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Trailer Boats magazine today announced that it has chosen the Ram 1500 as its 2010 Tow Vehicle of the Year.

The magazine's of-the-year honor, significant to a large pickup customer demographic segment, will add to the Ram's growing list of top automotive awards.

"We're honored," said Ram Truck Brand President and CEO Fred Diaz. "The bond between boaters and their pickup trucks is inseparable. We recognize trailer-boating places big demands on the capability of a truck, and our Ram Truck team has delivered the best truck for those customers.

"The Ram Truck Brand has put a great deal of emphasis on reaching out to outdoorsmen and women," added Diaz. "Boating, as well as hunting, camping and fishing enthusiasts will be getting many opportunities to take a close-up look at Ram Trucks this year as we criss-cross the nation in a 50-event Ram Master Sportsman's Tour."

The 28th annual tow vehicle competition included a trio of 2010 half-ton pickups with crew-size cabs and the largest available gasoline engines, all in four-wheel-drive configurations. Each was tested while towing the same Mako 234 Center Console boat and trailer weighing about 6,000 pounds.

“This year the editors focused on light-duty pickups,” said Jim Hendricks, publisher and editorial director of Trailer Boats magazine. “This class has experienced dramatic improvements in features and ride quality over the past few years, with beefed-up tow ratings approaching those traditionally associated with heavy-duty pickups.

“The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi not only reflects this trend, but its smooth and powerful performance scored consistently high during our examination,” added Hendricks.  “The ride, handling and braking of the Ram 1500 – in both towing and non-towing situations – scored highest among the competitors,” said Hendricks. “After a full evaluation lasting more than two weeks, the editors of Trailer Boats voted the Ram 1500 as the 2010 Tow Vehicle of the Year.”

The test results are detailed in the April  2010 issue of Trailer Boats (on sale now), with coverage going live online at www.TrailerBoats.com beginning April 5.

The Ram Truck Brand continues to raise the bar with the most powerful and capable light-duty pickup truck in the segment with the 2010 Ram 1500.

With its bold exterior design, refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features, amenities and ride quality, the Ram 1500 is a game changer in terms of its ability to “outsmart” and “out-tough” the competition.

The Ram 1500 ranks at the top of Strategic Vision 2009 Total Quality Index™(TQI) in the full-size truck segment.  According to the survey, the Ram 1500 leads the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the 15-year history of the study.

In addition to winning Strategic Vision’s TQI, the Ram 1500 has earned 20 key awards since its introduction. Other awards include:

• American Hunter Golden Bullseye Award – 2010 Vehicle of the Year
• Automobile magazine – 2010 All-Stars Ten Best
• International Car of the Year (ICOTY) – 2009 International Truck of the Year
• Texas Auto Writer's Association (TAWA) – 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas
• MotorWeek – Driver’s Choice Awards (2009 and 2010)
• Maxim – Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox)
• Edmunds' Inside Line – A 2009 Editor's Most Wanted
• Edmunds' Inside Line – Best Full-size Pickup Truck
• Consumer Guide – Large Pickup – Best Buy for 2009
• Cars.com – Work Truck of the Year
• Truckin’ magazine – Truck of the Year
• Autobytel.com – 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editors’ Choice Awards – Truck of the Year
• Ward’s AutoWorld – Interior of the Year
• Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association – Truck of the Year
• New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) – Best-in-Class Pickup Award
• Ward's AutoWorld – Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Ram 5.7-liter HEMI® engine)
• Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Pickup
• AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award
• Sobre Ruedas – Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for '08

For 2010, Ram 1500’s towing capability has increased to 10,450 pounds. Combining Ram's legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine and the segment-exclusive multi-link coil spring rear suspension, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) has increased to 15,500 pounds, from 14,000 pounds, with the 140.5-inch wheelbase, 5.7-liter engine and 3.92 rear axle. This increased GCWR equates to an increase in tow rating. This improved rating, along with Ram’s industry-first features and impressive ride and handling capabilities, make Ram the most capable light-duty pickup on the market.

The 2010 Ram incorporates a first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling without sacrificing payload (as much as 1,900 pounds) and towing capability (as much as an estimated 10,450 pounds).

