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But peak motoring body the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries believes consumers are confused enough to warrant a broad-ranging education program about what ESC is and what it does.The Transport Accident Commission has already been running an ad highlighting the merits of curtain airbags and ESC. It has been endeavouring to lift awareness among buyers about what they do, via websites like howsafeisyourcar.com.au.But with Victoria moving ahead for the compulsory fitting of ESC to all passenger cars from January, the FCAI believes now is the time to increase awareness among car buyers.Despite TAC's efforts some carmakers like Honda believe consumers are still confused by the different acronyms used to describe the various systems. However, FCAI spokesman, James Goodwin, believes it will be difficult to mandate a single naming strategy."It comes down to marketing," he says. "All systems are different to some degree."Goodwin also believes it would cost too much to standardise the terminology on imported cars because the volumes are relatively small. Carmakers use different terms for the proprietary electronic stability program invented by Bosch and co-developed with Mercedes-Benz.Subaru Australia spokesman, David Rowley, says Subaru's own research shows a higher awareness among buyers of its own electronic stability control system, called vehicle dynamic control."Our customers tend to look in depth at the features of our cars," Rowley says. He backs an education program as “something worth considering" but balks at a name change. "A lot a brands have invested a lot of intellectual time in creating a point of difference with their various stability systems," he says.What they call it -Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Holden, HSV, JeepElectronic Stability Program (ESP) - Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Renault, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Skoda, Peugeot, SuzukiDynamic Stability Control (DSC) - Ford, FPV, BMW, Mazda, Land Rover, Aston Martin, JaguarVehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) - ToyotaVehicle Stability Control (VSC) - LexusVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) - Nissan, SubaruDynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) - VolvoElectronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) - Audi, VolkswagenActive Stability Control (ASC) - MitsubishiVehicle Stability Assist (VSA)- HondaAutomatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)  MiniMaserati Stability Program (MSP) - MaseratiPorsche Stability Management (PSM) - PorscheStability and Traction Control - FiatStabiliTrak -Hummer

The American maker is now controlled by Fiat, which is helping to develop a fleet of new vehicles which use its engine and chassis technology for sales from 2012. But that has not stopped Chrysler group rushing new features, extra equipment and better quality into 15 re-worked vehicles for 2010."Our local product team is working closer than ever with the factory to come up with revised or all-new models for our market which we're hoping to see in the near future," says Jerry Stamoulis, spokesman for Chrysler in Australia. As the top performing right-hand drive market for Chrysler, there has been a strong emphasis placed on our market to help lift international sales over the next five years."He says the first of the updated models is already in showrooms and the most important, the all-new Grand Cherokee, will be revealed this year ahead of sales in 2010. "The Grand Cherokee will be the first vehicle in Australia to be available with the all-new Pentastar V6 petrol engine," Stamoulis says. The Jeep Patriot has already had an interior update and similar work will be finished soon on the Dodge Caliber, which comes in the third quarter of this year."Other immediate changes to our line-up are that all Dodge Journey models receive, as standard, active head restraints and the 5.7L Hemi V-8 in the Chrysler 300C receives variable valve timing and an additional 15 kiloWatts, which lifts power to 265kW," Stamoulis says.Apart from the Pentastar V6, various Chrysler models will also get a six-speed, Fiat dual-clutch gearbox. It will be seen first in a re-worked Chrysler Sebring, which also gets updated body styling, a new interior and revised suspension for better ride and handling. The Jeep Wrangler also gets a styling tweak this year, as well as stop-start technology on its diesel engines.

