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
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.
Stellantis North America announced yesterday that Mark Allen, in charge of Jeep exterior design for the past 30 years, will retire at the end of this month. Today is the end of the month, so this is the final day in the Stellantis Product Design Office for the man who has overseen decades of Jeep exterior design.
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
This past weekend, the 2023 Mecum Indy Auction included a long list of incredible Mopar collectible vehicles. Two unusually special classic muscle cars rolled across the stage – the 1970 Plymouth Cuda Rapid Transit System Show Car and the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE known as The Black Ghost.
The RTS Cuda ended up being the top seller at Mecum Indy and the Black Ghost car ranked third, with a modern Ford GT Heritage Edition car sneaking into the second spot.
If you are not familiar with these two classic Mopar muscle cars, here is a quick rundown on both, along with video footage of the Mecum Auction action.
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.
Dodge is discounting Durangos, which are still available with a gasoline-driven V6 and Hemi V8 engines. The Dodge web site shows two Durango offers, either $3,250 in cash back or a $419/month three-year lease ($5,059 due up front and not including tax).
The cash back is a trifle deceptive, since it includes $750 from Chrysler Capital, which suggests that if you pay cash or get a credit union loan, it won’t apply; but the $2,500 portion is a national cash rebate.
Earlier this week, Stellantis issued a statement regarding a joint-venture battery plant under construction in Windsor, Ontario in which they claimed that “the Canadian Government has not delivered on what was agreed to.” The company then stopped construction on the battery module portion of the new plant.
Just exactly what Canada was not providing was unclear. A day later, Stellantis issued a new statement, claiming that “Stellantis and LG Energy Solution simply ask that the Canadian government keep its commitments in relation to what was agreed last February…”
Jeep has staked out a unique niche in the midsize pickup market, good enough for a #3 share in 2022—with 77,855 sales, most likely exceeding Jeep’s original expectations. That is not likely to remain Mopar’s only midsize pickup, though; a new Dakota or Ram 1200 has long been rumored to be under active development for global sale.
The new pickup would most likely replace the Mitsubishi L200-based Ram 1200, which was never sold in the United States or Canada. As such, its primary competition in North America would likely be the Toyota Tacoma, which had 237,323 sales in 2022—absolutely dominating the market, with the #2 Chevrolet Colorado only reaching 89,197 sales (adding the GMC Canyon version brings that to 117,016, which is still less than half the Tacoma).
A special edition Ram 1500 Rebel Havoc Edition, painted in Baja Yellow with black accents, will join the 2023 pickup roster in limited quantities for the US and Canada. The Ram 1500 Rebel Havoc Edition has the Rebel Level 2 equipment group and the 5.7-liter Hemi eTorque V-8 engine; a 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with Off-Road Pages; black sideview mirrors; heated front seats and steering wheel; and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The truck includes Selec-Speed Control, which maintains consistent speed while traversing variations in slope using engine torque and brake pressure.
Jeep is recalling nearly 220,000 Jeep Cherokees due to fire risks, with a “park outside” alert for owners. This only affects the 2014-16 models with power liftgate—and only 1% appear to have the defect.The recall covers Cherokees which have already been recalled (twice) for power liftgate short-circuits. All Cherokees made from February 27, 2013 through … Read more
All figures are from ACEA new-car registration reports for April 2023.Stellantis lost market share in Europe (defined as the EU plus EFTA plus the UK), falling from an 18.8% market share to 17.5%. Most of its ground was given up to Volkswagen, which shot up from 24% to 27%; every Volkswagen brand rose or stayed … Read more
Stellantis is keeping its bet on hydrogen even as it builds battery plants with a one-third stake in Symbio, a hydrogen fuel cell company. The other share holders are Faurecia and Michelin, each holding an equal portion.
Peugeot can build the same car with either battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell power sources. Symbio plans to start making 50,000 fuel cells per year by 2025 at its Saint Fons plant, which starts production in the second half of this year. Overall, Symbio plans to make 100,000 fuel cell systems per year by 2028, all in France, creating 1,000 jobs in the country.
