There is just something about that bow-tie. Chevrolet trucks have long gained a reputation for being sturdy and dependable. This does not only reflect on their pick-ups and SUVs but on their semi trucks and other heavy duties as well. From the Kodiak to the W Series, the boys behind the bow-ties really know how to manufacture a truck that is as nice to look at as it is thrilling to drive.

Light and medium duty trucks are available in a wide range of styles, colors and even manufacturer’s brands. If you have never driven a particular brand then you may not have a preference. Of course you probably know about Ford, Freightliner, Peterbilt and all the others, but there are many truck drivers who simply will not drive anything but a Chevrolet truck. Of course there are also people who will not drive anything but a Chevy car or SUV. Beginning to see a pattern here?

If you know the Chevrolet brand then you definitely know that it stands for quality and service. This is true whether you are referring to the smallest car or the most heavy duty truck. There really is something in a name, and the bow-tie symbol represents a name that stands for one of the most stellar reputations in the history of automobiles. Whether you drive a small commercial truck or one of the biggest and baddest rigs on the road, there is absolutely no denying that when you see that bow-tie you think of quality. Why else would they be one of the very top automobile and truck manufacturers in the world for so many years in a row?

It is because of quality. If you are planning to purchase a commercial or heavy duty truck, then this is a brand that you should definitely consider. The trucks are manufactured with the highest quality and safety standards in mind. If you are setting up your own trucking business or are considering becoming an owner/operator then you definitely want a truck that you can depend on for traveling without costly repairs. Remember the bow-tie. Chevrolet trucks are popular for a reason. They are good trucks. Companies and drivers depend on them to transport their cargo without incident and they deliver more than what they promise. When you get ready to purchase your new truck remember - the power of the bow-tie compels you.

General Motors, the manufacturers of the immediately recognized world renowned Chevrolet cars of various shapes and colors also produces a trio of trucks: the Avalanche, the Colorado and the Silverado. The Avalanche comes in three variants, the LS, the LT and the LTZ mentioned in an ascending order of pricing.

The next-generation Vortex V8 engine installed under the hood of the Chevrolet Trucks have an Active Fuel Management System that intelligently makes a transition from 8 to 4 cylinders when power is not needed and vice versa when required and informs the driver of the switch to boot, via the Driver Information Centre(DIC). In addition to this the engine has fuel flexibility so that it can run on either gasoline or E85 - a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline - or a combination of both. Incidentally, E85 ethanol fuel is not only eco-friendly but is also home grown use of which can enhance the nation’s economy and energy independence.

The DIC mentioned earlier is packed with features that make it a real time watchdog constantly monitoring and reporting the functioning of the truck. The equipment also lets you personalize some of the operations of the vehicle such as locking/unlocking. The apparatus also has a stopwatch among its more assorted functions.

The Chevrolet Truck comes with a remarkable array of safety features that leaves nothing to be desired. In addition to the customary front airbags for the driver and the passenger the Chevrolet Truck sports the Head-Curtain Side Airbags designed to reduce the risk of head and neck injuries. Child safety is taken adequately care of by the provision of LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren) - a routine fixture for all Chevrolet Vehicles. Available in the LT and the LTZ models is the Rear View Camera, a contraption that allows the driver to see - on the navigation screen - stationery things when reversing. It is more useful when hooking up to a trailer.

Remote keyless entry, a standard device in all Chevy vehicles is offered in these trucks. Another utility that is available in the Chevrolet Truck is called OnStar. This is a one stop safety and security service that can be stated to be an amalgamation of advanced driving technologies that inspires confidence in the driver. The system comprises Voice Directed Turn-by-Turn directions, Vehicle Diagnostics that emails you monthly report on what is wrong with the vehicle. Locked Out - with the OnStar installed you don’t need to panic. A call OnStar will get the truck opened remotely. Night time safety is taken care of by the provision of standard halogen lamps that allows light to be more intense and centered. The automatic exterior lamp control design illuminates and extinguishes exterior lighting with driver intervention.

Chevrolet trucks can be described in three words: bold, big, and high-performing. It wouldn’t be generating a lot of sales every year and obtain high praises from utility vehicle consumers if they don’t possess all these qualities.

Chevrolet trucks are generally classified into two that are currently released in the market today. One is the Chevrolet Colorado and the other is the Chevrolet Silverado. Chevrolet Colorado is like the Canyon of General Motors. They are both in midsized and pick up trucks. In 2004, both of them were released in the market. In addition to that, both of them also are good alternatives for the S10 and Sonoma of Chevrolet and GMC respectively.

