Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label town and country. Show all posts
Showing posts with label town and country. Show all posts

Monday, 27 June 2016

USA - Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Town & Country Lead Their Segments in J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study.

Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Town & Country Lead Their Segments
  • Chrysler and Jeep® most improved brands in initial quality
  • Dodge Challenger leads Midsize Sporty Car segment in initial quality for third consecutive year, fourth time in six years
  • Chrysler Town & Country is highest ranking Minivan in quality study, Dodge Grand Caravan ranks second in segment

Chrysler and Jeep® are the most improved brands in J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) with both brands improving their initial quality scores by 20 percent from last year’s study.

For a third consecutive year and for the fourth time in six years (2011, 2014-16), Dodge Challenger ranks at the top of the Midsize Sporty Car segment.



FCA US minivans also performed well in the study. Chrysler Town & Country ranks highest among Minivans in initial quality with Dodge Grand Caravan taking second place in the segment.

“Our commitment to quality is starting to show results as Chrysler and Jeep make strong improvements in initial quality, but there is still much work to do,” said Scott Garberding, Head of Quality, FCA – Global. “My colleagues and I are focused on continuing the positive momentum created so far as we look to earn and maintain the trust and loyalty of customers across all our brands.”

IQS is based on responses from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study asks customers to identify issues with their vehicles’ design, as well as defects.

“Dodge Challenger continues to impress new owners year after year with the muscle car now leading the Midsize Sporty Car segment in initial quality for the third straight year and the fourth time in six years,” Garberding added. “Chrysler and Dodge minivans continue their leadership position in the segment by taking the top two spots in initial quality.”

The Dodge brand’s Challenger muscle-car arsenal for 2016 is reloaded as the most complete model lineup with 10 trim levels, ranging from the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat to the 305-horsepower, 30-mpg, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6-powered SXT model. All 2016 Dodge Challenger models are designed and engineered for world-class precision and outstanding performance.

Challenger previously achieved the highest IQS ranking among Midsize Sporty Cars in 2011, 2014 and 2015, as well as being named a segment leader in the J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM in 2014 and 2015.

The IQS study, now in its 30th year, is based on a 233-question survey conducted between February and May 2016.

Monday, 30 May 2016

USA - FCA recalls some Grand Caravan and Town & Country Minivans for torque strength on some fastenings.


FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 99 minivans in the U.S. to confirm the torque on fasteners that join their third-row seatback and cushion frames.


A supplier advised FCA US that a tool had been inadvertently set to deliver slightly less fastening torque than the specified amount, and that the tool had been used over two eight-hour production shifts. An FCA US investigation ensued and identified which vehicles may be affected.



FCA US is unaware of any related injuries, accidents, customer complaints or warranty claims. Nor is the Company aware of any component failures.

Affected are certain model-year 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. An additional four minivans are subject to recall in Canada.

Service availability is imminent. Affected customers will be advised when they may contact their dealers.

Thursday, 4 December 2014

NOVEMBER USA SALES - FCA - Total group sales up for 56th month, with a large number setting records.

  • 56th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
  • Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each post sales gains in November compared with same month a year ago
  • Chrysler 200 sales up 155 percent; best November sales ever
  • Ram pickup truck sales up 21 percent; best November sales ever
  • 11 Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in November
  • Jeep brand sales up 27 percent; best ever November sales
  • Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Durango, and Fiat 500 rated “Best Buys” by leading consumer publications for 2015 model year
Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 170,839 units, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in November 2013 (142,275 units), and the group’s best November sales since 2001.

The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in November compared with the same month a year ago. The Ram Truck brand’s 31 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand and the brand’s best November sales since 2003. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 56-consecutive months.


“Sales of our all-new Chrysler 200 sedan were up a strong 155 percent in November, helping Chrysler Group to achieve its 56th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “In total we had 11 vehicles last month that set new sales records. Calendar year to date, Chrysler Group remains the fastest growing automaker in the country.”

Eleven Chrysler Group vehicles set records in the month of November. The Dodge Dart, Ram ProMaster and Ram Cargo Van each recorded their best ever monthly sales. In addition, the all-new Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Patriot, Chrysler 200, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Fiat 500L, and Ram pickup truck logged their best ever November sales. 

Sales of the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan were up 155 percent in November, the mid-size sedan’s best monthly sales this year. The Ram Truck and Chrysler brands recorded the largest percentage sales gains of Chrysler Group brands in November.

Chrysler Group finished the month of November with a 80 days supply of inventory (549,086 units). U.S. industry sales figures for November are internally projected at an estimated 17.5 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).

Ram Truck Brand
Sales of the Ram pickup were up 21 percent in November, its 55th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. It was the pickup truck’s best ever November sales. Ram Light Duty sales increased 30 percent in November while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 3 percent. 

