Seen by approximately one in every three Americans, Super Bowl 46 in Indiana’s Lucas Oil Stadium was a closely matched showdown between two NFL football teams with only victory in mind. On the field, the New York Giants resisted the last-second charge of the New England Patriots for the glory of this Sunday sporting classic. Apart from the battle on the gridiron, corporations have been spending on average 3.5 million dollars for every 30 seconds of commercial time in order to win over the vast television viewing public.

Auto companies again utilized breaks during this big game as an attempt to woo purchasers of what is often their second-most costly expenditure. For the 2012 game, Chevrolet bought several commercial spots, an Audi S7 Sportback inadvertently battled vampires and Mathew Broderick took a day off with the 2012 Honda CR-V. For the second year in a row, Chrysler’s Super Bowl advertisement garnered an MVP award-worthy play during halftime of the Big Game.

Compiling the revered “Imported from Detroit” marketing campaign into a two-minute spot for the 2011 Super Bowl, it was unarguable that Chrysler advertisement ran on emotions rare conveyed by a commercial. To the musical background of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”, a Chrysler sedan roared down the Detroit streets implying a shared sense of deviance to surrender to the worst of a broken economy. For the 2012 ad titled “Halftime in America”, Chrysler’s message was sent poignantly to an entire country.

Narrating and appearing in the Chrysler commercial was true American fixture Clint Eastwood. Through his signature raspy, low-toned voice, Eastwood initiated the Chrysler spot stating “It’s halftime”. Suggesting the NFL Championship at hand, television viewers were quickly introduced to halftime being a grander, symbolic reference. “It’s halftime in America, too. People are out of work and they’re hurting. And they’re all wondering what they’re going to do to make a comeback. And we’re all scared, because this isn’t a game.” Eastwood declared. In the advertisement, a visual of Americans from many walks of life. Instead of the chorus resisting failure on last year‘s ad, Chrysler’s 2012 Super Bowl commercial leaves on a note of rallying optimism with Clint Eastwood saying, “This country can’t be knocked out with one punch. We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines.”

Though possessing a primary purpose of luring customers to buy Chrysler Group products, the spirit and words of the 2012 Super Bowl commercial is profound enough to motivate the general American public searching for the strength inside. Advocating the notion of an entire nation acting as one to combat even the most difficult decisions for a country, this attitude of some political pundits following the Sunday night Super Bowl commercial deeply contrasted the message. On Monday, several news shows read the Chrysler advertisement as a politically motivated act. Rather than showing the progress that Americans in the auto industry have made in only a short time, analysts and commentators felt the message was instead a shaming of those who did not support the United States auto company in its time of need. It seems disappointing that the accomplishments for a large group of people rising up in a tough economy (labourers, engineers, designers, accountants, salespeople and even the executives) has become another casualty of a presidential election year’s selfish, hurtful politics.

David Kelleher, President of Chrysler’s National Dealer Council representing 2,300 dealership outlets shared a statement February 8th relating to the “Halftime in America television ad. Kelleher stated the commercial theme was “… simply a recount of the achievement of Chrysler, and its dealers who sacrificed and drove to take this American icon from depths during the national economic downturn to the success we have accomplished to date.“ The statement ended with David Kelleher saying, “We have no doubt that this ad had no political agenda of any kind but rather a statement of fact and hope for the future for all of us and America.”

The spokesperson of the commercial Clint Eastwood was also confronted with questions that the Chrysler message demonstrated his so-called political leaning. Eastwood was required defend himself against words indicating no direct political message. For those who wanted to bring Clint Eastwood’s political past (that included serving as a mayor of Carmel, California) into the debate of this Chrysler commercial, he has shown an unapologetic ability see both sides of the story. Like so many Americans, Clint Eastwood overall appears only to support ideas, not parties.

A third and final detail of the 2012 Super Bowl ad considered Chrysler’s claim of nationality. On YouTube, there was at least one comment aware that the promotion the United States in the television ad does contain a taste of irony. Realizing that Chrysler is majority owned by Italy’s Fiat Group, Chrysler is not a purest’s idea of an American auto company. In an auto sector where global diversity is being exercised to build cost effective, reliable vehicles, every car brand can carry many flags. The recent automotive marketplace has become a situation where product nationality considers the people who build and sell a vehicle.

As inspiring or controversial the commercial “It’s Halftime in America“ is overall, Chrysler appears determined to continue fighting its game that has netted some major advances. Chrysler was able to boast the efforts of the company, employees and the loyal customers succeeded together to refire the automaker’s production engines. Leaving 2011 with year-end sales 26 percent higher than 2010, the regenerated Chrysler Group left the year posting the highest 12-month increase of the Detroit Three auto companies. Chrysler products enter this year 44 percent more customer sales in January 2012 than compared to a year ago. This 2012 Super Bowl Chrysler commercial promotes an auto company ready to introduce new products such as the Dodge Dart and SRT Viper less than three years following the near ruins of bankruptcy.

Information, video and photo source: Chrysler Group

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3. Super Bowl Car Commercials

Every year, many people’s favorite part of the Super Bowl are the commercials. Year after year, it seems like more and more automotive-related commercials are being aired. For 2012, the Super Bowl XLVI didn’t disappoint, with a range of funny car commercials. Check them all out below:

(if the videos fail to load at first, click here to reload the page)

Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – “Cheetah”

2012 Acura NSX – “Transactions” (Jerry Seinfeld)

Chevy Silverado – “2012″ (The one Ford asked Chevy not to air)

Cars.com – “Confident You”

2012 Honda CR-V – “Matthew’s Day Off” (aka “Honda’s Ferris Bueller Commericial”)

2012 Audi S7 – “Vampire Party”

2012 Toyota Camry – “It’s Reinvented”

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – “Think Fast”

2012 Kia Optima Big Game – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Cadillac ATS – “Green Hell”

Suzuki Kizashi – “Sled” (with 50 Cent)

2013 Lexus GS – “Beast”

Fiat 500 Abarth – “Seduction”

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America”

2012 Volkswagen Beetle – “The Dog Strikes Back”

Bridgestone – “Performance Football”

2012 Toyota Camry – “Connections”

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Depending on person talking, the relaunch of the Fiat automobile brand in the United States late last year can be categorized anywhere from a complete success to a disappointment.

So far, over 20,000 examples of the trendy subcompact Fiat 500 have been sold through distinct dealership for the US marketplace. Performing below the lofty expectations set by the auto company, the high-profile ad campaign that included a product placement deal with Jennifer Lopez has left many people to expect more from the Fiat 500. Optimism rests on the Fiat 500 being excited by the addition of the 500 Cabrio, the 160-horsepower Fiat 500 Abarth and news of a practical five-door model in the future.

