Join the fight against heatstroke deaths on Heatstroke Prevention Day

The dog days of summer are officially here as the July sun sets into August. That means it's more important than ever to take extra precaution to help save children from heatstroke. Today, Chrysler Group joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a discussion focused on raising awareness about the dangers of kids in cars, as well as preventing heatstroke.

At least 19 children have already died this year from vehicular heatstroke, which means one child dies from being left in a hot vehicle nearly every 10 days. It is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths for children 14 and under.

Sadly, 52% of kids who died from vehicular heatstroke were “forgotten” by their caregiver. This is a 100% preventable tragedy, which is why it's so important to look before you lock!

Another thing to keep in mind is how much easier it is for a child to overheat than it is for the average adult. On a hot day, a child's temperature heats up five times faster than an adult's does. It's also important to remember that children are at higher risk of dying from heatstroke because many are too young to communicate. In more than 29% of cases of fatal heatstroke, a child got into the vehicle on their own, so be sure to keep a close eye on children, even if there isn't a car ride planned.

Even if you aren't a child's caregiver, it is still critical to take action if you see a child alone in a hot vehicle. Safe Kids recommends that you call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you see this. If the child is in distress due to heat, get him or her out of the vehicle as quickly as possible, by any means necessary, and cool the child rapidly by spraying him or her with cool water or a garden hose. The same is true for pets left in hot cars – not only do they have a higher body temperature to start with, but they're also wearing a fur coat.

Join us to help fight heatstroke deaths by discussing the issue on social media. While you are on Facebook or Twitter today, use the hashtags #heatstroke, #heatstrokekillsand #checkforbaby. Sharing this information with your family and friends will help get the word out about vehicular heatstroke.

As read on: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com/blog.do;jsessionid=25F99B49A5C9EC7DD91EC1CF51485071?p=entry&id=2302

What to Know Before You Tow a Fifth-Wheel Trailer

There’s a good chance that the computer you’re reading this article on and the food you had for breakfast this morning came off the back of a truck and that’s why the fifth-wheel hitch is so important. It is the primary link between tractor and trailer

But you don’t have to be a big rig driver to use a fifth wheel. The most common personal use fifth-wheel trailers are for recreation, including horse carriers and travel trailers, meaning plenty of people are hitching up fifth wheels every day.

Why go Fifth-Wheel?

A fifth-wheel hitch is all about optimal weight distribution.

As you add weight to a trailer hitched to the rear end of a vehicle, the front wheels will begin to lift because the rear axle acts as a pivot point. On top of that, the majority of the weight will rest on the rear suspension, increasing the risk that something will break or wear out.

Ultimately, the dynamics of your tow vehicle will be increasingly compromised as the load on your rear-mounted hitch gets heavier. With a fifth wheel, the weight that is placed on the truck is between the rear axle and the cab, eliminating the pivot point and spreading the weight evenly over all four wheels, allowing the suspension to share the load. This makes sure that the dynamics of your tow vehicle are affected less.

Another advantage to towing with a fifth wheel is the increased turning radius. The front end of the trailer sits above the truck bed helping to reduce overall length. This setup also allows you to turn the trailer up to ninety degrees and even a little more in some cases, making it easier to back up.

And once your rig is backed into its spot – whether it be a motor home or a trailer – a fifth-wheel hitch allows you to unhitch your trailer quickly and easily so you can use your tow vehicle independently.

What kind of truck do you need?

So the advantages are clear, but where do you start when looking for the appropriate tow vehicle and fifth-wheel hitch?

First, you need a truck. While a half-ton, like a Ford F-150 or Ram 1500, is enough to pull a fifth wheel, most people who spring for a trailer big enough to warrant a bed-mounted hitch will likely need at least a three-quarter-ton truck like a Ram 2500 or Ford F-250.

You want the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck to exceed the weight of the truck and trailer tongue weight combined, by at least 10 percent, which is a much easier rule to follow with a larger truck. Curb weight is also important, as the heavier your tow vehicle is, the better it will handle the weight. And when it comes to hauling a big fifth-wheel, the last thing you want is to feel your trailer overpowering your truck.

The configuration of the truck is also important, mainly for the bed length. An eight-foot bed, the longest you can get on any pickup, is always your best bet when pulling a fifth-wheel mounted trailer, because you need space in front of the hitch itself for the trailer overhang to clear the back window of the truck cab.

A short-bed truck is useable, but you need to take extra precautions to be sure the trailer is secure. One answer is the use of a slider hitch. This allows you to move the actual connection point of the trailer and hitch forwards and backwards. It is placed forward while the vehicle is in motion to make sure the weight is centered on the truck, and it is pushed back when you need to maneuver through a tight space to allow the front of the trailer more space to swing.

You can also install an extender on your trailer that moves the kingpin connection forward, creating more clearance for the front end of the trailer. Keep in mind that this also moves the weight of the trailer back, deteriorating the advantage of having a fifth wheel.

Time to Install

Once you have your truck and trailer matched, it’s time to install your fifth wheel. You can do it yourself, but if you buy a one-size-fits-all kit, odds are you will be doing some drilling or welding that isn’t necessary. Getting your hitch straight from the manufacturer will save you time and stress because the frame rails come with preexisting holes that are ready to accept a fifth-wheel.

Strong anchor points are the key to a solid fifth wheel. A set of brackets hook up to the frame of your pickup and act as an anchor for two hitch rails that are located in the bed. Those rails then anchor the actual fifth-wheel hitch receiver, which is fitted with a set of jaws. When hooked up, the jaws close around the kingpin on the trailer and lock it in.

Drop-in bedliners are one thing to avoid if you plan to install a fifth wheel. To fit the hitch rails in the bed, you must cut out sections of the liner. If you install them on the liner, the plastic caught between the hitch and the bed will eventually wear away, leaving you with a loose hitch connection. And even if you take the proper steps and cut the liner away, the hitch rail connecting points will be much harder to access because of the encroaching bedliner, which is sometimes left with sharp edges. If you’re going fifth-wheel, choose a bare bed or a spray-in liner and save yourself the pain later on.

Hooking Up and Hitting the Road

The hitching process is another reason to consider a fifth wheel, because in a lot of ways it is much easier than a rear-mounted hitch. First of all, you don’t necessarily need a spotter, though having a second set of eyes is always better for hooking up. By looking over your shoulder, you can clearly see the both the hitch jaws and trailer kingpin. Start by dropping your tailgate, and backing the hitch towards the pin to first determine if the two are at the right height. If they don’t match up, you may have to raise or lower your trailer using the front jacks.

