Ford lauded for 'world-class' reliability

Detroit -- Ford Motor Co. is the most reliable domestic automaker, and continued quality improvements have brought its vehicles almost bumper to bumper with its Japanese competitors, Consumer Reports magazine said Tuesday.

"Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability," Consumer Reports said in releasing its 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey to the Automotive Press Association here.

The endorsement for Ford comes as Detroit's Big Three fight to retain market share against strong foreign competitors and as General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC strive to show the government and American taxpayers that a strong domestic auto industry is worth saving and can lead the field. GM and Chrysler, however, didn't fare as well as Ford and still have work to do, Consumer Reports said.

"This is just one more proof point, but it's a great testament because that's not a statement (Consumer Reports) has always made about us," said Bennie Fowler, Ford's global quality chief.

And it's the result of dedicated work to get there.

When Ford first closed the quality gap with Honda and Toyota a few years ago, "we didn't know if it was a fluke or if they could maintain it," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports. But Ford continued to produce well-made vehicles that testers and readers appreciate.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally spoke repeatedly about reliability when he took over the company, and he visited the magazine to better understand and address lackluster findings that the company's vehicles had previously suffered.

Efforts at Ford today include a system that sends information about a problem to team members on the assembly line within 24 hours of a vehicle being brought into a dealership so changes can be made to correct the issue and prevent a recurrence.

Toyota, which consistently does well in the survey, also takes any slips seriously -- such as the Lexus GS that was rated below average.

"Historically, when a car's quality has slipped, the problem is rectified the following year," said Toyota Motor Corp. spokesman Curt McAllister. "We're not sure what the problem was with the GS, but we will go through the data with Consumer Reports."

About 1.4 million readers submitted data on vehicles from 2000 to 2009 model years, and the reliability results augment staff road tests of current vehicles to determine whether a vehicle is recommended to buyers.

Toyota and Honda Motor Co. still dominate the industry for long-term reliability, and the Honda Insight topped the list as the single most reliable vehicle. The Volkswagen Touareg was last in the survey. Of the 48 models with top reliability scores, 36 were Asian brands. Toyota had 18; Honda had eight; Nissan Motor Co., four; and Hyundai Motor Co./Kia Motors Corp. and Subaru each had three.

GM had some "bright spots" and appears to be on the right track if new vehicles such as the Chevrolet Malibu are any indication, but Chrysler "still struggles" and has a long way to go with only a single vehicle recommended by the testers and readers of the magazine. Last year, the Auburn Hills automaker had none recommended.

Bankruptcy filings by GM and Chrysler did not affect results -- the survey was taken in the spring before the companies completed their stints under Chapter 11 protection, Paul said. And bankruptcy should not affect next year's results if readers are objectively noting things that break on their cars, Paul said.

Of 48 GM models, 20 were average. The all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Traverse/Buick Enclave crossovers did well, and the magazine now recommends the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra light-duty pickups.

"Consumer Reports is one of several third-party inputs GM takes seriously because we realize the influence it has on purchase decisions," said Jamie Hresko, GM vice president of global quality.

Chrysler faces the biggest challenge. Its three brands are among the four worst, and more than a third of Chrysler products are rated much worse than average. Only the Dodge Ram 1500 is recommended, and there are few new cars and trucks on the horizon to boost future scores, Paul said.

As bad as that sounds, it is an improvement over last year when the Chrysler Sebring was the worst single vehicle on the list and no models were recommended.

Chrysler will detail efforts to restore quality in its five-year business and product plan to be unveiled Nov. 4 and is expected to talk openly about the need to correct quality and other errors committed under previous owners. Chrysler's newest partner, Fiat SpA, has implemented its manufacturing processes and quality controls, and improvement already can be seen, Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said.

Warranty claims have been reduced 30 percent in the last 18 months, she said, adding that "the Ram represents where we are going."

The problem, said Consumer Reports senior auto engineer Jake Fisher, is that Fiat in Europe is known for its style, not its quality.

"There could be a lot of very pretty cars broken down on the side of the road," Fisher said.

That should not be the case for Ford products, as about 90 percent had average or better reliability, according to the survey.

The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan beat out the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for the second year.

