An In-depth Look at New-for-2008 Imports in S.Korea

Just about half a decade ago, imported cars were reserved for the wealthy with only a few importers in business in those days. Nowadays, the society has completely revolutionized in South Korea with import cars coming and selling at the masses. For 2008, foreign automakers are preparing for new model launches and also a couple of brand introductions as well. Mitsubishi and Nissan are stepping on South Korean grounds for the first time for 2008.

Chrysler Korea is introducing a slew of new models including the 300C and the redesigned Grand Voyager (Town & Country in North America). Jeep is introducing the facelifted Grand Cherokee and the SRT-8 variant. Over at the Ford department, the redesigned Mondeo and the S-MAX are being brought over from Europe. We, North Americans, stil don't get those models. GM Korea is bringing in the redesigned Cadillac CTS. Volkswagen is introducing the all-new Tiguan and 9 BlueMotion models.

MINI is introducing the Clubman, which will only add to the success the diminutive automaker is facing with the Cooper. Honda of Korea, who is also facing massive success with the CR-V, is preparing to introduce the redesigned Accord. Stepping South Korean grounds for the first time, Nissan is planning to commence the brand with the Rogue, Altima and the Murano. Also all-new for 2008, Mitsubishi is hoping to launch the brand on the right track with the Lancer 1.5, Galant 2.0., Pajero, and the adorable 'i'.

[Source: BobaeDream]

Continue reading to view the full list of new launches for 2008.

Chrysler Korea
Chrysler: 300C/Sebring Diesel Sedan/Sebring Convertible/New Grand Voyager/300C SRT/300C Touring
Jeep: Grand Cherokee (facelift)/Grand Cherokee SRT-8
Dodge: Dakota (facelift)

Ford Korea
Ford: New Mondeo/S-MAX

GM Korea
Cadillac: CTS/DTS Platinum Edition/BLS Diesel
Saab: New 9-3 Convertible (facelift)/New 9-3 (facelift)

Volkswagen Korea
Volkswagen: Tiguan/9 BlueMotion models

Audi Korea
Audi: A3(facelift)

BMW Korea
BMW: 650Ci Convertible
MINI: Clubman

Volvo Korea
Volvo: The All-New XC70

Hanbul Motors
Peugeot: 207SW

Honda Korea
Honda: Accord 2.4, 3.5

Nissan Korea
Nissan: Rogue/Altima/Murano

Daewoo Auto Sales
Mitsubishi: Lancer 1.5/Galant 2.0/Pajero/i

Dodge Challenger not coming to Europe

The neoclassical pony-car era has already begun in North America with the redesign of the Mustang in 2005. The General is preparing for the release of the revived Camaro for the 2009 model year. The folks over at Auburn Hills are planning the debut of the revival of the Challenger at the Chicago Auto Show in 2008. So while we are impatiently anticipating the comparison test of the trio by Motor Trend, the Europeans won't even get a chance to experience the fun. At least with the Dodge Challenger that is.

The Challenger has been confirmed to not arrive in European showrooms. To make matters worse, the "new" Chrysler plans to make the car limited-production. Unlike the Ford Mustang, the Challenger is likely to bear a premium price tag and limited availability. The new owners of Chrysler, Cerberus Capital Management, made the heart-wrenching move.

The Challenger will be introduced on the 15th of next February in the Windy City, and will commence production later that year in the Brampton facility. Spy photos have assured that the production version will stay very akin to the concept.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Dodge announces 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van

Chrysler LLC has released official information on the Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van. The van targets businessmen, carpenters, caterers, small fleet owners, etc. To provide ample room for the loads the targeted buyers would be hauling, the second and third-row seats are eliminated. The deletion creates a jungle in the back, 143.8 cubic feet to be exact. The cargo floor is made entirely out of "industry-grade" material. Dodge also sells models without the plastic trim at the back, making it a real 'stripped' car.

The driver's cockpit is also stripped at best. YES essential fabric seats replace cloth seats. Surprisingly, a stereo is standard and power outlets are also in the list. A rubber floor replaces the conventional cloth trim to withstand the rough and dirty situations the van most likely will encounter. 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, heavy-duty suspension, manual dual sliding doors, manual rear tailgate, and a privacy rear glass are all standard. The Cargo Van is powered by a 3.3L Flex-Fuel 175 horsepower V6 and is rated 17/24 city/highway by the EPA. A panel version is not available. The Grand Caravan Cargo Van will arrive in dealerships this fall. Continue reading to view more images and the official press release.

[Source: Dodge]




PRESS RELEASE: Dodge Introduces All-new 2008 Grand Caravan Cargo Van

All-new Van Raises the Bar and Provides "Garagable" Solution for Small Business and Commercial Needs

* New cargo van continues Dodge's commitment to the commercial vehicle market
* All-new exterior and interior design offers ideal balance of utility, functionality and visibility
* Enhanced commercial suspension for heavier cargo without sacrificing ride quality
* Rear hatch convenience and dual sliding doors for ease of loading and unloading
* Abundant upfitter and storage capability
* Outstanding interior cargo volume space (143.8 cubic feet), flexibility and durability to handle the most demanding commercial jobs
* Standard features include a 3.3-liter V-6 flex-fuel capable engine, front and rear power outlets, industrial cargo floor, sunscreen glass, dual sliding doors, security alarm, Sentry Key® engine immobilizer, and YES Essentials® stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static cloth fabric
* More than 15 standard safety features including advanced multi-stage front air bags, side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), tire pressure monitoring system and energy-absorbing steering column
* All-new cargo van arrives in dealerships this fall

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Designed for commercial use, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is a "garagable" solution that provides an optimum balance of utility, functionality and visibility for small business and commercial needs. Showcasing a spacious, yet compact interior, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van provides business customers superior space and durability to handle the most demanding commercial jobs while continuing Dodge's commitment to the commercial minivan market.

"With the introduction of our all-new Grand Caravan cargo van, Dodge continues to offer innovative solutions to the commercial vehicle market," said Michael Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand SRT Marketing and Communications. "An ideal solution for a variety of businesses, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van's efficiency, flexibility and versatility make it the perfect work-vehicle for commercial customers who simply don't need the massive power of a Dodge Ram or the cavernous interior of the Dodge Sprinter."

The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is powered by an efficient 3.3-liter V-6 engine with flex-fuel capability mated to a four-speed automatic transmission delivering 175 horsepower and 205 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain provides fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 24 mpg highway. The drivetrain is bolstered by a special commercial-tuned heavy-duty front and rear suspension allowing for heavier cargo and added capability without sacrificing ride quality. The suspension, combined with hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, front anti-roll bar and twist beam rear suspension with coil springs provides enhanced handling and driver comfort.

Packing plenty of comfort and convenience, Dodge Grand Caravan cargo vans provide business customers both a comfortable and utilitarian 143.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 58.9 cubic feet of front compartment volume, maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,050 lbs., Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 7,000 lbs., payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. and impressive towing capacity of 1,800 lbs.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo vans are designed to meet specialized small business and commercial customer needs, while offering exceptional occupant protection to ensure a safe and secure driving experience. In addition to outstanding interior space, rear hatch convenience and dual sliding doors provide ease of loading and unloading. Rear seats are not included to provide ultimate storage capacity. For increased protection, an industrial cargo floor covers the cargo area and front rubber floor covering is standard.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van features abundant upfitter and storage capability. Comfort and convenience features include dual glove boxes and multiple storage bins and cup holders. With superior space and versatility to handle the most demanding commercial jobs, dark sunscreen glass panels provide a pleasing aesthetic and improved visibility.

Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, a 20-gallon fuel tank, power front windows and locks, front and rear power outlets, no intermediate or rear seats, industrial cargo floor and front rubber floor covering, sunscreen glass, dual manual-sliding doors, sliding door alert system, halogen headlamps, manual liftgate with single floodlamp, 12-volt power outlets in the instrument panel and rear quarter trim, tire pressure monitoring system, and intermittent front and rear wipers. An interior delete option is offered which removes the second- and third-row interior trim.

Additional standard comfort and convenience features include front bottle holders, dual glove boxes, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio, and YES Essentials® stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static cloth fabric.

More than 15 standard safety features include advanced multi-stage front air bags, side-curtain air bags (with option to delete), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, BeltAlert, brake/park interlock, constant-force retractors, Door Alert, dual-folding exterior mirrors, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), front crush sensors, halogen headlamps, loose fuel cap message on instrument cluster, pretensioners, side door alert warning, three-point lap/shoulder belt with height adjusters, tire pressure monitoring system, and a patented energy-absorbing steering column.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is available in six exterior colors: Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Light Sandstone Metallic, Modern Blue Pearl Coat and Stone White.

Covering a broad spectrum of demographics, the typical customer for the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van includes entrepreneurial small-business customers such as "mom and pop" type businesses, operators of small fleets of 10 vehicles or less, and service and delivery vocations such as florist, dry cleaner and package/parcel operators. Target audience also includes small fleet customers with anywhere from 10 to 49 vehicles.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is manufactured at the Chrysler St. Louis South Assembly Plant in Fenton, Mo., and arrives in dealerships this fall.

Dodge Commercial Vehicles

Dodge continues to increase the breadth of its commercial products and offers a comprehensive array of vehicles and services designed with business customers in mind. Along with the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Box-Off models and the Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs – the Class 3-5 segments' most powerful, capable and upfit-friendly work trucks – the Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van complements a growing Dodge commercial lineup that includes the class-leading Dodge Sprinter, which continues its legacy and leadership as the top-performing commercial van in the marketplace. Dodge also maintains a collaborative partnership with DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

Dodge BusinessLink

Launched in 1999 and offering no-cost enrollment, Dodge BusinessLink is a full-service commercial program comprised of a select network of Dodge dealers who know and understand the unique vehicle needs of small businesses, fleet managers and other commercial vehicle customers. Providing exclusive benefits, BusinessLink dealers offer unprecedented business assistance including dedicated commercial account managers and sales teams, dealer inventories representing a higher mix of work-truck and other commercial vehicles, next in-bay service and technicians, extended hours to minimize downtime, free loaner vehicles and more. BusinessLink also includes our "On The Job" program which offers discounts on upfits and direct cash incentives and savings on almost all Dodge commercial vehicles.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is Chrysler's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger.

Chrysler LLC's New (Old) Logo

Chrysler is deep in the process of rebuilding itself from the recent break-up with DCX. Under a new management by Cerberus Capital Management, the new Chrysler brings in former CEO of Home Depot, a new name (Daimler-Chrysler to Chrysler LLC), and a new logo. Hopefully, we'll see some competitive offerings in the bunch as well.

Regarding the logo, all we can say is: the pentastar is back. Defunct since the 1980's, Chrysler brought back the famous pentastar design for its new logo. It has its share of cons as well as the pros. For example, how would the pentastar look on the Chrysler 300? Fortunately, the new logo will be utilized in advertising and promotional uses only.

[Source: Chrysler]