Chrysler Will Cut Shipments by 90,000

Associated Press | ARBURN HILLS - - DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group will cut deliveries to dealers by 90,000 vehicles, or nearly 24 percent, in the third quarter, as falling sales of trucks and SUVs have left it with bloated inventories, DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Tuesday.

For the entire second half of the year, Chrysler plans to bring retail shipments down by 135,000 units from its previous target. It has also scaled back production for the rest of the year.

The 90,000 cut in shipments is down from the company's prior plan for shipping 380,000 vehicles in the third quarter.

Zetsche's remarks in a Webcast from DaimlerChrysler's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, came four days after the company said Chrysler's third-quarter loss would be $1.52 billion - more than twice what it had previously anticipated.

Zetsche said the company was forced to make the dramatic cuts after dismal sales this summer. Chrysler was counting on an employee-pricing promotion to drive sales after such promotions helped Chrysler and its competitors break records last year.

But Zetsche said this year's zero-percent financing offers from Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. ended up being more successful. Chrysler was the only company to repeat the employee-pricing offer, which offered outsiders the same prices that the company charges it own workers.

"After the disappointing sales performance in July and August, we had to finally bite the bullet," Zetsche said.

Zetsche said Chrysler was hit hard by the consumer shift away from gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and pickups. Trucks account for 71 percent of Chrysler's sales, he said. Most of the inventory reduction will come in that segment, he said.

DaimlerChrysler's U.S. shares rose 5 cents to $49.23 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

This Day in Auto History: 19 SEPTEMBER

9.19.1888 - Albert Vidal Alexandre Boudarel, a sculptor and designer of animal mascots for automobiles, is born in Paris, France

9.19.1898 - Harry Joseph Seaman, founder of Seaman Motors and developer of improved roadbuilding techniques, is born in Berlin, WI

9.19.1916 - Mr. and Mrs. Willaim Warwick and daughter Daisy arrive in New York City in a GMC truck loaded with Carnation Milk products after a 70-day trip from Seattle, WA to promote the National Parks Highway

9.19.1932 - Ab Jenkins completes a 24-hour solo run at the Bonneville Salt Flats, UT in a stock Pierce-Arrow V-12 roadster, covering 2,710 miles for an average speed of 112.94 mph - this was the first 24-hour run done at Bonneville

9.19.1948 - The 1949 Kaisers are introduced

2006-09-19 13:58 (Mb 6.1) SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA -9.9 107.3

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
Geographic coordinates: 9.931S, 107.317E
Magnitude: 6.1 Mb
Depth: 10 km
Universal Time (UTC): 19 Sep 2006 13:58:56
Time near the Epicenter: 19 Sep 2006 20:58:56
Local time in your area: 19 Sep 2006 14:58:56

Location with respect to nearby cities:
191 km (119 miles) ENE (71 degrees) of Christmas Island
307 km (191 miles) SSW (200 degrees) of Tasikmalaya, Java, Indonesia
333 km (207 miles) S (185 degrees) of Bandung, Java, Indonesia
427 km (265 miles) S (172 degrees) of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US svav

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/ussvav.php

Chrysler's Brampton plant hits speed bump

GREG KEENAN | AUTO INDUSTRY REPORTER - - The car plant in Brampton, Ont., that helped pull DaimlerChrysler AG out of the financial mud will shut down for two weeks in November -- the first cut in output of the Chrysler 300 and other rear-wheel-drive cars that have been a smash hit for the company.

The shutdown, part of a big slice in fourth-quarter production at Chrysler group plants across North America, is also a sign that the auto maker, regarded as the healthiest of the Detroit-based three earlier this year, is being battered by the same storms hammering Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. Three more weeks of down time have been scheduled at the plant in the first quarter of 2007, union officials said yesterday.

"We've had a good run," said Leon Rideout, plant chairman of local 1285 of the Canadian Auto Workers union, which represents about 3,900 workers in Brampton who will be furloughed for the weeks of Nov. 13 and Nov. 20.

The production cuts mainly affect Chrysler's truck plants, union and industry sources said yesterday, including a factory in Newark, Del., that assembles Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles--which will be cut to one shift in the fourth quarter--as well as a plant in Mexico that makes the PT Cruiser.

High gas prices in the U.S. have whacked sales of trucks and sport utility vehicles, the major source of profits for Chrysler and other auto makers. The slide in sales of those vehicles will contribute to a wider-than-expected operating loss of about $1.5-billion (U.S.) for Chrysler in the third quarter.

There will be "significant production cuts in the third and fourth quarters," Chrysler vice-president of public affairs Jason Vines said in a note on the company's weblog for media and analysts. He said many drivers have already made the move to more efficient crossover utility vehicles and passenger cars and the auto maker is in the midst of launching several of those, including the Dodge Caliber and Nitro and the Jeep Compass.

"Looking at the bigger picture," he said, "the North American vehicle market is simply more fragmented, with more players dividing a sales pie that isn't growing."

Big 3 firms continue realigning of area jobs

By MARY-BETH McLAUGHLIN
TOLEDO BLADE BUSINESS WRITER - -

The news that the Toledo area will have 700 fewer automobile industry jobs when Ford Motor Co. shutters its Maumee Stamping Plant is just the latest sign of the realignment of the area's Big Three factories.

DaimlerChrysler AG plans to cut 800 jobs by 2011 at its suburban Toledo machining plant, the result of investing $700 million to shift work to engine products. Altering what the factory does means decreasing the work force from 1,430 to about 600. More than 40 percent of the 2,900 hourly workers at General Motors Corp.'s Toledo transmission factory plan to take financial incentives to leave their jobs next year, and roughly a third of the 2,100 workers at the Defiance Powertrain plant will do the same. There's even a shifting of jobs at Chrysler's Toledo Jeep Assembly Plant, with a dozen new or expanded suppliers in the area hiring about 1,000 employees to supply the complex, which has a total of more than 4,500 employees. That figure is down from the nearly 5,000 the Toledo Jeep plant boasted in the late 1990s. But news of the job reductions is not as devastating as it first appears, said David Cole, director of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. "Everybody's so caught up in the here and now with the cutbacks and the layoffs that they don't realize just a little ways down the road, [job shortages] will kick in and it will be very positive," he said. Ford and other plants have several levels of employees who are close to retirement and will be able to get attractive buyouts, he said. Younger workers, especially those willing to get further training or switch careers, will benefit from a shortage of workers that is expected to rise to 10 million nationwide in just four or five years, he said. The auto industry expert said the decision to close the Maumee plant, for example, was something Ford had to do to reduce capacity and does not reflect on the plant's work force. John Gibney, a spokesman for the Toledo's Regional Growth Partnership, said staffers are taking a two-pronged approach to marketing the area to prospective employers: talking up the skilled work force and identifying industries other than autos that could use those workers. "We have a very talented, trained base here," he said. Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken spent a decade helping to retrain workers as the former administrator of the UAW Chrysler Training Center. He said he is confident such programs can work.

