2007 Dodge Rams to Run on B-5 Biodiesel

AUTOMOTIVE FLEET | ST. LOUIS – DaimlerChrysler will expand its promotion of clean, renewable biofuels by delivering each new 2007 Dodge Ram diesel pickup truck to owners running on biodiesel fuel. Every Dodge Ram diesel coming off the assembly line at the company’s Fenton, Mo., north plant will be fueled with B-5 — made with 5-percent clean, renewable diesel derived from soybeans.

The Dodge Ram diesel is already approved for regular use with B-5 fuel.

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500/3500 series diesel pickup trucks are powered by the 5.9L Cummins turbo-diesel engine. Beginning in Jan. 2007, the vehicles will be built with the new Cummins 6.7L, turbo-diesel engine and will meet all federal and state environmental standards.

More than 15,000 Jeep Liberty CRD diesels have already been delivered to customers running on B-5. And in early-2007, DaimlerChrysler will launch the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD with 3.L, common rail, turbo-diesel engine, which also will be fueled with B-5 at the factory. These vehicles are also approved for regular use with B-5 biodiesel fuel.

In addition to fueling each 2007 Dodge Ram diesel with B-5, the company has approved the use of B-20 in the vehicle for commercial, government, and military fleets. For this program, vehicles will require a supplemental fuel filter and must be used with fuel meeting the military’s quality requirements. The experience gained in this test program will contribute toward finalization of a nationwide standard for B-20 fuel. DaimlerChrysler is working with other automakers, suppliers, fuel refiners and distributors, customers, and research organizations to develop a national B-20 standard that could dramatically increase the use of this renewable fuel.

The standard must be developed to allow manufacturers to use B-20 in all of their vehicles, including the millions of diesel vehicles already on the road, as well as those built in the future.

In addition, the company’s lineup of FFVs for 2007 includes:

SUVs with 4.7L engine: Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Commander.

Pickup trucks with 4.7L engine: Dodge Ram and Dakota.

Minivans with 3.3L engine: Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & County.

Chrysler Sebring sedan with 2.7L engine.

US AUTO SALES - SEPTEMBER 2006

North America car and truck production - 10/16/2006

North America car and truck production
	10/9-	10/1-	1/1-	1/1-
	10/14/06	10/14/06	10/14/06	10/15/05
300 (Can.)	1,897	4,268	123,125	146,350
300 wagon (Can.)*	0	0	0	1,068
Neon	0	0	0	269
Neon (rhd)*	0	0	0	336
PT Cruiser (Mex.)	0	3,372	119,071	111,231
PT Cruiser convertible (Mex.)	0	134	11,744	13,017
Sebring (2006)	0	0	34,812	50,280
Sebring (2007)	856	1,799	5,892	0
Sebring convertible	0	0	17,551	28,552
Aspen (trk.)	780	1,740	8,776	0
Pacifica (Can. trk.)	2,188	4,923	97,474	86,572
Town & Country (trk.)	1,780	1,780	42,509	47,669
Town & Country (Can. trk.)	1,897	4,268	81,509	116,472
Total Chrysler Division	9,398	22,284	542,463	601,816
Caliber	3,593	8,080	131,343	0
Charger (Can.)	2,447	5,506	102,404	52,034
Magnum (Can.)	751	1,690	33,048	42,064
Neon	0	0	0	125,791
Stratus	0	0	59,858	81,124
Viper	0	0	901	1,622
Caravan (trk.)	5,054	5,054	129,328	154,980
Caravan (Can. trk.)	1,361	3,062	59,658	91,251
Dakota (trk.)	1,808	4,033	70,577	93,471
Durango (trk.)	517	1,154	57,436	92,797
Nitro (trk.)	984	2,195	7,646	0
Ram pickup (trk.)	5,304	11,833	214,719	211,063
Ram pickup (Mex. trk.)	2,397	4,644	118,349	148,605
Sprinter (trk.)†	581	1,162	20,125	13,776
Total Dodge	24,797	48,413	1,005,392	1,108,578
Commander (trk.)	0	0	65,015	29,478
Compass (trk.)	1,752	3,909	26,334	0
Grand Cherokee (trk.)	0	0	111,102	193,823
Liberty (trk.)	2,751	6,138	139,983	180,698
Wrangler (2006, trk.)	0	0	33,779	59,641
Wrangler (2007, trk.)	734	1,638	4,314	0
Wrangler Unlimited 2-door (trk.)	0	0	11,958	17,714
Wrangler Unlimited 4-door (trk.)	740	1,652	8,332	0
Total Jeep	5,977	13,337	400,817	481,354
Total Chrysler group	40,172	84,034	1,948,672	2,191,748
GL class (trk.)	1,293	2,575	25,448	0
M class (trk.)	2,059	4,107	101,308	47,466
R class (trk.)	962	1,913	44,523	7,614
Total Mercedes-Benz	4,314	8,595	171,279	55,080
Mitsubishi Raider	0	0	361	4,972
Total U.S. car	4,449	9,879	250,357	287,974
Total Canada car	5,095	11,464	258,577	241,516
Total Mexico car	0	3,506	130,815	124,248
Total U.S. truck	27,099	50,883	1,123,573	1,155,162
Total Canada truck	5,446	12,253	238,641	294,295
Total Mexico truck	2,397	4,644	118,349	148,605
DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG	44,486	92,629	2,120,312	2,251,800
†Automotive News estimate	*For export only			‡Actual
Source: Automotive News Data Center
Source - Crain Communications