Chrysler‘s Mopar division has also gotten into the act of installing some excitement on their corporate sibling‘s small, new vehicle. While Mopar has previously interacted with the Fiat 500, an all-new factory-direct sport package deeply marries itself with the Chrysler family. With 2012 being Mopar’s 75th anniversary, the Pentastar outfitter welcomed the Fiat 500 into the celebration with a ‘Sting’.

Called the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger, Mopar shows off a two-stage conversion where styling and performance have been centralized. People really in touch with motoring history would recall the “Stinger” name attached to 1966 and 1967 model year Chevrolet Corvairs. Prepared by auto dealer Don Yenko, the Yenko Stinger was a performance-perfected version of the European-inspired Corvair. From an entirely different company in an entirely different era, the Mopar-derived Fiat 500 Stinger is also an aggressive application of American racing desire.

Stage One of the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger exploits the Mopar’s aesthetic creativity with Italian style acting as the canvas. Brilliantly paraded alongside several other Mopar-modified vehicles for a 75th anniversary set, the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger wears a Giallo (yellow) exterior colouring. Contrasting the Fiat 500 Stinger yellow, Mopar has added touches of black accenting along the outer shell including stripes that run solid from the headlamps before transitioning to a checkered pattern at the rear. A black chrome finish is also applied on the door handles as well as the Fiat 500 Stinger’s mirror car. 17-inch black aluminum wheels within high-performance tires completes the Mopar exterior dress-up of the subcompact car‘s Stage One trim.

Matching the exterior colour scheme, the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger Stage One’s interior is presented with a sports car feel. Katxkin leather seats, with alcantara seat centers, carbon fiber decaling of the instrument panel and a Mopar shifter ball.

Preserving the fuel-efficient, 1.4 liter MultiAir engine’s 101 horsepower, the Stage One trim for the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger may not be the type of shot some Mopar fans would be hoping to find from such a sport tuner appearance. Improving the physical performance of the Fiat 500 Stinger is the task of Mopar’s Stage Two kit. Featuring track-proven upgrades cross-drilled performance brake rotors provides the Fiat 500 Stinger with more enduring stopping power. The improvement in braking is even more important as the MultiAir powerplant has a higher performance potential thanks to a cold-air intake assembly and a cat-back exhaust.

Judged the “Hottest Sport Compact Car” at the 2011 SEMA Show, the Fiat 500’s potential as a tuner vehicle is being solidified by the Stinger package. Interested, new Fiat owners only need to review the Mopar product catalog in order to build their own 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger.

International and photo source: Chrysler Group

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Chrysler has turned around a lot faster than most in the industry imagined. Sales for Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep are all up by big margins, led by new and refreshed models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 200. The Fiat 500 misfire not withstanding, Chrysler has experienced a a good success rate.

These models are powered by Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6. This engine was talked about a lot leading up to its debut, because it was an all-new unit. The 2010 Grand Cherokee was the first model to be powered by this engine. Since then, Chrysler has introduced it in a host of other models. At Dodge there is the Avenger, Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Durango and Journey. At Chrysler there is the Town and Country, 200 and 300. The Pentastar is a powerful unit, making 283 horsepower from 3.6-liters. Today, an important milestone has been reached.

In 18 months of production, 1 million units have been produced. This is especially impressive considering it was only launched in one model at first. Availability has slowly expanded across the company from there – for instance the 2012 Jeep Wrangler just got the engine.

Production has taken place at two plants – primarily at the Trenton Engine Assembly Plant but also at a Chrysler factory in Saltillo, Mexico.

Brian Harlow, head of Chrysler Powertrain Manufacturing, says: “To build one million of anything, and in an impressively short amount of time, is a significant achievement. But to do it with such a high degree of quality is a testament to our skilled and dedicated workforce at both Trenton South and Saltillo engine plants.” So far, the all-aluminum engine has been received very well by consumers, with good reliability scores as well.m

The Pentastar has replaced numerous legacy power plants – six in total. Streamlining like this helps increase profitability and economies of scale. Not to mention, it is much smoother and more powerful than what Chrysler had before. Sounds like a winner!

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As expected early this 2012 year, automakers posted some very optimistic sales numbers for the United States marketplace for 2011. A place where consumers still love their cars, 2011 provided an excellent year for North American car fans. No other time in the North American auto industry has motorists been able to explore so much freedom and choice.

In only three years, the American auto industry has turned from forecasted shambles to a rosier, settled environment. Hitting Chrysler and General Motors in the most severe manner, no major auto company was truly immune to the economic troubles started in late 2008. Similar to reaction from the global banking and financial sector, it wasn’t until a key period where the public truly understood until bankruptcy papers were being filed.

The combination of troubled business models and customers losing access to money or car loans needed for purchases led to a disappointing start of the 2009 calendar year. Between seven major automakers selling vehicles in the United States (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia), auto sales amounted to 9,124,380 cars in all of 2009 (5,145,746 units lower than just two years prior). It was only through a United States government sponsored new car purchase program that the tides began to reverse. Known as “Cash for Clunkers,” motorists were able to trade in an old vehicle for a guaranteed trade-in credit.

After the 12 months of 2011, the same seven automakers have steadily performed better than the disastrous 2009 auto sales year. When the 2011 year ended, 10,987,403 were sold by the seven high volume automakers in the United States. Up 20.4 percent from 2009, the 2011 results continued the gains made after 2010 as some elements of the economy recuperated. Recognizing there is so many reasons to celebrate the improvement of the North American motor vehicle industry, the recent auto sale numbers indicating positive momentum from dismal 2009 figures have shown that the current car business is far from past glory.

The Detroit Three

For automakers Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, six years have seen once-proclaimed Big Three transform into the more modest moniker Detroit Three. In 2005, General Motors led United States car sales handsomely with 4,454,385 vehicles. Thanks to declining sales due to a changing economy and the doom of bankruptcy, 2009 vehicle sales dropped 53.2 percent for GM at just 2,084,492 units. Recovering with auto sales reaching 2,503,820 vehicles after 2011, the improvement comes with the loss of brands Pontiac and Hummer as well as the offloading of the now troubled Saab. The major source for General Motors’ traction in the United States automotive marketplace remains the Chevrolet division with 1,775,812 products sold last year. In 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze accounted for 231,732 of Chevrolet’s sales becoming a star for the auto industry.