2006-09-19 13:29 (Mw 5.7) SOUTH OF TONGA -26.1 -175.6

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: SOUTH OF TONGA
Geographic coordinates: 26.082S, 175.584W
Magnitude: 5.7 Mw
Depth: 16 km
Universal Time (UTC): 19 Sep 2006 13:29:54
Time near the Epicenter: 20 Sep 2006 01:29:54
Local time in your area: 19 Sep 2006 14:29:54

Location with respect to nearby cities:
418 km (260 miles) NNE (33 degrees) of Raoul Island, Kermadec Islands 550 km (342 miles) S (184 degrees) of NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga
2843 km (1766 miles) WSW (246 degrees) of PAPEETE, Tahiti, French Polynesia

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US svas

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/ussvas.php

Chrysler offers in-dash music downloads

The 20-gigabyte hard drive on Chrysler's new MyGIG system has room for pictures, addresses, 1,600 songs and a navigation system.

Bradford Wernle | | Automotive News / PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- Chrysler has launched the latest salvo in the in-car infotainment wars by offering its MyGIG system as a $1,700 option on the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan.

The system goes a step beyond iPods and other entertainment devices by putting a 20-gigabyte hard drive in the dashboard.

MyGIG allows drivers to download up to 1,600 songs. Users also can put up to eight photos and an address book into the system. Navigation maps with a three-dimensional appearance also are stored on the hard drive. MyGIG incorporates real-time traffic information from Sirius Satellite Radio.

But the system was not available on the first production Sebrings that rolled off the assembly line at Sterling Heights, Mich., last week. That's because Chrysler is still working out bugs in the software, according to Larry Lyons, vice president of the Chrysler group's front-wheel-drive vehicle team.

Lyons could not say exactly when the system would appear on production Sebrings.

"I expect this fall. It's still under development," said Lyons, speaking at the Sebring product introduction here last week.

The system, developed with Harman Kardon, will be offered first in the Sebring and then soon afterward in the Dodge Nitro SUV and Jeep Wrangler

"I think it's a real step forward," said Stephanie Brinley, analyst for AutoPacific Inc. in Southfield, Mich. Brinley said the navigation system alone on the 2006 Sebring is a $1,795 option. MyGIG is significant because it integrates navigation, music storage capacity and the "UConnect" hands-free Bluetooth connection on the same hard drive.

"The value proposition is really important," Brinley said.

The system allows customers to download songs or pictures by ripping them from a CD or importing them through a USB port on the console.

It also includes a voice activation feature that operates the navigation system, music player and telephone.

Chrysler's offering shows how rapidly the in-car infotainment landscape is changing. Carmakers have been pushing hard to connect devices such as Apple's iPod music player to in-car entertainment systems. Now Chrysler has effectively put the iPod capability right into the dashboard.

Chrysler trims truck production

Bradford Wernle | | Automotive News / September 18, 2006 - 6:00 am DETROIT -- To reduce inventories, the Chrysler group will suspend production at four light-truck manufacturing plants for at least a week.

The company said it could post operating losses up to $1.5 billion in the third quarter because American consumers are switching rapidly to more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Chrysler had announced in July that it expected to lose up to $600 million in the third quarter.

The plants suspending production are: Saltillo, Mexico (Dodge Ram pickup); Jefferson North in Detroit (Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee); Warren (Mich.) Truck (Ram and Dodge Dakota pickup); and St. Louis South (Chrysler and Dodge minivans). The plants will be closed this week and probably longer, the company says.

Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines said the production cuts are a mix of previously announced and new reductions.

Chrysler group to cut second half output by 135,000 units

Reuters / September 19, 2006 - 8:00 am STUTTGART (Reuters) -- The Chrysler group will cut its production by around 90,000 units in the third quarter and around 135,000 in the second half of this year to try to reduce a glut of inventory, the company said today.

In a presentation made available before a conference call, the Chrysler group said deliveries to dealers would fall to around 380,000 units in the third quarter and to 705,000 in the second half.

The Chrysler group expected deliveries to rise again in 2007 and subsequent year

DCX project for small car turns to Asia -- VW out

Dodge wants a small car for the United States, similar to this Hornet concept shown in March at the Geneva auto show. Chrysler is expected to announce a partner for the project before year end.

Harald Hamprecht | Jason Stein | Automotive News / September 18, 2006 - 6:00 am
DaimlerChrysler AG is focusing on Asian manufacturers in its search for a partner to help produce a small car for the United States.

One potential partner, Volkswagen, no longer is in the running because a VW vehicle would be too expensive, says a high-level DaimlerChrysler source.

Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. of Japan and Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co. are being considered as possible partners for the small car, sources said. But they did not rule out other European automakers.

The Chrysler group wants a small-segment car to meet a shift toward fuel-efficient subcompacts in the United States. Chrysler needs a partner because of the high costs and relatively low profit margins associated with building a small car in the United States.

VW and DaimlerChrysler executives had considered cooperating on such a car for Dodge. In May, a VW executive said VW was preparing a proposal to build a small car for Dodge.

A VW spokesman later told The Wall Street Journal that the two automakers were discussing an entry-level car that could be sold by Dodge in the United States.

Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda said in March that VW, as well as automakers based in Asia and Europe, were being considered to build the small car in cooperation with Dodge. The subcompact possibly would be based on the Dodge Hornet concept that debuted in March at the Geneva auto show.

LaSorda is expected to announce Chrysler's partner for the project in the fourth quarter of this year.

Mercedes Benz Roadshow At OGDC

By Hanni ABD

Bandar Seri Begawan - A Mercedes Benz roadshow was held at the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) in Seria over the weekend as part of the activities lined-up to mark OGDC's fourth anniversary.

The roadshow allowed the Belait population a chance to check out the latest as well as the existing Mercedes Benz lineup without the hassle of having to travel to the Beribi showroom.

Several models were made available for test-driving during the two-day roadshow that concluded yesterday. Among them were the B-Class B 170, C-Class C 180 K and E-Class 200

"The roadshow allowed residents a chance to experience the power of Mercedes vehicles by taking it out on a test drive," the sales manager said.

Six Mercedes models were on display during the event, namely the S-Class 350 L, CLS 350, C230, Mercedes S-Class, the ML 350 Sports Utility Vehicle and VITO.

Door gifts were handed out to visitors during the roadshow, while three lucky individuals were each awarded a $450 gift hamper of Mercedes merchandise.

Meanwhile, individuals who purchase a Mercedes Benz between July 1 and February 28 next year will stand a chance at driving away the grand prize of a CLK 320 AMG Cabriolet. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

This Day in Auto History: 18 SEPTEMBER

9.18.1893 - John Lyon Collyer of the B. F. Goodrich Company is born in Chelsea-on-Hudson, NY

9.18.1915 - The Narragnasett Park Asphalt Speedway in Providence, RI stages its first races - the 100-mile main event is won by Eddie Rickenbacker in a Maxwell

9.18.1939 - Diesel engine authority Dr. Ing. Adolph Nagel dies at age 63

9.18.1953 - Racer Charles de Tornaco is killed at age 26 when his Ferrari crashes during a practice run in Modena, Italy

9.18.1964 - The last episode of the television program Route 66 airs

Mercedes-Benz has Turkey Squarely in its Future Plans

By Isa Sezen, Aksaray
Saturday, September 16, 2006
zaman.com

TURKEY - - German automotive giant Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 20th year of manufacturing in Turkey.

Hubertus Troska, head of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Business Unit, announced they would continue their investments as part of efforts to become an active part of the Turkish truck market in the next 20 years.

“Turkey is the second most important market after Germany for us. We will profit with our factory in Turkey in any product we manufacture,” Troska said, expressing the lack of appreciation toward the Turkish truck market by foreign truck manufacturers.

