Thursday, April 24, 2014

Chrysler Group’s Trenton Engine Awarded Bronze Designation

Chrysler Group’s Trenton Engine Awarded Bronze Designation



Chrysler Group’s Trenton Engine Awarded Bronze Designation; Becomes Fifth North American Plant to Achieve the World Class Manufacturing Milestone

  • Ranking rewards improvements in safety, quality and productivity
  • WCM implementation saves Company more than $1 billion since June 2009
April 21, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC’s Trenton Engine Complex (Mich.) has been awarded bronze status for its results in implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM). Trenton becomes the fifth North American facility to achieve the first WCM award milestone.

The plant received the bronze designation just over four years after adopting the WCM operating system following a two-day audit April 16-17, 2014. Bronze is awarded after earning a minimum of 50 points in 10 technical and 10 managerial pillars by demonstrating clear WCM know-how and competence through employee-conducted pillar presentations and a review of projects that have been expanded across the shop floor. Trenton earned a score of 52.

“We are very proud of the dedication our Trenton employees have shown in accelerating the rate of improvement in their plant in order to achieve bronze,” said Mauro Pino, Vice President and Head of Manufacturing/WCM, Chrysler Group LLC. “Together with our UAW partners, Chrysler Group is demonstrating its commitment to making our manufacturing facilities among the best in the world.”

World Class Manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on reducing waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way. WCM engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants. WCM was first implemented by Fiat in 2006 and introduced to Chrysler Group as part of the alliance between the two companies in June 2009. Since that time, the Company has saved more than $1 billion in controllable manufacturing costs as a result of the implementation of WCM.

During an audit, zero to five points are awarded for each of the 10 technical pillars, which include safety, workplace organization, logistics and the environment, and for each of the 10 managerial pillars such as management commitment, clarity of objectives, allocation of people, motivation of operators and commitment of the organization. A score of 100 would indicate World Class.

In addition to Trenton, three other facilities currently hold bronze awards - Toledo Assembly Complex (Ohio), Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant (Mex.) and Dundee Engine Plant (Mich.). The Windsor Assembly Plant (Ont.), which earned its bronze designation in 2012, was awarded silver in March, making it the Chrysler Group’s highest ranking plant in North America.

The Trenton Engine Complex is made up of two facilities – the South plant which opened in 2010 to produce the award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine and the North plant which began production in 1952. The North facility was idled in 2011, but has since reopened to build Pentastar and Tigershark engines.
About Chrysler Group LLC 
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Belvidere Assembly Plant Receives $1.3 Million Incentive Check

Belvidere Assembly Plant Receives $1.3 Million Incentive Check

Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant Receives $1.3 Million Incentive Check from Nicor Gas on Earth Day
 

  • Check represents largest cumulative incentive ever awarded
  • Three plant projects will save the energy used in 1,000 homes in one year
  • Belvidere achieves significant year-over-year environmental improvements in water, waste and energy
April 22, 2014 , Belvidere, Ill. - Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant (Ill.) has 1.3 million reasons to celebrate on Earth Day because that was the amount of the rebate check it received today from Nicor Gas, the plant's natural gas provider.

The check, presented during a ceremony at the plant with local leaders, employees and executives of both companies in attendance, represented the savings achieved as a result of the implementation of three natural gas-saving projects. It is the largest cumulative incentive ever awarded by the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program.

Chrysler Group’s Head of Assembly Operations Zachary Leroux and Belvidere Plant Manager Eric Schimmel accepted the check on behalf of Company.

“As one of the largest energy consumers in the region, Chrysler Group is an active participant in the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program, which provides meaningful incentives for business to reduce gas consumption through investments in new technologies and systems,” said Leroux. “This program coupled with our World Class Manufacturing operating system has resulted in creative, energy-saving solutions that will pay dividends for years to come.”

Beth Reese, Nicor Gas President, acknowledged the Company’s commitment to using natural gas in an efficient manner.

“We are pleased to recognize Chrysler Group for its commitment to saving energy and money through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program,” said Reese. “We applaud their efforts, which have earned a $1.3 million return and also are helping to bring our program closer to reaching its energy goals.”

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers financial rebates to customers who install qualifying natural gas-saving products, including furnaces, boilers, water heaters and steam traps. The program also offers financial rebates up to pre-approved customers who develop a customized natural gas reduction project for their businesses.

