Dodge Journey nets Top Safety Pick ratings from IIHS

2010 models of the Dodge Journey, Lincoln MKT, and Mazda 3 are the Institute's newest Top Safety Pick award winners. To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Dodge Journey and Lincoln MKT, and optional on the Mazda 3.
"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund. Read more here: http://www.iihs.org/news/default.html

The Kurt Busch Foundation Announces Winner For The Dodge Challenger SRT-8 Charity Car Raffle

Mooresville, North Carolina – September 30, 2009 – This evening The Kurt Busch Foundation announced live on ESPN’s NASCAR Now program that Highlands Ranch, Colorado resident Brian Sauber won the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8.
Sauber saw the vehicle in person while attending the Southern 500 in Darlington, SC. “My brothers and I went to Darlington to celebrate one of my brothers 40th birthday. We did everything - - camped in the infield, watched the races and took in all the sights at the track. That’s where we saw the car displayed at The Kurt Busch Foundation display. I told Kristy at the display I was going to buy a ticket when I got home and I’m glad I followed through! My brothers were ribbing me a bit, but I believe in what Kurt’s doing.” Read more here: http://bit.ly/16xuHr

8 Tips for driving away with a good deal:

Buying a new car is a big investment. Researching your available options will make you a better consumer.

•Bring a friend: A friend can keep you focused on the task at hand and help you from becoming emotionally attached to the car.

•Know what you can afford: Evaluate your financial situation to determine what you can afford and stay within your plan.

•What’s your trade worth? If you plan to trade in your old car, check Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com for the value of your trade-in. Make sure you check the trade-in link, not the retail link. Very few cars fall under the excellent, keep in mind your car will need re-conditioning, so Good is a typical trade-in. Keep the trade separate from the new car transaction. The price of a trade-in should have no bearing on the price of the new car.

•Research models and pricing: Narrow down your list to three vehicles and do price research on all. There are many sites on the Internet that can help you

•Do you really need the add-ons? Think carefully about additional options like a sunroof because they can affect the price of the car. Decide ahead of time what extra perks you want.

•Is a service contract for you? Service contracts provide for the repair of certain parts or problems. These contracts are offered by manufacturers, dealers, or independent companies. Check to see if they provide coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Remember that a warranty is included in the price of the car while service contract costs extra.

•Avoid focusing only on the monthly payment: Insist on negotiating one thing at a time. Settle on the vehicle’s price first, then discuss a trade-in, financing, or leasing separately, as necessary. Don’t bring up leasing until after you’ve agreed on the vehicle’s price.

•You’re in control: If it is not the deal or price you want, be prepared to walk away. Don’t let anyone pressure you

Still A Market for Minivans!

Americans bought more than 1 million minivans annually from 1993-2005, and most of those were made by Chrysler. The first to roll off the assembly line in Windsor on Oct. 8, 1983, a blue Plymouth Voyager with wood trim, started the revolution.
The "people mover" is credited with saving then-Chrysler Corp. from the edge of bankruptcy, and it could play a savior role again.
An August market analysis by Kelley Blue Book found used cars continue to depreciate, but minivans appreciated by almost 5 percent -- the highest of any sector.
With no new minivans expected this year, "minivan values should remain strong for the foreseeable future," Flores said.
Also, people are still shopping for minivans, said James Bell, KBB market analyst in Irvine, Calif., and they see only three credible choices: a Chrysler, Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.
Chrysler made the top-selling minivan until last year, when the Odyssey took the top spot. But Chrysler's total minivan sales remain highest.
Chrysler has always been aggressive in improving its minivans to maintain that dominance, said spokesman Rick Deneau.
Notable innovations include Stow 'n Go seats and, more recently, swivel seats.
*Thanks to the Detroit News!

The Future is Now: Get a Look at the 2010 Dodge Vehicles

You’ve been asking, and now finally the wait is over. Now you can get a look at each vehicle in our 2010 lineup over at Dodge.com. Each page features vehicle highlights and details what’s new.
But wait, there’s more! As you read this, folks are working hard to finish the full sites for each of our 2010 vehicles, and we’ll be sure to let you know when those go live. Until then, select the link below to learn more. http://www.redletterdodge.com/

Thanks to Red Letter Dodge for their great updates on Dodge!

MangoRock

Ever wonder how those Jeep rocks get to the dealerships? Here is a video with Al Mango, of MangoRock that shows just what goes into a "jumble of rocks"

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jOCnBl8jXs

Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep Return to Leasing!

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 16, 2009 -
Chrysler Group LLC today announced it will offer a leasing option for U.S. customers on all 2010 model year Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles through Chrysler’s preferred lender, GMAC Financial Services.
“We are pleased to re-enter the leasing market so we can offer customers the opportunity to lease vehicles at rates competitive with the marketplace,” said Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer–Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our ability to offer additional financing options will benefit consumers who have long been fans of leasing and appreciate the flexibility this financing option gives them.”
Effective Sept. 17, 2009, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge will offer leasing options for all 2010 model year vehicles in the United States. Featured vehicles with special lease rates through Sept. 30, 2009 are:
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram 1500 and Journey
Jeep Wrangler and Liberty
Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge also offer the following incentives, which are valid through Sept. 30, 2009: http://bit.ly/ZpH68