Chrysler Financial Expands E-Contract System

BANK NET 360 NEWS - - Captive lender Chrysler Financial announced Tuesday that it has booked more than 1,000 e-contracts for vehicle loans, claiming to be the first auto lender to offer electronic loan origination for both retail and lease contracts.

The web-based loan system is being used by more than 100 dealers in 11 states, according to the company. Chrysler Financial Vice President William F. Jones Jr. said he expects to have 1,000 dealers using the system by yearend, and another 1,000 by the end of 2007.

Chrysler Financial began deployment of AutOrigination, its contract-verification system, several years ago. This technology is the pulse of the e-contract system and now supports nearly 80% of Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealers.

2006 Car Complaint Index - Chrysler Group is among the list

Thanks to consumer advocate Jack Gillis, author of the 2006 Car Book, and the efforts of the Center for Auto Safety, we are able to provide you with the vehicle complaints on file with the National Highway for Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each year, thousands of Americans call their government to register complaints about their vehicles. The federal government collects this information but has never released it to the general public. The complaint index is based on a ratio of the number of complaints for each vehicle to the sales of that vehicle. The numbers represent relative index scores, not the number of complaints received. The complaint index score considers sales volume and years on the road. Lower index numbers are better.

The 2006 Projected Car Complaint Ratings

MODEL COMPLAINT INDEX RATIO
Dodge Magnum 34,477
Ford GT 27,905
Suzuki Verona 26,081
Pontiac GTO 25,023
Land Rover LR3 19,939
Chrysler 300 18,405
Buick Terraza 17,190
Nissan Armada 16,146
Nissan Quest 16,063
Toyota Prius 15,938
Volkswagen Touareg 12,588
Nissan 350z 12,360
Chevrolet Corvette 12,016
Chrysler Pacifica 11,944
Chevrolet Equinox 11,764
Pontiac Montana SV6 11,673
Nissan Titan 10,835
Acura RL 10,305
Scion tC 10,000

Source: http://www.lemonlaw.com/carcomplaintindex.html/rid.html

Mercedes outsells BMW for first time since March

Michael Shields, European Auto Correspondent FRANKFURT (Reuters) - BMW group vehicle unit sales fell 7.7 percent in July, the world's largest premium carmaker said on Monday, allowing rival Mercedes-Benz to outsell the core BMW brand for the first time since March.

But deliveries of BMW's Mini brand handily beat sales of the Smart minicar, keeping BMW group sales including luxury marque Rolls-Royce ahead of those at DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes Car Group, which also includes Maybach limousines.

BMW group sales slipped to 102,452 units last month -- still its second-best July ever and trailing only July 2005, when the then-new BMW 3 Series saloon sent sales rocketing.
Limited availability of the 3 Series coupe version before a new generation of that model arrives in September also weighed on sales, as did slumping deliveries of its ageing X5 and X3 offroaders, BMW said in a statement.

BMW brand global vehicle sales fell 7.7 percent to 86,597 units in July, while Mini brand deliveries also retreated 7.7 percent to 15,804 cars as capacity upgrades at the Mini plant in Britain restricted supply.

Roll-Royce sales gained 13.3 percent to 51 Phantoms.

In the first seven months, group deliveries rose 5.7 percent to 800,931 units. Sales of the 3 Series were up by a quarter to over 290,000 cars, while top-of-the-line 7 Series sales gained 16.4 percent and 5 Series sales rose 3.3 percent.

Bank Sal Oppenheim car sector analyst Michael Raab said the sales slowdown at BMW was set to continue for the next few months while customers await a facelifted X3 due out next month and new generations of the X5 and Mini by year's endThe picture should reverse back in favour of BMW early next year," he said, but the arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class car next year would shuffle the desk once again.

The question of whether to own BMW or DaimlerChrysler stock hinges largely on perceptions of the economy, Raab said. He anticipated a weaker economic environment over the next six months, particularly in the United States.

"Assuming that this is correct, you want to see quality with little risk, and if you do that you clearly choose BMW," he said.