"It's rare for Consumer Reports to see family sedans from domestic carmakers continue to beat the reliability scores of such highly regarded Japanese models as the Camry and Accord," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Automotive Test Center. The last domestic that had better reliability than the Camry and Accord was the Buick Regal in 2004, he said.

GM's Malibu with a V-6 also did well and "is on par with the most reliable family sedans," Champion said.

Ford's upscale Lincoln brand did not fare as well. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX and MKZ came in below average. But the MKZ was ranked stronger than the Lexus ES or Acura TL.

The Honda Accord dipped in overall ratings, something Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky said is not uncommon for a new car. "Customers may have problems with new features and technology they are not used to. But I think the study showcases the hallmarks of the Honda brand: durability, quality and reliability."

The Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX56 large SUVs have brought their reliability up to average, but the magazine expressed concerns with the rear-drive Nissan Titan pickup, Quest minivan and tiny Versa sedan.

Continuing their quality climb are Hyundai and Kia. Scoring well were the Hyundai Elantra and Tucson and the Kia Sportage. Hyundai's foray into the luxury segment with the Genesis proved above average with the V-6 and average with the new V-8 engine. Not as strong are the Kia Sedona minivan and Sorento SUV.

"The results are not an anomaly," said Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore. "They are the dividends of our huge investment to improve quality."

Small cars fared well. Of 37 in the survey, 20 scored above average, including the Honda Fit, Scion xD and VW Golf.

Half of the 42 family cars tested were above average, including five of eight hybrids in this segment (Prius, Fusion, Milan, Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids).

Among the least reliable vehicles in their class are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, Nissan Versa and Subaru Impreza WRX.

European automakers showed some improvement again this year. The reliability of Mercedes-Benz vehicles has improved; most are now average or better, and the new GLK proved a strong new entry in its first year.

Results are more mixed for BMW AG, as the 535i sedan and X3 SUV fell and the new 135i scored below average. The only model Consumer Reports recommends is the BMW 328i.

The VW Rabbit/Golf and new CC were above average, and the Jetta TDI is the only diesel the magazine recommended. The Passat and Audi A3 have improved to average, along with the Tiguan SUV.

Porsche saw its Boxster fall below average and the magazine no longer recommends it.

The reliability report is in the December issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale Nov. 3.

SEMA 2009: Ford Cobra Jet Mustang

Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.

The 40th Anniversary 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.

Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind “SEMA Special” silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.

“The 2008 Cobra Jet was a great car, it did everything we wanted it to do,” said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North American Motorsports. “We’re really proud of the car, but then again we’re always trying to make the next one better.

“With the 2010 Cobra Jet, we had the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further. We are all excited to see the new Cobra Jet in competition.”

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.

The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don’t have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.

Much like Ford Racing’s previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.

All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.

The 2010 CJ car features a choice for customers between two supercharged engines or three normally aspirated engines (pending NHRA approval). These options will allow the Cobra Jet to be eligible for more classes in the NHRA, as well as competition with other sanctioning bodies, including NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA.

All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Cobra Jet.

SEMA Show: Pimp My Ride crew builds '69 Mustang live on stage

A reality TV show is playing out this week center stage at Ford's SEMA display.

Not content to simply chrome- and fiberglass-out a few F-150s and Fusions and then accessorize them with attractive young ladies, Ford has the crew from Galpin Auto Sports--the guys of MTV's Pimp My Ride--rebuilding a 1969 Mustang in the middle of its stand.

The car, a bright shade of lime green, began its appearance in multiple pieces. The body was elevated on a rack, a huge Ford V8 Racing engine sat nearby, and suspension, interior and body parts were littered through out the area.

Led by Beau Boeckmann, the SoCal crew says it will have the 'Stang put together by the end of the week--and then it will be started and driven away.

By mid-afternoon Tuesday, the wheels were on and the car had been lowered from the rack. Suspension work was also in progress, and Ford checked in with routine updates through a perky host who was seemingly in constant motion.

There is a lot of work to do, as the exhaust pipes and even a huge chunk of the front end needed to be attached at the outset.

Then again, it's clearly a stunt--much more Hollywood then a day on the line at Ford's Mustang plant in Michigan.

In addition to Boeckmann, the assembly crew included MTV favorite Mad Mike, who confidently told the crowd, “Yeah we're going to build this car live right in front of your eyes."

