Chrysler Group's Sneak Peek
I had the opportunity to see and drive Chrysler Group's 2011 vehicles at Chrysler's Fleet Preview in Detroit in late May. We got a look at 10 new 2011 Chrysler Group vehicles that have not been revealed to the public. Also we got to drive the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram HD trucks.


The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee certainly looks like a Jeep - the front has the traditional 7 slot Jeep grille. As you walk around the vehicle, you realize that although it is unmistakably a Jeep from the front, the rest of the vehicle has become much more contemporary. The interior is outstanding (even in Laredo trim) - much more upscale than the 2010 model with softer, more rounded surfaces. The all-new 3.6 liter 280 hp PentaStar V6 offers outstanding performance and fuel economy - plus it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

We were shown the 2011 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, minivans and Dodge Durango. All were displayed in a secure area at Chelesa - security covered our cell phone cameras to prevent unauthorized photos (darn). Some thoughts on the upcoming 2011 vehicles we saw:

Interiors, interiors, interiors...the one area that becomes immediately evident when you look at all the 2011 models is that Chrysler has focused on making the interiors of all their vehicles much more upscale. Even the Jeep Wrangler gets a new interior with soft surfaces.

Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring - the exteriors of both vehicles have received extensive refinement. The Avenger has a more "finished" appearance. The front end of Sebring bears a striking resemblance to the Chrysler 200C concept car. Standard engine for both will be the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder with a 6 speed automatic. Optional in both vehicles will be the all-new 3.6 liter PentaStar V6. The interiors are more refined and are now competitive with the mid-size vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota and Nissan.

Dodge Charger - there are definite exterior styling cues from the late '60's/early '70's Chargers (some of my favorite muscle cars). The side sculpture of the sheetmetal and the full width taillight immediately remind me of those early Chargers. The grille has a more aggressive look than the 2010 model. The PentaStar V6 will be standard with a six speed automatic. The interior - all-new.

Chrysler 300 - think current 300 with a more rounded look. The car almost has a "Bentley look" to it. The rear decklid and taillights are much more upscale and classier than the current car. The PentaStar V6 will be standard with a six speed automatic. The interior? All new and very upscale.

Minivans - exterior styling refined. The most noticeable change was from the rear where the vehicle doesn't look as "commercial" as the current version. In case you didn't read what I mentioned above...interior is all-new.

Durango - this is the vehicle that surprised me the most. Forget about the "truck-like" Durangos of the past. The all-new 2011 Durango definitely has a more cross-over look. It's built on a stretched version of the Grand Cherokee platform and will have an optional third row seat. A very attractive package.

If you want more on the 2011 model Chrysler Group vehicles, check out the Chrysler Group's 2011 Fleet Product Showcase online.

Hyundai Fleet
In the last issue of Hot Flashes, I mentioned that Hyundai Motor America has hired Richard "Pip" Pipenhagen as the their Manager of Corporate Sales. With the addition of Pip to the Hyundai Fleet staff, Hyundai is going to actively seek out commercial fleet buyers. They have some great new product with the 2010 Santa Fe and the 2011 Sonata. Here's a brief look at the Sonata...



The 2011 Sonata is the second vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months) following on the heels of the all-new Tucson

The exterior of the all-new Sonata is long, light and low. The high beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines highlighted by a Hyundai signature chrome accent that spans the length of the car. Normally, this type of trim is only found around the windows. On the new Sonata, this trim extends out from the headlamps, juts up along the hood and through the beltline. The face is bold with a large powerful chrome grille and headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by 16-, 17- or 18-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The sophisticated look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance thanks to a flow-through center console and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

Fleeting Tidbits
There's an excellent review of the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD pickups on Autoblog.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/2011-chevy-silverado-and-gmc-sierra-heavy-duty-first-drive/

This month's Feature Vehicle is the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. A great looking small car that should compete well against the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The Cruze will debut late summer - production begins in early August.

Speaking of production starting, we have updated our 2011 MY Start of Production Dates page to reflect when you can place 2011 orders and when production will begin for all manufacturers.

Upcoming 2010 MY Final Fleet Order Dates:
Chrysler Group LLC
Dodge Caliber - 7/9/10
Dodge Charger - 7/16/10
Dodge Avenger - 8/13/10
Dodge Challenger - 8/13/10
Dodge Grand Caravan - 8/13/10
Dodge Journey - 8/13/10

Chrysler Sebring - 8/13/10
Chrysler 300 - 8/13/10
Chrysler Town & Country - 8/13/10

Jeep Compass - 7/9/10
Jeep Patriot - 7/9/10

Mazda USA
Mazda CX7 - 6/25/10
Mazda6 - 7/23/10

Taillights
The Napleton Fleet Group has entered the "blogoshere"! We are pleased to announce the creation of the Napleton Fleet Group blog. Our goal for the blog is to give everyone a more personal look at the Napleton Fleet Group employees. You may find entries about what our employees are doing. You may hear first hand about some innovative process we're using with a customer. We're it leaving up to our employees to give you a little better understanding of us and how we work.

The initial post on the blog is by Kristen Napleton-Hrones giving us a little history lesson about the Napleton family and the auto industry. Kristen recently joined us at the Napleton Fleet Group after having spent the last 7 years in Florida at our Nissan dealership. Read Kristen's "The First Part of the Story" at http://napletonfleetgroup.blogspot.com/. Then click on "Be a Follower" to keep up-to-date on what's happening at the Napleton Fleet Group.

Finally for the Yugo joke fanatics out there (and I know you're there because I hear from you):
Q: What do a Yugo and a ceiling fan have in common?

A: They both have the same motor.

6/16/2010