If you’re looking to feel safe of the roads, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the thumbs up to the 2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. These cars have driven away with the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick designations after achieving good ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection.

As part of the new joint venture between Fiat and Chrysler, the two companies will build 280,000 SUVs a year at the new Fiat facility near Turin, Italy. The SUVs will be produced for the Alfa Romeo and Jeep brands.

At the recent Chrysler 300 launch the automaker previewed an entire lineup of what it calls ‘S’ line vehicles. Intended to offer customers originality and exclusivity, these S line models included unique trim, custom leather and some exterior tweaks.

The Fiat 500 just missed the now coveted 40 mpg mark, returning 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual, while automatic versions will net 27 mpg in town and 34 mpg while cruising. While the numbers are nothing to frown about, expectations were higher considering the car’s 1.4L four-cylinder engine and compact packaging.

Hit by fewer fleet sales and high interest on government loans, Chrysler posted a $199 million operating loss in it’s fourth quarter of 2010, despite generating earnings of $10.76 billion.

National Geographic’s Ultimate Factories television series, will include episodes on Challenger and Viper production, when the third season airs this week.

The base Touring trim, which comes with a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 173-hp starts at $27,195. That price includes the $750 destination charge. Interested buyers should note that at this price, you only get the folding canvas roof, and not the retractable hard-top.

Over the past 12 months Chrysler has revamped almost every model it offers with the majority of the changes being mid-cycle refreshes, albeit major ones.

Show of hands: who has actually read the owner’s manual that came with their car? Yep, that’s what we thought… not that many of you. Because so few of us actually get around to reading it, Dodge has come up with an app for that.

With 20.3 million vehicles recalled last year, 2010 was a record year for voluntary recalls, according to data released by the National Highway Traffic Saftey Association.

The launch of the 2012 Fiat 500 may present some problems for parent company Chrysler, as only 20 percent of Fiat franchises will be ready to go in time for the vehicle’s launch in late February.

Lagging behind both Ford and General Motors when it comes to bringing hybrids to market, Chrysler will introduce an electrified version of its flagship 300 sedan for 2013.

Lancia’s version of the Chrysler 200, likely dubbed the Flavia, will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March. While the idea of a Lancia-badged Chrysler is unpalatable to many enthusiasts, the fact that Chrysler has decided use the much vilified 200 will surely make it the automotive equivalent of the Antichrist.

We aren’t sure if the press shots for the 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible are supposed to be ironic, but the lush shots of the 200 cruising through Miami, one of the top vacation spots in the world, are entirely appropriate.

At the recent North American International Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, during a round table discussion, said that the tools to bring a light duty Ram diesel pickup to market are there, it’s just a question if there’s enough demand for it.

With Chrysler having met its first performance related target, in reference to the turnaround plan instigated by CEO Sergio Machionne, Fiat has now raised its stake in Detroit’s number three automaker from 20 to 25 percent.

The biggest debut at this year’s North American International Auto Show may have been a hybrid, but that doesn’t mean it’s not exciting. On the contrary, the Porsche 918 RSR is 767-hp of proof that hybrids can most certainly be cool. Based on the 918 Spider which also stole the show in Geneva last year, it’s a clear sign that Porsche is serious about hybrids, not just for its road cars, but also for its future in motorsports.

A very long list of other hybrids also made their debut in Detroit, including one surprisingly stylish one from Toyota. While it’s no surprise to see Toyota release a hybrid, the Prius c Concept defies the Toyota corporate mandate to be boring with great styling. As a concept, details are scarce, but Toyota says it will hit the market in 2012. The car is part of a larger effort by Toyota to grow the Prius name; with the Japanese automaker also unveiling a new Prius v wagon that will hit dealers this Summer.

Yet another hybrid on display came from Ford in the form of the C-Max Hybrid. Based on the C-Max MPV (another Detroit debut), the Hybrid version will get better fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrid and will be able to operate on pure electric power above 47-mpg. In addition to the C-Max Hybrid was the C-Max Energi, a plug-in hybrid that promises even better fuel economy and a total range of 500 miles. And let’s not forget the Audi A6 Hybrid, that can travel up to 62-mph on electric power.

Some of the more important mainstream vehicles included the Honda Civic Concept, as well as the official introduction of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, which is based on an all new, larger platform for the American market and will be built in America too. At Chrysler, the redesigned 300 was unveiled, while Ford showed the Vertrek Concept, which previews the next iteration of the Escape. Chevy rolled out its latest small car, the Sonic, while Buick introduced its first ever compact car, the Verano.

As for the important North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards, it was a no-contest bout with the Chevrolet Volt taking the prize in the car category, while the all new Ford Explorer takes home bragging rights in the truck list.

For the complete 2011 Detroit Auto Show breakdown, hit the jump or see our landing page here.

Chrysler Corporation will look to introduce a new compact van for either Dodge or Chrysler, with the new model replacing that brand’s current minivan offering. Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler and Fiat, made the comments to reporters gathered at the North American International Auto Show.

Transmissions seem to be adding gears faster than razors are adding blades, with ZF announcing today at the Detroit Auto Show a new 9-speed automatic unit.

Chrysler President and CEO Olivier Francois cast his company as the underdog about to fight back after being knocked down. Francois opened Chrysler’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show press conference by reciting lyrics from Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”. After not introducing anything new last year, Chrysler is bouncing back, unveiling the final piece of its completely revamped 2011 lineup, the re-designed Chrysler 300c.

Chrysler displayed a sportier Mopar-tuned version of its new 200 mid-sized sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Dubbed the Chrysler 200 Super S, the concept provides a look at what a future sport-oriented version of the 200 may look like.

Chrysler set its Mopar division on the Fiat 500 for the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and the Italian runabout emerged with a matte black makeover and a number of other upgrades.

Joining a sizable group of other Moparized vehicles on display at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will be the 2011 Chrysler 200 S.

The all new Chrysler 300 will start at just under $28,000, rising to $41,145 for a full-blown AWD equipped 300C with a 5.7L Hemi V8. The base car, equipped with a 3.6L V6 making 292 horsepower, will start at $27,995 when it goes on sale in early 2011.

The Limited model will start at $31,995 and adds heated leather seats, a backup camera, Chrysler’s UConnect telematics with Bluetooth integration, and 18″ wheels. The Limited Luxury Group model will cost $35,245 and gets upgraded Napa leather, Ash Burl wood trim, illuminated surfaces throughout the cabin, heated rear seats, 12 way adjustable power driver and passenger seats and a power sunshade.

Finally, the V8 powered 300C will start at $38,995 and feature all of the equipment on the Limited Luxury, plus Chrysler’s brawny 363 horsepower V8.

A SafetyTec package will be available on all models that features HID headlamps, a frontal collision warning system, blindspot cameras, adaptive cruise control and audible parking sensors.

[Source: Chrysler]

Hit the jump for the official press release

After a dismal 2009 , American automakers look set to gain market share in 2010, despite fewer brands, a drastically reduced dealer network. The last time the Big 3 gained market share was in 1995.

Fiat is looking to up their stake in Chrysler from 20 percent to over 50 percent, according to reports in the Detroit News. Fiat was awarded a 20 percent stake in the company as part of Chrysler’s bankruptcy proceedings in 2009, and can increase its ownership as it passes a series of milestones. Marchionne also hinted that a Chrysler IPO may come in the second half of 2010.

Few people pay attention to minivans, but an interesting sales war is heating up, with what could be Chrysler’s first major sales victory in their post-bailout era.

The new Chrysler 200 is reportedly set to add another trim level to its lineup, with an emphasis on sportier handling and more agressive looks. Dubbed the 200S, the new car will echo the Chrysler 300S, a trim level offered on the larger 300 cars that bridges the gap between the standard 300C and the rowdy 300C SRT-8.

As part of the Fiat/Chrysler alliance, one significant strategy moving forward is that smaller vehicles will be Fiat based while, larger offerings will use Chrysler’s own architecture.

At this year’s SEMA Show, Dodge boss Ralph Gilles hinted that he’s looking to bring back the Cuda, a car that just came another step closer to production with Chrysler having just registered the name.

For those customers who purchase a new 2011 Dodge Journey Lux or Durango Citadel, Dodge and Mopar are throwing in a three-year no charge scheduled ‘No Cost Maintenance Plus’  plan as part of the deal.

You might be thinking to yourself that Chrysler has already released full details on the new 2011 version of its popular 300 sedan, but you’d only be partially right. While we have already seen the revamped machine, Chrysler has just released a new selection of photos that really showcase the attractive lines of the barge – plus, we’re finally getting a look at the interior.

Jeep‘s entry-level Compass model could get a diesel powerplant when the current soft-roader is replaced with an all-new model in 2013. According to officials at Chrysler, the replacement vehicle for both the Compass and Patriot could get an oil-burner which would be sourced from Chrysler’s new Italian owners at Fiat.

Finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year have been announced, with Chrysler dominating the truck field, and electric vehicles comprising 2/3rds of the car category.

It was a near certainty and now Chrysler has confirmed it: the SRT8s are coming. Sources inside the automaker have said the new SRT8s are currently in the works, meaning we should seem them soon.

If you own a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Caravan, you may want to keep an eye on your mail come February. That’s when Chrysler will begin notifying some 367,000 minivan owners about a recall that involves unwanted airbag deployment.

Chrysler has announced that it is recalling a total of 76,122  2010-11 Ram Heavy Duty models equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, due to a fault with the brake lights.

In a land where the Ladas actually pass as respectable cars, the Chrysler Sebring has been rejected by consumers.

Jeep is one of the few American vehicle brands that has true international appeal. Outside of North America, Jeeps are popular in Europe and also parts of the Pacific Rim.

The outgoing Chrysler 300 was a great value thanks to a number of cost cutting initiatives, like sharing a platform with Mercedes-Benz’s old E-Class and using interior materials made out of melted down children’s toys. That might have been passable five years ago, but with even small cars boasting high quality interiors, the awful tortoise shell trim and cheesy analog clock isn’t going to cut it anymore.

For the first time ever, Jeep‘s entry-level Compass will become ‘Trail Rated,’ with the introduction of a revised 2011 model.

Every December, racers and gearheads gather at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show, located in sunny Orlando, Florida.

According to a well-known Mopar source, entries in Chrysler’s new car dealer ‘Star’ network show codes for impending diesel engine and hybrid-electric transmission options in Ram 1/2 ton pickups.

Scheduled to debut a full month away at the Detroit Auto Show, the folks at Chrysler were obviously too proud of their redesigned flagship sedan to wait. We’ve already been teased with several close-ups of the redesigned Chrysler 300, but now we have the full vehicle to show you.

The Ann Arbor, Michigan based Center for Automotive Research (CAR), recently complied a study that illustrated that the orderly, structured bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler, conducted with financial assistance from the U.S., Canadian and Ontario governments, helped result in the saving of more than 1 million jobs during 2009.

Jeep may bill its all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee as an off-roader, but the SUV has just been named the ‘Urban Truck of the Year’ by Decisive Media, which publishes, among other things, a magazine named Decisive Auto.

Although the U.S. economy is slowly spluttering back to life, some industries seem to be doing better than others. In the auto sector, sales are up, particularly for Domestic manufacturers and on the truck side too.

Going, going, gone! If you waited to order a Special Edition Fiat 500 in Canada yesterday, you’re out of luck. This model is sold out – after just 12 hours!

Chrysler has revealed numerous photos of its new 300 sedan ahead of its official reveal at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Fiat released their list of retail outlets in the United States and Canada, and one interesting tidbit jumped out at us. While 99% of Fiat franchises are paired with Chrysler dealers, one company, the Remo Ferri Group of Automobiles, which operates two Ferrari locations in the Toronto area, is listed as a distributor.

Absent from the American market since 1982, Fiat is now back in big way. Chrysler announced today a list of 130 dealerships across the country that have received letters of intent for a Fiat franchise.

Once these dealers fulfill the requirements of the letter and can provide the facilities and requirements submitted in their proposals made to Auburn Hills; they can begin selling Fiat vehicles, beginning with the pint sized 500. The car, which as been on sale in Europe for a few years, is being officially introduced to the North American market this week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

And although a few 500s will be arriving in dealerships next month, none will be officially sold until January 2011, and even then they’ll only be  trickling out in small numbers. A volume launch of the North American 500, which will be built in Mexico and classed as a 2012 model year vehicle, according to Chrysler spokesman Ralph Kisiel; isn’t planned until a couple of months later in March.

Chrysler says it ultimately plans to have 165 dealers in the Fiat retail network and is already talking to those beyond the initial 130; some of which are currently not Chrysler franchises. It is also tentatively looking at dealer proposals for Alfa Romeo franchises, when that brand is set to return to these shores, sometime in 2012.

Click here for complete details on the new 2012 Fiat 500.

Get more Fiat 500 news and info at Fiat500Owners.com

Hit the jump for the complete list of dealers and to find out the nearest one to you. Plus, we’ve included a short video of the all-new Fiat 500 from the car’s LA Auto Show debut:

The only other car on the market that’s more maligned than the Chrysler Sebring is the Chrysler Sebring convertible, a favorite of sunbelt rental fleets and incompetent bosses everywhere.

Perhaps no two vehicles have been more unloved by the automotive press over the past few years than Chrysler’s Sebring and its platform-mate, the Dodge Avenger. As Chrysler continues its climb out of last year’s bankruptcy, it will need to convince the buying public that it now has a viable option in the fiercely contested and all-important mid-size class.

Kia‘s Sedona minivan, an often ignored but solid bargain in the minivan segment, gets a new grille for 2011, along with an upgraded powertrain.

The Sedona’s new V6 puts out 271 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque with power being put down through a 6 speed manual transmission. This gives the Sedona a 27 horsepower gain over the old motor, but a 5 lb-ft loss…not that it matters.

With all new versions of the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country and Nissan Quest about the flood the market, the Sedona has a tough fight ahead. But with a low MSRP, it’s destined to achieve at least some success.

[Source: Kia]

Chrysler has announced pricing details for their upcoming 200 mid-size car and their Town & Country minivan. Both cars are notable for their upgraded interiors and 3.6L Pentastar V6s, which should make them infinitely more palatable than the vehicles they replace.

The 200 will start at $19,995 for the base LX model, with the Touring model going for $21,995 and $24,995 for the Limited. A 200S trim level will appear sometime after launch, with no pricing information released.

The Town & Country, on sale for over two decades, is being offered as a more upscale alternative to the Dodge Caravan, and starts at a lofty $30,995, with the mid-level Touring L starting at $33,995 and the top level Limited topping out at $39,495. Prices for both cars include destination charges.

Hit the jump to see the official press release

[Source: Chrysler]