Top 10 Reasons Chrysler Group Had a Great 2011
by Mike Driehorst Source: http://www.media.chrysler.com
Chrysler Group and its brands ended 2011 on a high note — with December seeing our best sales volume of the year: 138,019 vehicles sold, for the 21st straight month of sales growth.
For all of 2011, Chrysler sales were up 26% from 2010, at 1,369,114.
But why?
Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2011 U.S. Sales Increased 37 Percent; Full-Year Sales Up 26 Percent
Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 138,019, a 37 percent increase compared with sales in December 2010 (100,702 units), the group’s best monthly sales since May 2008.
For the year, Chrysler Group sales totaled 1.37 million units, up 26 percent versus sales in 2010, the largest percentage sales gain of any full-line manufacturer. The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, and Ram Truck brands each posted solid sales gains during 2011 compared with sales in 2010.
December marked Chrysler Group’s 21st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and seventh-consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20 percent.
2011… The Comeback Year That Started With An Ad
Article By: D Taylor
This is an opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Helfman Cars.
Something felt very different about 2011 in relation to the American auto industry. I can’t really put my finger on it, but there was a shift. A fundamental change stemming from the economic fall-out, which began in 2007 and eventually led to bailouts and buyouts/mergers in 2008 and 2009. From 2009-2010 the industry was in a sort of reset mode. Talk of new more fuel efficient models coming to market, along with future introductions of EV’s and Hybrids sounded promising, but there was a lot of skepticism. The hill looked steep and the recession had taken its toll on everyone. Could the industry do an about face? Could we still compete with foreign manufacturers? In 2011 the answer would be “Yes”, and it began with a commercial.
During last years Super Bowl, Chrysler launched their “Imported From Detroit” campaign. Sure the ad featured a Chrysler 200, but I think the ad worked as a rallying cry for consumers across all brands. Yes, the manufacturers had already done the necessary behind the scenes changes, and new models were starting to roll out, but consumer confidence wasn’t quite there yet. As Eminem exclaimed in the ad “This is the Motor City, and this is what we do.” In other words, “We’ve got this America”… and that’s exactly what we needed to hear.
Consumer confidence in the American Auto Industry came back in 2011 backed by all-new or massively refreshed models across all brands. Growth has been strong and it even looks better for 2012. If 2011 has been the comeback year, expect 2012 to be The Growth Year.
Chrysler Group Reports Third Quarter 2011 Net Income of $212 Million
Chrysler Group LLC today reported preliminary net income of $212 million for the third quarter, compared with a net loss of $84 million a year ago, as the Company continues to increase sales and benefit from its alliance with Fiat S.p.A.
In the third quarter of 2011, net revenue was $13.1 billion, a 19 percent increase from the third quarter of 2010, driven by increased demand for Chrysler Group’s 16 all-new or significantly refreshed cars and trucks.
Consumer Reports Likes What Chrysler LLC Is Doing
Chrysler LLC moves up on Consumer Reports reliability list for 2011. According to the “Consumer Reports Reliability Ranking” Chrysler jumped 12 notches to No. 15 on the list, Jeep climbed 7 spots to No. 13 on the list, and Dodge moved up 3 slots to No. 21. The No. 13 spot held by Jeep makes it the MOST RELIABLE AMERICAN VEHICLE. Both Ford and GM dropped in overall ranking compared to last year. The rankings are based on 1.3 Million consumers who were polled.
Dodge Viper Breaking Nürburgring Record 7:12 (Video)
This video was captured by observers and is not Chrysler released footage so be patient.
Jeep In Frankfurt
Jeeps At Frankfurt Motor Show
The Jeep® brand is in Frankfurt with four previews for the European public. The star of this year’s motor show is the high-performance SRT8® model of the brand’s flagship Grand Cherokee, powered by the all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine producing 470 horsepower SAE (351 kW). The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 displayed for its European premiere on the Jeep stand in Frankfurt features a Deep Cherry Red exterior color and Black leather interior. The new generation of Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the most powerful and high-speed Jeep vehicle ever produced, boasting performance of an authentic super-car.
