Chrysler adding 1,100 jobs at Toledo plant

New manufacturing jobs are always nice to hear, and this time it is providing Chrysler headlines. Automotive News reports that the automaker is a second shift at its Toledo assembly complex, which could result in 1,100 new jobs added.

Chrysler has not officially announced (as the incentives are not completed), but the Toledo Blade says that investment will be $ 365 million in 1050 to lead workers, with wages of from $ 55 14.65/hour and other administrative tasks, valued at about $ 90 000 each.

Chrysler has not (officially) a word about what new products come to fill the need for a second layer, but analysts say that seven new and redesigned vehicles could make their way into the mill. The Toledo plant expansion would be ready for prime time in the course of 2013. Currently, both the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro are made ​​at this facility.

2008 Chrysler Town and Country

General Motors and Ford are quitting minivans in favor of crossovers, but Chrysler, the company that invented the modern minivan, is bringing out its fifth generation of the family favorites. Chrysler's outgoing vans ushered in fold-into-the-floor second-row seat stowage (dubbed Stow 'n Go) - a meaningful advantage, particularly for those who regularly carry large pieces of cargo. Other than that, though, the last-generation Chrysler minivans seemed like a halfhearted update. They didn't look very different from their predecessors, and they lost ground to top-flight competitors from Toyota and Honda (note that those companies' interest in minivans does not seem to be waning). The 2008 Chrysler/Dodge vans are an entirely more convincing effort, narrowing the gap in mechanical refinement and bolstering the company's historic penchant for innovation.

Unlike the fourth-generation vans, the new Chrysler and Dodge minivans at least look new. The roof and the sills have been widened, creating flatter sides, and the nose has been pulled out, making it more distinct from the body. The whole effect is to make the vans more squared-off and trucklike, moving them away from their egg-shaped predecessors and, perhaps, making them a bit less emasculating for dads who have to be seen in them.

Underneath the new skin, the basic chassis design carries over, with key alterations such as a longer wheelbase and a revised suspension. The new top engine, an enlarged version of Chrysler's 3.5-liter V-6, displaces 4.0 liters and cranks out 251 hp. Both the 4.0-liter V-6 and the 197-hp, 3.8-liter unit use a new six-speed automatic that gives the whole powertrain more polish. The taller top gear helps make highway cruising quieter - as does the im-proved drag coefficient and the thicker side glass - although the engines' sound quality still isn't as refined as that of the best Japanese competitors. The six-speed has Chrysler's AutoStick manual shift capability, but the movement of the dash-mounted gear lever felt sloppy in the preproduction examples we drove. The base engine soldiers on with a four-speed transmission, although it has a revised cam profile that helps extract more power and torque from its 3.3 liters.

© Source: automobilemag

Chrysler LLC Announces Overall November 2007 U.S. Sales Down 2 Percent

Blames Flat Consumer Spending

Chrysler LLC dealers delivered 161,088 new vehicles to U.S. customers in November 2007, down 2 percent compared with a year ago. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.

Highlights:
- Chrysler brand car sales rise 9 percent over November 2006; led by Chrysler Sebring Convertible
- Chrysler Town & Country up 10 percent on the success of the new model
- Jeep(R) brand sales down 2 percent year-over-year
- Dodge brand sales up 6 percent from the same period last year led by Dodge Avenger, Charger, and Nitro
- Dealer inventory down 4 percent or 18,612 units versus November 2006

"Despite consumer concerns, Chrysler LLC sales are off only 2 percent showing customers are still purchasing quality and value. High fuel prices and falling home prices continue to impact vehicle sales in November which remain below trend," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - U.S. Sales. "We remain optimistic moving into December due to the growing availability of new models, including Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and the Jeep Liberty."

Chrysler brand car sales were led by the Sebring Convertible, which increased sales to 2,039 units compared with 195 units a year ago, up 946%. Chrysler Town & Country sales rose 10 percent to 12,629 units versus November 2006 with 11,507 units.