The Mercedes-Benz Aksaray Truck Plant celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Troska, who was in Turkey to attend celebrations, said Turkey was not just a market for them at the moment but also a part of the manufacturing network.

Trucks and spare parts manufactured in Turkey were being sent all over the world, Troska said, adding that Mercedes-Benz would exhibit three trucks manufactured in Turkey at the Hannover Commercial Vehicles Fair.

According to Troska, truck manufacturers in the world underestimated the Turkish market. “The reason for this is that they are far from Turkey. They would appreciate it if they conducted brief research. We made a profit because we were aware of its worth. ”

Troska stated the Turkish market had the second biggest potential after Germany and said they sold more vehicles in Turkey than in the UK, Spain, France and Italy.

“As much as the Turkish market grows, we will continue joining this market in the same way. We can foresee that in the next 20 years so we will increase our production,” Troska said.

Mercedes-Benz Turkish Directors Board Chairman Jurgen Ziegler pointed out they had invested more than $200 million in the Aksaray plant so far and said they were the biggest employer in the region.

Stating their suppliers had contributed much to the region’s development, Ziegler said “Thirteen of our suppliers settled in Aksaray, and they employed 750 people.”

The Mercedes-Benz Aksaray Truck Plant was established in 1986.

The plant operates on an area of 558,000 square meters and employs 1,300 people.

The plant was included into the manufacturing network of Mercedes-Benz in 1998 and 12,700 vehicles were manufactured in the plant in 2005, of which 3,500 were exported.

Since its establishment, 75,000 vehicles have been manufactured and 6,000 trucks have been sold to 56 countries since the start of exportation in 2001.

The total amount of export is valued at 150 million euros.

Patriot production launch pushed back

AP file photo

Jeep Patriot

By Alex Gary
ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR

BELVIDERE — DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Michelle Tinson confirmed Friday the production launch of the Jeep Patriot has been pushed back.

Company officials originally wanted to begin making retail-ready versions of the Patriot in the third quarter. But software issues at the plant’s fully robotic body shop have caused numerous shutdowns and Tinson said in an e-mail the plan now is to launch the Patriot in the fourth quarter.

DaimlerChrysler pumped $419 million into the plant late last year and early this year to enable it to make multiple models and increase or decrease production of different vehicles without costly shutdowns for retooling.

The Dodge Caliber got off to a strong start with sales hitting 12,422 in May. But production plunged in June and July after the Jeep Compass was worked into the assembly mix, with sales of both models falling to 7,894 in July. In August, production started to move upward, with sales improving to 10,938.

Belvidere assembly plant trimming third shift as Chrysler profits slump

REGISTER STAR FILE PHOTO | EDDY MONTVILLE

Workers at the DaimlerChrysler assembly plant in Belvidere are reporting that the company will lay off 80 workers from its third shift. The third shift at the plant was launched in July.

By Alex Gary
ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR

BELVIDERE — DaimlerChrysler is laying off about 80 of the two-year contract workers from the third shift of its Belvidere assembly plant, workers are reporting.

The news came out the same day DaimlerChrysler reported the Chrysler Group will make additional production cuts in the third and fourth quarters after the group lost $1.52 billion in the third quarter, double what was anticipated.

The company attributed the losses to “excess inventory, noncompetitive legacy costs for employees and retirees, continuing high fuel prices and a stronger shift in demand toward smaller vehicles” in a news release.
The shift toward smaller cars would appear to mean jobs at the Belvidere operation are safe. Workers there are building the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass, the company’s new small car and small SUV offerings that feature gas mileages around 30 mpg. The backlog in orders for the two models was more than 90,000 on Sept. 1.

But Michelle Tinson, DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman, said none of the assembly plants is safe.

“Any plant can face production cuts, it’s a result of market demand,” Tinson said in an e-mail. “We do not predict the future.”

According to third-shift worker James Doser and verified by other workers, DaimlerChrysler already is adjusting the work force in Belvidere. The 56-year-old UAW member who started at the plant in April as a temporary employee said Local 1268 representatives informed workers Friday morning DaimlerChrysler intends to lay off 80 of the temporary workers.

“Basically, what they’re doing is they’re going to fire anybody that they possibly have anything on — fire them and lay the rest off,” Doser said.

The plant employed about 1,600 workers on one shift when the year started. In March, after the successful launch of the Caliber, the company brought back a second shift of 1,000 workers and manned it largely with transfers from operations inIndianapolis and Huntsville, Ala. In July, the company launched a third shift at the 3.9 million-square-foot plant for the first time in its history, boosting payroll to more than 3,600. The shift, though, is made up largely of workers on two-year contracts, receiving lower pay, fewer benefits and with contract language giving the company the right to terminate the contract at any time based on demand.

Neither Tinson nor Local 1268 President Tom Littlejohn would confirm the reduction.

Early Friday morning, the Stuttgart-based company lowered its operating profit forecast for the full year to about $6.34 billion, based on an expected full-year loss for the Chrysler Group of $1.27 billion.

The parent company said it was examining several possibilities to improve the earnings situation of the Chrysler Group “as quickly, comprehensively and sustainably as possible.”

It said these include ways to boost sales and cut costs as well as making structural changes.

Springfield Bureau chief Aaron Chambers and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Assistant Business Editor Alex Gary may be reached at 815-987-1339 or at agary@rrstar.com.

Chrysler Aspen is the "300" of SUVs

Dubbed the '300 of SUVs' and one of ChryslerÌs latest additions to the lineup, the fully-loaded 2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited premium SUV will be appearing at dealers this fall with an MSRP of just under $50,000.

Mountain News | (Sep 15, 2006) - - Boasting styling, premium amenities, unsurpassed capability and performance coupled with fuel-saving MDS technology and a starting price below $50,000, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited should prove a new value alternative to luxury-priced competitors. The Canadian Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited is $49,995, excluding $1,225 for destination. "Starting under $50,000, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV without the premium price tag," said Judy Wheeler, Vice President, Marketing. "There are no compromises when driving a Chrysler Aspen, from the elegant Chrysler styling and more than 30 safety and security features to the available seating for up to eight and the fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System." The 2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4x4 is loaded with premium amenities and includes standard a 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic. Standard features on the Chrysler Aspen Limited includes ESP, side-curtain air bags, 20-inch chromed wheels, P265/50 R20 tires, second-row bucket seats, leather-faced heated front- and second-row seats, power driver and front-passenger seats, reclining second-row seats, three-passenger 60/40 third-row seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls, memory system (seats, mirrors, radio and temperature), dual-zone automatic temperature control, power adjustable pedals, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), sun roof, auto headlamps, fog lamps, LED interior lighting, 115-volt inverter, roof rack side rails, body-side moulding, express-up/down front windows, full-size spare tire, 6x9-inch heated mirrors, Sentry Key(TM) engine immobilizer, security alarm, running boards, power liftgate, ParkSense(TM) rear back-up system, six-disc audio system, laminated front and rear door sunscreen glass, and premium audio system with subwoofer (Estimated Fuel Consumption L/100 km 16.5 city/11.2 hwy). Optional features offered with Chrysler Aspen Limited include skid plate group, SIRIUS(TM) Satellite Radio (late availability), rear-seat DVD entertainment system, UConnect(TM) hands-free communication system, navigation system, reclining second-row three passenger 40/20/40 seat, remote start, trailer tow package with towing capacity of 3969 kg (8750 lbs), and 3.92:1 axle ratio. Manufactured at Chrysler Group's Newark (Delaware) Assembly Plant, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen will be available in Chrysler dealerships next month.

