Chrysler disbands ENVI electric car group

At last year’s LA and Detroit auto show, back when it was owned by Cerberus Capital Management, Chrysler’s concept cars were all electric, including a battery-powered Town & Country minivan, 200C sedan, Dodge sports car, and Jeep Patriot. The message was clear: electric cars would were to play a key role in the company’s future.
 
Now that the company has been bought by Fiat, it has announced new product plans that  focus on improving its conventional cars. (See "Chrysler’s business plan: The Fiat platforms.") Consumer Reports was not able to recommend a single Chrysler model from 2007 or 2008. For 2009, we were finally able to recommend the redesigned Dodge Ram pickup. (See “Detroit report cards.”)
 
Now Chrysler has emphasized its fresh product plans by disbanding its electric vehicle division, ENVI (short for environmental), announced last year. Chrysler says its electric car development will now be rolled into its standard product development, according to Reuters.

In Chrysler’s future product plan presentation earlier this month, company Chairman Sergio Marchionne said electric cars are expected to account for less than two percent of Chrysler’s sales by 2014, far less than the 300,000 envisioned under ENVI.
 
—Eric Evarts

Top-selling cars in 2009 yields some surprises

It’s been a tough year so far for automakers. Many manufacturers are posting large declines in sales compared to last year. However, some individual vehicle models are making strides. Reuters recently put together a list of the top-selling vehicles through October 2009 and it holds some surprises.

The Ford F-150 pickup continues to secure the top spot even with a sales decrease of 23 percent in 2009 over the first ten months of 2008. However, not all pickups held their sales rank; the Dodge Ram drops from the 5th spot to 9th and the Toyota Camry bumped the Chevy Silverado down from 2nd to 3rd.

But the big news is the Ford Fusion. The Fusion was freshened for the 2010 model year and has achieved a number of accolades. The Fusion hybrid is the highest scoring domestic family sedan in Consumer Reports testing. Most versions of the Fusion have above average predicted reliability in our survey data. In sales, it has jumped 10 spots to reach the top 10. Further, it is the only model in the top 10 to show a sales increase this year--15 percent over last year.

Here is the list of the top 10 vehicles in sales and the change from 2008. Also, noteworthy is that all the models are recommended by Consumer Reports.

Click on each model in the chart below to see how they performed in our road test, and see their ratings for reliability, safety, and more.

Rank	Make & model	2009	2008	2008 rank	% change
1	Ford F-Series pickup	334,922	436,022	1	-23.2
2	Toyota Camry	285,069	379,270	3	-24.8
3	Chevrolet Silverado pickup	261,142	402,191	2	-35.1
4	Honda Accord	244,579	333,011	6	-26.6
5	Toyota Corolla	240,755	307,071	4	-21.6
6	Honda Civic	223,751	304,297	8	-26.5
7	Nissan Altima	169,435	241,529	9	-29.8
8	Honda CR-V	158,573	171,193	11	-7.4
9	Dodge Ram pickup	155,467	213,684	5	-27.2
10	Ford Fusion	148,045	128,381	20	+15.3

Also read: Flashy muscle cars are recession's hot ticket.

—Liza Barth

Flashy muscle cars are recession’s hot ticket

One of the oddest recession statistics involves lipstick: In a twist of economic psychology, lipstick sales invariably rise in recessions. Now it seems the same may apply to Detroit-based V8 muscle cars.

For the month of October, sales of muscle cars were up almost 50 percent compared with last year, according to data from Automotive News. Sales of all sports cars were up almost 24 percent.

Some of that may be because the Chevrolet Camaro came on the market this spring, so it has added to the total. General Motors, which makes the Camaro, says that it has sold 47,000 Camaros so far in 2009.

Counting all types of cars, overall sales were about the same as last October.

Is it possible that these muscle cars reflect glimmers of economic hope among car buyers? While consumers have bought 25 percent fewer cars overall so far in 2009 compared with 2008, muscle-car sales increased by a similar percentage. And a greater proportion of buyers are choosing sports cars overall. Sales of all sports cars declined barely half as much as overall car sales.

We think that most muscle and sports cars are fun to drive, which might account for why they often rank at the top of our owner satisfaction ratings where CR subscribers are asked if they would buy the same car again. This year the top-scoring model was the Dodge Challenger. (Many of us didn’t find the Challenger particularly engaging to drive, but it can be fun in its own way.)