DaimlerChrysler is more exposed to any downturn via its U.S. arm, Chrysler, and its role as the world's biggest truckmaker.

BMW has forecast record sales volume this year and vowed to remain the world's top premium carmaker.

Outgoing BMW Chief Executive Helmut Panke said last week that group sales through July would show a clear rise, although not to the same extent as the 8 percent gain in the first half as year-on-year comparisons became more difficult.

Mercedes Car Group reported last week that July sales rose 1.7 percent to 102,300 units, bringing seven-month sales up 7.7 percent to 729,600 vehicles.

Its sales charge has been led by the Mercedes-Benz brand, which delivered 11.9 percent more cars and SUVs through July. Sales at the Mercedes-Benz brand last month surpassed BMW brand vehicle sales by around 6,000 units.

This Day in Auto History: 08 AUGUST

8.8.1904 The Peerless Green Dragon becomes the first car to exceed 60 mph in Canada

8.8.1919 The Hispano-Suiza “Stork” mascot is patented by designer F. Bazin

8.8.1935 Doc MacKenzie clinches the Eastern AAA racing title by winning the 50-mile feature in Langhorne, PA

8.8.1939 The last Packard V-12 is produced

8.8.1946 Edward Thomas Schafer, Governor of North Dakota 1992-date whose various business ventures include a collectible car dealership, is born in Bismarck, ND

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick
Photo Credit: http://peerlessmotorcar.com/images/green_dragon_page.jpg

DaimlerChrysler Receives Major Order For Mercedes-Benz Bus Chassis For Brazil

• Biggest sale ever of Mercedes-Benz brand articulated bus chassis in Latin America
• All units to be delivered by Spring 2007

AUTO CHANNEL NEWS, Stuttgart/São Paulo - August 7, 2006: DaimlerChrysler has sold a total of 1,055 Mercedes-Benz urban bus chassis to companies acting in the public transport in the city of São Paulo. This volume includes 750 models of the rear engine 13.2 meter chassis and 305 units of the recently launched 18 meter articulated chassis with normal and low-entry type floors. Both models are equipped with the same electronic engine OM 457 LA. All chassis will be delivered until February 2007. As Brazil is a mere chassis market, these chassis will be built up by local body builders. “The sale of 305 articulated chassis represents the biggest volume of this model already negotiated in Latin America. This major order is a great success for our new product”, said Wolfgang Diez, Head of DaimlerChrysler Buses.

Considered the biggest metropolis in Latin America, the city of São Paulo is the major bus market in Brazil. Presently there are 25,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles circulating in the city, which represent a 64% market share in relation to the total fleet of 38,800 buses. In a 10-year period, a total volume of more than 150,000 buses were sold in Brazil, and the Mercedes-Benz brand market share in this period reached 55%, with the sale of approximately 84,000 units.
DaimlerChrysler do Brasil is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's leading manufacturer of buses and coaches over eight tons GVW. DaimlerChrysler produces more than 36,000 buses and chassis a year.

GEMA manufacturing a world-class workforce

RP news wires - - In a speech August 7 to a leading automotive industry conference, Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) president Bruce Coventry outlined how his Dundee, Mich.-based engine plant is creating a globally competitive American manufacturing model.

As part of a panel addressing "World-Class Manufacturing: Manufacturing Strategies and Technologies for Enhancing Global Competitiveness," Coventry explained how GEMA leverages its three-way alliance between DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to reach economies of scale that make the "World Engine" the largest operation of its kind.

With a combined annual production capability of 1.8 million engines between five plants in three countries, the World Engine program takes advantage of a common base engine design, global sourcing, common manufacturing procedures and benchmark lean processes.

"So, how does GEMA target value? We extracted the benefits of volume bundling on almost 2 million units per year," Coventry said. "We utilized an efficient investment strategy: We didn't buy a block line, we bought three block lines, utilizing the best engineering inputs from Mitsubishi, Hyundai and DaimlerChrysler.