Implemented in 2013, Belvidere's three energy conservation projects will save nearly 2.5 million therms annually or the equivalent of the energy used in 1,000 homes for one year. They include:
  • Cascade Air, which involves reusing heated air in more than one location in the plant. In simple terms, rather than using natural gas to continually heat cold outside air to a comfortable working temperature, we supplement cold outside air with warm plant air, using less natural gas for heating. The rebate for this project was $400,000.
     
  • The installation of 34 variable frequency drive motors on direct gas-fired air handling units. In order to maintain a working temperature inside the plant, all air supply motors would either be completely off or operating at 100% capacity.  This project, which generated a $323,000 rebate, enables proportional speeds to reduce the volume of heated air supplied to the plant.
     
  • Chrysler Group used the $500,000 incentive from Nicor to defray costs on a $1.3 million project to upgrade hardware and install new software to connect and control 25 air supply units and numerous general and process exhaust fans as part of an improved Energy Management System. This integrated control system facilitates plant-wide air balance and non-production heating setbacks to reduce natural gas use.

Chrysler Group also received a 30 percent bonus on two of the projects as they were identified in a Nicor assessment.

“The savings that have been generated through these projects are truly immeasurable and are representative of the dedication with which the Belvidere workforce tackles any challenge,” said Schimmel.

In addition, Belvidere Assembly has accomplished significant year-over-year environmental improvements, including a 12.7 percent reduction in water use, a 5.6 percent reduction in waste generation, and a 9.5 percent reduction in total energy consumption, which includes natural gas and electricity.

The Belvidere Assembly Plant, located about 60 miles west of Chicago, is home to the Dodge Dart, Jeep® Compass and Jeep Patriot. In 2013, the plant built more than 325,000 vehicles with nearly 4,500 employees, working two 10-hour shifts, six days per week.

About Chrysler Group LLC 
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Dodge and Mötley Crüe Give Fans a Chance to Be Bad in Nationwide Promotion

Dodge and Mötley Crüe Give Fans a Chance to Be Bad in Nationwide Promotion



Dodge and Mötley Crüe Give Fans a Chance to Be Bad in Nationwide Promotion

  • ‘Dodge Chance to Be Bad Giveaway’ prizes include a 2015 Dodge Charger or Challenger, ultimate Mötley Crüe VIP experience, autographed guitars, concert tickets and more
  • Sweepstakes in conjunction with Dodge brand’s sponsorship of iconic rock band Mötley Crüe’s ‘Final Tour’
  • Enter at www.dodgechancetobebad.com and share on social media for additional chances to win prizes
April 22, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Muscle car enthusiasts and rock ‘n’ rollers looking for a chance to be bad need to look no further as Dodge and Mötley Crüe launch a nationwide promotion.

The “Dodge Chance to Be Bad Giveaway” kicks off this week as part of the partnership between Dodge and the iconic rock ‘n’ roll band, as Mötley Crüe embarks on its “Final Tour.” The Dodge brand is the presenting sponsor of the tour, which kicks off July 2 in Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Fans have an opportunity to win a 2015 Dodge Charger or Challenger, an ultimate Mötley Crüe VIP experience that includes meeting the band, and other prizes, including autographed guitars, band collector’s items and tickets to the notorious rock band’s “Final Tour” this summer.

“The 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger are the ultimate American muscle cars just as the much anticipated Mötley Crüe ‘Final Tour’ is the ultimate high octane music event of the summer,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The ‘Chance to Be Bad Giveaway’ gives our mutual fans an opportunity to win prize packages that are just as irreverent as our new muscle cars and the band itself.”

The nationwide promotion utilizes the Dodge and Mötley Crüe digital and social media outlets to build excitement and give fans many ways to vie for the large prize pool. Participating Dodge dealers and regional business centers as well as the band are also promoting the giveaway.

Registrants entering at www.dodgechancetobebad.com can earn five more chances to win by sharing custom links with their friends across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and LinkedIn.  Qualified registrants will also receive an exclusive offer to test drive a new 2014 Dodge vehicle at their local dealer and receive Mötley Crüe concert tickets when they do.

In addition, fans of the Dodge Facebook page will be invited to like and comment during a weekly wall contest to enter to win a package of exclusive Mötley Crüe collector’s items.

