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Dodge and Jeep Recalls Announced

Chrysler is issuing a recall for more that 22,000 trucks and SUVS from its Dodge and Jeep brands. Left Lane News writes, "Concerns over a brake master cylinder component that could lose fluid have prompted Chrysler to recall 22,000 2010 Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Jeep Liberty and Wrangler trucks and SUVs." "These vehicles could have hydraulic braking problems that could lead to a loss of brake fluid and reduced …

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Drive a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge Risk-Free for 60 Days

Interested in buying a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle, but not convinced it’s the right car for you? Now there’s no reason to worry — as Chrysler’s has expanded its 60 day risk-free program to include more than just minivans. Autoblog reports: “Back in February, Chrysler rolled out its ‘Minivan Pledge,’ which gave customers the choice of returning their vehicle within 60 days if they were unhappy in any way. The program …

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Weakness in Consumer Demand Shows in June Car Sales

As expected, June car sales, being reported by automakers Thursday, are coming in ahead of sales a year-ago June. But that isn't saying much. Last June was dismal as consumers awaited details of the government's Cash for Clunkers program.

And June sales are coming in weaker than May sales, which weren't strong by any stretch.

At midday Thursday without all automakers reporting sales yet, the industry appeared on track to sell less than 1 million vehicles for the month. The Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate (SAAR) of sales in the 11 million to 11.2 million range. Of that total, retail sales looked to be in the mid 8 million territory, according to automakers.

The Big 6 automakers so the following June-to-June increases: GM, 11 percent; Ford, 13 percent; Toyota, 7 percent; Honda, 6 percent; Chrysler, 35 percent; and Nissan 11 percent.

Chrysler Sales Up 35% from Last June; Jeep Grand Cherokee Launches

Chrysler reported sales were up 35 percent from last June, when the automaker had just emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The automaker, which many thought would not be around at this point, pointed out it was its third consecutive year-over-year sales increase.

June marked the launch of Chrysler's first major new product since its bankruptcy – the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Grand Cherokee sales in June were down 20 percent from a year ago ast the new model is just ramping up and national advertising only recently broke.

Chrysler Discontinues PT Cruiser

The Chrysler PT Cruiser has run its course. “Today, we learned that July 9 will mark the last day of production for the venerable Chrysler PT Cruiser,” writes Automobile Magazine. “With more than 1.3 million units sold, the PT Cruiser represented one of the first executions of a modern retro car for the masses.” Due to its aging design and underpowered engine, the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser currently ranks near the bottom …

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Chrysler to Introduce Manly Minivan

As automakers battle for market share in the popular muscle car and small car segments, an unlikely duel has emerged between minivans. Toyota has launched a popular “Swagger Wagon” campaign to position its Sienna as a cool, more-modern take on the minivan. Now, there are reports that Dodge is exploring ways in which to make its Grand Caravan manlier. The “man van,” as it’s commonly referred to among Dodge insiders, …

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Car Tech Live 174: Tesla reveals its secret sauce to the Model S (podcast)

We’ll reveal the *real* range you can expect from the Nissan Leaf…Find out what secret sauce Tesla will use to build the coming Model S…See where Chrysler hid the owners manual…and drive a Lexus SUV that straddles more than creeks & gullys.

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Originally posted at Car Tech Live Podcast

Fiat MultiAir Turbo Named Engine of the Year

Fiat's 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine – a powerplant the carmaker hopes to use to help Chrysler gain ground in the U.S. small car and fuel-efficiency sweepstakes – has been named the best new engine of 2010 by the International Engine of the Year jury.

The small but powerful four-cylinder engine was introduced in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta small car and the Alfa MiTo subcompact, where one variant produces 170 horsepower while delivering fuel economy – measured on the European combined city-highway cycle – of 47 miles per gallon.