Daimler looks at selling Chinese cars in U.S.

By Keith Bradsher The New York Times Published: September 15, 2006

BEIJING DaimlerChrysler is in talks with companies in China and elsewhere for the export of subcompact cars to North America, the company chairman, Dieter Zetsche, said here Friday in comments that could renew anxieties in Detroit about competition from China. Zetsche said that the company had concluded it could not competitively manufacture its own subcompact cars for its Dodge brand in North America and instead would need to import them. "We are aware we do not have a system which could produce a vehicle at an economically viable level," Zetsche said, adding that while negotiations had not yet produced an agreement, "We are very much progressing." During a news conference and in conversations with reporters immediately afterwards, Zetsche carefully avoided saying whether any of these negotiations were with companies in China. But during a very brief interview an hour later when he walked out a back door of the factory with two aides, he said it would be fair to describe the talks as being conducted with companies in China and elsewhere. No multinational has begun sustained car exports from China to the United States or announced concrete plans to do so. Honda is now shipping Jazz hatchbacks to Belgium from Guangzhou in southeastern China, however, and several Chinese automakers have announced plans to export to the United States, notably Geely, Chery and Lifan. DaimlerChrysler's interest in importing a subcompact to the United States is not new. Rüdiger Grube, executive vice president and the management board member of DaimlerChrysler responsible for China and corporate development, made the biggest news of the Shanghai auto show in April, 2005, when he told a small group of reporters that the company was in talks with one of its Chinese partners to create a joint venture for the export of subcompacts to the United States. But Grube's remarks upset the United Automobile Workers union and DaimlerChrysler quickly backpedaled, refusing even to confirm to other reporters that Grube had made the remarks at the Shanghai show. During a tour of a new factory here before Zetsche's news conference, two DaimlerChrysler spokesmen said in separate conversations that they were not aware of any move by the company to pursue the import of subcompacts from China to the United States. Grube also attended the news conference with Zetsche on Friday. In an interview afterward, he said that DaimlerChrysler was reviewing "common interests and capabilities" with potential suppliers of subcompacts to the American market, but declined to say if any of these potential suppliers were in China. Like Zetsche, he also declined to identify any companies involved in the negotiations. The Chrysler operations of DaimlerChrysler are faring better in the United States than Ford or General Motors, partly because of the success of large Chrysler cars like the 300C. But Chrysler wants to share in concessions that the UAW could make to Ford and GM, and it tries to cooperate with the union whenever feasible. Zetsche and Grube spoke after attending the opening ceremony for the first factory in China by DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes unit, part of a broad effort by DaimlerChrysler to catch up in China. It has had a slow start here that has left it dead last in market share among the main multinational auto groups, with just 0.3 percent of the market in July, the most recent month available, or 1.4 percent if the DaimlerChrysler's stake in Mitsubishi is included. By contrast, Volkswagen had 16 percent; GM, 11 percent; Honda, 7.2 percent; Toyota, 6.2 percent; Nissan, 4.9 percent; and Ford, 2.9 percent, according to figures compiled by Automotive Resources Asia, a consulting firm that was acquired on Tuesday by J.D. Power & Associates. DaimlerChrysler relied for years on the production of Jeeps at an aging Beijing factory that was one of the first automotive joint ventures. Chinese officials were still wearing Mao suits when the venture was set up in 1983, while executives from American Motors, later purchased by Chrysler, were wearing suits and ties. That inner-city factory closed early this year and has since been demolished by the Beijing municipal government as part of preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Jeep sales have plummeted because of competition from cheap Chinese sport utility vehicles, and production has been transferred to a factory near Beijing that is owned by Beijing Automotive Industry Holding. The factory that officially opened Friday on the outskirts of Beijing has two assembly lines, one with the capacity to produce 25,000 E-class and C- class Mercedes a year and the other with the capacity to make 80,000 Chrysler 300C large sedans and Mitsubishi Outlander crossover utility vehicles each year, all for the Chinese market. The star-crossed operation has had a series of difficulties, from finding local suppliers that meet Mercedes standards to discovering at the site more than two dozen tombs that have been preliminarily assessed as dating from the Han dynasty, about 2,000 years ago. Government archeologists are still examining the tombs - under Chinese law, DaimlerChrysler has to pay for the government's excavation of the site. DaimlerChrysler had planned to put the factory employees' activities center where the tombs are, and still hopes to do so once the archaeological work has been completed, said Günter Butschek, president and chief executive of the joint venture that runs the factory. BEIJING DaimlerChrysler is in talks with companies in China and elsewhere for the export of subcompact cars to North America, the company chairman, Dieter Zetsche, said here Friday in comments that could renew anxieties in Detroit about competition from China. Zetsche said that the company had concluded it could not competitively manufacture its own subcompact cars for its Dodge brand in North America and instead would need to import them. "We are aware we do not have a system which could produce a vehicle at an economically viable level," Zetsche said, adding that while negotiations had not yet produced an agreement, "We are very much progressing." During a news conference and in conversations with reporters immediately afterwards, Zetsche carefully avoided saying whether any of these negotiations were with companies in China. But during a very brief interview an hour later when he walked out a back door of the factory with two aides, he said it would be fair to describe the talks as being conducted with companies in China and elsewhere. No multinational has begun sustained car exports from China to the United States or announced concrete plans to do so. Honda is now shipping Jazz hatchbacks to Belgium from Guangzhou in southeastern China, however, and several Chinese automakers have announced plans to export to the United States, notably Geely, Chery and Lifan. DaimlerChrysler's interest in importing a subcompact to the United States is not new. Rüdiger Grube, executive vice president and the management board member of DaimlerChrysler responsible for China and corporate development, made the biggest news of the Shanghai auto show in April, 2005, when he told a small group of reporters that the company was in talks with one of its Chinese partners to create a joint venture for the export of subcompacts to the United States. But Grube's remarks upset the United Automobile Workers union and DaimlerChrysler quickly backpedaled, refusing even to confirm to other reporters that Grube had made the remarks at the Shanghai show. During a tour of a new factory here before Zetsche's news conference, two DaimlerChrysler spokesmen said in separate conversations that they were not aware of any move by the company to pursue the import of subcompacts from China to the United States. Grube also attended the news conference with Zetsche on Friday. In an interview afterward, he said that DaimlerChrysler was reviewing "common interests and capabilities" with potential suppliers of subcompacts to the American market, but declined to say if any of these potential suppliers were in China. Like Zetsche, he also declined to identify any companies involved in the negotiations. The Chrysler operations of DaimlerChrysler are faring better in the United States than Ford or General Motors, partly because of the success of large Chrysler cars like the 300C. But Chrysler wants to share in concessions that the UAW could make to Ford and GM, and it tries to cooperate with the union whenever feasible. Zetsche and Grube spoke after attending the opening ceremony for the first factory in China by DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes unit, part of a broad effort by DaimlerChrysler to catch up in China. It has had a slow start here that has left it dead last in market share among the main multinational auto groups, with just 0.3 percent of the market in July, the most recent month available, or 1.4 percent if the DaimlerChrysler's stake in Mitsubishi is included. By contrast, Volkswagen had 16 percent; GM, 11 percent; Honda, 7.2 percent; Toyota, 6.2 percent; Nissan, 4.9 percent; and Ford, 2.9 percent, according to figures compiled by Automotive Resources Asia, a consulting firm that was acquired on Tuesday by J.D. Power & Associates. DaimlerChrysler relied for years on the production of Jeeps at an aging Beijing factory that was one of the first automotive joint ventures. Chinese officials were still wearing Mao suits when the venture was set up in 1983, while executives from American Motors, later purchased by Chrysler, were wearing suits and ties. That inner-city factory closed early this year and has since been demolished by the Beijing municipal government as part of preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Jeep sales have plummeted because of competition from cheap Chinese sport utility vehicles, and production has been transferred to a factory near Beijing that is owned by Beijing Automotive Industry Holding. The factory that officially opened Friday on the outskirts of Beijing has two assembly lines, one with the capacity to produce 25,000 E-class and C- class Mercedes a year and the other with the capacity to make 80,000 Chrysler 300C large sedans and Mitsubishi Outlander crossover utility vehicles each year, all for the Chinese market. The star-crossed operation has had a series of difficulties, from finding local suppliers that meet Mercedes standards to discovering at the site more than two dozen tombs that have been preliminarily assessed as dating from the Han dynasty, about 2,000 years ago. Government archeologists are still examining the tombs - under Chinese law, DaimlerChrysler has to pay for the government's excavation of the site. DaimlerChrysler had planned to put the factory employees' activities center where the tombs are, and still hopes to do so once the archaeological work has been completed, said Günter Butschek, president and chief executive of the joint venture that runs the factory.

