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Jeep is taking over the world

Jeeps sold in China Brazil 2015 When Jeep vehicles were originally created during WWII, their presence was necessary for moving troops and helping with wartime transportation overseas. From then on, the Jeep has been a vehicle produced only in America, and sold to a primarily American audience. However, with changes in the automotive industry, Jeep has started branching out. Jeep vehicles are looking towards a future of higher volume and increased sales as they begin producing them outside of the United States. The latest: Jeeps sold in China Brazil 2015. more When most people think about Jeep vehicles, they don’t imagine them outside of American roads and dealerships. Until relatively recently, their production was confined and their presence virtually absent in other countries. However, with the recent changes to the Chrysler brand, and the Jeep Renegade being produced overseas in Italy, the Jeep brand has become more widely available in different markets across the globe. Dealerships in Brazil are looking forward to a factory and the production of Jeep vehicles to be sold there. Their popularity has increased, and Jeep intends to meet, and even exceed, the demand. Sales of Jeep vehicles increased by nearly 300% in 2014, with over 30% of the sales being outside of the United States. Ford, Chevy, and Toyota, which have had global manufacturing for years, but Jeep is taking it’s first steps outside of the American bubble and finding success. Adding jobs and workers to factories means a boosted economy, and an anticipated increase in production and sales. This bodes well for the Jeep name and for those looking to own one. China is a new market that Jeep is hoping to break into as soon as the end of this year. With partnership help, the Jeep Cherokee is intended to begin selling in Chinese markets before 2016. So much excitement and change means that the Jeep brand is sure to see great growth and worldwide influence in the near future. If you are interested in what Jeep has to offer this year, check out our online inventory featuring many 2015 models, and information regarding the excitement for the 2015 Jeep Renegade. Come in for a test drive, or sign up online. Our friendly and experienced sales department is always available to answer any questions. Check back frequently to learn more about the Jeep brand and where it plans to go next!

The Official Fuel Economy Numbers are In!

Official Jeep Renegade Fuel Economy Ratings Let’s face it, in today’s automotive market, the most affordable vehicles are all competing for the best fuel economy numbers. This is not a bad goal, as better fuel economy ratings mean less money spent on fuel. Less money on fuel means we use less fuel which means that we are saving cash and the environment at the same time! Read here to find out just how awesome the official Jeep Renegade fuel economy ratings are. more We are excitedly looking forward to the all-new Jeep Renegade release date and are thrilled to share the latest information about its fuel economy ratings. There are so many great innovations and new technology being used on this new addition to the Jeep family, that we cannot help but to highlight some of our favorites. The fantastic looking exterior brings a new and more rounded appearance to the Renegade, giving it a unique look that stands out from the rest of the lineup. The available My Sky panoramic sunroof gives passengers a chance to see the great outdoors all around them without having to leave the quiet and comfortable cabin of their Renegade. The stylish interior gives the Renegade a modern and exciting look that strives to meet the adventurous and rugged standards that we all know and love about the Jeep line. Options for high quality materials, extra technology, or off-road capabilities, gives buyers a chance to truly customize their vehicle to fit their lifestyle and needs. As for what is going on under the hood, we are very excited to see that the Renegade will be sharing the same I-4 engine that is in the new Fiat 500x, which is why the fuel economy ratings are so fantastic, despite the Renegade being such a spacious vehicle. The official ratings just released state that the Renegade achieves a city rating of 25 mpg and a highway rating of 35 mpg. That means more distance between fueling stops and more adventures for everyone who drives a new Jeep Renegade. If you are interested in being one of the first to test-drive an all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade, contact us at Palmen Dodge Jeep Chrysler in Racine WI. We want to show you just how exciting the new Renegade is and help to get you into the vehicle you’ve always wanted! Sign up for a test drive online or look through our online inventory.

