In order to meet demand of some of the Company’s most popular products, several Chrysler Group LLC assembly plants will not observe a summer shutdown. These plants are:

• Jefferson North (Detroit)
• Conner Avenue (Detroit)
• Toledo North (Ohio)

Additionally, all engine, transmission and stamping plants, with the exception of Indiana Transmission Plant II (Kokomo, Ind.), will work through the summer. ITPII will be down the week of July 8.

All other assembly plants will be observing a summer shutdown in order to implement improvement projects to support future production. These plants include:

• Toledo Supplier Park (Ohio) – down the week of July 1
• Belvidere (Ill.) – down the week of July 15
• Toluca (Mexico) – down the week of July 15
• Saltillo (Mexico) – down the week of Aug. 5
• Sterling Heights (Mich.) – down the weeks of July 1 and July 8
• Warren Truck (Mich.) – down the weeks of July 1 and July 8
• Windsor (Ont., Canada) – down the weeks of July 8 and July 15
• Brampton (Ont., Canada) – down the weeks of July 15 and July 22

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 20, 2013

• Co-branded television spot launches May 20, coinciding with first appearance of Dodge Chargers as hero vehicles in the ‘Defiance’ TV program airing Mondays at 9 p.m. on Syfy
• 30-second ‘Dodge Charger | Defiance’ ad follows the vehicle’s endurance from present day to the 2046 transformed planet Earth featured in TV show
• ‘Dodge Defiance Arkfall Sweepstakes,’ launching May 24 at www.DodgeDefiance.com, includes social gaming component allowing fans to compete against one another and share stories on Facebook
• Weekly prizes awarded with one grand prize of trip for two to world’s largest pop culture event

The Dodge brand is extending its partnership with Syfy and Trion Worlds on the “Defiance” television show and online video game with a new television commercial and social gaming sweepstakes.

As the exclusive automotive sponsor, the Dodge brand “Defiance” partnership includes vehicle integrations in the TV show (Dodge Charger) and online video game (Dodge Challenger) as well as custom co-branded advertising and promotions crossing multiple media platforms, including television, digital, social media, mobile, gaming and on-demand. “Defiance” allows Dodge a prime opportunity to speak to its socially engaged customers.

The co-branded TV commercial, titled ‘Dodge Charger | Defiance,’ debuts May 20, in conjunction with the first appearance of the Dodge Charger as the hero vehicle driven by main character Nolan (Grant Bowler), the city of Defiance lawkeeper. The 30-second spot shows the endurance of the Charger as it survives obstacles in a changing world, ending with a transformed planet Earth in the year 2046 where “only the defiant survive.”

The spot will be posted on the brand’s YouTube page, www.youtube.com/dodge . 

Dodge is also adding a social gaming component to the “Defiance” partnership with a “Dodge Defiance Arkfall Sweepstakes.” Fans of Dodge and Defiance can compete against each other and share unique stories to their friend’s Facebook News Feeds while vying for the grand prize of a trip for two to the world’s largest pop culture event taking place in California this summer. Weekly prizes will also be awarded, including gaming systems, the “Defiance” video game and Dodge brand merchandise.

On the “Defiance” television show and online game, “Arkfalls” are the remains of alien ships known as “Arks” and as they deteriorate, pieces of these ships plummet to the earth bringing with them resources, alien technology and more. In the Dodge social game and sweepstakes, Arkfalls will be released across the Internet from May 24 – June 25, and participants must locate the Arkfall to launch the social game of the week. Once a participant has completed the game, their faction (team) will receive a point into the weekly sweepstakes and the entrant will also receive one entry into the grand prize drawing. For more information on the sweepstakes or to register, visit www.DodgeDefiance.com or the Dodge brand Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Dodge.

“Defiance,” Syfy and Trion World’s first-ever convergence of television and online gaming featuring an interconnected world and storylines that co-exist throughout the scripted drama television series and online game, has been very successful since they debuted in April. To date, more than 21.4 million people have seen “Defiance” on Syfy and the program is ranked the top cable entertainment show in its timeslot among key demographic groups. Trion World’s online video game already has 1 million users.

