60 mph in 16 seconds. The fuel cell stack has been developed by the
DaimlerChrysler cooperation partner, Ballard Power Systems.
   DaimlerChrysler supports Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts and
goals. His California Hydrogen Highway Network -- in addition to other
programs the company is involved with, including those with the Department
of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency -- enables
DaimlerChrysler and its partners to gain extensive operational familiarity
with fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations.
   DaimlerChrysler pioneered fuel cell vehicle technology more than a
decade ago. Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a
catalyst and oxygen. This clean technology operates at a high level of
efficiency and is true zero-emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles
emit only pure water vapor as exhaust. Fuel cell vehicles are part of
DaimlerChrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which includes
efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels, Flex-Fuel and hybrid
powertrain systems.

SOURCE Chrysler Group

European Pricing For The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Announced

Posted January 24th, 2007 At 8:30 AM CST You've seen the photos; you've read the technical specifications; for many of you, only one question remains: "How much is going to cost to plant myself behind the wheel of the lovely new 2008 Mercedes C-Class?" Today, that question has been answered, with Mercedes releasing the European pricing information for the new C-Class lineup. Starting at a base price of EUR 29,988 for the C 180 Kompressor all the way up through EUR 44,328 for the C 350, pricing has remained relatively comparable to the outgoing model, which, considering the extensive list of standard specifications included with the 2008 C-Class, makes the new model an extremely desirable prospect. To see the full list of base prices for each of the 2008 C-Class variants as well as select optional equipment pricing, keep reading for the official press release. Enjoy. OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE New Mercedes-Benz C-Class from EUR 29,988 Stuttgart, Jan 24, 2007 The new C-Class, which Mercedes-Benz unveiled a few days ago, will cost between EUR 29,988 and EUR 44,328 ex-factory. The new C 180 KOMPRESSOR entry-level model is therefore just EUR 119 more expensive than the outgoing model, despite a more extensive standard specification and uprated engine. And the prices for the diesel saloons will increase by a modest 1.3 to 1.6 percent. The new C 200 CDI will cost EUR 31,892 ex-factory. The full line-up includes eight four- and six-cylinder models, which deliver up to 13 percent more power and consume up to six percent less fuel than the predecessor. Compared with the outgoing saloon, the standard specification for the new C Class features even more cutting-edge technology designed to enhance safety and comfort. The specification includes the AGILITY CONTROL package which adjusts the shock absorbers to suit the individual situation, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with driver assistance functions, the newly developed THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control, a kneebag for the driver, projection-beam headlamps and brake lights that flash rapidly in the event of emergency braking. Six model variants come as standard with light-alloy wheels. In addition to the CLASSIC entry-level model, the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE design and equipment lines are available, which cost between EUR 1,999 and EUR 2,118 ex-factory, depending on the engine option selected. This model concept enables Mercedes customers to emphasise certain hallmark C-Class features. Agility dominates with the AVANTGARDE model, expressed most forcefully through the tradition-laden sports car radiator grille with its three horizontal louvres and the large Mercedes star. 17-inch light-alloy wheels and aluminium trim elements are also part of the specification for this line. The ELEGANCE model lives up to its name with features like the high gloss painted, three-dimensional saloon radiator grille and fine wood trim elements. As with the AVANTGARDE line, the ELEGANCE line also boasts many more extras such as a luxury multifunction steering wheel with 12 control buttons, instrument cluster with 4.5-inch display and lighting package. The C 320 CDI and C 350 V6 models leave the production line as standard with the ELEGANCE or AVANTGARDE specification. Depending on the equipment line and engine, Mercedes-Benz charges between EUR 2,124 and 3,439 ex-factory for the optional AMG sports package. The package includes attractive, exclusive equipment details, many of which are not available separately. AMG bodystyling, sports suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, 17-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, sports seats, sports pedals and three-spoke leather steering wheel are all included. Choice of eight models: four-cylinder engines with noticeably more power Mercedes-Benz offers a compelling entry route into the world of the new C-Class with its four-cylinder C 180 KOMPRESSOR, C 200 KOMPRESSOR, C 200 CDI and C 220 CDI engines. Compared with the outgoing models, prices are just 0.4 to 1.7 percent higher, while the engines deliver up to 15 kW/20 hp more power and consume up to 0.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres less than before. All models and their prices* can be seen below: C 180 KOMPRESSOR** 115 kW/156 hp EUR 29,988 C 200 KOMPRESSOR 135 kW/183 hp EUR 32,071 C 230** 150 kW/204 hp EUR 34,451 C 280 170 kW/231 hp EUR 35,641 C 350 200 kW/272 hp EUR 44,328 C 200 CDI** 100 kW/136 hp EUR 31,892 C 220 CDI 125 kW/170 hp EUR 34,213 C 320 CDI 165 kW/224 hp EUR 40,758 *ex-works incl. VAT; **available from approx. August 2007