He's a character, but compared with Diggity Dave, Mad Mike is Alan Mulally. Diggity seemed to relish in making outlandish remarks, and with his gelled, spiked hair and extensive collection of tattoos, he stole the crowd's attention nearly every time he spoke.

“My biggest contribution to this car is my hair,” he deadpanned.

Adding a soundtrack to all of this, Alto Reed, the saxophonist from Bob Seger and Silver Bullet Band, put on a silky smooth performance in front of the Mustang.

It's a show, but it's one that Ford--flush with nearly a billion dollars in recent profits--can afford to put on, and the SEMA crowd has so far enjoyed every minute of it.

Ford's new models lead to stronger October sales

SAN FRANCISCO Ford Motor Co. surprised Wall Street for a second day on Tuesday, posting an improvement in October U.S. sales in the wake of its upbeat earnings report a day earlier.

Ford shares jumped more than 8 percent on Monday after the Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker said it swung to a profit of $997 million when analysts were calling for a loss. Ford also painted a rosier outlook for 2011.

Ford's stock was down almost 1 percent on Tuesday to $7.52 but has still surged more than 250 percent over the past year.

As for October, sales rose 2.6 percent to 132,483 vehicles, thanks primarily to Ford's new model lineup as well as rising demand for the company's fuel-efficient cars.

The new Taurus sedan saw sales surge to 6,076 cars from 2,517 last year while the Fusion, Escape and Edge also came in with much strong results.

SEMA 2009: Ford Unveils 411-hp F-150 SVT Raptor and 500-hp FR Raptor XT for Off Road Racing

As though Ford didn’t have enough going on at the 2009 SEMA Show, the automaker today announced two big updates for the amazing F-150 SVT Raptor. First up is official confirmation and performance numbers for the new, larger V8 engine. Possibly the only weak point in the Raptor was its relatively average 320-hp 5.4-liter V8 motor. Now, Ford has said a new 6.2-liter V8 with 411-hp and 434 ft-lbs of torque that will be available starting December 1st. The new, more powerful off-road capable truck will be priced from $41,995.

Possibly more exciting for the true off-road enthusiasts is news that Ford will also offer a new competition-ready FR Raptor XT, which is essentially the same vehicle that ran in the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but with the same comfort features of the standard Raptor. It will get the same 6.2-liter V8, but tuned to 500-hp, along with a six-speed automatic transmission and a suspension that allows for 15-inches of front travel and 18-inches of rear travel.

Ford will build just 50 FR Raptor XTs at a price of $99,950 each.


F-150 SVT RAPTOR MOST POWERFUL HALF-TON AVAILABLE, NOW EVEN MORE CAPABLE OFF-ROAD

The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

* The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with an available all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine produces 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making it the most powerful half-ton truck on the market today
* Building on the success of Ford Racing’s vehicle programs and Raptor’s success in the 2008 Baja 1000, Ford Racing will offer the FR Raptor XT
* The FR Raptor XT offers the capability of the Baja race truck, with the comfort of the production Raptor
* The FR Raptor XT off-road-only truck will have a production run of 50 units, priced at $99,950

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2009 – Just one year after Ford unveiled the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor at the SEMA show, Ford today is announcing the long-anticipated power figures for the all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine now available in this ultimate high-speed off-road performance truck.

When this optional powertrain in the Raptor arrives in showrooms in early 2010, the 6.2-liter V-8 will produce 411 hp and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will now have the choice of two V-8 engines in the Raptor, Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery.

The F-150 SVT Raptor, launched in August with Ford’s proven 320-hp 5.4-liter Triton V-8, is off to a strong start. Orders for the Raptor equipped with the standard 5.4-liter stand at more than 3,000, and the plant is at maximum capacity producing the ultimate high-speed off-road truck. In addition, Ford Racing will soon offer the 2011 FR Raptor XT, making Raptor even more capable in the rough stuff, but without giving up the control and comfort found in the production Raptor.

Considered an off-road-only pre-runner, the FR Raptor XT from Ford Racing builds upon the production Raptor’s already impressive capabilities. The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but with all the comfort and convenience you’d find in a production Raptor. Essentially, FR Raptor XT is a turnkey professional pre-runner.