The Chevrolet Colorado boasts of automatic and manual transmissions. If you want relative ease, or if you’re basically new when it comes to driving pick-up trucks, you can find the automatic transmission such a benefit. Nevertheless, when the terrain appears to be difficult to just solely depend on the automatic capacity of the truck, you have to switch to manual transmission. The model also has drivetrain option, and is a four-door truck. The body style, meanwhile, is crew cab. If you like superior performance of the engine, go get a Colorado with a 3.5-L engine.

Chevrolet Silverado has also its down side when news broke out about its issue in its gauge instruments in the panels. It was found out that the gauges are not accurately reading that creates some disappointments to its consumers. For this reason, a lot of discussions in the forums in the internet are made for the said subject. However, there is still no word from Chevrolet about this issue.

There is some negative publicity about Chevrolet Silverado that is relating to its gauge instruments in its panels. It was said that the needles just do not work at all creating a not so good readings. The forums in the internet are filled with these discussions especially among car owners. However, they are still waiting for the public announcement from the company about this.

However, it is undeniable that both of these Chevrolet trucks are the best mate for every motorist especially when traversing some hard terrains that only needs the most durable and power engine that can be available. Adding to this is the ultimate accessory that sends a word to everyone that he owns himself a Chevy truck. This is none other than the Chevrolet truck keychains. It comes in a wide variety of designs. One can find it in chrome circle, leather silver or gold as well as the metal oval. This would perfectly suit everyone’s craving for style.

One could not help himself but in awe with the keychains as it is embedded with the company that has been a reputed car manufacturer. All keychains are marked with “Chevy” on it. This would make everyone who would see it to buy one.. Perhaps, with its elegance and design, the would have their money’s worth on it.

You can also have the choice to personalize the keychains, if you want to give them away as presents. There are already too many companies that are willing to embed the name of your organization or the name of the recipient on the strap or on the face of the chain itself, giving these Chevrolet truck keychains a higher personal value.

If one believes in originally All-American, perhaps, he will not fail if he would have the all-American Car. This is no other than Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Debuted in 1970’s, Chevrolet Monte Carlo has been launched as Thunderbird’s version for Chevy. Up to 2007, the model was still in release on its 6th generation already. Although Chevrolet Monte Carlo has improved for many years, its two coupe door has not yet changed.

The Launch of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo: It was in 1973 when Chevrolet decided to let the Americans know that they had something they can drive through the countryside and in busy traffic lanes. Hence, Monte Carlo was born. It wasn’t a utility car but a luxury automobile, which means more than function convenience was its utmost offer. Nevertheless, because it was such a superb performer, there are already too many car racers today who want to get their own Monte Carlo for competitions.

If one is inquiring what he might get from a Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Perhaps, there are a number of them that is not commonly seen in a car. The extra gauges and the tachometer is one. These instruments could have the driver monitor the prevailing conditions of the car so that he can respond immediately to its need. Chevrolet Monte Carlo’s V-8 engines are reputed to be very power in terms of its performance. The suspensions are way too good that it is designed for race tracks. No wonder, Chevrolet Monte Carlo is the strongest competitor of sedan types which is manufactured by non-American automakers.

As far as the body is concerned, it is perfect designed and shaped with opera windows on it. The fine-mesh grille is an attraction to its front bumper. On the fender’s headboard, you can find its headlights while on its tips are the parking lights.

Every year, Chevrolet Monte Carlo is growing rapidly. It has grown with some extra four inches in length and two inches in width. There is also some great changes in its design. However, because of its positive comments among the consumers, the short decks and the long hoods are retained. One might wonder how he can classify Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Either it is an LS or an SS. Perhaps, one can tell this when he will ride in Chevrolet Monte Carlo. He can see difference very subtly especially in its suspensions.

With Chevrolet Monte Carlo, one cannot help but remember the good old days when baby boomers are just developing to what they become in the future, the music is just so good that there are lots of talents in its scene, as well as the peak of American living. Perhaps, one might be homesick for this period. However, this homesickness could be relieved with having the best accessory there can be and that is the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Keychains. With its small replica, one can get a piece of good memories on that era.

There is a big variety of choices that you can choose from, though one of the best will be one that contains Monte Carlo in blazing red color but dark and tinted windows. You can find the bow tie logo of Chevy at the rear of the miniature car. In fact, you can play around with it as the wheels can actually move.