"By agreeing to standardization and commonization of component designs, we leveraged the strengths of the partnership. For example, we pursued open-book pricing, shared sourcing and volume bundling. Additionally, partners have shared best practices and lessons learned from past and current experiences in an effort to enhance and refine the technology."

Coventry explained that the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance offers its partners key advantages. A common base engine design allows any one of five World Engine plants to supply any partner, essentially making the engine a commodity.

Before closing, Coventry turned his attention to Michigan's workforce.

"A few automakers are building in the South," said Coventry. "They're saving a few dollars, but sacrificing the highly skilled work force found in the Midwest. Simultaneously, Michigan has experienced a loss in population over the last 10 years. Many of these are members of the highly skilled workforce for which we're known. To retain Michigan's competitive advantage, businesses must be involved with their local schools and communities. We must provide opportunities and incentives for our skilled workforce to stay in Michigan and help forge the future of manufacturing."

The 1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine family is available in the all-new Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, upcoming Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber SRT4. The engine features a high-pressure die-cast aluminum block, aluminum heads and dual variable valve timing, giving it high-value features that improve performance, refinement, durability and affordability.

EarthShell Dinnerware Coming Soon to Additional New Retailers; Company Launches EarthShell ''Smart Car'' Promotion

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--- EarthShell(R) Corporation (OTCBB:ERTH), innovators of environmentally preferable foodservice disposables made from corn, potatoes and limestone, announced today, with its licensee ReNewable Products, Inc., (RPI) that EarthShell Dinnerware plates and bowls will be selling at two additional retail grocery chains. Additionally, the Company is launching the EarthShell "Smart Car" promotion to introduce retail consumers to the EarthShell Dinnerware brand.

In addition to its current distribution, EarthShell plates and bowls will now be on the shelves at Acme Markets during the first week of August. Acme operates 133 supermarkets in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey and recently became part of the SUPERVALU family, a leader in the grocery and retailing industry for 135 years. Additionally, EarthShell Dinnerware will soon be available at Demoulas Super Markets, Inc. Founded in 1954, Demoulas Super Markets, Inc. operates 60 stores under the names Demoulas Super Markets and Market Basket in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Today's news brings the total number of retail locations already selling EarthShell Dinnerware, together with those customers finalizing product orders, to over 2,000 stores nationwide.

To raise retail consumers' awareness of the many environmental and performance benefits of the EarthShell Dinnerware brand, a special and unique promotion has been launched. A DaimlerChrysler Smart Car, "wrapped" in EarthShell colors, logo, product and ingredient graphics, is appearing at select retailers including Schnucks supermarkets and Sam's Clubs throughout the Midwest. Highly popular in Europe and just making its U.S. debut, the 8-foot long Smart Car draws strong and enthusiastic attention, allowing an EarthShell representative to introduce EarthShell plates and bowls to consumers as they enter the store. The Smart Car, engineered to be highly fuel efficient, minimize energy used in production, and maximize use of recycled materials, is an excellent fit with the EarthShell brand.

"Every week EarthShell Dinnerware is becoming available to more consumers and businesses throughout the country," said Vincent J. Truant, chairman and chief executive officer of EarthShell Corporation. "EarthShell is building a broader and stronger foundation of business and we will continue to keep our investors informed about other key developments to include new business and new product introductions."

The Company further stated that EarthShell plates and bowls are also available online through its website and institutional customers can contact EarthShell directly.

EarthShell Corporation is engaged in the licensing and commercialization of proprietary composite material technology for the manufacture of foodservice disposable packaging, such as plates, bowls and cups. In addition to certain environmental characteristics, EarthShell Packaging is designed to be cost and performance competitive compared to other foodservice packaging materials.