The editors of Motor Trend named the Ram 1500 the winner of their 2015 half-ton truck shootout in November. The judges were particularly impressed with the performance of the Ram 1500’s EcoDiesel V-6 engine as well as its eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a combination that boasts best-in-class 28 mpg fuel economy. The 1500 was named 2015 Green Truck of the Year by the Green Car Journal in November, and earned a “Best Buy” designation from Consumer Guide Automotive and Consumers Digest.

Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram ProMaster van and Ram Cargo Van, were up 31 percent, the brand’s best November sales in 11 years. Both the ProMaster and Cargo Van recorded their best ever monthly sales last month.

Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand sales were up 30 percent, the brand’s best November sales since 2007. The brand’s increase was driven largely by the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan. Sales of the 200 were up 155 percent, the mid-size sedan’s best ever sales in the month of November and its best sales month this year. 

The 200 earned a “Best Buy” from Consumers Digest and from Consumer Guide Automotive in November, as well as the “Best Sedan” award from the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. Both consumer publications designated the Chrysler Town & Country minivan as a “Best Buy” as well.

Sales of the Chrysler 300 increased 18 percent last month, the full-size sedan’s best November sales in seven years. The Chrysler brand unveiled the new 2015 Chrysler 300 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. 

The new 2015 Chrysler 300 takes the nameplate’s style and sophistication to new levels through iconic design proportions and inspired materials, world-class quality and craftsmanship, best-in-class 31 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy, and class-exclusive innovations – including a state-of-the-art TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission now standard on every model.

Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales were up 27 percent, the brand’s best sales performance ever in the month of November and its 14th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep brand has set a sales record in each month this year, including its all-time sales record in May. The Jeep Cherokee, Wrangler and Patriot each logged their best ever November sales. The all-new Cherokee was the brand’s highest-volume seller for the third-consecutive month.

For a fifth-consecutive year, the Wrangler, Mopar’s most-accessorized vehicle, was recognized as the “Hottest 4x4-SUV” at the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in November. Sales of the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 3 percent, its best November sales in 11 years. Consumers Digest designated the Grand Cherokee as a “Best Buy” in the Mid-Size SUV category in November.

FIAT Brand
FIAT brand sales were up 1 percent, its best November sales since 2012. The brand’s increase was driven by the 20 percent year-over-year increase in Fiat 500L sales. The 500L recorded its best November sales ever. The Fiat 500 earned a “Best Buy” in the Subcompact segment last month from Consumers Digest.

The FIAT brand unveiled the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features.

Dodge Brand
Dodge brand sales were up slightly year-over-year in November, the brand’s best November sales since 2007. Sales of the Dodge Dart were up 39 percent, the compact sedan’s best ever monthly sales, eclipsing the all-time record it set in May of this year. The Dodge Challenger and Dodge Journey each recorded their best ever sales for the month of November. The Challenger’s 51 percent increase was the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand model in the month. 

The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, which began shipping to Dodge dealers in November, was named the “Best Sportscar” by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards and “Best Muscle Car” by Popular Mechanics. Sales of the Journey mid-size crossover were up 46 percent. The Dodge Durango and Dodge Grand Caravan each earned a “Best Buy” from Consumers Digest and from Consumer Guide Automotive in November.


Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary November 2014
Month SalesVol %      Sales CYTDVol %
ModelCurr YrPr YrChangeCurr YrPr YrChange
Alfa 4C240New240New
ALFA BRAND240New240New
5001,9842,138-7%31,40633,510-6%
500L1,12793720%10,9315,98183%
FIAT BRAND3,1113,0751%42,33739,4917%
20014,3175,621155%101,134116,828-13%
3004,8714,11518%49,39052,843-7%
Town & Country8,05511,288-29%127,331112,55113%
CHRYSLER BRAND27,24321,02430%277,855282,222-2%
Compass4,0993,54716%56,31849,45914%
Patriot7,5465,14847%84,02869,63921%
Wrangler13,59211,75316%161,325143,47412%
Cherokee16,94510,16967%160,79310,7481396%
Grand Cherokee15,30714,7983%166,610157,7586%
JEEP BRAND57,48945,41527%629,074437,17944%
Dart9,0126,48639%76,97777,939-1%
Avenger5404,887-89%51,25088,892-42%
Charger6,5696,985-6%85,67788,191-3%
Challenger4,1572,75751%46,67348,590-4%
Viper454110%67153625%
Journey7,5305,15546%85,15176,31712%
Caravan8,8429,614-8%122,899112,7939%
Durango5,4135,581-3%58,27955,3515%
DODGE  BRAND42,10841,5061%527,577548,654-4%
Ram P/U35,86529,63521%395,567322,26823%
Cargo Van1,709792116%9,9418,14922%
ProMaster Van3,290828297%15,0031,398973%
RAM BRAND40,86431,25531%420,511331,81527%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP LLC170,839142,27520%1,897,3781,639,36116%
          TOTAL CAR41,51933,03026%443,202507,374-13%
          TOTAL TRUCK129,320109,24518%1,454,1761,131,98728%