Average wholesale used-vehicle prices, July

Average wholesale used-vehicle prices, July
	Average Prices ($/Unit)			Latest Month Versus:
	Jul-06	Jun-06	Jul-05	Prior Month	Prior Year
Cars
Small and mid-range	$7,869	$8,016	$7,416	-1.8%	6.1%
Sporty	12,816	13,179	12,419	-2.8%	3.2%
Traditional	10,453	10,441	9,120	0.1%	14.6%
Upscale	13,322	13,391	13,800	-0.5%	-3.5%
Total car	$8,869	$9,032	$8,417	-1.8%	5.4%
Light trucks
Small pickups	$7,361	$7,323	$7,039	0.5%	4.6%
Full-sized pickups	10,836	11,156	10,482	-2.9%	3.4%
Minivans	7,722	8,174	7,337	-5.5%	5.2%
Full-sized vans	7,188	7,857	7,210	-8.5%	-0.3%
Lower mid-range SUVs	9,822	10,167	10,051	-3.4%	-2.3%
Large SUVs	12,429	12,994	13,761	-4.4%	-9.7%
Other SUVs*	14,629	14,783	15,143	-1.0%	-3.4%
Total light truck	$10,331	$10,616	$10,311	-2.7%	0.2%
TOTAL WHOLESALE	$9,584	$9,798	$9,288	-2.2%	3.2%
* Includes Standard & Premium Sport Wagon, Small SUV, Upper Mid-Range SUV and Premium SUV.
Source: ADESA Analytical Services based on AuctionNet data and Automotive News model class segments.
NOTE: June data has been revised.
Source by: Crain Automotive

2006-10-17 20:53 (Mb 4.9) OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 40.4 -125.8

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Geographic coordinates: 40.449N, 125.796W
Magnitude: 4.9 Mb
Depth: 10 km
Universal Time (UTC): 17 Oct 2006 20:53:18
Time near the Epicenter: 17 Oct 2006 12:53:18
Local time in your area: 17 Oct 2006 20:53:18

Location with respect to nearby cities:
129 km (80 miles) W (277 degrees) of Petrolia, CA 130 km (81 miles) W (264 degrees) of Ferndale, CA
138 km (86 miles) WSW (257 degrees) of Humboldt Hill, CA
143 km (89 miles) WSW (255 degrees) of Eureka, CA
416 km (259 miles) NW (317 degrees) of San Francisco City Hall, CA

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US tybq

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/ustybq.php

2008 Smart ForTwo in the flesh

smart fortwo

PARIS - - Reichel provided this chop of the next Smart ForTwo that will arrive in the US by 2008. Three basic models are expected: BASIC, SPORT, and Vert.