Key specifications of the FR Raptor XT include:

* 500-hp (est.) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine
* Six-speed automatic transmission
* Electronically selectable 4×4; 4.56 gear sets; front and rear e-lockers
* A-arm with uni-ball front; four-link RR suspension
* 15-inch front/18-inch rear wheel travel
* Coil-over with bypass shocks front and rear
* Chromoly “4130” rollcage; extensive skid plating
* Full featured interior, including power windows/windshield and air conditioning
* Factory seating with five-point restraints
* Off-road beadlock wheel/tires
* Unique appearance package including tubular front and rear bumper and integral lighting

The FR Raptor XT joins Ford Racing’s successful turnkey race Mustangs available only from Ford dealers. There will be a production run of 50 units carrying a price of $99,950. The FR Raptor XT is not street legal, and is intended for off-road use only. Production timing will be announced at a later date.

SEMA 2009: Ford EcoBoost '34 Hot Rod rocks a V6 in style

Putting modern engines into old cars isn't anything new, but this '34 3-window coupe in the Ford display isn't like anything we've ever seen before. Detroit Street Rods has wedged the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 underneath the hood, making it the first rear-drive application for the twin-turbocharged engine. Packing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torque, this little coupe has the potential to surprise quite a few people at stoplights.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the car is how the engine is packaged. The dual Honeywell turbochargers have been moved to the front of the motor among various aluminum tubing routing air and exhaust gases, and a single, large exhaust cone exits above the front fender on each side of the car. It's not a rumbling V8, but it looks just as good and is just as fast too. You can read more details about the car in the press release.


PRESS RELEASE

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 28, 2009 – Hot rodders have always lived by the motto "There's no replacement for displacement," indicating that the more cubic inches an engine has, the better the resulting performance. Ford Powertrain and Detroit Street Rods are out to prove that thinking out-of-date with their EcoBoost™-powered '34 Ford hot rod.

To be introduced at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, the Ford hot rod will be the "first" rear-wheel-drive application of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 delivering an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque – power numbers that easily rival a typical hot rod's 302-cubic-inch V-8 or even a modern-day V-8 of similar size.

"EcoBoost technology shows that there is a viable replacement for displacement," said Dan Kapp, director of Ford Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, who will be part of a SEMA "Driving Green" technology briefing panel discussion during the show. "As consumers' demand for fuel efficiency continues to grow, and our commitment to delivering best-in-class fuel economy remains steadfast, it's important to show that performance does not need to suffer as a result."

"Hot rod builds provide blank canvases for SEMA member companies and SEMA is uniquely positioned to demonstrate that horsepower and green power can coexist without sacrificing performance or the cool factor," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of Vehicle Technology. "This '34 EcoBoost hot rod is a fantastic example of modern green technology being applied in a manner that any performance enthusiast would love."

The EcoBoost family of engines uses turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions versus larger-displacement engines.

"The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power," said Kapp. "We're able to decrease the size of the available engine – such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque to that larger engine."

The first EcoBoost engine, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, launched this year on the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and on the Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT. The EcoBoost V-6 produces 355 horsepower (365 hp in the Taurus SHO) and 350 ft.-lb. of torque.

Ford has recently announced the first four-cylinder EcoBoost engines, launching in global applications beginning next year. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 first arrives in Europe, followed by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 launching on products in both Europe and North America.

Going forward, Ford will shift its powertrain strategy to be built around EcoBoost technology. Under the new system:

* A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 would replace naturally aspirated V-8 engines
* A 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 would replace naturally aspirated V-6 engines
* A 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 would replace naturally aspirated large I-4 engines

Following the launches of the new EcoBoost I-4s will be the extension of the 3.5-liter V-6 to the first rear-wheel-drive configuration in the F-150 pickup truck late next year. Another global application, the Ford Falcon sedan in Australia, will receive a rear-wheel-drive version of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 in 2011.

The fun-to-drive nature of EcoBoost engines is leading Ford to introduce these fuel-saving powertrains in large volumes virtually across its lineup. For example, by 2013 more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology, and nearly 80 percent of Ford's global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option.

By 2013, global EcoBoost volume throughout the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle family is expected to be 1.3 million units, with up to 750,000 sales coming from North America alone.

'34 Ford EcoBoost hot rod project
Detroit Street Rods' latest build is a 1934 Ford and is a joint venture with Ford Motor Company and Experi-metal. In this '34 application, the EcoBoost engine is configured for rear-wheel drive and is coupled with a Tremec five-speed manual transmission.

"The decision to use the EcoBoost engine for our powertrain on this project was an easy one in that it gave us the opportunity to combine the iconic '34 Ford sculpted body lines with the advanced technology of the EcoBoost powerplant," stated Robert Smith, president of Detroit Street Rods. "The result is the perfect hot rod marriage of advanced technology for power and legendary automobile design."

While the stock Honeywell turbochargers that drive the EcoBoost engine are used, they were repackaged to fit the engine bay of this all-steel replica body. The engine configuration and turbocharger packaging was dynamometer tested by Ford Powertrain for proper calibration of the engine electronic control module (ECM). In addition to the all-stock engine, other components including the fuel pump, ECM, fuel pump module, fuel pump processor and drive-by-wire throttle were utilized in their original production configuration.

The body is from Steve's Auto Restoration and is the recently released 1934 Ford 3-Window coupe. The complete body and fenders are from brand-new tooling, and are designed, stamped and manufactured by Experi-metal in Sterling Heights, Mich. This "replica" '34 features all-steel construction, full fenders, running boards, electronic power windows, air conditioning and custom bumpers.

The engine was repackaged and fitted with an engine plate adapter to mate with an aluminum flywheel, performance clutch and a Tremec TKO five-speed transmission. The turbochargers were repositioned to the front of the cylinder heads and custom aluminum tubing was used to route the air from the custom air cleaner through the air-to-air intercooler. The exhaust gases are routed from the cylinder heads through coated headers, through the stock wastegates, and pass through large custom exhaust cones located outside the engine bay and just above the front fenders.

NEWSCAST: Introducing ... Chrysler; Charging up Dodge; Opel workers cry foul

Visit this website to learn more:
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Chrysler sales collapse heightens need for product

DETROIT -- On the eve of CEO Sergio Marchionne's unveiling of his five-year turnaround plan for Chrysler, the U.S. automaker did something it had done for each of the past 22 months: announced a decline in U.S. sales.

October's 30 percent fall amid one of the industry's strongest months this year highlights the size of the task facing Marchionne and his Chrysler restructuring team.

"The biggest issue for Chrysler is how quickly they fill the void in their product pipeline," says Earl Hesterberg, a former Ford Motor Co. executive who now heads the Houston-based Group 1 Automotive Inc. dealership group.

Today, almost five months since Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, Marchionne is expected to outline a new product plan for the company now controlled by his Fiat S.p.A. The first major new product -- a redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee -- is due in the second quarter of 2010. Fiat-based products aren't expected until 2011.

When New York private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management took majority ownership of Chrysler from Daimler AG in August 2007, Chrysler's U.S. market share stood at 11.4 percent. Through October 2009, its share had fallen to 9 percent. .

Only two models -- the Dodge Avenger sedan and Grand Caravan minivan -- saw sales increases last month. The Chrysler brand was down 36 percent; Dodge was down 26 percent; and Jeep, widely regarded as Chrysler's most valuable asset, took the steepest dive -- down 37 percent.

Million sales lost

Overall Chrysler sales have fallen 39 percent year to date to 781,319. Two years ago through the end of October, Chrysler had 1,724,139 sales. Chrysler last posted a monthly increase in December 2007.

Marchionne has said that Chrysler will continue to experience "painful" sales results during its restructuring period. On Oct. 1, he told journalists: "Our intention is to improve share from this point on, but I don't get alarmed. The machine is timed. We're not bleeding like people think we are.

"We are undergoing a painful process," Marchionne said that day. "But we need to go back to the real starting point."

Marchionne has predicted that Chrysler could return to profitability by 2011 and has said Chrysler could break even holding a 9 percent market share in a 10 million-unit market.

The company has been in a news blackout since emerging from bankruptcy June 10 as Marchionne and his teams worked on the plan. He has reorganized the company along the lines he used at Fiat. Chrysler is now built around its brands: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge car, Ram truck and Mopar parts.