2013 Dodge Avenger Se on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Dodge not being dropped by Chrysler, CEO reaffirms

Dodge isn't going anywhere. Despite some rumor and speculation over the future of the crosshair grille and the cars that wear it, Dodge brand boss, Tim Kuniskis, sat down with TheDetroitBureau.com, explaining that the marque isn't going anywhere. His sentiments echo those of SRT boss Ralph Gilles, who told a group of enthusiasts in July that "Dodge is here to stay!"
Dodge's death won't be "a part of a master plan to consolidate brands," Kuniskis told TheDetroitBureau.com. Instead, the brand, which is ultimately under the command of Fiat/Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne, will likely ditch some of its badge-engineered models, like the Dodge Grand Caravan. A more focused Dodge, which was something Gilles has already hinted at, will likely see it exploring areas of the market that haven't been exploited by other Chrysler brands.
Kuniskis, not surprisingly, wasn't willing to delve into any detailed product plans, telling TDB that the size of the brand's lineup "remains to be seen." Regardless of how big the brand actually ends up being (it is presently Chrysler's volume brand - and not by a little), hopefully the statements from Kuniskiss can put the rumors of a Dodge closure to bed.

Police officer fired for sexually harassing a young woman

A police officer in Jackson, Mississippi was fired after a video surfaced on Tuesday of him sexually harassing a young woman from his patrol car. According to WAPT, Officer Darryl Stasher of the Jackson Mississippi Police Department rolled up to two young women walking down the street and began talking to them through the driver's side window of his patrol car. During his discourse, his language because coarser and more suggestive. He gave one young woman his number and told her that he was "going to take care of her" and that he wanted to "do more than talk". He also suggested that the two should "get a room" together. The whole exchange was caught on video, and soon after the incident the young woman uploaded the footage to Facebook where it quickly went viral. It didn't take long for the Jackson Police Department to get wind of the video. "The Jackson Police Department does have possession of the video that was posted to Facebook by the young lady," said JPD Commander Tyree Jones. "Chief (Lee) Vance found the video to be very disturbing. He is very disappointed due to the content that's in the video." Upon learning of the video, JPD put Officer Stasher on desk duty pending the results of an internal affairs investigation. Stasher, who worked for at least eight years for JPD in the second precinct, was fired soon after the investigation finished. Related Video:

Dodge Durango gets the Blacktop treatment

The Dodge Durango is getting a meaner, more aggressive look as it becomes the latest model from the brand to wear the Blacktop Appearance Package. The upgrades are strictly cosmetic, but they lend the SUV a more assertive demeanor that some buyers like.
Available on the SXT, Limited and R/T (shown above) models, all Blacktop Durangos get black 20-inch wheels, dual exhaust, bod- color fascia and gloss black trim. The grille surround, air dam, mirrors and headlight surrounds all get the inky treatment, as well. The improvements add $1,590 to the cost of the SXT. They come to $1,990 on the Limited but also include HID headlights with LED running lights and a leather interior. Finally, R/T buyers only need to pay $295 for the upgrades. The Blacktop Durango hits showrooms this October.
If you're already in the market for a Durango but want a dash more style with no added performance, the Blacktop might not be a bad way to go. It certainly gives the SUV a bit more edge than it has in stock form. Scroll down to read the full release.