March 30, 2008 by mycarlady
The NEW CHRYSLER wants to hear from you!
WELL WELL WELL, while all the major car companies are trying to figure out how to invade YouTube and MySpace, Chrysler is taking a daring approach. They have set-up an online CUSTOMER ADVISORY board. Yup, it’s called You Talk, We Listen… Oy Vey!
“Brands that listen thoughtfully to their customers and put them in the middle of their organizations will win in this era where the customer’s voice is both strong and visible,” said Joe DiMeglio, Vice President of Engagement Management, Organic.* “We are incredibly excited about this ground-breaking initiative and helping Chrysler gain an even deeper understanding of their customers — the foundation of all exceptional brand experiences.”
So you go to their website via the link displayed here and you get a comment box for up to 1000 characters. That’s letters, not words, so make it short and sweet. (Pardon the pun.)
Then give them your name and email address and click on accepting the terms of their website. Once you submit your comment, they ask you for your email and name AGAIN. What’s that about? When you complete the submit AGAIN, it asks you if you want to go to the home page and GUESS WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? You open a new page with the Alice in Wonderland effect of a CHRYSLER WEBSITE. (Nice try ORGANIC -Chrysler but do you seriously believe the folks that want to give you their two cents on the cars and trucks they already own, really need to be doused with more Chrysler hype?) How about a more subtle approach like a two by four? IMHO: Drop all the ads and open to a blog or a simple Walter P Chrysler Museum tour.
So here is the pitch my friends, open up the throttle…
Are You Interested in Joining – Chrysler LLC Advisory Board
| Chrysler LLC First in Industry to Launch Innovative Online Customer Advisory Board
“Through our online Customer Advisory Board, we have a new platform to engage our customers in two-way dialogue so we can harness their insights and vehicle dreams as we move quickly to develop and refine technologies and products,” said Deborah Meyer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler LLC. “Chrysler designers and engineers have always had a pulse on the market to deliver segment-leading products, but the launch of the Customer Advisory Board gives us a new way to connect with our customers to be even more responsive and innovative.”[I put my name in and gave the CHRYSLER listener's the address to the comments on the Cummins 2007 6.7.]How it Works
To participate in the Customer Advisory Board, consumers are invited to submit an application at https://www.chryslerllc.com/en/chrys…tiv e_listens. Participants must be 18 years or older, a United States resident and hold a valid driver’s license.
Beginning in late March, Chrysler will begin the initial phase of the Customer Advisory Board, which is a three- to four-week period when Chrysler will introduce the members to the process and the company. Once introduced, Chrysler will begin the ongoing dialogue with the Customer Advisory Board members by engaging the community with live, facilitated sessions where they may view media, respond to polls, and engage with other members. There will also be discussion sections that allow members to discuss a variety of topics on their own time during a four-week period. Examples of topics may include environmental, safety, quality or technology. Other features include activities to stimulate member creativity and polls for quick feedback on topics. In addition, members may create their own profile and connect with each other through the message center.
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{Organic is the company that handles this web interaction for Chrysler.}
Category: AUTOMOTIVE, CARS I OWN, CHRYSLER, DODGE
Tags: AUTOMOTIVE, Blogroll, bob nardelli, CARS, CHRYSLER, chrysler consumer advisory board, Crossovers, cummins deisel, Daimler Benz, deborah meyer, DODGE, JEEP, Jeep Stuff, jim press
March 27, 2008 by mycarlady
Congratulations or Condolences?
Ford Motor Company made the smartest play in car history today by dumping Land Rover and Jaguar on TATA of India. Given that many Americans who have owned one of these beasts at least once, never did it again, the service history and routine wallet-jacking of the dealerships will now be reconciled with the understanding that along with our customer service phone help lines, the Jaguar-Land Rover are going overseas as well!
Great that Ford has now embedded itself in the next emerging auto industry of the 2nd largest democratic country. With everyone in the US still driving these wheels, hoping to make their next stock million on India, one can only smile on this fortuitous opportunity.
Sad for TATA, who will now find out what FORD really means, in any language; Fix or Repair Daily, Found on Road Dead, or any of the other not-so-lovely acronyms.
Of course Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata offered these words of wisdom…”We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavour to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact,’ he said in a statement.
Yeah right. Well, their stock went up, but let’s see what happens the next six months as the market continues to roil and the dealers find they can’t handle the jokes.
Can Cerberus get Russia to buy 80% of Chrysler?
Category: AUTOMOTIVE, CARS I OWN, CHRYSLER, DODGE, GMC
Tags: AUTOMOTIVE, Blogroll, BMW, CARS, Cerbus, CHRYSLER, Crossovers, DODGE, FORD, ford trucks, GMC, Jaguar, Land Rover, TATA
by mycarlady
“At what point will you give up your Cummin’s, Powerstroke or GMC?
The average cost of the diesel engine upgrade to a 2500 or 3500 is now $6500.00
The Diesel engine warranties are up to 100K with most manufacturers, same as a gas engine.
Toyota comes this fall with their own Diesel, no pricing yet, but speculation is under $50k for their largest, most loaded, 4wd.
Diesel (ULSF) fuel is now an average of .10-.15 higher per gallon, in 75% of the country.(Cummin’s burns bio-diesel and corn/frying fat, but good luck finding it at the corner pump. The future of bio-diesel may include some species of algae which are ideally suited to biodiesel production due to their high oil content (some well over 50% oil), and extremely fast growth rates. Algae farms would let us supply enough biodiesel to completely replace petroleum as a transportation fuel in the US.)
Yes, there are many who swear the engines last longer, Cummin’s 1/3rd less moving parts, GMC/Ford say theirs are quieter due to smoother internal component movement. BUT REALLY, isn’t the total operating expense including fuel, insurance, registration and service over the life of the vehicle, what drives our buying (or not) decision? OR, is it the HP? Torque? Design?
What’s going to make your next truck buying decision? Love to hear from you.
Sarah lee… MYCARLADY.com
Category: AUTOMOTIVE, CARS I OWN, DODGE, GMC, TOYOTA
Tags: AUTOMOTIVE, bio-diesel, Blogroll, CARS, cummins deisel, cummins diesel, Daimler Benz, DODGE, dodge diesel, FORD, ford trucks, FUEL ECONOMY, GMC, MERCEDES BENZ, powerstroke, ram2500-ram 3500, TOYOTA
March 24, 2008 by mycarlady
Gotta Love ‘em…
I had the opportunity to query some diesel owners on the various Dodge diesel forums; about their experience with the new 2007-2008 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 Cummins 6.7L. Kurt was kind enough to fill me in on his understanding of the recurring problem of the check engine light and the poor fuel economy. “I have experience with all of the Big 3. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. For the DPF, I’ve found the best way around that is to delete it. I’m sure this isn’t something the dealer would suggest or do, but… it saves alot of hassle and keeps the same vehicles from coming in the shop for the same reasons day in and day out.”
Now being that I am intimately involved with dealerships and factory-trained technicians, I’d like to think Dodge has the software fix for this issue, (2008’s don’t seem to be as bothered as 2007’s) because removing it would most likelyvoid the warranty, but everyone has their own interpretation of how to make the most out of their truck.
For those who don’t know…The DPF isa self-cleaning diesel particulate filter incorporated into the exhaust system built by Cummins Emissions Solutions. The muffler is isolated from the emissions control system, allowing customers to remove the muffler without impacting emissions compliance, Dodge said. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles. It’s the clogging/fill-up of this filter that sends the truck into spasms, poor drivability and back to the dealership.
When I asked about the fuel economy, here is what Kurt said; ” Adding an intake exhaust and a little programmer with the right driving manners will make the 6.7 more fuel efficient. Also, if the owners will break them in like they are going to drive them everyday that will be a big help. IMHO if the owner would buy the truck right off the show room floor and go hook it to a 15,000+k pound load that will help out with fuel mileage long term. Usually a Cummins or Duramax won’t start to get its mileage up until 30,000 miles or later.Problems. “In [the Dieselforum.com] stock forum we have seen alot of great things from the 6.7 [Cummins]. If it where not for the DPF filter they would be pretty jammed up trucks. Note: Dodge isn’t the only one with the problem. I have seen alot of Fords having alot of problems also.”
