Chrysler has announced the “No Payments for 90 Days” program on all 2011 and 2012 Chryler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram truck models financed through Ally Financial. The payment promotion is now available, and will run through Chysler’s “Summer Clearance Event” which ends September 6, 2011.

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Today, the Ford Transit Connect is targeted at taxi and delivery business where fuel efficiency is a top priority. Initially, the small van was rated for 21 mpg on the city and 26 mpg in the highway. For 2012 Transit Connectgets a 1 mpg bump in each category, for a ratings of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. This is good news considering the the competition in this class with the new Nissan NV200 and the rumoured Fiat Doblo (which would be sold under the Ram brand). No other improvements are expected until the all-new Transit Connect arrives on the market sometime in 2014.

[Source: Ford Inside News]

Back in 2008, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed a law that made it illegal to idle your new diesel powered truck, if it had a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 lbs, for more than five minutes.

This basically means most chassis cabs and trucks with more than a 1 ton capacity, think Ram chassis cabs (like the one shown above), Ford’s F-450 Super Duty, as well as class 6 and 7 rigs, vehicles most often used in delivery and construction.

Traditionally, most trucks used for such tasks were often found idling for extended periods, primarily for convenience, such as frequent stop/start driving or powering accessories, such as refrigerators and heavy equipment.

However, an engine tends to be at it’s least efficient when idling, as well as producing the greatest amount of  oxides of nitrogen (smog). The CARB ruling required that in order to certify diesel trucks for California, automakers had to meet an idle emissions standard of 30 grams of NOx per hour.

One way of doing this is by injecting urea into the exhaust stream and employing a special catalytic converter, to convert it into nitrogen and water vapor, as employed on Dodge’s 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs. As a result, these trucks and others that meet the idle test standard, receive special Exemption Stickers, meaning they can now idle indefinitely.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

According to a published report; Chrysler’s Ram division is planning to build a light-duty pickup using its minivan architecture around 2013-2014.

The new truck takes aim at buyers who want the utility of a pickup, but don’t need the inherent toughness and capability of full-size rigs. Utilizing a smaller, unibody platform will also help improve fuel economy over the likes of the Ram 1500.

This new minivan based pickup, much like Honda’s Ridgeline, will feature a front-drive layout and although reports have yet to be confirmed, it’s likely some kind of all-wheel drive system will be offered.

Dubbed the TR Life Style truck, Chrysler projects it’s Ram division to sell between 15,000 to 20,000 units annually (for the record, the Ridgeline sold 16,142 copies last year, a drop of two percent from 2009).

Along with the rest of Chrysler’s minivan range, the TR will be assembled at the Windsor, Ontario plant and, according to Doug Shepard, editor of Automotive Compass’ weekly report, the truck is “an insurance policy that the plant will continue on three shifts at full capacity.”

Yet despite the existence of the report, Chrysler, at least officially, isn’t saying much at this time, only that the idea of a mid-size pickup is being “considered.”

[Source: Toronto Star]

The Ford F-Series pickup isn’t just the best selling truck in America, but the best selling vehicle and it has been that way for almost as long as anyone can remember. That, however, may change, especially if gas prices continue to stay high and jobless rates don’t decline.

According to data released by Ward’s Automotive, in the month of April truck sales made up the smallest percentage of marketshare since the organization started recording data in 1980. In total, trucks made up just 11.8 percent of light-vehicle sales in April, compared to an all-time high of 22.9 percent in July of 2005.

Traditionally the segment that sells the most vehicles has been the mid-size car segment, with an all-time high of 39.8 percent of the market in 1980. That number has dropped considerably over the years, due mostly to the segmentation of the market, and so far in 2011 mid-size cars make up 20.8 percent of registered new vehicles. Trucks, meanwhile, make up just 12.6 percent.

According to Ward’s the main factors affecting truck sales are jobless rates and the price of gas, with those 2005 truck records coming at 5.0 percent unemployment and $2.28 gas prices.

U.S. automakers are still betting heavily on the truck segment, and there’s still plenty of strength left in it with F-Series trucks up 3.7 percent last month.

[Source: Ward's]

The Ram Long Hauler concept is getting a fair amount of attention for its ability to travel 1,600 miles on a single tank of fuel, but you won’t have to wait for its Kentucky Derby debut on May 6th to see the rest of the truck.

Surprisingly, the Long Hauler is quite opulent featuring tray tables, built in Wi-Fi and a refrigerator, among other niceties. The Long Hauler’s heavy duty Class 5 chassis will certainly be up to the task of handling all these accouterments, not to mention the 3 fuel tanks totaling 162 gallons. However, it might be too much truck for some, so take a look at the gallery to decide for yourself.

