The 2010 Dodge Journey, 2010 Chrysler Sebring (when equipped with available Electronic Stability Control [ESC]), 2010 Dodge Avenger (when equipped with available ESC) and 2010 Jeep® Patriot (with available seat-mounted air bags) were named top safety picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Sebring, Avenger and Journey also were awarded IIHS top safety picks for both the 2009 and 2010 model years. The 2010 Patriot joins the trio in receiving the highest possible rating from the nonprofit research organization.

For the 2010 model year, Chrysler Group products comprised almost 15 percent of the total vehicles awarded top safety pick status by the IIHS to automakers. The award recognizes automobiles with ESC that perform well in the safety group’s front-impact, side-impact, rear-impact and new for 2010, roof-strength evaluations.

“With the addition of the Jeep Patriot, the Chrysler Group has received four top safety picks in the 2010 model year—a great accomplishment for our company,” Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, said. “IIHS’ recognition of our products underscores the Chrysler Group’s engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection.”

The 2010 Patriot, Sebring, Avenger and Journey use a two-fold approach to safety—passive features combined with accident-avoidance features. Available safety and security features on all four vehicles include ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and anti-lock braking system (ABS), driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side air bags and advanced multi-stage front air bags.

“Chrysler showed the most improvement of any automaker for 2010,” IIHS President Adrian Lund said. “These Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models are part of an elite group that afford the best overall crash protection and have electronic stability control, which can help keep drivers out of crashes altogether.”

The Chrysler Group’s four top safety picks all feature the company’s new active head restraint system for front-seat occupants. This new system aids the head restraints ability to minimize neck injuries caused by rear-impact accidents. In the event of a rear impact, the head restraints deploy to remove the space between the occupants head and the restraint to help minimize whiplash-type injuries.

Perhaps breaking a stereotype that pickup trucks are the ideal candidate for such a list, there were only two that actually made the cut—the 2009 Honda Ridgeline and the 2010 Ford F-150.

The complete list included:
2010 GMC Acadia                            
2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport                                                                           
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander                    
2010 Kia Soul                                                                            
2009 Honda Ridgeline                                                                            
2009 Dodge Caravan                                                                            
2009 GMC Yukon Denali                                                                             
2009 Dodge Caliber                                                                             
2009 Honda Element                                                                            
2010 Ford F-150

“Auto manufacturers are increasingly creating vehicles with particular lifestyles in mind, and undoubtedly the huge football-following American public has influenced some design choices,” said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. 

The editors noted such features as speakers that flip down from a rear hatch, multiple monitors, built-in tables and seats, fold-down tailgates that have step-ladders and handles, removable in-vehicle coolers, rear cargo compartment audio controls, powerlift gates, dual power outlets and premium sound packages as a few of the factors for inclusion in the listing. 

“While some may only think of the traditional pickup truck as being ideal for tailgating, our choices show that there are tailgate-friendly vehicles available in just about every size and price-point,” Nerad added.

Dodge will be represented by Kurt Busch and Kasey Kahne in the 12-driver Chase for the Championship field that will compete for the Sprint Cup over the final 10 races of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.  Busch finished second and Kahne 12th in Saturday night’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Speedway to lock up their berths.
 
The points havebeen reset at 5,000 for each of the 12 drivers plus 10 bonus points for each win.  The leader heading into the first event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway next week will be Mark Martin with 5,040 points after receiving 40 bonus points for four wins so far this season.  Kahnestarts with 5,020 (two wins) and Busch 5,010 (one win).
 
Busch ran in the top five most of the night and challenged race winner Denny Hamlin for the lead over the final 14 laps.  It was Busch’s seventh top-five and 14th top-10 finish of the season.
 
“We did what we needed to do tonight to make the Chase,” said Busch.  “It was a conservative race setup for us.  We put ourselves up front to try and stay out of trouble.  We finally found something that the car liked during the race and I’m so proud of our guys.  It was really a good run for us tonight and exactly what we needed heading into the Chase.
 
“It came down to the 26th race and we did the job tonight to fight our way into the final 10 races.  We did it.  I’m so proud of everyone on this Miller Lite Dodge.  They fought hard all year to put us in a position that we’re in tonight.  The four years that I’ve been at Penske, we’ve made half of the Chase races and I’m proud of everyone that played a role.
 
“It gave us a more comfortable feeling to run in the top five all night and try to stay out of trouble.  To be in contention to win like that at the end and have great pit stops all night, it shows we’re ready.  We’ve got some questions marks, but we’ll sort them out when we get there.  It’s a moral victory for the team.  It gives us a shot at the championship.  We’re only 30 points behind.  It’s a whole different game now.” 
 
Pat Tryson, who will be leaving the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge team at the end of the season as crew chief, is looking forward to the first two stops (New Hampshire and Dover) in the 10-race Chase.
 
“We had a good car all night,” Tryson said.  “I wish we had a little something more for the 11 car (Hamlin).  It was a nice solid night to make the Chase.  Now we can go after that championship.  If it wasn’t for a couple of wrecks, we would have been locked in (the Chase) a couple of races ago.  That stuff happens.  We’verun well all year.  Hopefully, we can go give them a run for their money.  The first two are good tracks for us.  So if we can get out good, we’ll see what happens.”
 
Kahne was never in trouble during the night, but the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge Charger didn’t handle as well as it did the previous week at Atlanta when Kahne picked up his second win on the season and built a comfortable cushion in the Chase standings.
 
Kahnestarted fifth and ran in the top 20 throughout the night, finishing 15th. 
 
“It feels great to make it in the Chase,” said Kahne.  “We wanted to run a little better tonight, but we did enough to make it into the Chase.  I’m proud of everyone on this Budweiser Dodge team.  Kenny (Francis, crew chief) called a great race and put us in position to stay up front and not get caught up in someone else’s mess.  I’m happy for all the guys that work so hard to put our Budweiser Dodge in a position to make the Chase.  It’s a great feeling.”
 
Francis said the Budweiser Dodge was a handful.  “We were just too loose off the corner all night,” he said.  “We could never get it to where we liked it, but we kept chasing it and got it to the point where we were about a top-10 car.  We made some gains on it, but more importantly, we did what we had to do to make the Chase. 
 
“We’re in the Chase.  It’s a real relief for everyone to make it.  It’s big for the whole organization at RPM and Dodge and Budweiser and all our partners.  We’re just looking forward to putting together some good runs the next 10 races and give them all we got.”
 
Sam HornishJr. posted his second top-10 finish of the season at RIR.  He started 33rd but had worked his way into the top 10 by lap 170 and remained there the rest of the race.  He ran as high as fifthand settled for eighth at the checkered flag.  Hornish finished sixth in the spring event.
 
“It was a good night for this Mobil 1 Dodge team,” Hornish said.  “We had to come from the back and were able to get another top-10 finish.  We had a tough pit stall and had a few problems getting out just based on where people were running on the track.  The Mobil 1 crew did an outstanding job and I’m proud of our entire team effort tonight.”

Sprint Cup Chase Standings:
  1.  Mark Martin               5,040
  2.  Tony Stewart             5,030
  3.  Jimmie Johnson      5,030
  4.  Denny Hamlin           5,020
  5.  Kasey Kahne              5,020
  6.  Jeff Gordon                5,010
  7.  Kurt Busch                 5,010
  8.  Brian Vickers             5,010
  9.  Carl Edwards             5,000
10. Ryan Newman           5,000
11. Juan Montoya            5,000
12.  Greg Biffle                   5,000
 
Race Results, Chevy Rock & Roll 400:
  1.  Denny Hamlin
  2.  Kurt Busch
  3.  Jeff Gordon
  4.  Mark Martin
  5.  Kyle Busch
  6.  Clint Bowyer
  7.  Brian Vickers
  8.  Sam Hornish Jr.
  9.  Kevin Harvick
10.  Ryan Newman

Other Dodge Drivers:
12.  Kasey Kahne
16.  Reed Sorenson
23.  AJ Allmendinger
26.  David Stremme
34.  Elliott Sadler

“Another Top Safety Pick for Chrysler Group is not only a great achievement for the Dodge Journey but also for the company,” Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, said. “IIHS’ recognition of our products demonstrates Chrysler’s leadership in occupant protection and overall vehicle engineering capability.”

The 2010 Dodge Journey incorporates a two-fold approach to safety: passive features, including pretensioning seat-belt retractors, supplemental side-curtain air bags and standard torso air bags, combined with accident-avoidance features, including standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

“The Dodge Journey is at the head of the class for safety,” institute president Adrian Lund said. “The Top Safety Pick designation is our highest award and only goes to vehicles affording the best overall crash protection, plus electronic stability control to help drivers avoid many crashes altogether.”

Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Journey includes ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and ABS, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side air bags and advanced multistage front air bags.