Recent posters have commented on their 2007 models visiting the dealerships upto 15 times, in an effort to replace turbos, DPF filters, and exhaust hardware. In many cases the software “flash” upgrade has made a significant improvement in the driving behavior of the trucks, while fuel economy slowly rises. Don’t give up, the factory and Cummins are working on this.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
Category: AUTOMOTIVE, CARS I OWN, DODGE, GMC
Tags: 6.7l engine, AUTOMOTIVE, check engine light, cummins deisel, cummins diesel, Daimler Benz, diesel engine problems, DODGE, dodge diesel, dodge ram 2500, dodge ram 3500 cummins, dpf filter, ford diesel, ford trucks, fuel mileage, GMC
March 23, 2008 by mycarlady
“The Dodge Ram 2500-3500 6.7l Cummin’s ain’t your father’s diesel.” as the saying goes in garages and forums around the country. Thanks to tremendous pressure from the EPA, all US diesel truck manufacturer’s had to redesign their engines to meet new Clean Air Act standards that included burning Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel. The result was a mis-mash of clever technology that recaptured the exhaust, trapped the nasty carbons and labored the task of keeping the torque/power. In the case of Dodge, this new system also boasted a horsepower gain.
However, the results have been fraught with consumer complaints, many the result of poorly communicated driving, servicing and fuel economy expectations from the salespeople pushing the reincarnation of the Cummins. Those familiar with the previous Cummins engines, should have had special lessons on the new 6.7 Cummins. Posters to CumminsForum.com are quick to regale whose truck is better, however, they also offer some suggestions for why the check engine light pops on in less than 100 miles and why the fuel economy is so poor even at 10,000 miles. “The bad fuel economy comes from the dpf filter anytime fuel gets burned twice that will lead to (poor)fuel mileage. All diesel blow soot stock. It is slight and u dont see it but if u drive a stock diesel like grandma for a month and all the sudden punch it there will be alot of black smoke. The main reason DPF filters are clogging up is people are not getting on them once in awhile If they would open them up a little there wouldn’t be so many problems.” offers Duramaxin14.
Early 2007 releases had to have EGR Valves, Cat, DPF and Turbo’s switched out and computers -reflashed, which seems to have resolved the initial spate of complaints. 2008 Ram owners have had very few complaints, so it appears the computer software upgrades and modifications to the DPF have helped quiet the storm. The oil is blacker than previous models/years and some folks report the vehicle having random fits of tetesterone: a Turbodieselregister poster offered this comment; “I had no clue as to what kind of power was lurking there until the other day, I felt a surge and just sort of wanted to feel it out and went ahead and floored it …..holy smokes it spun the tires… then again as it shifted into second……no spin in third but Oh my god this thing was like a rocket…. ”
The power of the Cummins 6.7L is what brings most buyers to Dodge in the first place. The history of trouble-free engines (one-third less moving parts) running 350k+ miles is what keeps Cummin’s owners coming back. (And in 2008 a Lifetime/Unlimited Mileage warranty and 0% )
Here are a few suggestions offered by readers, Cummin’s owners and Dodge Technologist’s themselves…
1. Drive it hard, often. Get down on the pedal and stay there, DAILY. Push the power curve on and off-load.
2. Don’t let it sit idling. You aren’t waiting for the glow-plug anymore. Idling is bad for these buggars.
3. Let the oil changes go a bit longer. Lubrication of the engine is huge, and the new fuels aren’t helping.
4. Change your fuel filter more often. The factory suggests 10k intervals but those in the know are doing their trucks every 7-8k as preventative medicine. A little expense that could save you BIG later.
5. Watch the quality of the fuel product you are buying. Make note of any changes in performance from one tank to the next, station to station. Not all fuel vendors are created equal.
I will be interviewing a 20yr. Cummins veteran and will share with you more on the 6.7l Cummin’s story.
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Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
Category: AUTOMOTIVE, CARS I OWN, DODGE
Tags: cummins diesel, dodge buyback, dodge ram 2500, dodge ram 3500 cummins diesel, dpf-delete, ford dpf delete
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