High fuel prices impacted Jeep(R) brand results, down 2 percent versus November of last year. Large SUVs saw the greatest impact with Jeep(R) Commander down 45 percent at 4,391 units versus November 2006.

Dodge brand car sales increased 75 percent over last year by steady sales of the Dodge Charger with 10,341 units delivered.

"The recently launched "Event of a Lifetime" program has resonated well with customers and will be continued through January 2, 2008," said Michael Keegan, Vice President - Volume Planning and Sales Operations. "We continue to offer customers a great value package and on select 2008 models we will extend the 0% APR through 60 months."

Chrysler finished the month with 480,424 units of inventory, or an 75-day supply. Inventory is down by 4 percent compared to November 2006 when it was at 499,036 units.

Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru November 2007

Month Sales DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 8,708 7,582 15% 15%
300 11,512 10,772 7% 7%
Crossfire 193 62 211% 211%
PT Cruiser 6,769 13,629 -50% -50%
Aspen 1,515 2,365 -36% -36%
Pacifica 4,184 6,483 -35% -35%
Town & Country 12,629 11,507 10% 10%
CHRYSLER BRAND 45,510 52,400 -13% -13%
Compass 2,683 3,723 -28% -28%
Patriot 4,199 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 8,333 8,735 -5% -5%
Liberty 6,813 7,360 -7% -7%
Grand Cherokee 8,489 7,944 7% 7%
Commander 4,391 8,023 -45% -45%
JEEP BRAND 34,908 35,785 -2% -2%
Caliber 6,313 7,008 -10% -10%
Avenger 10,242 0 0% 0%
Charger 10,341 7,247 43% 43%
Viper 5 76 -93% -93%
Magnum 2,417 2,138 13% 13%
Dakota 3,257 4,538 -28% -28%
Ram P/U 24,488 27,826 -12% -12%
Caravan 13,347 14,240 -6% -6%
Durango 3,190 5,935 -46% -46%
Nitro 5,795 5,489 6% 6%
Sprinter 1,275 1,587 -20% -20%
DODGE BRAND 80,670 76,371 6% 6%

TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 161,088 164,556 -2% -2%

TOTAL CAR 47,671 33,760 41% 41%
TOTAL TRUCK 113,417 130,796 -13% -13%
Selling Days 25 25

Sales CYTD DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 83,856 57,200 46% 47%
300 110,686 127,397 -13% -13%
Crossfire 8,594 8,206 4% 5%
PT Cruiser 89,847 130,435 -31% -31%
Aspen 25,766 4,623 455% 457%
Pacifica 51,938 72,946 -29% -29%
Town & Country 123,940 148,228 -17% -16%
CHRYSLER BRAND 494,627 549,035 -10% -10%
Compass 36,196 13,513 167% 168%
Patriot 35,447 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 110,236 71,648 53% 54%
Liberty 82,164 121,578 -33% -32%
Grand Cherokee 109,184 126,295 -14% -14%
Commander 57,206 80,931 -30% -29%
JEEP BRAND 430,433 413,965 4% 4%
Caliber 92,228 82,799 11% 11%
Avenger 75,658 0 0% 0%
Charger 108,174 103,634 4% 4%
Viper 389 1,387 -72% -72%
Magnum 27,978 37,360 -25% -25%
Dakota 47,829 70,954 -33% -33%
Ram P/U 326,177 331,302 -2% -2%
Caravan 154,824 197,045 -22% -21%
Durango 43,023 66,284 -35% -35%
Nitro 67,475 9,499 608% 610%
Sprinter 14,934 20,653 -28% -28%
DODGE BRAND 960,167 989,090 -3% -3%

TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 1,885,227 1,952,090 -4% -3%

TOTAL CAR 491,608 460,536 6% 7%
TOTAL TRUCK 1,393,619 1,491,554 -7% -7%
Selling Days 281 280

2008 Chrysler 300 Review

What's New for 2008
Significant changes are in store for the 2008 Chrysler 300. An updated interior includes new soft-touch surfaces, revised instrument panel and console designs, and available LED accent lighting. New luxury-oriented options include adaptive cruise control, a surround-sound audio system, a dedicated iPod interface, Sirius Backseat TV for the rear entertainment system and a new hard-drive based MyGIG multimedia system with optional navigation.