Both the television series and game are standalone experiences that unfold concurrently in one world, however, they also seamlessly intertwine to create a dynamic interactive experience in which the show impacts the game, and the game influences the show.

About ‘Defiance’

Set in the near future, “Defiance” introduces an exotically transformed planet Earth, its landscapes permanently altered following the sudden – and tumultuous – arrival of seven unique alien races. In this somewhat unknown and unpredictable landscape, the richly diverse, newly-formed civilization of humans and aliens must learn to co-exist peacefully. Each week, viewers will follow an immersive character drama set in the boom-town of Defiance, which sits atop the ruins of St. Louis, Mo., while in the game, players will adventure in the new frontier of the San Francisco Bay area. The dramatic tapestry of the series and the intense action of the game will exist in a single universe where their respective narratives will inform one another and evolve together into one overall story.

The series stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Graham Greene and Mia Kirshner. It is executive produced by Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives, Caprica, Hellcats) and Michael Taylor (Battlestar Galactica). Kevin Murphy serves as show runner. Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) directed the pilot; Michael Nankin will serve as director/producer on the series. Defiance is produced by Universal Cable Productions. Among other accolades, the game was named “Best MMORPG” from GameSpy at the June 2012 E3 conference.

About Dodge

For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs built for top performance – from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive design. With the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart offering up to 41 miles per gallon, the all-new Dodge Charger paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the new Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan – inventor of the minivan – Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the freshest dealer showrooms in the United States. For more information about the Dodge brand, go to www.dodge.com.

SOURCE  Chrysler Group LLC

DUBLIN, Ohio., May 17, 2013 / – If your vehicle has a Chrysler Engine and a Chrysler-Body then its eligible to participate in the annual LX & Beyond Nationals car show. We will be hosting an All Mopar Car Show on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 10am – 3pm at Thompson Raceway Park in Thompson, Ohio. Additional Classes will be added based on registration.

$25 Entry Fee (Pre-Registered) / $35 Entry Fee (At the Gate) – Covers Driver and (1) passenger, Fun Runs (as time allows) and Grandstand Access to Watch the Modern Street Hemi Shootout Series and Mopar Heritage & Beyond Bracket Racing.

Eligible participant vehicles

• Any vehicle with a Chrysler-powered engine.

Vehicle Make Competitions

• Overall Best of Show & Go – Grand Prize

This is awarded to the car that not only looks good standing still but also performs on the drag strip. Any racing participant that intends to compete for this award should declare their participation the first day of the event in order to have vehicle judged prior to racing. It is not necessary to win the racing class that you participate in. It is required to make at least one pass on the drag strip to be eligible for this category (No Exceptions) *Combination of Racing Performance and Show Results*

• Best of Show Charger (Weekend / Daily Driver)
• Best of Show Magnum (Weekend / Daily Driver)
• Best of Show 300/300C (Weekend / Daily Driver)
• Best of Show Challenger (Weekend / Daily Driver)
• Best of Show Jeep Grand Cherokee (Weekend / Daily Driver)
• Best of Show Other Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Plymouth (Weekend / Daily Driver)

This is awarded to the vehicle with the best overall balance of quality for their respective classification. It should be truly different and stand out from the crowd. The paint should have the cleanest finish of any vehicle on the show field. Engine should have some visual modification. Stance of vehicle should be non-stock, and/or wheels should complement the overall appearance. Interior should also have some modification.

Classification:

• Weekend Driver = WD

To compete in Weekend Driver classification, the vehicle must average less than 12,000 miles/per year

• Daily Driver = DD

A Daily Driver classification, is a vehicle that averages 12,000 miles/per year or more

LX & Beyond Top 10 Choice Awards

This is awarded to the Top 10 cars that stood out to the experts but did not meet the qualifications for a Best of Show award. This award can be given to any combination of vehicle qualities: all original, low miles, unique modification, etc.

Specialty Awards

• Best Paint & Finish

This is awarded to the car that has the best quality paint job i.e. no chips, orange peel, dull spots fading, etc. The paint should have the cleanest finish of any vehicle on the show field. The paint must be finished throughout the entire vehicle including the door and trunk jambs and of course the engine bay. The paint color and quantity of colors is not a factor for earning this award.

• Best Engine (Visual)

This category awards the overall presentation of the engine, which includes polished / chromed parts, powder coated parts, color-coated hoses, and most importantly the cleanliness and presentation of the entire engine bay. Such factors as wire tucks and shaved engine bays will also play a determining factor, your Engines performance abilities have no bearing in this category.

• Best Undercarriage

To compete for an undercarriage award, the vehicle should be elevated on stands or ramps. Mirrors should be placed under the vehicle, to display undercarriage modifications. Undercarriage detailing such as painting, powder coating, polishing and / or chroming, are all factors as well as, sway bars, urethane suspension bushings and other chassis stiffening modifications will be considered too. Any other creative ideas that can enhance the undercarriage will also be taken into consideration.

• Best Interior

This award is presented to the person who has customized their interior following a specific theme. Interior themes could include a one which will consists of many rare parts from overseas or show car theme which may include lots of fiberglass to hold audio and video components. The use of exotic materials and original ideas will also be taken into consideration for this award.

• Best Female Ride

To be eligible for this award, the vehicle must be driven into the venue by the vehicle’s female owner, and the car must be registered for the show under her name. It is also IMPERITIVE that she presents her car to the expert at the show. Experts are not only examining the workmanship that went into the vehicle, but we are examining her knowledge about the vehicle too.

Audio/Video Award

• Sound Presentation (Fabrication)

This is awarded to the person with the cleanest, most customized stereo install. This includes speakers, head-units, amps, and overall installation of the stereo equipment. It’s not the quantity of equipment, but the quality of the install that concerns the experts. Does the install include custom fiberglass painted enclosures? Are the components highlighted with lighting? Are all wires neatly wrapped up and out of sight? Does the overall fabrication and custom work match the car’s theme? The creativity and uniqueness of installation also plays a large factor in deciding this award.

• Best ICE (In Car Entertainment) (Fabrication)

ICE examines non-stereo equipment. Some examples of ICE would include: multiple TV’s, gaming systems, computers, navigation, cameras, and interior lighting. Most importantly experts are looking for unique features, such as unusual locations for televisions, hidden gaming systems in armrests, multiple screens with multiple functions, and smooth clean installs.

Vehicle Presentation

• Best (Lighting) Display

This is awarded to the vehicle with the most detailed exterior lighting display. Exterior lighting would include: spot lights, rope lights, neon, strobes, track lighting, and any other lighting equipment to enhance the exterior presentation and display of the vehicle. It is not the quantity of lighting, but rather how the lighting is used to better the presentation of your vehicle that will earn you the chance to win this award.

Club/Team Awards

• Club/Team Participation

(Professionalism of the club/team members and how they represent themselves and their cars at the show)

Club/Team members should be at the show for its entire duration. The members should be wearing club attire, such as: t-shirts and/or ball caps. This award is for the club/team who entertains the crowd for the duration of the show, with such features as: music, lighting and interactive activities to keep the crowd drawn to your organizations vehicles.

• All vehicles should be on display for the entire day
• Team must be competing and attending  (5 Vehicle Minimum)

People’s Choice Awards

• Long Distance Award

This is awarded to the person that drives the longest distance in their own vehicle to the event. In the event of a tie, driving time based on evaluation of Google Maps will be used to determine winner.

• Best LXBN – 1^st Generation, 2^nd Generation Vehicle

To be eligible for this award the owner of the vehicle must be a registered participant. However, the vehicle does not have to be participating in the car show or racing activities of the weekend. This award is voted on by everyone in attendance on the Saturday and after all votes have been tallied will be awarded on Sunday morning.

• Dodge Challenger – Gen I (2008-present)
• Dodge Charger – Gen I (2006-2010), Gen II (2011-present)
• Dodge Magnum – Gen I (2005-2008)
• Chrysler 300 – Gen I (2005-2010), Gen II (2011-present)

• Best Vendor Display / Performance Vehicles

This award is for the vendor/company who entertains and interacts with the crowd for the duration of the show, with such features as: interactive activities, drawings, display vehicles, racing vehicles, etc. to keep the crowd drawn to your display area.