So like lipstick, consumers facing a recession may just want to buy something affordable that makes them stand out and feel a little better about themselves. 

 —Eric Evarts

Dodge's "Major Product Intervention"

Just how widespread are the problems with many current Chrysler products? It’s to the point where the company itself declared Wednesday that they will have a "Major Product Intervention" across the Dodge lineup. Many of these changes also affect their platform-mates in the Chrysler and Jeep brands.

That includes:

• A previously announced "all-new" interior for the 2010 Caliber, whose current interior one of us likened to "sitting in an Igloo cooler." It looks like the Caliber continues until 2012 when a new compact sedan comes on line; its Patriot and Compass platform-mates move to a Fiat-based platform in 2013.
• The Avenger midsized sedan also gets an all-new interior, a new engine, and better attention to noise and vibration isolation. That all happens later in 2010 with a new Fiat-based sedan coming in 2013.
• The Journey three-row SUV gets the same treatment as the Avenger in 2010, but it soldiers on through 2014.
• The Grand Caravan gets a whole new interior, a new engine, a complete suspension retune--with claimed "best-in-class" ride and handling--and more attention to noise, comfort, and features. A redesign comes for 2014. The Town and Country will see similar changes.
• The Charger claims to be "all new" with a "class-leading" interior, "class-leading" features, a new engine and "lifestyle oriented packaging." That comes in 2010.
• The 300 also gets a major update.
• The Nitro sees a "major modification" for 2011, but its future is uncertain beyond that. Its Liberty platform-mate will get a new platform and shed 600 lbs in 2013.

What do we take from this?

• Chrysler is pinning a lot on their new 3.6-liter "Pentastar" V6 engine, which replaces an array of other V6s across a wide variety of products and platforms.
• 2013 is a long time to wait for a new midsized sedan. Despite substantial modifications, the Avenger/Sebring sedans platform has limited potential. The cars are narrow and changing the roofline enough to improve visibility, a major complaint with those cars, is likely to be too expensive for an interim step.
• If you design interiors for Chrysler, you’re very, very busy right now.
• Chrysler once ruled the minivan segment, but they have their work cut out for them to beat the agility of the Honda Odyssey and the quietness and ride of the Toyota Sienna.
• Most of these products score near the bottom of our Ratings in their particular classes. While any improvements would be welcome, it’s very rare that even a major freshening transforms a design enough to propel it to the top of its class. The Ram was an exception to this rule.
• Finally, keep in mind that the competition isn’t standing still, either.

—Tom Mutchler

Also read: Chrysler's business plan: The Fiat platforms

Chrysler’s business plan: The Fiat platforms

Fiat-based platforms will have a big influence on Chrysler’s small and midsized products, based on a multi-hour presentation given today to the industry, media, and anyone else who wanted to monitor. Chrysler currently has no small cars, but by 2014, they will have three models based on two Fiat platforms, one being the 500.
 
The biggest platform shift is in the larger segments. According to Chrysler, this now has eight different platforms: 

• Wrangler
• PT Cruiser
• Compass/Caliber/Patriot
• Liberty/Nitro
• Sebring/Avenger
• Journey
• Dakota
• Viper

Click the links above for model overview pages featuring ratings and road tests, available to online subscribers.

By 2014, nine different products will stem from just two platforms – and one of those platforms is exclusive to the Wrangler. The Wrangler’s product line and reach will be extended, with major product modifications in both 2010 and 2011. Wranglers have an iconic image, they sell well, and their low-tech design is likely provides a handsome profit. While they perform well off-road, Wrangler’s don’t perform well on the road or in CR’s Ratings; the Wrangler is currently our lowest-scoring vehicle.

Wrangler aside, this means that eight products, covering vital products like midsized sedans and small and crossover SUVs, will all come from one Fiat Group platform. (Given that Dodge said that the Viper will be redesigned, perhaps this slide shown here from the presentation is short a platform for that low-volume street rocket.) While the decision isn’t finalized, the midsized Dakota may move to a unibody platform, like the Honda Ridgeline.
 
Moving to larger products, things remain pretty much status quo. Those platforms will continue to be sourced from Chrysler, with a large sedan platform (300, Charger, Challenger), a minivan platform, and another midsized SUV platform (Grand Cherokee, Durango). The Ram brand keeps its own platform—no surprise.
 
The first domestic-badged Fiat-based product is expected in 2012, a compact sedan sold by Dodge. That year will also bring Ram-badged large and small commercial vans, filling the big hole left from the Mercedes/Freightliner-shared Sprinter.
 
—Tom Mutchler

Chrysler splits Dodge into two separate brands

Chrysler has announced a reorganization that will separate the Dodge brand into two separate organizations called Dodge Ram and Dodge Car. This move continues the company’s restructuring efforts that have included bankruptcy proceedings and partnership with Italian automaker Fiat.

In a statement, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said, “This reorganization will allow us to protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge brand.”

Chief designer Ralph Gilles will now head the Dodge Car division as President and CEO. Fred Diaz Jr. moves up to lead the Dodge Ram group in the same capacity. Olivier Francois becomes the President and CEO of the Chrysler brand, moving over from Fiat where he headed the Lancia brand.

We hope the latest round of executive musical chairs helps the struggling automaker accelerate recovery plans.

—Liza Barth 

2010 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep owner's manuals go digital

Many owner’s manuals have grown to over 500 pages, clogging glove boxes, overwhelming readers, and killing trees. (Read “The Ultimate Reading Room - BMW owner's manual.”) Chrysler has announced for the 2010 model year, it will replace the traditional owner’s manuals with abbreviated 60-80 page guides and DVDs. The move will save a claimed 930 tons of paper, also known as 20,000 trees. Customers can also receive a printed manual for free, if desired.
 
The DVDs will provide instructions for the operating and maintaining the vehicle. Moving these publications into the digital era means that video can be used to show how features work. This can be particularly useful in demonstrating how to lower and raise a cloth Jeep Wrangler top--a tricky procedure for a new owner. Emergency-focused information, such as how to change a tire, will be included in the printed supplement.
 
As presented, this does sound like a good way to save resources and even shed fuel-consuming pounds from each vehicle. However, watching the video demonstration of the DVD has me wondering if analog manuals are quicker and easier to use. Just open, scan the index, and flip to the page. Any answer delivered in seconds. Flipping pages is certainly quicker than running into the house and firing up a DVD player or computer and clicking through menus. For those who truly venture off-road with their Jeeps, it would be a good idea to carry a printed manual among your essential survival gear.
 
Chrysler could take the digital concept further by making the owner’s manuals and videos available for access via smart phones. This would be the best of both worlds, providing instant access and multimedia, so long as there is cellular service. As an alternative, the digitized manual could be downloadable as an application. With either approach, any updates by Chrysler would be automatically made available to customers, rather than ship a supplement or new DVD.
 
I can see it now, tomorrow’s Wrangler driver will be armed with the proverbial bailing wire and duct tape while referring to an iPhone for instructions. At least the paperless manuals would be advancing the Tread Lightly cause.
 
—Jeff Bartlett

Chrysler restarts car leasing program

Yesterday, Chrysler announced its return to leasing, with special rates on the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Ram 1500 pickup, and Journey, and the Jeep Liberty and Wrangler. Lease programs are available on all 2010 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models.

The company also announced special purchase incentives on remaining 2009 models, including zero-percent financing and up to $4,500 cash back through GMAC. On 2010 models, up to $3,000 cash back is available with reduced-rate financing.

While leasing is convenient, we have found that it is almost always more expensive than financing. For more information, check out our advice on leasing versus financing. 

Before buying or leasing, be sure to check our ratings to see how vehicles perform in our more than 50 tests, safety, and reliability. Available to online subscribers, our interactive new car selector allows users to sort and filter vehicles by the factors that matter most. Remember: you’re buying a car, not a deal.

—Eric Evarts

Personal Picks: Sporty and muscle cars, part 1

In our October 2009 issue sporty car round up, the modern Detroit muscle cars are the stars. The latest Ford Mustang GT faces off against the reborn Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. The glory days of classic muscle cars may have come and gone, though these modern interpretations of performance legends provide a compelling argument that these are the best of performance times.
 
These reborn automotive icons have each staged their own form of a comeback. The Mustang arguably made its triumphant return with the 2005 redesign, and the latest evolution has improved the breed. The Camaro and Challenger have emerged with retro-inspired style and decidedly modern performance, reminiscent of classic comebacks like Tina Turner, 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, and George Foreman. (Well, he sells lots of grills…).
 
