Chrysler Virtual Auto Factory Tour Web Site

The SapientNitro Creative team helped launch the new 2015 Chrysler 200 Factory Tour web site. A Factory Manufacturing page created by our team supported the program as well.

Chrysler CMO Olivier Francois, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and Chrysler brand CEO Al Gardner wanted to show consumers the overhauled state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that highlight the Chrysler 200's quality, excellence and sophistication. This program ties in to the "Born Makers" TV ads which also highlights the Sterling Heights manufacturing plant.

This immersive tour uses the Google program to tap into existing content on the internet including 360-degree interactive films and photography. Various aspects of the assembly process were highlighted to focus on many of the innovative processes that help separate the new Chrysler 200 apart from the competition.

Not everyone can visit the Chrysler plant, so Oliver Francois did the next best thing, "Since we can't bring people to the plant, we've openly brought the plant to the people." In the immersive site, the consumer is part of the discovery process as they see the in the pride, expertise and excellence built into every new 2015 Chrysler 200.

The story was picked up and lauded by Forbes, Automobile, Motor Trend, Road & Track among others.

Ariens 832 Snow Blower with Clarence Impeller Kit

Took a video of my "new" Ariens 832 snow blower. The blower has an eight horsepower (HM80) Tecumseh engine with a 32-inch bucket. Bought it from a retired gentleman, a precision grinder by trade, who posted it on Craigslist a few months back. He said he purchased it new in 1975, used it a few years and then winterized & stored it in his walkout basement after his neighbor gifted him a 1979 Ariens 1032 when moving south.

The 832 starts up on the first or second pull if I do my part. Replaced the muffler with a New Old Stock part found online (originally for a minibike - I took off the deflector). Also rubbed cross-country ski wax on the inside of the chute. Snow just glides off.

I also installed a Clarence Impeller Kit as it was just dribbling out slush when first purchased.  Now it throws about 40% farther and I haven't had to clear it yet. I'm guessing it's throwing about 25 feet, haven't measured it. Guessing it will throw farther with some heavier snow. Fresh fuel has Sea Foam added for good measure.

The original owner followed the instructions meticulously and took off the fuel tank every spring for storage. He also put on a new scraper bar and skid shoes. The Ariens is a model 924016  / Serial No. 00404 with matching numbers. The teardrop bucket is model 924012 / Serial No. 010030. This thing is built like a tank and works like a Swiss watch. Hoping to get many good years of service out of her.

Pentastar V6 - One of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2012

Pentastar V6 - One of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2012, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Ward's Automotive just named the Jeep Pentastar V6 engine in its "10 Best Engines" for 2012. Second year in a row. Pretty impressive. Only one of four repeat winners.

This engine was a big part of Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited's success this past year: 40% more horsepower, 10% more torque, and 26% faster times from 0-60 mph.

Pretty impressive. I especially like the fact that the oil change interval was changed to 8,000 miles instead of the typical 6K. That and the clever top-mounted "canister free" oil filter - no more messy oil changes.

The engine was purpose built for off-roading. The upper and lower oil pans were engineered to supply oil even when driving at steep angles. Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited also received a higher-mounted alternator to allow for a full 30-inches of water fording capability.

Image was tweaked at pixlr.com/o-matic/

Learn more about Ward's 10 Best Engines here.

Classic Jeep Quality Advertisement

Classic Jeep Quality Advertisement, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

The Jeep brand won the Total Quality Award for Best Ownership Experience in 1996. It's come full circle in 2011. According to Consumer Report's the Jeep brand has the highest quality of all domestic auto manufacturers.

They also are the most improved automaker for the past year. In my opinion, the best ownership experience translates directly to high resale value. The Jeep brand has the highest resale value for all domestic brands.

Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were recently honored by Kelley Blue Book as having the best resale value for any SUV over a 5 year period.

To top it off, the Wrangler just won the 2012 ALG Residual Value Award for the Compact Utility Vehicle.

It all goes back to people wanting to own an original. A true American icon that doesn't go out of style. Built with pride and made to last.

Jeep Cherokee Resale Value Ad

Jeep Cherokee Resale Value Ad, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Vintage Jeep Cherokee (SJ) advertisement with seven key reasons to change the shape of your wagon.

The seventh reason: Resale Value is true today, just as it was with the purchase of this classic full-size Cherokee (SJ).

Kelley Blue Book just announced the 2012 awards and the Jeep Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited came out on top. It is projected to retain 68 percent of its value after 36 months and 55 percent after five years.

This is particularly important as most new vehicle owners are averaging just over 5 years of ownership before trading in or selling on the open market.

So if you're looking for a styling vehicle that will hold it's value over the long haul - look no further than your friendly neighborhood Jeep dealer.