General Rules

• Vehicle to be judged must be owned by the presenter.
• Entry must be made prior to the stated deadline.
• All competing vehicles must be driven onto the show field.

Restrictions

Vehicle trailers are not allowed in the show field due to space confinements.

Delray Beach, FL., May 15  — DiabloSport continues to dominate the Chrysler tuning market by releasing support for the 2011-2012 3.6 Liter Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300. The 3.6 Liter market asked for it and DiabloSport stepped up and delivered “Power You Can Feel.”

The Trinity and inTune really improves the 2011-2012 3.6L Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300. The tools have tunes for 93 and 91 octane and add up to 15 horsepower and 15 ft. lbs. of torque. The new tunes also give the 3.6L better throttle response and increases low end torque.

The tunes improve drivability and overall feel by reducing torque management to allow the power to be put to the ground at all times. Other adjustable features include the ability to calibrate the speedometer for gear and tire changes, throttle booster, and raise speed and rev limiter.  

Visit www.diablosport.com  to learn everything about the Trinity, inTune, and the DiabloSport world famous “canned” tunes.

Firmware updates for the Trinity will be available as a free downloads though DS Downloader when plugged in to any PC with a USB and an internet connection. 

Firmware updates for the inTune will be available as a free automatic download when plugged in to any PC with USB and an internet connection. inTune updates are also available through drag and drop installation on Macintosh OSX Computers.    

T1000 and I-1000DCX are available at all major automotive performance retailers at MRP of 599 and 449.

DUBLIN, Ohio., May 15, 2013 / — For those of you not familiar with the Modern Street HEMI Shootout Classes, we have a heads up class that fits everyone from Stock all the way up to INSANE!!!!!!!  We also run an Index class which is very similar to bracket racing but run in nonadjustable .25 increments.

We have also added a non-points bracket class (Mopar Heritage & Beyond Bracket Racing) that will include the cars not covered under the MSHS rules.  Please check out the classes and rules here and if you have any questions feel free to post up in here.

http://hemirace.com/pdfs/2013_Modern…cial_Rules.pdf

Your entry fee will allow you to run any single heads up class in addition to Index or Bracket.  2 racing classes for your single entry fee, lots of racing action to be had at Thompson Raceway Park which is known for its stellar traction.

The classes are presented by the following sponsors:

Title Sponsors: ShopHemi.com & Paramount Performance Products

King of the Hill: American Racing Headers

Unlimited: Performance Werks Racing

Super PRO: Paramount Performance Products

PRO: Stage 6 Motorsports

Stroker: Thitek

Super Stock: LegMaker Intakes

Stock: OST Dyno

Index: East Coast MoParts

Daniel Van Horn
Modern Street Hemi Shootout
Race Director

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ –

• Dodge Dart leads highly-competitive small car segment in Total Quality
• Chrysler Town & Country owners give it highest marks in minivan segment
• Dodge Durango score tops medium SUV segment
• Chrysler 200 Convertible is best convertible under $30,000

Four Dodge and Chrysler vehicles earned “Best 2013 Total Quality™” honors in Strategic Vision’s annual Total Quality Index™.

Dodge Dart, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler 200 Convertible ranked highest in their segments based on responses from owners of 2013 model year vehicles in Strategic Vision’s quantitative study of 17,568 owners. Strategic Vision measures “Total Quality” by studying more than 440 variables that encompass positive and negative experiences including reliability, driving excitement, emotional attachment and overall sales and service satisfaction.

“In today’s competitive market, customers expect and deserve a highly reliable vehicle,” Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group LLC, said. “This particular study recognizes that to excel in overall quality it’s important to also deliver well-crafted, exciting vehicles and ensure customer satisfaction after the sale. These honors show that customers appreciate the innovations in the all-new Dart as well as the ongoing improvements we’re making throughout our product lineup.”

