Mopar, Stellantis: profits and sales

Yesterday, Ford announced that its revenue had fallen by just 5%, while its third-quarter profit fell 24%, to $1.8 billion. Ford also restored the dividend it had suspended due to COVID, and announced that its full year profits would be much higher than expected—$10.5 to $11 billion. How did Stellantis, parent company of the former … Read more

Dodge Charger, Challenger Gain Two New Appearance Packages for 2022

2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock with SRT Black package

This morning, the Dodge brand announced an orange-themed appearance package and a black-themed appearance package for both the Challenger and Charger. These simple orange-and-black appearance packages were announced just in time for both Halloween and National Black Cat Day – although neither package is available for ordering until later this year. “The HEMI Orange and … Read more

Jeep Wrangler Sales Up in 2021 Despite Ford Bronco Debut

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Xtreme Recon package

The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with a global microchip shortage has left many automakers with unplanned production stoppages and the lowest inventory levels that the industry has seen in the modern era. This year also saw the introduction of the closest thing to a real competitor to the Wrangler in the ford … Read more

Here’s the full 2022 Mopar police line

2022 Dodge Durango police pursuit car (squad)

For the 2022 model year, police buyers can get a choice of pursuit-rated Chargers and Durangos, or opt for a special service Ram. So far there are no pursuit rated Rams, though Ford has a pursuit-rated F-150—a vehicle with a low top speed and brakes that a civilian car would be ashamed of. The Durango … Read more

Another Mopar second shift dropped

painting pacifica at windsor

The Windsor Assembly Plant, sole maker of Chrysler minivans, is cutting its second shift on April 17, 2022. Due mainly to parts shortages, the plant has been idle for some time this year. Most observers expected the plant to be making one of three alternative cars as well as the minivans by now—a production version … Read more

Samsung to join LG in making Stellantis batteries in North America

Ram BEV cutaway

According to Automotive News, Stellantis is hedging its LG bets by forming an alliance with fellow South Korean battery-maker Samsung SDI; both will make batteries for North American Stellantis vehicles. Samsung SDI makes EV batteries in South Korea, Hungary, and China; it counts BMW and Ford as clients. The plant location is still under review, … Read more

Ron Capps Inches Ahead of Matt Hagan in the NHRA Championship Race

Ron Capps Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye Funny Car

The Don Schumacher Racing Dodge Charger Hellcat funny car drivers came into the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Tennessee holding the top two spots in the championship race with just three events left on the schedule. Matt Hagan sat first, 33 points ahead of Ron Capps, while non-DSR Dodge Charger driver Cruz Pedregon was third, … Read more

LG-Stellantis to make batteries in North America

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV

LG, whose batteries are perhaps best known for causing a $2 billion GM recall, is Stellantis’ joint venture partner for a North American battery plant. The well-publicized LG gaffe may have helped Stellantis negotiators quite a bit. The new plant is to start pumping out car batteries in early 2024, with an annual capacity of … Read more

Cherokee slump brings 1100 job cuts

2019-2021 Jeep Cherokee

Whether due to market forces or shortages, Jeep Cherokee production has been down quite a bit, and Stellantis has apparently decided that the second shift is not coming back. The company recently sent around 1,100 letters to employees at the Belvidere plant, offering relocation at other facilities, including Toledo, according to local station WREX. Employees … Read more