1997 Dodge Ram Mud Runner Truck on 2040-cars

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FCA plants skipping summer shutdown to keep up with demand

Hopefully, some FCA US factory employees don't have big plans for the usual summer shutdown, because the automaker is keeping several plants running this year. Demand is so high that the company wants to keep models rolling off the assembly lines. Four FCA US assembly plants, all the engine factories, and some locations that build transmissions are staying open throughout the summer, according to the Detroit Free Press. Usually, these sites would see a two-week shutdown for the company to retool and perform repairs. This year, factories are staying open for FCA to support its strong sales. The lines that remaining humming through the summer show an inclination toward the automaker's popular SUV's and crossovers. They include the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Michigan that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; Saltillo Van Assembly in Mexico that constructs the Ram ProMaster; Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio that produces the Cherokee and Wrangler; and Toluca Assembly in Mexico that makes the Dodge Journey and Fiat 500. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA dodge journey fca us ram promaster Jefferson North Assembly Plant

The 2019 Ram 1500 will wear a brand-new face

A day after a dealer meeting leak gave us a look at the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2019 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, we now have this, our first look at the 2019 Ram 1500. The renderings, which come from a printout titled "Ram Brand Lit Signatures" on the wall of a dealer meeting, gives us a clear look at the next-gen truck's front and rear fascias. At the front, the 2019 1500, codenamed DT, gets a more modern, sophisticated look with a refined grille that boasts a massive vertical bar and a skinner horizontal slot. The headlights are slimmer than the current model's square-like units and feature modern LED lamps. The lower end of the front fascia also has slim lighting elements that could be used for fog lights, along with an off-colored skid plate. The hood continues to sport the same bulge as the current model's, but is shaped like a pyramid instead of a massive rectangle. It looks like Ram took a page out of Ford's design book at the back with a rugged design that imitates the 2017 F-150. The taillights, while retaining the same overall shape, have an unlit section that would most likely be used for the reverse lights and turn signals. With the front end benefiting from LED lamps, the rear taillights would probably get LED units, as well. With Ram still testing new configurations of the 1500 and a document revealing FCA's future products, we expect the next-gen 1500 to come out in the near future as a 2019 model year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Ram 1500 Dealer Leak Spy Shots Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos RAM Truck rendering

FCA recalls Ram dualie chassis cabs to recalibrate top speed

If you're one of the 1,771 owners of a 2014-15 Ram 4500 or 5500 chassis cab with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and a dualie rear axle, you may be hearing soon from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to bring your truck in to your local dealer. The reason, you ask? To have the speed limiter recalibrated. The problem, according to the statement below, is that while some of these trucks are electronically limited to 106 miles per hour, their tires can't safely maintain that speed. As a result, FCA is having dealers recalibrate the limiter to 87 mph. Of course, that's still well above the speed limit in most places, and "FCA believes it is unlikely that these trucks are operated at such speeds," but that it "is acting out of an abundance of caution." In addition to the 1,771 units in the United States, the company is recalling another 169 in Canada. In an unrelated campaign, FCA is also recalling a handful or two of 2015 Dodge Challengers – 72 in the US, six in Canada and three in Mexico – to secure a side-curtain airbag bolt that may have been improperly installed during assembly over the course of a ten-day period. In both cases, FCA says it is unaware of any complaints, accidents or injuries related to these issues. Statement: Speed Recalibration May 15, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 1,771 trucks in the U.S. to recalibrate their maximum speed. The dual-wheel trucks are currently restricted to a top speed of 106 miles per hour (mph), but an internal specification review revealed top speed should be set at 87 mph, in accordance with their factory-equipped tires. The Company is unaware of any related injuries, accidents or customer complaints. Dealers will recalibrate vehicle speed accordingly. While FCA believes it is unlikely that these trucks are operated at such speeds, and that doing so would exceed posted speed limits in nearly every applicable jurisdiction, the Company is acting out of an abundance of caution. The campaign is limited to certain model-year 2014-15 Ram 4500/5500 Chassis Cabs equipped with 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engines. An additional 169 vehicles are believed to be in Canada. Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service. Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403. ### Statement: Bolt May 15, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 72 cars in the U.S.