Some fifth-wheel hitches can pivot front to back and side to side, which will allow you to hookup even if the angle of the truck and trailer don’t perfectly match. If yours isn’t this type of hitch, the angle of the kingpin must be lined up with the hitch receiver. The easiest way to do that is to adjust the trailer jacks individually until you find the right spot.

Before you finally make the connection, you have to make sure the jaws on the receiver are open and set to receive, which is something you can control with a long arm that comes out of the side of the hitch. If everything is correct, the last step is to back the truck up to the trailer so that the kingpin fits directly into the cradle on the hitch receiver. You should hear a loud clicking sound, indicating the jaws have grabbed the kingpin.

Before you take off, there are a few more things to remember. You must lock the jaws shut and that’s usually done with a cotter pin to keep the control arm in place. Next, almost every fifth wheel is equipped with its own brakes, so you must connect the emergency breakaway line to the hitch. It can usually be attached to the control handle and will make sure that if the hitch jaws somehow let go of the trailer, the trailer brakes will lock up and stop the unsecured load.

Next, raise up your trailer jacks to the fully retracted position, so that the front of the trailer is fully supported by the truck. Don’t forget to connect and check the trailer lights and finally, make sure you close the tailgate before you pull out.

As read on: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/07/know-towing-fifth-wheel.html?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter

Quality Built into Each 2015 Chrysler 200

Quality is typically at top of mind for anyone looking to buy a new vehicle. Here are some of the ways Chrysler Group has made quality front and center in the development of its all-new 2015 Chrysler 200.

Before they are shipped to dealers, shiny new Chrysler 200 sedans pass through the Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant’s (SHAP) newly-added Quality Assurance Center in the final step of the vehicle’s exhaustive quality process.

Randomly selected vehicles are scrutinized each day in the first-of-its-kind Quality Assurance Center, which conducts quality audits and detailed technical measurements on more than 400 vehicle functions (such as heating, cooling, emissions, fit-and-finish) and houses a material laboratory staffed with an on-site chemist.

“We’re confident the 2015 Chrysler 200 will make a strong first impression with customers,” Doug Betts, Senior Vice President—Quality, said. “The all-new sedan benefits from a significantly enhanced quality process at the plant that’s part of our commitment to World Class Manufacturing. Quality and customer satisfaction are part of everyone’s job.”

About one and a half years ago, team leaders at SHAP started analyzing and planning how they would build the all-new Chrysler 200. SHAP employees identified and implemented approximately 3,500 quality controls into the assembly process before the first customer vehicles were built.

“The goal is to design each workstation so it’s impossible to make a mistake,” Betts explained. “The best expert on how to error-proof a specific assembly job is the person who does it every day – that’s why it’s so important to have all workers engaged in World Class Manufacturing.”

While the primary objective is to prevent issues from occurring in the first place, the plant also increased the number of dedicated quality inspectors from 22 to 50 as an extra layer of protection for customers.

The all-new body and paint shops make SHAP one of the most versatile and flexible facilities within the Company, significantly enhancing the quality and consistency of each new car.
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A 2015 Chrysler 200 is measured and inspected in the Metrology Lab at the all-new Body Shop in Chrysler Group’s Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant. (2014)

   
Like other Chrysler Group assembly plants, SHAP also constructed a state-of-the-art metrology center in preparation for the new vehicle launch. The metrology center is a high-tech laboratory with a clean room environment that allows engineers to find the root cause of any build variations – even when components appear perfect to the naked eye. The lab uses a complex set of fixtures, which mimic the body shop’s process, plus laser scanners and blue light fixtures to measure and create 3-D digital models. All of these tools are used to find and resolve any fit-and-finish issues before customer vehicles are built.

The attention to detail and quality controls at the plant represent the final steps in a quality process that begins with the inception of each vehicle program at Chrysler Group.

The Chrysler team conducts extensive research with current customers – and competitors’ customers – to set the vehicle targets for things such as performance, safety, fuel economy and quality.


This includes the company’s Perceived Quality Team that works with designers, engineers and suppliers to enhance the fit-and-finish, surface quality, material options and even the sound quality of moveable parts like doors and storage bins. Customers make judgments on a vehicle’s quality the first time they see and touch a car, whether it’s at an auto show, dealership or neighbor’s driveway; the Perceived Quality team is tasked with making sure customers receive a strong first impression on the quality of the 200.

In final preparations for the market launch, a development fleet of 200 sedans undergoes testing, day and night, on all kinds of road surfaces, at high and low altitudes and through blizzard conditions, as well as dry, desert heat. All that testing adds up to more than 17 million validation miles, including tests done in Chrysler labs, at the proving grounds and on public roads.

Some of the most punishing tests take place inside the Chrysler Technology Center on the Road Test Simulator (RTS). It recreates the abuse vehicles endure at the hands of a 95th percentile customer – meaning a customer who drives the vehicle in more severe conditions than 95 percent of all drivers. The RTS recreates a wide range of on-road and off-road driving surfaces and puts a lifetime of wear-and-tear on a vehicle in one month’s time.

Continually improving its test methods, the 200 is one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to be evaluated on the newly built Lateral Load Test Track at the automaker’s Chelsea (Mich.) Proving Grounds. The Lateral Load Test Track recreates the type of suspension stresses that a vehicle gets after years of hard-driving on twisty roads that are more common in Europe. To validate the 200’s durability, development vehicles were run through the new track approximately 40,000 times, which simulates millions of rigorous miles and contributes to excellent long-term ride and handling characteristics.

Multimedia touchscreens and controls increasingly influence customers’ overall quality satisfaction. The award-winning Uconnect systems, available in the Chrysler 200, also receive thorough test drives as technicians work through an extensive checklist to validate the functionality and reliability of the system as well as how compatible it is with a wide variety of mobile phones, music players and other media devices.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 comes with a five-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and roadside assistance, in addition to three-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.

As read on: http://www.chryslergroup360.com/featured_news/quality-built-into-each-2015-chrysler-200/

The 2015 Dodge Challenger | A Closer Look

Excitement ran high among the 300-plus automotive journalists gathered in a darkened presentation hall at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Each was there to witness and chronicle the first public showing of the restyled 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger, presented on the morning of Thursday, April 17, 2014, at the New York International Auto Show.

After a brilliantly irreverent two-minute opening video featuring a montage of lovable centenarians urging viewers to live life to the fullest — while reminding us that Dodge celebrates its 100th Anniversary (1914–2014) this year — Dodge brand President and C.E.O. Tim Kuniskis took the stage amid applause, asking, “Is there any other brand that could do that video?”