As much as auto critics love to wring their hands over GM’s and Ford’s misfortunes the two automakers are locked in a perpetual battle for the coveted big pickup truck category. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series continue to duke it out for the number one spot. There is more at stake here than meets the eye…and just what would that be?

For 28 years running the top selling vehicle in the US has not been a car, rather a pick up truck. That’s right, America’s love of pick ups extends to the point where the Ford F Series traditionally outsells the bestselling car by a factor of nearly 2 to 1 [the Toyota Camry is the best selling car, FYI]. Indeed, the second best selling truck for most of that time has been the Chevy Silverado, nemesis of the Ford.

If you are a GM fan, your immediate thought is to cry “foul” over the whole matter. In reality, Chevrolet’s parent company — General Motors — sells more full size pick up trucks than Ford year in and year out. However “the general” markets its truck under two different nameplates: Chevrolet and GMC. So, what appears to be a long running streak for Ford is just not that. At least according to GM fans.

Beyond the pick up truck sales, the matter of who is number one is a source of pride for the big automakers as they have been beaten and bruised over the years by increased competition. Asian automakers continue to take away sales, as even Toyota and Nissan are now building full sized pick up trucks. Dodge, too, has grown in size and influence ever since its redone Rams hit the market in the early 1990s. So, the last area of dominance for Ford and GM is also being chipped away and no one wants to be the first to admit defeat.

If you want to influence the battle, you have only one month to make a difference. Both manufacturers are certain to have amazing end of the year clearances, so shop smartly and you will come out as a winner no matter whose product you choose.

Texas, a place where trucks rule the road and are tested to their limits. With Toyota setting up its plant in San Antonio, Texas and its upcoming introduction of the new Tundra, I decided to see how it compares to the Chevy Silverado.

First, let’s look at the steering. Chevy has 20-inch wheels and comes with Goodyear Eagle street tires. Toyota steers well, with 18-inch comes with trail tires and has a smaller turning diameter than Chevy despite having the same-length wheelbase.

When the power of these two trucks was tested, the Tundra did better in straight-line running with 381-horsepower motor, shorter axle gears, 55-percent more transmission gears, and more torque over a wider powerband. On everything other than straight-line blasts, the Silverado won the slalom and figure-eight contests with its 315-horsepower motor.

While the Silverado has higher EPA ratings with the high-tech Active Fuel Management system, it doesn’t offer the all-around benefits. Instead, Tundra transmission’s extra gears gave it the fuel-economy edge against the Silverado.

For those more interested in the interior, the Tundra tends to feel bigger inside than the Silverado and the massive dash looks more like that of a heavy-duty. Chevy tends to go for the more luxury sedan look with the extended cab using dual-hinged rear swinging doors that now open nearly 170 degrees. For a night on the town Silverado seems to be the choice, while Tundra takes a more work-oriented approach.

So after all the comparisons, who is the real king of the Texas roads? Consumers will probably have to let the truck industry know when Tundra is officially released for sale in a few weeks.

Countryside buys longtime Verona dealership

John Erickson is selling his Chevrolet dealership in Verona to a duo who own dealerships in Columbus and Beaver Dam. Terms were not disclosed.

“I’m looking forward to retirement,” said Erickson, 77, who bought the dealership at 513 W. Verona Ave. from Ed Harrington three decades ago. “It’s been good. I’ve made lots of good friends and sold a lot of cars.”

Buyers Keith Ghanian and Dan Fox started with Countryside Ford Mercury in Columbus in 2000. In 2003, they purchased a Pontiac GMC Oldsmobile dealership in Beaver Dam, then added a Chevrolet Buick dealership there the next year. The combined lines became Countryside GM Auto Group at a new building that opened in 2005 in Beaver Dam.

“I live in Oregon so I commute about 65 miles every day so I did have my eyes open for a GM dealership in the Madison area,” Ghanian said.

The deal, which was signed about three weeks ago, requires the approval of General Motors but both sides don’t see that as an obstacle since Ghanian and Fox already are GM dealers.

Ghanian said he hopes the Verona dealership will become Countryside Chevrolet in early March.

“My goal is to meet with every individual employee by the end of this month and the goal is to make sure everyone stays on board,” he said. Erickson has about 30 employees.

“In terms of plans,” Ghanian added, “the very first thing we would like to do is get involved in the community — helping local hospitals, schools, the fire department, the police department. That’s my No. 1 goal. We’ll have an active ownership and be available to our customers. The goal is to improve on every aspect of the operation.”

