Ram Expands RamBox Lineup, Lowers Pricing

2012 Ram with RamBox option. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

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2012 Ram with RamBox option. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

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For years, one  tradeoff of owning a pickup was the lack of a locking trunk. If you needed to keep a laptop or camera bag out of sight and secure, your options were limited. Ditto for tools, especially over-sized things like shovels or post-hole diggers.

Honda debuted a locking trunk in the bed of its Ridgeline pickup, but it wasn’t really big enough to accommodate long or oddly-shaped items. Enter the RamBox, launched by Ram (then Dodge) on its fourth-generation Ram pickups in 2009.

The RamBox converts the previously unused bed sides into lockable storage. The compartments are weatherproof, and even feature floor drains for easy clean out. Better yet, they’re large enough to hold things like golf clubs, tool boxes, shovels and kayak paddles.

Until now, the RamBox option was only available on short bed Ram 1500 models, with a bed length of 67 inches. For 2012 Ram pickups, the Chrysler division has expanded the RamBox lineup to include 76-inch bed models, boosting RamBox storage capacity by 18 percent.

The longer bed gives RamBox buyers 8.6 cubic feet of storage, versus 7.3 cubic feet on short bed models, and it's now available on Ram 2500 and 3500 models as well.

Better yet, RamBox pricing has dropped by 32 percent. For either size bed, the RamBox option is just $1,295. and that buys you more than just lockable storage.

The RamBox package also includes an adjustable bed divider and expander, which allows owners to use the tailgate as part of the bed, or split the bed into multiple segments. It also includes a cargo rail system with adjustable cleats to make tying down oversize loads easier.

The RamBox is now available on 80 percent of Ram pickups. Need more of an incentive to check off this option box? Opt for the long bed RamBox, and you can carry up to 140 cans of beer for your next weekend camping trip.

View the original article here

2012 Murano and Murano CrossCabriolet Pricing Announced

2010 Nissan Murano

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

We have good news and bad news. The good news is that Nissan has just announced pricing for the 2012 edition of the popular Murano crossover. The bad news is that the automaker has also announced pricing for the 2012 Murano CrossCabriolet, which is perhaps the most-hated vehicle on the American market.

But good news first: pricing for the 2012 Murano will begin at $29,290 for the front-wheel drive S model. Tack on things like 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a new Nissan Navigation System, and an exclusive Sapphire Black paint job, and the price will go up a bit. At the top of the line sits the 2012 Murano LE with all-wheel drive, which rings in at $39,900. In-between those two, you'll find six other models: the Murano S AWD, Murano SV FWD, Murano SV AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD, and Murano LE FWD. All eight variants come with a new paint option for 2012: Pearl White.

And now the bad news: Nissan is still producing the Murano CrossCabriolet, which Nissan has described as "the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible" and critics have described as "an artichoke with wheels". In fact, the Murano CrossCabriolet is widely believed to be the most hated car of 2011. (That's quite an accomplishment, since we're just wrapping up September.)

If there's a silver lining to be found here, it's that there's only one version of the CrossCabriolet, which will make its demise much quicker when death surely comes. That one model clocks in at $44,540 -- no small potatoes for a vehicle that's been beaten up for its poor performance on the road and its distinctly offbeat looks.

Since the CrossCabriolet is just a couple of months old, there aren't many changes between the 2011 and 2012 versions, though Nissan's Hard Drive Navigation System now comes as a standalone option, and like its more attractive older sister, the 2012 Murano CrossCabriolet also comes in Pearl White.

Both the 2012 Nissan Murano and the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet are now available at dealers nationwide. 

View the original article here

2012 Murano and Murano CrossCabriolet Pricing Announced

2010 Nissan Murano

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

We have good news and bad news. The good news is that Nissan has just announced pricing for the 2012 edition of the popular Murano crossover. The bad news is that the automaker has also announced pricing for the 2012 Murano CrossCabriolet, which is perhaps the most-hated vehicle on the American market.

But good news first: pricing for the 2012 Murano will begin at $29,290 for the front-wheel drive S model. Tack on things like 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a new Nissan Navigation System, and an exclusive Sapphire Black paint job, and the price will go up a bit. At the top of the line sits the 2012 Murano LE with all-wheel drive, which rings in at $39,900. In-between those two, you'll find six other models: the Murano S AWD, Murano SV FWD, Murano SV AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD, and Murano LE FWD. All eight variants come with a new paint option for 2012: Pearl White.

And now the bad news: Nissan is still producing the Murano CrossCabriolet, which Nissan has described as "the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible" and critics have described as "an artichoke with wheels". In fact, the Murano CrossCabriolet is widely believed to be the most hated car of 2011. (That's quite an accomplishment, since we're just wrapping up September.)

If there's a silver lining to be found here, it's that there's only one version of the CrossCabriolet, which will make its demise much quicker when death surely comes. That one model clocks in at $44,540 -- no small potatoes for a vehicle that's been beaten up for its poor performance on the road and its distinctly offbeat looks.

Since the CrossCabriolet is just a couple of months old, there aren't many changes between the 2011 and 2012 versions, though Nissan's Hard Drive Navigation System now comes as a standalone option, and like its more attractive older sister, the 2012 Murano CrossCabriolet also comes in Pearl White.

Both the 2012 Nissan Murano and the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet are now available at dealers nationwide. 

View the original article here

Ram Expands RamBox Lineup, Lowers Pricing

2012 Ram with RamBox option. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

2012 Ram with RamBox option. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

Enlarge Photo

For years, one  tradeoff of owning a pickup was the lack of a locking trunk. If you needed to keep a laptop or camera bag out of sight and secure, your options were limited. Ditto for tools, especially over-sized things like shovels or post-hole diggers.

Honda debuted a locking trunk in the bed of its Ridgeline pickup, but it wasn’t really big enough to accommodate long or oddly-shaped items. Enter the RamBox, launched by Ram (then Dodge) on its fourth-generation Ram pickups in 2009.

The RamBox converts the previously unused bed sides into lockable storage. The compartments are weatherproof, and even feature floor drains for easy clean out. Better yet, they’re large enough to hold things like golf clubs, tool boxes, shovels and kayak paddles.

Until now, the RamBox option was only available on short bed Ram 1500 models, with a bed length of 67 inches. For 2012 Ram pickups, the Chrysler division has expanded the RamBox lineup to include 76-inch bed models, boosting RamBox storage capacity by 18 percent.

The longer bed gives RamBox buyers 8.6 cubic feet of storage, versus 7.3 cubic feet on short bed models, and it's now available on Ram 2500 and 3500 models as well.

Better yet, RamBox pricing has dropped by 32 percent. For either size bed, the RamBox option is just $1,295. and that buys you more than just lockable storage.

The RamBox package also includes an adjustable bed divider and expander, which allows owners to use the tailgate as part of the bed, or split the bed into multiple segments. It also includes a cargo rail system with adjustable cleats to make tying down oversize loads easier.

The RamBox is now available on 80 percent of Ram pickups. Need more of an incentive to check off this option box? Opt for the long bed RamBox, and you can carry up to 140 cans of beer for your next weekend camping trip.

View the original article here

2012 Murano and Murano CrossCabriolet Pricing Announced

2010 Nissan Murano

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

We have good news and bad news. The good news is that Nissan has just announced pricing for the 2012 edition of the popular Murano crossover. The bad news is that the automaker has also announced pricing for the 2012 Murano CrossCabriolet, which is perhaps the most-hated vehicle on the American market.

But good news first: pricing for the 2012 Murano will begin at $29,290 for the front-wheel drive S model. Tack on things like 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a new Nissan Navigation System, and an exclusive Sapphire Black paint job, and the price will go up a bit. At the top of the line sits the 2012 Murano LE with all-wheel drive, which rings in at $39,900. In-between those two, you'll find six other models: the Murano S AWD, Murano SV FWD, Murano SV AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD, and Murano LE FWD. All eight variants come with a new paint option for 2012: Pearl White.

And now the bad news: Nissan is still producing the Murano CrossCabriolet, which Nissan has described as "the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible" and critics have described as "an artichoke with wheels". In fact, the Murano CrossCabriolet is widely believed to be the most hated car of 2011. (That's quite an accomplishment, since we're just wrapping up September.)

If there's a silver lining to be found here, it's that there's only one version of the CrossCabriolet, which will make its demise much quicker when death surely comes. That one model clocks in at $44,540 -- no small potatoes for a vehicle that's been beaten up for its poor performance on the road and its distinctly offbeat looks.

Since the CrossCabriolet is just a couple of months old, there aren't many changes between the 2011 and 2012 versions, though Nissan's Hard Drive Navigation System now comes as a standalone option, and like its more attractive older sister, the 2012 Murano CrossCabriolet also comes in Pearl White.

Both the 2012 Nissan Murano and the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet are now available at dealers nationwide. 

View the original article here

Ram Expands RamBox Lineup, Lowers Pricing

2012 Ram with RamBox option. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

2012 Ram with RamBox option. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

Enlarge Photo

For years, one  tradeoff of owning a pickup was the lack of a locking trunk. If you needed to keep a laptop or camera bag out of sight and secure, your options were limited. Ditto for tools, especially over-sized things like shovels or post-hole diggers.

Honda debuted a locking trunk in the bed of its Ridgeline pickup, but it wasn’t really big enough to accommodate long or oddly-shaped items. Enter the RamBox, launched by Ram (then Dodge) on its fourth-generation Ram pickups in 2009.

The RamBox converts the previously unused bed sides into lockable storage. The compartments are weatherproof, and even feature floor drains for easy clean out. Better yet, they’re large enough to hold things like golf clubs, tool boxes, shovels and kayak paddles.

Until now, the RamBox option was only available on short bed Ram 1500 models, with a bed length of 67 inches. For 2012 Ram pickups, the Chrysler division has expanded the RamBox lineup to include 76-inch bed models, boosting RamBox storage capacity by 18 percent.

The longer bed gives RamBox buyers 8.6 cubic feet of storage, versus 7.3 cubic feet on short bed models, and it's now available on Ram 2500 and 3500 models as well.

Better yet, RamBox pricing has dropped by 32 percent. For either size bed, the RamBox option is just $1,295. and that buys you more than just lockable storage.

The RamBox package also includes an adjustable bed divider and expander, which allows owners to use the tailgate as part of the bed, or split the bed into multiple segments. It also includes a cargo rail system with adjustable cleats to make tying down oversize loads easier.

The RamBox is now available on 80 percent of Ram pickups. Need more of an incentive to check off this option box? Opt for the long bed RamBox, and you can carry up to 140 cans of beer for your next weekend camping trip.

View the original article here

Mopar officially releases “Ram Runner” off-road kit pricing

Leftlane has brought you details and images of Ram Runner style trucks over the past year, but now Mopar has officially released its kit along with pricing and options.

But in the event you somehow missed it, the Ram Runner is a special off-road truck that is equipped with a myriad of parts normally only found in the aftermarket, ranging from suspension, to bumpers to wider fenders and beyond.

“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO, Mopar. “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”

The premise of the Ram Runner kit is that enthusiasts can apply OEM-quality (and engineered) parts to their existing 2009-2011 Ram 1500 trucks at their own pace and to the extent that their personal style desires. The ability to order parts in a piecemeal or full kit fashion allows enthusiasts with all different budgets and tastes to build their truck just how they want it, rather than having to buy an all-new truck that comes completely finished from day one.

For those who want the whole deal in one shot, the Pre-runner stage II kit will run $13,270, and includes a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, Fox three-inch internal bypass shocks, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel tie rods. The net result? An impressive 14-inches of front and rear suspension travel.

But the suspension kit is just a starting point for those looking to traverse the desert or mountain at highway speeds, which of course will need an off-road front bumper made of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate that offers a 41-degree approach angle. This heavy-duty off-road bumper will set you back $1,250. But if you’re going to push your Ram Runner that hard, you better keep a spare tire, and for that Mopar has you covered with the off-road tire carrier. This unique mount installs in the bed of the truck and carries a full-size off-road wheel and tire combo, setting you back a cool $1,010 (wheel and tire not included).