It was love at first sight when he laid his eyes on the 1929 Dodge DA Sports Roadster under the Camp Hill House of 1920s Australian rugby league rep John Hunt.  For years Day pleaded to buy the car, but Hunt rejected his offer of $200 because he thought it was too much. Hunt also wanted to keep it for his children and refused to part with it, even though it had been parked on blocks since 1964.  But the courtship continued.  "I kept in touch with them for years," Day said. "I used to take bags of stamps to (wife) Marjorie because I knew she collected them. "While I was there I would wipe the Dodge down with an oily rage to keep it from rusting, turn the engine over and pour oil into it."  When Hunt died, Marjorie found their three children were not interested in restoring the car, so she sold it to Day. "Twenty-one years after I first saw it, I finally managed to buy it," he said. "But I had to pay $10,750 in 1989.  I brought it home and had it running that same day." Day's loving ground-up restoration reaped rewards with the car becoming grand champion at the Cleveland Auto Spectacular and class winner at Motorfest in 2007.  "These days I'm more interested in driving it and enjoying it than competing at shows," he said. Day took a hobby course in panel beating and spray painting in 1974 and put his new-found skills to good use restoring a 1929 Dodge Victory Six sedan which he bought for $75 and sold in 1990 for $30,000 after spending about $4000 on restoration and countless hours of his time.He also had a 1915 Model T Ford and 1929 Buick Roadster which he sold to buy the Dodge Roadster. "It's actually the Sports Roadster which had the all-steel American body, rumble seat, six wire wheels, side door for golf clubs and chrome trim around the dickie seat," he says.  Day did all the restoration work except for the leather trim and canvas roof. "It runs very nicely. Smooth for an old car," he says.  "It will cruise at 50mph (80km/h), although it only gets about 18mpg (13L/100km).  The Roadster features a 208 cubic inch (3.4-litre), 63 horsepower (47kW) straight-six engine with three-speed stick shift. Its starting sequence is like prepping an aircraft: Pull out the manifold heat control knob to warm the carby in the cold weather, retard the spark, apply a little hand throttle on the steering wheel, pull out the choke if necessary, turn the ignition key on and pull the starter button.  Once it kicks into life you advance the spark again. Easy. The car has several nifty features such as the "Westclox" clock in the rearview mirror with a pull-cord to wind it up and an "Aermore" exhaust whistle that features butterfly valves in the exhaust to create a "steam train" effect.  "It's loud as," Day says. "It's just a hoon device, kind of like those musical horns you can get.  "It wasn't a standard feature on the car and it won't work at the moment because it's gummed up." Day drives the vehicle about twice a month, less in the summer heat.  "There's no airconditioning of course, but there are air vents by your feet and the windscreen folds down flat," he said. "After all that work I've put in, I don't anticipate ever selling it.  "I wouldn't know what it is worth, anyhow."  However, the vehicle is insured for $50,000.

Marketed by California company WaterCar, and christened the Python, this amphibian was developed by custom car builder Dave March from a Dodge Ram. Reportedly it’s fast enough to tow water skiers.

Up to nine Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models could be axed or redesigned by 2012, according to details leaked of a new Chrysler-Fiat business plan.  However, Chrysler Australia is taking a wait-and-see approach to changes proposed this week by new Chrysler-Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne.Marchionne is heading up one of the biggest product shakeouts in Chrysler's history to resurrect the embattled US carmaker.  But Chrysler Australia's general manager marketing and product strategy, Craig Bradshaw, says it is too early to assess the local fallout any proposed changes.  Chrysler Australia is taking a "wait and see" approach, he says."We have to wait to assess the impact on our local market," he says.  Bradshaw says the company has no advance information of Marchionne's proposed changes.  Some of the proposed changes have been already leaked by the Wall Street Journal in North America.  It says that Chrysler's North American model lineup will be slashed to make way for more Fiat-based cars.Some new Chrysler models will share Fiat platforms in an effort to cut costs and harmonise production processes.  The cars expected to die are the Chrysler Sebring, PT Cruiser, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger as well as three Jeep off-roaders, the Compass, Patriot and Commander.The survivors are said to be the Chrysler 300C sedan, Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.  Although the list of Chrysler's facing the chop is long, some like the Sebring and Avenger, are expected to morph into new Fiat-based cars.Under the new Chrysler-Fiat regime, known as Chrysler Group LLC, Alfa Romeo and Fiat are expected to return to America as soon as 2012.  Fiat was phased out in North America in the 1980s because of poor quality and reliability problems. Alfa Romeo discon tinued marketing cars there in 1995.Chrysler will continue to build its performance cars and pickup trucks while Fiat is expected to build a range of smaller fuel-efficient European-style models for the US market.  Locally Chrysler Australia is a factory owned distributor but still shares some backroom operations with Daimler.Daimler severed its ties with Chrysler in 2007 and the US carmaker was subsequently purchased by private equity group Cerberus Capital Management before Fiat stepped in last year.Chrysler's Asia-Pacific business, including Australia, is one of the few bright spots, despite Chrysler and Jeep sales being down 30 per cent this year.  Australia is Chrysler's largest right-hand-drive market and the No.1 Jeep Wrangler market outside North America.