All-New 2015 Dodge Charger Wins for Best Sport Sedan

The powerful and aggressive-looking 2015 Dodge Charger takes home the gold from MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Awards as the best sport sedan of the year. With all of the great features and technology in the Charger, it’s no wonder that they thought it stood out from the rest. The 2015 Dodge Charger with 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine is a winner and we’ll tell you a little more about what makes it so special! more In today’s market, a vehicle that has a nice fuel-economy rating and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg is going to be a big competitor. However, with the 2015 Dodge Charger, you get the great gas mileage and the affordable price, but you also drive off with an extremely powerful engine and some truly innovative technologies. The aggressive exterior of the new Charger meets with the comfortable and sporty interior to create a vehicle that owns the road. There is no comparison to the relationship between the driver and the asphalt in the 2015 Dodge Charger. It’s tight steering and 31 mpg highway rating makes the driving experience a pleasurable one that won’t break the bank. Spending less time at the fuel station and more time out adventuring the roads of life, means that you and your passengers will get where they need to go quickly and they’ll look great, too! Heads will turn as the Dodge Charger zooms by and you will feel like you are on top of the world. The award, however, was given to the best sport sedan based on several different factors. Firstly, the Dodge Charger is the only four-door sports sedan in American markets and it’s excellent fuel economy rating makes it worth a test drive. More pumped up trims offer even more powerful engines, with the Dodge Charger Hellcat speeding by with over 707 horses under the hood. Technology in the safety and convenience departments also make the new Charger an excellent choice for those who want to drive safely and with confidence. It’s all a matter of taste, but it seems that when you choose a 2015 Dodge Charger, you are joining the critics and auto-lovers everywhere who agree it is a fantastic car. If you are interested in taking one for a test drive, make an appointment online and check out our online inventory us here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine WI.

You Need a Minivan

We know the stereotype of the minivan drivers. They are all moms taking their kids to soccer games and grocery shopping and doing other mom-related activities. Firstly, what is wrong with that? Secondly, there are lots of reasons why a minivan is the best family vehicle. We’ll tell you some reasons why. more You just passed a minivan on the highway and you're thinking of putting them down in your head. Stop right there! Those minivan drivers are wise for many reasons and know things you probably do not. This is why you buy a minivan: 1: Vans have sliding doors. Talk about convenience! getting kids and cargo into a van is much easier with sliding doors that are never in the way and are easier to close. Most vans today even have automatic doors that close with the push of a button. There are also safety measures in many vans to present fingers from getting smashed by the door. That is pretty handy! 2: Cargo Space Galore Have you ever wondered if you could fit 15 laundry baskets full of clothes in your little sedan? Well, you would never have to worry about that if you were driving around in a minivan. You can haul just about anything in one of these! 3: Safety Features All Over Minivans are THE family car. Because of this, they are often extremely safe and come with a large number of awesome safety features like extra airbags and a rear-view camera to keep the driver and passengers safe. 4: Cheap to Insure Minivans are made to be safe and comfortable. They are not made to catch attention or impress people. As a result of this, they are some of the cheapest vehicles to insure. Nobody wants to spend a ton on insurance, so that’s pretty neat. See? There are so many reasons to buy a minivan. If you are starting to think about it, we suggest coming in to test drive a Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Town and Country. Both models feature all the awesome benefits of a minivan that we mentioned… and then some!

Are We Afraid of Quiet Engines?

Fake Engine Noise For the last several decades, a loud roar was the sign that a car was powerful, fast, and impressive. Many people have even added mufflers to cheaper cars attempting to mimic the loud engine of a more expensive car. Technology has progressed to the point where we are able to make powerful, efficient engines that are very quiet. But because of the history of the classic roar, carmakers are adding the sound in artificially. So what’s up with this fake engine noise? more What should be an impressive accomplishment has car makers worried that drivers would be disappointed. Engines today are working so efficiently and are so awesome, that they can deliver the same amount of power as older engines without producing the noises that we have become so accustomed to hearing. So, why does it seem that powerful engines still make quite a bit of sound? Because car companies are afraid that buyers will avoid a quiet engine, mistaking it’s quietness for a lack of power. Many trucks, SUVs and other muscle cars are built with new technology in their engines that make them run more quietly along with their other benefits of better fuel economy. However, car companies have taken the measures to avoid the stigma of having less power by adding artificial sound. By adding sound, the driver may feel that the engine is stronger. There are situations where fake engine noise serves an important purpose. Electric cars, for example, can run so quietly that a pedestrian might not have a chance to get out the way. This can be especially important for blind pedestrians that are looking for vehicle’s auditory clues. However, most of the time, it seems that cars are using the fake engine noise to bring up memories of the powerful engines of the past that have created such impressive legacies in the minds of their drivers. While the sound does not affect the safety or power of the cars being built, it might be time for a change. Should car companies stop adding the extra noise, or does the harmless noise give enough of a benefit emotionally that it’s worth keeping around?

Check out the updated Uconnect System in the new 300

Using UConnect in Chrysler 300 Earlier in the month we gave you the details on the newly updated 2015 Chrysler 300 that was revealed to us at the Los Angeles Auto Show that took place in November. With a new grille, enhanced interior, and standard 8-speed Torqueflite transmission, the 300 is more prepared than ever to win drivers over who are looking for that extra level of luxury and refinement in their ride. But let's zero in on that "enhanced interior" bit for a moment and talk about what using Uconnect in the Chrysler 300 will be like -- the sophisticated, easy-to-use infotainment system has also been updated and will debut on the new 300. more One of the major improvements to the new Chrysler 300 form a technology perspective is the now-standard 7-inch driver information display. It's in full color on all models and gives you the driver a chance to customize the information that's presented to you in your instrument cluster. Speed (shown digitally), tire pressure, fuel economy, and more can be displayed here, including turn-by-turn directions if you've opted for a navigation system. All 2015 300 models also come with an 8.4-inch touchscreen by Uconnect. It comes with a six-month trial of Uconnect Access, which lets you remotely lock or unlock doors or start your car using your smartphone or a computer with internet access. You can also easily reach emergency services or speak to someone from roadside assistance, Chrysler customer service, or UConnect customer care. As for connectivity, the system allows you to connect via smartphone and use voice recognition to keep your hands on the wheel. You'll be able to hear incoming texts read out loud to you rather than having to glance down at your phone to know what they say, and you'll even be able to respond through dictation and it'll read it back to you to make sure it's right. You can also make calls using voice commands. If you have questions or want to learn more about the current or incoming Uconnect system in the Chrysler 300 or any of our other models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, simply give us a call or stop in to our store here in Racine.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is better than ever

Capable on and off the road. 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Milwaukee WI If you're looking for a high-end SUV that's got plenty of top features along with superior capability and comfort, you really won't be able to go wrong with the new 2015 Jeep Cherokee in Milwaukee WI -- available now here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. What are some of the top features that might draw you toward this model? We've put together a list of some of what is available to Jeep Grand Cherokee drivers in the way of optional features so you can start to think about which of these are musts for you and your family. more Available dual-pane moon roof First of all, here's what you won't have to worry about deciding on: all 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, whether it's paired with the standard flex-fuel PentaStar V6 or one of the more advanced engine options like the 5.7-liter V8 or the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. This transmission helps keep fuel economy up to par and also improves your ride quality. You'll have the option of a 4x2 drivetrain, but we would highly suggest trying one of the three available 4x4 systems that are offered on the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. All of them come with a Selec-Terrain traction system to help you manage a variety of conditions, and any Grand Cherokee with an Off-road equipment group is Trail Rated to perform in the categories of ground clearance, traction, articulation, maneuverability, and  water fording. Available leather interior. Luxury features that are available in the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated and ventilated leather front seats, state-of-the-art sound system, dual-pane sunroof, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, dual-screen DVD player, and much more. If you think you'd like to test drive the new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we invite you to start by browsing through our online listing of current vehicles in stock. If you see something that interests you, go ahead and give us a call to set up an appointment so you can come in and see it for yourself. We'll help you schedule a test drive and answer any questions you may have about the models we currently offer.

What makes the 2015 Chrysler 200 so special?

2015 Chrysler 200 Features Prepare to be impressed. The 2015 Chrysler 200 has been completely redesigned for the new model year, and we think this is one of the most innovative and game-changing sedans to come out in a long time. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we're proud to offer this model to our customers throughout the region, and are pleased to say it's been a popular model for people to test drive and purchase. What makes this car so unique and worth checking out? Today we'll go over some of the 2015 Chrysler 200 features that make it such a distinctive model in today's competitive midsize sedan market. more Excellent features in the 2015 Chrysler 200 Class exclusive transmission: One distinguishing characteristic of the 2015 Chrsyler 200 is that it's the first in its class to offer a 9-speed transmission. This allows for a smooth, comfortable ride, but further still helps the 2015 Chrysler 200 achieve its highly competitive fuel economy numbers of up to 36 miles per gallon as estimated by the EPA. Two great engine options: When you choose the 2015 Chrysler 200, you still have some important decisions to make. Among them, do you go for the standard 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine or the upgraded 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Opt for the base engine and you'll get  184 horsepower and 173 pound feet of torque -- competitive with much of the segment -- or go for the V6 and now you're up to 295 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Comfortable space with great storage options Superior comfort and convenience. One thing 2015 Chrysler 200 customers say again and again when checking out this model is how surprisingly well-crafted and inviting everything is in the car's interior. From high-quality materials to excellent technology and innovative storage like the versatile center console, the 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed with happy passengers in mind. Want to test drive the new 2015 Chrysler 200 and see what we mean when we say that this model is something out of the ordinary? Call or stop by and see us today at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!

Let's Put In Some Extra Hours

2014 Dodge Avenger in Racine WI The has come for you to enjoy the best of the best. No more wondering if you can get it all at once because with the 2014 Dodge Avenger, there is no doubt you will. We are talking about impressive technology, elegant lines and great efficiency on the road. There is no doubt that the 2014 Dodge Avenger in Racine WI will be your best option when it comes to a vehicle that does more than just “get you there.” more Let the light shine through The best thing about the 2014 Dodge Avenger is the fact that you have many options to choose from. From Granite Crystal to True Blue for the exterior painting, there is a special Avenger for everybody. Depending also on the model, you can select from an array of fabrics, colors, and options for the interior. "Modern" never had so much style. And this stylish design extends across this great model due to its extended capacity. In the case of only you and your date going out and about, the 2014 Dodge Avenger has the amazing 60/40 split seat, which allows the rear seat to become part of your trunk space! But don’t be confused. This great vehicle comes with 13.5 cubic-feet of cargo capacity. Let’s just say nothing needs to be left behind at home any more. Visibility is an aspect that we take seriously; there is nothing more important for us than you and your loved one’s safety. This is why we admire the 2014 Dodge Avenger’s Ring of Fire LED taillamps and halogen headlamps, which give you excellent light spread performance. And if technology is what is important for you, then the 2014 Dodge Avenger might just be your perfect fit. With the available Uconnect Touchscreen with Navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link, you will be able to stay focused on the road while getting information like movie showtimes, fuel stations and best pricings. And hold on there! The 2014 Dodge Avenger it’s not only an amazing transportation machine, but it also becomes a WiFi Spot! All we saying is you might want to talk to your landlord and simply move in to this amazing vehicle. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call and allow one of our expert sales representatives to arrange a test drive for you. It might change your life forever.

Do you need 4x4, really?

Do I need all-wheel drive? This person probably does. We’re known for our harsh winters and the slick roads that accompany them here in Wisconsin. We guess that’s just the price we pay for our beautiful summers, friendly people, and copious beer and cheese. In the end, the scale surely tips in our favor. But the fact remains that we end up needing to put a lot of thought into how our vehicles will fare in the winter weather conditions that inevitably plague our roadways annually. It’s likely that at some point you asked yourself, “ Do I need all-wheel drive?” Today we’ll tell you about some of the different types of drive systems that are available and help you decide which one is right for you. more Winter in Wisconsin asks a lot of us -- and of our vehicles. Just about every truck,  SUV, and crossover will have AWD or 4WD available, and a growing handful of cars like the Chrysler 200 will have it as an option as well. Most cars that aren’t too performance-oriented will be front-wheel drive, and your typical sports or pony car is rear-wheel drive –  the Dodge Challenger, for example. Now, if you’re aiming to determine whether you ought to go for the AWD model on your vehicle, we’ll give you some reasons why you may or may not want to go that route. Reasons to opt for AWD or 4WD: 1. You plan on doing a lot of off-roading. Four-wheel drive is especially good for this because most systems will allow you to manually switch into a lower range as needed for things like climbing or crawling over rocks. This is why rugged models like the Jeep Wrangler are almost always 4x4. 2. You need to tow frequently. This is especially the case if you’ve got a boat you plan on towing out of the water quite a bit –  the steep, wet boat ramp will be a real challenge for a rear-wheel drive truck, impossible for a front-wheel drive vehicle, but quite manageable for something with 4WD. Reasons not to go AWD: It's all about the tread. 1. You’re convinced it’s the only way to drive safely in winter. The fact is, today’s standard stability control and electronic traction control technology is enough to keep you in pretty good shape throughout the winter, especially if you invest in a set of snow tires. 2. You’re primarily a city driver. If you don’t need AWD for your day-to-day life or at least very frequently, skip it. Just because you keep telling yourself you want to get out on more adventures doesn’t necessitate the additional cost –  there’s always rental, after all. AWD and 4WD vehicles are more expensive to buy, fuel, and repair. It’s worth it for regular use, but not for once in a blue moon. Any questions about what kind of drive type you should opt for? Go ahead and give us a call or stop in and see us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!