Ghanian said Countryside would honor deals Erickson made, such as lifetime free oil changes for new car buyers.

Before the changeover, Erickson is holding a going-out-of-business sale.

Ghanian said the deal was the “easiest transaction I’ve ever made,” with no brokers involved — just a direct deal with Erickson.

Erickson had put the word out that he was interested in selling and the Countryside owners contacted him about four months ago after hearing about it from a vendor.

“They have the small-town inclination for business and Verona’s a small town,” Erickson said. “And I felt it would be a good fit for my employees — that they would treat them fairly and wouldn’t run over them and bring in a lot of outside people and let them go.”

Verona’s booming growth and the changes at GM bode well for his dealership’s future, Erickson said.

“I think it’s an opportune time,” he said.

Erickson, who started selling cars more than 50 years ago at what would become Thorstad Chevrolet in Madison, was known for his TV ads that featured his horse, Bo, who he said is doing fine at age 33.

“I take good care of him,” he said. “He’s got the best of everything.”

Erickson’s retirement plans include traveling with his wife, enjoying life and spending more time on hobbies such as gardening.

Ghanian is excited about the changes at Chevrolet, including the new Malibu, the new Camaro and ZR-1 Corvette that are coming, and the Chevrolet Volt that will be GM’s first plug-in hybrid when it debuts in a few years.

“I think Chevrolet is the most exciting line at GM and that was part of the reasoning behind this deal,” he said. “Chevrolet is spearheading the new products coming into the GM pipeline.”

The Erickson acquisition might not be Countryside’s last.

“I’m not putting any limits on myself,” Ghanian said, noting that he’s just 46. “If the proper opportunities present themselves I’m definitely open-minded.”

Chevrolet announced that they have signed as the exclusive automotive sponsor for the 2007 Mana “Amar es Combatir” US Concert Tour.

MANA, the first Latin band to break into a top-ten spot on the Billboard 200 and one of the hottest Mexican rock bands of all time, will be touring all over the country and Chevy has joined the band to promote its music and environmental efforts. Chevy’s sponsorship of the band’s tour is part of a larger promotional campaign that will kick-off August 29 th in McAllen, Texas and will consist of on-line, grassroots, and promotional media extensions.

Just last year, Chevy recognized Mana with the first ever “Chevy Latin Music Award” for their contributions to the community and their commitment to help preserve the planet. Mana founded The Selva Negra Foundation in 1995 to collaborate actively with governments to guarantee future generations a livable planet. Since its creation, Selva Negra has financed and supported many important projects in favor of a healthier environment.

“We are extremely thrilled to be the exclusive au tom otive sponsor of Mana’s US Tour because it allows us to achieve a closer relationship to their vibrant audience and align our brand to such an amazing group of well respected musicians,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “Chevy shares Mana’s passion for music as well as the environment. Together we hope to enhance the Hispanic community’s awareness on the importance of developing technologies for a sustainable future.”

“Chevrolet and General Motors have shown their commitment to taking the au tom obile out of the environmental equation. We are pleased to work with them to educate Latinos in the U.S. about the environment.” said Fher, Mana’s lead vocalist.

In addition, Chevy will utilize various Mana songs for its 2007 Hispanic advertising campaign. Currently, Mana’s song “Justicia, Tierra y Libertad” is featured in the emotional 2007 Chevy Silverado Hispanic campaign which is currently running on Spanish language networks. The song focuses on the battle cry made famous by Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata in a modern, rock style that emits a feeling of accomplishment and pride.

Chevrolet is leading the way in alternative fuel technology. E85 is a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, which can be made from plants such as corn and is a renewable resource. E85 is available in the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Chevrolet Uplander. In addition, many Chevy products are available with Active Fuel Management, a fuel-saving technology that shuts off cylinders when the engine doesn’t require full power.

Meet the 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 2×2 Extended Cab

The newly designed 2007 Chevy Silverado has racked up a couple of truck of the year awards, from the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and from Motor Trends Magazine. We’ve seen past award winners fizzle out with the buying public, but the new Silverado does deserve some recognition. Some of the changes made to develop the new generation truck were subtle, some were major, but together they produced a much improved Silverado. Base price, $25,960; truck tested, $31,700.

