Ram Truck Set To Introduce New 2013 Lineup at the State Fair of Texas.
The 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck set the pace earlier this year, introducing class-leading capability, technology and features that sacrifice nothing. Key third-party sources were quick to agree, showering the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup with accolades like:
Autoblog – Editors’ Choice: Top Five New York Auto Show Debuts
The live event begins at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 27. Come on back for a front row seat as the Ram brand introduces the newest additions to its 2013 model lineup.
Stiletto Stampede To Raise Breast Cancer Awareness – Helfman FIAT
This Wed. Helfman FIAT will be hosting the High Heel Happy Hour Pre Stiletto Stampede Event. This event is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer in a unique and fun fashion.
7pm to 9pm Wed September 5th
Helfman FIAT
7720 Katy Freeway @ Silber Road
Houston, TX 77024
You may contact Mike for more details. mike.debner@helfmanfiat.com – 713.533.6100
You may also register for the event here.
“The Dark Knight Rises” Contest
Warner Bros. Pictures and the Chrysler brand have teamed up to bring fans the opportunity of a lifetime surrounding the July 20th release of “The Dark Knight Rises,” the much-anticipated conclusion to the blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Today marks the launch of the “Imported from Gotham City” contest, allowing fans to create an original co-branded TV spot featuring these two iconic brands. Director/writer/producer Christopher Nolan will select the winning spot, which will debut on television around the release of the film.
Contestants will have two weeks to create their “Imported from Gotham City” original commercial utilizing a suite of assets, including Chrysler 300 car footage, film footage and music stems from the trailer that contestants can remix for their spot. At the conclusion of the contest, a gallery of submissions will go live on Saturday, June 30, kicking off a four-day public voting period when fans can weigh-in on their favorite Gotham City collaboration.
The top three finalists will be announced online and Christopher Nolan will personally choose the winner.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to tap into the creative community online and allow those who participate to showcase their talent and passion. We look forward to seeing what unique spots people produce,” says Nolan.
The winning spot will be determined by a number of judging criteria, including public vote, originality, creativity, memorability and brand effectiveness. Warner Bros. and Chrysler will debut the winning commercial on national television the week of the film’s release – watch for specific date and airing details to be announced shortly. The winner will receive a trip to Hollywood to finish their spot alongside a professional editor before traveling to New York City to attend the red carpet premiere screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” on Monday, July 16.
Playing off Chrysler brand’s “Imported from Detroit” advertising campaign, the contest pushes the realm of the user-generated contest to a new level, allowing fans to take to the driver’s seat and test their creative skills within the world of Gotham City.
Apart from the winning contest spot, Chrysler will unveil another 30-second, co-branded television spot titled “Imported from Gotham City” in celebration of the partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures. Directed by Stacy Wall, the spot was designed and shot to look and feel similar to the world of the “The Dark Knight Rises.” Featuring a 2012 Chrysler 300, the spot will make its broadcast debut on Tuesday, June 19, on the NBC network. A 60-second spot will also run online. Once live, both spots will be available on the Chrysler brand YouTube channel atwww.YouTube.com/Chrysler.
“The 2012 Chrysler 300 featured in this marketing and advertising campaign was created intentionally to look as if it could be driven on the streets and fit in to the nightlife of Gotham City; it’s clearly a vehicle that stands out and makes one take notice,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
For fans of the film, “Imported from Gotham City” merchandise including t-shirts and hats will be available for purchase at Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” site atwww.ifdstore.com.
For more information and the official rules regarding the “Imported from Gotham City” contest, visit www.importedfromgothamcity.com.
Chrysler Group LLC to Hold Mobility Awareness Program
Chrysler Group LLC’s Automobility Program will host an employee awareness event at company headquarters the week of May 14.
This event is intended to increase employees’ understanding of wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive mobility equipment options that enable people with disabilities to live an active and mobile lifestyle.
Chrysler Group has been a leading supporter of mobility vehicle conversions since the 1980s.
“Chrysler Group was the first automaker to offer a commitment to lighten the financial burden of adaptive equipment installation on vehicles within the United States,” said Steven Beahm, Vice President – U.S. Sales Operations. “We are proud to host this important event with some of the industry’s leading conversion companies displaying the latest in adaptive driver and passenger equipment and vehicle conversions.”
The week-long event is being held in conjunction with the first National Mobility Awareness Month and the debut of Chrysler Group’s new Automobility Program website at www.chryslerautomobility.com.
Source: Chrysler Media
2013 Dodge Dart Building Wrap
As you may know the 2013 Dodge Dart will be hitting showrooms pretty soon. In promotion of the upcoming arrival Chrysler has wrapped their headquarters with a 2013 Dart graphic.
New SRT Viper GTS
The all-new 2013 SRT® Viper was unveiled to the world today at the New York International Auto Show, marking its highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market.
The fifth generation of the iconic two-seat, American-built supercar has been deliberately evolved to incorporate superior craftsmanship, a host of new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its visceral legacy of outright performance.
“After a gut-wrenching period of uncertainty, the Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built in Detroit, flagship supercar is back and ready to take on the performance car world,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “Beyond being the flagship for the new SRT brand, the launch of the 2013 Viper proves that we simply would not let the performance icon of the Chrysler Group die. Willed to live on by a very special group of performance enthusiasts inside the company and across Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create a world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer.”
Wireless Charging – Industry First – Chrysler (With Video)
After being the first to eliminate heavy, bulky owner manuals from its vehicles, Chrysler Group LLC, through its Mopar® division, will now be the first to eliminate unsightly dangling power cords in its vehicles by offering in-vehicle wireless charging.
The company will first make the technology available on the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart that arrives in dealerships in the second quarter of this year.
“At Mopar, we look for every single opportunity to make our customers’ lives easier,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Our industry-first in-vehicle wireless charging system is the perfect solution for those connected customers who are always on the go.”
For easy access, a seamlessly integrated power bin, measuring 8.27 inches by 9.5 inches by 3.25 inches, is installed just below the center stack and in front of the center console. The bin has a built-in charging grid that is activated when customers place in their battery-powered device. The unit begins to charge when the vehicle is started. A phone case, specifically designed for a variety of smartphones, is required and included with the feature.
Mopar in-vehicle wireless charging is available for $199.99, plus installation (part number 82213216).
2012 Jeep Altitude Limited-Edition Models
Following an overwhelmingly positive consumer response to the recently introduced Grand Cherokee concept and related “Name My Ride” contest, the Jeep® brand has announced it will produce not just one, but three new limited-edition Jeep vehicles: the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models.
In January, Jeep introduced a distinctive, “blacked-out” production-intent concept Grand Cherokee at the Houston Auto Show, and connected with consumers to name the model. With more than 100,000 entries from enthusiasts of the Jeep brand – which boasts more than 2 million Facebook fans – “Altitude” emerged as the winning vehicle name.
“The fact that well over 100,000 consumers entered our ‘Name My Ride’ contest reinforces the passion behind the Jeep brand, and its position as one of the most recognizable and popular brands in the world,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The extraordinary response to both the concept and the contest resulted in an easy decision to produce ‘blacked-out’ editions of the Grand Cherokee – and the Compass and Patriot. These new Jeep Altitude editions will clearly have a broad appeal among consumers, especially those looking for something distinctive, edgy, and just plain cool.”
The new, limited-edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in May.
Dodge Brand Identity Returns in NASCAR with 2013 Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger Race Car For 2013 Sprint Cup Series Unveiled At LVMS
LAS VEGAS (Sunday, March 11, 2012) – Fans asked for it. NASCAR agreed. SRT Motorsports and Dodge delivered. SRT Motorsports unveiled the 2013 Dodge Charger that will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway today in front of the people that asked for the change — the fans. Just as they did with the Dodge Challenger when it was introduced in the NASCAR Nationwide Series two years ago, SRT Motorsports designers and engineers created a race car fans will have no problem identifying on the race track. The defining features of the street Charger have been expertly incorporated into the racing version.
“From the start, it’s been a collaborative effort with NASCAR,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports. “NASCAR provided the manufacturers with basic specifications, but offered encouragement to venture beyond the look of the current race car. Our design and engineering group, working with Penske Racing, seized the opportunity. We had a fantastic benchmark – the Dodge Challenger – introduced in 2009. This endeavor goes beyond the trend the Nationwide Series Challenger started with a Dodge Charger that amazingly embodies many of the design features of the street version into the race car. We’re extremely proud that the Dodge Charger street car is the only rear-wheel-drive model in Sprint Cup competition that is available with a V-8 engine.”
NASCAR eased rules on where manufacturers could put glass and solid body pieces. That freed designers and engineers to make the “greenhouse,” the area above the doors, hood and truck lid, more closely resemble production cars. Rules were also eased for the front and rear, and especially the sides, allowing the character lines that come directly from the street car.
“We know NASCAR fans are passionate about cars,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “We’re excited about the results of the collective efforts of NASCAR, Dodge and the other manufacturers to create the 2013 Sprint Cup cars. The 2013 Dodge Charger race car design is a great example of what we look forward to seeing on the race track next season. We thank Dodge and all the manufacturers for their efforts, as we see the results here today with the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Dodge Charger.”
The relationship between the Dodge Charger street car and the Dodge Charger race car is unmistakable.
“The race fans delivered a clear message,” said Gilles. “NASCAR listened. We went to work, following the guidelines established for all manufacturers by NASCAR. The Dodge Charger revealed today validates our resolve to deliver a product that will be easily identifiable on the track without compromise in the area of competition.”
Jeep Partners With Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
The Jeep® brand has partnered up with the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy to develop a multi phased development program to expose students to programs and events designed to enrich and develop their educational path. The Jeep brand is committed to giving back to the community in which it lives and conducts business and this multi phased development program is designed to expose students to programs and events that will help to enrich and develop their educational path.
FIAT Pays Homage to Hollywood in Vanity Fair Ad
Courtesy of Chrysler Media
by Ashley Fournier
February 24, 2012 9:27 AM
The FIAT Brand offers more than 500,000 ways to personalize its iconic Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), giving each customer a unique design experience to create their own piece of automotive art. You might even say that a Fiat 500 is like an actor, ready to play any role that its driver deems necessary. Whether it needs to be black and stealthy like the new high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth, fun, yet head turning like the open-air new 500 Cabrio, or most stylish and fashionable like the limited-edition Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci – the possibilities are endless.
The latest Fiat print ad created by Doner, located in Detroit, depicts the different personalities of a Fiat 500 and all of the different options available when customizing one. The print layout displays various Cinquecentos, each customized in their own way, on a Hollywood set. The cars are surrounded by actors, lights, cameras and production equipment, paying homage to the fact that like a highly talented actor or actress, the Fiat 500 models are adaptable to play any role his or her driver sees fit. The headline reads “Don’t Get Typecast,” reminding viewers of the ad that drivers of a Fiat 500 are never one type of individual but can rather be anyone because the car can be tailored to fit any person’s needs.
The new ad is featured in Vanity Fair’s March 2012 issue which is famous for depicting all things Hollywood, from fashion and culture to movies and their actors. Photographer, David Hill, and Doner have worked together to create this ad that pays tribute to the Hollywood heritage theme that Vanity Fair’s March issue is known for. The Fiat 500 is the perfect vehicle to include in an issue on fashion and culture because of its stylish design appointments and iconic Italian-design.
More “Imported From Detroit Apparel and Merchandise Available
Chrysler just introduced a bunch of new apparel available for order through their online store. Check it out!
Completed JK-8 Conversion Walk Around
O.k, Helfman Body-Shop completed a JK-8 conversion on a Wrangler. Here’s the video below.
Walter P. Chrysler Museum Website
The nonprofit Walter P. Chrysler Museum, in Auburn Hills, Mich., has launched a bold, new Web site atwww.wpchryslermuseum.org. The site features significantly improved navigation, beginning with home page tabs and links from which all Museum programs, exhibitions and events, as well as Chrysler’s rich heritage, are directly accessible.
Within a few easy clicks, cyber-visitors can make tax-deductible donations, become members and volunteers, arrange corporate and private meetings and events, schedule school and group tours and purchase gift shop collectibles. The site also offers quick access to Museum contacts; hours, admission, location and other operational details and a two-for-one discount admission coupon.
The new site also features:
- An online community through which users can:
- establish a password-protected home page to share interests and contact preferences to receive future e-newsletters from the Museum;
- access personal giving history; and
- participate in exclusive polls and surveys.
- Museum members can additionally send eCards to family and friends via the online community.
- Much easier access and online transaction capabilities for programs that support the nonprofit Museum’s collections and operations, including:
- a multi-level membership program;
- Adopt-a-Vehicle and Brick Legacy commemorative programs; and
- tax-deductible donations — monetary as well as vehicles and artifacts.
- Easier to navigate overviews of the Museum’s K – 12 education and K – 8 Summer Fun Day programs.
- Enhanced imagery throughout the site, including a home page slide show directly linking to facility rental, group tour, membership and other content.
- User-friendly access to Chrysler history highlights searchable by both decade and brand.
- Easier access to Chrysler Historical Services through which enthusiasts can request owner and service manuals, photographs, production numbers and build records for heritage vehicles.
The site also highlights:
- local and national car clubs;
- pre-packaged group tour itineraries;
- complementary attractions near the Museum, including several offering discounts to individuals and families;
- a direct link to the Museum’s Facebook fan page; and
- a news release archive.
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is open for self-guided tours 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tues. – Sat. and noon – 5 p.m. Sun. The Museum is closed every Monday, Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving and Dec. 24, 25 and 31.
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and older) and $4 for six – 12 year olds. Members and children five and under are admitted free. A discount rate of $4 per person is available for groups of 15 or larger.
Museum admission includes access to Kids’ Corner, an area for pre-school – elementary school-age children stocked with automotive-inspired puzzles, games, projects, books and coloring activities.
The Museum is located on the Chrysler Group LLC complex in Auburn Hills, at exit 78 (Chrysler Dr.) off I-75.
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity and donations are tax-deductible.
Marchionne Discusses “It’s Halftime in America”
Source Ed Garsten (Chrysler Media)
So much discussion over Chrysler’s two-minute commercial that aired in the big game yesterday between the New England Patriots and New York Giants.
To answer many of the questions about the spot, Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne spent about 10 minutes with WJR, Detroit radio host Paul W. Smith this morning.
You can hear the entire interview at this link.
FIAT® 500 L Coming To U.S. In 2013
The FIAT brand released the first images of the Fiat 500L, an all-new model that expands the appeal of the brand’s iconic Fiat 500.
With its Italian design and city-friendly functionality, FIAT’s new five-passenger model expands the brand’s style and efficiency in the growing B-segment. Making its formal introduction at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th, the new Fiat 500L — the L stands for ‘Large’ — will follow the U.S. introduction of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth this spring and a full-electric version of the Fiat 500.
The Fiat 500L will be produced at the FIAT plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, and will arrive in the United States in 2013.
Helfman Cars 