Chrysler Group LLC announced its new pledge program which allows consumers to return a new vehicle within 60 days if they aren’t happy with the purchase, plus the company will make the first two months payments for the consumer (up to $500 per month, maximum of $1000).

“We build great vehicles for just about any lifestyle and with this pledge, consumers will have the confidence to know they made the right purchase or they can return the vehicle no questions asked ,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Plus Chrysler Group will make the first two payments for the consumer.”

The program starts today and is available on most 2010 Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck vehicles.

In addition, the company’s National Tent Event also kicks off in July, with more than 2,000 Chrysler Group dealerships participating with associated activities at their stores.

“We are pleased to sponsor, for the first time, a national tent event with our local dealerships,” Diaz said. “With local fairs and summer activities in full swing, our dealers are thrilled to add to the summertime excitement and festivities.”

July Incentives

Chrysler Group LLC today announced 0 percent financing on most 2010 model year Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck vehicles when financed through GMAC Financial Services. The incentives announced today are valid through Aug. 2, 2010.

Chrysler Brand
Consumers purchasing 2010 model year Chrysler brand vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, through GMAC Financial Services, Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or the “Regret Free Purchase” pledge program.

• Consumers purchasing a 2010 model year Chrysler also are eligible for 1.9 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services
• Consumers who lease a 2010 model year Chrysler 300, Chrysler 300 C or Chrysler Town & Country minivan through GMAC Financial Services are eligible for lease bonus cash of up to $2,000

Jeep Brand
Consumers who purchase most Jeep brand 2010 model year vehicles can choose 0 percent financing for 60 months, Consumer Cash of up to $4,000 or the pledge program.

• Consumers who purchase a 2010 Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Jeep Commander and finance through GMAC Financial Services are eligible for up to $1,000 in GMAC Bonus Cash
• Current Jeep owners who purchase the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee are eligible for $1,000 Bonus Cash, and attractive Jeep lease offer.

Dodge Brand
Consumers purchasing most 2010 model year Dodge brand vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or the “60-Day Test Drive” pledge program.

• Consumers who purchase Dodge Charger can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 72 months, Consumer Cash of $3,000 or the “60-Day Test Drive” pledge program

Ram Truck Brand

Consumers who purchase 2010 model year Ram Truck vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or the “60-Day Handshake” Pledge program.

• Consumers purchasing a Ram 1500 and finance through GMAC are eligible $1,000 GMAC Bonus Cash.

Leasing
Chrysler Group is offering attractive lease rates on most 2010 model year vehicles.

Chrysler Group LLC reported a U.S. sales increase of 35 percent, versus June 2009, the third consecutive year-over-year percentage sales improvement, and double the industry’s average percentage increase.

“This 35 percent increase in year-over-year sales shows that we continue to build on our sales momentum,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Consumer buzz is building tremendously with the arrival of our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee in dealerships now, as well as the continuing accolades for our new Ram Heavy-Duty pickup trucks.”

Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for June of 92,482 units, an increase of 35 percent versus June 2009 (68,297 units), even in the face of a softer-than-expected June for the industry.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 60-day supply of inventory (221,726 units), a 14 percent increase versus June 2009 (195,272 units). The 60-day supply is down from a 71-day supply in June 2009. Overall, U.S. industry sales figures for June are projected at an estimated 11.4 SAAR.

“As we enter the busy summer travel season, all four of our brands – Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck – enjoyed sales increases during June,” Diaz said. “Our minivan pledge continues to resonate with consumers, as both the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans posted significant year-over-year sales increases.”

The new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee started arriving in dealerships in June and will be available in greater volumes this month. The new Grand Cherokee follows the introduction of the all-new 2010 Ram Heavy-Duty pickup trucks and the all-new 2011 Ram Chassis Cab. Chrysler Group later this year will launch 16 all-new or refreshed products representing 75 percent of the model lineup.
June U.S. Sales Highlights