The “Dodge Chance to Be Bad Giveaway” is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license. Sweepstakes concludes July 1, 2014. Complete rules and additional information are available at http://dodgechancetobebad.com/rules.aspx.


Dodge has used the band’s hit single “Kickstart My Heart” in three 30-second commercials for the Charger and Challenger as the energy of the song and band captures the spirit and energy of the brand.  “Uncle,” “Dream Job” and “Engine Note” can be seen on the brand’s YouTube channel.

About Mötley Crüe and ‘Final Tour’
Hailing from Los Angeles, the quartet—Vince Neil (vocals), Mick Mars (guitars), Nikki Sixx (bass) and Tommy Lee (drums)—has commandeered the rock pantheon for over 30 years. In that time, they have accumulated worldwide album sales exceeding 80 million, seven platinum or multi-platinum albums, 22 Top 40 mainstream rock hits, six Top 20 pop singles, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Grammy nominations, four New York Times bestsellers (including the band’s biography, THE DIRT) and countless sold out tours across the globe, playing to millions of fans. Mötley Crüe was the first rock band in history to have completed an epic sold-out Las Vegas residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Mötley Crüe announced The Final Tour and the band’s ultimate retirement, solidified when the band signed a formal Cessation of Touring Agreement, effective at the end of 2015, in front of global media in Los Angeles on Jan. 28.  The band has proven they know how to make a lasting impression and this tour will be no different: fans can expect to hear the catalog of their chart-topping hits and look forward to mind-blowing, unparalleled live production.  “When it comes to putting together a new show we always push the envelope and that’s part of Mötley Crüe’s legacy,” explains Nikki Sixx (bass).  “As far as letting on to what we’re doing, that would be like finding out what you’re getting for Christmas before you open the presents.  We think in an age of too much information, we’d like to keep some surprises close to our chest until we launch the Final Tour.”

For a list of tour dates and more information on the tour, go to http://bit.ly/MotleyCrueTheFinalTour.


About Dodge Brand
The Dodge brand is tearing into its centennial year with a keen eye focused on the future and a desire to create vehicles customers want to drive and are proud to park in their driveways. With 100 years of history, Dodge is building on the technological advancements of the '30s and '40s, design evolution of the '50s, the racing heritage of the '60s, the horsepower of the '70s, the efficiency of the '80s and unbelievable styling of the '90s as it paves the road to its future. New for 2014, Dodge is kind of a big deal with its new 2014 Dodge Durango with a new eight-speed transmission that delivers up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, a new 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment center and best-in-class power, towing and driving range, in addition to its class-exclusive technology. The new Durango joins a stable that includes the new 2014 Dodge Dart, with its breakthrough 2.4-liter 184-horsepower Tigershark engine, and the celebrated 2014 Dodge Avenger. Both earned 2014 Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also new for 2014, Dodge is bringing back the legendary throwback Shaker hood and offering special 100th anniversary editions of the Charger and Challenger with unique exteriors and interiors to celebrate the centennial. Completing the 2014 Dodge lineup are the Journey with its new Crossroad model and the 30th Anniversary Grand Caravan. The Dodge lineup features five vehicles with best-in-class power, seven vehicles that deliver 25 mpg or higher, three vehicles that deliver 31 mpg or higher and three vehicles that offer seating for seven.

2015 Chrysler 200



The All-new 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan Charts a New Course for Mid-size Sedans, Captivating Drivers and Passengers with its Simple Elegance, an Extraordinary Driving Experience and Cool Features – at a Value Customers Will Appreciate
 

The 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan Is All New From the Ground Up
  • Inspired by iconic American design, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 delivers beautiful craftsmanship using high-quality materials, understated elegance, and is loaded with state-of-the-art technology and safety features
  • 2015 Chrysler 200 is the industry’s first mid-size sedan with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, which enables expected highway fuel economy ratings of 35 miles per gallon
  • The Chrysler 200 sedan’s innovative available all-wheel-drive system is the first to deliver an automatic fully disconnecting rear axle, improving fuel economy by reducing parasitic loss when all-wheel drive is not needed
  • Choice of two world-class engines are available: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces a best-in-class 295 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, or the standard 2.4-liter MultiAir®2 Tigershark I-4 engine produces 184 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque
  • The all-new 200 features state-of-the-art electronic shifting with rotary dial
  • An inventive center console offers pass-through storage space for driver and passengers, covered charging station and sliding cup holders for even more storage space when needed
  • 2015 Chrysler 200 offers the most available safety and security features in the segment with 60
  • All-new 2015 Chrysler 200 delivers an array of easy-to-use, state-of-the-art advanced technology to keep drivers connected and informed yet focused on the road
  • World Class Manufacturing principles and a new, updated assembly plant set the table for a world-class vehicle – the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200
  • All-new paint and body shops and improvements in the assembly process enable precision-built vehicles and reduce the energy required to build the 2015 Chrysler 200 by 22 percent compared with the outgoing model
  • The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,700 (excluding $995 destination)

