Recalls Of The Day

Courtesy Of the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminisrtation   Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      ACURA / TL     2007-2008 Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) Mfr's Report Date: MAY 16, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V222000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS Potential Number of Units Affected: 52,615 Summary:   HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES. PROLONGED UNDER-HOOD AND POWER STEERING FLUID TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY, RESULTING IN CRACKS AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE. Consequence:   IF THIS OCCURS, POWER STEERING FLUID CAN LEAK ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER, LEADING TO SMOKE AND POSSIBLY AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE. Remedy:   HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON, OR ABOUT, JUNE 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009. Notes:   HONDA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS S39. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV. Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      CHEVROLET / MALIBU     2012 Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr's Report Date: MAY 17, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V224000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SOFTWARE Potential Number of Units Affected: 4,304 Summary:   GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2012. AFTER AN EVENT OF HARD BRAKING, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) MAY RESET ITSELF. Consequence:   IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY UNINTENTIONALLY DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS AND/OR SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A SEVERE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY. Remedy:   GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SDM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 1, 2012. Notes:   GM’S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 12102. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV. Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      TRAILER / TRAILER STAR     1998 Manufacturer: TRAILMASTER INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAY 14, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V223000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ12003 Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 12 Summary:   TRAILMASTER BY MCCOLLUM CUSTOM TRAILERS INCORPORATED (TRAILMASTER) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 GOOSENECK DUAL TANDEM TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A DEXTER AXLE ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC (E/H) BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP. THIS PUMP MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF SOME CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN THIS PUMP WHICH CAN RENDER THE UNIT INOPERABLE. Consequence:   THE E/H BRAKE ACTUATOR PROVIDES BRAKING POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES. FAILURE OF THE ACTUATOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BRAKING EFFORT BY THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy:   TRAILMASTER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEXTER AXLE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC (E/H) BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMPS, FREE OF CHARGE. TRAILMASTER HAS NOT PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRAILMASTER, INC. AT 1-903-572-1834. Notes:   CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV. Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      CAM / 6CAM18C     2012      CAM / 7CAM19STT     2012 Manufacturer: CAM SUPERLINE, INC Mfr's Report Date: MAY 07, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V220000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ12003 Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 2 Summary:   CAM SUPERLINE IS RECALLING ONE MODEL YEAR 2012 6CAM18C TRAILER AND ONE MODEL YEAR 2012 7CAM19STT TRAILER EACH EQUIPPED WITH A DEXTER AXLE ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC (E/H) BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP. THIS PUMP MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF SOME CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN THIS PUMP WHICH CAN RENDER THE UNIT INOPERABLE. Consequence:   THE E/H BRAKE ACTUATOR PROVIDES BRAKING POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES. FAILURE OF THE ACTUATOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BRAKING EFFORT BY THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy:   CAM SUPERLINE HAS NOTIFIED ALL OWNERS, AND DEXTER HAS REPLACED THE ACTUATORS, FREE OF CHARGE, THEREFORE, AN OWNER NOTIFICATION NOTICE WILL NOT BE ISSUED FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CAM SUPERLINE, INC. AT 1-717-749-3369. Notes:   CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Friday, May 25, 2012 Northwest Herald Dr. Gizmo Column

In this week's Dr. Gizmo column you will find answers to perplexing car problems such as defects found in new engines, computer modules fail to communicate and key fobs that result in a tow and shock over replacement cost.

All-New 2013 Acura ILX On Sale Today with a Starting Price of $25,900

New gateway to the Acura brand offers value on a luxury scale.

The 2013 Acura ILX goes on sale at Acura dealerships today, May 22, 2012, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP*) starting at $25,900. The all-new ILX offers remarkable value for the money on a luxury scale with robust feature content and premium appeal.

Serving as the gateway to the Acura brand, the all-new Acura ILX features a choice of three powertrain options, including Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid. Equipped with an interior that is smart, spacious and sporty, the ILX will offer a number of new, premium features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world. Like all Acura models, the ILX is equipped with a rich list of standard features including a power moonroof, aluminium wheels and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

The entry-level ILX (starting at $25,900) is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a 2.4-liter engine ($29,200, includes the Premium Package) with an output of 201 horsepower featuring a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission. The ILX Hybrid (starting at $28,900) makes use of a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg.

The Premium Package (available as a $3,300 option; not available on the ILX Hybrid model) features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

Building on the Premium Package, the Technology Package (available on the ILX with 2.0-liter engine for $2,200) adds Acura's award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps and HomeLink®. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity— including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. The Technology package is also available on the ILX Hybrid for $5,500 and includes all Premium Package features except 17-inch aluminium wheels.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, the MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
 

Recall Of The Day - Lexus

Courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Incidentally, to find out if your car has been recalled click the National Highwa Traffic Safety Administration  tab at the top of this blog.  

Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      LEXUS / GS350     2013 Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION Mfr's Report Date: MAY 16, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V221000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected: 663

Summary:   TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 LEXUS GS350 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 7, 2012. THE STEERING CONTROL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) PROGRAMMING FOR THE VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING (VGRS) SYSTEM COULD CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME OFF-CENTERED WHEN RESTARTING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED.

Consequence:   IF THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY NOT REALIZE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF-CENTERED AND THE VEHICLE COULD MANEUVER IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION, RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy:   TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND LEXUS DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE VGRS SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN EARLY JUNE 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Notes:   CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2013 Shelby GT500 Launch Control Ensures Smooth Starts Regardless of Surface Condition

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the first to be equipped from the factory with launch control

SVT engineers have given Shelby GT500 drivers the ability to fine-tune the launch control settings, spinning wheels for consistent, maximum acceleration

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2012 – Paraphrasing a classic quote – “With great power comes the need for great control” – the engineers at Ford’s Special Vehicles Team have stepped up to the plate to manage the massive output of the 2013 Shelby GT500.

Whether a driver is a track-day veteran or getting his first ultra-high-performance sports car, the new launch control system on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will help ensure he gets smooth, consistent and fast starts every time.

Uncontrolled wheel spin is generally undesirable, whether commuting to work or racing away from the Christmas tree on a Friday night at the drag strip. Both safety and performance suffer when the wheels can’t get enough grip on the road. However, properly regulated, some wheel slip can be your friend.

“Launch control is essentially a special mode of the traction control system that integrates the brake and engine management systems to keep the tires balanced on the peak of the mu-slip curve in order to achieve maximum thrust,” explains John Pfeiffer, senior engineer, SVT Vehicle Engineering. “With so much more power and torque on tap from the new 5.8-liter V8, launch control makes it easier for drivers to take advantage of the performance.”

With launch control enabled, the driver just has to press the accelerator pedal to the floor and then smoothly and quickly release the clutch pedal just as he normally would when executing a clean start. The difference is that the electronics will automatically hold the engine steady at the desired speed and manage the rear brakes to allow the optimum amount of wheel slip for maximum traction.

“We recognize not every driver has the same style, and surface, tire and climate conditions vary,” said Eddie Khan, SVT Engineering supervisor. “Most of our competitors’ launch control systems have a fixed engine launch speed. We’ve given Shelby GT500 drivers the ability to adjust the engine speed to achieve best and most consistent performance, no matter where and when they drive.”

Shelby GT500 drivers can enable launch control in two ways – either through Track Apps^™ on the 4.2-inch LCD in the instrument cluster or simply by tapping a switch on the left side of the instrument panel. When using the Track Apps screen, drivers can also adjust the desired engine speed for the launch in 100 rpm increments from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm. When first getting accustomed to launch control or if the pavement is cooler, a lower speed may be more appropriate. Switching to racing tires or running in an autocross event on a warm Saturday morning may call for a launch speed closer to the upper end of the range.

Once the desired engine speed has been set, launch control can be toggled on or off by tapping the instrument panel switch – more convenient than the intricate multistep process required on many other vehicles. After the launch control has been enabled or disabled, it retains that mode even after the engine has been switched off and restarted, something drag racers frequently have to do as they slowly make their way through the lines to the next quarter-mile pass.

“We developed this system to enable 90 percent of drivers to be able to achieve very fast, smooth and consistent starts with the Shelby GT500 regardless of their skill level,” said Khan. “Experienced drag racers may be able to get away slightly quicker, but chances are they won’t be as consistent.”

Veteran drag racers will find the Shelby GT500 also gives them extra flexibility. Switching off the traction control while the launch control is on produces an rpm-only mode that engine calibration engineer Tom Siebyla has tuned to keep the engine speed rock-steady with the electronic throttle and ignition without scrubbing off any speed with the brakes. Autocrossers or track-day racers can also mix and match the normal, sport and off modes of the stability control with the launch control to achieve the degree of sliding or control that best suits the conditions or their personal driving style.

For those times when there isn’t enough grip to use launch control effectively, such as dust or moisture on the pavement, Ford electronic brake control development engineer Dan Dunn has built smarts into the launch control that enable it to automatically switch off and revert to traction control.

“It’s not as intrusive as some TC systems have been in the past,” added Khan. “We wanted to help the driver make consistent starts without getting in the way.”

Launch control won’t do the driving, but it is a tool to help drivers extract consistent high performance from the most powerful production Mustang ever.

“For drivers who want to have some fun at their local drag strip with a stock machine, the 2013 Shelby GT500 is the ultimate bracket racer,” said Khan. “We’ve given our drivers the ability to exert control over all the power and torque this Mustang can produce.”

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Recent Recalls Courtesy Of The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): HAULMARK / LIVESTOCK 2012 WELLS CARGO / LIVESTOCK 2012 Manufacturer: UNIVERSAL TRAILER CORP. INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAY 08, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V219000 EQ12003 NHTSA Action Number: EQ12003 Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 2 Summary: UNIVERSAL TRAILER CORPORATION (UTC) IS RECALLING ONE MODEL YEAR 2012 HAULMARK AND ONE MODEL YEAR 2012 WELLS CARGO TRAILER EQUIPPED WITH A DEXTER AXLE ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC (E/H) BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP. THIS PUMP MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF SOME CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN THIS PUMP WHICH CAN RENDER THE UNIT INOPERABLE. Consequence: THE E/H BRAKE ACTUATOR PROVIDES BRAKING POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES. FAILURE OF THE ACTUATOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BRAKING EFFORT BY THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy: UTC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEXTER AXLE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC (E/H) BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMPS, FREE OF CHARGE. UTC HAS NOT PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UNIVERSAL TRAILER CORPORATION AT 1-574-264-9661. Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV. Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): TRIAD TRAILER / J/105 2011 TRIAD TRAILER / J/111 2012 Manufacturer: TRIAD TRAILERS LLC Mfr's Report Date: MAY 10, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V208000 EQ12003 NHTSA Action Number: EQ12003 Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 2 Summary: TRIAD TRAILERS (TRIAD) IS RECALLING ONE MODEL YEAR 2011 J105 BOAT TRAILER AND ONE MODEL YEAR 2012 J111 BOAT TRAILER EACH EQUIPPED WITH A DEXTER ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC (E/H) BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP. THESE PUMPS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF SOME CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN THESE PUMPS WHICH CAN RENDER THE UNIT INOPERABLE. Consequence: THE E/H BRAKE ACTUATOR PROVIDES BRAKING POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES. FAILURE OF THE ACTUATOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BRAKING EFFORT BY THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy: TRIAD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEXTER WILL REPLACE THE ACTUATORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TRIAD HAS NOT PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIAD TRAILERS AT 1-919-782-6007. Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Celebrating National Small Business Week, Chrysler Group LLC Launches New Commercial Vehicle Website and Contest for Small Businesses

• New Chrysler Commercial Vehicles website debuts for small businesses
• Contest begins today; two grand prize winners get a Chrysler Group vehicle
• New commercial blog debuts with small business content
• New ‘Chrysler For Work’ social media platforms launch on YouTube and Twitter
• Chrysler Group small business sales up 36 percent this year through April

May 21, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC is celebrating National Small Business Week by launching a Chrysler commercial vehicles website for small business owners and a unique vehicle giveaway contest.

National Small Business Week, an annual event hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, supports and celebrates small businesses in the U.S. In conjunction with this special week, Chrysler Small Business/BusinessLink has launched a new commercial vehicles website at www.ChryslerCommercialVehicles.com.

This new website is designed especially for the small business owner that requires up to 10 vehicles for day-to-day business use. The site is a valuable resource for all small business owners. It was designed with total cost of ownership in mind, with a built-in vehicle selection slider, allowing the business owner to quickly compare vehicles based on fuel economy, cargo space, towing, passenger capacity and more.

The new website also provides a variety of shopping tools that enable the small business owner to easily build and price a vehicle, search new inventory, schedule a test drive, and find the nearest dealer. The website provides current incentives, trade-in value, financing options, and the tools to get a quote from a dealer and apply for credit. Currently Dodge and Ram Truck brand vehicles are on the site. Chrysler and Jeep® brand vehicles will be added to the website in June.

“We are serious about small business,” said Michael Ring, Head of Small Business Sales and Operations, Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler Group is committed to providing small business owners with the best vehicles, sales and service experience, and special programs for their business. This new website is designed to help all small business owners, from the landscaper who needs a new Ram 2500, a florist or caterer that needs a Ram CV to a realtor that requires several Chrysler 200 mid-size sedans.”

The website features “The Working Blog” where small business owners can turn to for feature stories and interviews from influential business owners and subject matter experts on a wide range of business-related topics. The blog also will provide the latest product news from Chrysler Small Business/BusinessLink, tips on how to pick the perfect vehicle, and tricks on how to customize a vehicle to meet the unique needs of any business.

Chrysler Small Business/BusinessLink is also going social and will increase its presence on the web with two new social media sites at YouTube.com/ChryslerForWork and Twitter.com/ChryslerForWork.

While small businesses come in all shapes and sizes, business owners have in common an incredible drive to succeed. Starting today, eligible small business owners can submit their success stories to Chrysler Small Business/BusinessLink in the “Declare Your Business Drive” contest for a chance to win and select a prize consisting of one of a 2012 Jeep Patriot, Chrysler 200, Dodge Journey, Ram 1500 Tradesman, or Ram Cargo Van. Entry forms and official contest rules are at www.DeclareYourDrive.ChryslerCommercialVehicles.com.

The “Declare Your Business Drive” contest is open to eligible small business owners who already own Chrysler Group vehicles and those who want to own Chrysler Group vehicles. Small business owners that already own a Chrysler Group vehicle must describe in 1,000 words or less how they use it to drive their business and why they want another one. Small business owners who do not own a Chrysler Group vehicle describe their business and why they need a new Chrysler Group car or truck. Eligible entries will be posted on the contest website where the public will vote for their favorite essays.

Businesses that enter the contest can help themselves by sharing their stories via email, Facebook and Twitter, rallying their friends, family, and other local businesses to vote for their stories. Public voting will determine five finalists in each category, and a panel of judges will determine the two grand prize winners. The names of the winners will be posted on the contest website on or about Aug. 1, 2012.

Chrysler Group’s network of Business Link dealers are committed to supporting small businesses year round with dedicated commercial sales professionals, service support that includes specially trained technicians and next bay service. Small businesses also qualify for special “On The Job” incentives that lower that cost of vehicle graphics, maintenance, upfits or equipment for a work vehicle.