Entries Tagged 'Dodge' ↓

Fitch Ratings cut Toyota’s top-notch credit rating on Wednesday, blaming the world’s auto market slump and surging yen — the latest sign that even Japan’s top automaker is suffering from the global slowdown.

Fitch also cited high material costs as another challenge as it lowered its rating on Toyota Motor Corp. two notches to “AA” from “AAA,” with a negative outlook, meaning the rating could be lowered in the next year or two.

The automaker’s shares dropped nearly 5% in Tokyo morning trading.

While Toyota’s Detroit-based rivals scramble to avoid bankruptcy and plead for a bailout from the U.S. government, the Japanese auto maker is grappling with its own mounting problems.

Toyota earlier this month reported a 69% drop in fiscal second-quarter profit and cut its full-year forecast by more than half. Toyota recently announced production cuts in the U.S in response to a steep decline in sales in its largest and most profitable market. The company’s shares are down about 45% from their high for the year.

“In these times, no company is immune,” Toyota spokeswoman Mira Sleilati said Wednesday, responding to news of the downgrade.

“Toyota is suffering severely from the ongoing turmoil in the global automotive sector,” said Tatsuya Mizuno, a Fitch director.
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New Trazo C1.8 by Dodge Debuts at São Paulo Motor Show

* Trazo C1.8 by Dodge is the first sedan for the Dodge brand in key Latin American markets
* Offers exceptional value, fuel economy and dependability for customers new to the Dodge brand
* Trazo C1.8 is powered by a fuel-efficient, E-100 ethanol-capable 16-valve 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine
* Exterior and interior designs exemplify elegant simplicity and efficiency
* Trazo C1.8 gives Chrysler LLC immediate access to new vehicle segments in high-growth markets

São Paulo, Brazil, Oct 28, 2008 – Chrysler LLC launches into a new segment in Latin America with the introduction of the new Trazo C1.8 by Dodge today at the São Paulo Motor Show. Trazo C1.8 will be offered as a four-door sedan with exceptional value and fuel efficiency in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Trazo C1.8 will be built by Nissan Motor Co., providing Chrysler LLC a high-quality entry into these fast-growing markets.

“The new Trazo C1.8 by Dodge allows us to enter into a segment in which we currently do not compete,” said Mike Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler LLC. “The Trazo C1.8 offers customers a high-quality vehicle with great value and provides our dealers with further opportunities to expand their business.”

The exterior of the Trazo C1.8 provides an athletic, yet modern design that is consistent with the rapidly growing Dodge brand. Trazo C1.8’s maximized 102.4-inch (260-centimeter) wheelbase and short front- and rear-overhangs create perfect proportions for city streets, while expressively long rooflines highlight the comfortable and spacious interior.

Trazo C1.8’s grille features intricate louvers that create a contemporary look while integrating the new Trazo emblem. Large halogen headlamps wrap around to front fenders and provide a striking appearance while improving illumination. These elements, combined with a sporty, integrated body-color front fascia, reinforce Trazo C1.8’s youthful looks.

Trazo C1.8’s side profile illustrates aerodynamic efficiency while highlighting generous passenger space within. A raked-back windshield improves Trazo C1.8’s drag coefficient to a low 0.31 Cd while offering a higher roof height for passengers seated in the front and rear. Clean and crisp body-side forms provide a look of sophistication and give balance to the large side glass that gives Trazo C1.8 passengers great visibility.

A well-tailored rear end completes the exterior design while hinting at Trazo C1.8’s cargo versatility. An efficiently shaped deck lid is sandwiched by large jeweled taillamps and provides a strong, integrated look with the wide C-pillar. The deck lid also sits nicely below the large rear window to avoid blocking the driver’s rear view. A large chromed license plate brow and centered Trazo line emblem atop the deck lid ensures the Trazo C1.8 is not a bland, run-of-the-mill four-door.

Space utilization and high-quality interior materials provide Trazo C1.8 with a generously sized interior, rewarding its passenger with comfort and craftsmanship.

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Raring up for the 2008 SEMA show, where a handful of tuners will offer their interpretations of the Challenger, Dodge has let the covers slip from its own 2009 Challenger SRT10 Concept. Rather than taking the supercharging route that most of the tuners have been going with for the Challenger, Dodge decided to leverage its Viper division for a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Powered by an 8.4L all-aluminum V10 engine rated at 600hp (447kW) and 560lb-ft (758Nm) of torque, the Challenger SRT10 Concept also gets a Tornado Red paint job and a carbon fiber trunk lid. Bilstein shocks improve handling while upgraded brakes help bring the big car to rest from speed. Inside, the car gets a sampling of carbon fiber accents and, like the Viper, a red push-button engine starter mounted in the dash.

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When Bob Lutz introduced the Dodge Viper supercar to dealers more than a decade ago, he did so with a poem that included the couplet: “If Viper doesn’t turn your head, check your pulse … you may be dead!”

At the time, the third-biggest Detroit automaker needed a shot in the arm. But now it’s more in need of cash.

On Wednesday, Chrysler signaled the potential end of an era, indicating that its Viper sports car line could be sold as the company continues to spin off non-core assets.

The Auburn Hills automaker, a year into private ownership, announced in a statement that it is preparing to explore “strategic options for the Dodge Viper business.”

“We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper,” Bob Nardelli, Chrysler CEO, said in a statement. “As the company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties.”

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2008 Dodge ZEO Concept

The 2008 Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-passenger, 2+2 sport wagon that embraces the bold, expressive look of the Dodge brand, exhibiting a new, youthful breed of muscle car for the 21st century. Built for driving enthusiasts, it features an electric-only propulsion system with a lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Unlike other such vehicles, the 2008 Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-door, four-passenger model that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.

Specifications
Length: 172.8 inches (4390 mm)
Width at H-point: 68.6 inches (1743 mm)
Height: 50.8 inches (1290 mm)
Wheelbase: 109.9 inches (2792 mm)