Together with the introduction of the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 284 horsepower DIN (209 kW) that will join the 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited lineup – now also enhanced by improved on-road driving comfort – the American brand showcases in Frankfurt the all-new Jeep Wrangler Arctic special-edition model, adding a new factory-customized model for Wrangler.
Dodge Nitro May Be Sticking Around!
2011 Dodge Nitro
Recent Rumors point to the Nitro and Caliber staying on for a little bit longer. Rumors speculated that both vehicles were nearing EOL (End Of Life). However now it appears that both models may see a continued production. High sales for the Nitro this year will extend the production of the 2011 Nitro through December. A Nitro R/T model will be released. A 2012 Caliber will be released with a replacement in the works for the first half of 2012.
New Dodge Durango Named Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Auburn Hills, Mich. Dodge Durango has been named a “Top Safety Pick” for 2011 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS recognizes vehicles that perform “good” in front, side, rollover and rear crash test evaluations performed at its Vehicle Research Center in Virginia. This award applies to Durango models built after May 2011.
Additionally, to be considered, vehicles also must have available electronic stability control systems, which, research has shown, significantly reduce crash risks.
The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango offers consumers 45 safety and security features, including standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which delivers three security features to improve overall vehicle stability both on- and off-road: electronic roll mitigation (ERM), which reacts and applies brakes during extreme situations, and Hill-start Assist (HSA), which works with standard Trailer-sway Control (TSC) to enhance off-road and towing capabilities.
Picture Of The Day – Stretched 2011 Chrysler 300 Limo
2011 chrysler 300 limousine
If you’ve never visited carscoop then you need to give it a look-see. We pulled this image from one of their post. They found this stretched Chrysler 300 on ebay. For those of you with some disposable income head on over to ebay and drop $75,000.
Grand Cherokee With 3.0L Diesel Available In UK
We recently reported on the introduction of the 3.0L diesel Grand Cherokee in Australia. Well it looks like their fellow Commonwealth member the UK, is also getting the diesel treatment. What about the U.S.? According to rumors the U.S. should get a diesel equipped Grand Cherokee by 2013…ouch.
Picture Of The Day – Employees Gather
Chrysler Employee Picnic
More than 40,000 Chrysler Group LLC employees and their families stepped right up to the ‘big top’ at the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, Mich., today as part of the complex’s Family Day Celebration. The company held the carnival-themed event to commemorate its second anniversary and the recent repayment of loans from the U.S. and Canadian governments. The celebration featured product and brand displays, as well as family activities, technology demonstrations and facility tours.
New Mini Jeep? Maybe
We did some searching and came up with what may be the next Mini Jeep. Introducing the FIAT Panda Cross 4×4. This little fellow currently being sold in Europe might make a wonderful entry level jeep. Not only could it be sold for less than 15k, but it also gets 40+ mpg’s.
There have been a lot of rumors surrounding possible vehicles that will be introduced to the U.S. since FIAT took control of Chrysler. Just add this one to an already growing list.
Warren Brown (Washington Post) Reviews The 2011 Dodge Journey
Warren Brown Washington Post
“I am much more impressed by what I see in the company’s new products — a drive to get things right, an elegant swagger, and a determination win on its own terms without apology or excuse.” Warren Brown Washington Post
2011 Dodge Journey
Although Warren Brown is reviewing the Dodge Journey, he is really reviewing the company that makes it. Like many automotive reviewers of recent, they see a change in Chrysler that shows in their products. Chrysler has started to impress with new 2011 offerings. The general feeling is not that Chrysler is back, but that Chrysler is better.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Review (Video)
No doubt that Chrysler has hit one out of the park here. The All-New interior and exterior redesign of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a big hit with consumers. Featured in this video is the New top of the line Overland model.
Hertz LA Customer Excited About Renting Dodge Challenger
If you don’t know already, you can now rent 2011 Dodge Challengers from Hertz. I haven’t done the research to determine if there is national availability or if it is restricted to certain locations. The customer in the video is getting his rental in Los Angeles.
Endeavour Reaches For The Stars
The Space Shuttle Endeavour had a successful launch this mourning on what will be its last mission into space.
What a wonderful adventure it has been. The shuttle program has made the idea of space exploration a reality. God’s Speed to the Endeavour’s crew.
You can watch the launch below.
Lenny Kravitz Joins Chrysler To Push Jeeps
The Jeep® brand today announced that four-time Grammy award winning artist Lenny Kravitz will be featured in a national broadcast advertising campaign for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler, which will include a new track, ?Rock Star City Life,? from his highly anticipated ninth studio album ?Black and White America.?
New Ram Commercial To Air During Kentucky Derby
If rumors are correct, Ram is set to launch a new commercial during the Kentucky Derby. Ram has been a sponsor of the Kentucky Derby for 2 years. Apparently they tag line is going to be “Guts-Glory-Ram”. The image we’ve posted here is a building that resides on the grounds of Church Hill Downs and is adorned with the tag line on its roof.
Ram Ad Churchill Downs
Chrysler Group Announces Refinancing Transaction
April 28, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Chrysler Group LLC (“Chrysler Group”) announced today that it intends, subject to market and other conditions, to repay in full the outstanding obligations under the loans provided to Chrysler Group by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Canadian federal and Ontario governments. Chrysler Group intends to complete the repayment during the second quarter of 2011 from proceeds of a new term loan facility and newly issued debt securities to be offered and sold to institutional investors in a private offering exempt from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.
Distinctive Style and Attitude Define the New 2011 Chrysler 200 S Sedan and 2011 Chrysler 200 S Convertible
2011 Chrysler 200 S convertible
View Photos Of The Chrysler 200 s and the 200 S Convertible.
April 19, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The new Chrysler 200 series vehicles provide customers elegant, well-crafted mid-size vehicles with an extraordinary level of standard content and an exhilarating driving experience. From the ground up, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible have been redesigned and upgraded to deliver great American design and engineering, with a value proposition that exceeds expectations.
With an elegant style, refined ride and handling characteristics, an exquisitely-crafted interior, a new powertrain and an abundance of standard safety features, the Chrysler 200 sedan is beautifully inspired and a remarkable value. The Chrysler 200 provides drivers a little more style and elegance in segment traditionally known for its “sea of sameness.”
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.
Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.
The interior exclusive design features include a perforated leather steering wheel; leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests; suede door trim bolsters; a black headliner and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect® voice command.
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 provides drivers an agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work, a weekend adventure on twisty roads or going out with family and friends. Virtually every part of the suspension has been re-engineered or redesigned for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.
Customers will drive with confidence in the Chrysler 200 and experience less body roll, reduced vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces, improved isolation on rough roads, better steering precision, response and feel and increased grip with new premium tires.
The 2011 Chrysler S sedan is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which produces a best-in-class horsepower rating of 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, but still achieves an exceptional 29 miles per gallon EPA highway fuel economy rating The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle.
Cabin quietness has been upgraded, resulting in one of the quietest cabins in the segment, and allowing passengers to enjoy their conversations, largely devoid of outside noise. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) were reduced and 45 new sound deadening treatments were added, including an acoustic glass windshield, laminated side glass usually only found in higher priced vehicles and new sound absorption materials throughout the vehicle.
An abundance of standard safety and security features in every 2011 Chrysler 200 model offer consumers peace of mind at a price they can afford. The 200 sedan’s standard safety features include: standard advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC), front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic traction control, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system and available Uconnect® voice command. The 2011 Chrysler 200 is Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick.”
The 2011 Chrysler 200 S has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $26,790 (including $750 destination).
Chrysler 200 S model sedans are available to order now and will begin arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in the second quarter.
Chrysler 200 S Convertible
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible offers consumers an open-air driving experience featuring elegant craftsmanship inside and out, a fun, yet refined driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.
Redesigned and re-engineered for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.
Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.
The interior exclusive design features include a perforated leather steering wheel; leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests; silver accent thread and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible models provide drivers a fun, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work or a weekend adventure on scenic roads. Virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned for 2011, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.
Customers will drive with confidence in the Chrysler 200 Convertible and experience less body roll, reduced vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces, improved isolation on rough roads, better steering precision, response and feel and increased grip with new premium tires.
The 2011 Chrysler S Convertible is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which produces a 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, but still achieves an exceptional 29 miles per gallon EPA highway fuel economy rating The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle.
With every available safety and security feature standard in the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible, consumers receive peace of mind at a price they can afford. The 200 Convertible’s standard safety features include: advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, electronic stability control (ESC) with brake assist and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Brake Override, active front-seat head restraints, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system, remote keyless illuminated entry, SentryKey engine immobilizer and security alarm.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 S has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $32,490 (including $750 destination).
The Chrysler 200 Convertible S model will begin arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms later this spring.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible models are built at the Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant.
Follow Chrysler and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:
Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo
Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm
Chrysler/Mopar Press Release (Announcement Made 04/13/2011)
Chrysler Group Announces Strategic Agreement That Will Enhance, Grow Service and Parts Business; Mopar, Magneti Marelli and Shell Lubricants Team Up to Offer Comprehensive Service, Parts and Oil for Competitive Makes
- Chrysler Group dealerships to offer one-stop service shops for customers who own competitive makes
- Chrysler Group dealers to become full-line retail service and tire centers
- Mopar-Magneti Marelli-Shell Lubricants agreement establishes comprehensive servicing of GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia vehicles at Chrysler Group dealerships
- Magneti Marelli brings 26 product lines and more than 3,000 part numbers to Mopar’s product portfolio
- Shell Lubricants brings Pennzoil® and Shell Rotella® motor oils, the most preferred brands in their respective categories
- Mopar announces opening of customer-care lines on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern
“After introducing a number of initiatives to improve service for our customers, including brand-specific customer-care lines, extended service hours during weekdays and weekends and a push for Mopar Express Lanes, taking care of owners with competitive vehicles is the next frontier,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “For customers with competitive vehicles, Mopar’s agreement with Magneti Marelli and Shell Lubricants effectively creates one-stop service shops at our Chrysler Group dealerships. And with the addition of 3,000 quality-tested parts, our dealership network will now have the ability to fully service customers who drive into our service lanes with competitive vehicles.
“In addition to customers with competitive vehicles, our dealers will now be able to supply independent repair facilities with a full line of premium parts,” said Gorlier. “With this unique collaboration, this move further positions Mopar as a leader in customer care.”
Beginning this month, Magneti Marelli will begin supplying Mopar and Chrysler Group dealerships with brakes, shocks, struts, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters and cabin filters for competitive makes. Other product lines will gradually phase into the Chrysler Group dealership network.
“Over the past few months, we have worked closely with Mopar on distribution synergies and our parts range proposition,” said Dino Maggioni, CEO of Magneti Marelli Aftermarket. “We are ready to develop our presence in the U.S. aftermarket, bringing our product expertise and becoming the brand source for the company’s all-makes parts.”
In addition to Magneti Marelli, Mopar is also working with Shell Lubricants in order to further bolster the company’s move to offer dedicated express-lane services in its dealerships. Shell Lubricants provides dealer-level program and marketing support and supplies the Mopar oil program with premium Mopar and Pennzoil® motor oils for Chrysler Group vehicles and competitive makes.
In addition to Pennzoil passenger-car motor oils, Mopar’s oil program will feature Shell Rotella® heavy-duty engine oils. Both Pennzoil and Shell Rotella are the most preferred brands in the US in their respective categories and will be featured components of Mopar’s Express Lane program.
“We are very pleased to be working with Chrysler Group, the Mopar brand and its dealers,” said Lisa Davis, President , Shell Bulk Fuels and Lubricants, Americas. “Chrysler Group builds some of the finest vehicles in the US, delivering cutting-edge design and performance, and we are proud to provide their dealers with our leading Pennzoil® and Shell Rotella® motor oils for the vehicles they service.”