Like the video, the 2015 Dodge Challenger remains fresh, unique and bold. The most obvious updates are seen at the front and rear of the body, where 1971-inspired treatments have been subtly melded into the grille and tail lamp panels. Standard LED halo headlamps and LED tail lamps further accentuate the heritage styling — with a modern twist.

Hoods are also new; the standard power bulge is more defined and its scoops moved forward, while the optional Shaker captures the spirit of the original 1970/71 item perfectly. Inside, an all-new interior revisits the original 1971 E-body Challenger theme with trapezoidal shapes dominating the instrument cluster, door panels and center console. There are also 14 interior color and trim options including a new Houndstooth premium cloth offering.

And while there’s plenty of excitement over the 485 horsepower 392 HEMI® engine powering the Challenger 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI® Scat Pack Shaker, let’s not forget Challenger’s many class-exclusive features, including an eight-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission*.

With all the attention given to Challenger’s two available HEMI V-8 engines, buyers of Pentastar® 3.6-liter V-6 powered models haven’t been forgotten. New for 2015, the Super Track Pack (0.5-inch lower ride height, Bilstein shocks, high-performance brakes, digital 0-60 acceleration timer, G-force indicator and more) is now optional on Challenger SXT and SXT Plus models powered by the 305 hp Pentastar V-6. And new for all Challengers is electric power steering (EPS), offering drivers a choice of three steering modes, Normal, Comfort and Sport.

So here it is, the 2015 Dodge Challenger. The wizened old-timers in the opening video said it best, “Live for now. Be strong. Put the pedal to the metal. Be a bad boy!” Watch your Dodge dealer; the new Challenger is coming soon!

As read on: http://blog.dodge.com/features/2015-dodge-challenger-closer-look/

11 Ways to Reclaim a Relaxing Summer for Your Family

Summers start with the best intentions. We fantasize about long, peaceful days at the beach building sand castles with our toddlers or playing tennis with our teens. Casting off a busy school year, we're excited to finally relax the rules. Yes to the ice cream cones with insanely sugary toppings just before bedtime (heck, what bedtime?). Yes to the car keys (so what if it's three late nights in a row?). Breakfast brownies? Why not? Another TV show? Sure, go ahead. It's summer vacation, right?

Then, in Week Three, reality sets in: the bedtime routine now takes twice as long, everything has become a negotiation, and those idyllic days at the beach -- well, they've become the setting of the sunscreen wars. How did these relaxing summer days get so... stressful?

Whether your kids are having a throwback 1970s summer, a Free-Range or a Hovering Helicopter summer, beware of the ever-tempting "summer slide." The summer slide is the parenting equivalent of the "summer brain drain," where what we know as parents slides, well, down the drain. In an effort to keep our summer fantasy alive, we sometimes bend our rules just a little too much and then suddenly... SNAP.

Before things get totally out of control, let's get back to the basics, kindergarten-style -- and start digging our way out of this sand pit to avoid getting buried alive. It's worth reminding ourselves that summer is a break from routine, after all, not a break from parenting.

Here are 11 things you can do now to reclaim your relaxing summer:

1. Stop with all the choices.
Teachers offer "choice" in small doses. They don't offer a range of snacks and they don't ask kids if they'd rather go to art class or gym class. Giving too many choices gives up too much control, and teachers know to do that sparingly.

2. Go ahead, disappoint.
You-Get-What-You-Get-And-You-Don't-Get-Upset. Don't be afraid to disappoint. Resilience, learning how to bounce back, is a skill that can be taught, but not if we're smoothing over every conflict just to avoid a momentary tantrum or mommy guilt. We need to learn to live with the short-term discomfort and concentrate on the long-term gain.

3. Sloooow down.
Seeds grow slowly; chicks hatch when they are ready; important things take time. Children and teens don't understand time -- they want what they want when they want it. We too often react by jumping on their timeline. When we contort ourselves to suit their whims, we not only upend our lives, we give away the opportunity to teach them about patience.

4. Stop asking permission, OK?
"Mommy just has to run this quick errand, OK?" Teachers don't ask permission. Ending declarative sentences with question marks is giving power to a little person who doesn't actually want it. What children want is the security of limits and parents who know when to say no, even in the summer.

5. Let them clean up.
Overscheduled children don't have time to clean their rooms or do their chores. Teens with summer jobs and SAT prep are just too busy to pick up their clothes off the floor. In school, if you haven't cleaned up your mess, then you cannot move on to your next activity. By failing to insist upon this at home, we let our kids control the disorder in our houses and in our lives.

6. Revisit Oz.
The single most exciting thing that happens in kindergarten is that children take their first steps on the way to reading -- starting on a yellow brick road that leads to a vast magical world they can now visit on their own. And then we and our kids get busy and forget about the Emerald City because life is too rushed and there is already too much reading assigned at school. Take back Oz; remember how lucky our kids felt when they first decoded the printed page.

7. Circle time.
It's important to ask our kids about their day, every day. Create your own version of "circle time" at home. Tell the kids about your day, your challenges and triumphs, and ask them about theirs. This becomes even more important with teens, who will know that sharing what they are up to with their parents is just part of the deal.

8. Teachers, not friends or fairy godmothers.
When we try to be our child's friend, we not only cede authority, we actually cheat them out of a more important relationship. We are there to teach and love and guide, not to grant their every wish.

9. Rest time.
Teachers know the importance of rest. Regular and adequate sleep is essential for kids at every age. Even tweens and teens should have a regular bedtime right up through high school. The end of summer should not be like a bad bout of jet lag, with no one able to get to sleep at night or up in the morning.

10. Mind their manners.
Manners never stop mattering. As parents, we all too often rush, cut corners, forget to be as polite as we could and let our kids get away with the glib manners of the 21st century. Nothing has changed; manners are still magical and it is within our power to teach them.

11. Summer doesn't equal spoiling.
At every age, kids think getting everything they want will make them happy, and it will be a very long time before they learn this isn't true. We know the truth, and if we don't teach this lesson early and often, the unbridled greed inspired by media can soon overwhelm our family's true values. Days at the beach are a treat. A family vacation is something special. Summer doesn't have to equal spoiling.

Summer is just a different season, not a different childhood. It can be so easy to confuse the two.

As read on: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/grown-and-flown/11-ways-to-reclaim-a-relaxing-summer-for-your-family_b_5566703.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037

Six Summer Mopar Accessories for your Jeep® Brand Vehicle

Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just thinking of making a day-long visit to your favorite trail, there’s still plenty of time to add a few accessories to your Jeep® brand vehicle before your next adventure. With the help of Mopar parts and accessories, you can add the extra tools you’ll need for whatever terrain you plan to take on.