New interior features include fuel-saver indicator on 3.7-liter models, a new premium Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM) system and Park-Assist indicator in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display.

Other new features include an iPod® Control that connects most iPod-compatible devices using an iPod Control cable. The cable enables iPod devices to be controlled through Ram’s media center radio or steering-wheel radio controls.

New exterior features include available folding trailer-tow mirrors, integrated trailer-brake controller, power trailer-tow mirrors, electro-chromic mirrors and new 22-inch tires and wheels included in R/T package.

Fuel economy enhancements for 2010 include interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO) on all engines. iDFSO turns off the flow of fuel during vehicle deceleration for improved real-world fuel economy without any noticeable changes in engine performance.

Standard on the 2010 Ram two-wheel-drive regular cab and Quad Cab® models is a 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine, generating 210 horsepower (156 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque.

Other available engines include the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Multi Displacement
System (MDS) that produces 390 horsepower (291 kW) and 407 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) of torque and the Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V-8 that generates 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque.

The 2010 Ram Crew Cab 1500 features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both cargo-box sides for effortless access and convenience. The RamBox system includes a bed divider/2-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability.

Ram 1500 is available in a regular cab, Quad Cab and crew-cab configuration and offers three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot 4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and 5-foot 7-inches (crew cab). For 2010, Ram 1500 is available in five distinct trim levels—ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie.

About Trailer Boats magazine

Now entering its 40th year, Trailer Boats has set itself apart – both in print and online at TrailerBoats.com – with the most refined tests and detailed information available to boaters today, serving as the essential resource for trailer boating enthusiasts of all levels. The award-winning publication is part of Affinity Boating Media, which also includes Boating Industry, Powerboat and Your Guide to Towing.

Browse Our Ram Truck Inventory

Dodge Challenger: Forty Years of a Dodge Muscle-car Legend

• Visit the heritage of the Dodge Challenger at http://www.dodgechallenger40th.com/

Dodge Challenger’s 40-year legacy includes:

1970
The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared Chrysler’s “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform with the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger’s wheelbase was 2 inches longer, creating more interior space.

The Dodge Challenger was originally offered as a two-door hardtop or convertible, in base, SE (Special Edition), R/T (Road/Track) and T/A (Trans-Am) trim. But it was the range of powertrain choices that was truly remarkable:

• 225-cubic-inch I-6; 145 horsepower
• 318-cubic-inch V-8; 230 horsepower
• 340-cubic-inch V-8; 275 horsepower (290 horsepower in the T/A)
• 383-cubic-inch V-8; 290 horsepower
• 383-cubic-inch V-8; 330 horsepower
• 383-cubic-inch V-8; 335 horsepower
• 426-cubic-inch HEMI V-8; 425 horsepower
• 440-cubic-inch V-8; 375 horsepower
• 440-cubic-inch V-8; 390 horsepower

Driveline choices for various engines included Chrysler’s TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a three- or four-speed manual transmission, which could be equipped with a Hurst “pistol-grip” shifter. Big-block Challengers could be ordered with a heavy-duty Dana 60 differential equipped with a limited-slip differential.

Even the paint schemes said “performance,” with colors, including Plum Crazy and HEMI Orange, accented with “bumblebee” stripes. Customers could further customize their cars with twin-scooped hoods, “shaker” hoods and deck-lid wings.

Befitting the brand’s performance heritage, Dodge raced the Challenger in its first year on the market. For the street, it was offered in the limited-edition T/A model to meet homologation requirements for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am racing. The T/A was one of the first production vehicles to offer staggered size tires in the front and back; E60 x 15-inch front and G60 x 15-inch rear.

In 1970, Sam Posey drove the lone Trans-Am racing Challenger, prepared and run by Ray Caldwell’s Autodynamics Race Shop. While he didn’t win a race in the No. 77 car, Posey finished fourth overall in points.

Drag racers, including Dick Landy and Ted Spehar, also campaigned Challengers in the National Hot Rod Association’s new Pro Stock class. In 1970 and 1971, the HEMI-powered Challengers (and Plymouth ‘Cudas) virtually ruled the class.

On the big screen, a 1970 Challenger R/T starred in the film Vanishing Point, a high-speed pursuit movie that has become a cult favorite with muscle-car fans. The movie was remade for television in 1997.

Other 1970 Dodge Challengers have been seen in films, including Used Cars, Natural Born Killers and Phantasm I and II; and in television shows, including Mod Squad.

For the 1970 model year, more than 83,000 Dodge Challengers were sold.

1971
In 1971, designers made subtle styling changes to the Dodge Challenger, providing new treatments to the taillamps and grille. The single-taillamp design from 1970 became two distinct lights for 1971, and a new-for-1971 twin-inlet Challenger grille was painted silver on standard models and black on R/Ts.

Challenger R/T models also received a set of fiberglass quarter-panel louvers. An additional coupe model with fixed quarter windows was added to the lineup.

As in 1970, a wide range of trim levels, exterior colors and striping options made the Dodge Challenger easy for customers to create a special car. However, for 1971, Dodge dropped the T/A (it was no longer racing in Trans-Am), SE models and R/T convertible.

New EPA emission standards led to some powertrain changes; the optional 375 horsepower 440-cubic-inch was eliminated, as was the Six Pack-equipped 340-cubic-inch powerplant. The 383-cubic-inch Magnum engine was detuned to 300 horsepower by lowering the compression ratio for improved emissions. However, a 390 horsepower six-pack 440 V-8 was available, and the 425 horsepower 426-cubic-inch HEMI still topped the vast engine offerings.

A Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500 race in 1971. Dodge produced 50 Challenger convertible pace car replicas — all painted HEMI Orange with white tops and interiors.

1972
With escalating insurance rates and new EPA emissions mandates, more changes came to the Dodge Challenger in 1972. Also, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) revised the torque and horsepower rating test from a “gross” to a “net” as installed in the cars. This reduced all ratings 20 to 30 percent, making them non-comparable to previous ratings.

Only three engines were available in the 1972 Dodge Challenger: the 225-cubic-inch Slant Six with 110 horsepower, the 318-cubic-inch V-8 with 150 horsepower and the 340-cubic-inch V-8 with 240 horsepower. All were equipped to use the then-new unleaded fuel.

With convertible sales in steady decline over several years, the 1972 Dodge Challenger was offered in hardtop form only. The sun roof had become a more popular alternative and was offered as an option for more than $400.

New front-end styling in 1972 featured a larger “egg-crate” grille. It was painted argent for standard Challengers and black on the Challenger Rallye performance model, which replaced the R/T. The Challenger’s taillamp design included twin lights on each side, with the center panel painted the same color as the grille. The Rallye model also was equipped with four small scoops on the front fenders.

1973
Beginning in 1973, the federal government mandated new bumper-impact standards that resulted in the only changes to the Dodge Challenger exterior — five-miles-per-hour bumpers equipped with large rubber guards that extended out from the bodywork.

Inside, grained vinyl was the only available seating material, but a new instrument-cluster design was part of the Rallye option package. The Rallye was eliminated as a separate model, although customers could create one with options.

Under the hood, the six-cylinder engine was no longer available; the 150 horsepower 318-cubic-inch V-8 was standard, with the 240 horsepower 340-cubic-inch V-8 as the only option.

1974
With performance car insurance rates skyrocketing, more safety equipment led the short list of changes for the 1974 model-year Dodge Challengers.

Inside, lap and shoulder belts were equipped with an inertia reel. In addition, there was a federally mandated seat belt-ignition interlock, which prevented the car from being started if the driver or passenger didn’t buckle up.

The Dodge Challenger offered a different engine option for 1974. With the 318-cubic-inch V-8 still standard, a 360-cubic-inch V-8 producing 245 horsepower replaced the 340-cubic-inch V-8 as the only engine option.

In April 1974, Challenger production ceased. During a five-year span, approximately 188,600 Dodge Challengers were sold.

1978-1984
Beginning in 1978 — the year the U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard took effect — Dodge offered a new Challenger two-door coupe imported from Mitsubishi. It was offered with a standard 1.6-liter, 77 horsepower I-4 engine, with a 2.6-liter, 105 horsepower four-cylinder as an option.

Slightly restyled in 1981, the Dodge Challenger soldiered on until 1984, replaced by the growing stable of Chrysler Corporation’s K-platform compacts and a new import from Mitsubishi: the Dodge/Plymouth Conquest.

During its six-year run, sales of the imported Dodge Challenger averaged between 12,000 and 14,000 units per year.

2006
At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006, Dodge unveiled the Challenger concept to immediate acclaim. Based on the Dodge Charger’s advanced rear-wheel-drive platform and legendary HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Challenger concept featured the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body-style that resembled the iconic Challengers of the 1970s. Over the next several months, the company received repeated pleas from consumers and the media to build the car.

2008
The Dodge Challenger returned with the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offered all that pony-car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking.

The Dodge Challenger SRT8’s 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m) were the result of SRT’s exclusive, proven 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 “Street HEMI.”

Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports a five-link independent rear suspension allowing for independent tuning of ride-and-handling characteristics. The Challenger SRT8 featured SRT-exclusive 20-inch fully-forged Alcoa aluminum wheels with four-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A or optional three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires. All four wheels were equipped with red painted Brembo calipers that feature four opposing pistons on a fixed caliper for even clamping performance.

The 6,400 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models built for the 2008 model year were available in HEMI Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl exterior paint colors. Interior highlights included race-inspired leather seats with added bolstering and an exclusive red accent stripe, exclusive stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180-mph speedometer in the center. An SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages provided drivers instant feedback on zero to 60 mph time, 60 to zero mph braking, g-forces and 1/4-mile time, and limited-edition numbered dash plaque.

The first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was sold at the 37th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction with a winning bid placed by Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company of $400,000. All of the proceeds went to charity.

2009
The introduction of the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE and R/T models at the New York International Auto Show delivered the full lineup of Dodge Challengers to the marketplace. From the maximum Dodge Challenger SRT8, to the performance of the Challenger R/T with its 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, to the cutting-edge technology of Challenger SE with the efficient 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the 2009 Dodge Challenger offered a full menu of options for every customer.

Adding even more capability than the 2008 model, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its powerful 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 offered a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to the proven five-speed automatic with Auto Stick. The six-speed—the Tremec TR-6060—was matched with a race-inspired dual-disc clutch that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10.

The new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T tucked its legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine under a long, raised performance hood with functional hood scoops to increase engine cooling. The newest-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine featured dual Variable-cam Timing (VCT) and dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) to increase power and torque, while improving refinement and efficiency.

When paired with the automatic transmission, the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 included the fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) allowing Dodge Challenger R/T Classic to operate economically on four cylinders, or produce 372 horsepower (277 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. of torque (544 N•m) when all eight cylinders are needed.

With its “pistol grip” shifter, the six-speed manual transmission Dodge Challenger R/T featured a performance-tuned dual exhaust with optimized engine back pressure and two low-restriction bottle resonators for maximum “throatiness.” The result, even more power at tap with 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N•m) ready to accelerate the Dodge Challenger R/T from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.

The new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produced 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).

Halfway through the 2009 model year, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic offered menacing looks and, combined with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine, an unforgettable punch. Based on the Challenger R/T, the Challenger R/T Classic featured dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black, ‘Challenger’ fender badging in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels, classic egg-crate grille with heritage ‘R/T’ badge, body-color rear spoiler and bright racing style fuel filler door.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye added even more pony-car excitement with a more responsive five-speed automatic transmission (implemented as standard equipment on all mid-year Challenger SEs), throw-back hood and deck-lid dual stripes with accent color outer stripes, bright racing style fuel filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck-lid spoiler and Micro Carbon interior accents.

Original B5 Blue returned from the Dodge paint code archive for a limited-edition run of Challenger R/T Classic and Challenger SRT8 models.

Based on the production Dodge Challenger SRT8, Mopar^® offered a modern factory-prepped Challenger Drag Race Package Car (as a special body-in-white). To reduce vehicle weight, major production component and systems were eliminated, including windshield wiper assembly, complete HVAC system, all airbag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust system and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side-impact door beams, rear-bumper beam and rear deck-lid spoiler. The drag racer offered three engine options — 6.1-liter or 5.7-liter HEMI or 5.9-liter Magnum^® Wedge — as well as manual or automatic transmission options.