In the case of Chrysler Group, a sales drop of 59.6 percent from 2005 to 2009 indicated a particularly volatile presence not seen since the 1979 bankruptcy. Over the past six years, Chrysler was separated from Daimler-Benz, sold to a private equity group, filed bankruptcy and was partly rescued by Italian auto giant Fiat Group. As Chrysler’s 1,369,114 unit sales recovery in 2011 is still almost one million vehicles short of 2005 levels. Chrysler will be relying on vehicles like the 2013 Dodge Dart to entice consumers while also attempting to lure commercial vehicle contracts with the Ram brand that should include at least one new work van in the near future.

While Ford Motor Company escaped the need for government assistance, the past six years has taken the Blue Oval car company on a wild ride. Selling 3,168,156 vehicles in 2005, Ford Motor Company posted 2,148,806 in 2011 sales. As Ford devoted their business back to cars, truck sales have taken a sizable hit. Despite a reduction in truck sales, the Ford F-150 and Ford Escape remain the top-selling vehicles by the carmaker in 2011. Losing Mercury and still struggling to bring Lincoln back to the luxury car forefront challenges Ford’s total recovery. A reborn Ford brand line-up that includes the 2013 Taurus and Fusion sedans plus the 2013 Escape crossover are future vanguards for healthy auto sales.

Some people (even the same ones who originally wished the US government to protect financial institutions with taxpayer dollars) wanted to allow General Motors and Chrysler to succumb to liquidation. Led first by former president George W Bush’s administration with emergency financial aid and later by Barack Obama’s White House directing the needed loans through GM and Chrysler’s bankruptcy, both car companies survived. Wanting to be relieved of the public taunting of phrases such as “Government Motors”, GM and Chrysler paid back the emergency assistance late in 2011. Regardless of political leaning or perhaps free of such constraints, government intervention of the two American auto companies stabilized what could have been a much harsher industry-wide events. What if many more autoworkers would be out of the job? What if the 100th year of Chevrolet had been marred with a giant production blackout continuing to this day? Those and other questions can be answered hypothetically.

US Auto Market for Import Brands

While the mighty Detroit Three restructured their business model, many would believe the Japanese automakers Honda and Toyota have finally entered prime position to eat drastically eat away at the market. However, just like the American based companies, the Japanese carmakers have been suffering similar sales slippage from 2005 levels. Toyota Motor Corporation 2011 auto sales of 1,644,661 units is 27 percent lower than the 2005 year (Toyota fell just short of Chrysler with yearlong sales in 2005). Honda’s United States auto sales have also been noticeably lower at 21.5 percent over 2005 numbers. Third place in US sales among the Japanese carmakers is Nissan. Suffering a drop of about 230,000 vehicles from 2005 to 2009, Nissan pulled an enviable achievement recovering all but around 34,000 units in US sales delivering 1,042,534 vehicles to customers during 2011.

Bucking the trend of the economic hardships felt by leading auto companies was the South Korea’s Hyundai/Kia. In 2009, Hyundai/Kia actually posted a modest growth. Still emerging as a trustworthy company in the United States in 2005, the South Korean entity of Hyundai Motor America and sister group Kia Motors were able to benefit from a slimmer market profile. Kia and Hyundai brands have steadily sailed forward in American auto sales that totalled 1,131,183 vehicles after the 2011 calendar year. Increasing annual sales by 400,000 cars and crossover vehicles 2005 through 2011, records a sensational 54.77 percent increase in sales.

The US Auto Sales Recovery to Date

Despite successes and disappointments, the results of these seven top auto companies (totalling 10,987,403 units in 2011) shows that recovery is not yet a full recuperation to previous years. The point of observing this six-year span of sales numbers in the United States paints a picture of a different time in the auto industry on a continent. From the buzz at the upcoming auto shows, with all the uncertainty that recalls, the latest in advanced propulsion technology, the lessons of the past pushes a stride to former glory or even to a greater future.

Information source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, American Honda Motors, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors, Nissan Americas, Toyota Motor Corporation
Photo source: Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group

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After the magnificent display that was the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, I wrote an article on the notion that the California coast was the place automakers preferred to display their latest creations and concepts. Wondering if the 2012 auto show in Detroit would be have the same amount of enthusiasm, the sensory overload-inducing debuts set to occur at this week’s opening of the North American International Auto Show leads me to concludes thoughts of the Motor City becoming less of an industry focal point seems a waste of mental energy. The biggest auto manufacturers of the United States, Japan, Europe and even India are expected to provide an automotive delight.

Ahead of major auto shows, the marketing departments of carmakers are challenged to entice interest in a vehicle debut without giving too much away from the physical spectacle. Leading into the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, various tactics are being rolled out by auto brands. Whether they want to unveil the entire full image of the vehicle or a mere teaser photo, the auto companies are careful in their attempts to grab the attention of media and the overall car-adoring public.

For the 2012 edition of the North American International Auto Show, the following is a few of the production-based 2013 model year vehicles making a world debut:

Toyota Prius c

The smallest member of the now established Prius hybrid family, Toyota plans to capitalize on the high efficiency small car market with what will become North America’s first subcompact gasoline-electric vehicle. Roughly 5 inches longer than the 2012 Yaris, the Toyota Prius c liftback body style is a careful execution of small car values with high technology.

Beyond the Toyota Synergy Drive powertrain technology, the interior of the Prius c will incorporate an array of infotainment solutions thoughtful to the youth market the Japanese-based automaker wants to attract. With Bluetooth standard, optional equipment to be offered on the Toyota Prius c includes Toyota Entune multimedia system. Through Toyota Entune, occupants of the Prius c are given access to traffic and weather updates as well as Pandora Internet radio.

Two vital unknowns remain with the pending introduction at the 2012 auto show. Firstly, what will be the fuel economy expectations from the Toyota Prius c hybrid powertrain? Toyota has indicated a city range of more than 50 miles per gallon is estimated for the smallest Prius. Secondly, when the Prius c reaches showrooms, what can the younger generation of Toyota buyers expect to buy for the subcompact? If placed around the $20,000 range (in between the Yaris and common Prius hybrid), the Toyota Prius c could be a major spoiler to the eco-car marketplace.

Cadillac ATS

No longer the 1950s and 1960s when Cadillac’s hulking convertibles defined American luxury, it’s become the objective of the division in the 21st century to redefine its image among the top premium cars. While not hitting a home run with every new product, Cadillac has cemented a reputation for featuring solid luxury and effective technology on smaller vehicles. Applying their lessons to what will be their smallest production vehicle since the disastrous Cimarron of the 1980s, the 2013 Cadillac ATS will be the General Motors division latest test in the modern luxury car marketplace.

