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By rebranding the Dodge Grand Caravan as the Ram cargo van, or Ram C/V, Chrysler has paved the way to expand in the commercial van segment.

The U.S. automaker has more than 25 years of minivan engineering and promises the Ram C/V will meet the needs for small and large businesses.

The Ram C/V is a Class 1 commercial vehicle that offers a 1,800-lb. cargo payload and up to 3,600 lbs. in towing capability. It also features 16-inch steel wheels, a 160-amp alternator, 20-gallon fuel tank, and it runs on a 3.6-liter Pentastar … Read more

Three years ago, when the price of gasoline shot past $4 a gallon, Detroit's automakers were trapped.

They couldn't give away the boatload of trucks that had long been the bread and butter--and profit generators--of the Detroit 3. With gasoline prices rising and with scant offerings in the small-vehicle segment, Detroit's sales plunged even before the financial crisis invaded in September 2008.

Last week, oil passed $100 a barrel, and gasoline prices rose to $3.50 a gallon in some markets. This time the Detroit 3 are in a better position to make money and not give … Read more

The Geneva auto show is filled with signs that the industry turnaround under way in North America has reached Europe.

Automakers are bouncing back from the downturn of the past two years with a number of production vehicles and concepts in Geneva.

Volkswagen Group, helped by its new subsidiary Italdesign Giugiaro, will unveil an array of concept cars to show the industry it has the design depth, as well as the production capability and the financial strength, to topple Toyota as the world's No. 1 automaker.

BMW will debut the Vision ConnectedDrive, a futuristic roadster concept that shows how … Read more

Ford Sync took an early lead in providing advanced integration with cell phones and MP3 players, but now Chevy is catching up, announcing a new technology called MyLink, which will offer many similar features.

Last year OnStar started testing app integration, using Pandora and Facebook. Chevy MyLink refines this functionality, incorporating Pandora and Stitcher, a podcast streamer. These apps are resident in the car, but use a paired smartphone's data plan for connectivity. Ford recently expanded Sync with AppLink, a service that integrates apps on a paired phone with the car's interface.

Beyond apps, MyLink provides the same … Read more

Dog owners may like to show off their Ford or Chevy pride by giving their pets logo seatbelt-buckle collars and nylon strap leashes from Buckle-Down.

The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Bowtie logo collars and leashes are made from recycled, or refurbished, sturdy nylon straps. In addition to Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Bowtie logos, Buckle-Down has a half-dozen other designs to choose from.

The collars have a welded D ring so the matching lead can easily be attached. The collar snaps tight with a miniature seatbelt buckle. The buckle locks securely and releases with the push of a button, making it … Read more

The 2011 Chrysler 200 convertible and the 2012 Acura TL are among the vehicles that will be unveiled this week at the Chicago Auto Show. Chevrolet, Dodge, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Chrysler's Ram division also are planning world debuts.

While Toyota will not have a world debut, the automaker is touting its display, which it says will be the largest the Toyota brand has created for a U.S. auto show, covering 45,000 square feet.

As part of the display, an indoor road course will feature Toyota pickups and SUVs. The public will be able to ride in the … Read more

We've been following the Chevrolet Cruze sedan's evolution from concept to production model. We've even taken a first drive in one. Now, as the 2011 Geneva auto show approaches, we get an early look at the production version of the Cruze's hatchback design.

Interestingly, the five-door Cruze's silhouette and roofline don't change all that much from those of the four-door model when viewed from the front quarter. However, when viewed in profile or from the rear quarter, the Cruze begins to resemble a bow-tie badged Subaru Impreza.

While a Geneva debut signals definite European … Read more

We've already taken a few first looks at the upcoming Chevrolet Aveo Sonic, but sometimes it's interesting to hear details about a vehicle from the source. Then again, sometimes a slightly misguided Car Tech editor just wants an excuse to post a video of the replacement to the beloved CNET Aveo. Whatever the reason, the video below showcases the Sonic, as its designers talk up the vehicle's interior and exterior styling.

General Motors is ramping up production of its popular heavy-duty pickups, much to the delight of Local 598 members.

The automaker yesterday announced it will create 750 jobs by adding a third shift at Flint Assembly, and plans to call back laid-off workers. Currently the plant employs 2,100 hourly and salaried employees and operates two production shifts.

"Adding a third shift is a response to customer demand for heavy-duty pickups, which most people use to tow, haul, and plow," said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. "Equally importantly, it brings jobs and a needed economic … Read more