Chrysler has become the first major carmaker to offer a lifetime warranty for its powertrains in its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge branded vehicles. The warranty will cover the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components including the engine, transmission and drive system. It comes into effect for all vehicles purchased from the 26th July onwards and will be available to the first registered owner or retail lessee.

For the vehicle to remain under warranty, the owner must have a powertrain inspection performed by an authorized technician once every 5 years. We wonder how reliable new models co-developed with China’s Chery Auto will be. The first of these new Chinese imports is tipped to be sold under the Dodge label, and this latest announcement shows that execs have full confidence in the reliability of the Chinese built cars.

Meanwhile, Chrysler adviser Wolfgang Bernhard is expected to be promoted to board chairman once the takeover by Cerberus Capital Management is finalized. A source has revealed to Automotive News that Bernhard will be chairman and current CEO Tom LaSorda will stay on as CEO.