The NHTSA issued its weekly summary of recalls today.
Ford had an interesting fire recall on the 2020-23 Escape, 2022-23 Maverick, and 2021-23 Lincoln Corsair: engine failure can cause a fire. When Fords with the 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines have an engine failure, they can vent oil and fuel vapor which can be ignited by hot engine or exhaust parts, causing a fire.
The Wrangler 4xe has quickly become FCA US’ most popular plug-in hybrid. It has two advantages for buyers—it can save money compared with the base V6 gasoline engine, despite having about the same rated mileage, because it can be driven for a while on pure battery; and its has V8 acceleration which comes close to the all-out (and pricier) 392 V8.
The EPA’s ratings are 20 mpg with the base V6 and 21 mpg with the hybrid setup, but this excludes the all-electric portion. (The Jeep Wrangler has never been known as one of the best cars for gas mileage.)
EPA testing found 22 miles of electric power; they rated it at 49 MPGe. As a pure hybrid, though, the combined figure was 20 mpg. The diesel remains the most fuel efficient engine, with a combined 25 mpg (and $2350/year estimated fuel costs), but its acceleration is a far cry from the quick 4xe, and diesel fuel is pricey….
Early rumors claimed that the Ram Rampage to be made in Brazil used a heavy-duty version of the Fiat Toro’s independent rear suspension with rear disc brakes, a front wheel drive based chassis and powertrain (2-liter diesel or 260 hp 2-liter turbo gasoline engine, both coupled to a nine-speed automatic) and eventually take ethanol, since … Read more
A quarter of a century ago, Daimler took over the growing and highly profitable Chrysler Corporation in a move which proved disastrous to the American company. Chrysler at the time was fairly truck-and-Jeep-heavy in sales, but that meant that the company was well positioned for the rapid American move to pickups and crossovers.How can we … Read more
Stellantis is changing its leadership in several areas. Ned Curic, chief technology officer, will take over Harald Wester’s job of chief engineering officer; Curic will be the Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, aligning the digital and physical product implementations.Tim KuniskisAt the former Chrysler, Tim Kuniskis, currently leading Dodge, will take over Ram as well. Mike … Read more
Jeep announced pricing for the more-comfortable 2024 Jeep Wranglers, which have new convenience features and moderate changes to the front-end styling. The 4xe powertrain is now available on every model except the Sport (and Rubicon 392, which comes with the 392 cubic inch Hemi V8).
The price of the Sport appears to be unchanged from 2023 models, while Willys and the most popular model, Rubicon, have gone up somewhat. The 2024 Wranglers are better outfitted than they were in 2023, but Jeep faces new competition from the Ford Bronco and will be tackling the Volkswagen Scout in a year or three, as well. [details]
This week’s list of recalls does not disappoint, with two companies having overheating batteries, Ford yet again fixing fires, and Tesla having steering wheels come off, because that’s something that still happens after over a century of cars with steering wheels.Ford’s fires affect the 2015-19 Lincoln MKC, and since it can involve fires while parked or … Read more
Stellantis announced three new leaders in its design offices, two at Jeep and one heading the global user experience. Ralph Gilles, the company’s chief design officer, is remaining in his post.Vince Galante has been appointed vice president of Jeep® exterior design; he joined what became Stellantis in 2005, rising through the ranks and working on … Read more
Chrysler-the-marque may end up with no cars in current production due to factory scheduling, for what may be the first time in its history (not counting ordinary factory model-year changeovers).
The 300 appears to be the first on the schedule to end production as Brampton shuts down for an extensive changeover. Then the Pacifica will cease production as its plant in Windsor closes for its own changeover. Windsor is one of the most recently renovated plants in the company’s portfolio, having shifted to a modern ergonomic assembly line system for the Pacifica. (Sterling Heights and Detroit/Mack Complex were converted afterwards.)
The Alfa Romeo Tonale, which is on its way to dealerships now, has completed EPA gas mileage testing for an estimated all-electric range of 33 miles, and a 77 MPGe rating. With a full battery charge and gasoline in the tank, the Tonale can run 360 miles; combined city/highway fuel economy as a hybrid is 29 mpg. It is billed as the most efficient plug-in hybrid C-sized SUV in its class.
STLA partner First Automotive Cells (ACC) has opened up the first of its three planned European battery plants in France. The line will produce 13 gigawatt-hours initially, rising to 40 by 2030. ACC was founded by Stellantis and TotalEnergies/Saft three years ago; Mercedes joined the group last year.Stellantis sells 24 battery-electric vehicles in Europe, rising … Read more
To help create a culture of innovation, Stellantis created the Star*Up program, where employees presented their ideas. A hearing-impaired worker who was not named provided the idea for visual hazard notices, according to Automotive News, which resulted in Stellantis’ participation in the HAAS Alert System.The idea was presented in 2021 and pushed into production far faster … Read more
Two companies coincidentally reported steering column issues. Ford recalled 2023 Ford F-250 through F450 trucks for loose or missing bolts, while Jeep recalled 2021-23 Grand Cherokees due to incorrectly made ThyssenKrupp steering columns. The problem can cause drivers to lose control…
Lyten’s batteries do not use nickel, cobalt, or manganese, slashing their carbon footprint to 60% of today’s best-in-class vehicle batteries. Raw materials for Lithium-Sulfur batteries can be sourced and produced in North America or Europe, avoiding supply chain disruptions. They also have the potential of doubling the energy density of current lithium-ion systems; and their new sensing modes do not require chips, batteries, or wires.
Ram intends to have a 500-mile EPA-estimated range on its Ram 1500 REV next year; but the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado is set to arrive this year, and its pricing has already been announced (unlike Ram’s).The 2024 Silverado EV work pickup, aimed at fleet buyers, will be able to run 450 miles on a charge, according to Automotive … Read more
Recall Monday—the day when NHTSA releases its list of recalls from the prior week—shows two Mopar recalls, one of which we have already covered (electrical shorts in 2014-16 Jeep Cherokees resulting in a “park outside” warning) due to its urgency. The second Stellantis recall for the week is almost trivial, a missing airbag warning label on 2022-23 Grand Cherokees. The fix for this one is adding a label, which cannot be done via over-the-air updates.
BMW’s Mini made the list with possible short-circuits in the footwell control module, affecting 2007-13 Mini Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW, and 2008-14 Cooper Clubman.
