Going Green

See what Chrysler is doing in its part in the green movement.

Chrysler's New Commercial

After a year of having its share of ups and downs - more on the latter, actually - Chrysler is in the middle of reinventing itself with the hopes of returning to its former place as a competitor in the auto industry. As part of their efforts, the US brand is aggressively marketing both its Jeep and Dodge brands with a series of carefully-planned commercials to ensure consumers that the rough patches have passed, and that the company has come back better and stronger than ever before. As part of this campaign, Chrysler has released a number of commercials featuring the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the latest one being appropriately called, "Stronger".

In the ad, Chrysler details the painstaking lengths that go in building Jeep’s new flagship SUV while carefully pointing out the importance of the vehicle in the company’s attempt to restore the brand’s image and reputation. As the ad ever-so poignantly says, Chrysler isn’t "building just a car, it’s building a company."

Visit us at Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep and let us know what you think about the latest Chysler commercial and vehicles.

2012 Dodge Durango Spy Shots

Just as Chrysler puts the finishing touches on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the spies at autoblog.com have captured its platform mate, the 2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum, out testing near the company's Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters.

Not much has changed since the last time the new Dodge crossover was spied, but seeing the prototype running around near Chrysler HQ means that more of the swirly camouflage could be coming off in the next few months.

When the new Durango/Magnum officially launches next year, expect it to be available with Chrysler's new 3.6-liter V6 and possibly a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The front end looks similar to that of the Ram pickup, and since the Ram brand has been spun off to house Dodge's truck offerings, don't be shocked if the new Durango falls under that umbrella. If development and testing continue at a steady pace, we'll likely get to see the finished product at either the 2010 Los Angeles or 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Remember to visit Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep to see our great selection of Dodge products.

Anti-Aging Car

Yahoo! Autos has named the Jeep Wrangler as one of the cars that are guaranteed to grow old gracefully.

Blame the economy, or better engineering. The fact is, more and more people are looking to save money by holding onto their vehicles for a longer period of time.

Some cars are simply graced with timeless good looks. Put one in your garage, and you might start getting calls from Hollywood celebs seeking the latest anti-aging advice. Sound engineering and clever styling are not mutually exclusive, no matter your budget.

To this day, the Jeep name is used to reference both the brand, along with just about any rugged 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The most iconic Jeep of all time is the Wrangler, a truck whose history can be traced back to World War II. Designed out of necessity, the original Jeep is the automotive icon of utilitarian design.

Refined over more than 60 years, the Wrangler remains the closest descendant of the mud-plugging original. Jeep now has a history of building luxury-based SUVs, like the Grand Cherokee. Yet it’s the boxy no-frills Wrangler (from its trademarked 7-slot front grill to its infamously complex soft top) that remains the heart and soul of the brand.

So if you are looking for the cure for car aging, stop by Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep and invest your money on Jeep Wrangler. It is truly a timeless piece of engineering.

Original Yahoo! Article here

Spy Shots: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Once upon a time, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 laid claim to being the fastest SUV on the planet. It offered 0-60 times of under five seconds and a top speed in excess of 155 mph.

According to Motor Authority the prototype seen here was caught testing alongside a BMW X5 M SUV. Like the previous generation, the new SRT8 model will resemble the regular Grand Cherokee on which it’s based but will adopt a more aggressive design for its front fascia. A lowered ride height and beefier brakes will also feature.

See the original article and more pictures here

Chrysler Unveils 2011 Jeep

Chrysler Group LLC- released images today of the new 2011 Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body-color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

"The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new body-color hard top, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance."

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.

In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.

Jeep engineers increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.

To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast an all-new, premium, body-color hard top.

Several new Jeep Wrangler colors are available for 2011, including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White.

Production of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited began earlier this week at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio.

Visit Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep and see our selection of Jeep Wranglers.

Texas Tax Free Weekend!!!

Is that time of year again!!! Tax Free Weekend starts tomorrow!!! The Texas Tax Free Items include clothing and footwear under $100, backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students, and school supplies.

Come to the Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep to save that 8.25% on our great selection of apparel found in our service center! For more information about the Texas Tax Free Rules read the following article!

Sales Tax Holiday
Additional Resources
Sales Tax Holiday Frequently Asked Questions
Fin de Semana Libre de Impuestos sobre las Ventas (98-490s)
Find other ways to save money for your household at TexasPowerfulSmart.com

August 20 - 22, 2010

Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 20, 21 and 22 - the state's annual tax holiday. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt. A backpack is a pack with straps one wears on the back. The exemption during the sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. The exemption does not include items that are reasonably defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic/duffle/gym bags, computer bags, purses or framed backpacks. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time without providing an exemption certificate to the seller.

School Supplies
The 81st Texas Legislature passed HB 1801 (2009) expanding the list of items qualifying for exemption from Texas state and local sales and use taxes during the annual sales tax holiday in August. In addition to clothes, footwear and some backpacks, Texas families also get a sales tax break on most school supplies priced at less than $100 purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school.

The following is an all-inclusive list of qualifying school supplies (if priced less than $100):

Binders
Book bags
Calculators
Cellophane tape
Blackboard chalk
Compasses
Composition books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
Glue, paste and paste sticks
Highlighters
Index cards
Index card boxes
Legal pads
Lunch boxes
Markers
Notebooks
Paper; loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
Pencil sharpeners
Pencils
Pens
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors
Writing tablets

No exemption certificate is required - with one exception. If the purchaser is buying the supplies under a business account, the retailer must obtain an exemption certificate from the purchaser certifying that the items are purchased for use by an elementary or secondary school student. “Under a business account” means the purchaser is using a business credit card or business check rather than a personal credit card or personal check; being billed under a business account maintained at the retailer; or is using a business membership at a retailer that is membership based.

List of Clothing, Footwear and Backpacks, and Their Exemption Status
TAX-FREE TAXED
Baby clothes
Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students
Belts with attached buckles
Boots - cowboy, hiking
Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted
Coats and wraps
Diapers - adult and baby
Dresses
Gloves (generally)
Gym suits and uniforms
Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts
Hosiery
Jackets
Jeans
Jerseys - baseball and football
Jogging apparel
Neckwear and ties
Pajamas
Pants and trousers
Raincoats and ponchos
Robes
Shirts
Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking
Socks (including athletic)
Shorts
Suits, slacks, and jackets
Sweatshirts
Sweat suits
Sweaters
Swimsuits
Underclothes
Work clothes and uniforms
Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches
Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students
Baseball cleats and pants
Belt buckles (without belt)
Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders
Buttons and zippers
Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics
Dry cleaning services
Football pants
Golf gloves
Handbags and purses
Handkerchiefs
Hard hats
Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports
Ice skates
Jewelry
Laundering services
Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel
Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder
Personal flotation devices
Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes)
Roller blades and skates
Safety clothing, glasses
Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf

For information on how to report tax on these sales, please visit Reporting Sales Tax on Tax-Free Items or call us toll free at (800) 252-5555.


Sales Tax Holiday official site click here

2011 Ram Outdoorsman News

When Chrysler asked Ram Truck customers – boaters, campers, fishing enthusiasts and hunters – what features would they like to see in a truck. They answered 'more capability, more room for my gear and ready to hit the trail. And make it affordable.'"

So said Fred Diaz, the President and CEO of Chrysler's Ram Truck Brand.

And apparently, he's not just blowing smoke. Chrysler's internal research suggests that 62 percent of fullsize pickup truck owners hunt, fish or camp. The automaker's response to these apparent needs is the new 2011 Ram Outdoorsman.

Functional upgrades include standard trailer towing accommodations, limited-slip differential, 17-inch wheels with off-highway-ready tread pattern tires, underbody protection, tow hooks, halogen head lamps and fog lights.

In order to set the truck apart from its siblings, the Outdoorsman will get a two-tone paint scheme with Mineral Gray on the lower portion, wheel lip moldings and, of course, appropriate compass-themed badges.

No matter what configuration you order – 1500, 2500 or 3500; Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab or Mega Cab; four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive etc. – Ram promises that the Outdoorsman will be available towards the end of the year, and it will be a replacement for the old TRX4 trim level. Pricing will begin at $28,350 including destination.

Visit Planet Dodge to see our great selection of Ram Trucks.

Original Article with more photos.

Good Luck Charm

Friday the 13th is synonymous with bad luck and superstitions. So much so that some people flat-out refuse to fly, make business deals or get married on this fateful day.

As many as 21 million people in the United States are fearful of Friday the 13th, according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, N.C., which estimates that $800 million to $900 million is lost in business every Friday the 13th because of fears of the doomed day.

But we at Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep consider everyday to be lucky especially Friday the 13th. But if you are still doubtful consider the Jeep Wrangler a personal bad luck changer. Why you might ask. Well for starters the Jeep Wrangler
is not particularly luxurious or good looking, but its class-leading off-road capabilities sure impress many people(might serve as a good luck charm when you get stuck in some mud). The jeep Wrangler is perfect for everyone from hikers to surfers, and every adventurer in between, the Jeep Wrangler features a rugged all-purpose design and three convertible top options that allow drivers to choose between different levels of exposure. For fun in the sun, snow, sleet or ice, the Wrangler makes the perfect ride.

So don’t let Friday the 13th spoil your luck! Stop by Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep and change your luck today!