• Jeep Brand sales (20,731 units) increased 25 percent versus the same time period last year (16,608 units
• Jeep Brand sales were up more than 9 percent in the second quarter this year, compared with the second quarter of 2009
• Jeep Wrangler sales (8,923 units) improved 86 percent versus June 2009 (4,810 units)
  • Jeep Wrangler just received Edmunds’ Inside Line 2010 Readers’ Most Wanted Award in the “Instant Classic Under $30,000” category
• Jeep Compass sales (1,259 units) increased 30 percent compared with June last year (967 units)
• Dodge Brand sales (36,996 units) were up 67 percent compared with June 2009 (22,180 units)
• The Dodge brand posted the highest year-over-year sales increase in June of the four brands
• Dodge Caravan sales (8,658) were up 49 percent versus June 2009 (5,820 units)
• Dodge Caliber sales (4,728) increased 34 percent compared with June last year (3,538 units)
• Dodge Avenger Sedan, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger sales each increased by triple digit percentages versus June 2009
• Dodge Challenger posted a June sales record (3,086), as well as a record for the second quarter and half year
• Dodge Nitro sales (1,591) increased 8 percent compared with June 2009 (1,471) units
• Dodge Viper sales increased by triple digits, versus June 2009
• Chrysler Brand sales (17,893 units) increased 30 percent compared with June 2009 (13,753 units)
• Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales (9,595 units) improved 34 percent versus June 2009 (7,178 units
• Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible) sales (3,978 units) increased 127 percent compared with June 2009 (1,752 units)
• Chrysler 300 sales (3,304 units) increased 13 percent compared with June 2009 (2,917 units)
• Ram Brand sales (16,862 units) increased 7 percent versus June 2009 (15,728 units)
• Ram Pickup sales (15,864 units) were up 10 percent compared with last June (14,478)
• Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck sales increased 26 percent versus June 2009
• Dodge Dakota sales (983 units) were up 52 percent compared with the same time period last year (645 units)

Fearing the risk of fire, brake failure and sticking accelerator pedals, US automaker Chrysler is making a slew of vehicle recalls, US government documents showed on Monday.

The Michigan-based firm has recalled almost 600,000 vehicles across four models, documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed.

The recall includes 288,968 Jeep Wranglers for faults that could cause friction between an inner fender and tubing and lead to break failure.

A total of 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravans and Chrysler Town & Country models have also been recalled because of ill-fitted wiring that poses a fire risk.

Around 25,336 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass models are also being recalled for problems with a sticking accelerator pedal.

It is just the latest in a raft of recalls from Chrysler and other vehicle manufacturers.

Earlier this month Chrysler recalled 35,000 Dodge Caliber vehicles worldwide over problems with sticky acceleration pedals,

Chrysler saw its US sales surge 33 percent in May from a year earlier after emerging from bankruptcy.

US automaker Chrysler has recalled some 35,000 Dodge Caliber vehicles worldwide over problems with sticky acceleration pedals, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on its website.

Chrysler is recalling 25,000 Dodge Caliber of the 2007 model year sold in the United States, as well as a smaller number of large four-wheel drive Jeep Compass vehicles, also from 2007, built between March and May 2006.

The remaining vehicles involved in the recall are in Mexico, Canada and other countries.

The acceleration pedals were built by CTS, a US company that also built pedals implicated in Toyota's acceleration-related recall earlier in the year.

Chrysler told the NHTSA that the pedal design was different and made with different equipment than the pedals involved in the Toyota recall.

The NHTSA opened a probe into the Chrysler pedals on April 29, based on five complaints, the agency said in a statement.

Chrysler believes that the problems do not represent a high risk for the safety of passengers, but said it decided to issue a recall out of abundance of caution.

The company said it has no information on accidents caused by the problem, and said it will inspect the recalled vehicles and replace pedals if necessary.

The NHTSA is also investigating possible problems with floor mats that could trap the accelerator pedal in the down position in two models of Ford cars.

Toyota has recalled about 10 million vehicles worldwide, mainly for problems attributed to involuntary acceleration due to pedals being jammed in the down position.

Toyota overtook General Motors in 2008 as the world's top automaker, but safety issues have raised questions over whether it sacrificed its reputation for reliability to become number one.

Chrysler's boss says he is feeling confident about the automaker's future, a year after it emerged from bankruptcy, as it adds 1,100 jobs at a Detroit assembly plant.

"This is a signature vehicle for Chrysler," Chyrsler and Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne told reporters on Friday at the unveiling of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee -- the first new vehicle in nearly a year.

"I don't worry about the world economy," added Marchionne when asked about the chances that economic troubles in Europe could undermine recovery in the United States, which Chrysler is counting on to boost sales.

The new Grand Cherokee -- an SUV built at Chrysler's revamped Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit -- features an all new V6 engine that gets 23 miles (37 kilometers) per US gallon on the highway.

Marchionne also said after the official launch ceremony, which drew a host of exuberant local politicians, that Chrysler has ample customer demand to support production on a second shift.

"We have enough orders," said Marchionne, adding that part of the production will be exported to overseas markets through Fiat's distribution network.

"This is the beginning of the gradual process of re-building this organization on the basis of a very sound manufacturing philosophy that will allow this (site) to be competitive globally, and that's been my objective from the time I started," Marchionne said.

"This car is a series of steps in a long series of steps that will return us to global competitiveness," he said. "It's really subject to market conditions and continued performance.

"Based on what I see now, I don't see any reason why we should not go public (next year) -- but don't ask me which month."

Chrysler is looking at ways to refinance the other part of the loans from the US Treasury that rescued the automaker -- one of Detroit's Big Three along with General Motors and Ford -- from bankruptcy one year ago.

But it's a very complicated matter, Marchionne pointed out.

"They were designed to provide long term relief to Chrysler. So before we shut down the financing source, we better be sure about what we're doing," he said, adding however that the debt has been very expensive for Chrysler.

"Eighteen months ago I wouldn't have believed this was possible," said United Auto Workers union vice president General Holiefield, who has worked closely with Marchionne during the reorganization of Chrysler.

"Now the company was ready to add jobs," Holiefield said.

He said the UAW accepts that new workers hired over the next two months for the second shift will be paid between 14 dollars and 16 dollars per hour depending on their skill level rather than the 28 dollars to 29 dollars per hour long-serving union members now make on Chrysler's assembly lines.

"They're going to be making a living wage," he said.

The union had agreed to the new "entry level" range in 2007 even before the financial crisis left the company bankrupt, noted Holiefield, who praised Marchionne for implementing a new manufacturing system to improve quality and give assembly-line workers more support by eliminating clutter throughout the plant and making it easier to find the right part for a particular vehicle.

In the past, executives frequently talked about changing the way Chrysler builds vehicles, "but they never put in the infrastructure," he said.

Marchionne said Jefferson North gave Fiat's manufacturing experts an opportunity to install a new manufacturing system without much fuss.

The Jefferson North plant covers more than three million square feet (278,700 square metres) and opened in 1992 as the replacement for an old plant that was built in 1907.

It is the only plant completely in the city of Detroit where the unemployment rate hovers around 25 percent.

Fiat acquired a 20-percent stake in the then-bankrupt Chrysler last year in exchange for clean-car and small-car technology.

Chrysler Group is pleased the arbitrator agreed with the difficult dealer decisions made during the bankruptcy proceedings. This was an important decision in that the arbitrator essentially decided that no dealer in the market is better than diluting Chrysler Group's dealer network with a poor performing dealer.

There is no denying that Chrysler Group’s and the public’s economic interests are inextricably linked. Chrysler Group not only employed sound business judgment but is acting in the greater public interest by protecting the dealer network that was created as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings. We are confident we now have the dealer network in place that allows dealers to be successful, which will result in greater investment in their communities, employees and customers and, ultimately will enable the company to repay the U.S. Taxpayers in a timely manner.

Chrysler Group LLC today reported a U.S. sales increase of 25 percent, the best year-over-year percentage sales improvement for the company in almost five years. In addition, the company continued its trend of month-over-month sales increases in 2010, up 3 percent versus March 2010.

"April was a very positive month for Chrysler Group, with concrete results that highlight the company is on-track and gaining momentum," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer - Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization. "Today we reported sales increased 25 percent compared with April 2009, building on the news from April 21 that the company posted an operating profit of $143 million for the first quarter 2010."

Chrysler Group LLC reported total U.S. sales for April of 95,703 units, an increase of 25 percent versus April 2009 (76,682 units). Sales increased 3 percent compared with March 2010 (92,623 units). Chrysler Group finished the month with a 53-day supply of inventory (196,614 units), a 42 percent decline versus April 2009 (336,913 units). Overall, U.S. industry sales figures for April are projected at an estimated 11.5 SAAR.

"We are proud of our Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram truck dealers, who supported the new company from day one," added Diaz. "They are as excited about our future as we are, and their enthusiasm is spreading to consumers, resulting in increasing showroom traffic and sales."

April U.S. Sales Highlights

• Dodge Brand sales (38,795 units) were up 61 percent compared with April 2009 (24,070 units)
• Dodge Challenger sales (3,713 units) increased 42 percent versus last year (2,619 units) and set a new monthly sales record for the Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Grand Caravan sales (10,435 units) improved 56 percent compared with the same time period last year (6,687 units)
• Dodge Avenger sales increased by triple digit percentages versus April 2009
• Dodge Charger sales increase 90 percent compared with the same time period last year
• Dodge Caliber sales (3,671 units) were up 44 percent compared with last year
• Dodge Nitro increased sales (1,536 units) 14 percent versus the same time period last year
• Chrysler Brand sales (22,386 units) increased 61 percent versus April 2009 (13,874 units)
• Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible) both posted triple digit percentage increases compared with April 2009
• Chrysler 300 sales (4,127 units) were up 40 percent versus last year (2,946 units)
• Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales (13,367 units) improved 80 percent compared with April 2009 (7,443 units)
• Jeep Compass sales (1,443 units) were up triple digits versus April 2009 (712 units)
• Jeep Patriot sales (2,404 units) improved 21 percent compared with last year (1,983 units)
• Jeep Liberty (3,490 units) sales increase six percent versus April 2009
• Dodge Dakota improved sales 36 percent versus April 2009
• Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck sales improved 13 percent compared with April 2009

"With competitively priced vehicles that customers want to purchase, the company was able to reduce incentive spending compared with last year, while posting improved sales," said Diaz. "But we aren't resting on this month's results. We are hungry to continue building on the sales improvements — we are just getting started."

Incentives

April incentives are valid through today, May incentives will be announced Tuesday, May 4.

Chrysler Group LLC today announced that it sold 13,777 vehicles in March in markets outside North America, which was a 32-percent increase over the prior month. Chrysler Group’s sales during the first quarter of 2010 were up 1 percent outside North America, compared to this time period last year. Through March 2010, the company sold 35,647 vehicles. March sales were down 3 percent against March 2009.

Regional Sales

Chrysler Group saw March 2010 sales increases in all regions when compared with February 2010.

In the Asia Pacific region, the company sold 3,298 vehicles in March. This equates to an increase of 36 percent over February 2010 and 7 percent versus March 2009. China led the region and the company with 1,966 vehicle sales, up 20 percent against the same month last year. Japan also achieved a year-over-year sales increase.

Combined sales for the company in the Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Russia region reached 3,026 vehicles in March, an increase of 60 percent over February 2010 and 53 percent versus March 2009. All main markets within the region earned year-over-year sales increases.

In Latin America, Chrysler Group sold 3,324 vehicles in March, beating the prior month’s sales by 11 percent. Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico posted year-over-year sales increases.

In Western and Central Europe, the company sold 4,093 vehicles in March. This was an increase of 31 percent versus February 2010. The United Kingdom led the region with 999 vehicle sales, topping March 2009 sales by 16 percent. Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal and Spain also posted year-over-year sales increases.

Brand Sales

In March 2010, the Jeep® brand sold 7,852 vehicles outside North America, an increase of 36 percent compared to March 2009. During the first quarter of 2010, the Jeep brand sold 18,939 vehicles outside North America, an increase of 27 percent versus the same period in 2009. Total sales of the Jeep brand worldwide, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, reached 93,458 units during the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 5 percent versus the first three months of 2009.

Outside of North America, the Jeep Wrangler led the brand and the company with 2,622 sales, more than double the number sold in the same month last year. Other Jeep vehicles to post year-over-year sales increases were Compass, Patriot and Grand Cherokee.

The Dodge brand sold 3,897 vehicles in March outside North America. The Dodge Journey led the brand with 2,177 units sold, an increase of 62 percent compared to March 2009.

The Chrysler brand sold 1,683 vehicles for the month outside North America. The Chrysler minivan led the brand with 808 units sold, while Chrysler 300C Touring achieved a year-over-year sales increase.

The Ram Truck brand sold 345 vehicles in March outside North America, and the Dakota marked a year-over-year sales increase. Ram vehicles are sold in select markets outside North America.

Chrysler Group sells and services vehicles in more than 120 countries around the world.

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that its all-new Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant has been awarded a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Green Building System certification for meeting the highest environmental standards. In fact, Trenton is one of only four auto manufacturing facilities to receive a LEED rating of any kind and the only engine manufacturing facility in the world to achieve the honor.

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Trenton Mayor Gerald Brown, UAW Chrysler Department Assistant Director Tim Bressler and other local officials joined Chrysler Group executives and employees to celebrate the honor during a Job One event for the all-new Pentastar V-6 engine made at the plant.

“The Trenton South Engine Plant has established a new industry benchmark for efficient, environmentally conscious design,” said Scott Garberding, Head of Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. “This Gold certification is tangible evidence of Chrysler’s dedication to the environment and to the well-being of our surrounding communities.”

LEED, administered by the United States Green Building Council, is a comprehensive system to define, measure and validate “green buildings.” Certification in the national recognition program is based on strict standards in five key areas: site planning, water management, energy, material use and indoor environmental quality.

Trenton South was designed for both efficient manufacturing and minimal environmental impact. It was built on a brownfield site and designed to embrace the highest environmental standards to address the complete lifecycle of the facility.

Buildings are the number one contributor to CO2 emissions, according to a 2006 study by the Energy Information Administration. As a result of its innovative design and attention to detail, the Trenton South Engine Plant has reduced its CO2 emissions by more than 12,000 metric tons per year – the equivalent to the energy use of nearly 1,000 homes.

During the building’s construction, 44 percent of the materials used included recycled content. More than 90 percent of construction waste – about 6,750 tons – was recycled and diverted from landfills. In addition, over 80 percent of the building materials were procured from regional sources, further contributing to local economies and the use of regional resources.

The new plant also lowers total energy use by 39 percent, resulting in a savings of $1.25 million per year. Total water use has been reduced by 1.5 million gallons per year compared to the previous manufacturing facility. Contributing to environmental improvements are higher performance insulation, more efficient manufacturing processes, and higher efficiency fluorescent lighting, and heating and cooling systems.

Chrysler also continues its commitment to Zero-Waste-to-Landfill processes at Trenton South, which will divert more than 670 tons of waste from landfills.

The heat-island effect on the surrounding environment has been minimized by incorporating native grasses and trees, reducing the number of vehicle parking spaces while adding car and van pool spaces, and using a white “cool” roof and light-colored hardscape throughout.

Chrysler Group achieved the LEED Gold certification with the help of two architect/engineering firms, BEI Associates, Inc. of Detroit and Harley Ellis Devereaux of Southfield, Mich., and the construction management firm Walbridge of Detroit.

Jerome York, a director of Apple Inc., former chief financial officer at Chrysler Corp. and International Business Machines Corp., and adviser to investor Kirk Kerkorian, died in Pontiac, Michigan. He was 71.

Apple announced the death in a statement today. York collapsed the night of March 16 at his home in Oakland Township, Michigan, according to his wife, Eilene York. Doctors at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital said he suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage, she said.

York helped lead turnarounds at Chrysler and IBM, and provided counsel to Steve Jobs during Apple’s renaissance as a consumer-electronics giant. As an adviser to billionaire Kerkorian, he served as a frontman in takeover battles and fought for management changes.

“Jerry had the guts and brains to identify the needed changes at many of America’s greatest companies, including Chrysler, IBM, General Motors and Apple, helping them to reach their greater potential,” said Steve Miller, a director of UAL Corp., who worked with York at Chrysler.

York was born June 22, 1938. He graduated from West Point, earned an MBA at the University of Michigan and a master’s degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He served in Chrysler’s finance department in the early 1980s under then- Chief Executive Officer Lee Iacocca during the automaker’s brush with bankruptcy and recovery to health.

Saving Chrysler

“From the moment I met him 30 years ago, it was clear that he was brilliant, even-paced and had great judgment,” said Gerald Greenwald, a former Chrysler vice chairman and a founding partner of the Greenbriar Equity Group LLC, a private-equity firm. “He had lots to do with saving Chrysler. Industrial America is going to miss him.”

He rose in Chrysler’s ranks to become executive vice president of finance. In 1993, Louis Gerstner, then IBM’s CEO, recruited him to be senior vice president and chief financial officer as part of the turnaround of the computer company. He gained a reputation as a relentless cost-cutter.

He left IBM to join Kerkorian’s Tracinda Corp. months after the private investment company began an unsuccessful attempt to take over Chrysler in 1995. In 2005, York advised Kerkorian as Tracinda began buying shares of General Motors Corp. Tracinda eventually amassed 9.9 percent of GM, whose management in early 2006 invited York to join the board.

Nissan Fight

Kerkorian and York aimed to create an alliance between GM and the alliance that already existed by Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA, headed by Carlos Ghosn. Rick Wagoner, then GM’s CEO, rejected the idea as expensive and impractical. In the fall of 2006, disappointed by Wagoner’s rejection, York resigned from GM’s board. A few months later, Tracinda sold its GM stake.

York was nominated as a director at Apple in 1997 by Jobs, who had just returned to the company as CEO after a 12-year hiatus.

York and Bill Campbell, chairman of Intuit Inc., have been Apple’s longest-serving board members. For most of the year York joined Apple, its shares were selling for less than $5 a share, a far cry from yesterday’s closing price of $224.12.

During York’s tenure on Apple’s board, the company transformed itself from a computer-industry also-ran into a dominant maker of portable devices. The company’s sales soared to more than $40 billion a year, fueled by the iMac, iPod and iPhone.

York also served on the board of Dana Holding Corp., an auto-parts supplier in Toledo, Ohio.

“He was an enormous contributor, based on his vast experience,” said John Devine, Dana’s chairman. “There wasn’t anything that he hadn’t seen before several times.”