The Cadillac ATS has expected to be the most vibrant display of compact vehicle refinement of their new car line-up at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Through the teaser image, we can expect to see the 2013 Cadillac ATS to resemble its bigger brother CTS sedan. One of the more compelling characteristics of the compact car is the use of an all-new rear wheel drive platform. Specifically aiming at the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C Class, the Cadillac ATS sedan will have a strong assortment of engine power to support what should be a fierce luxury car battle. To offer three powerplant choices, the 2013 ATS will offer a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, the 3.6 liter V-6 already found on Cadillac products and a new 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2-liter engine to debut in the vehicle.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will also feature available Magnetic Ride Control suspension and the brand’s latest CUE in-car infotainment system.

Ford Fusion

The third-highest selling vehicle in the Ford Motor Company behind the Ford F-150 and the Ford Escape, the Fusion exists in the narrow but important market segment of mid-sized family sedans.

Kept under a great deal of secrecy by the auto company, there has not even been as much as a teaser shot ushered out for the 2013 Ford Fusion. Unsure of how radical or tame the 2013 Fusion styling will be on the four-door sedan, observers at the unveiling should expect Ford to advertise the new vehicle’s improved fuel economy and technology. Judging from the discontinuation of the Escape hybrid with the 2013 model year vehicle, a hybrid version of the new Ford Fusion might not be a guarantee. What should be certain with the 2013 Fusion’s powertrain is the inclusion of an EcoBoost engine (likely the 2-liter, four-cylinder powerplant). Based on the competition in the vehicle category, expect the all-wheel drive option to return as a substitute to standard front-wheel power. New technology expected on the upcoming Ford Fusion’s interior is an available Lane Keeping System and the revised version of MyFord Touch.

Ahead of the 2012 North American International Auto Show debut, Ford provided potential customers a chance to interact with the 2013 model year sedan through a unique mobile app. Available free for Apple iPhone and Android devices at fordfusionapp.com, the app supplies an experience with 19 unlockable driving courses through augmented reality. When the 2013 Ford Fusion is presented on January 10^th, users of the Ford Fusion mobile app will be able to witness full images of the new car.

Dodge Dart

With close automobile rivals Chevrolet and Ford staking claims to the subcompact car category, Chrysler Corporation’s Dodge division stood on the sidelines unable to compete. Though many automotive photographers were able to snap spy shots of a proposed small car based on the Dodge Hornet concept for years, corporate restructuring of the auto company has tightened resources for new car debuts. Reactivating a long-running Dodge nameplate, the Chrysler Group’s subcompact 2013 Dart will be targeting the growing entry-level car segment.

Teasing automotive enthusiasts with the same successful spoon-feeding of images that welcomed the 2011 Dodge Durango’s return, only a front corner and interior panel shot defines the 2013 Dodge Dart leading into this year‘s North American International Auto Show. The first all-new product created for the North American market by Chrysler through its 2009 collaboration with Fiat Group, the 2013 Dodge Dart rests on the same compact platform as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. While the Giulietta is a hatchback, the 2013 Dodge Dart making its debut in Detroit will be a more Americanized four-door sedan shape. Conforming to the Dodge brand identity, the Dart will be aggressively styled with touches found on the new Dodge Charger. Mechanicals for the 2013 Dodge Dart is likely to include a 1.4 liter and 2-liter engine with an available 9-speed automatic transmission.

The smallest vehicle in a brand line-up, the 2013 Dodge Dart will perhaps face the fiercest fight in the modern car industry. Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris have either new or redesigned products each providing competitive powertrains, standard equipment and fuel economy.

Nissan Pathfinder Concept

Nissan’s most enduring SUV (sport utility vehicle) brand, the Pathfinder lived up to its name since debuting in 1986. In constant production since introduction, the Nissan Pathfinder’s ability to connect with the North American consumer led the Japan-derived brand to share the Pathfinder name briefly with the large Amanda SUV. Rolling out at the 2012 North American International Auto Show as a concept vehicle, the exterior design for Nissan’s latest generation of the Pathfinder should remain close to the production model set for release later this year.

A four-wheel drive set to offer seating for seven passengers, the Nissan Pathfinder Concept will feature a refreshed exterior design. A more aerodynamic look than the predecessor model, the teaser photo of the Pathfinder Concept unveils a roof similar to the Nissan Quest minivan and body panels featuring aggressive flaring like the Juke. Buyers of the next generation Nissan Pathfinder should feel confident that the powerplant options should consist of the VQ series six-cylinder and the VK series eight-cylinder engine.

Users of Facebook will be some of the first observers to see the Nissan Pathfinder Concept. After 8:30am on Monday, Facebook users who log into the Nissan page will be able to view the new vehicle after clicking on the “Pathfinder Reveal” tab.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan Americas, Toyota Motor Corporation

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Chrysler has recovered quicker than most industry experts predicted. That has been based on a lot of new and much-improved models, as well as a rebounding auto market. Leading the charge with big increases versus the Sebring has been the Chrysler 200.

It was launched with the now-famous “Imported from Detroit” ad featuring Eminem. The 200 is a big improvement over the lackluster Sebring. After having some time spend with it though, we’ve concluded that it is no performance machine – far from it. Power from its 283-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is great but the suspension is an unwilling dance partner. Chrysler launched a 200S model before, and it is a cosmetic package that doesn’t change things up in a big way.

The Detroit show next month is set to launch a more hardcore (at least visually) version, called the 200 Super S. It is a package conceived by Chrysler’s Mopar performance division.

To us it is a more of a collection of parts than a standalone model. It is available in Stage One and Two guises. There is a new mesh grille, side sills, front lip spoiler and satin chrome trim on the grille surround, fog lights and side moldings. Gray or black 18-inch wheels and black 200 logos round out the changes. Stage Two offers up a cold-air intake and a cat-back exhaust, while swapping out the suspension for a coil-over setup that lowers ride height.

The Super S packages will arrive this Spring. Somehow we still aren’t convinced about the 200′s sporting credentials. The drive is pretty squishy on the standard car, so Mopar has its work cut out for itself. These packages and the lack of any true performance iteration a la SRT mean Chrysler isn’t serious about performance with the 200. That’s good, because most of us wouldn’t take it seriously. Maybe with the next-generation car guys….

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In today’s market, Chrysler isn’t ranked up there with the best luxury automakers. How could it be, when it still produces vehicles like the 200, which are aimed at the mainstream market? Especially considering that car is a heavy mid-cycle enhancement of what was a grossly uncompetitive previous model, the Sebring.