Camping Tent

During those summer evenings where you find yourself camping on the road, make sure the stay is a little more comfortable. Set up this tent off the back of your Jeep brand vehicle and don’t miss any of your favorite outdoor experiences.

Off-Road Bumper

If your summertime adventures take you on a rougher trail, protect your Jeep brand vehicle with the help of a front bumper from Mopar. This steel bumper is narrower than the stock bumper, but still designed to give your vehicle the fender protection it needs.

Cargo Management System

Bring everything you need for your next excursion and more. Keep all your gear organized and in place inside your Jeep brand vehicle with a cargo management system.

Bike Carrier

Fasten your bikes securely to the back of your Jeep brand vehicle before you embark on your journey. This bike carrier from Thule allows you to store your bikes securely and remove them with ease.

Skid Plates



Protect your Jeep brand vehicle from even the rockiest trails with the added help of skid plates. These steel skid plates cover parts of your vehicle’s undercarriage and help protect them against obstacles on the trail.

Cargo Basket

For any extra items you can’t fit into the back of Jeep brand vehicle, store them on top with the help of the cargo basket. This cargo basket easily attaches to the roof of your vehicle and provides the extra storage space you need for longer trips on the road.

Do you have a favorite Mopar accessory you put to good use in the summer? Let us know in the comments section below!

As read on: http://blog.jeep.com/adventures/six-summer-mopar-accessories-jeep-brand-vehicle/

Tips to jump-start your college application

Whether your summer plans involve flipping burgers, lounging at the shore, or obsessively watching every World Cup game, we recommend five simple steps that won’t overly-detract from your summer vacation but will give you a leg up in the college admissions process come the frenetically-paced autumn months that loom ahead.
1. Demonstrate Interest
Carve out a few moments to show your prospective colleges some love. Trust us, with yield rate statistics causing admissions officers many restless nights, making schools feel wanted can leave a favorable impression. Whether or not a student showed interest in the form of a campus visit, an email, or time surfing the university website can become a factor come admission time. Colleges want great students, but they really want great students who are genuinely interested in attending their institution.
2. Request Letters of Recommendation
Separate yourself from the panicked masses who, in a few months time, will be begging their favorite teacher to crank out a recommendation 48 before their application deadline. Trust us, recommenders will appreciate your proactive approach and may even utilize the extra time to write a more thoughtful, detailed letter. Additional tips include supplying your recommender with a resume to better inform their testimonial as well as picking an individual who knows you intimately rather than someone prominent who doesn’t know you at all (admissions officers see mountains of generic letters from Congress members signed in autopen).
3. Work on the Common App Essays
There will be no further changes to the common app essay prompts in the 2014-15 admissions cycle, which means you are free to begin them now. Click here for brainstorming advice on each of the five prompts that will help you decide which essay will inspire your best story and win the hearts and minds of admissions officers. Trying to pre-write and generate ideas can cause undue stress when attempted weeks from an application deadline, in the middle of studying for exams. Let the ideas flow while the gentle (and sort of creepy) melodies of the Mr. Softee truck still play on.
4. Complete the Students Activities Resume
When it comes to listing your extracurricular achievements, the goal is not to fill a single-spaced page in 6 point font with a record of every single action you’ve ever taken as a human being. Admissions personnel are looking for depth over breath and want to see evidence of leadership, commitment, and burgeoning passion that will carry over to their respective campus. In other words, leave off that afternoon as a freshman when you attended a Model U.N. interest meeting, only to embarrassingly realize that it was not, as you assumed, a club for building miniature replicas of embassy buildings.
5. Finalize your College List
Developing your college list can be a lot more challenging than it sounds. It’s easy to get caught up dreaming about one’s top choice school, yet it’s important to have not just multiple irons in the fire, but the right irons (all you blacksmiths out there know what I’m talkin’ about!). Remember admission to Ivy and Ivy-level colleges can never be taken for granted so you’ll need to diversify that portfolio. Also make sure to pick at least one financial safety school in case you end up on the short end of the merit aid chase.
Rising seniors, Enjoy this well-earned respite from hard work. Relish the opportunity to enjoy a late breakfast while taking in a Honduras/Ecuador scoreless tie. That being said, if you can find an hour here and there to work on the above activities, you will thank yourself in just a few short months.

As read on: http://bloomfield-mi.patch.com/groups/college-transitions/p/tips-to-jumpstart-your-college-application_f99b2bcd136649411127

Ten things to do with your kids this summer.

Summer is in full-swing and your kids maybe starting to get a little bored around the house. The Plymouth-Canton area has many different activities and events that help make the most of your summer.

1. Watch a kid-friendly summer movies at Goodrich Canton Cinema 
Movie-goers can go to see select children movies for only $1 at the Goodrich Canton Cinema at 10 am until August 15. Movies being shown include "The Lego Movie," "Wizard of Oz," and "Yogi Bear." 
Website: http://www.goodrichqualitytheaters.com/programs/kids-summer-movies/
Phone: (734) 844-3456
Address: 43555 Ford Road, Canton, MI

2. Watch a free movies at the Canton Public Library 
Tuesday will be the first showing of family-friendly movies, starting with "Frozen." The film will be shown at 2 p.m. and you are invited to bring your own snacks and pillows. Three more films will be shown throughout the summer.

Website: http://www.cantonpl.org/
Phone: (734) 397-0999
Address: 1200 S Canton Center Road, Canton MI

3. Hear a story at the Plymouth Public LibraryThroughout the summer the Plymouth Library hosts drop-in story-times for children. The next reading will be at 10 am on Tuesday.

Website: http://plymouthlibrary.org/
Phone: (734) 453-0750
Address: 223 S. Main Street, Plymouth MI

4. Drop-off your children at Kids' Corner at the Summit on the Park
Would you like two hours to workout or take a class at the Summit? Kids' Corner at the Summit allows parents to leave their kids for two hours in supervised care. While you are exercising, your children will be coloring, building legos and making crafts. Daily rates are $4 for members, $4.25 for residents and $5 dollars for non-residents.

Website: http://leisure.canton-mi.org/summit/classes.aspxPhone: (734) 394-5460
Address: 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI

5. Spoil them with a night out
Kids can have a Friday night full of fun at the Summit. From 6 pm to 10 pm, children ages five to 12 can enjoy board games, the pool, pizza and a movie. The event will happen on July 11, August 8 and September 12. The price is $20 for members, $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

Website: http://leisure.canton-mi.org/community.aspxPhone: (734) 394-5460
Address: 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI

6. Grab coffee at Jungle Java
While parents are enjoying an iced coffee, kids are enjoying Jungle Java's huge play structure. There is also a smaller play area for children under five. Jungle Java also has cafe that has an assortment of drinks and food for all ages. Admission is $7 for children two or older, $3 for infants 12-24 months, and infants under 12 months are free.