Things That You Might Not Know #1

Things that you might not know about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

#1. Rechargeable Flashlight comes available in the Laredo, Laredo X, Limited, Overland Models. Very handy for those people that are afraid of the dark.

Stop by Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep to see the many new features of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that you might not know of.

2012 Chrysler 300's Spy Pictures

We at Planet DCJ found what could be the greatest improvements to the Chrysler 300.

This picture found on autoblog.com shows the next Chrysler 300 with some chiseling and wedging applied to its current stoic proportions.

The photo shows how the perfectly horizontal shoulder line now sweeps up from a lower front end into a shorter decklid. The nearly perpendicular front and rear on the 2010 have also been reshaped, particularly in the rear. Detail-wise, only the mirrors appear to have carried over, with what looks like new headlight hardware in an angled design, LED taillights in back, an integrated exhaust treatment and new rear window glass.

Get a closer look in the gallery of high-res photos by viewing all the pictures here. Or you can visit Planet DCJ to see the currents Chrysler 300 models.

Avenger Spy Shot

We've yet to glean any hard facts about what Chrysler has planned for an Avenger/Sebring replacement.

While a few scant rumors have cropped up that hint to the possibility of a partnership with Nissan, we simply haven't heard anything substantial. You'll find few souls out there who argue that the malaise twins aren't in serious need of some updating, and judging from a handful of spy shot nabbed by the crew at Secret New Cars, it may be awhile before we see any significant changes to the chassis as a whole. For now, it appears that Chrysler is hoping the rental car buying public will be satisfied with just a nose job.

The shots show a heavily camouflaged mule with its entire schnoz wrapped in disguising fabric. That leads us to believe that the next iteration will feature a completely new front fascia, possibly with new fenders and a hood to boot. Whether that means that the headlights will receive a similar update remains to be seen. Head over to Secret New Cars for a look see at a full gaggle of spy photos of the car.

Fort Worth Alliance Air Show

If you happen to be in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area during the end of the October month then we recommend you visit the "Jeep Rocks and Road Tour" at the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show. The "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour" provides the ultimate on- and off-road driving test for attendees at air shows and auto shows, fairs and festivals all over the country.

The program is free to those who pre-register at www.jeep.com/rocksandroadtour and bring a copy of their pre-registration confirmation email. Typically generating an enthusiastic response, early registration is highly-encouraged for those interested in attending in order to ensure a quick and seamless entry.

The "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour" is open to the public and features obstacle courses that demonstrate Jeep Trail Rated® capabilities. The entire Jeep brand lineup, including the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, will be on site to test-drive. Current Jeep owners are extended the opportunity to drive their own vehicle on a Jeep owner's playground.

Visit Planet DCJ today to get your own Jeep experience.

For more information visit the Jeep tour website.

Sunroof Problems

Sunroof Problems

I know that sometimes things suddenly happen to your car. It can be frustrating. Your sunroof is no exception so how do you fix it when it goes wrong? It can be a hassle trying to figure out how to fix the problem. Well thanks to Online Auto Repair we found tips and hints on how to take care of a broken down sun roof. Sure you can visit Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep for help but some of you are do it "your-selfers" and there is nothing wrong with that at all!

Many malfunctions in the sunroof system fall into 2 categories that can often be related to each-other. Water leak issues and electrical problems. Sometimes wiring or switch corrosion can be caused by the water leaks.

A power sunroof can slide the roof panel open or closed. You can also tilt the roof panel up in the back to allow fresh air into the passenger compartment. When driving down the road this can also pull a vacuum and remove stale air from the interior cabin.

In most cases power sunroofs are not that much different than electrically operated power window systems found in most automobiles. Many common parts are shared such as system relays, a master control switch and the motor assembly to perform the movement.

Note that most power sunroof systems are protected by a circuit breaker instead of a fuse. This is in case the sunroof begins to bind. It protects the motor by opening the circuit breaker. Often when people have power sunroof problems they will begin to look for the fuse when there is actually none. A circuit breaker will reset automatically when it cools down.

Power sunroof common problems

Often power sunroofs are a popular option that does not get used very often. When this system sits for months or years without being used often components can develop corrosion that may hinder operation when it is finally desired.

Since a sunroof is part of the exterior surface of the vehicle a complete watertight seal is necessary. If this seal fails or the automatic drain becomes clogged with debris and water sits around the components the corrosion mentioned above will be accelerated. For this reason a very common sunroof problem is water sealing and drainage.

Diagnosing power sunroof problems is pretty straightforward. The first thing to check would be the circuit breaker. Next you would want to verify power at the motor connector. In that case you would be working from the load back towards the battery. If there is no power at the motor you can break out a wiring diagram and do some pinpoint checks at the relay and switch.

To read the full article you can see OnlineAutoRepair.com