William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 3, 2012 Fisker would like to forget 2012 if possible. The year hasn't been good to the company with recalls, production delays, fires, delays on the new Atlantic, U.S. Department of Energy freezing a loan, and their sole supplier of batteries filling for bankruptcy. In a interview with TheDetroitBureau.com, founder and Chairman Henrik Fisker said that his company is "actively engaged in conversations with potential strategic partners." Fisker went onto to say, "“We’d like to see if we can get something done next year.” Fisker said the company is looking for "a close partnership where we could develop new platforms together and share purchasing.” Asked who they are talking to, Fisker declined to. Possible partners are General Motors and BMW, two companies who supply Gas engines for Fisker. Source: TheDetroitBureau.com William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 3, 2012 Porsche Cars North America - Up 71% Subaru of America - Up 59.7% American Honda - Up 38.9% BMW Group U.S. - Up 38.8% Volkswagen of America - Up 29.3% Volvo Cars of North America - Up 26.8% Audi of America - Up 24.4% American Suzuki Motor Corporation - Up 22% Mazda North American Operations - Up 17.7% Toyota Motor Sales - Up 17.2% Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 15.6% Chrysler Group LLC - Up 14% Nissan North America - Up 12.9% Kia Motors America - Up 10.9% Hyundai Motor America - Up 8% Ford Motor Company - Up 6% General Motors - Up 3% Mitsubishi Motors North America - Down 4.3% Jaguar Land Rover North America - Down 7% William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS NOVEMBER 2012 SALES - Company reports a 35 percent increase year-to-date and 102,228 units ahead of last year’s pace - • Best November since 1973 with 36,728 units sold and a 29.3 percent increase over the prior year • Brand achieves a 35 percent increase year-to-date and 27 consecutive months of year-on-year growth • Best November and year-to-date ever for Passat and Tiguan with 10,544 and 2,815 units sold respectively • Jetta Sedan achieved sales of 11,977 units • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21 percent of year-to-date sales Herndon, VA, Dec 3, 2012 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 36,728 units delivered in November, a 29.3 percent increase over prior year sales, a 35 percent year-to-date increase and the best November since 1973. “November was again a strong month for Volkswagen with a sales increase of over 29 percent on the heels of the global debut of the all-new Beetle Convertible at the LA Auto Show,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Significantly, the brand is now more than 100,000 units ahead of where we were this time last year. This is a testament to the appeal of our affordable German engineered vehicles and the strength of our dealer network." The Volkswagen Passat, recently named a 2013 Best Buy by Consumer Guide Automotive, continues to demonstrate its momentum in the market with 10,544 units sold. Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 11,977. The Jetta Turbo Hybrid, which received EPA ratings of 42 mpg city, 48 mpg highway for a combined mileage of 45 mpg, will soon be added to the Jetta sedan line-up. The Beetle Coupe continues to gain momentum with 1,983 units sold. The Beetle Convertible made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week and went on sale the end of the month. The Golf and GTI, recently named to Car and Driver magazine’s 10 Best Cars for 2013, sold 1,429 and 1,003 units respectively. The enthusiast Golf R model sold 277 units. The Tiguan sold 2,815 units, the best November ever for the vehicle and a 52.2 percent increase. The Volkswagen Touareg sold 1,068 units, a 27.1 percent increase for the month. Volkswagen continued sales success with its TDI® Clean Diesel models, with 7,182 total units sold in November, a 27.8 percent increase versus the prior year. TDI models account for 21 percent of the Volkswagen line-up year-to-date. The only affordable four-door coupe, the Volkswagen CC sold 2,197 vehicles. New to the CC family, the R-Line package also debuted at the LA Auto Show last week boasting bold styling cues, including an aggressive front end that incorporates a large lower air intake and projector-style fog lights, side skirts, and R-Line badging.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA BREAKS ALL-TIME NOVEMBER SALES RECORD Hyundai Elantra, Azera and All-New Santa Fe, receive ALG’s award for the highest residual value in their class; all post solid sales gains Elantra sees sales gain of 28 percent COSTA MESA, Calif., December 3, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America today announced record sales of 53,487 vehicles in November, an eight percent total sales increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago. Sales are also up eight percent for the first eleven months of the year. “The Black Friday sales period once again provided a strong boost for Hyundai in the back half of the month and helped break our all-time November sales record,” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales. “We were also very encouraged by the strong sales recovery experienced in those northeastern regions that were ravaged by Super Storm Sandy and expect continued momentum there for the balance of the year.” The recent recipients of ALG’s award for the highest residual value -- Azera, Elantra and Santa Fe -- all experienced solid sales gains over last November, with Elantra up 28 percent. Sonata sales continue to be strong registering a 13 percent uptick for the month. Additionally, the new three-row, seven-passenger Santa Fe made its world debut at last week’s 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, joining the two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport, and will be on sale early 2013. “We’re encouraged that the 10 percent month-over-month lift firms like Compete have seen in our shopper counts has translated to our best-ever November retail sales and total sales,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “With increased Elantra availability, thanks to the recently added third shift in our Alabama plant, and demand high for everything in our lineup from Accent to Equus, we’re looking forward to breaking our all-time annual sales record early in December.”

