2012 Dodge Durango (or is that Magnum?) revealed on Twitter http://bit.ly/9h6YnF http://fb.me/Fp4X4gsZ

Chrysler’s 2007 Dodge Caliber cars are under federal investigation for unintended acceleration caused by a sticky pedal.  This is the same type of problem that led to a large Toyota recall this year.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is investigating as many as 161,000 Calibers for an accelerator pedal that “can stick or bind and not return to the idle position when it is released.”

NHTSA stated it has received five customer complaints but no reports of deaths, injuries or crashes.  A company spokesman said Chrysler’s own investigation has narrowed the population of suspect vehicles to 10,000 that were made during five weeks in March and April 2006.

Dodge Is Planning A Seven-Passenger Crossover

RICK KRANZ AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
NOVEMBER 4, 2009 – 12:11 PM ET
UPDATED: 11/4/09 12:53 A.M. ET

For the fourth quarter of 2010, the Dodge car brand is planning a seven-passenger crossover.  Dodge also plans updates next year for the Avenger sedan, Journey crossover, Caravan minivan and Charger muscle car.  The changes will start a larger shift of Dodge into a lifestyle brand for all consumers, not mainly to men interested in high performance.

In 2012-2013, Dodge plans:

• A new vehicle for North America in the C segment, which encompasses cars such as the Ford Focus.

• A hatchback smaller than the C vehicle.

• A new sedan to replace the Avenger.

In addition, production of the Dodge Viper will end next summer, and an unnamed sports car will be added in 2012.  Later this year, Dodge will give the Caliber compact a new interior along with a market repositioning. The 2010 Caliber will be the first vehicle to reflect the new marketing strategy for Dodge.

“Cars will be created with personality and presence,” said Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand.  The car brand will be repositioned by year end, he said. The overhaul of branding and marketing will be finished in the second quarter of 2010.  “Eleven Dodge vehicles will be redesigned or significantly

The Ram image will rugged, Gilles said. The Dodge image will be youthful and refined.refreshed by 2014,” he said. “America has changed. Fun is ageless, and that will be reflected in the products.”

The Ram pickup will move to a new brand devoted to work and commercial vehicles.  “Dodge was overshadowed by the Ram brand,” Gilles said.  The Ram truck brand continues with the Ram logo. Dodge cars will have a rectangular logo, with silver letters and a black background.

You can reach Rick Kranz at rkranz@crain.com