January 22, 2009 12:53 PM

Saving Energy While Saving Money

William Wolf is Director - Facility Operations

If necessity is the mother of invention, then 2008 was indeed a mother of a year in the auto industry. The 26-year low in North American sales has given rise to new levels of cost reduction efforts in one of the world’s toughest and most competitive industries. 

But the fact is that we have been cutting costs and reducing expenses for years. This past holiday season was an example of that continuous effort.

For several years, Chrysler has closed its headquarters during the holiday season, giving our employees a chance to spend time with their families. It also gives us a chance to save some money on operations.

During the recent holidays, Chrysler saved nearly a quarter of...

January 20, 2009 9:35 AM

Open Letter to Stakeholders

To All Chrysler Stakeholders: 

In our continuing effort to build a profitable enterprise for the future, we are announcing today that Cerberus, Chrysler LLC and Fiat S.p.A. have entered into a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance. Upon completion of a due diligence process that is now underway and required approvals, the agreement is expected to be completed by April.

 

This represents a positive business strategy for Chrysler in today's difficult economic environment. Chrysler management believes the alliance provides significant strategic benefits that support our viability and long-term competitiveness.

As a condition of the U.S. government loan agreement, all constituents will be asked to contribute to Chrysler's restructuring effort including: lenders, employees, the UAW, dealers, suppliers and Chrysler Financial. We recognize...

January 20, 2009 6:06 AM

Fiat Group, Chrysler and Cerberus Announce Plans for a Global Strategic Alliance

Fiat S.p.A., Chrysler LLC (Chrysler) and Cerberus Capital Management L.P., the private investment majority owner of Chrysler LLC, announced today they have signed a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance. 

The alliance, to be a key element of Chrysler's viability plan, would provide Chrysler with access to competitive, fuel-efficient vehicle platforms, powertrain, and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites. Fiat would also provide distribution capabilities in key growth markets, as well as substantial cost savings opportunities. In addition, Fiat would provide management services supporting Chrysler's submission of a viability plan to the U.S. Treasury as required. Fiat has been very successful in executing its own restructuring over the past several years. The alliance would also allow Fiat Group and Chrysler to take...

January 17, 2009 6:19 PM

Bob Nardelli Radio Chat at Charity Preview

Chrysler Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli joined 7,000 other Detroit-area folks in helping to raise more than $2.6 million for children's charities at the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview on Friday night. 

Nardelli took time out to chat with WJR, Detroit radio host Paul W. Smith, and discussed, among other things, what it means for Chrysler Financial to received $1.5 billion in Federal assistance.

It was pretty loud in Cobo Center, but if you turn up your volume and crank up your patience, you should be able to hear the conversation with little difficulty.

January 16, 2009 4:08 PM

Affordable Vehicle Financing Offered with Chrysler Financial

With the announcement of Chrysler Financial gaining access to $1.5 billion in loans from the Treasury Department, qualified new vehicle customers will be able to apply for zero percent financing for up to 60 months when financing a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle through Chrysler Financial. The affordable financing terms will be available on select 2008 and 2009 MY vehicles, and are effective immediately.

"From both a customer and dealer perspective, it is exciting news that the Treasury Department is providing funding to Chrysler Financial. Now our customers, including those with scores in the 620 range, will be able to apply for affordable loans and our dealers will be more competitive in the marketplace," said Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice-Chairman and...

January 16, 2009 9:32 AM

A Heartfelt Thanks

® 

We received a thank you message that generated a lot of smiles here at Chrysler. Cathy Collison, a former editor and now freelance writer for the Detroit Free Press, wrote a story (which you can read by clicking here) for the paper about how her Jeep® Grand Cherokee saved the lives of her and her son and daughter recently. 

Collison and son were heading home from Chicago after picking up her daughter, a University of Wisconsin student. The family was traveling on I-94 in western Michigan, when the Grand Cherokee and 30 other vehicles hit a slick patch of highway. A minivan rear-ended her Grand Cherokee, sending it skidding into a ditch. Minutes later, a skidding semi-truck slammed into the Jeep.

"Thanks to the engineers, designers and every...

January 16, 2009 9:32 AM

Under the Pentastar: Jan. 16, 2009

This week, Under the Pentastar goes to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, recapping the Chrysler reveals at this year's event. In addition, Chrysler Financial makes financing available to consumers.

January 16, 2009 9:22 AM

Dodge Challenger Adds Nostalgic Edition

Dodge has a new member in its lineup, one that pays homage to the great Mopar editions of the past -- the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic recalls the pony car past with:

• Dual-wide body-side R/T stripes
• Original ‘Challenger’ heritage badging
• ‘Challenger’ fender badging in classic script
• 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires
• Classic egg-crate grille with heritage ‘R/T’ badge
• Body-color rear spoiler
• Chromed fuel-filler door
• Functional hood scoops to increase engine cooling

Then there’s the colors. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is available in three Dodge heritage colors -- HEMI® Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue -- as well as .
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic and Stone White.

The muscle in this muscle car is the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI...