Chrysler CEO Predicts 2012 Profits Will Surpass $3 Billion

2012 is a little over halfway done, and looking at the numbers, it is expected that Chrysler will post $3 billion in profits this year.

Auto sales overall have been exceptionally strong this year, particularly the past few months, and Chrysler has produced 928,748 trucks, SUVs, and mini-vans, as well as 298,472 cars. Plants have had to work harder to keep up with demand. Four of their plants did not have their typical two-week shutdowns, and other plants shortened their shutdowns from two weeks to one week. In a recent interview, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne was very optimistic, saying, “ The objective of $3 billion is close at hand. We could overshoot it.”

What has been driving demand for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles? Well, besides the overall increase in auto sales, there has been a lot of attention on Chrysler lately. The Dodge Dart is already a runaway hit, and their line-up has been getting stellar reviews from critics and drivers alike. Now more than ever, any driver can find what they are looking for in the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram line-up, whether if they are looking for American-made luxury, a rough-and-tumble truck, or a reliable family car.

Have you seen the new Chrysler line-up yet? You can check them out online and view Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge's online quality used car inventory as well by clicking here. Also, keep up with the latest news from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram by liking Bayside on Facebook, following Bayside on Twitter, and subscribing to Bayside on YouTube.

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New Chrysler LLC Board of Directors Appointees Bring Fresh Perspective

Some recent changes to the Chrysler Group board of directors earlier this month had people talking with the board's newest members include a United Auto Workers strategist and the president of Brown University.

Erickson N. Perkins and Ruth J. Simmons were appointed to the board of directors as former Michigan Governor James Blanchard stepped down. Prior to being appointed, Perkins was part of the UAW's negotiations team during the 2011 contract negotiations, and Simmons was president at Brown Universtiy and Smith College and a variety of other administrative roles at Princeton University, California State University, and the University of New Orleans.

Together, Perkins and Simmons bring something different and fresh to the Chrysler Group board of directors. Aside from Ronald L. Thompson, Simmons is the only member of the board with substantial background working in academics, and having worked side-by-side with auto unions, Perkins will bring a unique perspective to the table. Looking over their impressive resumes, it isn't hard to see why Chrysler appointed them to the board of directors.

Click here to view Chrysler Group LLC's current board of directors and read biographies for each member. Also, check out the full line-up of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles online here, and keep up with the latest news from Chrysler Group by liking Bayside on Facebook, following Bayside on Twitter, and subscribing to Bayside on YouTube.

Chrysler's “Imported from Detroit” Wins Grand Effie Award

After taking home an Emmy and numerous other prestigious awards, Chrysler's 2011 “Imported from Detroit” Super Bowl commercial is still winning in 2012.

Last Saturday, the Grand Effie award for effective advertising went to Chrysler's now-famous “Imported from Detroit” commercial. The commercial featured many real Detroit residents including a local choir, a professional football player, a champion ice skater, and rapper Eminem. Audiences responded well to the commercial because of its strong tie-in to the Chrysler brand and its uplifting message of hope and pride in Detroit.

Grand Effie jury members praised Chrysler and the ad campaign, calling it a stand-out amongst the finalists “that sold the product the category and the city.” One jury member went so far as to say that the ad “gave [Chrysler] its soul back.”

The “Imported from Detroit” campaign joins other memorable campaigns from Old Spice, Apple Inc., and Microsoft Xbox's “Halo 3.” To see a full list of past Grand Effie winners, click here.

If you somehow missed out on this outstanding ad, you can watch it below, and make sure to check out the full Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram line-up online here. You can also keep up with the latest news from Chrysler by liking Bayside on Facebook and following Bayside on Twitter.

New Ram Trucks Will Make First Appearance at Texas State Fair

Friday is the kick-off for the Texas State Fair, and fair attendees will get a special first look at some of Ram's new trucks.

Ram will be unveiling several models of the 2012 Ram 1500 pickup truck including the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty and the Ram 1500 Express Picture. The 2012 Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty will not be available until next year, so fair-goers will get a chance to see the new models before the rest of the country.

The Texas State Fair is no stranger to auto showcases. Their auto show, according to the Texas State Fair website, has been a favorite part of the fair since 1904 when they hosted Dallas' very first auto show. In 1989, they expanded their space to 300,000 square feet spanning two buildings and an additional outdoor area.

The auto show starts Friday, September 30 and runs through Sunday, October 23. Even if you don't live in Texas, though, you can find out more about the 2012 Ram 1500 by stopping by Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge at 212-19 Northern Boulevard in Bayside, New York. You can also check them out on Facebook or Twitter.

Jeep Wrangler Celebrates Landmark Birthday

The Jeep Wrangler, one of Jeep's best-selling and iconic vehicles, will be celebrating 70 years on the road this year.

Since 1941, when the model was used as a military vehicle in World War II, the Jeep Wrangler has been an American staple. It is a favorite off-road vehicle, and those looking to buy the 2012 model will be excited to hear that the 2012 Wrangler will have a new 285 horsepower engine, compared to the 202 horsepower engine in the previous model.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler starts at $25,545 and goes up from there depending on features and add-ons. You can check out listings for the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited here, and watch Motor Trend's test drive of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler below.

To drive a Jeep Wrangler for yourself, stop by Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge 212-19 Northern Blvd in Bayside, New York, or check them out online here. You can also follow them on Facebook or Twitter.