...the Dodge Viper proved so popular that orders were taken even before the show had finished. Surprised by the overwhelming public reaction, Chrysler Corporation – led by Bob Lutz - had to quickly bash together a plan that would turn the show car into a limited production sports car in three years. In May of the following year after months of testing, Chrysler announced that the V10 Dodge Viper was going ahead. The back-to-basics, high performance American built sports car began production in May 1992. Since then, over 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built. First generation SR (1992-1995) Although it became available to the public in 1992 as the RT/10 roadster, two pre-production models were ready in 1991 and used as pace cars in the Indianapolis 500 of that year. The original engine was a concern for some because it was an alloy version of the then-current Dodge V10 truck engine and doubters worried that it was unsuitable for a sportscar. But at the time, Chrysler weren’t prepared to fork out more cash to modify the motor in a vehicle that hadn’t yet proved itself as profitable. Made with a tubular steel frame and some fibreglass panelling, the two-door roadster was very basic. It had no anti-lock brakes or traction control and parts of the suspension were sourced from another truck, the dodge Dakota pickup. It became apparent that the major focus was on the Vipers engine, and the numbers were impressive. Performance Power: 300kW at 4600rpm and 630Nm at 3600rpm Transmission: six speed manual Fuel: 12l/100km(highway), 20l/100km(city) 0-100km/h: 4.6 seconds Quarter mile: 13.1 seconds Top speed: 290km/h Second generation SR (1996-2002) The family started to grow in 1996 with the introduction of the GTS – again the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500. Apart from a slightly higher roof to enable the driver and passenger to wear hemets, and a few other small exterior modifications, it looked like a Viper from the outside. But this time Chrysler felt more confident and realised the new model needed significant reductions in weight and a chassis design to increase stiffness and strength, and to improve aerodynamics. With the addition of a revised suspension system and a lighter engine, the 27kg lighter coupe substantially increased its grip and speed, inviting comparisons to the Porsche 911 GT2 and the Ferrari 550, although the Viper’s brakes let it down on the track. Airbags were added to the GTS in 1996 and the RT/10 in 1997. In 1999, 18inch alloy wheels became available and in 2001, ABS was fitted. In 2002 a limited release of ‘Final Edition’ models were produced – they were all red with two white racing stripes. It was exported to Europe in 1997 and was sold as a Chrysler until 2003. The RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10 in 2003 and the GTS was replaced by the SRT-10 coupe in 2005. Performance (GTS) Power: 340kW Transmission: six speed manual 0-100km/h: 4.0 seconds Quarter mile: 12.2 seconds Top speed: 310km/h Third generation ZB (2003-2006) In 2003, more weight reductions and power increases for the convertible SRT-10, along with a major exterior design pushed the Dodge Viper to a new level. The angular shape set it apart visually and an even stiffer and lighter chassis and a more powerful engine made it even faster and stronger. A Mamba edition with black interior and red stitching was introduced at a cost of around US$3000 but only 200 of these cars were produced. The SRT-10 coupe – introduced as a 2006 model - looked a lot more like its predecessor and the chassis was untouched but power was again increased. The fourth generation Viper took a little longer than expected to prepare so the 2006 model ran through 2007. Performance (SR-10 coupe)Power: 380kW at 5600rpm and 725Nm at 4200rpm Transmission: T56 Tremec six speed manual 0-100km/h: 3.94 seconds Quarter mile: 11.77 seconds Top speed: 315km/h Fourth generation ZB (2008-present) A 510 cubic inch, 8.4 litre V10 engine was introduced in 2008 with the latest of the Dodge Viper examples. Like in the first generation, the engine is once again a major part of the new Dodge Viper. There are better flowing heads and larger valves and the electric engine controller has ten times more processing power than before. To a lesser extent the transmission has also been replaced with a unit that now has triple first gear synchronisers that doubles for higher gears, and the exhaust system has been modified. Performance upgrades including speed-sensing limited slip differential and the removal of run-flat tyres have enabled the Viper to remain flatter while cornering. Performance (base)Power: 450kW at 6000rpm and 760Nm at 5600rpm Transmission: Tremec TR6060 six speed manual 0-100km/h: 3.5 seconds Quarter mile: 10.92 seconds Top speed: 325km/h VariantsViper GT2 Viper ACR Mopar Concept Coupe Firepower Copperhead      

And what about a Chrysler 200C with a Lancia badge? Or a Jeep wrapped inside a softroader Fiat? This is just some of the speculation as Chrysler re-organises and re- finances for a new future in a joint venture partnership with Fiat of Italy. No-one really knows what is going to happen on the product front, but the two brands are aiming for a Renault-Nissan type of global alliance once Chrysler's financial troubles are addressed through the bankruptcy proceedings. It means cars like the Renault Koleos — a Nissan X-Trail in French clothes with European chassis tweaking — could easily become a reality, as well as Fiat returning in force to American showrooms thanks to its Chrysler connection. "This partnership transforms Chrysler into a vibrant new company with a wealth of strategic advantages," says the CEO of Chrysler, Bob Nardelli. In Australia, the Chrysler-Fiat move is not expected to create any short-term changes. "The term 'bankruptcy' means different things from country to country, and it's important to understand that this Chapter 11 filing does not mean Chrysler is going to disappear. Rather, it is a positive step forward in the on-going improvement of the Chrysler organisation," says the head of Chrysler Group Australia, Gerry Jenkins. He says the move into Chapter 11 will mean a speedy re-structure and a stronger company at the end of the process. "The path forward for our parent company is now clear. A new company will emerge in just 30-60 days that is lean and well-structured to meet the current and future demands of our customers in Australia and New Zealand. "I'm very excited about the opportunities provided by the strategic alliance with Fiat and the other changes within our business. I've been with Chrysler for 30 of its 80-year history, and the future has never looked brighter." Jenkins confirms the strength of Chryler in Australia, although he admits there is no detail yet on linking with Fiat. "Our customers have to know we're here. We're live and vibrant and we're here," he says. "International is not affected by the chapter 11. Not only are we profitable in Australia, but we're the strongest right-hand drive market and very well positioned. We've increased our maket share in a very, very challenging market. "Time will tell exactly how we position ourselves in Australia. I don't know what the future holds in that regard. We'll see how we bring some synergies going forward."