Safety has been enhanced with new front seat-mounted side airbags added to the 300's available side curtain airbag system. Wrapping everything up is freshened front and rear exterior styling and Chrysler's new limited lifetime powertrain warranty.

Introduction
Mold-breaking cars don't come along very often. But that's exactly what happened when the Chrysler 300 debuted four years ago. Previous to the 300, modern full-size cars provided plenty of interior room and comfort but typically generated all the pizzazz and excitement of an ice cream social in a Florida retirement community. With the 300, Chrysler proved that this type of car could actually be fun and desirable. Shoppers loved its artful, edgy styling, rear-drive layout and powerful V8 engine options, and it was an immediate hit.

Powertrains and Performance
The base rear-wheel-drive 300 LX comes with a 2.7-liter V6 good for 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Touring and Limited models upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 capable of 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. These two models are available with your choice of either rear- or all-wheel drive, as is the more muscular 300C with its 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that generates 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited

With a starting U.S. MSRP of $36,400 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited sets the standard for luxury minivans. In addition to the standard equipment included on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model, the Town & Country Limited also includes a new 4.0- liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp (189 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. (350 N*m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; three-zone automatic temperature control; luxury front- and second-row floor mats; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power, foldaway, heated multifunction chrome mirrors with supplemental side signals and driver-side memory; ParkSense rear park assist system,
MyGIG AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Multimedia Entertainment system, ParkView rear back-up camera and SIRIUS satellite radio; remote start system; leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede microfiber accents; security alarm; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels.

Available equipment for the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models includes Swivel 'n Go Seat system; three-zone automatic temperature control; remote start; foldaway, power-heated chrome mirrors that include supplemental signals and driver-side memory; auto-dimming exterior driver side mirror; ParkSense rear park assist system; ParkView rear back-up camera; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite TV with three channels of family programming including Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; heated first- and second-row seats (cloth or leather); second- and third-row retractable sunshades; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with EVIC; integrated child booster Seat (late availability); power sunroof; remote start; one-touch power folding third-row seat; sunroof; trailer tow package; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited

With a starting U.S. MSRP of $36,400 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited sets the standard for luxury minivans. In addition to the standard equipment included on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model, the Town & Country Limited also includes a new 4.0- liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp (189 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. (350 N*m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; three-zone automatic temperature control; luxury front- and second-row floor mats; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power, foldaway, heated multifunction chrome mirrors with supplemental side signals and driver-side memory; ParkSense rear park assist system, MyGIG AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Multimedia Entertainment system, ParkView rear back-up camera and SIRIUS satellite radio; remote start system; leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede microfiber accents; security alarm; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels.

Available equipment for the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models includes Swivel 'n Go Seat system; three-zone automatic temperature control; remote start; foldaway, power-heated chrome mirrors that include supplemental signals and driver-side memory; auto-dimming exterior driver side mirror; ParkSense rear park assist system; ParkView rear back-up camera; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite TV with three channels of family programming including Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; heated first- and second-row seats (cloth or leather); second- and third-row retractable sunshades; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with EVIC; integrated child booster Seat (late availability); power sunroof; remote start; one-touch power folding third-row seat; sunroof; trailer tow package; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

US to get Chinese Chrysler cars

Chrysler minivans have been shunned in favour of smaller models

The struggling US Chrysler arm of carmaker DaimlerChrysler has announced plans to develop cheap small cars with Chinese auto firm Chery for export.

The cars produced under the deal could be the first to be made in China and sold in Europe and the US.

The agreement could be a huge boost for Chery amid rising competition to meet China's demand for cars.

The partnership should also improve Chrysler's ability to meet consumer demand for more fuel-efficient cars.

The first car, a Dodge model based on Chery's A1 hatchback, could be available in Latin America or Eastern Europe next year and should be available in the US within two-and-a-half years.

Future models will follow, the companies' said.

The deal will allow Chery to expand its own range into lucrative overseas markets, using Chrysler to help it meet international standards on safety and pollution-control.

It follows DaimlerChrysler agreeing to sell a majority stake in its US Chrysler business to Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm, for 5.5bn euros ($7.4bn; £3.7bn).

'Immediate effect'

"Chery's participation in this agreement and their focus on small and sub-compact cars will have a nearly immediate effect on Chrysler Group's offering in the small-vehicle segment," said Chrysler Group's chief executive Tom LaSorda.

Chrysler has suffered in recent years from an over-reliance on sports utility vehicles (SUVs), which have been shunned by increasingly environmentally-aware consumers.

The group booked a loss of 1.46bn euros ($1.98bn; £985m) for the first three months of the year, which included charges associated with the restructuring of the business.

source: BBC news

Chrysler Group Reports June 2007 US Sales, International Sales Highlights

- Chrysler Group car sales rise 55 percent fueled by "Maximize Your Miles" program
- Jeep(R) brand up 19 percent
- Jeep Wrangler increases 93 percent
- Dodge Charger gains 19 percent
- Inventory down by 25 percent or 162,266 units
- Sales outside of North America up 21 percent -- highest month ever

Chrysler Group reported sales for June 2007 of 183,347 units; down 1 percent compared to June 2006 with 185,946 units. All sales figures are reported unadjusted.

"In a challenging market, Chrysler Group had softer sales in June than a year ago. We saw strong customer interest in our newly launched, fuel efficient models," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - U.S. Sales. "Supported by the fuel economy message of our 'Maximize Your Miles' program, Chrysler continued to show strong car sales with an increase of 55 percent over the previous year."

Chrysler brand car sales in June were up 104 percent year-over-year, while Dodge brand car sales increased 30 percent. Chrysler Group's offerings in the car segment include the Chrysler Sebring Sedan and Sebring Convertible, the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber and Dodge Charger.

Jeep brand sales continued to increase in June and posted a gain of 19 percent over the previous year. This result was again driven by the continuously strong Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot. Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited posted sales of 10,952 units, up 93 percent compared to June 2006 with 5,674 units. The Jeep Patriot also kept its momentum and finished June with sales of 4,633 units, up 3 percent from May 2007. The vehicle is one of Chrysler Group's recently introduced models that achieve 30 miles per gallon or better in highway driving. In addition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee also posted a gain of 3 percent year-over-year.

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible finished the month with sales of 3,759 units which is 22 percent over May 2007. The recently launched redesigned model offers what no other convertible has offered before - three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.

Sales of the Dodge Charger increased in June by 19 percent with 11,529 units compared to 9,710 units in the previous year.

"As our strong car sales in May and June demonstrate, our 'Maximize Your Miles' program resonated well with customers," said Michael Keegan, Vice President - Volume Planning and Sales Operations. "Moving forward, Chrysler Group will extend its low-rate financing plus additional bonus cash in July, with a 0% APR offering for 60 months on select models. These great value packages were successful in the recent months as well."

Chrysler Group finished the month with 485,429 units of inventory, or a 71-day supply. Inventory is down by 25 percent compared to June 2006 when it was at 647,695 units.

Posting its highest month ever of sales outside of North America and sustaining 25 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains; Chrysler Group's International monthly sales increased 21 percent to 22,901 units in June 2007 compared to 18,971 units in June 2006.

"The strength of our new product portfolio coupled with the support of our dealer network outside North America is driving the growth we have seen so far this year," said Thomas Hausch - Vice President of International Sales. "We expect to maintain the double digit growth this year, including record export numbers, and continue to strategically grow production volumes and sales outlets outside North America for all three brands."

       DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru June 2007

                                           Month Sales      DR %    Vol %
                Model                   Curr Yr    Pr Yr    Change  Change
Sebring                                 10,249     1,329    643%    671%
300                                     11,796     9,140     24%     29%
Crossfire                                1,708       364    352%    369%
PT Cruiser                              10,047    14,693    -34%    -32%
Aspen                                    1,846         0      0%      0%
Pacifica                                 3,861     6,516    -43%    -41%
Town & Country                           8,151    19,944    -61%    -59%
  CHRYSLER BRAND                        47,658    51,986    -12%     -8%
Compass                                  3,393         0      0%      0%
Patriot                                  4,633         0      0%      0%
Wrangler                                10,952     5,674     86%     93%
Liberty                                  8,554    12,155    -32%    -30%
Grand Cherokee                          10,968    10,688     -1%      3%
Commander                                6,100     8,958    -34%    -32%
  JEEP BRAND                            44,600    37,475     15%     19%
Neon                                         0       848   -100%   -100%
Caliber                                 10,815    12,098    -14%    -11%
Stratus                                      0       778   -100%   -100%
Avenger                                  8,261         0      0%      0%
Charger                                 11,529     9,710     14%     19%
Viper                                       22       106    -80%    -79%
Magnum                                   2,523     2,281      7%     11%
Dakota                                   4,812     7,120    -35%    -32%
Ram P/U                                 31,114    32,375     -7%     -4%
Caravan                                  9,342    21,937    -59%    -57%
Durango                                  5,277     7,366    -31%    -28%
Nitro                                    5,768         0      0%      0%
Sprinter                                 1,626     1,866    -16%    -13%
  DODGE BRAND                           91,089    96,485     -9%     -6%

  TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP                 183,347   185,946     -5%     -1%

          TOTAL CG CAR                  55,498    35,739     50%     55%
          TOTAL CG TRUCK               127,849   150,207    -18%    -15%
Selling Days                                27        26

                                            Sales CYTD       DR %   Vol %
                Model                     Curr Yr     Pr Yr  Change Change
Sebring                                   49,046     42,669    13%    15%
300                                       62,995     73,135   -15%   -14%
Crossfire                                  6,252      5,221    18%    20%
PT Cruiser                                53,192     70,153   -25%   -24%
Aspen                                     12,778          0     0%     0%
Pacifica                                  32,363     42,468   -25%   -24%
Town & Country                            75,102     88,887   -17%   -16%
  CHRYSLER BRAND                         291,728    322,533   -11%   -10%
Compass                                   22,205          0     0%     0%
Patriot                                   14,969          0     0%     0%
Wrangler                                  65,651     35,265    84%    86%
Liberty                                   50,114     70,106   -29%   -29%
Grand Cherokee                            60,461     72,871   -18%   -17%
Commander                                 33,742     39,674   -16%   -15%
  JEEP BRAND                             247,142    217,916    12%    13%
Neon                                           0     16,381  -100%  -100%
Caliber                                   59,379     43,694    34%    36%
Stratus                                    1,478     48,564   -97%   -97%
Avenger                                   40,628          0     0%     0%
Charger                                   65,972     59,005    10%    12%
Viper                                        249        743   -67%   -66%
Magnum                                    15,988     22,013   -28%   -27%
Dakota                                    29,155     40,497   -29%   -28%
Ram P/U                                  185,257    183,174     0%     1%
Caravan                                  103,562    125,813   -19%   -18%
Durango                                   28,905     38,871   -27%   -26%
Nitro                                     37,212          0     0%     0%
Sprinter                                   6,438     10,342   -39%   -38%
  DODGE BRAND                            574,223    589,097    -4%    -3%

  TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP                 1,113,093  1,129,546    -3%    -1%

          TOTAL CG CAR                   293,219    296,527    -2%    -1%
          TOTAL CG TRUCK                 819,874    833,019    -3%    -2%
Selling Days                                 154        152


Global Sales Reporting & Analysis
July 3, 2007

2005 Chrysler Akino Concept Vehicle

Chrysler Akino Concept Redefines Luxury and Spaciousness

The unique and artistically sculptured appearance of the Chrysler Akino concept vehicle and its one-box, compact size certainly turns heads. However, after the fifth person settles comfortably into the vehicle, one clearly gets the idea there is more to this concept than meets the eye.

"Our job as designers is to push the boundaries of conventional thinking, said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. "On this project we imagined a new small super-efficient powertrain that allows freedom for the designer to create a new solution for future transportation."

Design
The vehicle name comes from Interior and Exterior Designer, Akino Tsuchiya, a 37-year-old who was born in Japan and is based at the Chrysler Group's Pacifica Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. The meaning of the name Akino is "autumn field." The feeling of serenity that is evoked with these words is a theme present throughout the vehicles design.

"I wanted the soothing, comforting feeling of a living room on the interior all surrounded by an elegant form that reflects the Chrysler brand," Tsuchiya said of her concept vehicle revealed at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. "We very much wanted a feeling of being at home on the road." Tsuchiya added that for those in Japan, driving on a weekend or free time is an experience of being together such as through family outings or traveling with friends.

Oasis
The Chrysler Akino concept has a single door on the driver side, and two doors on the passenger side that open in opposite directions. This arrangement allows the interior to have a booth-like rear seat with a swiveling passenger seat. The roof features an unusual interlocking form toward the rear which punctuates the design and provides more headroom for the rear seat passengers.

"In the Chrysler Group, we take pride in employing the best designers in the industry," said Joe Eberhardt, Executive Vice President Global Sales Marketing and Service. "The fresh thinking and diversity in our design team enables us to develop vehicles that answer the specific demands of the varied world markets in which we operate. While the Chrysler Akino may be a concept at this stage, it shows how we can meet the rational needs of customers in our international markets, while infusing the product with all the emotion of the Chrysler brand," he said.

According to Tsuchiya, the unique seating configuration provides an oasis which is designed for a safe, comfortable and social environment to experience travel on an entirely new level.

Nature
The selection of materials and colors used in the interior are composed of natural and recyclable synthetic fabrics: bamboo flooring, a throw rug, lighting sconce, mood lighting and even throw pillows.

The driver and passenger front seats are treated like arm chairs and the rear seat like that of a sofa in a traditional living room setting. Color is used to separate the working space from the living room area also – a Salon Blue Suede in the driver and cockpit area with a Cream Suede on the passenger and rear seat surfaces with a similarly colored lower door trim.

Function
The exterior features a side glass that has an unusual graphic breakup while the rear glass is specially coated with texture to give passengers a sense of privacy and comfort.

"We wanted an artful, sculptural and graceful form that was influenced by artwork and architecture," Tsuchiya said. "Refinement is at the heart of the Chrysler brand. The combination of those brand attributes and artistic grace helped us to bring much of the home into the automobile."

Vehicle Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2413 mm
Length: 3724 mm
Width: 1799 mm
Height: 1604 mm

Chrysler Phoenix V6 to feature cylinder deactivation

Chrysler has announced the adoption of a range of new fuel-saving technologies to improve mileage rates of its vehicles. The major news is the development of a family of V6 engines with cylinder deactivation technology, similar to GM’s displacement on demand. This means that three cylinders can be turned off by the engine during low load situations, such as cruising on a highway, thus saving fuel. Associated Press reports that this could improve fuel-economy by 6 to 8%.

Other initiatives include the introduction of two-mode hybrid powertrains in more vehicles, more efficient drivetrains and new clean-diesel motors. The two-mode hybrid system will first appear in the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango models, and is claimed to improve fuel-economy by up to 40% in the city.

Chrysler is also investigating the possibility of a range of new four-cylinder powerplants for North America, as well as the addition of new fuel-efficient dual-clutch gearboxes by 2010.

Finally, Chrysler has also revealed that it will offer “mild hybrid” powertrains for some vehicles within the next couple of years, a system that will allow an engine to shutdown when a car is stuck in traffic or at a stop light.