C-MAX Lineup Success Helps Drive Ford’s Small Car Sales to 12-Year High; F-Series Marks Best November Since 2005 Ford U.S. November small car sales total 26,848 vehicles – a 76 percent increase compared with last year and the company’s strongest November small car sales in 12 years C-MAX Hybrids sales gain momentum with 4,848 vehicles in November, a 52 percent increase compared with October; Ford posts best-ever month for electrified vehicle sales F-Series has its 16th consecutive year-over-year monthly sales increase and fourth month in a row with more than 50,000 sales; this marks F-Series’ best November sales since 2005, with 56,299 pickups sold – an 18 percent increase Ford Motor Company U.S. sales total 177,673 vehicles in November, up 6 percent from a year ago; retail sales up 12 percent compared with last year Ford announces 2013 first-quarter production of 750,000 vehicles; up 11 percent from the prior year DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 3, 2012 – November brought growth throughout Ford’s product portfolio in the U.S., with car sales up 15 percent, utilities up 2 percent and trucks up 4 percent. “November represented a strong month for the industry, and Ford sales performed well across the board,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We saw sharp increases in demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient small cars, our best-ever month for electrified vehicles and growing demand for our fuel-efficient and capable F-Series pickups.” Ford had its best small car November sales month since 2000, with Focus, the all-new C-MAX Hybrids and Fiesta sales totaling 26,848 vehicles – a 76 percent increase over last year. Focus sales were up 56 percent versus year-ago levels, while the all-new C-MAX Hybrid lineup gained 52 percent versus October, when the C-MAX Energi went on sale. The Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling vehicle, posted an 18 percent increase, with 56,299 vehicles sold in November. This represents F-Series’ best November since 2005 and 16 straight months of year-over-year sales increases. Ford’s total November sales of 177,673 vehicles increased 6 percent versus last year, with retail sales up 12 percent. Ford also announced its 2013 first-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 750,000 vehicles in the first quarter, up 11 percent (73,000 vehicles) from 2012’s first quarter. Fourth quarter production of 725,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.