2010
The 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T and Challenger R/T Classic add even more performance and excitement with the Super Track Pack for the 2010 model years. This handling package includes 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, front and rear Nivomat self-leveling shock-absorbers, a larger rear stabilizer bar, a 3.06 rear-axle ratio, performance brake linings and enthusiast-desired “ESC-off” stability calibration.

Even more exclusive, and true to Challenger’s high-performance history are the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 Detonator Yellow and Plum Crazy editions. The Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is the first limited-edition to offer dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white, while the SRT8 editions feature unique SRT-designed appointments and unique SRT performance seats with accented stripe.

Two of the wildest and rarest 2010 Dodge Challenger special editions will soon be available to Dodge fans and collectors to celebrate 40 years of Dodge Challenger performance: the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and Challenger SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions. With Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat exterior paint and all-new Pearl White leather performance seats, these limited-edition Dodge Challengers deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics — now in one of the most significant hues.

Participate in our contest by telling us which one of these brand new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Kia vehicles you would want to drive on your Valentine's Day Date and why and you may get to drive it this Valentine's Day, February 14th 2010.

Complete details and entry form are on our website: Valentine's Day Fantasy Test-Drive Contest

Mike Manley, President and CEO, Jeep Brand talks about the Jeep display at the 2010 NAIAS.

• Four Wheeler editors refer to creation of four-door Wrangler as “…one of smartest product moves any automotive company has ever made”
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited remains the only four-door convertible on the market
• Four-door icon delivers class-leading off-road capability, everyday practicality and open-air fun
• Recognition comes on the heels of Jeep brand being named Top Domestic Brand in Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com® 2010 Residual Value Study
• Nearly 60 percent of Wrangler sales are four-door Wrangler Unlimited model
  

» Read More

2010 Motor Trend Truck of the Year

Starting in late December, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck customers may watch many of their favorite TV programs with a dealer-installed mobile TV option from Mopar. Chrysler Group LLC is the first automaker in the United States to offer live, mobile TV with up to 20 channels.

• Watch live sports, breaking news, kids’ programs and primetime network shows in the back seat
• Live mobile TV available on Chrysler, Jeep_®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles as a Mopar® option
• Live TV viewing of CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and more
• FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment will be available in late December for $629 plus installation, includes one-year subscription
• Mobile TV option includes 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for new vehicles and 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles
  

Mopar® is channeling live, mobile TV into Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles.

Starting in late December, Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck customers may watch many of their favorite TV programs with a dealer-installed mobile TV option from Mopar®.

Chrysler Group LLC is the first automaker in the United States to offer live mobile TV to consumers with the capacity for as many as 20 channels through FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment. The system offers something for everyone: college and professional sports, breaking news, children’s shows, primetime sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas.

Mopar will showcase FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas next week.

“We want to offer our customers the ultimate in entertainment,” said Pietro Gorlier, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “With FLO TV Auto Entertainment, we are the first automaker to offer mobile TV with the capacity for as many as 20 channels.”

Until now, the challenge for mobile TV has been to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted coverage in urban environments and at highway speeds. Existing mobile TV systems in the United States either offer limited channels or require large satellite dishes on vehicle roofs – and a large price tag to match.

Mopar’s suggested retail price is $629, plus installation. A one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription is included with installation.

The entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.

The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.

How it Works

Television signals are delivered through a dedicated multicast network built by San Diego-based FLO TV Inc., a live mobile TV service provider, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc. FLO TV offers live and time-shifted programming from top entertainment brands, including CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go and Nickelodeon.

Up to 20 channels will be available in late December when the feature is available for dealer installation. By the end of 2009, the FLO TV service should be available in more than 100 major markets and many interstate driving corridors. The FLO TV service is not available in some rural areas.

Audiovox Corp., of Hauppauge, NY, supplies FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles’ existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems. A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle’s roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants.

User-friendly wired and wireless remote controls allow viewers to easily surf channels, similar to TV systems at home.

Mopar’s FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment option includes a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on new vehicles or a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for hardware and installation.

• Jeep Patriot 4x4 recognized by Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) for best-in-class capability in the compact SUV segment
• Best-in-class 19:1 Low Ratio provides true Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated^® off-road capability
• Jeep Patriot’s Off-Road Package includes aggressive approach, departure and breakover angles, 9 inches of ground clearance and additional body sealing to support 19 inches of water-fording
• 17-inch all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks and fog lamps maximize Jeep Patriots off-road capability
• Jeep Patriot delivers up to 29 highway mpg

Voting after their annual Truck Rodeo in San Antonio, members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named the 2010 Jeep_® Patriot “Compact SUV of Texas,” giving Jeep Patriot top honors over competitors in the compact SUV category.

“This is certainly an honor for Jeep,” said Michael Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “We’re proud the Patriot proved its off-road prowess at the Texas Truck Rodeo. The Trail Rated^® Jeep Patriot 4x4 is hands down the most capable and affordable SUV in the compact segment.”

More than 40 TAWA members were given two days of on- and off-road evaluation time with the 2010 Jeep Patriot and its competitors. Consideration is given to everything from exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant’s overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.

“The TAWA Truck Rodeo is the most comprehensive evaluation of new trucks and SUVs in the country and manufacturers consider it a great honor to win their category,” said Harold Gunn, President of TAWA.

With its combination of fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4x4 capability, the 2010 Jeep Patriot sets apart from the competition.

Innovative technology affords Jeep Patriot more capability than any other vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot is available in three drive configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I™ (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode) and Freedom Drive II™ Off-Road Package (a full-time, active 4x4 system with best-in-class 19:1 Low Ratio that provides true Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated capability).

The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot equipped with Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package sits one inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance. The Off-Road Package’s 17-inch wheels contribute to the Trail Rated Patriot’s 9 inches of ground clearance, 29.6-degree approach angle, 34.2-degree departure angle and 23.3-degree breakover angle. In addition, Trail Rated models have additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents in order to support 19-inch water-fording capability.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package utilizes a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle with a low ratio (CVT2L) to maximize off-road capability. In addition, 17-inch all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks and fog lamps separate Trail Rated Jeep Patriots from all other compact SUVs.

Jeep Patriot is designed for customers who want four-wheel-drive capability or the year-round versatility, excellent fuel economy and an attractive price point. With modern interior and classic Jeep exterior styling, including traditional round Jeep headlamps, seven-slot grille, muscular body-side flares, and strong stance — the 2010 Jeep Patriot broadens the classic Jeep design appeal to new customers.

About the 2010 Jeep Patriot
Jeep® Patriot is a tremendous value, combining the packaging, safety features and interior flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) with performance, handling, and 29-mpg highway fuel economy. With its combination of fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4x4 capability, the 2010 Jeep Patriot sets apart from the competition. The 2010 Jeep Patriot Sport starts at $18,425 (including $630 destination).

Browse Our Jeep Patriot Inventory

Chrysler Group LLC today announced it will offer a leasing option for U.S. customers on all 2010 model year Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles through Chrysler’s preferred lender, GMAC Financial Services.

“We are pleased to re-enter the leasing market so we can offer customers the opportunity to lease vehicles at rates competitive with the marketplace,” said Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer–Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our ability to offer additional financing options will benefit consumers who have long been fans of leasing and appreciate the flexibility this financing option gives them.”

Effective Sept. 17, 2009, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge will offer leasing options for all 2010 model year vehicles in the United States. Featured vehicles with special lease rates through Sept. 30, 2009 are:

• Chrysler Town & Country
• Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram 1500 and Journey
• Jeep Wrangler and Liberty

Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge also offer the following incentives, which are valid through Sept. 30, 2009:

2009 Model Year Vehicles:
Chrysler Group is pleased to offer 0 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services or up to $4,500 Consumer Cash on select 2009 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

2010 Model Year Vehicles:
On select 2010 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, limited Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services are available.

Current Chrysler Group vehicle owners are also eligible for $1,000 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash available to use towards the purchase of select 2009 model year vehicles or the purchase or lease of select 2010 model year vehicles.

Chrysler Group LLC offers consumers 35 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles from which to choose at more than 2,300 dealerships located throughout the United States.