Win a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica (10/16/2006)

ALL CAR ALL THE TIME - - The caveat to this contest is that you have to be a slob, which in my mind beats out the age restrictions of other contests. If you remember back to this March post about a new stain-proof fabric called YES Essentials, you'll recall that it was going to be launched on several Chrysler products. Well, now that the 2007 model year is upon us, the marketing machine has kicked into gear. Interestingly, the contest is entitled My Life, My Car, My Mess which is awfully similar to American Express' My Life, My Card campaign. In fact, if they didn't have that little car graphic behind "My Car" I probably would have misread it.

As for the product itself: I use Scotchgard on my Odyssey's seats and I've been pleased with its protective properties, but the static zap that I get every time I step out of the Odyssey is a killer! If YES Essentials can minimize that static shock, then it's got my vote!

The search for the messiest car will be based on several criteria: messiness of vehicle (33%), impact of photos (33%), and relation to the innovative YES Essentials product properties (i.e., soil/stain repeal & release, antimicrobial, and antistatic) (34%). Do you feel that your car meets 100% of those criteria? Click here to enter.

MERCEDES BENZ 'ACTROSS'

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FOUR NEW TRUCK FOR General
Cargo Services Limited

Coastweek - - General Cargo Services Limited managing director K.M Shah is seen receiving keys to four new Actross trucks delivered by D.T. Dobie Mombasa from D.T. Dobie Mombasa general manager Chris Angell.

Looking on are BNG Enterprises director Bharat Shah, D.T. Dobie HCV senior representative Eustace Mugaki (far right), a senior driver from General Cargo Services Limited and D.T. Dobie sales administration executive Simon Muchiri (far left).

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Chysler Aspen Sweepstakes

Hello Steven Stlaurent, The all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen is giving you the chance to win an all-inclusive trip for two to your choice of one of these great events: The 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic PGA Tournament in Southern California Celine Dion A New Day... at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas The 2007 PGA Women's Ginn Clubs and Resorts Open in Orlando, Florida Click Here to enter for your chance to win. Be sure to try the Aspen Challenge Quiz and earn up to four bonus entries. Aspen will keep you on the edge of your seat as you explore the exciting side of sensible. Choose from available Premium Leather-trimmed first and second row bucket seats with Preferred Suede® microfiber accents. Or, opt for the YES Essentials® fabric.* YES Essentials® is a revolutionary new seat fabric which is stain resistant, odor resistant and anti-static. The comfort extends to the second row, featuring recessed cup holders or available reclining heated bucket seats with center storage console. The available third row split-folding seat can accommodate up to three passengers or can fold flat for added cargo space. With the chance to win seats at world-class events and luxurious, flexible seating on the inside, Aspen gives you the best of both worlds. For more information, go to chrysler.com/Aspen. Chrysler is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler Corporation. YES Essentials is a registered trademark of Milliken & Co. *Not compatible with aftermarket fabric-protecting coatings

Europe New Car Registrations Disappoint -DCX

Friday, September 15, 2006 5:00:15 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires

0743 GMT [Dow Jones] European new car registrations for August are slightly disappointing, says Landesbank Rheinland-Pfalz. Says the only car maker that could post an increase on the month is Volkswagen (VOW.XE) which benefited from a strong growth in Audi (NSU.XE) and Skoda while its Volkswagen brand showed a decline. Says BMW's (BWM.XE) figures were depressed by a weak performance of the Mini brand. DaimlerChrysler's (DCX) results were subdued as a strong increase in Chrysler registrations was offset by losses in Smart and Mercedes. (JUM)

2006-09-15 10:13 (Mw 5.7) NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G. -6.0 150.4

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
Geographic coordinates: 6.033S, 150.392E
Magnitude: 5.7 Mw
Depth: 54 km
Universal Time (UTC): 15 Sep 2006 10:13:18
Time near the Epicenter: 15 Sep 2006 20:13:18
Local time in your area: 15 Sep 2006 11:13:18

Location with respect to nearby cities:
98 km (61 miles) ENE (77 degrees) of Kandrian, New Britain, PNG
283 km (176 miles) SW (224 degrees) of Rabaul, New Britain, PNG
383 km (238 miles) ENE (78 degrees) of Lae, New Guinea, PNG
519 km (322 miles) NE (43 degrees) of PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US sraq

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/ussraq.php

DaimlerChrysler targets 40 pct local content for Chrysler 300C, Benz vehicles

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - DaimlerChrysler will look to introduce more models to the China market, while also raising the local content of vehicles produced here to over 40 pct, DaimlerChrysler chairman Dieter Zetsche said.

Zetsche said the company will seek to hit this local content target for the Chrysler 300C and Mercedes-Benz vehicles made in China, adding that the 40 pct threshold would be reached more easily for the 300C.

'By 2008, the Mercedes E and C classes will have achieved high production levels, while Chrysler 300C will be at full pace,' he added.

He also said that the company will introduce more models to the China market. We will work with our partners to bring new models here,' Zetsche said.

He did not provide specific details or a time-frame.

Zetsche was in speaking in Beijing to mark the opening of a new plant with DaimlerChrysler's joint venture partner, Beijing Automotive Industry Corp (BAIC).

The plant has an initial production capacity of 105,000 vehicles.

BAIC chairman An Qingheng said the venture is aiming to produce over 300,000 vehicles a year, but Zetsche did not confirm the target.

'We are now building up capacity for 80,000 units,' Zetsche said.

'There will be possibilities for expansion and I am confident that significant volume growth will be possible for us,' he added.

Separately, Zetshce said DaimlerChrysler has held discussions with a number of potential partners on the possibility of producing a B-segment vehicle to be sold under the Dodge brand.

