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Chrysler set to make $266M-investment into 8-speed transmission production

Chrysler will shortly make a significant $266-million investment into its Kokomo, IN transmission factory in a bid to expand production of its eight-speed automatic transmissions. The gearboxes, which are built under license from Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen, have been well received by customers and critics, and according to an SEC filing obtained by Automotive News, the transmissions will eventually find their way to all of Chrysler's rear-drive offerings (Viper and heavy-duty Ram models, aside). According to AN, a Chrysler spokesman says the investment has not been confirmed, but once it is, it'll mark the company's latest in a growing line of investments at the facility. Chrysler has poured $1.5 billion into Kokomo since 2009.

Dodge, Jeep and Ram could soon be owned by Chinese automakers

For the past several years, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has made it widely known that the automaker he helms is up for grabs. First, he sent an email to GM CEO Mary Barra, who immediately refused to even discuss a merger. Later, Marchionne set his sights on Volkswagen. That too was swiftly rebuffed. It seemed like no global automaker was remotely interested in a partnership. Now, Automotive News reports that several Chinese automakers have come calling, only FCA isn't ready to answer. At least not yet. The news broke this morning that a major Chinese automaker had made an offer to purchase FCA for slightly above market value. FCA refused, saying the offer wasn't quite generous enough. It's unclear which automaker made the offer, but Automotive News says there's more than one interested party. FCA representatives have recently traveled to China to meet with Great Wall Motors, while Chinese representatives were seen at FCA corporate headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Chinese government has a lot of money invested in local automakers. It's putting pressure on these automakers to expand globally, including to the United States. As it stands, it's a matter of when a Chinese automaker will start selling cars here, not if. Purchasing an established automaker with a wide range of products and a huge dealer network would do wonders in giving the Chinese a foothold here. Sure, Geely owns Volvo, but a luxury automaker doesn't have nearly as much reach as a more mainstream company like FCA. This seems like the best case scenario for both a Chinese automaker looking to move into the U.S. and for FCA, at least from a business standpoint. The latter doesn't seem to have any other interested parties. It will be interesting to see how FCA would sell a deal like this to the public. We're not sure everyone will be happy with Dodge, Jeep and Ram falling under Chinese ownership. FCA didn't turn down the Chinese because they didn't like the idea. It turned down the offer because there wasn't enough money on the table. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News Earnings/Financials Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM

Mopar introduces winter tire and wheel packages

Winter is coming, and Mopar will try to help drivers stay safe in the cold weather this year by offering a winter tire and wheel package for a variety of FCA US vehicles for the first time. The packages combine everything drivers need to be prepared for slick roads, including winter tires, steel wheels, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors. Even better, the company delivers them mounted, balanced, and ready for installation. Customers can order the bundles from dealers now. Mopar offers packages with the General Altimax Arctic tire on the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Cherokee, and Chrysler 200. All- and rear-wheel drive configurations of the Chrysler 300 get the Michelin X-Ice Xi3, and the all- and rear-drive Dodge Charger models use the Continental WinterContact SI. Depending on the vehicle, prices vary between $242 and $292 per wheel, and Mopar will expand the program to even more models next year. Spending the extra money on winter tires really can make a difference. Experts are clear that the specialized rubber simply works better when the weather gets cold. They can shorten braking distances and improve traction – even with all-wheel drive. Plus, winter tires can often last for more than one year, which spreads out the investment. ALL-NEW MOPAR WINTER WHEEL ASSEMBLIES DELIVER ADDITIONAL COLD-WEATHER CONTROL 01/12/15 from Mopar Print this page Add this release to Your Downloads Mopar winter wheel assemblies include winter tire, steel rim, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Assemblies delivered mounted, balanced, ready to install December 1, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Winter is coming and just in time, so are all-new Mopar winter wheel assemblies. The all-new Mopar winter wheel assemblies are available for order for a variety of FCA US vehicles. Assemblies include a winter tire, steel rim and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and are delivered mounted and balanced, so you or your dealership can quickly and easily pop off all-season rims and rubber and put on cold-weather appropriate gear. "Mopar is rolling out our first-ever offering of winter wheel assemblies for those customers who desire a little extra control during the cold weather seasons," said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global.