525,000 Chrysler Minivans And Dodge Journeys Affected In Expanded Recall

Out of an abundance of caution, Chrysler Group is expanding a previous safety recall to install a more robust WIN module detent ring.
 
A previous recall in 2010 included 196,000 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey vehicles built August 2, 2009 through June 17, 2010.
 
The expansion includes an additional 695,957 vehicles manufactured January 29, 2007 through August 1, 2009.
 
Vehicles equipped with a FOB key may experience inadvertent ignition switch displacement from the “run” to “accessory” position while driving. If the switch is not fully engaged in the “on” position of the detent ring inside the module, the spring-loaded switch may allow the key to spring past the “on” position and into the “accessory” position. This action will shut off the engine and passive restraint systems, including air bags.
 

Black History Moment: Ralph Gilles, The Highest Ranking Designer At The Chrysler Group

Ralph Gilles at the Chicago Auto Show with the editor, Jeff Fortson

Title: President and CEO of SRT Brand and Senior Vice President of Design

Age: 44

School: College for Creative Studies in Detroit

Career Highlight: When Chrysler was bleeding red, with a $637 million loss in 2003, Gilles' design influence helped put the company back in the black. The company posted a $1.9 billion profit in 2004. 

Car Career Highlights: Gilles was responsible for putting swag in big cars again with vehicles like the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Magnum. 

Dodge Recalling 972,000 Trucks For Tire Rod Problems

Report Receipt Date: NOV 06, 2013

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V529000

Component(s): STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected: 265,044
Vehicle Make Model/Model Year(s)

• DODGE RAM 1500/2002-2008
• DODGE RAM 2500/2003-2012
• DODGE RAM 3500/2003-2012

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

Car Designer Ralph Gilles Talks Race, Inspiration And Legacy (Part Two) --- Rewind Interview

Designer Ralph Gilles and Actor Terrence Howard

Here's part two of our interview with the current vice president of design for the Chrysler Group, Ralph Gilles, as he talks about race, inspiration and legacy. This interview was conducted with him in 2006, shortly after the gangster-like Chrysler 300 hit the scene. To view part-one of our interview click here.

J. What are you current vehicle projects? Are there any projects forthcoming with your sister division, Mercedes?

RG: I was recently promoted to vice president of the Jeep, truck and components studio, meaning I work with the design teams that create those vehicles, as well as the components (radios, vents, AC) that are in those and others. I can’t discuss future projects in any of those areas for competitive reasons, but I can say it’s very exciting to work in areas that have been so critical historically with our company’s success. Jeep is an icon; the Ram trucks, Durangos and Nitros are part of a change in how trucks are used and perceived. It’s a very exciting time. As to Mercedes, we throw ideals between brands back and forth, but we are very aware that brands must stay separated and pure. My primary work is always the Chrysler Group – Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler products.

J: Is there anything in particular that helps to influence you when you’re in the design studio: culture, music, video games, politics or sports?

RG: To a designer, you are a sponge of influence. You absorb everything from buildings to furniture to fashion to products. I’m a huge reader of all types of magazines, and you look at the ads, the products and use that – whether you do it knowing you are doing it or not!  -- to apply it to your work. We are constantly learning and constantly improving.

J: Like Tiger Woods has done for golf, you have exposed minorities to another field in the automotive industry.  With that said, what would you suggest to minorities that are interested in designing vehicles for a major automaker?

The Chrysler Group Updates Its Fullsize Hotrods

Three SRT8 models (Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger) from the Chrysler Group will be hitting the streets this summer, packing new colors, a few exterior modifications and a lower price tag. In fact, consumers should expect to save upwards of $5,000, when compared to the 2012 models.

New 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 “Core” ModelOn the exterior, the new 2013 Challenger SRT8 “Core” model features a black grille and black SRT rear spoiler, unique black 392 decal on the front fenders, 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets and black Brembo brake calipers.

New exterior colors for the Challenger SRT8 “Core” lineup include HEMI® Orange Pearl Coat and Plum Crazy Pearl Coat, in addition to the existing color options, which include Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Pearl Coat, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat, Pitch Black and TorRed Clear Coat.

For Viper Enthusiasts: Autoline Detroit Interview with Designer Ralph Gilles

If you're a Viper enthusiast, you'll appreciate this one-on-one interview courtesy of Autoline Detroit.

Chrysler Group Recalls 119,000 Popular Family Sedans For Electrical Issues

• Vehicle Make / Model:

  Model Year(s):

• CHRYSLER / 300
  2011-2012
• DODGE / CHARGER
  2011-2012

• Manufacturer:

  CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

• Mfr's Report Date:

  MAY 01, 2012

• NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:

  12V197000

• NHTSA Action Number:

  N/A

• Component:

  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

• Potential Number of Units Affected:

  119,072

• Summary:

  CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE 
• CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION 
• DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

• Consequence:

  THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

• Remedy:

  CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC 
• SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN 
• DURING MAY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

• Notes:

  CHRYSLER’S RECALL NUMBER IS M10. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE 
• NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY 
• HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO 
• TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Jeep Recalling 210,0000 Libertys to Avoid Loss of Control

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
JEEP / LIBERTY 2004-2005

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Mfr's Report Date: MAR 02, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:12V085000

NHTSA Action Number: EA11013

Component: SUSPENSION:REAR

Potential Number of Units Affected: 209,724

Summary:

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 3, 2003, THROUGH JULY 14, 2005, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS THAT CAN EXPERIENCE A REAR SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION.

Consequence:

A FRACTURE OF THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy:

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE NHTSA DEFINED SALT BELT STATES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes:

CHRYSLER'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS L27. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO http://www.safercar.gov/ .

The Chrysler Group Strikes Hot Again with Semi-Political Superbowl Ad

For the second time in two years, the Chrysler Group has created a political fire storm with its semi-political car ad, focusing on the controversial auto bailout. Let's see if its continues to boost sales for the automaker along with favor the Democrats in this year's upcoming Presidential election.

Ironically, Clint Eastwood, the main spokesperson in the ad, is a die hard Republican. 

Can This Super Bowl Ad Revive Detroit and Chrysler?

Detroit, the city once known for great music and manufacturing big cars, has never really rebounded from "the white flight," which occurred after the turbulent sixties - driving whites to the surburbs. Since that time the city has had it share of combat stories, but in reality the city has never really gotten its swagger back.

Over the years Detroit has had a difficult road to travel, dealing with a high crime rate, a failing public education system, an extremely high unemployment rate, an embattled ex-mayor who is entangled in a real-life soap opera and reviving an auto industry that was on the brink of collapse, before the government intervene -- coughing-up billions of dollars of tax papers money to keep the industry afloat.

However, once again, Detroit is showing its promise and using Fiat's latest investment, the Chrysler Group, to revive the ailing city just as GM did for the America's economy, after the horrific event of 9-1-1, which literally crippled the economy. So with that said, do you think Chrysler's latest ad, featuring hometown rapper Eminem, will help to put both Chrysler and Detroit back on track?