This Day in Auto History: 24 JANUARY

This Day in Auto History: 1.24.1900 The Societa Milanese d'Automobili Isotta-Fraschini & C. isorganized 1.24.1924 "Ford Motor Company's planned community of Kingsford, MI isincorporated as a village - the company owned vast forest reserves inthe area to supply its needs for station wagon bodies, etc., and the newvillage was named for the manager of the works, Edward G. Kingsford" 1.24.1954 "Racer Jo Gartner is born in Vienna, Austria" 1.24.1958 "Racer Altfrid Heger is born in Essen, West Germany" 1.24.1905 "Arthur E. MacDonald of Scotland, driving a 90 hp Napier at DaytonaBeach, FL, raises the land speed record to 104.65 mph - later in the dayHerbert L. Bowden of Boston, MA, driving his own Mercedes twin-engined``Flying Dutchman'', makes a run at 109.75 mph, although his time is notrecognized because his car exceeds the weight limitation in effect atthe time"

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

Bush pushes ethanol, CAFE changes

Harry Stoffer | | Automotive News / WASHINGTON -- President Bush is calling for a dramatic increase in the amount of ethanol the nation produces as a substitute for gasoline.

The president, in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, said he wants production of alternative and renewable fuels to reach 35 billion gallons a year by 2017 -- about five times the current level.

The proposal is the principal part of his Twenty in Ten plan to reduce U.S. gasoline consumption by 20 percent in 10 years.

He also wants to revise fuel economy standards for cars and extend rules for light trucks, which he said would cut gasoline use by 5 percent.

Dependence on foreign oil "leaves us vulnerable to hostile regimes, and to terrorists, who could cause huge disruptions of oil shipments, raise the price of oil and do great harm to our economy," he said.

The renewed emphasis on ethanol, made mainly from corn and other farm products, was a victory for the Detroit 3. The companies' CEOs personally lobbied Congress and the White House on ethanol last year.

They promised to make half their fleets capable of running on fuel that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline -- a blend called E85 -- if the government took steps to guarantee greater fuel availability.

They have already built about 6 million flexible-fuel vehicles but few ever run on anything but gasoline.

The administration revised fuel economy rules for light trucks last year so that vehicles of different sizes have different fuel economy targets. Bush wants to apply the same methodology to cars before raising standards. The car standard, set at 27.5 mpg, has not been changed since 1990.

The overall truck standard is being raised to about 24 mpg by 2011.

Automakers are eager to keep standard setting in the hands of regulators and out of the hands of lawmakers, who they fear might set some arbitrarily high numbers.

Tom LaSorda, CEO of the Chrysler group, said earlier Tuesday that his company would look "favorably" on varying fuel economy targets for cars by size.

But Joan Claybrook, president of the consumer group Public Citizen, said the size-based system creates loopholes and government should continue to set fleetwide standards.