Yesterday the storm clouds lifted with the announcement that Italian carmaking giant Fiat had thrown a lifeline to the embattled Chrysler Group in the US.Both have signed a global agreement to share models, design, engineering and distribution networks.The CEO of Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne said the partnership "is a great fit as it creates the potential for a powerful, new global competitor".Jenkins said the alliance would also give some security and vision for the future."I see pluses on both sides," he said.Under the terms, Fiat will take a 35 per cent equity stake in Chrysler, which also includes Dodge and Jeep.Fiat will also provide distribution capabilities in key growth markets, as well as substantial cost savings.The deal is a key element of Chrysler's viability plan and will provide access to Fiat's small car platforms, engines and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites.Chrysler, the third biggest carmaker in the US, has been dodging questions about a possible sale, asset sell-offs or alliances for months.The company is majority owned by private investment group Cerberus Capital Management, which has no carmaking experience.Analysts see the move as a strategic life-raft for the embattled US business.At the recent Detroit Motor Show, Chrysler vice chairman and president, Tom LaSorda, even went as far as to say that the iconic Jeep brand was not for sale.Fiat has been very successful in executing its own restructuring over the past several years.In addition, Fiat will provide management services supporting Chrysler's submission of a viability plan to the US Treasury as required.The alliance will also allow Fiat and Chrysler to take advantage of each other's networks and rationalise their respective manufacturing footprint and global supplier base.The alliance will be consistent with the terms of the US Treasury financing to Chrysler, which includes contributing to the company's restructuring effort.The deal is still subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals, including the US Treasury.Fiat does not intend making a cash investment in Chrysler or commit to funding Chrysler in the future.Over the past five years Fiat has signed several alliances and partnerships with leading carmakers and automotive suppliers.The chairman and CEO of Chrysler, Bob Nardelli said the benefits are huge."Including access to products that compliment our current portfolio; a distribution network outside North America; and cost savings in design, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and sales and marketing," he said.Chrysler has previously has held alliances with Daimler, Mitsubishi and American Motors (Renault). 