Gallery: Ram Long Hauler

Bringing commercial vans from Europe to North America seems to be a growing trend among Detroit Automakers. It first began with the Dodge Sprinter (a Mercedes in all but name), then Ford followed with the tiny Transit Connect.

Now Chrysler, thanks to its alliance with Fiat is at it again, this time looking at bringing the IVECO daily to North American shores.

“It’s part of what we’re considering,” said Ram Truck CEO Fred Diaz in a recent statement. The Daily has long been a direct competitor to the Sprinter in Europe, where it’s offered in cargo and passenger configurations, with a choice of single and dual rear wheels and as a complete van or chassis cab.

Powertrain options across the pond include 2.3-liter and 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engines.  Ram division is also considering Americanized versions of the Fiat Ducato  light commercial van and confirmed that a version of the Fiat Doblo, which in Europe, competes directly with Ford’s  Transit Connect, will also becoming to our shores.

But considering that the Daily and Ducato virtually occupy the same segment in their home market, is there room in North America for both vans? Difficult to say at this point in time, though in the short-term, it’s likely only one will get the green light. Given that the Daily boasts higher gross vehicle weights and load capacities than the Ducato, it probably makes more sense to import the former, especially for specialized school bus and larger camper conversions which require heavier-duty chassis. Stay tuned for more developments.

[Source: Allpar]

Since Daimler and Chrysler went their separate ways, the latter faced somewhat of a dilemma in the commercial vehicle segment, since the Sprinter van was essentially a Mercedes vehicle.

Now the Ram division is jumping back into the fold, with a commercial variant of the Dodge Caravan. Similar in concept to the original T-wagon based models of the 1980s, this one is appropriately enough, named Ram Cargo Van and features solid side panels in place of glass windows and a flat load floor to maximize carrying capacity, which stands at 144 cubic feet.

Although the Ram Cargo Van or (RCV for short), is powered by the same 283 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 found in the Dodge Caravan, it has a retuned , heavier-duty suspension with load leveling aimed at commercial use, plus a heavy-duty radiator and transmission cooler to better cope with frequent stop/start delivery driving.

Switchable transmission gear shifting, low drag rear bearings and brake calipers, along with a standard rear spoiler are designed to save fuel, especially important among many small business owners who rely on such vehicles.

Options on the Ram Cargo Van range from a satellite navigation system and in-dash media center with 30 gigabyte hard drive to a rear back up camera, cargo divider and vinyl window shading.  Ram Cargo Vans will be produced at Chrysler’s Windsor, Ontario assembly facility and will go on sale in the third quarter of this year as 2012 models, pricing is expected to be announced at launch time.

[Source: Chrysler]

After a wildly enthusiastic reception to the Ram Runner, the dune-bashing variant of the Ram pickup, Chrysler engineers have decided to go back to the drawing board and make the upgrade kit street legal, giving Ram loyalists a weapon against the Ford F-150 Raptor.

While any stock Ram 1500 can be used as a basis, the parts used will have more in common with Baja race trucks than anything seen on the street. The vehicle is so wide that special side markets have been mandated by the government. Track is widened by 3 inches in the front and 6 inches in the rear, while special Fox shocks, new control arms and widened fenders are just some of the modifications made for the Ram Runner.

Buyers can purchase a complete package, or the individual bits to upgrade their truck over time. Chrysler is looking at making a factory version but stated that “If we did, we would use a [second stage] partner to build the trucks.”

[Source: PickupTucks.com]

There are few places in the world where you can get a 5.7-liter V8 for the price of a well-equipped Civic Hybrid. But Chrysler has appealed to cheap truck fans with the Ram Adventurer, a base-model Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for the low, low price of $23,830.

Get ‘em before they’re gone, folks! The Adventurer name dates back to Chrysler history, specifically that of the 1956 DeSoto Adventurer. And despite the price, it is well-equipped: the truck gets body-colored grilles and bumpers, fog lights, and 20-inch wheels. There are trailer hitches, spray-on bedliners, and chrome bits available as options, and buyers can choose between short cab, regular bed, two-wheel or four-wheel drive models.

It will be available in the spring alongside the Tradesman, another entry-level truck that was shown at the Chicago show. At a price of under $25,000, we doubt they won’t last long on dealer lots.

[Source: Autoweek]

Debuting alongside the updated Heavy Duty models, Chrysler’s new Ram truck brand unveiled the Ram Tradesman today at the Chicago Auto Show as a budget oriented model for fleet customers, small contractors and for use on construction sites.