Coming soon - Mercedes SportCoupe.

Mercedes Sportcoupé

Another look soon-to-be Mercedes SportsCoupe.

TI Processors Drive Integrated Automotive Displays

TJTELEMATICS JOURNAL | TEXAS - - Addressing automotive instrument cluster systems' growing performance requirements, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) expanded its 32-bit TMS470 microcontroller (MCU) platform, offering new devices for instrument cluster host controller applications. As the amount of information displayed in vehicles increases — from enhanced vehicle diagnostics and driver assistance features such as rear park assist cameras, to digital media and full real-time navigation systems — drivers demand higher performance graphics and more highly integrated displays.

To meet the challenge, new TMS470PLFx MCUs are targeted for systems with up to six stepper motors and are tightly coupled with TI's OMAP33x and DaVinci TMS320DM64x based graphics controller to drive high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) and Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) displays.

With the recent advances in vehicle digital display technology, traditional analog gauges complement, and in some instances, are being entirely replaced by digital displays. Consumers who are accustomed to high- performance graphics in their personal computers and handheld devices demand no less from their vehicles displays — high quality graphic is a must.

The new TMS470 generation of MCUs for cluster applications will help developers build highly integrated cluster solutions that use a color graphics display controller with the real-time performance and versatility inherent in OMAP and DaVinci technology.

TMS470PLFx MCUs can directly drive small segment LCDs through its embedded 128-segment LCD controller, while the use of peripheral modules such as the High-End Timer (HET), Direct Memory Access Controller (DMA), and Multi-Buffered SPI (MibSPI) allow the TMS470PLFx instrument cluster MCU family to directly drive some other types of digital displays with no CPU load impact. The TMS470PLFx MCUs can also drive up to 6 stepper motors directly through the use of its intelligent peripherals, and supports modulated frequency and slew rate control to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

TI's OMAP Platform is comprised of high-performance, power efficient processors, a robust software infrastructure and a comprehensive support network for the rapid development of differentiated multimedia-enhanced devices. Based on an ARM926 processing core, the OMAP33x applications processor platform includes advanced multimedia performance, an 18-bit LCD controller, a 2D graphics accelerator engine, robust frame buffer performance, a high-throughput DMA interface and several other features for graphics and streaming video applications.

The DM64x architecture is a highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) that has absorbed many external components required for digital video. Based on TI's DaVinci technology, this architecture includes multimedia codecs, multiple display output types, and robust frameworks for rapid development of high-performance graphics systems, giving cluster manufacturers powerful capabilities to bring new digital graphic and video products to market.

Scalability and compatibility of designs across automotive platforms give cluster system designers the flexibility to address ever-changing market requirements during all phases of development. The suite of intelligent peripherals and common architecture across TMS470 devices allows for more efficient development and an overall reduced system cost. In addition, the ability to use a single graphics library on all devices for image rendering offers developers the same look and feel at the API level across processors.

This feature ensures that developers' graphics software is extremely scalable from low- to high-end clusters, helping reduce time to market and development costs. The TMS470 MCU instrument cluster platform is also pin-for-pin compatible for reduced hardware redesign.

Developers can start designing with TMS470 MCUs, OMAP or DaVinci DM64x processors with evaluation modules, starter kits and demonstration platforms along with compatible software from TI and leading third parties, including Lauterbach, iSYSTEMS, TES, Altia, Sophia, ETAS, and Vector.

TMS470PLFx and OMAP33x devices are available in samples today with the DaVinci DM64x processors available in fourth quarter 2006.

TI's TMS470 MCU is used in the vast majority of automotive safety systems around the world such as antilock braking systems and airbag electronics, while TI's leading digital signal processors offer solutions for infotainment, navigation, and electronic drive assist. The TI automotive portfolio extends into mixed signal solutions integrating analog-, power-, digital-circuits, as well as embedded processors.

The company has achieved ISO/TS16949:2002 certification at 36 facilities worldwide.

Dassault Announces PowerFeature for Automotive Sector

PARIS, France, October 17, 2006 - Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced a new Industry Solution Business Process Content (BPC), specifically designed for the automotive sector called PowerFeature. Powerfeature standardizes and automatizes quality control across the entire supply chain, with a full feature based part design strategy, integrating processes from design, process planning to manufacturing.

“Through a successful collaboration between Dassault Systèmes and DaimlerChrysler, DS adapted and enhanced the key business processes originally developed by DaimlerChrysler to create PowerFeature,” says Klaus Peter Berg, Manager of IT Production, DaimlerChrysler AG. “This Industry Solution is a central component of the upcoming CATIA V5 rollout for DaimlerChrysler and its suppliers.” As part of an ongoing strategic relationship, Dassault Systèmes contributes to DaimlerChrysler’s more efficient and profitable supply chain.

Drawing on 25 years of innovation, Dassault Systèmes bases its state-of-the-art Industry Solutions on sector-specific PLM practices, covering innovative and well-proven business scenarios. In order to develop BPCs, DS engineers first identify customers’ specific needs and the associated industrial processes, then create a preconfigured solution to be leveraged by multiple customers, either from the same industry or with the same processes. These “accelerators” enable more customers to benefit from in-depth industry knowledge at a fraction of the cost.

DaimlerChrysler selected DS partner Transcat PLM GmbH & Co. KG to implement the integrated PLM solution in December 2006. DaimlerChrysler, Transcat PLM and Dassault Systèmes will demonstrate PowerFeature to a group of industry suppliers at a dedicated seminar, which will take place in Stuttgart, Germany on October 17, 2006. Further information about the product will be available after the seminar on the DaimlerChysler engineering portal: https://engineering.daimlerchrysler.com.

Three Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC vehicles are on their way

AUTOBLOG.COM | Damon Lavrinc - - Hot on the heels of the widespread adoption of new diesel throughout the U.S. last week, Mercedes has announced the impending arrival of three BLUETEC equipped models.

The ML320 CDI SUV, the R320 CDI, tarted-up minivan and the E320 BLUETEC will all come equipped with a three-liter V6 diesel that will make upwards of 200 HP and close to 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Mercedes contends that these new diesels will provide the pull of a V8, yet return mileage numbers comparable to a four-cylinder.

The E320 BLUETEC sedan will chug happily along for over 700 miles before it needs more go juice, returning 40 percent better fuel economy when matched up against a comparably equipped E-series. The ML320 CDI increases its fuel mileage by 28 percent and the R-class will get a 32 percent bump in fuel economy.

These new engines claim to meet the world's most stringent emissions standards and should begin arriving on U.S. shores soon.

Click on through for MSRP's on each model, along with the EPA mileage figures.

PRESS RELEASE

MERCEDES-BENZ launches three new diesel-powered models

Quiet, Strong Diesels Power Mercedes-Benz Sedan and Sport Utilities

MONTVALE, N.J. – Today Mercedes-Benz is launching three new models powered by new-generation diesel engines that are impressively quiet, clean and fast. As earlier-technology diesels are disappearing from the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz is announcing the availability of the ML320 CDI, a mid-size sport utility with a suggested retail price of $ 44,455; the R320 CDI, a six-passenger luxury vehicle priced at $ 44,775; and the E320 BLUTEC, a full-size luxury sedan that begins at $ 52,325 (all three prices include a destination charge of $775).

The new diesel vehicles are powered by an innovative three-liter V6 diesel engine that combines the impressive torque of a V8 engine with the great fuel economy of four-cylinder engines. The new R320 CDI and ML320 CDI make 215 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E320 BLUETEC produces 208 and torque of 400 lb.-ft. All three models are fitted with the latest CDI electronic fuel injection, and the E320 BLUETEC features new emission control technology that holds the potential to meet the world's toughest clean air standards.

Aided by its aerodynamic styling, the E320 BLUETEC boasts a whopping 40 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, and its EPA city/highway rating of 27/37 miles per gallon means the luxury sedan can cruise more than 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. With a city/highway rating of 21/28 mpg, the R320 CDI gets 32 percent better fuel economy, while the ML320 CDI sport utility (rated at 21/27 mpg) provides a 26 percent improvement. Both CDI models have a cruising range of well over 600 miles before refueling.

2006-10-16 00:35 (Mw 5.8) AUCKLAND ISLANDS, N.Z. REGION -50.7 162.2

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: AUCKLAND ISLANDS, N.Z. REGION
Geographic coordinates: 50.726S, 162.238E
Magnitude: 5.8 Mw
Depth: 10 km
Universal Time (UTC): 16 Oct 2006 00:35:33
Time near the Epicenter: 16 Oct 2006 11:35:33
Local time in your area: 16 Oct 2006 00:35:33

Location with respect to nearby cities:
266 km (165 miles) W (265 degrees) of Auckland Island, New Zealand
472 km (294 miles) NNE (29 degrees) of Macquarie Island, Australia
815 km (506 miles) SW (225 degrees) of Dunedin, New Zealand
1425 km (885 miles) SW (218 degrees) of WELLINGTON, New Zealand

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US txb5

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/ustxb5.php

DaimlerChrysler Makes Dreams Come True and Awards Nine New Vehicles to Consumers in 'Ask Dr. Z' Dream Car Sweepstakes

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 17 -- More than 24,000 consumers wished upon a car in the "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes, but only nine lucky winners are actually driving home in a brand new car, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler.

"The 'Ask Dr. Z' Dream Car Sweepstakes leveraged the momentum created by the 'Ask Dr. Z' campaign and generated additional Web site and showroom traffic," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President - Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Consumers across the country have expressed their excitement about our new product line, and we are thrilled to award nine consumers with the vehicles of their dreams.

"The winners of an all-new Dodge Challenger are Brenda Freeman of Jasper, Ga.; Evelyn Puett of Plainfield, Ill.; and Phil Sholtes of Grosse Ile, Mich.Those who will soon be driving an all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring are Henry Bounds of Laurel, Del.; Roy Nicholas of Clinton, Mass.; and Enrique Turegano of Orange, Calif.

The people that will be able to go anywhere and do anything as winners of an all-new four-door 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are Gail Baxter of Norwood, N.C.; Raydene Garrison of Juneau, Ala.; and David Stedman of Orlando, Fla.Of the more than 24,000 entries received, over 55 percent of the entrants registered to win the all-new Dodge Challenger, followed by the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited at over 24 percent and the Chrysler Sebring at about 20 percent. In addition, more than half of the entries requested additional information on Chrysler Group products.

2008 Jeep Liberty 'UNMASKED"

Thanks to some folks who are closely connected to ALLPAR.COM we can now final see the next 2008 Jeep Liberty



More pics and comparo at this link: http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/liberty-2008.html

Chrysler Production Update - October 16 2006

October 16, 2006 | AIRFLEET

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	10-12	(PB6) Marine Blue paint has a Job #1 of 10/16/06 (AFS) Signature Series Job #1 is 10/16/06 (LXC***) (AWT) Road & Track Group has a Job #1 of 10/19/06 (LXDP48) (PW1) Stone White paint has a Job #1 of 10/23/06 (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 (2DZ) Pkg. w/o (XAA) ParkSense has a Job #1 of 1/2/07 (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	8-10	(EGQ) 4.0L V6 engine w/ (NAE) California Emissions has a Job #1 of 10/23/06 (RSB) Sirius satellite radio w/ (RFB) 385 watt amp and (RDV) 6-disc changer is on hold (XAC) Parkview rear backup camera w/o (JRC) power liftgate is on hold
Chrysler PT Cruiser	8-10	None
Chrysler Sebring Sedan	8-10	(XGY) Heated/cooled cupholder has a Job #1 of 10/23/06 (24M) 2.4 Limited Sedan has a Job #1 of 10/23/06 (RER) AM/FM CD MP3 Navigation radio has a Job #1 of 11/1/06 (CK6) Rear cargo organizer has a Job #1 of 11/1/06 (AFC) Electronics Convenience Group w/ (2DK) Pkg. has a Job #1 of 11/6/06 (JSCP41) The following options have a Job #1 of 12/4/06: (26N) Pkg. (24M) Pkg. w/ (BNB) electronic stability program (EER) 2.7L V6 engine w/ (NAE) California Emissions (EGF) 3.5L V6 engine (PV6) Sunburst Orange paint has a Job #1 of 1/29/06 (XRV) Rear seat video system has a Job #1 of 2/26/06 (PYG) Linen Gold paint has a Job #1 of 4/16/06 (AHM) Convenience Group is on hold (JSCP41)

Dodge Caliber	6-8	(CJ1) Front seat side airbags have a Job #1of 12/1/07 (PMDS49) Caliber SRT4 has a Job #1 of 3/12/07
Jeep Compass	6-8	(ECN) 2.0L engine has a Job #1 of 10/23/06 (MKTH49) (CJ1) Front seat side airbags have a Job #1of 12/1/07 (ECN) 2.0L engine has a Job #1 of 12/18/06 (MKTL74)

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	8-10	The following options are on hold: (LAB) Tire pressure monitoring system (AT1) Entertainment Group The following options have a Job #1 of 11/6/06: (EGM) 3.3L V6 OHV FFV engine (25L) Pkg. w/Fleet (25S) Pkg.
Dodge Dakota	6-8	(AGR) w/ SXT Group has a Job #1 of 11/15/06 (WPR) 18” wheel has a Job #1 of 11/20/06 (DMH) 3.92 rear axle ratio w/o (DSA) limited slip differential has a Job #1 of 11/28/06 (ASU) R/T Group has a Job #1 of 11/29/06
Dodge Durango	6-8	(AFV) Adventurer Group has a Job #1 of 11/2/06 (WEE+EVA/EVD) 17” styled steel wheel w/ 4.7L V8 FFV engine has a Job #1 of 11/6/06 (HB*M74) (ANR) Night Runner Group Job #1 12/11/06 (TVC) P265/50R20 AS tires have a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (TV9) P265/50R20 AS tires are on hold
Dodge Aspen	8-10	(TVC) P265/50R20 AS tires have a Job #1 of 1/29/07 (TV9) P265/50R20 AS tires are on hold
Dodge Nitro	8-10	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 (DHZ) Quadratrac I full-time 4WD has a Job #1 of 11/13/06 The following options have a Job #1 of 12/4/06: (ASU) R/T Group (CW5) Portable utility table (EGS+DGJ) 4.0L engine w/ 5-speed automatic (DHZ) Full-time 4WD w/ (EGS) 4.0L V6 engine has a Job #1 of 7/10/07
Dodge Ram Pickup DR 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mega Cab	8-10	(*CJ) Leather trimmed heated bucket seats w/ (2TL) Sport model has a Job #1 of 10/16/06 The following options have a Job #1 of 11/6/06: (AR9) Single Rear Wheel Group (TXE) LT265/70R17E BSW tires (TT5) LT265/70R17E OWL tires (BAJ) 220 amp alternator has a Job #1 of 11/27/06 (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 (ETH) 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel engine w/(NBA) Underground Calibration has a Job #1 of 1/8/06 (TT4) Tires are on hold (2TT) Pkg. is on hold (DH****)
Jeep Grand Cherokee	8-10	The following options have a Job #1 of 10/23/06: (ALS) Special Edition Group (AGS) Sun & Sound Group (AJP) Power Convenience Group w/ (2TE) Pkg. (AMA) Premium Sound Group (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) 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine w/ (DHX) Quadra Trac II has a Job #1 of 4/9/07 (PXR/PX8) Black paint has late availability
Jeep Commander	6-8	(JRC) Power liftgate has a Job #1 of 10/18/06 The following options have a Job #1 of 10/23/06: (AMA) Premium Sound Group (AJY) Popular Equipment Group w/ (2TS) Pkg. (AGS) Sun & Sound Group (WPN) Platinum aluminum wheels have a Job #1 of 1/8/07 (AJP) Power Convenience Group is on hold (PXR/PX8) Black paint has late availability
Jeep Liberty	6-8	None
Jeep Wrangler	6-8	(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

Update to Chery building Three Models.