The 2010 Journey offers more than 20 safety features, including:

• Active head restraints
• Advanced multistage air bags
• All-speed traction control
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
• Auto-reverse sun roof
• Auto-reverse window
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist
• Brake/park interlock
• Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH)
• Child-protection rear door locks
• Crumple zones
• Digressive load-limiting retractors
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Height-adjustable front seat belts
• Inside emergency release
• Interior head-impact protection
• Knee bolsters
• Safety cage body structure
• Seat-belt pretensioners (both front seat belts)
• Side guard door beams
• Side-curtain air bags

“I was trying to hang on to it and get to the next pit stop, but it kept getting looser and looser. We just got bit tonight by the loose bug.”
 
Busch came into the event sixth in points with a 192-point advantage over 13th. He dropped one spot to seventh and the margin over 13th has been reduced to 95 points.  Busch can secure a spot on the Chase by finishing 20th or better at Richmond or 22nd and lead a lap.
 
David Stremme recorded his second top-15 finish in the last three races. He finished 14th in the No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge Charger. He started ninth, ran as high as eighth and was in the top 20 throughout the race.
 
AJ Allmendinger finished 20th and teammate Elliott Sadler was 21st as 21 cars were on the lead lap when the checkered flag appeared.

The Dodge Boys
Driver, team, finished
Kasey Kahne, No. 9 Budweiser Dodge, 1st
David Stremme, No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge, 14th
AJ Allmendinger, No. 44 Hunt Brothers Pizza Dodge, 20th
Elliott Sadler, No. 19 Stanley Dodge, 21st
Reed Sorenson, No. 43 Air Force Dodge, 27th
Sam Hornish Jr., No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge, 35th
Kurt Busch, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, 38th

Sprint Cup Series driver
(after 25 of 36 races)
Position, driver (points ahead of last Chase spot)
1. Tony Stewart, 3,694 (+637)
2. Jeff Gordon, 3,457 (400)
3. Jimmie Johnson, 3,404 (347)
4. Denny Hamlin, 3,296 (239)
5. Carl Edwards, 3,162 (105)
6. Kasey Kahne (Dodge), 3,153 (96)
7. Kurt Busch (Dodge), 3,152 (95)
8. Juan Montoya, 3,145 (88)
9. Ryan Newman, 3,138 (81)
10. Mark Martin, 3,126 (69)
11. Greg Biffle, 3,125 (68)
12. Matt Kenseth, 3,077 (20)

Dealership traffic continued at a high level during the month of August, in part due to the U.S. government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), more commonly known as “cash for clunkers.”

“Chrysler Group had another strong sales month in August with the majority of Chrysler Group nameplates posting year-over-year or month-over-month sales improvements,” Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer–Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, said. “The CARS program gave a boost to the industry in August, and as a result, we’ve increased production by more than 50,000 units, our factories are full-steam ahead building Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles for customers and replenishing dealer inventories.”

The Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for August of 93,222 units, an increase of 5 percent compared with July and a decrease of 15 percent compared with the same time period in 2008. Retail sales for August were 68,958 units. The company finished the month with 100,238 units in inventory, representing a 28-day supply. Inventory is down 74 percent versus August 2008 when it totaled 380,560 units. Overall industry figures for August are projected to come in at an estimated 14.4 million annual sales rate.

“Chrysler Group’s large car, minivan, crossover and truck segments all posted increases in retail sales in August,” Steven Beahm, Vice President–Sales Operations, said. “The Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler PT Cruiser were very popular with consumers looking for high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles.”

August brand sales highlights

Seventeen out of 26 nameplates posted year-over-year and/or month-over-month retail sales increases, including five out of six Jeep nameplates. Nameplates with increased retail sales are:

Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Convertible, Chrysler 300, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Town Country, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram and Dodge Sprinter

Jeep Grand Cherokee U.S. sales increased 62 percent (7,679 units) compared with August 2008 and 118 percent versus the previous month

Chrysler 300 U.S. sales increased 17 percent versus August 2008 (4,320 units) and increased 88 percent versus July

Chrysler PT Cruiser retail sales were up 100 percent (3,819 units) compared with August 2008 and increased 45 percent compared with July. August is the second consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Chrysler PT Cruiser

Dodge Grand Caravan U.S. sales were up 13 percent (10,648 units) compared with August 2008 and increased 27 percent versus July, representing the second consecutive month of sales increases

Dodge Avenger U.S. sales increased 16 percent (4,118 units) compared with August 2008

Mopar® parts and accessories sales increased 5 percent compared with July
Mopar introduces new accessories that will help consumers Refresh their Ride, including: new Garmin nüvi navigation systems, new Jeep Wrangler door kits and 2010 model year Dodge Ram chrome accessories.