The Tradesman might be light on the frilly things, but it’s ideally equipped where it counts with a standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 390-hp and 407 lb-ft of torque and offering 10,450 lbs of towing capability thanks to a standard Class IV hitch and upgraded engine and transmission coolers.

Available as a regular cab short-bed (6′ 4″) or an 8-foot long bed, the Tradesman will be available as either a 4×2 and 4×4.

Outside, 17-inch steel wheels come standard, while inside it’s equally utilitarian with vinyl or cloth seats.

Standard equipment includes a locking tailgate, rear wheel well liners, a 3.55 rear axle ratio, 700-amp battery and 17-inch wheels. Inside it gets AC, a 12-volt outlet, six-speaker audio system, assist handles, tilt steering and variable intermittent wipers. (Yup, the basics).

Plenty of options will be available, however, including 3.21 and 3.92 rear axle ratios, power locks and windos, remote keyless entry, a spray-in bedliner, Bluetooth, cruise control and a trailer brake controller.

Available in Q2 of this year, the Ram Tradesman will be attractively priced from just $22,780 including the destination charge.

GALLERY: Ram Tradesman

Official release after the jump:

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Chrysler’s new Ram brand is looking to get on top in the truck segment, announcing today at the Chicago Auto Show a new high-output Cummins diesel engine that will deliver best-in-class torque. The new 6.7-liter diesel engine will also deliver several other class-topping statistics, which Ram will exploit under a new ‘strength in numbers’ marketing campaign.

With a total of 800 lb-ft of torque on tap, the new Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel models get a 23 percent boost in power. The result is a 30,000 lb gross combined vehicle weight rating, as well as a 22,700 max trailer tow rating. And to help get everything down a hill safely, the truck features a beefed-up exhaust brake which is touted to be the most powerful in the business.

Perhaps more important than all these big numbers is one very small number. Actually, it’s so small it’s nonexistent. Yup: zero. That’s how much ‘urea’ or Diesel Exhaust Fluid is required by the Cummins powerplant to meet increasingly strict emissions standards. Unlike both the Chevy and Ford, the Cummins diesel engine doesn’t require owners to worry about filling up yet another tank.

Full details of the engine aren’t yet available, but at the press conference company execs claimed the new Ram HD will be competitive in all aspects, from reliability to fuel economy. The new trucks are set to go on sale in the second quarter of this year.

GALLERY: RAM HD 3500

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

The Chrysler Group of brands is set to unveil several new models at the Chicago Auto Show later this week, with rumors pointing towards a new commercial vehicle for the Ram truck brand. According to Automotive News, the vehicle will be, “a truck aimed at carpenters, plumbers and other tradesmen.”

Ram (formerly Dodge trucks) already offers the large Sprinter, although it may look to get into the smaller side of the commercial vehicle segment to challenge Ford’s Transit Connect. Chrysler has reportedly been looking at ways to introduce a version of the Fiat Doblo (above) to the U.S. market.

At this point it’s all speculation, as are reports of a new high-performance Dodge model for Chicago. All that is certain is that Chrysler will show-off the re-engineered 200 Convertible.

[Source: Automotive News]

At the recent North American International Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, during a round table discussion, said that the tools to bring a light duty Ram diesel pickup to market are there, it’s just a question if there’s enough demand for it.

“We can do it all,” he said. “We have the engines, the know-how, because as you well know, Fiat is the repository of a huge amount of diesel know-how because of our industrial applications and even on the passenger car side. We’d love to do it, but the question is, will it sell?”

Marchionne also referred to the fact that several Chrysler vehicles, including the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have long been offered with diesel engines in Europe, but in North America, the reception at best has been lukewarm, previous attempts to offer diesels in Jeep SUVs proving shortlived.

We’ve reported before that Cummins, which builds the straight-six turbo diesel available in the Ram Heavy Duty has developed a V8 diesel for use in 1/2 ton trucks and a version of this could be adapted for the Ram 1500, no doubt enhancing the truck’s towing and payload capability, but again, it all hinges on demand.

Given that light trucks now come under the same CAFE umbrella as passenger cars, it will probably be legislation that eventually drives demand for light duty diesel pickups. In Europe, largely due to taxation reasons, diesels are now the norm in passenger cars, their combination of torque output and fuel efficiency hard to beat. This contrasts with a generation ago, when they still represented less than half the market.

It’ll also be interesting to see if Ford and GM further pursue diesels for their light-duty pickups, previous plans have so far been put on hold.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

According to a well-known Mopar source, entries in Chrysler’s new car dealer ‘Star’ network show codes for impending diesel engine and hybrid-electric transmission options in Ram 1/2 ton pickups.

