The first production version of the 2013 Dodge Dart compact car rolled off of Chrysler’s assembly line on Monday after eight months of preparation.
“I’ve never been in a plant that I feel is more trained and ready than (the) workforce that we have out there today,” said Kurt Kavajecz, manager at Chrysler’s Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant.
1st production Dodge Dart rolls off assembly line | Detroit Free Press | freep.com.
2013 Dodge Dart
It’s barely 2012 and Dodge is still riding the wave of accolades from 2011. We like to think it’s all due to our loyal fans, and according to the Polk Loyalty Awards, who gave the Dodge Challenger its 2011 Model Year Polk Automotive Award for the Sports Car category we’re not alone. The award is based on purchases and lease activity and recognizes “superior performance in owner retention.” In other words, you guys love the Challenger and truth be told, we do too. It’s one thing to talk about being a fan of a car, but quite another to vote for it with your wallets. For that, we couldn’t be more thankful. As another testament to yours truly, our loyal fans, we were also recently bestowed the Cars.com Shoppers’ Choice award, given to their shoppers’ favorite car of the year. We’ve already talked about the fierce loyalty you guys have and this one goes in tandem. Based on the actions of millions of consumers at Cars.com – searching for vehicles, contacting dealers about availability, and filling out positive reviews of the vehicle – the Challenger “best represents the voice” of Cars.com shoppers. Cars.com editor-in-chief Patrick Olsen said, “The Dodge Challenger’s win proves, once again, that our Cars.com shoppers know what makes a great vehicle. The Challenger’s classic muscle car styling, refined handling and spacious interior make this an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a fun and surprisingly practical car.”
Chrysler Group, LLC continues it steady growth and as a result posted a third quarter net income of $212 million reversing a year-ago loss for the same time period. As a result, Chrysler has raised it’s annual profit projection to $600 million, up from an earlier projection of $200 million to $500 million.
Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said in a Chrysler statement, “This house continues to be fully focused on financial performance and making outstanding cars and trucks by fully leveraging its alliance with Fiat”
In related news, Consumer Reports last week reported that the all three of the brands were more reliable, including Jeep, which was named the best of any domestic brand. Also last week, the UAW ratified a new four year contract with Chrysler, ensuring the automaker’s fixed costs will remain stable.
For more details on Chrysler third quarter performance, click here to see the official press release.
The asphalt doesn’t stand a chance in 2012. Winner of the prestigious Ward’s 10 Best Engines award, the redesigned 3.6L Pentastar V-6 in the 2012 Jeep® Wrangler just keeps climbing – literally and figuratively. Now with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and offering a new 5-speed automatic transmission, this year’s engine eclipses previous versions while delivering a 10% increase in fuel efficiency, up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway.
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Stew Hansen Dodge Ram Chrysler Jeep Fleet Manager H.K. Bougher Presents Check To West Des Moines Dollars For Scholars
Stew Hansen Dodge Ram Chrysler Jeep, and West Des Moines, IA Valley High School students and families participated in a Dodge Booster Club Fundraiser on June 16, and raised $1,640.00 for the school’s Dollars for Scholars program. Participants turned out to the high school to show their support for the Dollars for Scholars program. Participants raised $1,640 as Dodge contributed $20 for each test drive in a new Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, Dodge Charger or Dodge Grand Caravan.
“Music, art, athletics and theater inspire and foster a passion for life and provide a creative outlet that benefits students,” Ralph Gilles, President and CEO Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge brand and our dealers are committed to the communities where we do business and support organizations that encourage student development and growth.”
“We love working with the parents and students in our community,” said H.K. Bougher, Fleet Manager, at Stew Hansen Dodge. “We were very happy with the community turn out at the Dodge school Fundraiser. It will be our pleasure to present the contribution check to West Des Moines Dollars for Scholars in the amount of $1,640. We also enjoyed the community’s enthusiastic response to our all new Dodge Durango SUV, Dodge Journey crossover, and the award winning Dodge minivan, the Grand Caravan.”
Over the past few months, Stew Hansen Dodge Ram Chrysler Jeep has been working hard to improve our dealership’s facility. With the addition of the Chrysler and Ram franchises, we have updated all of our exterior and interior signage as well as a refreshed look for our main entrance. Check out the photos and lets us know what you think!