First Impressions of the 2007 Chevy Silverado
Compare the 2007 Chevy Silverado with the previous generation truck and you’ll immediately notice that its front end is cleaner looking, with simpler grille and headlamp styling. The truck’s front and rear fenders are contoured to create a look of strength, but they’re not so bold as to overpower the rest of the truck’s exterior appearance.
My test vehicle was a 2×2 extended cab Silverado that was equipped with Chevy’s optional EZ lift tailgate. The tailgate lift has a torsion bar system to help you close it, and according to Chevrolet, lifting effort is reduced by about 40 percent. The extra help might not sound too important, but if you use the truck bed regularly it could save you a lot of lifting over the life of the truck.

Under the Silverado’s new sheet metal you’ll find a totally new frame, one that showed up first in 2007 Tahoe and Suburban SUVs, which were released before the Silverado. A combination of building processes called hydroforming and frame boxing result in a frame that supports more weight and is more resistant to flex and twist than the previous model. The new design gives the truck a better ride and increases stability, especially on rough or uneven roads, and it also allows the Silverado to carry more weight.

I really liked the truck’s remote starting feature. I drove it during cold weather and it was nice to start it up from inside the house, wait a few minutes and step into a warm cab.

Inside the Silverado 1500
I had plenty of legroom in the comfortable leather seats installed in this LT model Silverado and visibility was excellent. Extra space and a good view over the wheel are due in part to Chevy’s decision to move the dash 3.5 inches lower and forward for the LT Silverado (you’ll gain 5-inches in the LTZ model). Instruments are well positioned and control buttons are good sized and all within easy reach.

The LT Silverado has dual glove boxes, a handy feature we’re seeing in more and more vehicles. The test truck had a 40/20/40 split front seat. Look under the 20 percent center seat area and you’ll find a locking space large enough to hold a laptop. Fold-down that seat’s back and it becomes a center console.

Rear passenger space was pretty good for an extended cab truck. Backwards opening doors can’t be opened by rear passengers without help from someone in the front — unless you’re prepared to stretch your body across the front seat backs. That’s not unusual for an extended cab truck, but it is something you should be aware of.

The truck was equipped with plenty of options, including power windows in front and back, a sunroof, dual zone climate controls, steering wheel mounted radio controls and an auto dimming mirror with a compass and temperature display. Overall, the interior was a good combination of the comfort you would expect in a nice SUV with the utility you need in a truck.

On the Road in the Chevy Silverado
The test Silverado was equipped with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine with flex fuel capability, meaning the engine will run on either gasoline or a mixture of gas and ethanol. The truck had a four speed automatic transmission with towing mode.
Push a button to enter tow-mode, which changes the computer’s shift points to allow the engine to stay in the best power range as much as possible while you’re pulling something behind you. Chevy offers several different rear axle ratios depending on the configuration you choose, but a 3.73 rear axle is the norm for trucks with the tow package. This lower ratio helps in many instances, like pulling a boat up a ramp or a hill or when you’re simply moving away from a stop with a heavy load.

Unfortunately, there’s a trade off when you have a lower rear axle ratio — reduced fuel mileage whether you’re pulling or not. I drove the Silverado 553 miles and about two-thirds of that was at approximately 40 mph or higher. I used 33.3 gals of gas for an average of 16.6 miles per gallon. That’s somewhat lower than I would have expected from a 2×2 truck.

In this new generation truck, Chevrolet finally made the switch away from recirculating ball type steering to rack and pinion steering. The result is a responsive steering system that gives you a better feel for how the truck is handling the road. The new trucks also have a coil spring front suspension instead of the previous torsion bar system, another switch that improved the ride. The Silverado did just fine on the winding roads I drive every day.

Final Thoughts on the 2007 Silverado 2×2
One thing about the Chevy Silverado hasn’t changed, it’s available in numerous configurations. Engine variations are just one of the choices you’ll make — there’s a V-6 and a variety of V-8s. You can buy a regular cab truck with just front seating, an extended cab like the truck I drove or a crew cab with four full size doors and two full rows of seating.

The Silverado is available as a 4×4 or 4×2 truck. Choose from three bed lengths, 5 feet 8 inches, 6 feet 6 inches and 8 feet, but bed choices vary, they aren’t all available with every truck.

Silverado Safety Features

• Front air bags are required on all new vehicles in the US, and the Silverado is no exception.
• Side curtain air bags are an option on all Silverado trucks.
• Antilock brakes are standard on all models.
• GM’s StabiliTrack system is standard on crew cabs and an option on extended cabs, but for some reason is not available on regular cab Silverados.
• OnStar is installed in all trucks and the first year of GM’s Safe and Sound plan is free.

