Dodge Models Ranks Highest in Segment for JD Power APEAL Study

The 2013 Dodge Charger lead its segment in J.D. Power’s 18th annual U.S. APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study, while the Ram Truck brand ranks as the highest non-premium brand in the industry.

The APEAL Study measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on customer evaluations of 77 vehicle attributes of new 2013 model year vehicles. Customers are surveyed after 90 days of ownership at the same time as J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study (IQS). According to J.D. Power, the most appealing vehicles have greater owner loyalty, command higher transaction prices and spend less time on dealer lots before purchase.

“The vehicle characteristics measured in the APEAL study are just as relevant to owners’ overall quality impressions as the issues identified in the IQS survey,” Doug Betts, Senior Vice President - Quality, Chrysler Group LLC said. “A vehicle’s subjective appeal is what really sets it apart from the competition and strengthens a customer’s willingness to recommend their car or truck. We are constantly investing in product upgrades to improve all aspects of quality and customer satisfaction.”

This is the third consecutive year the Dodge Charger has led its segment in the APEAL Study. The Chrysler 300 ranked third in the segment in the study.

The Dodge Charger provides the ultimate combination of dramatic Dodge heritage styling, award-winning premium interior, the reassurance of an IIHS Top Safety Pick and full-size spaciousness with the fuel efficiency of a mid-size car.

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, award-winning interior craftsmanship and refinement and state-of-the-art connectivity features with available Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system, the new Dodge Charger proudly delivers premium, world-class sedan precision at an incredible value, starting at a U.S. MSRP of only $25,995.

2013 Dodge Dart Inherits Alfa Romeo DNA

The Dodge Dart is Chrysler’s first attempt at an entry-level vehicle since the Caliber bowed out only after six model years. Based off the Alfa Romeo platform, the 2013 Dart inherits much of the performance characteristics. Off the bat, the optional 1.4-liter, featuring Fiat’s patented MultiAir technology, is quite the gem that provides 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The result is a potent package. The multi-air engine uses hydraulics to control the amount the intake valves open and how long they stay that way, which results in an impressive fuel economy and emission benefits as well as 10 percent more power.

The 2013 Dodge Dart is immediately identifiable as a Dodge. The crosshair grille and wider track base gives it a more aggressive stance. In addition, the wider track width and longer wheelbase result in greater interior space. Adding an Italian influence, soft-touch materials, expertly applied, along with pleasant ambient lighting lend an air of luxury not often found at this price point. A wide array of technologies are also standard or available including the amazing class-exclusive Uconnect Touch 8.4” touchscreen infotainment center that provides voice recognition and a full-color TFT (Thin Film Transistor) instrument cluster.

The Dart offers buying the opportunity to customize the vehicle to their taste with a combination of five models, six powertrains, 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, and three wheel sizes. A host of safety, entertainment, and communication features are also available. Every Dodge Dart has 10 airbags--three more than in a Mercedes C-class and four more than in an Audi A4. The Dart’s optional rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and backup camera are rare in the compact class. Venturing beyond cup holders and door slots for beverage containers, this new Dodge has a glove box large enough to swallow an iPad and a secret storage compartment under the front-passenger’s-seat cushion.

Chrysler had managed to elbow their way into the fastest growing, most competitive segment in the car business and has put forth a strong contender. During first quarter of this year, Chrysler’s sales have risen by over a third over first-quarter in 2011. Critics agree that if you are in the market for a compact, even a mid-sized family car, be sure to add the 2013 Dodge Dart to your shopping list.

2014 Ram 1500 to Offer Industry’s Only Light-duty Diesel Pickup

Diesel engines are offered in several full-size pickup models but only in heavy-duty, 3-quarter ton and 1-ton versions. Ram will be the first to offer a diesel in a light-duty pickup later this year when the 2014 Ram 1500 arrives. It will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine featuring 240 horsepower with 420 lb-ft of torque and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability.

“Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel powertrain in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The half-ton truck market is incredibly competitive, and although we’re honored the Ram 1500 has received a number of prestigious awards, we cannot rest on what we have accomplished, we must keep pushing.”

The 2013 Ram 1500 won Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year, The North American 2013 Truck of the Year and the 2013 Truck of Texas, which is a rare trifecta in the pickup segment. Building on the award-winning truck, the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will further stretch its best-in-class fuel economy title lead and continue to raise the innovation bar in one of the automotive industry’s most customer-loyal segments.

“The Ram 1500 with the 3.0-litre V-6 turbo EcoDiesel and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission will deliver on the demands of truckers by providing best-in-class torque, fuel economy and driving range. There’s no doubt that being the only truck manufacturer to offer this game changing technology will provide Ram with a competitive advantage.”

The new 3.0-litre V6 EcoDiesel is among today's most advanced diesel engines. Its emissions are 60 per cent less than those produced by the diesel powertrains of 25 years ago. The impressive combination of torque and fuel economy marks new levels of performance for small V6 engines. Equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction, it will be emissions-compliant in all 50 states. The truck will also feature a cap-less fuel filler system for added convenience.

Mopars in the Park - 1961 Dart Seneca

Summer Car Maintenance Tip: Park in the shade

Of course, a garage is always the ideal place to park your car. But if one isn’t available, minimize interior damage from UV sunlight and heat by always trying to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in bird droppings, use a car shade to minimize the sun’s impact. As a bonus, you’ll have a cooler car to step into on hot sunny days. Car shades come in two basic types: those that you unfold and place on the front windshield and rear window, or pleated types that attach to the windshield posts (with adhesive), window frames (with Velcro), or the windows themselves (with suction cups).

Courtesy of Reader’s Digest

Make sure this summer isn't too hot to handle!

Stop in for our Air Conditioning System Special and we'll make sure everything is tip top.  Click here.

Second Annual Ram Trucks Gallon Guarantee: Free Fuel Giveaway

As proud as we are of the 2013 Ram 1500’s fuel economy, we have to admit that there is at least one thing that sounds just as sweet as 25 mpg highway, and that’s straight-up free fuel.

This summer, Ram Trucks is giving away over 700 gallons of free fuel (724 gallons, to be exact) to one lucky grand prize winner. The brand is also giving away smaller prizes on a weekly basis, increasing the odds of winning for everyone who enters. For your chance to win, head over to RamTrucks.com and enter your information on the designated Ram Trucks Gallon Guarantee page.

This is the second summer in a row that Ram Trucks is giving away a significant amount of free fuel. Last year, we presented over 500 gallons of fuel to Myron H. of West Palm Beach, Florida. By our estimations, and at peak fuel efficiency, that much fuel in a 2013 Ram 1500 would carry truck and driver over 12,000 miles. By bumping the grand prize up to 724 gallons, we push that final range, again at peak fuel efficiency, past the 18,000-mile mark. To put that in perspective, that’s like driving almost three-fourths of the way around the world.*


*The circumference of the Earth at the equator is 24,901 miles.
Sweepstakes ends September 3, 2013.

Courtesy of RAM Blog