Saturday Hours and Express Lane Service: Mopar Continues Push to Further Improve Customer Service and Convenience at Chrysler Group Dealerships
With a proud 74-year heritage of developing high-quality performance parts and accessories, Mopar is expanding the brand and building on that reputation by applying that same passion to create a high-performance customer experience.
The agreement with Magneti Marelli and Shell Lubricants is the latest example of how Chrysler Group, through its Mopar division, is aggressively moving to further improve customer service and convenience while growing its service business.
Currently 70 percent of Chrysler Group’s 2,311 dealers now offer Saturday service hours. Mopar is planning to improve this number to 80 percent by the end of this year. Dealers who have made the move to Saturday service hours have increased their overall service business by 20 percent.
To support the move to Saturday-service hours, Mopar has extended its technical-support dealer call- center hours to 16 hours Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to midnight) and now Saturday as well (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.). Beginning in January of this year, Mopar started providing Saturday service at its parts distribution centers. For customers, Mopar established extended hours for the company’s brand-specific customer-care telephone lines from just weekdays (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) to Saturdays as well (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern). In addition, the company announced today that it will now offer Sunday customer service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, with the exception of national holidays.
Regarding Mopar Express Lane service, currently 600 dealers, or 26 percent of the Chrysler Group dealer network, now offer express service. Mopar is planning to improve this number to 80 percent by the end of 2014. Dealers who add Mopar Express Lane service to their dealerships average a 50-percent increase in their retail service business within the first six months and double their oil-change business in the first year.
“It’s important to note that competitive vehicles currently make up 25 percent of Mopar Express Lane traffic,” said Gorlier. “Our new relationship with Magneti Marelli and Shell Lubricants will allow us to further serve this growing market. Our dealerships will become full-line retail service and tire centers.”
Mopar-first Features
Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:
- Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
- Vehicle-information smartphone apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
- Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
- Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to introduce new vehicle tracking system that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on set parameters
- 2011 Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
- WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
- WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network
About the Mopar Brand
Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand.
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original-equipment parts for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered and tested with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at http://www.mopar.com
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
About Magneti Marelli
Based in Italy (Corbetta, Milan), Magneti Marelli was established in 1919. The company is a subsidiary of Fiat Group and has a presence and reputation in racing, including Formula 1 and World Rally Championship (WRC). With 2010 revenues of $7 billion and approximately 33,000 employees, Magneti Marelli designs and produces advanced automotive systems and components. The company has 77 production facilities, 11 research and development centers, and 26 application centers in 18 countries. The group supplies leading automakers in Europe, North America, South America and the Far East. Its comprehensive product line includes electronic systems, lighting, powertrain, shock absorbers, plastic components and modules, suspension and exhaust systems, and aftermarket parts and services.
About Shell Lubricants
The term ‘Shell Lubricants’ refers to Pennzoil-Quaker State Company (doing business as SOPUS Products) a Shell Group company engaged in the lubricants business in the US. Shell’s Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry globally, supplying 13.4% of global lubricants volume.(a) The companies manufacture and blend products for use in consumer, heavy industrial and commercial transport applications. Shell’s portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX® and Jiffy Lube®.
(a) Kline & Company, “Global Lubricants Industry 2009: Market Analysis and Assessment, 2009-2019.”
Dealers Are Selling At Pre-Recession Levels(Forecasted)
Dealers are expected to reach pre-recession vehicle selling levels this year. The dealer average of 745 vehicles a year is the target number to reach. Vehicle sales plummeted after the bottom dropped out of the U.S economy in 2007. Many dealerships were closed in order to increase traffic levels of individual dealers. Chrysler eliminated more that 2,200 dealerships. The closings were a hot-button issue at the time, and is still being debated in and out of court today. In general it is believed that the decision to cut dealers was necessary, and was a huge factor in the health and well being of the remaining dealers, and manufacturers. Combined vehicle sales will still be below the pre-2007 levels for 2011 but will have risen 11 percent for the year.
Helfman Cars 