News cruisers are parked-up and beaming pictures before 6am as the temperature hovers around minus 10 and snow flurries drift through the pre-dawn blackness.By 9am there are union workers carrying placards in support of the Big Three outside Cobo Hall in downtown motown, as the great and the good from the world's motor industry arrive for the first major event of 2009.The buzz is down from recent years, with less security and fewer journalists jetting in for the action, but still there are major unveilings, technology, important speeches and so much more over the first two days.The North American International Motor Show is more than just glitz and glamour for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler in 2009 - this is the day when they have to deliver for the first time on the promises in Washington which have earned a government-backed rescue package.That means GM opens the action with a rolling cavalcade of 17 models which promise exactly what the government wants - hybrids, electric cars and regular production models which do better than 10 litres/100km in fuel economy.The headliner once again is the Chevrolet Volt, except this time it is wrapped in Cadillac bodywork and called the Converj - with the added bonus of a plug-in connection to its onboard battery system.Lexus is next and does its number around the brand's first dedicated hybrid, the HS250h, which was originally only planned for America but will now go to more than 80 countries.Then Ford becomes the second of the Big Three to present its position for 2010 and beyond, with an all-new Taurus family car - perhaps a pointer to something on the Falcon front - and the promise of an all-new electric car with a 160-kilometre range by 2011.Company chairman Bill Ford takes the stand to deliver on the company's promises to Washington, even though it was the only local not to take a multi-billion dollar loan."Ford is heading in the direction America and our customers want us to go, which is a green, high-tech and global future. I think that is where society would like to see the entire industry go, and Ford is going to lead that charge," Ford says.Then Chrysler, which many American analysts believe cannot survive the global economic meltdown, gets its turn and does a top job with the great looking new 200C family car and a range of electrics which shows it has not given up hope.It's best looker is the Dodge Circuit, which is most like a battery-powered Lotus sports car."The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment,” says the vice-president of design at Dodge, Ralph Gilles.By now, after just two hours of the first press preview day, the pattern for Detroit '09 is set.The home team is going big on the cars it needs to make - even if Americans are still buying BIG with the drop in pump petrol prices - but there is more sizzle than steak because they have started way behind the Japanese and Europeans.And Cobo Hall looks sparse. There are fewer brands, fewer cars and none of the bold-and-brassy unveilings - Chrysler has always led the world in motor show stunts - which have been a signature of the Detroit show.“All I know is we took about 50 per cent out of the cost of our stand,” says the car boss at General Motors, Bob Lutz.“We took away a lot of the structures, such as salad bowl-shaped Saturn stands, and towers with holographic displays.”But he still applies some positive spin as everyone talks up the chances for the Big Three, even in the face of a selloff of the Hummer and Saab divisions at GM.“The fact that we don’t have any of that stuff gives our stand a much more businesslike and cleaner appearance. I think they cluttered up the stand. I imagine it’s going to be much the same around the show," Lutz says.As usual, the 80-plus former fighter pilot is right.BMW joins the hybrid rush at Detroit with news of its petrol-electric X6, thankfully with the all-new Z4 sportster to provide some glamour, as Volkswagen provides the best looking car of the show with its Concept BlueSport.The gorgeous VW is most like a Mazda MX-5, but promises Prius-buster fuel economy in the 4.3 litres/100km range and, without any promise of production, it clearly could have a future.“The Concept BlueSport is evolving into a car that that is a lot of fun to drive and at the same time makes an unmistakeable statement in terms of sustainability," says Volkswagen.“The Concept BlueSport is evolving into a car that that is a lot of fun to drive and at the same time makes an unmistakeable statement in terms of sustainability.”The next big mover in Cobo Hall is Kia, which shows a funky pick-up built on its baby Soul. The Soul'ster is never going to be an Aussie workhorse but will hit the Gen-Y button for America, and California in particular.As the first day in Detroit winds into darkness and more frigid weather, Subaru kicks the action with a preview of its new Liberty - called the Legacy in the USA - Jaguar runs out its high-performance R version of the landmark XF and Volvo shows the most adventurous concept car in its history, pointing to the next S60."The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you here and now that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise," says Volvo boss, Stephen Odell.Ford goes again to start day two at Cobo, with its Lincoln-Mercury models, then its back to Maserati and then GM pushes the home game hard with an announcement that the batteries for its Volt will be built in the USA. It's a boost for local jobs, more hard news on the Volt, and just what Washington will want before the Big Three report back on their survival plans at the end of March.And then there is a shock - at least for the Americans - as Chinese cars make the mainstream in Detroit for the first time and little-known BYD confirms it will be selling the world's first production plug-in electric car by 2010.The last big event of Detroit '09 is the one everyone already knows about - the new Toyota Prius.The list of 'firsts' is impressive as the car is unveiled, from its drag co-efficient to more luxury and a more-efficient battery system. But Honda has already undercut the third-generation Prius on price with its Insight, which is headlining for the brand in Detroit, and there is no sign of a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery pack.But the Prius has solar-powered air-conditioning to cool the car when it is parked, is bigger and quieter inside, and is certain to become the world's best selling hybrid. The car comes with more than 1000 new patents on technology and a claim of 3.9 litres/100km economy."Prius is more than a hybrid, it’s a solution. No longer is it a second car or a passing fad. In many households, it has become the primary family car," says Bob Carter of Toyota USA.There is other stuff to see in Detroit, and some things are obviously missing _ the Mercedes E-Class was an invitation-only event and Rolls-Royce is holding its all-new RR4 for the Geneva Motor Show in March - but the overall verdict on 2009 is surprisingly positive.Cars are still big news, look good and make promises of a better and more enjoyable life on the road.But the big question remains. Did the Big Three do enough, and show enough in Detroit, to convince the American government that they deserve the support it will take to get them through the biggest crisis in the history of the automobile?