New Technology at Your Fingertips

iSimple BluClik Bluetooth Remote Control iSimple BluClik With Fathers’ Day just around the corner, last minute shopping is inevitable. A card is nice, yes, but in today’s era of technological advantages, nothing better than giving dad a present he can use, understand and look hip with. The iSimple BluClik is the best option when you don’t want to compromise style because of time. more What happens when the you have an older model that doesn’t come with a touch screen pandora-recreating app? You have to go back to the old times when connecting your phone to the auxiliary audio input was the only way one could listen to one’s own playlist. Those times are no more! Easy, practical, special. A device called iSimple BluClk is revolutionizing the audio industry. It pairs with your Bluetooth phone and puts a selection of oft-used commands at your thumb-tip. The device promises that you'll be able to play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume without taking your hands off of the wheel or your eyes off of the road which helps avoid accidents and repairs. It even integrates with Siri and Google voice search. Interested? Stay tuned. Style should never be compromised The iSimple BluClik is a small, coin-sized Bluetooth remote that attaches to your car's steering wheel or dashboard. On its face is a collection of buttons. Volume up and down are located at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, respectively. Skip forward and back are at 3 and 9. In the center is a big, round microphone button. Along the edge of the unit is a Micro-USB port that is used for charging the BluClik with the included USB cable. However, the cable's only about 3 to 4inches long, which means that whatever is being charged has to be pretty close to the device -either a powered USB port on a PC or a USB wall adapter since it doesn’t include a charger. According to the instructions, the battery last about 60 hours of consecutive use. Although, it all depends on how much you click it. Last but not least, the iSimple BluClick comes with two extra parts: metallic trim pieces so that it’d match perfectly with the decor of your daddy’s second baby. Clearly, the perfect gift for that special man.

Wondering how the Dodge Dart holds up?

Is the Dodge Dart reliable? If you’ve done any research already on the Dodge Dart, you know that it’s a remarkably affordable, efficient, and powerful car with plenty of comfort and convenience features to keep you happy on your way for miles. So, what’s the catch? Is the Dodge Dart attractive (see photo above if you’ve got any doubt about that!)? How are the safety features? Is the Dodge Dart reliable? Today, we’ll talk about some of the lesser known aspects of this popular model from Dodge. more Dart drivers can relax and enjoy the ride. The safety and security features on the 2014 Dodge Dart are sure to impress. With ten standard airbags, that’s well more than your average sedan, and reactive front head restraints are also in place to help protect you in the event of an accident. A high-strength steel body and 68% high-strength steel front crumple zones make the Dart an exceptionally tough car to have on your side. As for active safety features that are available on the Dart, you won’t be wanting for any of the latest technology. The available Parksense Rear Park Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors to help you make sure there’s nothing in your way while backing, and the Parkview Rear Back Up Camera lets you make sure by simply checking out the available class-exclusive 8.4-inch Uconnect Touchscreen. The available backup camera lets you see the full scene behind you. When it comes to reliability, Dodge backs up its product with a solid 5-year/100,00 mile powertrain limited warranty, which covers you for parts and labor right here in our service center when a covered powertrain component falls in need of repair. That also includes towing to your nearest dealership, because why should you have to pay for that? On top of that, there’s a 3-year/36,000 mile basic limited warranty, covering bumper-to-bumper coverage. Want to learn more about the mighty Dodge Dart in Racine WI? Check out our online inventory, give us a call, or come on in and see us today at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!

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