The diesel is rumored to be a Cummins 5.0-liter V8 turbocharged engine, which despite having two more cylinders than the straight-six (shown) which powers Ram Heavy-Duty models, is designed for less extreme applications, making it an ideal fit for the 1/2 ton Ram.

Meanwhile the ‘hybrid’ refers to the AHS-T gearbox that was found in the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids, which is listed, along with three other transmission options – a six-speed Getrag manual, plus the 42RE and 545RFE four and five-speed automatics.

However, there’s been no announcements of an impending diesel Ram and based on the fact that both Ford and GM have postponed their light-duty diesel trucks, the new rig may not actually materialize at all. Even if it does, it might take some time, along with steadily increasing fuel prices before Chrysler considers the diesel Ram and hybrid transmission a seriously feasible option (mid 2011 or early 2012 likely being the earliest date).

[Source: Allpar]

For all you lovers of body on frame chassis and four wheel drive, we bring you our favorite trucks of the 2010 SEMA Show.

If you prefer big motors, Made In America and think that lifting a truck is better than slamming a sport compact, check out the gallery below for all sorts of pickup-bed goodness. And for the record, our favorite trucks were anything based on the Ford Raptor.

Gallery: Trucks Of SEMA

Chrysler‘s high-performance Mopar division has already teased and revealed a few of its SEMA projects and now they’ve released a short video of a few more Moparized models headed to the world’s largest aftermarket expo. The three vehicles covered have actually been shown one before, but their debut wasn’t well publicized, taking place at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Of the trio, the Jeep NuKaiser 715 easily stands out, based on the J8 military vehicle. Using a 2.8-liter diesel engine, it’s off-road capable thanks to Dynatrac axles and 38-inch BFG tires. Designed to look like the original Kaiser truck, it features a chopped top and an aftermarket AEV Brute pickup box designed for he TJ.

The second Jeep is the Wrangler J7 Stripper that does away with frivolous items like fog lights and carpets, while adding a two-inch lift and 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires.

Finally, there’s the Ram Power Wagon. Based on the Ram 1500 it features a a 4-inch suspension lift an massive 40-inch tires, plus plenty of custom bodywork.

Coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starts November 2nd here. Until then, check out our SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: Mopar Off-Road Concepts for SEMA

[Source: CarScoop]

Check out the video after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Automakers are increasingly using targeted consumer events as the location from which to launch a new vehicle and for the past several years the Texas State Fair has (understandably) been one of the more popular venues for pickup truck manufacturers. This year’s event saw the introduction of the new top-trim Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn edition truck  – with a seriously intricate and high-grade interior.

The cabin itself looks like a pair of pricey cowboy boots with plenty of detailing and full leather throughout. There are also unique items like rear seatback pockets that resemble saddlebags with a steer-logo buckle. There’s also plenty of custom stitching, badges and genuine woodgrain interior trim.

“We took Ram Laramie Longhorn’s design cues from traditionally handcrafted, time-tested wares, such as the antique pocket watch, a fine pair of hand-tooled leather cowboy boots, a collector’s-grade shotgun or a horseman’s saddle,” said Ryan Nagode, head of design for the project. “The metal work and leather work are second to none.”

The new Laramie Longhorn trim level is available on 1500, 2500 and 3500 models with five two-tone color schemes, and 20-inch wheels (on 1500 models). There’s also a model-specific Sagebrush and White Gold exterior combo – as seen in the photos above and below.

“The Ram Laramie Longhorn edition is going to share a driveway with some fine luxury cars,” said Fred Diaz, CEO of the Ram Truck Brand. “The only difference is the Ram Laramie Longhorn edition is going to be the vehicle with the fulltime job – towing the horse trailer, taking the crew to the game, picking up supplies. It’s ready to go from the dirt to downtown.”

As much as it may be ready, we’ve got a feeling we’ll see it in a country music video long before we see it in the mud.

Make sure to check out all the impressive details in the gallery below:

GALLERY: 2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn Edition

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Dominating the headlines following Chrysler‘s first dealer meeting in three years yesterday was news of a new Viper planned for 2012. But apart from headline-grabbing sports cars, Chrysler execs made plenty of comments regarding the company’s commitment to the truck and SUV segment.

For the new RAM brand, CEO Fred Diaz commented that his team is studying bringing a “Baby Ram” to market, with an estimated 30-mpg and room for four. This could replace the Dodge Dakota as RAM’s entry-level work truck, with a next-generation Dakota confirmed to take more of a lifestyle direction.