China's Chery Auto said in May that it was holding talks with DaimlerChrysler, although it did not confirm the talks were about a compact car project.

'We were, and we are, in discussions with a number of partners. We are aware that we do not have the facilities to produce a vehicle in that segment at an economically viable level, so therefore we have been continuously talking with various partners,' Zetsche said.

'There is one partner that we have made a lot of progress with, but we still have not come to a final decision,' he added.

He also said that the company's auto finance arm, DaimlerChrysler Auto Finance (China) Ltd, will expand into four more cities over the next few months.

'The development of financial services is absolutely critical,' Zetsche said.

The unit currently offers dealer and customer financing, as well as insurance services for vehicles, through 20 dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

According to Automotive Resources Asia Ltd, around 10-15 pct of vehicle sales in China are purchased on credit, compared with 70-75 pct in developed countries.

Dollar buying Chryslers

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc., an operator of rental-car chains, plans to increase purchases of 2007-model vehicles from DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group by 23%.

Dollar will buy 30,250 more cars and light trucks than the 130,000 already planned, and can negotiate additional purchases, spokesman Todd Dallenbach said Thursday. Dollar will pay $19,000 to $20,000 for each vehicle. The purchase agreement extends Dollar's relationship with Chrysler, its onetime owner.

Detroit, Warren DCX plants to lay off 6,000

KATIE MERX | FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER - -Nearly 6,000 UAW members who work at Chrysler Group plants in metro Detroit will be laid off temporarily.

Nearly 2,800 workers at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit will be laid off for at least four weeks beginning Saturday.

Union workers from the plant that manufactures the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander received layoff notices Thursday. The layoff will last at least through Oct. 19.

A Chrysler Group employee familiar with the layoff plans confirmed that work at the plant would stop after today for at least four weeks. Whether it lasts longer would depend on whether there is demand for more of the Jeeps made at the Conner Avenue plant.

The Chrysler employee also confirmed worker reports that all of the approximately 3,172 workers at Warren Truck on Mound Road would be laid off for two weeks. The Warren plant manufactures several variations of the Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider.

Through unemployment pay from the government and wages and benefits from the company, laid-off UAW members are paid about 95% of their take-home pay, before taxes.

The layoffs come when Chrysler Group is cutting production of its profitable pickups and SUVs in hopes of avoiding the kind of sweeping restructuring under way at Ford and General Motors.

All three automakers have announced plans to cut production of large vehicles in the second half of the year as high gas prices drive customers to smaller, fuel-efficient -- but less-profitable -- cars.

The automaker told workers in August that it would cut more than 300 jobs at the 780-person Mack Avenue Engine 1 plant in Detroit and 70 jobs at Mack Avenue Engine 2 beginning in January, when it eliminates a shift.

Chrysler executives have said they are optimistic that a batch of new models coming late this year will help the division of DaimlerChrysler AG finish the year profitably and with an increase in market share.

DaimlerChrysler Opens Chinese Factory

The Associated Press | BEIJING — DaimlerChrysler AG on Friday formally opened its first factory in China, where it will make Mercedes Benz and Chrysler sedans, joining a rush of foreign automakers scrambling to gain a foothold in China's booming car market.

DaimlerChrysler said the factory in suburban Beijing is part of a euro1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) investment in China. The German-U.S. automaker is a latecomer to manufacturing in China, which has become the world's second-largest car market after the United States, with 7 million new vehicle sales a year.

General Motors Corp, Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp. and other competitors already make cars in China.

The DaimlerChrysler factory is to produce Mercedes E-Class and Chrysler 300C sedans as well as Mitsubishi's Outlander sport utility vehicles. The factory has an annual capacity of 25,000 Mercedes and 80,000 Chrysler and Mitsubishi vehicles, according to the company.

The factory is a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler and a Chinese partner, government-owned Beijing Automotive Industries Corporation.

An Qingheng, chairman of Beijing Automotive, said the joint venture hopes to eventually produce 300,00 vehicles a year in China.

'Bugs' Climb to New Heights to Introduce a New Species of Jeep Vehicles

DUI MOTORI NEWS - - "Bugs" will be found in some of the most unusual places as the Jeep(R) brand launches a new marketing campaign to introduce the next two vehicles in the brand''s product offensive -- the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler two-door, the brand''s icon, and the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the first-ever four-door Wrangler.

Both vehicles tap aspirational Jeep values -- the need for freedom, adventure, excitement and fun.

"With more capability, interior space and comfort, refinement, power and open-air fun, the all-new Wrangler is the best Jeep Wrangler ever and takes the freedom to go anywhere and do anything to a new level," says John Plecha, Director - Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. "It''s the ultimate freedom machine"And, with room for five adult passengers and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, the four-door Unlimited expands the Jeep experience and allows consumers to share Wrangler''s unparalleled fun, freedom and adventure with family and friends," adds Plecha.
This active Jeep lifestyle is communicated in a new marketing campaign featuring "bugs" traveling across indoor and outdoor landscapes, up the walls of buildings and through magazine pages. At closer look, the bugs are actually an aerial view of the new Jeep Wranglers carrying typical "tools" of the Jeep lifestyle such as kayaks, surfboards, snowboards andbackpacking gear. When the images shift to a side view, it becomes clear that the bugs are actually a Jeep Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited, the new species of Jeep.

The bugs, and other creative treatments, will reach consumers through a 360-degree marketing campaign that includes television, print, online, events, gaming, out-of-home media, customer relationship marketing and merchandising.

"The emotional connection between the Jeep owner and his or her Wrangler is strong and unlike other vehicles," said Jay Kuhnie, Director - Jeep Communications. "With key passions of outdoor, adventure, sports and music, you''ll find Jeep Wrangler advertising showing up in both traditional and non- traditional lifestyle locations."

Wrangler television spots begin the week of Sept. 18 on the season premieres of Extreme Home Makeover, Lost, Deal or No Deal, The Office, Boston Legal, Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, The Game and Heroes. Additional programming includes NFL and college football and high-profile prime-time shows such as Studio 60 (NBC), House (FOX), Law & Order CI and SVU (NBC), and CSI:NY on networks including ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, Comedy Central, Fuel TV, MTV, ESPN, FX, TBS and TLC.

Five TV spots were created, in total. "Grooming" and "Bird" introduce the Wrangler Unlimited, the world''s first four-door Wrangler; "Lizard" introduces the all-new 2007 Wrangler, and "Rock Crawler" features both vehicles. Wrangler Unlimited will be introduced to the African American market with a spot called "Bigger Deffer" which pays homage to Wrangler''s place in the beginning stages of hip hop music.

The "bugs" are featured prominently in print advertising that includes magazine inserts and multiple page spreads. The ads will run in men''s, sports, music, entertainment, outdoor/adventure, automotive, women''s and health/fitness publications including Esquire, Men''s Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, Automobile, Car and Driver, Wheeler and Motor Trend.

In one ad, readers are asked to "find the new species" of bugs from among the 16 different varieties shown, with four aerial views of the Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited hidden among pictures of the real bugs.

In addition to full-page ads, there will be a fun creative treatment running in the Sept. 19 issue of USA Today where a bug appears to burrow through editorial copy, before turning into a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited advertisement.

A hip hop oriented print ad with the heading, "The culture grew ... so did we," will introduce the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in publications reaching African-American consumers.