Of course, many younger automotive enthusiasts were not weened on pony cars, but rather import performance cars. For that set, we also have tested the Nissan 370Z, Subaru WRX, and Hyundai Genesis Coupe in our most recent test group. Clearly, there’s probably something for near-every car enthusiast.
 
But when it comes to which of these cars bend our heartstrings, the votes certainly aren’t unanimous, as some prefer agility over brute muscle. Here are our initial picks for this most-entertaining group, with other installments to be posted over the next few days.
 
Gabe Shenhar: If we’re talking exclusively muscle cars we tested for this issue, my pick is definitely the Mustang. Although fundamentally less sophisticated than the new Camaro, it hides it well and ultimately proves to be the more enjoyable driver’s car. To boot, it’s also the more livable everyday car.
 
However, none of these cars are exactly my cup of tea.
 
The Mazda RX-8 is. This forgotten car is incredibly rewarding to drive, with its smooth-revving rotary engine, slick shifter and lithe handling. It’s also practical, at least as coupes go, with its well-hidden rear-hinged doors and semi-habitable rear seat. Although dating back to 2003, to me, it still looks great.
 
Another appealing alternative would be a used BMW 3 Series coupe. A 2007 328i, with a manual transmission and Sports Package, can be had for about $28,000. With its punchy straight-six, terrific steering and perfect body control, not only is it spectacular to drive, it also looks gorgeous -- which is partly why you’d choose a coupe, anyway.
 
Rick Small: I grew up in the muscle car era and have always had a place in my heart for these cars. Through the years, though, they became dated and fell out of style to the point that Chevrolet and Dodge discontinued theirs. I think the revised and retro Mustang of a couple of years ago (re)created the market segment, just as it did back in 1964. Its success once again sent Chevy and Dodge back to the drawing board to come up with some competition. And now we have a new Camaro and Challenger.
 
Of this group I find that the Mustang is the best for me. The 315-hp, 4.6-liter V8 delivers strong acceleration. The Mustang also has agile handling and the exhaust sound is always very pleasing. This engine, with the slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission, delivers a nice combination of power and economy: Expect 20 mpg overall in mixed driving on regular fuel. The driving position also fits my tall frame well and access and vision are better than the others. It’s very easy to live with as a daily driver.
 
The Camaro and Challenger are also good looking but overall are not as rewarding to drive. The Camaro is very fast but the interior feels claustrophobic and is hard to see out. The shifter, ride and economy also all fall short of the Mustang’s. The Challenger is a nice highway cruiser but handling is on the clumsy side.
 
One surprise: The Hyundai Genesis coupe deserves a look also. It delivers V8-like performance with its 306-hp, 3.8-liter V6. This powertrain even gets a commendable 23 mpg overall on regular fuel. It has crisp handling, nice interior…and Hyundai is building very reliable cars these days. The rear seat is almost useless, though, with little leg room and even less head room. The six-speed manual transmission and clutch were hard to shift smoothly especially going from first to second gear. We’re told that later models have refined engine mapping to correct this. Still, this car was the sleeper in the group.

New Dodge Caliber interior upgrades for 2010

For 2010, Chrysler is improving the Caliber’s worst feature, its interior. After we originally tested our first Caliber, one of our engineers likened it to sitting in an Igloo cooler.

The revised cabin has a new blue backlit instrument cluster, a center stack with a full-color music screen and brushed aluminum surround, and a new, less-angular console with lighted cupholders. While it is difficult to judge the extent of improvements by pictures, the much-improved interior in our tested 2009 Dodge Ram gives us hope.
 
Last year, Chrysler modestly upgraded the interior of the Caliber’s near-twin, the Jeep Patriot. They also made other improvements that collectively boosted the test score of our 2009 Patriot by 10 points. Even with that considerable increase in score, it falls short of our criteria for recommendation. 

As with the Patriot, a new interior won’t solve many of the Caliber’s fundamental problems, such as a noisy engine, annoying continuously variable transmission, and poor visibility. But Chrysler will build Calibers anyway (it just announced it would double production), and some consumers will buy them. At least those customers will ride in a more inviting cabin.

See our Caliber, Ram, and Patriot videos.

—Eric Evarts