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 22, 2014  - 

Simple elegance, an exhilarating driving experience, state-of-the-art and easy-to-use technology and beautifully crafted, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 charts a new course for mid-size sedan customers who have earned a little luxury in their life, but demand value for their money.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 debuts a beautiful exterior design featuring the new “face” of the Chrysler brand – a thoughtful, exquisitely crafted interior and an exceptional driving experience, complements of a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and an Alfa Romeo-based chassis. With the choice of two world-class engines, an innovative all-wheel-drive system, available sport mode and paddle shifters for an engaged driving experience, and estimated highway fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon (mpg), the all-new Chrysler 200 makes the commute something drivers will look forward to.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 offers the most available safety features in the mid-size sedan segment, and state-of-the-art, easy-to-use technology that keeps drivers and passengers connected. With a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $21,700 (excluding $995 destination) the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is a sedan that customers will be proud to own, at a value they will appreciate.

“The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 will be the new benchmark for mid-size sedans with an exceptional driving experience, fuel economy of up to 35 mpg highway and exquisite craftsmanship,” said Al Gardner, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.  “The all-new Chrysler 200 lays the groundwork for the future of the Chrysler Brand with a timeless, elegant design; clever functionality; a standard nine-speed automatic transmission; a class-leading all-wheel-drive system; 60 safety and security features and a host of new technology drivers and passengers will value.”

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed, engineered and built, with pride, in Michigan. With a major investment of more than $1 billion, Chrysler Group’s Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant (SHAP), once slated for closure, sports an all-new paint shop using leading-edge technology, a new, fully robotic body shop and an upgraded assembly area, setting the stage for the world-class craftsmanship found in the all-new 200.

Design
Inspired American design and beautifully crafted inside and out, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 transforms what customers expect in a mid-size sedan. The 2015 200 sedan showcases the new face of Chrysler, and incorporates timeless design cues that let the car tell the story.

Clean, expressive surfaces define the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200; it’s a timeless American design based on simple elegance. The 200 sedan, with its muscular yet soulful presence, embodies a strong, sculptured exterior that drivers will want to touch and feel. The restrained design is not ornamental or full of line work instead it showcases sensual lines and fluid surfaces, which highlight the coupe-like appearance.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 debuts the new “face of Chrysler.” The grille and headlamps are integrated for the first time and the updated Chrysler badge has an emphasis on the wing, which is more defined. The signature light pipe or available full-LED daytime running lamps (DRL), LED fog lamps and standard LED tail lamps give the all-new Chrysler 200 a distinctive, recognizable look coming and going.

The Chrysler 200S model delivers an exclusive style – darker, more sinister – not found on other models in the lineup, or in the mid-size sedan segment. The 2015 Chrysler 200S model features gloss black trim and accent pieces rather than the standard bright trim. The exclusive design of the daylight opening (DLO) trim, the area surrounding the side windows, is gloss black – the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the only vehicle in the segment with this feature. Integrated dual exhausts are standard and the available 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels complete the look. The more sinister appearance of the 2015 200S model complements the sportier driving experience the S model delivers.

The interior of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan provides the “wow” factor. Exquisitely crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, the 2015 200 sedan’s interior is inviting and comfortable and rewards drivers and passengers on commutes as well as longer journeys.

Using four key principles – an emotional design impact, use of high-quality materials with honest material execution, state-of-the-art technology and clever storage features – and inspired by classic, thoughtful American design, the interior of the all-new 200 sedan is unequaled in the segment.
The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan features interior trim and materials that are well-crafted, pleasing to the eye, soft to the touch and comprised of high-quality materials. Attention to detail is paramount and attractive components offer world-class levels of fit and finish.

The striking interior color and trim combinations were inspired by celebrated American locations, such as 5th Avenue in New York City, Sausalito, California and Detroit.

A clever design for the center console, made possible by the state-of-the-art full electronic gear shifting with rotary shift knob, is beautiful as well as functional. A unique pass-through storage feature that the driver and front-seat passenger can both access is enabled by the rotary-dial electronic shifting, a segment first. A clever opening at the rear of the pass-through area allows wires and cables from items stored in the pass-through area to route directly to the hidden power supply located in the covered center console. The center console features innovative sliding cup holders with smooth, furniture-like movement, allowing drivers and passengers to use the space in a way that best fits their needs.

The all-new Chrysler 200 is loaded with state-of-the-art, high-tech features and amenities that will surprise and delight customers. The available 7-inch LED full-color instrument cluster allows drivers to receive information and feedback in the format they prefer, similar to an iPhone. A glowing bezel surrounding the instrument cluster gives off a distinctive, pleasing blue glow. The available screens show information such as real-time fuel economy, turn-by-turn navigation, compass, outside temperature, speed, time and other useful information. The display is easy to use and easy-to-read, which allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 features the available award-winning Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center. It is attractive, intuitive and easy to use. Uconnect Access keeps drivers and passengers connected with helpful information such as fuel prices and movie listings. Voice-activated navigation, handsfree voice command and voice-to-text are some of the available features that allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Attention to detail is prevalent throughout the all-new Chrysler 200, as no space was overlooked. Surprising details include a rendering of the City of Detroit skyline embossed on the rubber mat in the bottom of the pass-through storage of the center console.

Engineering
Exquisite style meets exceptional performance. The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan leapfrogs expectations in the mid-size sedan segment for comfort, ride and handling. Engineered to provide premium driving dynamics, improved fuel economy estimated at 35 mpg highway, a quiet cabin and an enthusiastic driving experience, the all-new Chrysler 200 delivers exceptional ride and handling characteristics for all roads and weather conditions.

A segment-first standard nine-speed automatic transmission and world-class engines, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with a best-in-class 295 horsepower, add up to an enjoyable, spirited driving experience in the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200. An available, innovative, state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system includes a “sport” driving mode and delivers excellent performance in all driving conditions. With a world-class architecture and leading-edge technology, the new Chrysler 200 is engineered to exceed customer expectations in every category.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the world’s first mid-size sedan to feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard. The benefits of the advanced-technology transmission are numerous, including an estimated highway fuel economy of 35 mpg when powered by the 2.4-liter MultiAir®2 Tigershark I-4 engine. The addition of more gear ratios reduces the frequency of speed changes associated with upshifting and downshifting – fluctuations that thwart fuel savings and undermine the driving experience. The high-tech transmission dispenses power smoothly for elevated refinement. Such performance is made possible because the ratio steps between its gears are smaller than those of other transmissions.

Two world-class engine choices power the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan. The proven, award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 generates a best-in-class 295 horsepower as well as 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine produces 184 horsepower, 173 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers excellent estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg highway. The new standard Tigershark engine, that powers the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200, delivers fuel economy improvements of 13 percent, horsepower improvements of 6 percent and torque improvements of 10 percent compared with the outgoing four-cylinder engine.

A new available sport mode in the 2015 200 provides a spirited driving experience by modulating steering, throttle and shifting inputs, electronic stability control, Adaptive Cruise Control Plus and all-wheel drive for a driving experience customers will look forward to. The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first Chrysler Group mid-size vehicle to offer paddle shifters, enhancing the driving experience for the driver who wants to experience all the car has to offer.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 offers an available best-in-class all-wheel-drive system, which features a segment-first fully disconnecting rear axle that improves fuel economy by operating in front-wheel drive when all-wheel drive is not needed. The all-wheel-drive system features a one-speed power transfer unit (PTU) and uniquely disconnects and reconnects the rear axle – automatically and seamlessly – as needed and at any speed.  The disconnecting rear axle disconnects at both the PTU and rear drive module, which improves fuel economy by reducing parasitic loss when all-wheel drive is not needed.