EarthShell foodservice disposable packaging is designed with the environment in mind. Developed over many years using a "life cycle inventory" and in consultation with leading environmental experts, EarthShell products reduce the environmental burdens of rigid food service packaging through the careful selection of raw materials, processes and suppliers. The products are made primarily from natural limestone and starch from potatoes, wheat or corn. The new packaging poses substantially fewer risks to wildlife than polystyrene foam packaging because it biodegrades when exposed to moisture in nature, physically disintegrates in water when crushed or broken, and can be composted in a commercial facility, where available, or in your backyard.

For more information, please visit our web site at www.earthshell.com.

2008 Dodge Viper ZB-700 Vert Production Test Vehicle

Photo Credit: DodgeForum.Com

HEMISPERICAL BLOG, AUBURN HILLS MI - - Taken beyond the fence, here is the 2008 Dodge Viper ZB-700 tester vehicle that reveals minor changes to bulging hood, side pipes, and rear bumper diffuser.

2008 Dodge Viper ZB-700

Photo Credit: [Shown in image]

HEMISPERICAL BLOG, AUBURN HILLS MI - - Here is the latest spy image of the 8.4-Liter [dynoed over 700-HP] V-10 Magnum engine that will reside in the next 2008 Dodge Viper, shoehorned in the refreshed ZB platform. This picture was doctored to protect those who currently worked for DaimlerChrysler.

Taken by insiders, we come to find out that not only it is above the Internet media prediction of 650-Horsepower, we see it is a reality and plus some, that other goodies like VVT is currently being worked on, next intake is equippped with ten-throttle bodies assemblies covered by a intake manifold shield, and a bigger and better freeflowing exhaust system.

According to the insider, the new engine will be connected with the latest updated drivetrain, new HO coolant system, updated Brembo Braking, and possible active suspension system for controllability.

Though a short life platform, the GTS coupe version will follow six months after the release of the vert version and then 12-months, the Viper will shed its snakeskin for the generation Viper that will include the latest engineering marvel from the ME Four-Twelve program. Sleeker, meaner, and just plain bad boy, this new ZCC platform car will inherit three other halo vehicles to save cost across both side of the ocean.

Sheduled to be shown at the next Viper Membership meeting called VOI in Las Vegas next month.

Lakewood resident competes for $1 million contract

Contributed by: Ryan Barry on 8/7/2006 - - Derel Cianfrance, of Lakewood, is one of five finalists who is still in the running to win a $1 million production and distribution deal for his own original feature film. Hoping to win a ticket to the big screen, Cianfrance was chosen as a finalist in the Chrysler Film Project from more than 550 nationwide entries, based on his work and potential as a talented emerging filmmaker.

As the next step in the process, Cianfrance and four other finalists will be challenged to create a three to five-minute short film showcasing the 2007 Chrysler Aspen and Chrysler Sebring vehicles, the newest in the Chrysler lineup. The five participants will be judged on the quality and production viability of the screenplay and the grand prize winner will be announced in September.

In addition to the Chrysler Film Project, Cianfrance attended the University of Colorado where he studied under avant-garde film legends Stan Brakhage and Phil Solomon. Cianfrance's first three films all took the University's top prize for student film work three years in a row. Serving as director of photography, Derek revealed teen racing and Hispanic subculture in "Streets of Legend" for which he won best cinematographer at Sundance 2003. Ryan Barry works for Clear!Blue, a communications and marketing company.

Chrysler delays small-car plan

Harald Hamprecht Automobilwoche / August 7, 2006 - 6:00 am LONDON -- The Chrysler group is giving itself more time to find a partner for a new entry-level Dodge to be sold in the United States and Europe."At the start of the fourth quarter, at the latest, we will announce who we will build the new Dodge model with," Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda told Automobilwoche.

Frank Klegon, Chrysler's development chief, said in January that the decision would be made during the first half of 2006.

In addition to Volkswagen, Hyundai Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motor Corp., Chrysler is talking "with yet another European (manufacturer) as well as a Chinese manufacturer," LaSorda said.

Discussions with a Chinese automaker involve Chery, industry sources said.

LaSorda said he had no quality concerns about working with the Chinese. VW is seeking the business because it would be able to build a five-door, front-wheel-drive car on the same platform as the next Polo, thereby reducing costs.