On-line advertising includes banner ads and home page takeovers on sites such as Edmunds, AOL, MSN, Yahoo and Kelley Blue Book. The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited interactive presence includes video games and partnerships with DirecTV, Ripe TV, Mobi TV, Fuel - DRIVE with Mike V., and Actions Sports Lat34.

Jeep Wrangler will be the first vehicle to be integrated in TLC''s Miami Ink podcasts; and the sponsor of the first-ever Sports Illustrated "This is My House" fantasy football initiative, and the first-ever "Action Sports Awards," produced by FUEL and airing on the FOX network.

The bugs will be crawling everywhere in traditional and non-traditional out-of-home media placements that include rotating and mobile billboards, wallscapes, building and storefront wraps, and graffiti murals in key markets such as N.Y., L.A., Miami, Houston, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Chicago and San Francisco.

Building wraps, for example, feature bugs crawling up and/or around buildings leading to a traditional billboard featuring a side view of the new Wrangler Unlimited.

TV Spot Descriptions

In "Grooming," two gorillas encounter a "bug" they believe to be food only to find out it''s really the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. In "Bird," a hungry bird zeros in on a potential "bug" snack and painfully discovers the Unlimited. In "Rock Crawler," what appears to be a "bug-like" object makes its way through an adventurous tunnel only to surface as the new four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited alongside the all-new Jeep Wrangler two-door.

"Lizard" opens on a lizard running across the desert floor. It sees the old Jeep Wrangler, faces off against it, then expands himself and hisses to try and scare away the Wrangler. The Wrangler, unfazed, suddenly expands and changes into the all-new Jeep Wrangler and scares off the lizard. The voiceover says, "Introducing the 2007 Wrangler. Bigger ... Bolder ... Badder ... A new species from Jeep."

"Bigger Deffer" opens with the words "we ran the streets ... and became legendary" set to hip hop music and fast-paced computer generated images in an urban setting. The spot communicates the four doors, Freedom Top(TM) and MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment System of the new 2007 Wrangler Unlimited and closes with "more room to move the crowd" flashing on the screen.

All-new 2007 Dodge Nitro Ignites the Mid-Size SUV Segment

DUI MOTORI NEWS - - Dodge brings its “Grab Life by the Horns” attitude to the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the introduction of the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro. The five-passenger Nitro features bold, aggressive styling with performance to match. The Dodge Nitro is designed and engineered to ignite a segment characterized by bland, mild-mannered entries. This is the first mid-size SUV for the Dodge brand and complements its lineup of cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles and a full-size SUV.

“The Dodge Nitro’s styling delivers something extra, that little something mid-size buyers are still searching for — attitude,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The Dodge Nitro offers many features not found in a typical mid-size SUV, such as two V-6 engines, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and tires, and a performance.

“The Dodge Nitro’s styling delivers something extra, that little something mid-size buyers are still searching for — attitude,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The Dodge Nitro offers many features not found in a typical mid-size SUV, suchThe Dodge Nitro offers all the mid-size SUV must-haves: space, functionality and flexibility. Nitro’s fold-flat, first-row passenger Seat and second-row seats offer a variety of loading options. Also new is the LOAD ‘N GO™ cargo floor, which slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading and unloading and holds up to 400 pounds. With optional heated leather seats, a DVD-based navigation system, cutting-edge entertainment system options, and a long list of standard safety and security features, the Dodge Nitro spices up the mid-size SUV recipe.

View a streaming video demonstration of LOAD ’N GO™ at http://www.dcxmediaservices.com/videoptrs/wms/dctv/MEDIA/2006/sep/nitroload.wvx

“WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007”

New Models

• The all-new Dodge Nitro is available in three models: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T, differentiated by powertrain selections, features and option selections

Exterior

• Dodge Nitro is available in eight new colors: Black Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Electric Blue Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Sunburst Orange, Pearl Coat, Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
• Muscular hood and large crosshair grille
• Tough, strong, capable appearance with deep body sections and high beltline
• Wheels-to-the-corners stance
• Large halogen headlamps
• Molded-in-color Dark Slate fascias and fender flares — SXT
• Body-color fascias and fender flares — SLT and R/T
• Standard chrome grille — SXT and SLT– or body color with bright billets — R/T
• Fascia-mounted fog lamps
• Roof rack with optional cross rails
• Liftgate with standard wiper and washer

Interior

• 488.2 cu. in. (10L) of storage space
• Cargo capacity of 32.1 cu. ft. with rear Seat up, 65.2 cu. ft. with rear seats folded
• Maximum cargo volume of 75.6 cu. ft.
• LOAD ‘N GO™ slide-out cargo load floor — SLT and R/T
• Six cargo tie-down loops
• YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static Seat fabric — SLT and R/T
• Standard AM/FM stereo with single CD radio MP3/WMA auxiliary jack
• Optional AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/DVD audio capability MP3/WMA auxiliary jack radio
• Optional MyGIG® Multimedia Infotainment System with AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD/MP3 and full-screen touch screen navigation radio
• Optional AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD full-screen navigation radio
• Six-speaker sound system — standard
• Infinity® Premium Audio System with eight speakers plus sub-woofer — optional R/T, standard SLT G Package
• Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with folding headsets
• Optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• 115-volt AC inverter outlet
• 12-volt auxiliary power outlets [one in the IP and the other in the cargo area]
• Optional power sunroof
• Optional UConnect® Hands-free Communication System
• Driver’s six-way power Seat — SLT and R/T
• Optional heated leather seats — SLT and R/T
• Reclining 60/40 split-folding rear Seat
• R/T logo embossed on front seats, accent stitching on R/T front and rear seats
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center — SLT and R/T
• Power windows, locks, mirrors
• Remote keyless entry
• Compass, temperature readout — optional Nitro SXT; standard SLT, R/T
• HomeLink universal garage door opener — optional Nitro SXT; standard SLT, R/T
• Automatic dimming rearview mirror
• Tire Pressure Monitoring warning lamp — standard SXT
• Tire Pressure Monitoring display — standard on SLT and R/T
• Speed control — optional SXT, standard SLT and R/T
• Air conditioning
• Illuminated entry
• Standard floor mats

Powertrain / Chassis

• Standard 3.7-liter SOHC 12-valve V-6 engine with Electronic Throttle Control
• Optional 4.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6 engine with Electronic Throttle Control
• Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive models
• Standard full-time four-wheel drive with automatic transmission (late availability)
• Part-time four-wheel drive
• Standard six-speed manual transmission with 3.7-liter engine V-6
• Optional four-speed automatic transmission with 3.7-liter engine V-6
• Standard five-speed automatic transmission with 4.0-liter V-6
• Optional remote start
• New Short- and Long-Arm (SLA) front suspension
• New five-link rear suspension
• Power-assisted rack and pinion steering
• 16-inch full-face steel wheels — Nitro SXT
• 16-inch aluminum wheels — optional Nitro SXT
• 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels — optional Nitro SXT, standard SLT
• 17-inch chrome-clad cast-aluminum wheels — optional SLT
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels — standard R/T, optional SLT
• P225/75R16 all-season tires — standard Nitro SXT
• P235/65R17 outline white letter tires — optional Nitro SXT and SLT
• P235/65R17 vertically serrated band tires — standard SLT
• P245/50R20, all-season, black sidewall tires — optional SLT, standard R/T
• Standard four-wheel disc brakes
• 19.5-gallon (73.8-liter) fuel tank
• Optional Class III trailer hitch