Warranty

• New vehicle warranty, 3 years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty, 5 years/100,000 miles
• Rust-through corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles

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The police car you see on the roadside – or in your rearview mirror, if luck’s not on your side – might not look like you expected.

The sporty upstart Dodge Charger is aiming to challenge the Ford Crown Victoria as chief of police cars. Chrysler LLC’s full-sized model that debuted in 2006 is no immediate threat to the Crown Vic or Chevrolet Impala, the market’s other major player, but the Charger is gaining momentum in a market that sells 75,000 vehicles a year as national tests cite its speed and handling.

“We’ve been steadily gaining market share and acceptance for the police vehicle since its inception,” said Chrysler LLC spokeswoman Shawn Morgan. “We see that trend continuing.”

It’s a small dent in the automotive industry, which expects to sell about 16 million cars this year. But it’s an important niche for automakers because it gives them a chance to put their products to the test when life – or at least the law – is on the line.

“That vehicle has to accommodate a bunch of requirements – it’s an officer’s first-aid station, comfort area for accident victims, command post for a crime scene. Next thing you know it’s involved in a high-speed run, responding to a heart attack, chasing a criminal,” said Lt. David Halliday, who leads the Michigan State Police’s annual police vehicle tests that serve as a national standard for law enforcement.

“We really ask (the automakers) to do an enduring duty for the public that’s often underestimated,” he said.

Automakers don’t break out data for sales to law enforcement agencies, but overall sales for the full-sized Charger were 97,833, up 1.5 percent for the first 10 months of 2007 compared with last year. The Crown Victoria’s sales were 51,286, down 7.2 percent during the same period. The Impala’s total sales through October were 270,504, up 12.6 percent, according to Autodata Corp.

John Felice, Ford Motor Co.’s director of North American fleet operations, said the decline is due to a drop in retail sales, which accounts for a small percentage of the Crown Victoria’s sales. He said Ford forecasts flat sales this year for police cars and controls about 80 percent of the market.

The latest round of police vehicle tests on 2008 models found the Charger with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine had the fastest acceleration, highest top speed and among the shortest braking distances.

“Law enforcement has always liked good performance in a vehicle,” Halliday said. “For example, the (5.7-liter) Charger has a top speed of (nearly) 150 mph. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that has that kind of performance, that kind of vehicle will fit the bill.”

Halliday said his testing team doesn’t assign scores to the vehicles or declare winners. It assesses what each vehicle offers and how it can be applied to a department’s mission. The tests also include road racing course times on a two-mile course. The winners: the V-8 versions of the Dodge Charger and Magnum wagon.

Halliday said the Charger also has an advanced stability-control system, which senses when a driver may lose control of the vehicle and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to help keep it stable and avoid a rollover. He said his team is working with the other automakers on developing such systems for their police vehicles.

Likewise, many agencies opt for the Impala because it has front-wheel drive, which offers additional traction control in slippery conditions, he said.

Halliday believes the Charger might be garnering attention because it offers a new option in the market, long dominated by Ford and General Motors Corp.’s Chevy division.

Chrysler returned to the police car market in 2000 after a 14-year absence, but received what Halliday called a “lukewarm response from law enforcement” to its Dodge Intrepid. The Charger has been much better received, he said.

A state police spokeswoman says the department currently has about 670 Crown Victorias and 10 Chargers.

Ford’s Felice said the Dearborn, Mich., automaker keeps a close eye on competitors but also works closely with law enforcement and is confident it’s continuing its 50-year tradition of making safe, affordable, roomy and reliable vehicles for law enforcement.

“Really when you look at the overall police market. It’s really … not an individual attribute,” Felice said. “It’s who brings the product to the marketplace that meets the collective needs of this customer, the police officer.”

Despite the new cars entering the police segment, Ford remains the dominant player, Felice said.

Gene Taylor, the police chief in the Detroit suburb of Belleville, said his small department has used Ford vehicles for several years, but bought a Charger a year ago and plans to buy another. He said his department, which has five cruisers, sought another option after having major problems with several Crown Victorias and came across the relaunched Charger.

Taylor, who describes himself as “an old Dodge boy,” initially thought Chrysler was using an old nameplate to promote a new product. But he tested all three automakers’ offerings at a Chrysler event and came away impressed with the Charger’s handling and performance.

“It’s lived up to the hype so far,” he said.

Halliday says all three automakers are making vehicles that stand up to the rigors of law enforcement.

“Competition is good for law enforcement,” he said. “It strengthens the industry in making the vehicles capable across the board for a variety of missions.”