Owners of the new Chrysler 200 will appreciate an innovative rotary e-shift dial that replaces the traditional console shifter. The rotary e-shift enables intuitive operation with a direct and confident feel. The convenient, center-mounted, easy-to-operate system provides total control of the sophisticated nine-speed transmission. This new design allows easy shifting and also yields space for more functional and usable storage in the center console.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first mid-size sedan to utilize Chrysler Group’s Compact U.S.-wide (CUS-wide) platform, the basis for smooth on-road performance. The new body structure, including laser-brazed roof welds, delivers increased torsional stiffness, resulting in a more connected driving experience.
The 2015 Chrysler 200’s chassis was engineered to deliver sporty European handling dynamics and steering precision with ride and comfort characteristics tuned for North American roads, resulting in excellent handling for the driver with maximum comfort for both the driver and passengers.

The exceptional balance of fun-to-drive dynamics, ride comfort and emergency handling is accomplished through the suspension bushing tuning and the exceptional body structure, including the front aluminum cradle, rear upper/under body structure reinforcement and superior suspension attachment stiffness.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the most aerodynamic vehicle in its class, aiding improved fuel economy, on-road dynamics, and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The quiet cabin is another positive factor in the superior driving experience.

Safety and Security
The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is a showcase of advanced safety and security technology, offering a comprehensive array of driver warning and assist systems and state-of-the-art occupant restraints. The 2015 200 offers the most available safety and security features in the segment with 60.
The new 2015 200 features multiple segment-exclusive features, which utilize sensing elements that leverage available ultrasonic, radar, camera and other technologies for a 360-degree view of the road. Segment-exclusive available features include:
  • Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus: under certain circumstances and without driver intervention, can bring the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 to full stop
  • Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus: a Chrysler Group first that provides autonomous braking and, under certain circumstances, slows or brings the vehicle to a full stop when a frontal collision appears imminent
  • ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist: uses ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver into parking spaces. The perpendicular park assist function is a segment first.
Also unique to the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the segment-exclusive standard electronic park brake with SafeHold, which secures the vehicle if the driver opens the door and unlatches the seat belt while forward or reverse gears are still engaged.

Other standard and available features include electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, ParkSense rear backup sensors, ParkView rear backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection and LATCH child seat anchors. In addition, the all-new 200 is constructed with approximately 60 percent advanced-technology steel, which contributes to a strong safety cage and robust crashworthiness.

World Class Manufacturing
World Class Manufacturing principles and an improved, upgraded assembly plant set the stage for a world-class vehicle – the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan.

The Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant (SHAP), home of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200, is the beneficiary of a $1 billion investment including an all-new state-of-the art paint shop and a new fully robotic body shop.

The all-new 1,000,000-square-foot body shop features fully robotic assembly for exact fit and finish and enable precisely crafted features, like laser-brazed roof and trunk deck lid joints and consistent fits on every car.

The all-new paint shop features state-of-the art technologies that offer customers a beautiful palette of exterior colors from which to choose while reducing costs and the environmental impact of the paint operations. The180-degree “rotisserie” rotating carriers ensure the best sealant coverage of all seams in the vehicle. Lasers check that the sealant is applied properly and in the right locations.

Fully robotic paint booths, enable world-class paint coverage for each and every vehicle. SHAP utilizes a powder primer paint system for the 2015 Chrysler 200, which saves cost and reduces the impact to the environment by utilizing 97 percent of all powder. This is achieved by recirculation of the powder. The all-new paint shop is a “clean” facility, rivaling clean lab environments with dust and contamination control for a better quality paint. Attention to detail ensures consistent, high-quality paint for every 2015 Chrysler 200.

New paint technologies enable tri-coat paints for a selection of beautiful exterior finishes.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 competes in the mid-size sedan segment, one of the largest segments in North America, with more than 2 million sales annually. Roughly one of every six new vehicles sold in the United States is a mid-size sedan.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is available in four different models in the United States and will arrive in volume in dealer showrooms in the second quarter, 2014. Customers can choose from the 2015 Chrysler 200 LX model, Chrysler Limited model, Chrysler 200S model and the premium Chrysler 200C.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan will offer consumers 11 different exterior color choices from which to choose: Velvet Red Pearl Coat, Lunar White Pearl Tri-coat, Phantom Black Pearl Tri-coat (late availability), Vivid Blue Pearl Coat, Crystal Blue Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Luxury Brown Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat and Ceramic Blue Clear Coat (late availability).

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed, engineered and built with pride in Michigan.