GM U.S. Sales Increase 3 percent in November DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported its highest November sales in the United States since 2007, with deliveries up 3 percent versus a year ago to 186,505 vehicles. Year-over-year sales to retail customers were essentially equal to a year ago and sales to fleet customers were up 16 percent. “In November, we saw strong car and crossover sales and we continue to make inroads with younger customers, import drivers and buyers focused on fuel economy,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “Sales at Cadillac and Buick are benefiting from the buzz generated by new products, including the Buick Verano, Cadillac XTS and Cadillac ATS.” Sales of GM passenger cars increased 19 percent in November compared with a year ago. Crossovers were up 9 percent and sales of trucks were down 11 percent. Buick and Cadillac had their best November sales since 2006 and 2007, respectively. Passenger car sales were up 77 percent at Cadillac, 22 percent at Buick and 13 percent at Chevrolet. Combined sales of mini, small and compact cars were up 51 percent compared with a year ago, driven by the new Buick Verano and Chevrolet Spark, a 27 percent increase for the Chevrolet Cruze, a 33 percent increase for the Chevrolet Volt and a 12 percent increase for the Chevrolet Sonic. Crossover sales were driven by a 44 percent increase for the GMC Terrain, a 23 percent increase for the Buick Enclave and a 13 percent increase for both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Cadillac SRX. Sales of large pickups were 8 percent lower in part due to unexpectedly high competitive incentive activity, which GM did not match. The average transaction prices for GM vehicles increased $750 per unit versus a year ago, even though the company’s car and crossover mix increased from 56 percent of total sales to 62 percent. ATPs also increased about $190 per unit from October, when the car and crossover mix was 60 percent. “The East Coast’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Sandy helped drive the November SAAR materially higher, but it benefited our competitors more than GM, since they rely on the region for more of their sales,” McNeil said. “It’s clear that the industry will come in at the high end of our full-year sales forecast,” he added. “Exactly how much growth we can expect next year will depend in part on how Congress and the president resolve the fiscal cliff issue. Consumers hate uncertainty, so an agreement on ways to reduce long-term federal budget deficits could remove an impediment to growth.”

Chrysler Group LLC Reports November 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 14 Percent; Best November Sales in Five Years Best November sales since 2007 32nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in November compared with same month a year ago FIAT brand sales up 123 percent in November; largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand Fiat 500 sets sales record for month of November FIAT brand expands product lineup with four additional models at Los Angeles Auto Show – Fiat 500e, Fiat 500L, Fiat 500L Trekking, and Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio Dodge brand sales up 32 percent; best November sales since 2007 Dodge Journey full-size crossover sets sales record for month of November with 77 percent sales gain Dodge Grand Caravan sales increase 42 percent; best November sales since 2007 Dodge Charger sales up 24 percent; best November sales since 2007 Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan posts sizeable 26 percent sales increase Dodge brand re-introduces legendary Charger Daytona at Los Angeles Auto Show Ram Truck brand sales up 23 percent versus same month a year ago; best November sales since 2007 Ram pickup truck posts 23 percent sales gain; named ‘Truck of the Year’ by Ruedas ESPN, the leading Spanish automotive radio show in U.S. Ram Truck brand to develop new large van for North American market; sales slated to begin third quarter of 2013 Ram Truck brand launches new Ram Commercial truck division Chrysler brand sales up 1 percent; best November sales since 2008 Chrysler 300 flagship sedan posts 17 percent sales gain Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales up 3 percent in November; best November sales since 2009 Jeep® Wrangler sets sales record for month of November with 12 percent increase Jeep Wrangler receives two 2013 Best Resale Value Awards from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Jeep brand introduces new, limited-production Wrangler Rubicon 10th-Anniversary Edition at Los Angeles Auto Show Best Jeep Grand Cherokee sales since 2005; second best sales month this year Jeep Patriot, America’s best priced SUV, had its strongest November sales since 2007 Dodge Dart, Ram 1500 and SRT Viper earn 2013 Hispanic Motor Press Awards Auburn Hills, Mich. , Dec 3, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 122,565 units, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in November 2011 (107,172 units), and the group’s best November sales since 2007. The Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in November compared with the same month last year. The FIAT brand’s 123 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. November marked Chrysler Group’s 32nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. “Even with all the talk of a looming fiscal cliff, Chrysler Group is well positioned for a strong sales finish to the year,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Our November sales were up 14 percent and we extended our sales streak to 32-consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. We are expecting a strong December as the industry continues to recover from the East Coast hurricane and consumers continue to respond to our popular year-end Big Finish event.” Models that contributed to Chrysler Group’s 14 percent sales increase include the Fiat 500, the Dodge Journey full-size crossover, and the iconic Jeep® Wrangler sport-utility vehicle, each setting a sales record for the month of November. The Journey’s 77 percent sales gain was the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand model in November. Two Chrysler Group sedans weighed in with significant sales increases in November. Sales of the sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan were up 26 percent while the flagship Chrysler 300 full-size sedan recorded a 17 percent sales gain in November. The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan and the Ram pickup truck each posted sizeable gains as well in November. Chrysler Group finished the month with an 90-days supply of inventory (442,241 units). U.S. industry sales figures for November are projected at an estimated 15.3 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). November 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand FIAT Brand Fiat 500 sales were up a hefty 123 percent, a sales record for the month of November. It was the ninth-consecutive month this year in which the Fiat 500 has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in September. Sales of the Fiat 500 hatchback were up 143 percent in November while the Fiat 500 Cabrio posted a 41 percent year-over-year sales gain. The FIAT brand expanded its product family with four additional Fiat 500 models during last week’s Los Angeles Auto Show media preview. The 2013 Fiat 500e features an all-new battery-electric powertrain; the 2014 Fiat 500L adds two doors plus spacious seating for five; the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking expands the appeal and practicality of the Fiat 500L with distinct, rugged looks; and the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio combines turbocharged, track-capable performance with a clever open-top design. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 32 percent in November, the brand’s best November sales in five years and its 18th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Dodge brand sales of 40,075 units represented the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in November. Three Dodge models posted significant double-digit percentage increases in November. The versatile Dodge Journey crossover set a sales record for the month of November with its 77 percent increase, the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand model during the month. November marked the eighth month this year in which the Journey has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in August. The Dodge Grand Caravan, the brand’s volume leader for the month, posted a 42 percent sales gain, the minivan’s11th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its best November sales in five years. Sales of the Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan were up a substantial 26 percent compared with the same month a year ago. Sales of the Dodge Durango SUV, with its spacious three-row, seven-passenger interior, increased 4 percent in November versus the same month last year. Consumers continue to respond strongly to the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart. Calendar year to date, the average transaction price for a Dart is more than $22,000, the highest average transaction price in the compact car segment and more than $5,000 higher than Dodge’s previous compact car, the Dodge Caliber. In addition the Dart just received its 20th award when it was named “Best Sedan” by Ruedas ESPN, the leading Spanish-language automotive radio show in the U.S. The Dart also was recognized by the Hispanic Motor Press Association with a 2013 Hispanic Motor Press Award in the Compact Car category. The awards recognize the most impressive overall new vehicles of the calendar year as judged by an all Latino panel. The Dodge brand re-introduced the legendary Charger Daytona at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. Available in Charger R/T and Charger R/T Road & Track trim levels, the 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona brings back the unique style of the historic Daytona package with all the modern performance and technology offered in the current Charger lineup. Just 2,500 units of the Daytona will be produced in this limited-production run. Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales were up 23 percent in November, the brand’s best November sales in five years. The Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 31-consecutive months. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 23 percent in November versus the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best November sales performance in five years. The Heavy Duty Ram led the way, up 26 percent, while sales of the Light Duty Ram trucks increased 24 percent. The Ram 1500 took home four major awards during November including “Urban Truck of the Year” from Decisive Magazine in conjunction with its “2013 Urban Vehicles of the Year” list, and “Truck of the Year” at the 2012 Ruedas ESPN Awards in Miami. The pickup truck was honored with a 2013 Automotive Excellence Award from Popular Mechanics magazine in the “Hauling Category” and was recognized by the Hispanic Motor Press Association with a 2013 Hispanic Motor Press Award in the Pickup Truck category. The Ram Cargo Van posted a 226 percent sales increase compared with the same month last year, setting a sales record for the month of November. The Ram Truck brand announced last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it will develop a new large van for the North American market, which will go on sale beginning in the third quarter of 2013. The 2014 Ram ProMaster will compete with other full-size commercial vans. The Ram Truck brand also announced in Los Angeles that it is launching a new division to focus on commercial truck development, sales and support in a growing market. The new Ram Commercial organization offers a full line of industrial-strength trucks built for workers and businesses to provide maximum capability and productivity while delivering low total cost of ownership. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 1 percent in November, the brand’s best November sales in four years. The Chrysler brand extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 17-consecutive months in November. Sales of the brand’s flagship Chrysler 300 sedan were up 17 percent compared with the same month last year, the full-size sedan’s 13th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 3 percent versus the same month a year ago. The Chrysler brand unveiled the 2013 Town & Country S model at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week. The Town & Country S is the latest “S” model in the Chrysler brand lineup, joining the 200 sedan and convertible and the 300 sedan. The Town & Country S gets exterior and interior enhancements designed for active and style-minded consumers, as well as certain standard equipment commonly associated with top-line models. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were down 3 percent in November due to the end of Jeep Liberty production in August and some lingering effects of Hurricane Sandy on Chrysler Group dealerships in the Northeast, one of the Jeep brand’s strongest markets. The Jeep Wrangler set a sales record for the month of November with its 12 percent sales gain. For the third consecutive year, the Wrangler has been named Best Resale Value in its class by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. The Wrangler also landed on kbb.com’s Top 10 list for the second year in a row. These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership. November was the eighth month this year in which the Wrangler has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in June. The Jeep Grand Cherokee – the most awarded SUV ever – had its best November sales since 2005. The Grand Cherokee posted sales of 13,619 units, the model’s second best sales month this year. Sales of the Jeep Patriot, designed to appeal to compact-SUV buyers who want traditional Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability at an affordable price, were up 4 percent, the model’s best November in five years. The Jeep brand introduced the new 2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition in November. It joins the previously announced Wrangler Freedom Edition as a tribute to United States military members past and present. The Jeep brand, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the wildly popular Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, also introduced a new, limited-production 2013 Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week. It is the most capable factory-produced Jeep Wrangler ever, packed with equipment that die-hard, off-road enthusiasts love. The Rubicon 10th Anniversary edition will arrive in showrooms in the spring of 2013.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 2, 2012 Ford has been getting a load of complaints dealing with MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch systems with speed and ease of use. Ford has issued an update earlier this year to to fix these problems and add new features, but owners are still complaining. Starting this month, Ford will be issuing an update being referred as "version 3.5" of the software. Vehicles that are without navigation will get the update first. Vehicles with navigation will get their version of the update next month, while hybrids, plug-ins and electric vehicles will follow thereafter. Ford is also extending the warranties for vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch. Vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch will get a five-year, unlimited-mile warranty (up from three-years, 36,000-miles) , while the MyLincoln Touch will have a six-year, unlimited-mile warranty (up from four-year, 60,000-miles). Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 2, 2012 Jaguar's global brand director Adrian Hallmark said something very interesting at the launch of the XF and XJ all-wheel drive models. "I can't think of any model that wouldn't benefit from not having the option of it." There's one problem with that at the moment. Jaguar's current models weren't engineered to have a AWD system installed. The only reason Jaguar put one into the XF and XJ with the new supercharged V6 was that they could see a return on their investment when the two vehicles go sale in the U.S. and Canada. No other Jaguar engine will be mated to the all-wheel drive system for now. In future models though, that could change. "At the moment, we can't take the full grid of engines, models and drivetrains and tick every box and offer them all. We have to prioritise. In the future, we know what it takes to get all-wheel drive," said Hallmark. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 30, 2012 A couple of years after Chrysler separated the Dodge and Ram, the company is once again performing a separation. This time it deals Ram and the creation of a separate sub-division for Ram's commercial trucks and vans. Named Ram Commercial, the new sub-brand will will include the 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs in Tradesman trims, the Ram C/V van, and starting next year, the new Ram ProMaster van. The ProMaster is the North American version of Fiat's Ducato van lineup. “The Ram ProMaster further strengthens our commercial lineup, offering a full line of work trucks and vans. As the Ram Truck Brand continues to gain share and grow sales in the retail truck market, we will be just as aggressive in our goal to be a commercial truck market leader,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Related Stories: Ram Gets Some New Vans Ram To Get Version Of Ducato Rumorpile: Ram To Name Vans Promaster and Promaster City? Press Release for Ram Commercial is on Page 2, Ram ProMaster is on Page 3 Ram Truck Launches New Ram Commercial Truck Division Ram Commercial offers full line of industrial-strength trucks built for workers and businesses to provide maximum capability and productivity while delivering low total cost of ownership Ram Commercial incorporates a dedicated team including sales, marketing, product development and world-class customer support Ram Commercial offers exclusive pre- and post-sale solutions with BusinessLink and On the Job customer service programs Auburn Hills, Mich. , Nov 28, 2012 - Ram Truck is launching a new division to focus on commercial truck development, sales and support in a growing market. Embodied by the Tradesman trim level available on all models, the new Ram Commercial organization offers a full line of industrial-strength trucks and vans. The new Ram Commercial division integrates a growing network of Ram BusinessLink dealers focused on the needs of commercial customers. Ram Commercial also will help offset the cost of doing business with On The Job incentives, specifically designed to lower the expense of commercial upfits. Both programs address professional needs for every job. Timing of Ram Commercial launch aligns with the upcoming launch of the all-new Ram ProMaster and positive commercial demand. With the entire auto industry growing by two million units year over year in 2012, and further growth expected in 2013, commercial business will be key as it represents about one quarter of the total volume. “Ram Truck is committed to delivering the best value proposition with low total cost of ownership across the entire product line up. From the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab to the Ram C/V, we’re providing best-in-class capability and technology,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. “We’ve not only taken steps to expand and improve our product offerings but created and built upon customer service solutions, following through with BusinessLink and On the Job programs for customers who use their truck as a critical tool for business.” Ram Commercial targets countless businesses in a variety of industries, including service and repairs, construction, transportation/shipping, large-medium-small businesses and agriculture. The economy has incurred pent up demand to replace aging commercial fleets and vehicles that are no longer offered in the market. This has created opportunity and Ram Commercial will be there with a variety of capable and efficient vehicles. A vehicle is designated “commercial” under one of the following circumstances: Titled in a company or corporation Used for business but titled in an individual's name (sole proprietor) Exceeds 26,000 lbs. GVWR Used to haul any hazardous material Ram Commercial Lineup The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer. The brand has emerged as a leader by investing in new products, infusing them with durable powertrains, robust chassis, new technology and features that further enhance their capabilities while delivering low total cost of ownership. Commercial truck and van customers have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to work. The Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups; 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs, Ram C/V and Ram ProMaster vans are designed to deliver a total package. Ram C/V When it comes to capability, the Ram C/V Tradesman out-works competitive vans on a number of fronts by delivering best-in-class payload, cargo space and towing. Equipped with the award-winning Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Ram C/V Tradesman also delivers best-in-class horsepower, torque and driving range of up to 500 miles on a single tank of fuel. Ram ProMaster Ram Commercial is tapping into Fiat Professional, one of the largest producers of commercial vehicles in the entire world, offering more than 110 years of experience. That knowledge will help Ram enter new segments and expand the product line. Based on the Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster fullsize van will be transformed for the North American market and offered by Ram Commercial with best-in-class attributes. Now in its third generation with more than four million sold worldwide, this van is a proven, award-winning workhorse with titles in efficiency. Ram 1500 For 2013, the Ram 1500 grabs the title of best-in-class fuel economy of 25 MPG for the half-ton segment with a number of exclusive technologies including a new V-6 engine, eight-speed transmission, stop-start system, air suspension and active grille shutters. The Ram 1500 Tradesman commercial workhorse adds more value by giving commercial customers a standard hard working V-8 that tows more than competitors’ standard V-6 engines, yet achieves 20 MPG. Tradesman also includes a spray-in bedliner, class 4 trailer hitch, 4 and 7 pin trailer connectors and offers the innovative RamBox storage system at a discount. By offering a standard V-8 engine, business owners not only benefit from added standard capability but improved resale value. Ram Heavy Duty The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty brings increased capability and innovative new features to the heavy-duty segment with an uncompromising attitude that remains the standard for all full-size heavy-duty pickups. Ram Heavy Duty also delivers the performance and amenities customers demand, for example the most off-road capable pickup on the market – the award-winning Ram Power Wagon. Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Tradesman models are hard-working trucks that business owners can depend on. The Heavy Duty Tradesman models feature a 17,000 lb. Class 5 hitch, 4 & 7 pin trailer connector, cruise control and available class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system. Ram Commercial also offers the only factory-engineered and built CNG (compressed natural gas) powered truck. The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG pickup offers cost and emissions benefits, using an abundant, domestically sourced fuel while reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. All Ram Heavy Duty trucks offer the proven Cummins 6.7-liter diesel. Ram 3500 offers a best in class 850 lb.-ft. of torque and a 15,000 mile oil change interval delivering an unmatched total cost of ownership advantage. When mated with the available Aisin heavy duty 6-speed automatic transmission, Ram 3500 tops the charts with best-in-class towing and payload that far exceeds the competition. The Ram Heavy Duty is the only pickup in the market available with a manual transmission. Ram Chassis Cab For 2013 the Ram Truck brand also increases the capabilities of its hardest-working trucks – the Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks. Led by the Tradesman trim level, Ram Chassis Cab trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and drivability. Building on Ram Chassis Cabs already proven equation of durability, upfitter friendliness, efficiency and best-in-class capabilities, Ram’s commercial-grade work trucks are engineered for maximum uptime, low cost of ownership, optimum performance and enhanced best-in-class commercial capability. Owners can proudly display their company logo and rest with the confidence of knowing that it will get the job done day-in and day-out. Ram Chassis Cab best-in-class features include: Best-in-class vehicle system interface module (VSIM) and upfitter friendly design Best-in-class capabilities Best-in-class total cost of ownership Best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change intervals on Cummins diesel Best-in-class powertrain warranty – 5 years/100,000 miles Ram Truck Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Commercial customers in particular face balancing the challenges of opportunity costs, fuel pricing, reduced budgets, new technology and durability. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations are helpful in making purchase and operational decisions. Ram Truck offers best-in-class TCO for commercial truck owners. The Ram 1500 features a standard V-8 engine, with best-in-class entry level capability and impressive resale value, allowing owners to recover more upfront costs. All Cummins diesel-powered Ram trucks feature a 15,000-mile oil change interval and a best-in-class diesel exhaust brake increases frictional brake life by 3x the market average. Ram truck also offers the most upfitter friendly solutions in the industry, reducing the initial costs for specialty trucks such as crane, roll-back or dump bed upfits. Topping it off, Ram offers a best-in-class 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, proof of the quality built into each truck. Approximate Commercial Business Breakdown: Service and repairs – 24 percent Construction – 19 percent Transportation/Shipping – 17 percent Large-Medium Businesses – 8 percent Small Businesses – 8 percent Schools-Organizations-Non-profits – 7 percent Machinery/Electronic Products – 6 percent Forestry/Mining/Oil/Gas – 3 percent Farming/Agriculture – 2 percent Wood/Metal/Stone Products – 2 percent Food and beverage – 1 percent Other – 3 percent Ram Commercial Marketing In many cases, the owner is not the operator, which creates a unique sales and marketing dynamic. Ram Commercial offers a complete approach with a company-wide strategy supported by all organizations and a dedicated sales force. Marketing efforts speak directly to commercial buyers both visually and verbally, and improved customer targeting benefits from laser-focused channels, such as tradeshows, commercial websites and trade publications. The new division is supported throughout the entire network including local advocates, operation managers, sales specialists and an extensive dealer network. Ram Truck Confirms All-new Large Van Auburn Hills, Mich. , Nov 28, 2012 - Ram Truck today announced that it will develop a new large van for the North American market, which will go on sale beginning 3rd quarter 2013. Joining the smaller, but highly capable Ram C/V as an additional van offering, the 2014 Ram ProMaster will compete with other full-size commercial vans. “The Ram ProMaster further strengthens our commercial lineup, offering a full line of work trucks and vans,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “As the Ram Truck Brand continues to gain share and grow sales in the retail truck market, we will be just as aggressive in our goal to be a commercial truck market leader.” “We feel that from a product-feature and launch timing standpoint, the all-new Ram ProMaster van is going to be a home run with commercial customers,” added Diaz. ”Our relationship with Fiat, one of the world’s foremost commercial truck makers, has given us access to great products and technology that will resonate with our U.S. and Canadian Ram Truck customers.” Based on the successful Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster will be significantly redesigned with familiar Ram Truck styling cues, offering features and powertrains preferred by North American commercial customers. View full article

Yeah.. I really want to check out when it hits the dealers

Here you go.