DaimlerChrysler's Dr. Z wants Americans to take a fresh look at diesel

AUTOBLOGGREEN | Sam Abuelsamid

DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche urged American consumers to give diesel another chance earlier today as he introduced the updated 2007 Dodge Ram heavy duty pickups with a clean diesel that meets fifty state emissions standards that go into effect in 2010. The 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel can run on B20 biodiesel and features Mercedes BlueTec emission controls. That makes the Ram 2500/3500 the first Chrysler group vehicle with BlueTec. Zetsche emphasized the new clean diesels and the fuel efficiency improvements of up to thirty percent that they can provide compared to gasoline engines. The nitrogen oxide emissions are also reduced by up to 90 percent thanks to BlueTec. The Cummins engine is equipped with a particulate filter and a NOx absorber catalyst.

One of the main complaints about Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards is that they regulate supply from the manufacturers while doing nothing to create demand from consumers. Dr. Z encouraged the US government to move beyond current CAFE standards to a system that encourages demand by providing comparable incentives for power-trains that improve efficiency while cleaning up the exhaust. The only time that CAFE had any impact was in the late 1970s and early 1980s when fuel prices spiked in the wake of the oil embargoes. In those cases, average fuel economy likely would have increased anyway, as people tried to compensate for high prices. Since then, as prices dropped in real terms, average fuel economy has dropped as people bought more powerful vehicles. If consumers had lower prices for more efficient vehicles or higher fuel prices they would opt for those vehicles. The Chrysler press release is after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]
DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche Urges Americans to Rethink Diesel: Next Generation Clean Diesel BLUETEC Reduces Fuel Consumption, Improves Emissions



* Encourages U.S. policymakers to provide consumers with equal incentives on fuel-saving technologies
* Outlines Company's commitment in all areas of alternative fuel technologies
* Unveils 2007 Dodge Ram first pick up truck to meet stringent 2010 truck emissions standards in all 50 states, three years before deadline

Washington, D.C., Jan 23, 2007 - Today at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and the Head of Mercedes Car Group, called the nation's attention to the new generation of clean diesels - branded BLUETEC - while encouraging U.S. lawmakers to set regulations that support a diversity of approaches to reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil.

To emphasize the point, he introduced the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 with 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine offered with B5 and B20 biodiesel, available to consumers in March. The first to do so and three years before the deadline, the heavy duty truck will meet stringent 2010 truck emissions standards in all 50 states. He also announced the Dodge Ram clean, light-duty turbodiesel engine that will provide up to 30-percent improved fuel economy, meet 50-state, 2010 emissions standards, available after 2009.

With fuel economy improvements of 20 to 40 percent and a reduction of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent, Zetsche stressed that clean diesel technology is a viable solution to reducing dependence on oil and improving air quality. Zetsche also urged U.S. policymakers to stimulate greater demand and consumer choice for fuel-saving technologies - such as diesel - by providing equal incentives on powertrains that achieve lower fuel consumption with clean emissions.

"American policy-makers must adopt a new and unique formula... that encourages more technologies and more (customer) choice," said Zetsche. "I've always thought CAFÉ - in the country that is the world's model for a free-market economy – to be a bit of a contradiction. It's an attempt to regulate supply and not to use market forces to stimulate demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles."

Zetsche reasoned that "trying to sell people what they don't want is not a winnable business proposition. And it is that 'anti-free market element' of CAFÉ that makes life difficult for us. We've learned to live with CAFÉ and its modest increases." He added that we would be open to revisiting the CAFÉ discussion for cars, as they did recently for trucks and make the regulation "size based" and not "fleet based".

Zetsche offered that the automotive companies should "look to innovation, and to increasingly substituting petroleum products with biofuels." He pointed to the modern diesel engine which has "plenty of the former, and great potential for the latter."

He mentioned a current study that expects diesel takes rates in the U.S. to hit 15 percent by 2015. Zetsche also detailed the significant advantages of modern diesel engines where the ultra-modern BLUETEC diesel vehicles provide their owners with clean and economical performance.

The Mercedes brand has been pioneering BLUETEC in Europe, where it's been on the road for several years. Since 2005, the Company has sold more than 40,000 BLUETEC Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses in Europe, "where they've performed exceptionally well in everyday heavy-duty service," added Zetsche.