Safety & Security

• Advanced multi-stage front air bags
• Supplemental side air bags, inflatable curtains with extended up time
• BeltAlert
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
• Automatic locking retractors
• Pretensioners and load-limiting retractors for front Seat belts
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP), includes Brake Assist
• All-speed traction control
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Energy-absorbing steering wheel and steering column
• Four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
• Structural safety cage
• Side guard door beams, front and rear
• Unique front fascia to support pedestrian protection
• Enhanced rear structure and mid-mounted fuel tank
• Driver and passenger side power windows with express up, express down and anti-pinch protection — SLT and R/T
• Vehicle theft security alarm — Optional SLT and R/T
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer

Packages

• Smoker’s Group — Removable ashtray and cigar lighter
• Trailer Tow Group — Heavy-duty engine cooling, power steering cooler, Class III receiver hitch, 4-pin connector wiring, full-size spare tire
• R/T Group — Body-color sill appliqué, body color with chrome accent grille, front air dam, R/T badge, two-tone cloth seats with logo
• 4.0-liter V-6 SOHC Engine — 20” x 7.5” aluminum chrome-clad wheels, 24550R20 VSB AS Performance Tires, performance suspension
• AM/FM/CD/MP3 Navigation Radio — Rear-view auto-dim mirror with microphone, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (next generation), UConnect Hands-free Communication System
• Rear-Seat Video System — Gaming system, wireless headphones

DESIGN

Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group: “Dodge Nitro’s design characteristics are unlike those of any mid-size SUV on the road today, making it attractive to customers seeking bold style, sporty performance and maximum cargo flexibility.”

When creating the first Dodge mid-size SUV, Dodge designers wanted to do more than capture the spirit of the Dodge brand; they wanted to ignite the mid-size SUV segment.

To achieve a bold appearance unlike anything in Nitro’s segment, the designers introduced elements and themes that are strong and confident. The result is the unmistakable Dodge Nitro with its purposeful, capable and assertive stance. The Nitro comes in three models: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T.

Basic to every Dodge vehicle is the bold crosshair grille, which is just one of many design elements that define the cool persona and tough attitude of Dodge Nitro. The grille – body color on the Dodge Nitro R/T and chrome on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT — is emblazoned with a hefty, three-dimensional ram’s head. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle, and a clamshell hood with strong character lines completes the front end.

The side of the vehicle features a deep body section and high beltline, which add to the vehicle’s confident appearance. Chromed vents positioned on each front fender complement the vehicle’s modern design and flair. Short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a mid-size SUV, contribute to the vehicle’s forceful expression. Wheels pushed to the corners, with powerful-looking wheel arches, convey Nitro’s confident stance. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the Dodge Nitro SLT are 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and tires.

The interior of the five-passenger Dodge Nitro is spacious, functional and flexible for people and cargo. The headliner is shrink-wrapped to allow maximum headroom, and there is plenty of legroom for first- and second-row passengers.

The Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T receive chrome detail on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, center console, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls and door handles. The gear shifter and control buttons are substantial in size and bold by design.

The Dodge Nitro has a fold-flat front-passenger seat, as well as fold-flat second-row seats. Second-row seats recline for added passenger comfort. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T is the LOAD ’N GO cargo floor, which slides 18 inches rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages. The LOAD ’N GO cargo floor can hold up to 400 pounds and is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT is a reversible load floor.

ENGINEERING

Craig Love, Vice President – Rear-Wheel Drive Product Team: “The Dodge Nitro redefines the mid-size SUV driving experience, whether customers are looking for sporty performance or dynamic ride and handling, the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro delivers.”

Two Powerful Engines

4.0-liter SOHC V-6
The performance-oriented, 4.0-liter, single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-6 engine is designed to provide the power and torque required to make the Dodge Nitro R/T a leader in the mid-size SUV segment. The engine delivers 260 hp (194 kW) @ 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N•m) of torque @ 4,200 rpm. It is an enhanced version of the 3.5-liter engine used in prior Chrysler Group vehicles. The 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides more power and torque than the prior 3.5-liter, with emphasis on low- and mid-range operation to meet the needs of the day-to-day driver.

The 4.0-liter engine is standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T model.

3.7-liter SOHC V-6
The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2007 Dodge Nitro with a standard engine that is efficient, durable and smooth. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Refinements in the valve train and combustion chamber, working together as a system, enhance low-speed torque while providing a smooth idle and minimal engine noise. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions, and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. Also new on the 3.7-liter engine for 2007 is an exhaust gas recirculation valve, which helps increase fuel economy.

The 3.7-liter V-6 is standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT models.

For key diesel markets outside North America, the Dodge Nitro will be offered with a diesel engine in 2007.

All-New Suspension Systems
The Dodge Nitro features an all-new coil-spring independent front suspension and an all-new five-link, coil-spring rear suspension. The independent front suspension gives the driver an optimum combination of ride, handling and steering, providing a greater sense of control and precision. The solid five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and track bar, provides higher lateral stiffness for vehicle responsiveness and outstanding handling. Ample suspension wheel travel is provided to maintain consistent ride quality, especially when the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.

Performance-oriented drivers will want the new performance suspension offered on the Dodge Nitro R/T and SLT models. Here the emphasis is on responsive, fun-to-drive handling accompanied by a firm ride. This system features a revised sway bar, springs, shocks, bushings, and 20-inch tires and wheels for improved cornering and increased traction.

Dodge Nitro SXT features a sport suspension that delivers responsive handling with a comfortable ride. This tuning offers a strong balance between ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling. The sport suspension will appeal to a cross section of buyers looking for comfort and solid on-road performance.

Effort, feel and response on the Nitro’s rack-and-pinion steering system are tuned for each available suspension and give the driver precise control and positive feedback from the steering force exerted by the tires. The steering linkage design allows for a tighter turning circle.

Choice of Three Transmissions
Three transmissions are offered on the Dodge Nitro: a six-speed manual, a four-speed automatic and a five-speed automatic.

The six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT 4x2 and 4x4 models with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The transmission provides optimal shift quality and improved quietness. The four-speed automatic transmission is optional on the Dodge Nitro SXT and standard on the Dodge Nitro SLT. Line pressure within the transmission is based on demand for improved fuel efficiency. To complete the unique Dodge Nitro R/T powertrain, a five-speed automatic transmission is mated to the 4.0-liter V-6 engine. The five-speed transmission features Electronic Range Select driver-interactive shift control.

Part-Time and Full-Time Four-Wheel-Drive Systems
The Dodge Nitro 4x4 features a part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive system. A full-time four-wheel drive system, ideal for inclement weather or unpaved roads, will be standard on 4X4 vehicles equipped with automatice transmissions in the U.S. A part-time four-wheel drive system will be standard on 4X4 vehicles equipped with the manual transmission.

Exceptional Braking Capability
Four-wheel-disc, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on the Dodge Nitro. The vehicle’s larger rotors contribute to excellent stopping and handling capability. All-speed traction control is standard on the Dodge Nitro and is engineered to transfer torque from one wheel to another on the same axle when wheel slip conditions are detected.

Also standard on the Dodge Nitro is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe maneuvers on any type of surface. Using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle, ESP determines the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments.