Chrysler showcases first wave of new models under Fiat ownership

In our continuing review of the 2010 automotive offerings, the Chrysler Corp. takes the spotlight. It is encouraging to note Chrysler USA is not waiting for the announced Fiat technological infusion, but it is showing marked improvements across the product line.

Again, we are indebted to Motor Trend magazine for the rundown on next year’s models. The “What’s New” blurb on each unit is particularly helpful. Here we go on “the Ultimate Truck and SUV Buyer’s Guide:

CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. All trim levels receive driver and front-passenger active head restraints. Rear obstacle detection is now available. Features such as Swivel ’n Go, Stow ’n Go and a removable table are still available.

Base Price Range: $27,750-$37,900.

DODGE NITRO. Interactive Diesel Fuel Shut Off turns off the fuel supply when the Nitro SUV is decelerating, which improves fuel economy. Active head restraints now standard. Leather trim is now available.

Base Price Range: $23,000-$30,200.

DODGE RAM 1500. For the second year of this good seller, several improvements in function, including integrated trailer brake controller, folding trailer-tow mirrors and power trailer-tow mirrors are now available. Also fuel shut-off during deceleration standard with all diesel engines.

Base Price Range: $22,600-$45,200.

DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. The SE model receives three-zone manual climate control standard, plus rear obstacle detection display located in info center. Options include Sirius Backseat TV, ParkView backup camera and blind-spot monitoring.

Base Price Range: $23,700-$29,700.

JEEP WRANGLER. Sunrider soft top becomes easier to remove. Fog lights and tow hooks now standard. The base two-door now has cloth seats (no more vinyl). The “best-equipped rock crawler: the Rubicon.”

Base Price Range: $21,600-$33,100.

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE for 2011. Actually, it will be available for sale in 2010. This redesigned “off-roader SUV is said to be based on a version of the Mercedes-Benz ML’s platform, with a Lux cabin.” Power liftgate will be standard on the Limited, along with plenty of chrome options throughout.

Base Price Range: $31,000-$46,000.

JEEP LIBERTY. This model also received the Diesel Fuel Shut Off, which turns off during deceleration. Front seat active head restraints, air filtration, front-passenger fold-flat seat and premium stain-resistant seat fabric are all standard equipment.

Base Price Range: $24,000-$28,800.

These 2010 Chryslers could be the start of something grand. Looking ahead, expect a different Chrysler culture. It is already happening under new CEO Sergio Marchionne, who has taken Fiat from red figures to black in just a couple of years.

The secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Ray LaHood, said recently: “He’s the next generation of Lee Iacocca. He’s an automobile leader. What I saw at Chrysler was what people felt when Iacocca was there. I sensed it in talking to him, but before I ever got to him, I could sense it in every employee that I met.”

Not bad recognition for a European businessman who had no automotive management experience prior to heading Fiat.

George Spaulding is a retired General Motors executive and distinguished executive-in-residence emeritus at the School of Business and Economics at the College of Charleston. He can be reached at 2 Wharfside St. 2A, Charleston, S.C., 29401.