“Dodge Dart’s leading in the small car segment is extraordinary when you consider how much focus, design and competitive engineering exists within this important segment,” explained Strategic Vision Vice President Christopher Chaney. The Dodge Dart’s results in the TQI index prove that customers respond when “you mix super exceptional versatility, motivating exterior styling, and a strong array of high quality performing components and concepts,” Chaney added.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee “Official Winter Vehicle of New England” for third consecutive year
• 2011 Grand Cherokee captures Wheels TV “Previously Owned Vehicle of the Year” award
• Mike Manley, Jeep Brand President and CEO, receives 2013 NEMPA Executive of the Year Award
• 2013 Ram 1500 4×4 named “Best All-Weather Pickup Truck”

The Jeep® brand captured three significant awards here last evening at the New England Motor Press Association’s (NEMPA) annual industry dinner. Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, received the 2013 NEMPA Executive of the Year award, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee was named the “Official Winter Vehicle of New England” for an unprecedented third consecutive year.

In addition, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee earned the Wheels TV “Previously Owned Vehicle of the Year” (POV) award, and the 2013 Ram 1500 4×4 was named NEMPA’s “Best All-Weather Pickup Truck.”

NEMPA President Keith Griffin presented the 2013 Executive Award to Manley, citing the Jeep brand’s outstanding product lineup and its commitment to New England.

“During Mike Manley’s tenure, Jeep has enjoyed a renaissance applauded by both consumers – with ever-increasing sales – and by automotive writers, who have heaped awards upon the Grand Cherokee,” Griffin said. “Regarding Chrysler Group’s vehicle awards, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500 4×4 are perfect winter companions. Congratulations to Jeep Grand Cherokee, our first-ever three-peat winner, for one of the most successful remakes of a vehicle in American history. And Ram 1500 4×4 is the benchmark of the full-size pickup segment with its refinement, capability and efficiency.”

In winning the “Official Winter Vehicle of New England” award, Jeep Grand Cherokee was hailed for its unbeatable combination of all-weather on- and off-road capability, comfort, luxury, sophistication, build quality and value by the NEMPA jurors.

Ram 1500 4×4 was named “Best All-Weather Pickup Truck” for the second time in four years. It is the latest in a group of recent awards including Motor Trend Truck of the Year, North American Truck of the Year and Ward’s Autos 10 Best Interiors.

NEMPA is unique among regional motor press groups. Its media members represent all six New England states, reaching one of the largest populations in America. NEMPA’s automotive writers and talk show hosts influence consumers who are in the market to buy cars and trucks in order to cope with the region’s punishing weather conditions. Once a year, more than 50 NEMPA members gather for their Winter Vehicle voting day. Vehicles are chosen based on how they meet specific needs of New England drivers during winter.

State, County, City officials join Goodyear leaders to cut tire tread ribbon

AKRON, Ohio, May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Cutting a ribbon featuring the pattern of a tire tread, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) held the “Grand Opening” of its new Global Headquarters here today.

Much-Anticipated Action-Thriller Opens over Memorial Day Weekend on May 24, New Installment in the Billion-Dollar Franchise Features Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8 and other vehicles

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Dodge and SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brands today announced their partnership with Universal Pictures on the upcoming film, ‘Fast & Furious 6,’ opening in theaters nationwide on May 24.

Take a video tour of the SRT® Viper GTS-R race program all season long in Beyond the Checkered Flag. The new video series will provide a behind-the-scenes, up-close-and-personal look at the SRT Viper GTS-R’s return to full-time competition in the American Le Man Series (ALMS) through multiple mini-documentaries.

The first episode of Beyond the Checkered Flag will preview the ALMS season for the SRT Viper GTS-R team and highlight all the off-season preparation that went into gearing up for the 2013 campaign. Beyond the Checkered Flag will follow the team all year long, right up to the season finale at Petite Le Mans in October.

Candid driver interviews and exclusive profiles of the team members and race cars themselves will provide viewers an insightful glimpse into the workings of the SRT Viper GTS-R racing program. Beyond the Checkered Flag will deliver the sights and sounds of the SRT Viper GTS-R team at the race track, on pit lane, in the paddock and at the race shop to fans worldwide.

Visit driveSRT.com all season to keep up with the SRT Viper GTS-R race team and to see the latest episodes of Beyond the Checkered Flag.