Mercedes-Benz intends to systematically broaden its BLUETEC portfolio. In addition to the recently introduced Mercedes E 320 BLUETEC, three additional BLUETEC models will join the line-up, the R-Class, the ML-Class and the GL Class that will all be assembled at the Company's plant in Alabama.

He also submitted that DaimlerChrysler "is not pursuing diesel to the exclusion of other alternate fuel technologies." Zetsche listed many on-going initiatives including the Company's fuel cell activities where DaimlerChrysler has invested more than $1 billion and has more fuel-cell vehicles on the road today than any other manufacturer.

The Company also has about 1,500 Orion VII diesel-electric buses in service or on order for municipal fleets in Toronto, San Francisco and New York City/New Jersey. And, working with GM and BMW, DaimlerChrysler is jointly developing a state-of-the-art, two-mode, full hybrid propulsion architecture for applications in Chrysler Group, Mercedes Car Group, GM and BMW vehicles. The first DaimlerChrysler vehicle to use this system will be the Dodge Durango, coming in 2008.

Unveiled during Zetsche's keynote address, and available in dealerships next month, was the new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty BLUETEC featuring an all-new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, the first to meet 2010 truck emissions standards in all 50 states. It is the first BLUETEC vehicle from the Chrysler Group.

"Several years ago, when the EPA set stringent 2010 diesel emissions standards for heavy-duty pickup trucks, we didn't shake our heads and say 'no'," said Zetsche. "We went to work with Cummins, the long-time diesel engine partner for Dodge Ram heavy-duty three-quarter and one-ton pickup trucks, to meet the challenge."

The new 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty engine uses a diesel particulate filter to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an absorber catalyst to reduce NOx by as much as 90 percent and virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions.

In addition to the heavy duty pick up truck, DaimlerChrysler revealed another addition to its diesel lineup. Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group President and CEO, announced an all-new diesel engine for its light duty Dodge pickup trucks that will be available after 2009. Armed with new Cummins clean-diesel technology, the new engine will provide a dramatic increase in low-end torque, up to a 30-percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20-percent reduction in carbon dioxide (C02) emissions when compared to an equivalent gasoline engine. The new clean turbodiesel engine will meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010.

LaSorda also announced pricing on the 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, 3.0-liter common rail turbodiesel (CRD) that will begin to arrive at Jeep dealerships in March. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD will begin at $38,475, including $695 destination. The 3.0-liter CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland 4x2 and 4x4 models.

DaimlerChrysler shows trucks that meet tough fuel goals

But Zetsche wanrs that favoring one technology may have consequences

Click thumbnails to zoom

(AP Photo)

Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda, right, introduces the new Dodge Ram diesel at the 2007 Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention center in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007. DaimlerChrysler announced Tuesday it would be the first to market a diesel heavy-duty pickup truck capable of meeting strict 2010 emission standards in all 50 states.

January 23, 2007

By TIM HIGGINS | FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER | WASHINGTON — While introducing work pickups that will meet clean diesel regulations three years ahead of schedule, Dieter Zetsche, chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG, warned during a speech to open the Washington Auto Show this morning that U.S. efforts toward greater fuel efficiency could be hampered by government incentives that single out one technology over another, such as hybrids over diesels.

"What we need to avoid in this country is a legislative bias that favors a single technology, be it hybrid or anything else," Zetsche said. "State and federal governments shouldn't be in the business to giving certain vehicle drive technologies an edge in the market."

He noted that tax credits, such as those on hybrids, and other benefits, such as allowing hybrid vehicles to use special commuter lanes in traffic, could have unintended consequences.

"We may lose out on other technologies that can move us toward our objectives perhaps even faster," he said. "The more efficient solution is to provide equal incentives to achieving the desired outcome, in this case lower fuel consumption with cleaner emission and then let the market decide."

At the show, Zetsche made a big push for diesel engines, a technology that DaimlerChrysler has great experience selling outside the United States.

Zetsche announced that the company’s Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 with Cummins diesel engines will go on sale this spring and will meet tough new emission standards three years before the 2010 deadline.

Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda joined Zetsche at the presentation, riding in on one of the new Dodge Rams.

LaSorda said the company will have a light-duty Dodge pickup truck available with a new Cummins clean-diesel technology after 2009.

In recent years, Chrysler has been making steps toward taking greater advantage of diesel engines developed by Mercedes, the main German unit of DaimlerChrysler. Diesel engines tend to be more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines.

LaSorda also said a new Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel will be in dealerships this March with a suggested starting price of $38,475.

Chrysler restructuring to be unveiled soon

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- DaimlerChrysler AG is focused on restructuring the Chrysler group and plans to unveil a blueprint next month, CEO Dieter Zetsche said today.

Zetsche, who appeared at the Washington auto show, declined to provide details on the company's cost-cutting plans.

"There is a lot of speculation. When we announce our plan, there will be fact," Zetsche said. "We have a date coming up shortly and we will (address) it at that time, not in bits and pieces."

The Chrysler group has forecast a 2006 loss of $1.3 billion after failing to respond to consumers' shift away from high-margin pickups, SUV and minivans that represent about 64 percent of the company's U.S. sales.

The automaker has been preparing a restructuring plan since the second half of 2006. The plan is expected to include job cuts and cost reductions in production and procurement.

Chrysler has also said it is seeking a deal with its major union to cut its $2.3 billion annual health care bill.

An earlier Chrysler restructuring, spearheaded by Zetsche, has cut Chrysler's work force by about 35 percent, or almost 44,000 jobs, since 2000.

Chrysler's overall sales dropped 7 percent in 2006 in a U.S. market for cars and light trucks that dipped 2 percent.

Plant Production Update

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. ** Orders should be placed at least 30 days prior to the option’s final build date for all DaimlerChrysler vehicles. 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 Dodge Challenger	8-10	300 and 300C models have a 6-8 week lead time (PW1) Stone White has a fleet Job #1 of 2/5/07 The following options have a Job #1 of 2/12/07: (PJV+29R) Cognac Crystal paint with 29R Pkg. (AJM) SRT Design Group (52Y) Headlamp washer delete tracking w/ (JHS) headlamp washer The following options have a Job #1 of 2/14/07: (LEU) Auto dim exterior mirror (JHC) Rain sensitive wipers w/ (AFF) Luxury Group and (LMS) Smartbeam headlamps (29R) Heritage Group (NHP) Adaptive speed control has a Job #1 of 7/27/07 (27P) Pkg. is on hold
Chrysler Pacifica	8-10	AWD models have a 10-12 week lead time (29P) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 2/1/07 The following paint colors have a final build date of 3/23/07**: (PYG) Linen Gold (PPK) Magnesium Pearl (PB6) Marine Blue Pacifica Signature Series (29W) is no longer available for ordering
Chrysler PT Cruiser	6-8	None
Chrysler Sebring Sedan	18-20	(RER) AM/FM CD MP3 navigation radio has a Job #1 of 2/5/07 (PV6) Sunburst Orange paint has a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (XRV) Rear seat video system has a Job #1 of 2/26/07 (XWS) Driver sunglass holder has a Job #1 of 3/1/07
2008 Dodge Avenger	TBD	(RER) AM/FM CD MP3 navigation radio has a Job #1 of 2/5/07 (XRV) Rear seat video system has a Job #1 of 2/26/07 (XRV) Rear seat video system has a Job #1 of 2/26/07 (XWS) Driver sunglass holder has a Job #1 of 3/1/07 (JSEX41) Avenger R/T AWD model has a Job #1 of 4/23/07

Dodge Caliber	16-18	Caliber R/T AWD models have a 20-22 week lead time (CJ1) Front seat side airbags have a Job #1of 1/29/07
Jeep Compass	14-16	Compass FWD models have a 16-18 week lead time (ECN) 2.0L 4-cyl engine has a Job #1 of 1/22/07 (MKTL74) (CJ1) Front seat-mounted side airbags have a Job #1 of 1/29/07