Chrysler’s market position is somewhere above brands like Chevrolet, occupying the middle ground. If we could think of the most fitting competitor, it would probably be Buick and Lincoln. The Chrysler 300 stands out in the Chrysler lineup as a star product. It is big, rear-wheel drive and has a commanding presence, even if it lacks luxury cachet. Chrysler is hoping to change that though by taking it a bit further upmarket with a new package called Luxury Series.

If you’ve been paying a lot of attention, you’ll know this is the Executive Series that Chrysler showed off at the previous Detroit auto show; it just has a new name now. It still is as nice as ever though, thankfully. A lot of the changes on the car offered by this package are thanks to the upgrades put into the 300-based Lancia Thema for the European market.

For starters is the leather: its everywhere, on the instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels, upper-front and rear door panels – yeah we think you get the idea. The kind of leather used it most startling though. It is from Italy, offered in your choice of Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau® “Foligno” leather. This is a very expensive leather used on exotic Italian cars. The Mochachino is the most striking combination. Wood used is a matte-finish (that is the new thing) hand-sanded Natural Pore Mocha. The whole interior seems to have a retro elegance and flair to it.

The exterior is differentiated by a different grille, satin accents in place of traditional chrome, and 20-inch (on the RWD model, AWD gets 19s) polished wheels. The 300 is offers what Chrysler says is segment-exclusive features like all-wheel drive availability, a heated-steering wheel and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Most impressive is the price: $40,125. For what you get, that is an incredible value – it just doesn’t have a coveted badge on the grille.

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If you have been wondering about the current whereabouts of Jennifer Lopez over the past couple of years, you have probably felt a huge sigh of relief. Fiat, the subsidiary of the Chrysler company, has recently launched a multimedia campaign featuring the once popular singer and actress in order to get people talking about the brand of cars.

Lopez, who lives in Los Angeles, did not even show up to the shooting of the advertisements. As reported by CNN, the series of ads were a strikingly digital masterpiece which shot footage from the streets of Brooklyn and had J-Lo placed in a studio out in Hollywood. If Fiat wants to promote their digital and interactive capabilities, they could spin this into a positive.

A spokesperson from Chrysler said that the company took this opportunity to place emphasis on Fiat’s commitment to increased mobility in automobiles. The official company statement said that people rely on their cars in order to transport themselves throughout the day because of increased work demands. This may work to get those interested in Phoenix auto title loans interested in the product, people on the streets of New York might be put back by J-Lo’s

Chrysler is facing some copyright issues regarding the street art placed in the commercials. Graffiti artists Tats Cru have settled out of court in order to get compensation for their street murals. While they managed to avoid a huge lawsuit, they lacked the proper foresight into New York’s actual street art scene. This may prove to be a complete disconnect with the actual urban dwellers who Fiat wants to sell their cars to.

The tradition of using famous people to sell cars has been used to various degrees of success in  recent years. After country singer Toby Keith became a household name, Ford decided to attach his image to their line of pickup trucks and saw sales increase. Led Zeppelin, who have been notorious for not allowing their music to be used for promotional purposes, collaborated with Cadillac in order to create some spectacular advertisements for the luxury car brand.

Time will only tell if Jenny’s advertisements will resound with American carbuyers. While she has lost some of her artistic relevance, she has been able to stay relevant in the tabloids with messy divorces and other debacles that would get people interested in the brand. The only clear resolution we have from this campaign is that the company should have done a bit more research before using J-Lo in this capacity.

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Recognized as the ACR and American Club Racer line, this racing-suited Chrysler model was first adopted by the compact Neon cars in 1995 and sparred a popular, modern take on sport vehicles. Catered to more track-like handling characteristics, the ACR package was targeted for unleashing Mopar action in competition. The ACR moniker was largely replaced by the SRT badging during the mid-2000s for much of the Dodge line-up. One vehicle that continued offering an ACR version was the Dodge Viper first introduced in 1999.

While the Dodge Viper’s production is on hiatus as Chrysler puts focus on their core vehicles, the automaker is still demonstrating pride for their supercar as recent as last month. Sending a 2010 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR to the Nurburgring, Chrysler’s SRT division stormed around the 12.9-mile Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes and 12.13 seconds. On September 14th, the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR became the 4th fastest production car to lap the German Nurburgring track. In anticipation that the ACR badge could again ride high in the world rankings, the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas presents Dodge’s current leading performance machine, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, in ACR trim.

A product of Chrysler’s Mopar underground team, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR resurfaces the notion of a serious muscle car that roamed roads in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Especially in an era where GPS units and Bluetooth connectivity is typical phrases mentioned in modern automotive feature listings, the special Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR is completely invested in speed enhancements.

Expanding on creativity shown on the Mopar’s Drag Pak version of the Dodge Challenger, the white and charcoal black Challenger SRT8 ACR is the latest figure of the Chrysler company’s performance drive. Mirroring the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR version, the exterior look is coupled with a flame red stripe traveling along the driver-side length of the vehicle. A carbon fiber hood, Mopar front splitter and a special fuel door is mounted on the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR concept heightening the car’s track potential.

Employing front and rear strut braces in concert with a coil-over suspension package, the Dodge Challenger ACR’s ride is calibrated for aggressive driving. Streaking the race tracks with Goodyear F1 Supercar tires (similar to those employed on the Challenger SRT8 392 main rival the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1), the black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels guides the modified Dodge pony car. With changes to improve the mechanical grip of the Dodge Challenger, the ACR 470-horsepower, 6.4 liter V-8 engine does not boast any great increases in overall power. The only engine-related modification Mopar made to the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR is the additional of a cat-back exhaust system and custom headers.

Amongst a cabin of carbon fiber, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR is most essentially a racing vehicle inside. Deleting the rear seat, adding racing-quality safety harnesses to performance bucket seats, other track-ready equipment on the Challenger SRT8 ACR includes a fire extinguisher and roll bar for extra body stiffness. Not without its charm, exterior styling colouring is continued to the interior of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR as red and white joins the carbon fiber appearance. Seated firmly in the Dodge Challenger ART8 ACR‘s Katzkin leather, the driver handles a short-throw shifter assembly.

Part of Chrysler’s 28,400 square-foot display at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR show car is another projection for how automakers can envision their vehicles in different realities.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group

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In the 1950s, most auto company has defined safety features in a more simplistic way. Instead of engineering handling the safety aspects of a vehicle, carmakers tragically left the progression of safety to automotive stylist. Over decades, safety has evolved from being a laughing matter to a realistic intent for saving lives of motorists and passengers. Anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability and better vehicle construction have been effective in reducing deadly accidents to a series of whiplash compensation claims.