Website: http://www.junglejavaplay.com/canton/Phone: (734) 927-6680 
Address: 6481 Canton Center Road, Canton MI

7. Go bowling at the Super Bowl

Kids under 15 can sign up for the Kids Bowl Free program, where they can bowl two games for free at select times. Parents can get more information here. The whole family can enjoy bowling for a reasonable price. For $8.95 a person, you will get two games of bowling, two slices of pizza and a drink. The package is only available on Sunday from noon-5 pm.

Website: http://bowldetroit.com/super-bowl/
Phone: (734) 459-6070
Address: 45100 Ford Rd, Canton MI

8. Soar to new heights at Sky ZoneThis indoor trampoline park provides an unique experience for the young and old. Activities available at Sky Zone include open jump times, workout classes, dodge-ball and toddler jump times. Open jumps prices are $10 for 30 minutes, $14 for a hour, $18 for 90 minutes and $22 for 120 minutes. Toddler times are $10 dollars. Parents with children ages 10-15 can also take them to SkyMania on Friday nights. For $18, kids will get 90 minutes of jump time, pizza and a drink.

Website: http://www.skyzone.com/canton/Phone: (734) 981-0007
Address: 42550 Executive Drive, Canton MI


9. Check out any of Plymouth's 12 parks 
Plymouth has many beautiful parks with different amenities including play structures, nature trails and picnic tables. For parents who have children with special needs the Lion's Club Park on Burroughs and Harding Street has swings available that will meet their needs.

Website: http://www.ci.plymouth.mi.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/859Phone: (734) 459-6070

10. Jump the day away at Pump It Up
Filled with inflatables and other fun activities, Pump It Up in Canton is sure to please kids of all ages. Pump It Up offers different type of open jump including events that include pizza and events only for preschool children. Prices for open jump range from $7-$10.

Website: http://www.pumpitupparty.com/canton-mi
Phone: (734) 495-1222
Address: 46090 Michigan Ave Canton, MI

No matter your interest, the Plymouth-Canton area has something to offer. What is your favorite summer time activities?


As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/groups/news-events-and-people-/p/ten--things-to-do-with-your-kids-this-summer_2c4f6790

The 2014 Top 20 Places to take children in the Ann Arbor - Detroit Area

Ann Arbor is rich in fun events and exciting places. It was hard for our readers to select their favorites from the hundreds of choices! The venues listed below are wildly popular with kids and families in Ann Arbor But don’t miss out on ALL the other wonderful places as well! Browse through our site and discover lots more to do!

1. The Detroit Zoo
2. Motor City Theatre
3. Ann Arbor Hands-on-Museum
4. Airtime Trampoline & Game Park
5. Wild Swan Theater
6. The Henry Ford - America's Greatest History Attraction
7. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
8. Farmer Charleys Corn Maze
9. Zap Zone
10. Leslie Science & Nature Center
11. The Complete Dancer
12. Stagecrafters - The Baldwin Theater
13. Detroit Institute Of Art
14. Toledo Zoo
15. PuppetART Theater
16. Michigan Science Center
17. Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
18. The Detroit Tigers
19. Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit
20. Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

Winners in Special Categories

In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in seven categories. Here were their choices.


Favorite Kid-Friendly MuseumAnn Arbor Hands-on-Museum


Favorite Nature CenterLeslie Science & Nature Center
Favorite Performing ArtsWild Swan Theater
Favorite Indoor Play CenterAirtime Trampoline & Game Park

Favorite Farm (agri-entertainment)Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill


Favorite Place to have Fun OutdoorsMichigan's Adventure


Favorite Professional Sports TeamThe Detroit Tigers


Favorite Arts Education CenterCranbrook Academy of Art



Favorite Sports Education CenterYMCA

Polar Vortex To Take a Summer Vacation Next Week; South to the Great Lakes

Ironically, just over six months to the date of the first notable visit of the winter polar vortex (this is nothing new of course; happens every year but with varying intensities); she is expected to make a return visit mid summer. What IS impressive on this visit (not unlike her past winter visits) is the depth and position south. At early inspection, the upper low "polar vortex" is expected to average around 3 deviations BELOW average for a summer type upper low over the upper Great Lakes. Along with the fanfare of her arrival will be strong upper winds /jet stream/ and possibly some tough weather in the form of wind storms with such impressive energy at and above ground level. When such cold air (for  summer standards) rudely plows into even temperate summer like temperatures (in this case 70s to lower 80s), something's got to give.

The two questions are when and where the best clash of the notably different atmospheres will be; which will be involving very impressive dynamics and instability levels at the time. It's much too early to give an exact timing but an estimate seems to be in the late Sunday into Monday time frame for it's arrival - and early - mid week when she spins up over southern Canada and northern Great Lakes. Even at this time, if available moisture is in place, it wouldn't take much to pop a gusty storm or shower with such cold conditions aloft along with the impressive strong winds.


Projections for upper heights and widespread low level cool temperatures are some of the best (lowest) I've seen for mid July. Upper low height projections are sub 550 MB /546 MB/ on the GFS along with 850 MB temperature projections in the single digits. At the coolest (preliminary timing; Tuesday night-Wednesday morning) widespread overnight lows in the 40s to lower 50s are likely across Southeast Lower Michigan with highs around 60 to the mid 60s. If these temperatures are realized, both record low maxs and record low mins may be in jeopardy. Record low max's for mid July are in around 60 to mid 60s across the region, while record lows are in the 40s to near 50.  One glaring exception is a record low max of just 74 degrees in Flint on the 16th, much higher than other record low maxs from the 14th thru the 16th.

Its too early to predict the exact coolness of the air mass due over the area early-mid week during next week but model projections have been pretty well unanimous on this summer cool outbreak - it is coming with the particulars yet to unfold. If you are heading up north this weekend and plan to stay awhile pack for fall-like weather for a few days - LOL- really not a bad idea in Southeast Michigan too.

As read on:http://weatherhistorian.blogspot.com/2014/07/polar-vortex-to-take-summer-vacation.html

Jeep’s Strong first half

During the first six months of 2014, the Jeep brand has produced stellar results. Measured by sales growth, it has outperformed every major brand in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

In the U.S., Jeep sales from January to June were up 45% and Jeep’s market share rose 1.2% to 4.1%. Jeep’s market share growth was the highest of any brand.

Jeep went from the No. 9 spot in the rankings to No. 7, passing Dodge to be Chrysler Group’s best-selling brand. When it comes to SUVs, Jeep is second only to the Ford brand.

Incidentally, Chrysler Group has the highest average sales per SUV model of any automaker. It’s second only to General Motors in terms of total utility volume.

In Canada, Jeep sales were up 41% at the end of June, the highest growth rate of any major brand. Market share rose by an entire point. Only Nissan picked up more share and that was only by a tenth of a point.

While we only have European numbers through May, the story is very much the same: Jeep’s sales growth is the largest of any major brand.

As read on: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/07/jeeps-fabulous-first-half

Water Fun in Ann Arbor: Pools, Spraygrounds, & Beaches

There's nothing like water when it comes to beating the heat and entertaining kids! KidsOutAndAbout provides its extra-special list of great places in and around Ann Arbor - Detroit where kids can splash to their heart's content.

Buhr Park Outdoor Pool features a six-lane, 25-yard pool with a deep well and a separate zero-depth entry children’s wading pool with interactive play toys. Also 39 acres of rolling hills, picnic areas with grills, a children’s play area, softball diamonds, soccer fields & outdoor tennis courts are features at our park.

Canton Parks: Splash Playground: Cool down at Canton's Splash Playground located in Heritage Park near Heritage Hideout. Just touch the fire hydrant to start the water fun!

Fuller Park Pool has something for everyone to enjoy, including a waterslide; seven-lane, 50 meter lap pool; shallow area with ramp access; 12 foot deep diving well and plenty of open space and lounge chairs to relax.

H2O Zone Sprayground In Westland: The H20 Zone is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting). 

Independence Lake Park: Spray Zone: Blue Heron Bay is the perfect place to bring your family for some water fun!   Whether you are taking a ride on our water slides, eating a delicious lunch at our new concessions building, or running through our many water-spraying structures, you are sure to have a great time.

Indian Springs Spray 'n' Play: Children of all ages will enjoy Indian Springs Metropark’s Spray ‘n’ Play. Get soaked in the water spray area, scale a rock-climbing wall or cargo net and explore a maze. Three distinct areas accommodate older children. A toddler area includes a painted labyrinth and sand pit with oversized scoopers for digging. The Spray ‘n’ Play play area is open year round while the water spray area is open Memorial Day to Labor Day 11 am - 7 pm daily.

Island Lake Recreation Area: The park has great canoeing, volley ball courts, picnic shelters, swimming and cabins to rent.

Kensington Metropark: Enjoy a day in the water at Martindale Beach all summer long. Martindale Beach will be open May 24 through Labor Day, from 10 am to 8 pm daily

KLR Splashpad in Oxford: Memorial Day through Labor Day, Noon -7:00 pm

Lake Erie Metropark: Escape the hot days of summer and take a plunge into the “Great Wave” wave action pool at Lake Erie Metropark. Hold steady and practice your balance against three foot waves for hours of fun.

Lake St. Clair Metropark: Swim in Lake St. Clair or at the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Lake St. Clair Metropark. The lake waters and 50-meter pool with waterslides and a diving well are the perfect places to cool off and enjoy a warm day. The pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and the lake is open from May 1 to September 30. A beach shop and food concessions are conveniently located nearby.

City of Livonia Aquatics: Outdoor Splash Pad - Open June - Labor Day, The City of Livonia has two fifty-meter outdoor pools and one twenty-five meter outdoor pool. They all offer lessons, open swimming, pool rentals for parties, swim passes and special events.  Outdoor Summer Swim Lesson Registration starts Mid-May. 

Mack Indoor Pool is the city’s only indoor public pool and offers a variety of programs and opportunities for every swimmer. Our six-lane, 25-yard main pool has an attached 30 by 42 foot children’s tot pool. A ramp leading into the pool provides for easy accessibility. Our heated indoor pool allows you to swim, even if the weather is not “summer like,” while our huge windows let in the sunshine.

Macomb Township Aquatic Center: 2 pools with water slide, a lazy river, and other water features

Mt. Elliott Park Water Feature on the Riverfront: universally accessible water feature with cascading waterfalls, water cannons and shooting bubblers, paved pathways stamped with animal prints, fishing outlooks, lush landscaping, restrooms, a security station and numerous seating options, Mt. Elliott Park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, water feature runs from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day

Splash at Palmer Park: OPEN: 10 am – 8 pm every day, FREE to the public; parking at the Splash Park lot in Palmer Park, (former swimming pool lot) on Merrill Plaisance between 6 and 7 Mile Roads,west of Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48203

Plymouth Sprayscape: If you’re looking for a place to cool off this summer venture out to Township Park and take a run through our Sprayscape!  Township Park is located at 46640 Ann Arbor Trail, just east of Beck Road.The Sprayscape includes approximately 2600 square foot of space with 24 spray features including: Water Cannons, Horse Charger, Froggy-O, Daisy Mae, Water O’s, 12 ground sprays. The Sprayscape is designed to accommodate all ages and is available at no cost!

Red Oaks Waterpark: Kids enjoy the Soak Station, children's water playground with 68 features, including water jets, curtains and slides, plus bubbler jets and a six-foot tipping bucket; must be 56" or shorter and be accompanied by an adult. Or the Spray & Play, a water play area for toddlers, with 15 water jets and bubblers at zero depth.

Rolling Hills Water Park: With so many attractions, we've got something for everyone to enjoy - Float down the lazy river, catch a wave in the wave pool, or take a trip down one of our awesome water slides!  The Activity Pool is popular with younger children due to its zero-depth entry, gentle bubbler, geysers, a waterfall and a kiddy slide for children under 45" tall.  Relax in the chaise lounges and sand chairs on an extensive sun deck located throughout the waterpark and natural shade or shade umbrellas in several grassy areas surrounding the deck.

Stony Creek Metropark: Enjoy a summer day in the water at Baypoint and Eastwood Beaches at Stony Creek Metropark. Beaches are open 10 am to 8 pm throughout the summer, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Comfort stations, food bars and first aid facilities are available. Fires, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted at the beaches.

Veterans Memorial Park Outdoor Pool features a fan-shaped zero-depth area with a “raindrop,” interactive water play apparatus, a handicap access ramp and a 125 foot waterslide. Minimum height requirement for use of the slide is 42 inches. We offer lounge chairs, picnic area, grills, tennis courts and a shaded deck area.

Warren Indoor Water Park: At the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden (South of 14 Mile Road, west of Mound Road) 586.268.8400

Wayne County Family Aquatic Center: The Wayne County Family Aquatic Center opened originally in 1998, located at 12600 Chandler Park Dr. Detroit, Michigan 48213. We are located inside the City of Detroit's Chandler Park 1/2 mile south of the Conner Exit (Exit 220B off I-94).

