2014 Ram 1500 Crew Big Horn - (value Trade) on 2040-cars

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Stellantis will give its brands 10 years to prove they deserve to live

Formed by the merger of PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, Stellantis has 14 brands under its roof, a number that makes it one of the largest groups in the industry. Rumors claimed not every brand would survive, with Chrysler often earmarked to get axed, but the firm said it will give them all a chance to shine. "We're giving each (brand) a chance, giving each a time window of 10 years and giving funding for 10 years to do a core model strategy. The CEOs need to be clear in brand promise, customers, targets, and brand communications," announced Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares during the Financial Times' Future of the Car event. His comments confirm Chrysler fans and dealers don't need to worry about the future — at least not yet. And, against all odds, Lancia enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief, too. Former FCA head Sergio Marchionne warned of the brand's demise on several occasions. Alfa Romeo is safe for now, too, as is Vauxhall, which are basically just Opels sold in the United Kingdom with a different badge. The engagement made by Tavares also means Stellantis won't divest any of its brands to raise capital until at least 2031. It's now up to each executive team to make a case for the brand they run, an unusual survival-of-the-fittest strategy in an era when cutting costs is more common than spending cash. Diving into the vast Stellantis parts bin should help even the most troubled brands turn their fortunes around on a relatively tight budget. It seems likely that survive Chrysler will need to look beyond the 300 and the Pacifica/Voyager, the only models in its range, and completely reinvent its image, which is currently nebulous at best. Lancia, once the champion of luxury, performance, and innovation, faces the same challenge. It's not starting quite from scratch, it's relatively popular in its home country of Italy, but it will need to think globally and expand outside of the city car segment to survive. Featured Gallery 2020 Chrysler 300 View 24 Photos Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Lancia Opel Peugeot Vauxhall

FCA recalls over 200k Jeep Cherokees for windshield wiper static

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is issuing a recall for over 200,000 versions of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee due to a problem with static buildup disabling the windshield wipers. FCA has identified 158,671 units in the United States. Another 18,366 vehicles are estimated to be affected in Canada, a further 3,582 in Mexico, and 26,049 outside of North America. The problem, according to the first statement below, results from static building up if the wipers are operated in dry conditions. The static could mess with the wipers' control module, rendering them disabled. To fix the problem, dealers will be instructed to install a ground strap to the module. In parallel, FCA is also offering incentives to the owners of certain trucks that were subject to recall but for which remedies were not immediately available. To encourage those owners to bring their older vehicles in for the required service, the automaker will disperse $100 prepaid cards for use at their discretion. The program is offered to owners of certain model year Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Chrysler Aspen, and Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicles, as well as certain Dodge Dakota and Ram trucks. Owners of the affected Grand Cherokees will have the option instead to take a $1,000 consideration toward the purchase of a new vehicle or for parts and service. The offers are only being extended under certain specific criteria, though. So if you think that could be you, you'll want to read through the conditions in the second announcement below. STATEMENT: CONTROL MODULE August 31, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is recalling an estimated 158,671 SUVs in the U.S. to help protect their control modules from static buildup that may potentially disable the vehicles' windshield wipers. An investigation by FCA US discovered static buildup may occur if the vehicles' windshield wipers are activated during dry conditions. Significant static buildup may affect a control module that powers the wipers. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Affected are model-year 2014 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. An estimated 18,366 vehicles will be recalled in Canada, as will an estimated 3,582 in Mexico and 26,049 outside the NAFTA region. Dealers will install a ground strap to the control module to eliminate the potential for static buildup. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed at no cost.

Ram providing horsepower for 142nd Kentucky Derby

More than 120,000 people will descend on Louisville, KY for the 142nd Kentucky Derby this weekend. Seersucker, bowties, and very large, obnoxious hats will be the most common attire among those in attendance, all of whom will have an unquenchable thirst for mint juleps. Ram wants to capture their attention. The truckmaker has announced a new "multi-tier sponsorship" of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, and will serve as a major advertiser during Saturday's race. The company will air two 30-second advertisements during NBC's broadcast. The first, titled "Truck People – Derby" is up top, while Ram is saving the second, "Never Settle," for race day. Beyond the ads, racegoers will be treated to on-site displays around the track, which is perhaps the best evidence of a truck's toughness – if the official truck of the Kentucky Derby can survive its notoriously "decadent and depraved" infield, it can probably handle towing a boat or hauling topsoil. The three trucks, a Rebel, a 1500 Limited, and a dual-axle 3500 Limited will even be decked out in jockey-like styles. To help build up to its Derby involvement, Ram has released a first-person point-of-view video, just in case you've ever wondered what kind of view the jockeys have as they lap the one-mile dirt track. You can see that video below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.