With all the great innovations created to protect vehicle occupants and pedestrians, sometimes the quest for safe driving has taken a wrong turn. The following are four leading examples of automotive safety equipment set on a collision course for failure.

Chrysler’s Electronic Voice Alert

In an age where computer technology delighted a first generation of youngsters with Pac Man, one auto company’s idea for modern safety involved treating experienced motorists like a teenager driving their family’s car for the first time with an obsessive parent. Evolving loosely from the early 1980s Speak & Spell education toy, Electronic Voice Alert provided audio messages in addition to the vehicle information center (aka. dashboard warning lights).

Introduced on the upscale K-car models including 1983 Chrysler LeBaron and Dodge 600, the Electronic Voice Alert system was initially admired for its ability to promote safe driving as computer voice warnings were given to buckle seat belts or insure doors were closed. Incorporated in higher scale vehicle in the Chrysler line-up, the Electronic Voice Alert quickly earned a reputation for diminishing the driving experience with the repeated voice warnings. The constant instruction from the Electronic Voice Alert ended up being more of a nuisance than an advantage leading to the discontinuation of the feature after the 1988 model year.

Cadillac Night Vision

Applying military-inspired technology into automobiles is far from a new phenomenon. Finding a widespread citizen use for advances in night vision equipment, the beginning of the 21st century was to witness the vision of objects more clearly in minimum light conditions.

A highlight feature added to the 2000 Cadillac DeVille, General Motors installed the Night Vision system into the full-sized luxury car trying to infuse life to a rather dreary Cadillac division after the 1990s. Operating through a camera mounted behind the grille of the Cadillac sedan, the Night Vision view broadcasted onto the DeVille’s windshield. Allowing views at night to be highlighted in a monochromatic black and white display, the system demonstrated effectiveness on the Cadillac DeVille but failed to win over buyers. The fact the Cadillac DeVille’s Night Vision system was a most expensive $2,000 option did not entice Cadillac luxury seekers forcing the brand to drop the advanced safety unit after the 2004 model year.

Not working for Cadillac, the notion of car-based night vision systems is not an extinct piece of automotive safety technology. Still restricted to luxury vehicles, version of night vision are currently found on the Lexus LS sedan as well as certain Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Rear-Engined Cars

Accepted largely as a design feature created in the interests of practicality or performance, rear-engined vehicles were briefly promoted by auto makers in the late 1940s and 1950s as a safety feature. The safety theory of a rear-mounted powerplant car was to put the dangers of engine fires behind the passenger compartment. If an engine fire would occur at speed, the flames and fumes would not rush into the cabin. In During the post World War 2 era, several high-profile American auto brands sought to master the rear engine configuration.

The 1948 Tucker Torpedo was one rear-mounted powerplant car built around a vehicle that would be seen ahead of its time for multiple safety features. In a lesser-known concept, Kaiser-Fraser Motors featured a rear-engined sedan they believed would be the future of American motoring. Clearly, that future was not realized. At least in a safety aspect, rear-mounted powerplant would not prove itself as a safer alternative to conventional front engined automobiles. The highly publicized campaign against the Chevrolet Corvair pointing at the rear-engined compact’s alleged handling issue did not help.

Automatic Seat Belts

In 1972, Volkswagen engineers began to experiment with a technology that would automatically apply the vehicle safety belt too many drivers continued to avoid. For American driver up to 1979, it seemed that the only way to improve driver seat belt usage was to strap the safety device to their wrist. Mandatory on new vehicles sold in the United States since 1968, a 1983 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration authored by B.M. Phillips found that only 11 percent of drivers were using safety belts. While those numbers of seat belt usage was troubling, the automatic seat belt was a safety solution that did more harm than good.

When the automatic seat belt reached production, the only effective way the system would work was to allow only the shoulder belt to be applied to the driver requiring the driver to still buckle a lap restraint. With only part of the safety restraint engaged, the driver improper usage of the automatic seat belt system compromised protection in an accident. There was also an issue automatic seat belts were rigged on the venerable doorframe rather than a sturdier roof B-pillar.

During the late 1980s, the United States Department of Transportation buoyed the cause of automatic seat belts by allowing automakers to install the devices in new vehicle as an alternative to more expensive driver-side airbags. Naturally, penny-pinching auto company executives during this era attempted to adapt the automatic seat belt hastily in production vehicles. Volkswagen and Jaguar products as well as the Honda Accord were examples employing the automatic seat belt technology during its brief popularity. As time progressed, the automatic seat belt was considered a safety gimmick gone bad and was abolished from new cars as of the mid-1990s in favour of airbags.

Information source: General Motors, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, United States Department of Transportation
Photo source: Chrysler Group, General Motors, Honda, Volkswagen

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You might as well file this under “This is why we cannot have nice things.” Seriously. Who on Earth would buy something like this? The short answer to that is a guy by the name of Gordon Heidacker who runs this outfit in Madison Heights, Michigan called Heide Performance Products, or HPP. Before Heidacker decided that what the world really needed was an expensive prop from an as-yet-uncommissioned Joe Dirt sequel, he was involved in the development of the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler and Chrysler’s racing and performance programs.

Being “involved” in the development of the Viper and Chrysler’s racing and performance programs (I won’t go into the Prowler) might be a mitigating factor, but it’s no excuse for this thing.

Sure, it’s been built up under the skin, so it’s not just a no-go showboat, but again, those are just mitigating factors. It’s got a blown 5.7L V8 under the hood that cranks out 575 at the wheel s (no torque figures) and that power gets to the ground via 6-Speed Manual transmission actuated by a pistol grip handle. Sure, I guess that gets you bonus points for the retro factor, but it also gets you bonus points for the trailer park factor, so those cancel each other out. The car has been dropped three inches and rides on a K&W suspension, and is also fitted with 20×8.5-inch wheels in front and 20x10s in back. Oh, and how much does this cost? MSRP: $16,395 base + car. That’s $16K in addition to the cost of your new Challenger, or around $80,000 all in.

As near as I can figure out, this doesn’t have anything to do with Richard Petty or Petty Racing Enterprises other than the thing being painted Petty Electric Blue, so it’s sort of like half an insult to the Randleman crew.

Now, there’s no point to going into detail on the original, all conquering Superbirds of yore. If you’re reading this, then you know what they are and what they accomplished. You probably also know that original Superbirds are fetching near-seven-figures at various auctions. So, you can see the “logic” in someone with a spare $80K but not $800K and a near total lack of taste buying something like this. The supply-side of that equation also means you can see the “logic” behind Gordon Heidacker and Heide Performance Products building the thing.

But, money is just a reason, and not an excuse. Turning old rusted out B-body Roadrunners into Superbirds is something I can understand (if not completely condone). And I can also get behind the aftermarket for the new Challengers as well, but this is just bad. And I don’t mean bad in a metaphorical or ethical sense, I mean bad in an aesthetic sense.

From all most any angle this aftermarket kit-job looks oddly proportioned and forced. It’s ungainly and it looks like one too many times in one too many design reviews (I know, implying that there was a review process involved is frightening, isn’t it) someone, probably Mr. Heidacker said something along the lines of, “I don’t care, just put the frickin’ wing/nose/fake scoops on it!”

Ah well … free country, your money and all those other things apply. The only truly good thing about this car is that it will make it easier to spot the idiots from a greater distance.

Source: Autoblog

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For many vehicles and even entire automakers, the fleet business can be the difference between success or failure. The Checker Motor Corporation (founded as a supplier of a major taxicab corporation) is an example of a car builder benefiting from a strong commercial vehicle sales network. Finding enough business inside major American cities such as New York and Chicago to sustain fleet-only sales from the 1960s to Checker’s end in 1982. Fleet vehicles can also be valuable for building brand recognition for an automaker and trust with the marketplace.

A world where vehicle ownership consists of dozens, if not hundreds, of vehicles, fleet management companies is one of few important choices businesses and governments department must articulate. Require automobiles capable of serving high-mileage duties, durability, and an affordable cost of operation comes into a decision-making process that now pertains to a growing assortment of vehicles. For the 2012 model year, the next generation of fleet vehicles are truly ready to serve.

Chevrolet Captiva Sport

Basically an elongated Chevrolet Equinox, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport has been available several world markets outside of North America. For sale only through General Motors’ fleet outlets, the Captiva Sport offers 56.4 cubic feet of fully functional cargo room. Featuring direct-injection engines in four and six cylinder varieties, power as well as economy is well balanced. Capable yet economical, fleets will appreciate a full array of equipment on the Captiva Sport crossover vehicle. Air conditioning, General Motor’s StabiliTrak, 17-inch aluminum wheels and remote keyless entry is found on all Chevrolet Captiva Sport models as standard features. While the Captiva Sport is available as fleet vehicles, individual Chevrolet crossover vehicle buyers will have to settle on either the Equinox or Traverse.

Ram Cargo Van

Since Chrysler Group lost the Sprinter van when ties with Daimler-Benz were severed in 2007, plans for serving the commercial and fleet vehicle customers remained mostly focused on the truck business. Though Dodge presented a cargo van version of their minivan for past several years, the vehicle is now a member of the work-oriented Ram brand. Most distinguishing from the Dodge Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, the Ram Cargo Van features body colour paneling over much of the usual window space beyond the front passengers. Availing businesses up to 144.4 cubic feet of cargo room, the rear floor compartment is reinforced with structural aluminum. For this new 2012 model Cargo Van, Chrysler gave fleet and commercial customers the riches of the 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Serving up 283 horsepower, the Ram Cargo Van accomplishes impressive performance with stunning 25 mile per gallon highway fuel economy.

Ford Interceptor

Constructed specifically law enforcement, the Ford Interceptor is the heir apparent to the trusty Ford Crown Victoria. The future of policing promotes many of the same standards and criteria set out in 21st century motoring. An improved aerodynamic shape, the Ford Interceptor preserves all the toughness needed for patrolling the streets. High-powered braking and heavy-duty cooling system that includes an enlarged radiator are found on the Interceptor. Powered by either normally aspirated or Ecoboost powerplant, the 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine boasts pursuit power of a V-8 with 25 percent better efficiency. Despite the decreased cylinders, the Ford Interceptor is even more capable of pursuing lawbreakers with 365 horsepower sailing through a 6-speed SelectShift automatic and all-wheel drive.

Nissan NV

Ideally, a freight business could furnish themselves with large transport cube vans. However, the burdens of urban travel as well as the challenges interstate travel inconveniences such as IFTA taxes (an agreement between states and Canadian provinces on fuel taxing) has made full-sized vans popular. The North American commercial vehicle market was long dominated by domestic auto companies until recently. Wanting a piece of the rich fleet vehicle business in the United States, Nissan presents the NV series of work vans.

Offering up to 323.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Nissan NV is targeting various commercial enterprises ranging from delivery businesses to home contractors. Featuring the flexibility of a standard and high roof model allowing up to 70.2 inch tall loads, the full-sized Nissan NV can be powered by either the fuel-saving 4-liter V-8 or a 317 horsepower 5.6 liter V-8 engine. Just entering the American market, the new fleet vehicle gained some major confidence. Nissan made news with the city of New York when the Japanese auto brand’s smaller NV200 vans were granted approval for taxicab services. Japanese badged, Nissan’s commercial vans will be produced in their Canton, Tennessee plant.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company General Motors, Nissan North America, Inc.

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Since 1925, the Chrysler name in the auto industry could best be described as a survivor. Enjoying some real points, the Chrysler Corporation has also been an American auto company brought to the brink of elimination on several occasions. With the most recent scare coming 2009 when company’s restructuring required a massive government assistance loan, the business was effectively saved for the second time in 30 years. In 1979, Chrysler faced their first corporate bankruptcy amid a gloomy time in the American auto industry. Previous company chairman Lee Iacocca famously approached the United States government with the ultimatum “You can pay now or you can pay later” (The latter implying what would be a heavier drain on government social services). Of course, history showed the United States of America paid in both instances.

In the first bankruptcy, a habit of building poor products in the 1970s was said to be a contribution to the floundering car company. Chrysler’s rushed 1976 entry into the smaller vehicle segment with the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare led to the cropping up of major quality issues. As the Pentastar brand sought to sustain itself in the 1980s auto industry, principles for more crucial, smaller vehicles took Chrysler into a necessary direction. Five years after the public relationship nightmare of the previous products, Chrysler Corporation brought out a radically rethought car compact to mid-sized cars. The Chrysler Corporation K-platform was born in 1981 to demonstrate the auto company was ready to embrace car consumer ideals still important 30 years later.

A front-wheel drive Chrysler platform (the second such Dodge or Plymouth after the Omni/Horizon subcompacts), the K-car conformed to a total length as much as 20 inches shorter than the vehicle’s replacement. The K-car was introduced across the Chrysler line-up as the Dodge Aries, Plymouth Reliant and the Chrysler LeBaron. Coupe, sedan, convertible and station wagon body configurations would be built on the K-platform challenging Chrysler engineers in providing large car comfort.