By producing a new small car, Chrysler is responding to the trend toward small fuel-efficient cars. The Dodge vehicle may be called the Hornet. "We will also sell this model in Europe," LaSorda said.In contrast, Chrysler sees "insufficient demand" for sporty cars such as the Dodge Challenger and Charger in Europe, said Joe Eberhardt, the Chrysler group's sales and marketing chief.

And Chrysler "doesn't want to unnecessarily distract" dealers as it pushes to increase European sales, he said. "We have to cut back on the pace of our new introductions, since our sales training and showroom capacities are limited."his model in Europe," LaSorda said.

In contrast, Chrysler sees "insufficient demand" for sporty cars such as the Dodge Challenger and Charger in Europe, said Joe Eberhardt, the Chrysler group's sales and marketing chief.And Chrysler "doesn't want to unnecessarily distract" dealers as it pushes to increase European sales, he said. "We have to cut back on the pace of our new introductions, since our sales training and showroom capacities are limited."

Chrysler’s newest sedan is the front-drive 2007 Sebring.

FUTURE PRODUCTS -- CHRYSLER GROUP

2007 Sebring highlights innovation inside and out

Bradford Wernle Automotive News / August 7, 2006 - 6:00 am - - Chrysler group executives hope that distinctive styling and innovative features will set the 2007 Chrysler Sebring apart from the competition. Chrysler is positioning the Sebring as a "clear alternative to European and Japanese competition," Trevor Creed, the Chrysler group's senior vice president of design, said in a statement.

Chrysler executives say the real targets are the perennial leaders of the medium segment - the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The current Sebring and its sibling, the Dodge Stratus, are also-rans to their Japanese competitors.

The new Sebring's most striking styling feature is the grooved hood, borrowed from the Chrysler Crossfire. Additionally, the car's silhouette presents an almost hatchbacklike profile even though it is a four-door sedan.

Chrysler executives see the interior as the place where the battle for customers' hearts and wallets can be won. One high-tech option is the Harman/Kardon information, entertainment and navigation system. Music and pictures can be downloaded to the system's 20-gigabyte hard drive. The system features what the manufacturer calls a "Thin Film Transistor" display that can support 65,000 colors, providing a 3-D appearance to graphics along with animation capability. The screen can play movies when the vehicle is stopped.Another feature is the front cupholder, which can heat a beverage to 140 degrees or cool it to nearly freezing - 35 degrees.

Also available are a remote start and an express window feature that permits lowering of the front windows by pushing a button on the key fob. Standard Sebring safety features include front airbags, side head curtain airbags and front-seat-mounted side airbags. Electronic stability control and antilock brakes are optional.Three engines are offered: a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a 2.7-liter, 190-hp V-6; and a 3.5-liter, 235-hp V-6. The four-cylinder engine is part of Chrysler's World Engine family, co-engineered with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. The engine is assembled in Dundee, Mich.

This Day in Auto History: 07 AUGUST

8.7.1909 Alice Huyler Ramsey arrives in San Francisco, CA in her Maxwell Model 30, completing the first trans-United States automobile trip by a woman driver

8.7.1922 The Barley, named for Albert C. Barley of the Roamer Motor Car Company, is introduced in Kalamazoo, MI

8.7.1927 Giulio Ramponi competes in his first major racing event, finishing third in the Cuneo-Colle della Maddelena Hillclimb in an Alfa Romeo

8.7.1935 The 1,000,000th 1935 General Motors vehicle, a Chevrolet, is produced

8.7.1939 The last races are held at Brooklands - the Third August Outer-Circuit Handicap is won by G. L. Baker in a Graham-Paige, the Mountain Handicap is won by band leader Billy Cotton in an E.R.A., and the Campbell Circuit Race is won by Raymond Mays in an E.R.A.

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick
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Dodge Caliber receives High Marks for frontal and poor for side-impacts

AP, WASHINGTON -[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]The 2006 Kia Optima and 2007 Dodge Caliber also earned top scores in frontal tests, but the Caliber had the second-to-lowest score of marginal in side tests. The Optima was not tested on side protection.

The Caliber was an improvement upon its past version, the Dodge Neon sedan, providing protection to the heads of both dummies through side curtain air bags. In past tests, the Neon was rated poor in side-impact tests.

Max Gates, a spokesman for DaimlerChrysler AG, said the automaker will be adding optional side air bags in the Caliber to protect the torso later in the 2007 model year.

Gates said the vehicle has performed well in crash tests and noted that it received the government's highest rating, five stars, for frontal and side impact crash protection

2006-08-06 18:16 (Mw 5.8) BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION 26.1 144.1

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
Geographic coordinates: 26.063N, 144.058E
Magnitude: 5.8 Mw
Depth: 21 km
Universal Time (UTC): 6 Aug 2006 18:16:40
Time near the Epicenter: 7 Aug 2006 04:16:40
Local time in your area: 6 Aug 2006 19:16:40
Location with respect to nearby cities:
215 km (134 miles) ESE (121 degrees) of Chichi-shima, Bonin Islands, Japan 310 km (193 miles) ENE (62 degrees) of Iwo-jima, Volcano Islands, Japan 1130 km (702 miles) SSE (150 degrees) of Shizuoka, Honshu, Japan
1144 km (711 miles) SSE (158 degrees) of TOKYO, Japan

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US rbax
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/usrbax.php

2006-08-05 14:03 (Mb 5.9) MENDOZA, ARGENTINA -33.0 -68.7

== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==

Region: MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Geographic coordinates: 33.023S, 68.699W
Magnitude: 5.9 Mb
Depth: 22 km
Universal Time (UTC): 5 Aug 2006 14:03:44
Time near the Epicenter: 5 Aug 2006 11:03:44
Local time in your area: 5 Aug 2006 15:03:44
Location with respect to nearby cities:
19 km (12 miles) SE (145 degrees) of Mendoza, Argentina
165 km (102 miles) S (186 degrees) of San Juan, Argentina 190 km (118 miles) ENE (74 degrees) of SANTIAGO, Chile

ADDITIONAL EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
________________________________
event ID : US raau
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/usraau.php

JALOPNICK AUTO BLOG - - Engine geeks, get out your PDAs and start scribbling. Automotive News reports today on Chrysler's new surfeit of powertrains in the pipeline. Some we've known, some we're just wrapping our little gearheads around.

As we've noted previously, the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee will get Merc's E320 mill -- the 3.0-liter common rail turbodiesel V6 that made Neiman Marcus milfs love the smell of truckers in the morning.

For the Ram-sized iron, a larger Cummins inline six diesel will make the options list for Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, with an additional Cummins 4.2-liter V6 (190 hp) -- likely for the Durango -- and 5.6-liter V8 (260 hp) -- for the Ram 1500 -- coming in 2010. Next, a new family of gas-fired V6s is in the works for 2010 model year -- they'll be modular, making it easier for Chrysler and Mercedes to share parts, if not applications.

Also, the company's first application of a hybrid-drive system developed with GM and BMW will appear in the 2009 Dodge Durango, which will also get Chrysler's cylinder deactivation tech. A front-drive hybrid will also go into production subsequently.

Toyota, Chrysler won't pull ads from 'Rescue Me'Carmakers brush off complaints from Parents Television Council

Jean Halliday Advertising Age / August 4, 2006 - 10:35 am DETROIT -- Neither Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. nor the Chrysler group is buckling under pressure from the Parents Television Council to pull their advertising from FX Networks' "Rescue Me.

"The group sent letters to both advertisers asking them to withdraw from the show about New York City firefighters, said Melissa Caldwell, senior director of programs.When the automakers refused to pull their ads, the group issued press releases on July 24 and Thursday, Aug. 3, criticizing Toyota and Chrysler, respectively. The group called the show "cultural sewage" in the wake of recent episodes depicting graphic rape and brutal violence.

Chrysler response
A Chrysler group spokeswoman said Jason Vines, the company's vice president of communications, faxed a letter to the group on Monday, July 31, saying the show was part of the automaker's broad media buys to reach diverse audiences. She said Dodge and Jeep have advertised during the show, but the program is not on either brand's current media schedule.

Vines' letter went on to say the Chrysler group planned to continue advertising on a diverse range of programming.

"We do this not with the intent to offend but with an appreciation for diversity in consumer viewing preferences," he wrote. "It is also important to remember that the American consumer has the ability to turn on or off TV shows, as do PTC members."Turning off a show isn't the solution, Caldwell said.A Toyota spokeswoman said Lexus' media flight on the show has ended, but the Toyota brand continues as an advertiser.

Group turns to its membersNeither carmaker gave the group the response it had hoped for, so the group said it plans to contact its 1 million-plus members, hoping to galvanize them to blitz the advertisers with complaints.The group sends letters to all the show's advertisers asking them to withdraw, Caldwell said. The group won't issue releases about other marketers until they've had a chance to respond. When asked if not responding is an advertiser's best move, Caldwell said, "Not necessarily. We'll probably step up our efforts.

"Dairy Queen and Alltel ended their ad support for "Rescue Me" after being contacted by the PTC, a group spokeswoman said.The group "was founded in 1995 to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media," according to the Chrysler group release.

'Advertisers have an obligation'Citing Nielsen data, Caldwell said more than 130,000 people under the age of 18 typically watch "Rescue Me," and children as young as 2 are viewers."We're not saying parents have no obligation. But advertisers have an obligation," she said. "If a line is to be drawn in the sand, it will be by advertisers," because the program won't air without ads.

An FX spokesman said he knew about the group's Toyota release but was unaware of the Chrysler group release. FX plans to issue a statement as soon as today.

The PTC isn't the first group to target "Rescue Me."T-Mobile said it would pull its ads from the show and FX sibling "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" after Don Wildmon and his American Family Association bombarded CEO Robert Dotson's inbox with e-mails complaining about the programming, Advertising Age reported on July 24.

Fuel sipping all the rage, but more hp never goes out of style

Edward Lapham Automotive News, DETROIT - - As the price of gasoline bounces past $3 a gallon in more and more areas, consumers are beginning to think small. They're shopping for smaller trucks, smaller SUVs and even smaller cars.For their part, automakers are bringing smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles to market as quickly as they can.

For example, Toyota has its Yaris. Nissan has the Versa. General Motors' ace in the hole could be Daewoo.Meanwhile, the Chrysler group is close to working out a deal to have either Volkswagen or China's Chery build a small car that could be sold in North America as a Dodge.

But not everybody is in panic mode trying to promote their fuel sippers. For example, BMW has a couple of new small cars that boast more horsepower.

The new Mini has a new four-cylinder engine that will develop 175 hp in the hot Cooper S version while getting about 34 mpg. The 2007 model goes on sale after the first of the year -- and BMW has even upsized the car, adding 2.76 inches in length.

BMW's 1 series, which isn't sold in North America yet, gets a new model that makes more than 300 hp.It just shows that being small doesn't mean you can't still pack a punch … and be proud of it.

BP closes Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields, Alaska

OIL UP
By 0931 GMT, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index <.FTEU3> was 1.1 percent lower at 1,330.5 points, while the Nikkei average <.N225> ended down 2.2 percent at 15,154 points.
The spike in oil prices also weighed on stock markets, as London Brent crude oil jumped more than 2 percent to a peak of $77.73 a barrel.

Oil producer BP Plc began shutting down its Prudhoe Bay oil field in Alaska, cutting production by 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), or 8 percent of U.S. domestic oil output.
BP shares led declines in Europe, falling 2 percent.

"The BP field is a sizable stream ... The world is already concerned about supplies and this is just adding to concerns," said Tony Nunan, a risk manager at Mitsubishi Corp. in Tokyo.