Report out of China - - DaimlerChrysler is working out the final details for a joint venture with Chery Automobile to build Chrysler-designed Dodge subcompacts in east-central China for export to North America, using a combination of imported and locally made parts.

Mercedes jabs back with 2009 SL Gullwing

Illustration by Brenda Priddy & Company

Reviving a Classic

Mercedes jabs back with 2009 SL Gullwing

By BOB GRITZINGER AutoWeek | Published 10/17/06, 8:42 am et

We’ve known Mercedes-Benz has had a world-beater in the works since at least early 2004 when we blew the lid off plans for the McLaren-Mercedes P8 supercar. Now it appears the company has shifted gears once more, heading in the direction of remaking a modern-day version of the classic 300 SL Gullwing. The car is expected to go into production by 2009 or 2010, powered by an AMG biturbo 6.3-liter V8, pushing up to 750 hp

Chinese Smart Car Copy Outrages DaimlerChrysler

(Enlarge photo)

Seeing double? No, it's the CMEC Electric City Smart
(above) and the Smart Fortwo (below).

Smart parent DaimlerChrysler is said to be most
unhappy with the Chinese auto company's apparently
identical product. (Photo courtesy of
Jianan Allied International Trading)

(Enlarge photo)

(Photo courtesy of Globalautoindex.com

EDMUNDS INSIDER NEWS | SUZHOU, China — When is a Smart car not a Smart Car? When it's a CMEC Electric City Smart.

Don't believe us? Compare the two cars pictured here and decide for yourself. In what surely is the most blatant case of automotive plagiarism yet, Chinese company CMEC has begun production of a new two-seat city car that appears for all the world like DaimlerChrysler offshoot Smart's six-year-old Fortwo. And its appearance has DaimlerChrysler executives hopping mad.

Even the name of the Chinese car is daringly close to that of the original: Electric City Smart. Smart's original two-seater was christened the City Coupe before adopting the name Fortwo in 2004.

Aesthetically, there's not much separating the two cars. Only the door handles, exterior mirrors and fuel tank of the CMEC-produced car display any discernible change from the original Smart design. Dimensionally, it's hard to pick among the two, as each has an overall length of just 98.4 inches. Even the tiniest of details, such as highlights within the sides of the doors and the shape of the rear window, have been unashamedly copied to give the Chinese car an authentic appearance from the outside.

Its questionable construction aside, the biggest difference between the real Smart and the copy produced by CMEC at its plant in Suzhou, China, is the means of propulsion. Rather than run a three-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine like today's Fortwo, the Chinese example uses an electric motor that is capable of pushing the pint-size two-seater along at a top speed of 34 mph. The battery range, according to CMEC, is around 62 miles.

Further differences can be found inside; the CMEC car has a rather low-rent interior compared with Smart's neat French-built original, and with little apparent emphasis on occupant safety features. From the outside, though, you would be hard-pressed to tell the two cars were from two different manufacturers.

And then there's the price! With a projected European price equivalent of U.S. $5,260, the Chinese car will be priced half as high as next year's all-new second-generation Smart Fortwo. That's if CMEC manages to place the car on sale at all. A spokesperson from Smart's headquarters in Böblingen, Germany, says measures have already been taken to ensure the Electric City Smart is removed from sale even in China. For its part, CMEC says the first examples of the Electric City Smart have already reached England and Hungary, where it is planned to go on sale in early 2007.

What this means to you: China has long had a reputation for taking the best of what the Western world has to offer and turning out cheaper copies; here's the latest and best example of it.

Chrysler Sees '07 Gain in U.S. Share

WALL STREET JOURNAL | Neal E. Boudette | DETROIT -- DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group told auto dealers in a meeting here yesterday that the auto maker expects to gain nearly a full percentage point of market share in the U.S. next year thanks to several new models, people who attended the event said.

Still, the auto maker faces a climb in selling the bloated inventory of cars and trucks that dealers and Chrysler itself are holding.

At the meeting, before about 100 dealers from the Midwest, Chrysler chief Tom LaSorda said new models would give the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands products in several areas where they don't ...