Incentives

The Chrysler Group today announced the following incentives valid today through Sept. 30, 2009:

2009 Model Year Vehicles: Chrysler Group will offer 0 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services or up to $4,500 consumer cash on select 2009 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

2010 Model Year Vehicles: Limited consumer cash of up to $2,000 or attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services are available on select 2010 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

The Chrysler Group LLC and its employees have a long tradition of providing help to those in need in local communities. Help bring a smile to a child with a serious health challenge by donating new toys or books to Children’s Hospital of Michigan. The facility is one of the leading children’s hospitals in the nation and helps young people from all over Michigan overcome major illnesses.

Developmentally appropriate toys and games are essential to providing children with opportunities for play in the hospital. They serve an important therapeutic function by bringing a sense of joy and normalcy to the life of a sick child.

Please place a new toy or book in the receptacles located at any of the employee entrances to the Auburn Hills Complex between Monday Aug. 31 and Sept. 11.

The following guidelines are recommended when donating items:

Infant-toddler (newborn to 2 years): Play telephones, Fisher-Price brand toys, mobiles and activity centers.

Preschool (3 to 5 years):Blocks, Fisher-Price brand play sets, View-Masters, Play-Doh, musical toys, and lights and sounds toys.

School-age (6 to 10 years): Hand-held video games, puzzles, Lego sets, and action figures and dolls.

Teenage (11 to 16 years): Bead/jewelry kits, sketch pads, games (e.g. Monopoly), teen magazines, word/crossword puzzles, scrapbook supplies, nail/Hair care items and model/science kits.

All ages: Disposable cameras, crayons, personal CD’s (edited), Nerf Balls, stickers, school supplies, craft kits, bubbles, character Band Aids, and DVD’s (rated G, PG or PG-13).

No used items, candy, food or religious items can be accepted. Arts and craft materials must have the nontoxic seal.

Please contact Daphne Harris in Civic and Community Relations at (248) 512-3356 with questions.

“We know a lot more about the viability of our business today than when we purchased Old Carco’s assets in its bankruptcy proceedings several months ago,” John Bozzella, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy, said. “While Chrysler Group still faces challenges, we are confident that the future viability of the company will not be threatened if we accept these claims.”

OldCarco filed for bankruptcy protection on April 30, 2009. Following many complex and lengthy hearings, the bankruptcy court approved the sale of substantially all of OldCarco’s assets to a newly formed company, Chrysler Group LLC. As part of the bankruptcy court-approved purchase, Chrysler Group had agreed to assume liability only for cars sold by Chrysler Group. As a result of today’s announcement, Chrysler Group’s approach is consistent with that taken by General Motors as part of its bankruptcy process.

“We want our customers to feel comfortable and confident buying, driving and enjoying one of our vehicles,” Bozzella said. “Chrysler Group vehicles meet or exceed all applicable federal safety standards and have excellent safety records.”

Chrysler Group LLC Customer Satisfaction Team members participate in specially designed, intense problem-solving sessions to make them better, faster and more efficient at meeting customer needs.

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger have earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“We are proud to receive the highest possible ratings from IIHS for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “These sought-after achievements highlight Chrysler’s leadership in safety and security technology and occupant protection.”

When it comes to safety and security, the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger employ a two-fold approach: passive features, including pre-tensioning seat belt retractors and supplemental side-curtain air bags, are combined with accident-avoidance features, including responsive steering, braking, handling and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

“A vehicle that earns the Top Safety Pick designation provides the best overall protection in the three most common kinds of crashes,” said Adrian Lund, President – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Top-level crash-test performance plus electronic stability control to help keep drivers out of crashes are the tough criteria needed to earn this award.”

Available safety equipment on the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger includes ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and ABS, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags. The two vehicles also are equipped with Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) for child safety seats.

The 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 2010 Dodge Avenger offer more than 30 safety and security features, including:
•  Active head restraints
• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
• All-speed Traction Control
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Auto-reverse Sun Roof
• Auto-reverse Window
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH)
• Child-protection Rear Door Locks
• Crumple Zones
• Digressive Load-limiting Retractors
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts
• HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
• Inside Emergency Release
• Interior Head-impact Protection
• Knee Bolsters
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Remote Start
• Safety Cage Body Structure
• Seat-belt Pretensioners (both front seat belts)
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Side Guard Door Beams
• Side-curtain Air Bags
• Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM)
• Uconnect phone
• Vehicle Theft Security Alarm