1956 Chrysler New Yorker Wagon * Antique * Classic * on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Chrysler celebrates 90 years with special trim levels

Ninety years is a long time for any business to stick around, and it's especially difficult in the auto industry. Chrysler is celebrating the milestone this year by loading on extra tech with 90th Anniversary Edition packages for the 200, 300, and Town & Country. Chrysler's 90th Anniversary Edition for the 2016 300 is based on the Limited trim, and it includes an 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system with navigation, SiriusXM radio, and a custom splash screen. In addition, buyers get a dual-pane sunroof and floor mats with the anniversary logo. Separately, the 2016 300S is available with a retuned suspension and steering that includes increased spring rates, larger sway bars, and set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The 200's 90th Anniversary Edition is also based on the Limited trim, and the package adds an 8.4-inch Uconnect system without navigation, sunroof, heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power seats, and custom floor mats. For 2016, the Limited also has blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection as a standalone option, and it and the S version get a standard backup camera. The 200C now comes with a heated steering wheel, as well. Finally, the Town & Country is due for a replacement in early 2016, but the current version gets to celebrate the 90th anniversary, too. Based on the Touring-L trim, the package adds a power sunroof, bright door handles, heated seats for the first two rows, a heated steering wheel, and keyless ignition. Plus, there are special logos on the splash screen and floor mats. 90th Anniversary of Chrysler Brand Marked by Nearly Complete Refresh of Vehicle Lineup September 1, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - With two of the brand's three vehicles either recently renewed – from the refreshed flagship and iconic 300 full-size sedan earlier this year, to the completely new 200 mid-size sedan last year – Chrysler is gaining momentum. Add to that the upcoming sixth-generation of the vehicle that created the minivan segment more than 30 years ago, coming next year, and that qualifies for a serious roll. 2015 also marks the Chrysler Brand's 90th year, which it will celebrate by offering special 90th anniversary models of its 300, 200 and Town & Country models. "Clearly 2015 is a very exciting time for the Chrysler Brand," said Al Gardner, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand, FCA — North America.

Dodge, Jeep and Ram could soon be owned by Chinese automakers

For the past several years, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has made it widely known that the automaker he helms is up for grabs. First, he sent an email to GM CEO Mary Barra, who immediately refused to even discuss a merger. Later, Marchionne set his sights on Volkswagen. That too was swiftly rebuffed. It seemed like no global automaker was remotely interested in a partnership. Now, Automotive News reports that several Chinese automakers have come calling, only FCA isn't ready to answer. At least not yet. The news broke this morning that a major Chinese automaker had made an offer to purchase FCA for slightly above market value. FCA refused, saying the offer wasn't quite generous enough. It's unclear which automaker made the offer, but Automotive News says there's more than one interested party. FCA representatives have recently traveled to China to meet with Great Wall Motors, while Chinese representatives were seen at FCA corporate headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Chinese government has a lot of money invested in local automakers. It's putting pressure on these automakers to expand globally, including to the United States. As it stands, it's a matter of when a Chinese automaker will start selling cars here, not if. Purchasing an established automaker with a wide range of products and a huge dealer network would do wonders in giving the Chinese a foothold here. Sure, Geely owns Volvo, but a luxury automaker doesn't have nearly as much reach as a more mainstream company like FCA. This seems like the best case scenario for both a Chinese automaker looking to move into the U.S. and for FCA, at least from a business standpoint. The latter doesn't seem to have any other interested parties. It will be interesting to see how FCA would sell a deal like this to the public. We're not sure everyone will be happy with Dodge, Jeep and Ram falling under Chinese ownership. FCA didn't turn down the Chinese because they didn't like the idea. It turned down the offer because there wasn't enough money on the table. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News Earnings/Financials Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM

Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan Murano Hybrid in China, FCA hearts E15

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has approved the use of E15 in its 2016 model year vehicles. The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased with the automaker's choice to cover the higher ethanol blend in its warranty statements, describing it as a positive signal for the future growth of E15. "FCA's decision to join GM and Ford provides clear evidence that the tide on E15 has turned," says RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. "The automaker's decision not to embrace E15 had been a major point of concern and tension for the last three years." Read more from the RFA. Skoda's head of purchasing, Dieter Seemann, discusses sourcing EV components in a new interview. He says the biggest challenge is seeking out future suppliers for electric motor and connected vehicle components. "We have to really understand what happens in this business to identify the right partners to have in five to eight years from now," says Seemann. "Many of these are suppliers completely new to us." He says Skoda purchases 50 to 55 percent of its parts directly, while chassis and powertrain parts are shared among other Volkswagen Group brands. Read the full interview at Automotive News Europe. Nissan is helping the European Commission develop a pedestrian alert system for electric vehicles. Called Electric Vehicle Alert for Detection and Emergency Response (eVADER), the project aims to develop technology that provides audible cues to alert pedestrians to oncoming vehicles without contributing to noise pollution. Nissan created a system for the Leaf that uses a camera to recognize pedestrians and cyclists and direct a sound in their direction. This work will help the EU shape its laws moving forward. Read more at Electric Cars Report. The Nissan Murano Hybrid has gone on sale in China. The Murano Hybrid is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor with lithium-ion battery. The hybrid uses Nissan's All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel-drive system, and is equipped with a host of safety technology. The new Murano helps Nissan cater to China's growing demand for SUVs, and is also part of the "Young Nissan" strategy. Read more at Green Car Congress, or in the press release below. Nissan introduces the all-new Murano to China SHANGHAI, China(August 8, 2015) – Nissan today announced that the all-new Murano, including the hybrid version, is officially available for sale from its joint venture in China, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger vehicle company (DFL-PV).