Willow Metropark: Cool off at the swimming pool: glide down the family slide, play a game of water basketball or just soak in the shallow area while your kids run through the water.

2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo first drive

What is it?

The Nissan GT-R Nismo becomes the halo model within Nissan's halo lineup. Think of Nismo (Nissan Motorsports) as Nissan's AMG and you start getting the idea.

The 2015 GT-R Nismo made its debut at the Geneva motor show and has on board damned near every performance part Nissan could throw its way. It starts with the company's 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V6 massaged to make 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque, up 55 hp and 18 lb-ft over your basic GT-R. The Nismo has high-flow turbos similar to the company's GT3 race cars, the ignition-timing wick has been turned up, roughly 45 pounds have been shed and the four-wheel independent suspension is stiffer. Add it all up, and the result is a claimed 7 minute, 8.679-second Nurburgring lap, among the fastest times for a volume-production car, if that floats your boat.

You'll know the Nismo when you see it because of its front bumper and carbon spoiler (adding 220 pounds more downforce at 185 mph, Nissan says). Subtle Nismo red striping around the side sills and bumpers is a nice touch. Five colors are offered: red, black, silver, white and matte gray. Those last two look particularly hot. Inside, you'll find Recaro buckets, red-accented instruments and the company's multifunction display.

The car starts at about $151,000 and goes on sale at the end of July.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140623/carreviews/140629985#ixzz36nmNr7pZ

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Is The Most Powerful Muscle Car Ever — 707 hp!

The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT, with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine, produces an unprecedented 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful Challenger ever, Dodge’s most powerful V-8 ever and the most powerful muscle car ever.

The Challenger’s new 6.2-liter Supercharged Hellcat engine is also the first factory supercharged HEMI, as well as Dodge and SRT’s first application of V-8 supercharger technology. For the first time in Chrysler Group history, the all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine comes standard with two key fobs — red and black. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full 707 horsepower and torque potential of the Challenger SRT Hellcat engine; while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output of 500 horsepower.In addition to the awe-inspiring 707 horsepower of the new Hellcat HEMI, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has been redesigned and totally re-engineered to be the most true-to-form muscle coupe on the market with performance-enhancing technologies inside and out, including the new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-new interior inspired by the classic 1971 Challenger.The Dodge and SRT brands now offer the most complete lineup of muscle cars in the market, including the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SXT with its standard powerful and fuel-efficient Pentastar V-6 engine combined with the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission that delivers 300 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles per gallon; the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T with the high-torque 5.7-liter HEMI now paired with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual transmission; and the all-new 6.4-liter HEMI Challenger Scat Pack that delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger and Challenger SRTs are built at the Brampton, Ontario, Assembly Plant and will start arriving in Dodge dealerships in the third quarter of 2014.

Read more at: http://www.modernmoparmagazine.com/wp/2014/07/01/dodge-challenger-srt-hellcat-is-the-most-powerful-muscle-car-ever-707-hp/

A Classic Throwback With Modern Capability

2014 Jeep® Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition

The roots of America’s love affair with Jeep® can be traced to World War II, as the one-of-a-kind vehicle dutifully served the U.S. military with its durability and ruggedness. The affinity for Jeep gained traction as the first civilian Jeep (“CJ”) vehicles – the Willys-Overland CJ-2A – reached the public in 1945. The CJ-2A, and successor CJ-3A, was immortalized for its go-anywhere capability and strictly functional amenities.

“The new Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is a Jeep purist’s dream, delivering a Jeep vehicle that harkens back to the original, classic CJs of the 1940s,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This new Jeep vehicle delivers pure functionality and rugged capability in a unique package that recognizes the origins of the brand.”

Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Willys Wheeler Edition features upgraded hardware, including a Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential and 3.73 gears, BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain LT255/75R17 tires, rock rails and a new Jeep Trail Rated Kit that includes a D-Ring, tow strap and gloves in a Jeep-branded bag. This works with the Jeep Command-Trac 4×4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio to give the Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition its improved off-road chops.

Special exterior design cues include a gloss black grille with black Jeep badge, gloss black front and rear bumper appliques, historic satin black “4 Wheel Drive” rear tailgate decal and “Willys” hood decals and unique high-gloss black 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Willys Wheeler Edition comes standard with a Sunrider soft top and deep-tint sunscreen rear windows. A premium Sunrider soft top and black-splatter Freedom Top are available.

Willys Wheeler Editions feature the Connectivity Group with SiriusXM satellite radio, and Sport S-based models have the Power Convenience Group and Premium Tire Pressure Monitoring System as standard. Jeep Wrangler’s iconic half doors are an option.

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition features the award winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 ft.-lbs. or torque. It is available with a standard six-speed manual or an available five-speed automatic transmission, and delivers up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway.

Available in any Jeep Wrangler color, the Willys Wheeler Edition has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail price (MSRP) of $25,795 for two-door models and $29,595 for Unlimited (four-door) models. The 2014 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are built at the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio.

1942 Willys Military Jeep® Featured in Veteran’s Memorial
As the nation paused this Memorial Day to remember those who served in the United States Armed Services, Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Complex (TAC) unveiled its own special tribute to veterans around the country.

Vice President of Assembly Operations Zach Leroux, TAC Plant Manager Chuck Padden, UAW Local 12 Chairman Mark Epley, employees and five veterans with ties to the Toledo plant, including three retirees who served in WWII, dedicated a permanent veteran’s memorial in the shadow of the giant Jeep® sign that identifies the plant at the intersection of I-75 and I-280. Featuring a restored 1942 Willys Military Jeep, the memorial not only recognizes  the service of those in uniform, but also the plant’s  nearly 75-year history of building Jeep vehicles, starting with production of the first military Jeep.

“Like all Americans, we owe our freedom to the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in the military, but at Jeep, we owe our very existence to our WWII veterans,” said Padden.  “When they returned home from the war, they purchased civilian versions of the Jeep vehicles they learned to depend upon in the war.  These heroes became our first Jeep enthusiasts.  Without them, we would not be here today.

“But the Jeep legacy is not just about the vehicles; it is also about the people,” added  Padden. “Some of the people who currently work in this plant and some who helped refurbish this 1942 Jeep are descendants of those who possibly built this very vehicle. We have come a long way at the Toledo Jeep plant, so it’s important to remind the new generation where it all started.”

Plant management and the local UAW leadership agreed that the best way to honor veterans and the plant’s Jeep history was to find a military Jeep to restore and put on permanent display. With the help of former Toledo plant manager Jerry Huber and a Craig’s List ad, the 1942 Willys was found in Wimberley, Texas, a community 28 miles southwest of Austin. The vehicle was in fairly good shape, but didn’t run. When the owner heard that the Jeep plant in Toledo wanted the vehicle to put on display, he immediately pulled the ad, sold it to the plant for $950 and volunteered to transport it to Toledo in exchange for a tour.