The RAM brand also has plans to target lifestyle truck buyers with a luxurious “Longhorn” model that will debut at the Texas State Fair in two weeks. RAM execs didn’t comment on if it would bear any resemblance to the Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco model shown at last year’s SEMA Show. The truck will, however, feature a Longhorn logo that can be removed from the floor mat and used as a belt buckle.

As for features, the “Ram Box” storage area currently found on the 1500 model trucks, will be made available on the 2500 and 3500 heavy duty work trucks.

And finally, Jeep execs hinted at expanding their lineup to include a pickup truck, rolling out what is believed to be the Jeep Gladiator Concept from several years back. Jeep execs would not comment on if this model was slated for production.

[Source: WSJ]

The Ford Transit Connect, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro and RAM 1500 are being recalled by Ford and Chrysler respectively, for separate issues.

A pushpin that holds the Transit Connect’s headliner in place could come loose, a seemingly minor error that according to Ford’s statement on a NHTSA website, “…could exceeded head injury criteria requirements set by the standard,”. Ford said the safety recall for the Transit Connect is expected to begin “on or about” July 19.

Chrysler is recalling the aforementioned vehicles due to “defective brake tubes” that could lead to a loss of brake fluid. Anything involving the brake systems should be attended to right away, and owners should service this problem immediately, when Chrysler begins the recall in August.

[Source: Carscoop]

Building on the concept of its bold ‘Minivan Pledge’ program, Chrysler has announced that it will be offering a Risk-Free purchase plan for most new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. The program, which began on July 8; will essentially allow those customers not happy with their new vehicle to return it back within 60 days, plus Chrysler will make the first two monthly payments on behalf of the consumer up to $500 per month or $1000 in total.

However, like any such incentive, there are strings attached. Buyers who elect to return their vehicle won’t be reimbursed for taxes, licensing costs or other fees and although normal wear and tear is acceptable, damage cost to the vehicle cannot total more than $200. If it does, the vehicle won’t be accepted back. Also like many lease agreements there are mileage restrictions and the new Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle cannot be driven more than 4000 miles from the delivery date in order to qualify for the program. Also only one vehicle return is allowed per customer and those that do won’t be able to get their original trade-in back.

Alongside this program, Chrysler is offering other incentives in July to help clear existing stock for the upcoming 2011 models, including more ‘traditional’ programs such as zero percent financing for 60 months and up to $3000 cash back on selected models.

With all these incentives on the table, if you’re looking to buy a new Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle, there’s no better time to do it than during the summer.

In a reversal of previous trends, domestic brands reported fewer aggregate quality problems than import brands for the first time in the history of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey.

Domestic vehicles reported 108 problems per 100 vehicles, compared to 109 problems per 100 vehicles for imports – not a very wide margin, but an important step for domestic vehicles. Leading the domestics rise to the top was Ford, with 12 models leading their respective categories, while General Motors had 10 models leading their segments. Overall, Porsche was the big winner, with a mere 83 problems per 100 vehicles followed by Acura and Mercedes-Benz.

The big losers for 2010 were Toyota, which finished 21st with 117 problems per 100 vehicles and Land Rover, which finished dead last with 170 problems per 100 vehicles. Dodge cars reported 130 problems per 100 vehicles, a fairly poor showing, but its Ram trucks reported a respectable 110 problems per 100 vehicles, just below the industry average.

[Source: Auto Observer]

The deadly Ohio tornado that killed seven people last week claimed two more victims, a late-model Dodge Viper RT-10 and a Dodge Ram SRT-10. If we do the math, that’s a total of 950 horsepower put out of commission. Ironically, both of these vehicles would have no problem outrunning a tornado, with the Viper topping out at 187 mph and the Ram, the world’s fastest production truck, topping out at 154. We’ll have to assume the drivers were cowering in fear in a basement at the time. Let’s hope they have full coverage.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Chrysler will build a licensed version of a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox at their Indiana transmission plant. Production is expected to start in 2013, and retain roughly 1,200 jobs.

The total cost for the project will be roughly $300 million, but Chrysler Senior VP of Powertrain Paolo Ferrero said that the new 8-speed transmission will lead to a 25 percent increase in fuel economy. With a new Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger due in 2011, the 8-speed automatic’s debut in 2013 would be perfect for a mid-cycle refresh, however another Chrysler spokesman said that the gearboxes would be imported prior to their domestic production, meaning that it could launch with the new vehicles from the get-go.

The 8-speed automatic could also see use in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram pickups. The transmission saw its first application in BMW’s 5-Series Gran Turismo and BMW 760Li.

[Source: Autoweek]