Marchionne Says Jeep Grand Cherokee Platform Could be Used on New Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati SUVs

Launched in June, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee has enjoyed a massive success, as sales last month were up 291% compared to October 2009. So it comes to no surprise that Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler, is considering the use of the Grand Cherokee's architecture on a variety of new models including Fiat, Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs, and possibly for a future Chrysler variant.

"The [Grand Cherokee] architecture has legs. It's important for us to tap all of the hard work that has gone on inside Chrysler on the new Grand Cherokee," said Marchionne during a conference call on the Chrysler Group's Q3 financial results. "It has a level of solidity and resilience that we have underestimated."

Marchionne added that the Grand Cherokee's platform, which was developed with Chrysler's former partner Mercedes-Benz, is capable of handling more powerful engines.

If a decision were to be made, all versions of these SUVs could enter the market as early as 2012 with production to most likely take place at the Jefferson North plant, which already runs two shifts, but can easily accommodate a third should the need arise.

The Detroit plant is an obvious choice as it has shown critical progress in the quality of assembly. "I'm delighted with the performance of the Jefferson plant here in Michigan" Mr. Marchionne added.

The same plant is also used for the trial production of the 2011 Dodge Durango, which is also based on the new Grand Cherokee and is scheduled to go on sale next month.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Detroit News & Automonews

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Chrysler Group Reports Smaller Losses in Q3 2010

A loss is a loss, but at least there's an improvement in the Chrysler Group's financial results for the third quarter of the year that ended on September 30, 2010. The American automaker, which is operated by Fiat SpA, reported an $84 million net loss in Q3, the smallest in the year and less than half the $172 million loss in the second quarter of 2010.

In other results, Chrysler said Net Revenues increased to $11,018 billion representing a 5.2 percent improvement over the prior quarter, while year-to-date Net Revenues, as of September 30, 2010, totaled $31,183 billion. The firm's operating profit rose 31 per cent from Q2 2010 to $239 million.

The company's global vehicle sales were 401,000 units for Q3 2010, a decrease of 1 percent compared to 407,000 units in Q2 2010. In the U.S., Chrysler's market share improved for the fifth consecutive quarter since the company's formation to 9.6 percent in Q3 2010 from 9.4 percent in Q2 2010 and 8.0 percent in Q3 2009.

After the announcement on the Q3 financial results, Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC, stated:

"A year ago, Chrysler Group laid out clear and concise five year financial goals and after three consecutive quarters of better than forecasted results, we are not only living up to our commitments but we are also exceeding our 2010 financial objectives."

"Chrysler's financial success is dependent upon the vehicles we design, build and sell. In a mere 16 months, the Company is delivering 16 all-new or refreshed products led by the critically acclaimed all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and including the Fiat 500, signaling the return of the Fiat brand to the U.S. and Canada. We are committed to ensuring that every new vehicle this company launches has the same high quality and technological advances as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Our 2010 accomplishments are just the beginning of building Chrysler Group into a vibrant and competitive auto maker," Marchionne added.

2010 SEMA Awards: Not Surprisingly, Detroit's Three Score a Hat Trick

The organizers of the SEMA show have announced the winners of the very first SEMA Award contest for the hottest and most popular car, truck and 4x4 -SUV models at this year's edition of aftermarket event in Las Vegas. According to SEMA, the inaugural award recognizes the most tuner-friendly new models, based on the number of vehicles exhibited at the show.

The winners for each category were the Chevrolet Camaro (Cars), Ford F-Series (Trucks) and the Jeep Wranger (4x4 -SUV) - and thereby making all three Detroit automakers happy...

"A booth space is a ballot, and the models these exhibitors have selected represent their vote," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

And just in case you were wondering, here are the contenders for each category:

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Mopar Tunes from SEMA Show Including Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee

Here are the first real life photos of some of the Mopar-tuned Chrysler Group products that were introduced at the SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas. If you follow the break, you can find photos of the customized Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus a video with Mark Allen, head of Jeep Product Design, showing off three new Jeep studies.

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VIDEO: Mopar’s Jeep J7 Stripper and NuKaiser 715, and Ram Power Wagon Concepts

Most likely, you have read our preview on Mopar's SEMA-bound tuned vehicles. If that's the case, then you may also be interested in the video after the break, as Jeep's Chief Designer, Mark Allen, does a show and tell on three Jeep and Ram concept vehicles.

First up is the Jeep Wrangler J7 Stripper that was enhanced by removing several parts, as Mark Allen's team decided to follow the "less is more approach". Amenities like carpets and fog lights are gone, in come 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires and a two-inch lift, which promise to make this Wrangler even more capable off-road.

Next up is the Jeep NuKaiser 715, which borrows most of its components from the J8 military truck. It relies on a 2.8-liter diesel engine to get it through rough terrain, as well as Dynatrac heavy-duty axles with air-lockers and 38-inch BF Goodrich tires. Also, to further resemble the original Kaiser truck, Jeep's designers chopped the top and added the bed of an AEV (American Expedition Vehicle).

For the grand finale we have the Ram Power Wagon, based on the most capable off-road truck that the Chrysler Groups sells today. The SEMA version has a 120 inch (3,05 meters) wheelbase, monstrous 40-inch tires and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It has "sort of a desert off-road flavor", as Mr. Allen puts it. Scroll down to watch the video.

By Csaba Daradics

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LA Auto Show: More Debuts Announced, Including Mazda Shinari, New Chrysler 200 Convertible and Hyundai Elantra

Automakers are planning to unload a raft of new vehicles at the rapidly approaching Los Angeles Auto Show. According to the event planners, the LA convention center will host 20 world premieres and more than 30 North American debuts.

We already know about several world debuts such and Nissan's completely redesigned Quest minivan, Murano Cross Cabriolet concept and Ellure sedan study, but today the organizers [officially] confirmed a few more premieres.

These include -in no particular order- the well-received Mazda Shinari sports sedan [read the full story here]; the five-door version of the Land Rover Evoque; Saab 9-4X; Kia Optima Hybrid; VW Eos facelift, and the U.S.-spec Hyundai Elantra compact sedan and Fiat 500

In addition, show planners said Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will display a handful of new products such as the Chrysler 200 Sedan and it's yet-to-be-revealed, Convertible brethren.

Other models to go on show in LA include the all-new Audi A7 Sportback, BMW's redesigned X3 crossover, Porsche's new 911 Carrera GTS and Speedster, the Jaguar C-X75 study, and five concept sport models from Lotus that we first saw at the Paris Show last month.

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