Chrysler has secured a contract with diesel engine supplier Cummins. The contract states the continuation of the production of the 6.7 liter six-cylinder turbo diesel for Ram Heavy Duty pickups and commercial chassis trucks. Chrysler and Cummins have been in partnership for twenty-one years now.

Despite Chrysler’s struggles due to a passé portfolio in an otherwise very fresh market, Chrysler maintains a strong reputation when it comes to its diesel engines. The Cummins diesel is often regarded as the best diesel in the light-duty truck market – making the relationship with Cummins vital for Chrysler’s Ram brand to remain a leader in the segment.

“Cummins and Chrysler have a long and important…

A new year bids a new look for the 2010 Chrysler 300C. But don’t expect too drastic a change with the latest 300C as Chrysler UK already said that only a few updates will be incorporated to the car.

The new 300C SE features leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, LED ambient lighting, front fog lamps, and parking sensors. Added also are the xenon headlamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a six speaker Boston Acoustics audio system. All of these you’ll get starting at £23,995.

And for £24,995, you’ll be adding an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an upgraded Boston Acoustics system (with a subwoofer and a GPS…

Chrysler won’t need the scheduled press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. They’ll just let all their debuts—the Chrysler-badged Lancia, the Fiat 500 EV and the 500 Abarth, just to name a few—do the talking.

As reported by Automotive News, an electric version of the Fiat 500 will be present at the Chrysler booth when the Detroit show kicks off next month. Though there are no immediate plans for a retail version of the electric 500, a gas-powered version of the small car will arrive in Chrysler showrooms by the end of 2010.

The entire lineup of the US-bound 500 models will also make it to the Detroit…

Lancia and Chrysler, two new divisions bought by the Fiat group will now share future product platforms. The first among its shared products will be the all new Lancia-badged, Chrysler 300-based flagship.

Lancia will also be receiving a vehicle based  on the platform that will be replacing the Chrysler Sebring. Lancia will not be the only one receiving new cars from the exchange, Chrysler will also be getting a small, upmarket hatchback platform to use for a future sub-Sebring car designed to meet stringent fuel economy standards.

The Lancia flagship sedan that will be based on the next generation Chrysler 300 will replace the very controversial Lancia Thesis.

Fiat is promoting Chrysler upmarket,…

Since Fiat has bought Chrysler, the American automaker is looking to hire more engineers and product designers. The company has laid off a lot of jobs over the last years since it has been passed from one owner to another. But in Fiats case the Italian owners’ wants to bring products to the market faster.

According to reports Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is mulling over the idea of asking some of its formerly laid-off workers to return to the company, although the Web site doesn’t cite any sources. Most of worker re hired will be in the design, engineering and product development departments.

Marchionne is very vocal about the fact that he…

Due to the financial crisis and environmental concerns, Chrysler has decided to include a DVD version of the owner’s manual, rather than a traditional printed manual. This is to save both on money and paper. Cool idea I may say.

All 2010 models will get a 60-to-80-page user’s guide that will include all the essential information about the vehicle. But the entire details and information about each model will be stored in DVD. If you still want the printed version it is still available from the dealerships.

The DVD manuals will also include videos on more complex functions, like audio and navigation programming and folding the soft top on the Jeep Wrangler.

According…

Following the path of General Motors, Chrysler has resumed its vehicle leasing business. The move was officially confirmed last September 17, 2010. According to the carmaker Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles are available for lease.

Chrysler left the vehicle leasing business last July 2008 when it financial leasing department was not able to get a line of credit. With the return of Chrysler to leasing, it could boost the carmakers overall sales. Since they have stopped leasing cars, Chrysler’s market share has declined more than two full points.

GMAC Financial Services will now be responsible for handling all Chrysler leases.

As of this writing the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram…