Franklin Sussex Auto Mall Blog

Chris Shunk of AutoBlog.Com was able to get a couple images of the 2009 Dodge Ram that could have been. In an effort to stay competative, Chrysler had worked extremely hard to get this new truck just right. In the end, the results paid off with improved power and efficiency, more storage and a much more refined look.

Here are some excerpts from his blog post:

Friend of Autoblog Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com got his hands on many of the designs that led to the Ram we’ll see in showrooms this fall, and the sketches range from interesting to bizarre. If you take the photo above, for instance, you can see where Dodge was trying to conceptualize nifty storage solutions. The forward-leaning cross-hair grille and integrated bumper had already taken shape, too. Check out our gallery below that includes some exclusive pictures of rejected Rams, and visit PIckuptruck.com to see even more.

Yesterday, Chrysler announced something that no other automotive manufacturer is currently doing. When you purchase any new Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle, they will lock the price of gasoline to $2.99 for the next three years for you!

The campaign called “Let’s Refuel America” provides new customers with a special card that allows them to fill up their new vehicle, as well as other vehicles in their personal fleet, for $2.99/gal for up to a 12,000-mile a year limit. If a cardholder sells their vehicle before the 36-month time period is up, they can still continue to use the card for the remainder of the three-year period.

The great part about this deal is that it also includes diesel-powered Ram Heavy Duty pickups. With national diesel fuel prices averaging $4.239 per gallon, according to AAA, a Ram Pickup owner with a Cummins engine could save $3,747, if Chrysler estimates average fuel economy at 12 mpg.

The following vehicles are eligible for the new Let’s Refual America Program (click on the vehicle name to search our current inventory):

Small/Compact Car
Dodge Caliber, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

Mid-size Car
Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Large Car
Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum

Crossover
Dodge Journey

Minivan
Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country

Compact SUV
Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass

Mid-size SUV
Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty

Large SUV
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen

Pickup Truck
Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram, Dodge Ram HD

Mike Levine, from PickupTruck.Com, received the first official photos from Chrysler of the newly redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram Regular Cab. Here are a few excerpts …

Though we’ve yet to drive it, so far we’re mighty impressed with the new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500’s fresh approach in design and functionality that emphasizes day-to-day usability over extreme capability.

But we’ve only seen and touched the Crew Cab version. The traditional Regular Cab model has remained out of sight. No longer! Here are the first official Ram Regular Cab pictures, received from Chrysler.

The Regular Cab Ram 1500 will offer two bed lengths, 6-foot 4-inch or an 8-foot cargo box. The truck will have a 120-inch or 140-inch wheelbase, depending on the bed choice. The Ram pickups shown in this story all have the short box and 120-inch wheelbase. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to order the innovative new ‘RamBox’ side saddle storage option. It will only be available for the Ram 1500 Crew Cab.

At Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, we believe in providing more than just a service to our current and potential customers. We strive to provide them with an experience!

I recently received this letter from another one of our extremely satisfied customers. Our sales and finance departments worked together to help Mr. Skurla drive away with a brand new vehicle. A vehicle that will be backed by one of the best dealerships in the country!

On Friday, I walked into your dealership with the intention of simply asking a few questions concerning Dodge Ram pickup trucks. I walked out owning a new 2008 pickup truck.

The overall experience was informative, pleasant and I never felt intimidated or pressued into making a decision.

My sales person was very knowledgeable and was able to answer any questions I threw at him that afternoon. In addition, he was very patient and pleasant throughout the entire process. We looked at vehicles and test rides were offered.

After deciding on a truck, my sales person and I enetered into negotiations concerning the final price of the vehicle. I felt there was an honest and open, give and take until the final deal was struck. I felt I was being treated fairly and both sides negotiated a sound deal.

I must also compliment your sales manager for his efforts in making the deal come to fruition. He worked hard, coming to a fair price for the vehicle and did an exceptional job in working with my trade-ins. Your sales manager did not have to take the time or effort that he did but his efforts helped make the deal a reality.

Your finance manager should also be commended. He carefully explained the deal and provided answers to all of the questions that I had.

The overall buying experience was more than I expected and I will recommend your dealership to friends.

Ron Skurla