Of course, if you want to really use your truck and show your friends just how high and far you can jump your Ram, then you will want a set of fiberglass fenders front and rear. The front set will set you back $1,020, while the rear fenders (6’4” bed only) will require another $1,020 of your cold, hard cash. These fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, greater articulation and give the truck a legitimate pre-runner look and feel.

If you’re going to get the custom fenders, well then you better complete the custom look with the sport performance hood made of stamped aluminum, boasting dual scoops. As far as custom hoods go, this piece comes in at a bargain price of just $978.

All show and no go? Of course not. In addition to the suspension, protection and cosmetic appeal, Mopar also has a “loud and proud” dual cat-back exhaust for 5.7-liter-equipped trucks as well. This exhaust will set you back $1,135, and comes complete with chrome tips.

In case you weren’t adding it up as you went, a fully customized Ram Runner is going to add a cool $19,683 to the price of your Ram 1500. That is of course assuming you do the labor yourself and don’t pay sales tax.

If the pricing doesn’t scare you, head down to your local Chrysler dealer and order your parts directly from the parts counter and let the fun begin.

View the original article here

Nissan announces employee pricing, payment delays for southern storm victims

Monday, May 23rd, 2011 @ 9:35 a.m.

Nissan’s world headquarters may be based in Japan, but the automaker’s U.S. operations have called Franklin, Tennessee home for several years now. Nissan has grown to become an integral part of the southeastern U.S. over the last six years, and is now giving back to the storm victims of the region.

Nissan has announced it will be extending employee pricing to residents of Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Kentucky who were affected by the region’s recent storms. Additionally, those impacted by the storms will be able to delay vehicle payments by up to three months without any financial penalties.

“Because of Nissan’s strong presence in the southeastern U.S., we’ve seen up-close the impact of recent devastating weather, which has left many area residents without personal transportation,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America. “We want to do our part to assist our neighbors, and are offering employee pricing to disaster victims as one way to help them return to normal.”

Nissan says employee pricing offers up to $1,500 off dealer invoice, plus all applicable incentives.

Earlier this month Nissan donated $115,000 to American Red Cross to aid in the organization’s southern storm relief efforts.

View the original article here

Mopar officially releases “Ram Runner” off-road kit pricing

Leftlane has brought you details and images of Ram Runner style trucks over the past year, but now Mopar has officially released its kit along with pricing and options.

But in the event you somehow missed it, the Ram Runner is a special off-road truck that is equipped with a myriad of parts normally only found in the aftermarket, ranging from suspension, to bumpers to wider fenders and beyond.

“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO, Mopar. “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”

The premise of the Ram Runner kit is that enthusiasts can apply OEM-quality (and engineered) parts to their existing 2009-2011 Ram 1500 trucks at their own pace and to the extent that their personal style desires. The ability to order parts in a piecemeal or full kit fashion allows enthusiasts with all different budgets and tastes to build their truck just how they want it, rather than having to buy an all-new truck that comes completely finished from day one.

For those who want the whole deal in one shot, the Pre-runner stage II kit will run $13,270, and includes a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, Fox three-inch internal bypass shocks, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel tie rods. The net result? An impressive 14-inches of front and rear suspension travel.

But the suspension kit is just a starting point for those looking to traverse the desert or mountain at highway speeds, which of course will need an off-road front bumper made of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate that offers a 41-degree approach angle. This heavy-duty off-road bumper will set you back $1,250. But if you’re going to push your Ram Runner that hard, you better keep a spare tire, and for that Mopar has you covered with the off-road tire carrier. This unique mount installs in the bed of the truck and carries a full-size off-road wheel and tire combo, setting you back a cool $1,010 (wheel and tire not included).

Of course, if you want to really use your truck and show your friends just how high and far you can jump your Ram, then you will want a set of fiberglass fenders front and rear. The front set will set you back $1,020, while the rear fenders (6’4” bed only) will require another $1,020 of your cold, hard cash. These fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, greater articulation and give the truck a legitimate pre-runner look and feel.

If you’re going to get the custom fenders, well then you better complete the custom look with the sport performance hood made of stamped aluminum, boasting dual scoops. As far as custom hoods go, this piece comes in at a bargain price of just $978.

All show and no go? Of course not. In addition to the suspension, protection and cosmetic appeal, Mopar also has a “loud and proud” dual cat-back exhaust for 5.7-liter-equipped trucks as well. This exhaust will set you back $1,135, and comes complete with chrome tips.

In case you weren’t adding it up as you went, a fully customized Ram Runner is going to add a cool $19,683 to the price of your Ram 1500. That is of course assuming you do the labor yourself and don’t pay sales tax.

If the pricing doesn’t scare you, head down to your local Chrysler dealer and order your parts directly from the parts counter and let the fun begin.

View the original article here

Mopar officially releases “Ram Runner” off-road kit pricing

Thursday, May 26th, 2011 @ 2:26 p.m.

Leftlane has brought you details and images of Ram Runner style trucks over the past year, but now Mopar has officially released its kit along with pricing and options.

But in the event you somehow missed it, the Ram Runner is a special off-road truck that is equipped with a myriad of parts normally only found in the aftermarket, ranging from suspension, to bumpers to wider fenders and beyond.

“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO, Mopar. “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”

The premise of the Ram Runner kit is that enthusiasts can apply OEM-quality (and engineered) parts to their existing 2009-2011 Ram 1500 trucks at their own pace and to the extent that their personal style desires. The ability to order parts in a piecemeal or full kit fashion allows enthusiasts with all different budgets and tastes to build their truck just how they want it, rather than having to buy an all-new truck that comes completely finished from day one.

For those who want the whole deal in one shot, the Pre-runner stage II kit will run $13,270, and includes a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, Fox three-inch internal bypass shocks, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel tie rods. The net result? An impressive 14-inches of front and rear suspension travel.

But the suspension kit is just a starting point for those looking to traverse the desert or mountain at highway speeds, which of course will need an off-road front bumper made of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate that offers a 41-degree approach angle. This heavy-duty off-road bumper will set you back $1,250. But if you’re going to push your Ram Runner that hard, you better keep a spare tire, and for that Mopar has you covered with the off-road tire carrier. This unique mount installs in the bed of the truck and carries a full-size off-road wheel and tire combo, setting you back a cool $1,010 (wheel and tire not included).

Of course, if you want to really use your truck and show your friends just how high and far you can jump your Ram, then you will want a set of fiberglass fenders front and rear. The front set will set you back $1,020, while the rear fenders (6’4” bed only) will require another $1,020 of your cold, hard cash. These fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, greater articulation and give the truck a legitimate pre-runner look and feel.

If you’re going to get the custom fenders, well then you better complete the custom look with the sport performance hood made of stamped aluminum, boasting dual scoops. As far as custom hoods go, this piece comes in at a bargain price of just $978.

All show and no go? Of course not. In addition to the suspension, protection and cosmetic appeal, Mopar also has a “loud and proud” dual cat-back exhaust for 5.7-liter-equipped trucks as well. This exhaust will set you back $1,135, and comes complete with chrome tips.

In case you weren’t adding it up as you went, a fully customized Ram Runner is going to add a cool $19,683 to the price of your Ram 1500. That is of course assuming you do the labor yourself and don’t pay sales tax.

If the pricing doesn’t scare you, head down to your local Chrysler dealer and order your parts directly from the parts counter and let the fun begin.

View the original article here

Michelin: Rubber pricing puts company under “incredible pressure”

Friday, May 13th, 2011 @ 3:34 p.m.

Not only are automakers struggling to cope with increasing prices on raw materials; suppliers, like Michelin, say that they are having to find ways around the challenging situation.

The tire manufacturer’s chief executive designate, who could soon take over the company, told shareholders that, “we have never experienced such strong pressure.”

Jean-Dominique Senard was nominated to become Michelin’s new CEO at a shareholder meeting at the company’s headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, earlier today.

“This year, raw material rises will have a 1.8 billion euro impact on our accounts,” Senard said.

Michelin has already increased consumer pricing on truck tires as a result of the additional cost of acquiring raw rubber. Passenger car tire pricing is likely to follow, which will undoubtedly help raise list prices for new cars.

References
1.’Michelin under raw…’ view

View the original article here