The Willys returned home on May 9 and restoration work began on May 12. A team of about 15 Toledo employees worked for a week and a half to return the vehicle to its original condition, replacing parts, refurbishing body panels and painting the vehicle. Because all of the vehicle identification plates and hood graphics were removed, the exact history of the vehicle can’t be determined, but the plant estimates that the vehicle was originally built in mid-1942.

The memorial also includes silhouettes of soldiers, created by volunteers from the plant. An assembly employee drew up the soldier outlines and body shop employees cut out the figures, ground the edges and finished them.

Roll Call
Helping to dedicate the Toledo Assembly Complex’s Veteran’s Memorial were five veterans, all of whom with ties to the plant.Lupe Flores, the 90-year-old cousin of Jeep retiree Hector Flores who serves on the Jeep Veterans Committee, served with the Army 101st Airborne from 1943-1946. Flores was involved in the D-Day Invasion in Normandy, France, and took part in two combat jumps during his time with the Army.

Twins Lewis and Leroy Woggon, 87, were hired by the Jeep plant in 1943. Three months later, they were drafted into the Army and served as combat engineers during WWII. They both served for three years, returning to work at the Jeep plant after they were discharged. Leroy retired in 1989 after 45 years with Jeep, while Lewis stayed on five more years, retiring in 1994. Leroy’s son Gary has been working at Jeep since 1983 and currently works in the Wrangler paint shop. Lewis’s son and grandson both retired from the Jeep plant.

Ron Szymanski retired from the Jeep plant in 1998 following 35 years working in body, paint and assembly. He also served as the Jeep museum curator. Szymanski served in the Army National Guard from 1950-1955, then went to Officer Candidate School where he was Honorably Discharged in 1960 as a 1st Lieutenant Army Reserve Officer.

John Smith served in the Army Infantry from 1945-1946. Smith was hired by Jeep in 1947 and spent the next 40 years building Jeep vehicles before retiring in 1985.

The History of Jeep in Toledo
Toledo is known as the birthplace of Jeep. In 1940 as war spread through Europe, the United States Army determined that it needed a new type of fast, lightweight, all-terrain reconnaissance vehicle. The Army selected Toledo-based Willys-Overland for production of the vehicle, and the company began production in late 1941, building about 8,000 units that year. In total, 363,000 were built in Toledo through the end of the war in 1945.

The vehicle was officially known as the Willys MB, but not many people called it that.  Before long, it became universally known as the Jeep, many believing that the name came from the term “GP,” for “General Purpose.”

The Jeep was an all-purpose vehicle and served in every theater of the war. It was used as a staff car, pickup truck, ambulance, reconnaissance vehicle, machine gun mount, ammunition bearer and a troop carrier.

After the war, Willys-Overland introduced a version for the general public, adding refined features such as windshield wipers, a tailgate and an outside gas cap. It was called the CJ-2A, with the “CJ” standing for “Civilian Jeep.” It became an icon because of its open-air look and tremendous off-road capabilities.

Other Jeep models followed, such as the first station wagon with four-wheel drive, and the Wagoneer, a pioneering sport-utility vehicle introduced in 1963. They were also built in Toledo.

Meanwhile, Jeep’s corporate ownership changed hands several times until Chrysler acquired the brand in 1987. Today, the Toledo Assembly Complex builds the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the all-new Jeep Cherokee with nearly 4,200 employees.

“With our deep military roots, it was especially important for this plant to establish a permanent way of paying our respects to those who have fought for the freedom we all enjoy,” said the UAW’s Epley. “With nearly 10 percent of our workforce with military experience, plus all of our team members with family members having served or still serving, this memorial is very personal for all of us.”

Mark Your Place in Jeep History
The Jeep brand is creating an interactive time line of Jeep owners. Here’s how you can be a part of it. Submit a photo of your Jeep vehicle, along with the model year, and it will be added to the time line and posted on Facebook™. If you’re lucky, your photo could appear in a coffee table book version of the time line and Jeep will send you a copy. Click here to Get On The Time Line.

Read more at: http://www.chryslergroup360.com/featured_news/a-classic-throwback-with-modern-capability/

Chrysler investing $63M in Warren Stamping Plant

Chrysler Group is investing $63 million in its Warren Stamping Plant to expand capacity at the facility. The decision to proceed was made following the Warren City Council’s approval of a 12-year, 50% tax abatement in May.

“Chrysler Group wants to thank Mayor (James) Fouts and the Warren City Council for their support of this investment,” said Brian Glowiak, Chrysler Group’s Director of State Relations. “For many years, the City of Warren has been a true partner in helping the Company grow our operations at our local facilities. With the city’s support, we can implement state-of-the-art processes that will contribute to the long-term success of the Chrysler Group and enhance our presence in the community.”

The investment will be used to purchase and install a high-speed servo tandem press line with a 180-inch press line. The new press will increase the output rate, reduce complexity, and improve reliability and maintainability, all while reducing energy usage.

The press’s servo drive allows for 100% programmable control and movement of the ram speed at any position in the press stroke unlike a mechanical press that operates at a fixed speed. The tandem press is actually multiple presses in a line which use a single die in each press to perform one of the functions needed to make the stamped part

Construction has already begun and the new press line is scheduled to be fully operational in December 2015. It will increase the Warren plant’s capacity by up to 12,000 hits per day or approximately 3.6 million parts per year.

The Warren plant currently produces 80 million parts per year using 12 major press lines and three large progressive press lines, which are single presses with one slide in which a single die with multiple “progressive” stations produce parts at high speed directly from a single coil of steel.

The plant employs nearly 2,000 workers.

“As production at our Chrysler Group assembly plants has nearly tripled in the past five years, we have been pushing our stamping facilities to keep up,” said Mauro Pino, Vice President and Head of Manufacturing. “This much-needed investment for a new press line will help us continue to meet demand and maintain the quality that our stamping plants have worked so hard to achieve.”

The Warren Stamping Plant opened in 1949. It produces stamped sheet metal components such as hoods, roofs, liftgates, side apertures, fenders and floor pans, for a variety of Chrysler Group vehicles. The parts are delivered to vehicle assembly plants, then welded together in the body shops to form the frame of the vehicle.

Since June 2009, Chrysler Group has invested over $5.3 billion in its U.S. manufacturing facilities including more than $1.8 billion spent in Michigan.

As read on: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/06/chrysler-investing-63m-in-warren-stamping-plant