After a long time of living under “when in Rome, do what the Romans do!” philosophy, the 1980s United States auto industry saw companies adapting to “when in America, do what the Japanese are doing!” mentality. Part of this new way of thinking was to seek cooperation from Mitsubishi Motors in the construction of some K-Car powerplants. A 2.6 liter inline four-cylinder engine also allowed Chrysler to reuse the ‘HEMI’ name as it featured hemispherical combustion chambers. The Mitsubishi engines combined with Chrysler’s own four-cylinder, six-cylinder and turbocharged power plants. Using 1980s EPA fuel economy recording, the Chrysler K-cars were capable of beyond 20 miles per gallon ranges (a very desirable ability since the 1970s oil crisis).

For the 1980s, the presence of GPS or Bluetooth was well down the electronic development pipeline. While the Japanese and even the European automakers received credit for implementing electronic gadgetry, American auto companies were not completely blind to the advent of basic computer technology. The K-car Chrysler LaBaron featured a digital dashboard as well as a cutting-edge driver warning system called Electronic Voice Alert. Sold between 1983 and 1988, the Texas Instruments developed Electronic Voice Alert featured a voice synthesizer that informed drivers of vehicle issues such as unfastened seat belts (similar to the lit message panels found in the instrument display of modern vehicles). A clever verbal reminder that would often end verbal warnings with “Thank you”, many motorists quickly grew irritated by their vehicle’s instructions.

Adapting to working trends in Japanese automobile construction, Chrysler realized the prospect of widespread use of using common parts to construct an entire range of vehicles. Used as a basis to build five different body types across three divisions, the Chrysler K-car was also featured on a 3.2 inches inch longer wheelbase. Called the E-Platform, the vehicle was basis for the Chrysler New Yorker, Dodge 600 Sedan and the Plymouth Caravelle models. The mid-1980s H Platform was also a lengthened derivative of the K-car platform.

The Chrysler K-platform was also the launching pad for what would be one of the automaker’s most successful vehicles in their most recent generation. In 1983, Chrysler brought car-like comfort into the versatility of a van to create their family popular minivan. Defined officially as the S-platform, Chrysler heavily borrowed interior and powertrain components from the K-car platform. The application of the K-platform parts into the minivan again highlighted Chrysler’s newfound skill in part sharing.

A vehicle that was so significant to the quick recovery of Chrysler Corporation in the 1980s contributing to 3 million in sales, the K-car is sadly not a celebrated vehicle 30 years later. Despite many K-cars now qualified as antique vehicles, the preservation of a Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant is not an exciting project. One exclusion could be the Shelby outfitted Dodge Lancer constructed on the H-platform. Despite its popularity, the Chrysler K-car earned an A-grade in restoring the Pentastar.

Information source: AllPar.com, Chryslerkcar.com
Photo source: Chrysler Group

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Presently the leading news story transpiring in the United States is a political battle in the nation’s capital. Attempting to concoct a working plan to control federal government spending, the ability to best manage the taxpayers’ money is placed into question. While managing government finances has proven to be a difficult and contentious issue, the Obama administration gathered an agreement providing savings of a different kind. Assisting motorists of American roads, a plan to mandate fleet fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 has been approved by auto manufacturers and government agencies.

Since 1975, the United States government have policed the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the region by requiring automakers uphold a fuel mileage benchmark. Called the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), vehicles produced by an auto manufacturer must produce average fuel consumption above a set number. First set at 18 miles per gallon in 1975, the passenger car CAFE standard had stood at 27.5 miles per gallon since 1990. As erratic gasoline price hikes damaged the global economy and caused a hardship for many drivers, the United States government under President Bush pushed meaningful improvements for the CAFE regulated number in 2007. Among the biggest adjustment was a crackdown on the light truck vehicle category. The 54.5 mile per gallon mandate for 2025 also includes for massive improvements in light truck fuel consumption. Rising from a 2016 CAFÉ target of 35.5 miles per gallon previous set by the President Obama government in 2009, the 54.5 mile per gallon benchmark will be reached through a gradual fuel economy improvement of 5 percent from 2017 to 2025.

The 2025 fuel economy improvements will also provide a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from future vehicles lessening environmental impact. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applauded the new agreement. “This is another important step toward saving money for drivers, breaking our dependence on imported oil and cleaning up the air we breathe,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P Jackson citing also American demands for cleaner vehicles that does not increase the cost of motoring. The EPA and the Department of Transportation had previously lobbied for a much more aggressive CAFE standard as high as 62 miles per gallon.

Just short of doubling the 2010 requirement of 27.5 miles per gallon, the new 54.5 mile per gallon fleet-wide fuel economy requirement is said to be a bipartisan agreement that also includes the blessing of automakers now under pressure to meet ambitious fuel mileage targets. In a statement issued by General Motors, the leading American auto company said, “Reducing fuel consumption and lessening the automobile’s impact on the environment is important to our business because it’s important to our country and our customers. GM has the best line up of fuel-efficient vehicles in the company’s history”. American Honda executive vice president of sales John Mendel was another company that appears able to match the tightened US fuel economy standards. “Honda has long been a leader in, and advocate for, reducing petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Honda embraces this new challenge and we welcome the competition we will have with other automakers that will result from these new standards, because it will benefit both our customers and the health of the planet.” Calling the plan ambitious, Toyota Motor Sales president and chief operating officer James Lentz welcomes the corporate challenge. “Toyota has embarked on the most aggressive expansion of hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars of any automaker, and we are committed to continuing our demonstrated environmental leadership.” Lentz said as his auto company is already introducing an expanded Toyota Prius range and an all-electric RAV4 EV in select markets.

In response to the 2025 target, every automaker was able to boast about full electric, hybrid or super efficient gasoline products. In order to reach the new CAFE mandated fuel economy number, technology and experience gained through the construction of these vehicles will have to become even more commonplace.

In the case of the auto industry, North American governments have seemingly expected a lot from the companies that keeps the continent mobile. During a massive spree of corporate bailouts which started with failing financial institutions receiving a quick cash infusion, the US government gave the Detroit 3 auto companies a much harder time when they required assistance. With General Motors and Chrysler Group taking multi-billion dollar financial assistance plans, both have since repaid government obligations.

Meeting one challenge, the auto industry new economical and environmental requirements will definitely be a massive cutback. Starting in 2011, an estimated 12 billion barrels of oil savings will accompany a greenhouse gas reduction of 6 billion metric tons by the 2025 model year.

Information source: Environmental Protection Agency, General Motors, Honda of America, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota Motor Corporation
Photo source: Chris Nagy

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