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. ** Orders should be placed at least 30 days prior to the option’s final build date for all DaimlerChrysler vehicles. 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	8-10	(29S) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 2/26/07 (PVJ) Cognac Crystal Pearl has a final build date of 3/23/07** The following options have a final build date of 4/2/07**: (PYG) Linen Gold Metallic Pearl paint (PPK) Magnesium Pearl paint (PB6) Marine Blue Pearl Paint (CU4) Removable front seat console The following options have a final build date of 4/17/07**: (*J1) Dark Khaki/Light Graystone (RSB) Sirius satellite radio (EDZ) 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC engine The following options have a final build date of 4/27/07**: (RSKL13) Grand Caravan Cargo Van (JRB) Left power sliding door (XAP) Power adjustable pedals (HBB) Rear air conditioning w/heater (XRV) rear seat video system (JRA) Right power sliding door (CJ5) Supplemental side curtain airbags (EGM) 3.3L V6 OHV FFV engine (29P) Pkg. is no longer available (RSYH53 and RSYP53)
Dodge Dakota	8-10	(ASU) R/T Group has a Job #1 of 2/14/07 (DMH) 3.92 rear axle ratio w/o (DSA) limited slip differential has a Job #1 of 2/15/07 (TXV) P265/70R16 AT tires have a Job #1 of 2/16/07 (DHU) Shift-on-the-Fly FT transfer case has a Job #1 of 2/19/07 (DHV) Shift-on-the-Fly FT transfer case has a final build date of 2/19/07** (PJC) Light Khaki paint has a final build date of 3/9/07** (PBT) Patriot Blue paint has a final build date of 3/16/07** (TR2) P255/70R16 AS tires are no longer available for ordering
Dodge Durango	8-10	(ANR) Night Runner Group has a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (TVC) P265/50R20 AS tires have a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (TV9) P265/50R20 AS tires are no longer available for ordering
Chrysler Aspen	8-10	(TVC) P265/50R20 AS tires have a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (TV9) P265/50R20 AS tires are no longer available for ordering
Dodge Nitro	8-10	Nitro 4x4 models have a 10-12 week lead time (RER) AM/FM CD MP3 Navigation Radio has a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (DHZ) Full-time 4WD w/ (EGS) 4.0L V6 engine has a Job #1 of 7/10/07 (CW5) Portable utility table has a Job #1 of 7/14/07
Dodge Ram Pickup DR 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mega Cab	8-10	Ram 1500 4x2 and 2500 4x4 models have a 6-8 week lead time (ETH) 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel engine w/(NBA) Underground Calibration has a Job #1 of 2/7/07 (LBN + DG3) Power take off has a Job #1 of 2/12/07 (AR9) Single Rear Wheel Group with (SKS/SKT) heavy duty front springs has a Job #1 of 3/1/07 (ETJ) 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine w/ (XBC) pickup box delete has a Job #1 of 3/5/07 (ANA) Navigation Convenience Group has a Job #1 of TBD (K40) Body-color body-side molding is no longer available for ordering
Jeep Grand Cherokee	8-10	Grand Cherokee 4x2 models have a 10-12 week lead time (HAF) A/C w/ dual zone control w/o (RSP) Uconnect has a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (EXL) 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine has a Job #1 of 2/22/07 (PXR) Black paint has a Job #1 of 2/26/07 (TBB) Full-size spare has a Job #1 of 3/8/07 (PX8) Black paint is no longer available for ordering
Jeep Commander	8-10	Commander 4x2 models have a 16-18 week lead time (PXR) Black paint has Job #1 of 2/26/07 (WPN) Platinum aluminum wheels have a Job #1 of 3/12/07 (PX8) Black paint is no longer available for ordering
Jeep Liberty	6-8	Liberty 4x2 models have an 8-10 week lead time
Jeep Wrangler	12-14	(RER) AM/FM CD MP3 Navigation Radio has a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (GCH) Half Doors have a Job #1 of 1/31/07 (SHG) Electronic front sway bar w/o Rubicon model has a Job #1 of 2/15/07 (DSH) Locker rear axle has a Job #1 of 2/15/07 (GWK) Sunrider soft top with 2-Door has a Job #1 of 3/19/07
Jeep Patriot	8-10	None